Common Sense Media Review
By JK Sooja
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
More mysteries, action, some peril in solid sequel.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In THE MISFITS: A COPYCAT CONUNDRUM, Olive Zang and her team of misfit crime stoppers are back fighting crime and solving mysteries. A bit more confident this time around, Olive is ready to take the lead on a complicated, multilayered case ... or is it several cases? Who's sending Zeke threatening messages? Who's the art thief that swiped a priceless piece from the museum? And why are earthquakes shaking only parts of San Francisco?
Is It Any Good?
With a fast-paced plot and complex mystery at the center, plus a quirky team of investigative misfits, this sequel is a satisfying read. A handful of smaller mini-mysteries up the ante in A Copycat Conundrum, which is more complicated and engaging than the first novel, A Royal Conundrum. None of it adds up at first, but the evidence grows and points toward one overarching explanation of some kind. This is a smart choice by author Lisa Yee, because readers will be engrossed trying to figure out the smaller mysteries alongside the characters as the larger solution takes shape.
Dan Santat's occasional art is often playful and hilarious. Many panels helpfully show how certain more complicated scenes are playing out, while other panels highlight character perspectives. The characters are well developed, with good reasons for their actions, statements, and beliefs. Fans of the first book will enjoy seeing Olive take center stage, grow, and gain well-deserved confidence in this adventure. The other team members deserve much more individual attention, though everyone's talents do shine here. Fans will certainly welcome future installments of this clever series.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about violence in middle grade mystery novels. Did any of the violence or threats of harm in The Misfits: A Copycat Conundrum particularly scare you? What are the most intense parts of the story?
How do characters show teamwork, communication, and curiosity throughout their adventures? How does the team effectively communicate? What helps them? What makes their team strong? How do characters' questions lead to various moments of progress?
Were you surprised by any of the "reveals," or did you already figure out the mysteries?
Which of Olive's friends do you like most and why?
Are you happy with how the story ends? Do you feel like Olive and the team learned anything new or different this second time around?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Dan Santat
- Genre : Mystery
- Topics : Friendship , School ( Middle School )
- Character Strengths : Communication , Curiosity , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Random House Books for Young Readers
- Publication date : January 7, 2025
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 288
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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