Common Sense Media Review
By Mary Eisenhart
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Wildly fun Miami mystery sequel has graffiti art, drones.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Is Miami under an ART ATTACK? Maybe, as famous (and famously anonymous) graffiti artist Funky Munky, known for tangerine-colored cartoon monkeys and biting social commentary, has been bombarding abandoned buildings around town with new spry-painted masterpieces, to the delight of social media and the ire of local politicians. And, in the wake of Book 2's events and the fame that followed, the Sherlock Society (middle school sibs Alex, 12, and Zoe, along with Alex's pals Yadi and Lina, not to mention the sibs' grandfather, a retired newspaper reporter) finds itself taking on a new case. A real-estate developer really wants the mystery artist to paint a mural on his high-rise—and he'll pay. A lot. As the Society says, "It is our business to know what others do not"—but can they find Funky Munky? And is it the right thing to do?
Is It Any Good?
It's a wildly fun deep dive into the world of graffiti artists as middle-school detectives and their retired-reporter grandpa seek elusive spray-paint genius Funky Munky, leading to complications. Finding out what's behind the sudden Art Attack of orange monkeys and snarky slogans—and why some people seem desperate to make it stop—leads to podcasts, road trips in a vintage Cadillac, historical research and tales of Miami's past glories, and a few crucial lessons in Spanish vocabulary. With perils aplentym, an arsonist at work, and sleazy doings behind the scenes it's definitely helpful to have a mom who's a lawyer. James Ponti's whole series is utterly entertaining and packed with cool history, trivia, and life lessons, and this installment is a fine addition.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about stories like Art Attack where kids (with adult help) solve problems and right wrongs. Why do you think the kid-detective theme is so popular? Do you have any favorites?
To some, it's genius art. To others, it's disrespectful vandalism. What do you think about graffiti?
Have you ever been to Miami? If not, does reading the Sherlock Society books make you want to go check it out?
Talk about how the Sherlock Society members work together. How does teamwork help them solve mysteries?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Mystery
- Topics : Arts , Family Stories ( Grandparents , Siblings ) , Friendship , School ( Middle School )
- Character Strengths : Curiosity , Gratitude , Integrity , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Aladdin
- Publication date : September 8, 2026
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 320
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 8, 2026
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