Common Sense Media Review
By Mary Eisenhart
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Tweens race to save town in lively, brainy mystery.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
HIDE AND GEEK finds brainy New England tweens Gina, Elena, Edgar, and Kevin (aka the GEEKs) racing against time to save their town, which is in pretty dire straits. Back in the day, Maxine Van Houten, a brilliant game designer, invented a massively successful puzzle called the Bamboozler, which went on to make her wealthy and put the town of Elmwood, and its toy factory, on the map. In her lifetime, Maxine was a huge benefactor to the community, funding the library, gardens, an amusement park, and more. But now she's been dead for many years, and between uncaring heirs and corporate greed, that's all gone and the town is failing fast. Now the toy factory is about to close, dealing a death blow to Elmwood and scattering its people far and wide. With their lifelong friendship on the line, the GEEKs can't let that happen -- even if their only hope involves finding a treasure Maxine is believed to have left behind, apparently protected by clues so puzzling they make the Bamboozler look like child's play. Others, who may not be nice people, are seeking the treasure as well, and may have different plans.
Is It Any Good?
This lively mystery series start finds four brainy tweens and one brainy dog racing against time to solve riddles, dodge perils, escape villains, find treasure, and save their town. There's never a dull moment as lifelong friendships are tested and Gina, Elena, Edgar, and Kevin get their moments to shine. Desperate times call for desperate measures in Hide and Geek: Lines are crossed, rules are broken, and boundaries are disrespected in a big way. But mostly for a good cause, as in this passage:
"'I know I'm usually the science kid. But for today, I decided to expand my skill set.' Elena reached into her back pocket. 'Voilà!' She whipped something from her jacket and dangled it in front of us like she was a hypnotist.
"My mouth dropped open. 'You stole your mom's work ID?'
"'Stole is such a negative word, Gee.' Elena stuffed the ID back into her pocket. 'I prefer "ignorance-based borrowing."'"
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about stories like Hide and Geek that require their heroes to solve riddles and puzzles. What other stories do you know that have that theme? Do you like to try to solve the problems yourself, or just sit back and watch as the characters do it?
Is there a subject or interest that you're really into, the way the GEEKs are about journalism, math, science, and drama? What do you like about it and how is it important in your life?
If you were writing for a newspaper or website about things going on around you, what would you write about?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Mystery
- Topics : Adventures , Friendship , School ( Middle School )
- Character Strengths : Curiosity , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Random House Books for Young Readers
- Publication date : January 4, 2022
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 320
- Available on : Paperback, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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