THE HOUSE OF FOUND OBJECTS

While visiting family in Paris, a 12-year-old from New Jersey embarks on a treasure hunt to find her grandmother’s missing Matisse—and help save her antiques shop.

Red-haired mathlete Bea’s parents have sent her to stay with Aunt Juliette, a busy journalist, but Bea is stuck at home with little to do, until someone slips a mysterious note containing a riddle under their apartment door. Methodical Bea and her spontaneous 13-year-old cousin, Céline, work together to solve the clues, hoping they’ll lead to the family’s treasured Matisse sketch, which has gone missing from their grandmother Mamie’s shop, the House of Found Objects. The precious artwork was collateral for the loan Mamie needed to carry out much-needed repairs; without it, the landlord could force her out. As the girls visit Parisian landmarks, they become close, discuss why their dads (who are brothers) are feuding, and break rules in the name of saving Mamie’s shop. Through their adventures, Bea gains the courage to reveal a truth to her parents that she’d been covering up out of fear of disappointing them and uncertainty over what she really wanted. The metamorphosis of the cousins’ relationship, which starts off prickly and softens into mutual respect and affection, is realistic and relatable, and the explanation behind the mysterious notes is a pleasant surprise. The family is cued white.

Codebreakers and mystery fans will want to read this fun adventure, tout de suite.