Review: Pinky Bloom and the Case of the Magical Menorah

Pinky Bloom and the Case of the Magical Menorah

by Judy Press, illustrated by Erica-Jane Waters

Kar-Ben Publishing (imprint of Lerner Publishing Group)

Category: Middle Grade
Reviewer: Stacy Mozer

Buy at Bookshop.org

Pinky Bloom and the Case of the Magical Menorah is part of an early middle grade series about a Jewish Brooklynite girl named Pinky (short for Penina) who solves crimes with the help of her annoying little brother Avi. This series is a good example of this genre. The story is fun and easy to follow. It would definitely be enjoyed by 6 - 8 year olds who enjoy mystery series such as A to Z Mysteries, Cam Jensen mysteries, or Ballpark Mysteries. 

 

This book definitely has positive and authentic Jewish religious or cultural content and is appropriate for the intended grade level in style, vocabulary, format, and illustration. It’s great to see a mystery series for this audience with Jewish content. 

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Reviewer Stacy Mozer a veteran elementary school teacher, currently teaching third grade. In addition to teaching, she is a middle grade author, a book blogger, and serves as Co-Regional Advisor for the New England Region of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators.