Hold Fast

This story has the rhythm of poetry guiding readers through the mystery that Blue Balliet is so talented in presenting. It is a wonderful middle reader title that could also be good for a hi-low title. The introduction of vocabulary is a particularly useful device in moving the story along. The most resounding part of the story is the realism of homelessness and how many families live daily with the uncertainty and "lost ness" of shelter life. I hope young readers are inspired to invent creative ways to help others who they see are in need. Using the mystery of the Early family helped give hopefulness to the subject. The Early mystery was well plotted and will give even a the brightest readers a challenge.

The Pearl family is making it on a dime with big dreams and a deep appreciation for the written word. Their world is rocked by the disappearance of patriarch, Dash. Losing the comfort and security of the family's one-room apartment overnight, the family discovers the despair of Chicago's homeless shelters as it struggles to survive. Early Pearl is guided by the rhythm of Langston Hughes's writings, as she uncovers clues which lead to the discovery of an international diamond heist and a connection to the Chicago Public Library. Beautiful language!

This book is a must for all the mystery lovers out there. It is different from most mysteries you will read. I am not a huge mystery lover, but this one had me intrigued. I wanted to keep reading more to find out what was going on. It also brought up the very important topic of homelessness and allowed the reader a glimpse at the problems many families face.

The basic storyline of the kidnapping and all the events that follow were well done. However, the beginning was very slow. The constant description of words and the love of words would have made me want to stop reading if I wasn't a language arts teacher. It didn't get interesting until a quarter of the way into the book, almost far enough that I thought I was going to abandon it. I can only think of a couple students I have now that I would recommend this book to.

My niece loved the book, but it arrived about two weeks late. Not helpful around Christmas time.

My son is reading this book for his Target class. Specifically they are reading it in class, but he has told me numerous times he is having trouble not reading ahead as the book is really good. Any book that can make my 11 year old say that, is a good book to me!I look forward to purchasing more of Blue Balliett's books for him to read.

This was a fast and fascinating read. As a high school science teacher, this really opened my eyes to the reality of homeless students. I loved the ending and the message it shared. I hope to be able to have my students do a "service" project for homeless teens this next year. LOVED IT!!

Hold Fast to your hopes and dreams! Children have power to be and to do!! Inspire a little be of reading , and imaginations can soar!