Field Tripped

Gr 3–6— The fifth graders at Liberty Falls Elementary are going on a field trip to the Edward Minks Mansion. They will learn all about the eccentric inventor and founder of their town. Many people in the community believe that there are undiscovered inventions hidden in a secret room within the house. Eddie, who happens to be Mink's great-great-great grandson, hopes to find inventions to help his family. Best friends Chloe and Sophie have designs of their own. Aaron, the new kid, just wants to fit in. Meanwhile, Jessie has a bad feeling about the old house, but no one will listen. Hijinks ensue as inventions begin to go missing. The chapters alternate from the various perspectives of the fifth-grade classmates, though not all voices are distinct, which may initially confuse readers. The end of the story is tied up very quickly. Kids will find Mink's inventions humorous and the overall mystery of the hidden inventions intriguing.