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Ballpark Mysteries #6
The Wrigley Riddle
Ivy-covered walls—they're the most famous part of the Chicago Cubs' historic ballpark, Wrigley Field. Mike and Kate can't wait to get down on the field to see the ivy for themselves. But when they do, they're horrified to discover patches of the ivy have been ripped away! Who would want to sabotage the stadium? Is it someone trying to curse the Cubs? Or is the rumor of a treasure hidden under the ivy tempting greedy fans? The Wrigley Riddle includes a fun fact page about Chicago's Wrigley Field.
RL 2.7
RL 2.7
112 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
About the author
David A. Kelly
69 books98 followersDavid A. Kelly is the author of over 30 children's books, including the bestselling Ballpark Mysteries series, the MVP series, the brand-new Football Mysteries series, and more.
Mr. Kelly is also the author of the early reader, Babe Ruth and the Baseball Curse and the picture books Tee Time on the Moon and Miracle Mud: Lena Blackburne and Secret Mud that Changed Baseball.
He has written about travel and technology for the New York Times, the Boston Globe, the Chicago Sun Times, and many other publications. Mr. Kelly lives in Newton, MA, with his family.
For more information, visit David’s webpage – www.davidakellybooks.com. He's available for school and library visits, in person or virtually.
Mr. Kelly is also the author of the early reader, Babe Ruth and the Baseball Curse and the picture books Tee Time on the Moon and Miracle Mud: Lena Blackburne and Secret Mud that Changed Baseball.
He has written about travel and technology for the New York Times, the Boston Globe, the Chicago Sun Times, and many other publications. Mr. Kelly lives in Newton, MA, with his family.
For more information, visit David’s webpage – www.davidakellybooks.com. He's available for school and library visits, in person or virtually.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
January 24, 2021
This is one of my very favorites in the series. Wriggley Field and Chicago really come alive and the solution to the riddle is just wonderful and heartwarming. I love the emphasis on the fans.
FULL REVIEW OF THE SERIES:
This series has a lot going for it. The characters feel well-drawn (though it’s not heavy on characterization) and the mysteries are quite well done for this age group, not dummied down yet with enough well-placed clues that astute young detectives will figure out whodunit before the big reveal (while including enough red herrings to keep them guessing most of the way).
I like that Mike and Kate feature equally in the book (it’s not a “boy” book or a “girl” book), they both like baseball (but neither is an incredible talent), they are both smart (without being unrealistic brainiacs), both good at solving the mysteries. They feel very relatable and like normal kids. I think boys and girls would equally enjoy this book. I appreciate that Kate is learning Spanish, and that she often researches the locations they travel to ahead of time. There’s a bit of humor and usually a cheesy joke or two for kids who like that, courtesy of Mike (but fortunately no potty humor). They are respectful to one another and there’s no bickering or rivalry. The parents don’t feature much, but again, the relationship is positive. Kate’s parents are divorced, but it is presented as amicable.
I imagine many kids will come to these books because they have a love of baseball but we came to them with very little knowledge of the sport. I chose them because they were well-reviewed and my son has enjoyed mystery books in the past. I was pleasantly surprised by how engaged I was with the baseball aspect, and it really sparked my son’s interest in the sport. Usually there are a few “ballgame” moments with Mike and Kate watching some plays on the field, but it’s more focused on the mystery than the game play. Of course, all the mysteries involve either ballplayers or some aspect of the team or stadium. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the distinctive characteristics of each ballpark. I also appreciate that many of the books give a glimpse into some local culture or history and local landmarks of the city. The back matter provides further notes about the players, ballparks, city, and history mentioned within the story. They are effortlessly educational while being primarily entertaining.
As a parent, I do have a few qualms about the kids running around in large ballpark stadiums (including out-of-the-way places not frequented by crowds) and surrounding areas in unfamiliar cities without a parent around. They also go off with adults they barely know (usually staff at the ballpark, so not exactly “strangers” but…) some of whom they suspect of committing crimes (usually involving theft or some sort of threats to the ballpark or a player) but at least the kids are always together and, of course, it’s the way the kids are able to be heroes and solve the crime themselves. Some of the books are a little heavier on the exposure to danger than others but most are pretty tame and, of course, all ends well. Also, the kids sometimes look for evidence in an office or a person’s backpack or something like that because they suspect the person of having committed the crime—but, of course, they have no warrant or legal right to do so and sometimes it’s a little close to trespassing or, at least, significant snooping. But, again, the positives of the book outweigh these few quibbles for me.
Overall, I highly recommend the series to young readers who enjoy mysteries and baseball. My son loves them and we have read almost every one in the series. I personally like them better than Magic Treehouse and I think they would appeal to fans of Magic Treehouse type books, too.
FULL REVIEW OF THE SERIES:
This series has a lot going for it. The characters feel well-drawn (though it’s not heavy on characterization) and the mysteries are quite well done for this age group, not dummied down yet with enough well-placed clues that astute young detectives will figure out whodunit before the big reveal (while including enough red herrings to keep them guessing most of the way).
I like that Mike and Kate feature equally in the book (it’s not a “boy” book or a “girl” book), they both like baseball (but neither is an incredible talent), they are both smart (without being unrealistic brainiacs), both good at solving the mysteries. They feel very relatable and like normal kids. I think boys and girls would equally enjoy this book. I appreciate that Kate is learning Spanish, and that she often researches the locations they travel to ahead of time. There’s a bit of humor and usually a cheesy joke or two for kids who like that, courtesy of Mike (but fortunately no potty humor). They are respectful to one another and there’s no bickering or rivalry. The parents don’t feature much, but again, the relationship is positive. Kate’s parents are divorced, but it is presented as amicable.
I imagine many kids will come to these books because they have a love of baseball but we came to them with very little knowledge of the sport. I chose them because they were well-reviewed and my son has enjoyed mystery books in the past. I was pleasantly surprised by how engaged I was with the baseball aspect, and it really sparked my son’s interest in the sport. Usually there are a few “ballgame” moments with Mike and Kate watching some plays on the field, but it’s more focused on the mystery than the game play. Of course, all the mysteries involve either ballplayers or some aspect of the team or stadium. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the distinctive characteristics of each ballpark. I also appreciate that many of the books give a glimpse into some local culture or history and local landmarks of the city. The back matter provides further notes about the players, ballparks, city, and history mentioned within the story. They are effortlessly educational while being primarily entertaining.
As a parent, I do have a few qualms about the kids running around in large ballpark stadiums (including out-of-the-way places not frequented by crowds) and surrounding areas in unfamiliar cities without a parent around. They also go off with adults they barely know (usually staff at the ballpark, so not exactly “strangers” but…) some of whom they suspect of committing crimes (usually involving theft or some sort of threats to the ballpark or a player) but at least the kids are always together and, of course, it’s the way the kids are able to be heroes and solve the crime themselves. Some of the books are a little heavier on the exposure to danger than others but most are pretty tame and, of course, all ends well. Also, the kids sometimes look for evidence in an office or a person’s backpack or something like that because they suspect the person of having committed the crime—but, of course, they have no warrant or legal right to do so and sometimes it’s a little close to trespassing or, at least, significant snooping. But, again, the positives of the book outweigh these few quibbles for me.
Overall, I highly recommend the series to young readers who enjoy mysteries and baseball. My son loves them and we have read almost every one in the series. I personally like them better than Magic Treehouse and I think they would appeal to fans of Magic Treehouse type books, too.
March 21, 2013
Mike and Kate are at Wrigley Field in Chicago when Mrs. Hopkins, Kate's mom does some research for an interview. They learn about a mysterious treasure that is supposedly hidden in the ivied walls of the famous old ballpark. Kate and Mike decide to try to solve the mystery and they think they've caught the thief red-handed. But, as with any kid mystery, things are not always what they appear to be at first. Rethinking the clues, they find that the culprit was right in front of them all the time.
The Wrigley Riddle is a good beginning mystery book for grades 2-3. Includes some historical facts about Wrigley Field, Chicago, and baseball.
The Wrigley Riddle is a good beginning mystery book for grades 2-3. Includes some historical facts about Wrigley Field, Chicago, and baseball.
October 13, 2013
The Wrigley Riddle
Genre: Juvenile Fiction
Format: Book
Plot summary: During a visit to the Chicago Cubs' Wrigley field, cousins Mike and Kate investigate why someone has been tampering with the famous ivy vines growing on the outfield walls.
Considerations or precautions for readers advisory (strong language, sex, death, religious overtones, violence, etc.): No special considerations
Review citation (if available): NoveList,
Section source used to find the material
Recommended age: 2nd-3rd grade
Genre: Juvenile Fiction
Format: Book
Plot summary: During a visit to the Chicago Cubs' Wrigley field, cousins Mike and Kate investigate why someone has been tampering with the famous ivy vines growing on the outfield walls.
Considerations or precautions for readers advisory (strong language, sex, death, religious overtones, violence, etc.): No special considerations
Review citation (if available): NoveList,
Section source used to find the material
Recommended age: 2nd-3rd grade
February 3, 2022
Obviously the best of all of the series because... Cubs. Formulaic and not at all realistic but it’s a cute little series of mystery solving cousins who roam around ballparks unsupervised. Good for kids who love baseball and fun to read before visiting a new park because the give you little things to look for at each place.
February 25, 2021
I’ve always been a Cubs fan so I was really looking forward to the Wrigley Field volume of this series. It’s great. I already knew a lot about the stadium but I still learned a few things. And the mystery is fun too.
December 3, 2018
Baseball, and a mystery! Who could ask for better! :)
February 7, 2020
I felt like there was a lot of history and then a mystery thrown in on the side. Calling an outfielder Ryan Soto was bad though! I could see how young kids could like the book.
January 10, 2021
Favorite so far. Takes place at Wrigley which I love.
February 25, 2025
The best middle grade book about two kids solving a mystery at Wrigley Field I've ever read.
March 31, 2025
Go Cubs Go!!
March 7, 2017
Ballpark: Chicago Cubs
Mike and Kate visit storied Wrigley Field, only to discover someone is cutting away its historic ivy while looking for a mythical treasure. The usual red herrings and false leads breeze by as the young sleuths track down the real culprit. The resolution to this one isn't as good as others; the culprit's motivation just isn't as compelling.
Even if the story is a little below average, the rest of the book is actually better than usual. The explanation of ball hawking should encourage a whole new generation of fans to stand outside stadiums catching baseballs. The inclusion of historic events such as the "homer in the gloaming" and Babe Ruth's "called shot" are fantastic highlights of Wrigley Field's place in the annals of baseball lore. And the revelation of the treasure is deftly handled, without falling into a treacle well of sentimentality.
My four year old son enjoyed the treasure hunt aspect of the plot. I think he also liked the trap Mike and Kate set to catch the culprit. Otherwise this was his introduction to a lot of baseball history.
The dugout notes cover a lot of ground with both Wrigley Field and the Chicago Cubs being among the most storied in Major League Baseball.
Mike and Kate visit storied Wrigley Field, only to discover someone is cutting away its historic ivy while looking for a mythical treasure. The usual red herrings and false leads breeze by as the young sleuths track down the real culprit. The resolution to this one isn't as good as others; the culprit's motivation just isn't as compelling.
Even if the story is a little below average, the rest of the book is actually better than usual. The explanation of ball hawking should encourage a whole new generation of fans to stand outside stadiums catching baseballs. The inclusion of historic events such as the "homer in the gloaming" and Babe Ruth's "called shot" are fantastic highlights of Wrigley Field's place in the annals of baseball lore. And the revelation of the treasure is deftly handled, without falling into a treacle well of sentimentality.
My four year old son enjoyed the treasure hunt aspect of the plot. I think he also liked the trap Mike and Kate set to catch the culprit. Otherwise this was his introduction to a lot of baseball history.
The dugout notes cover a lot of ground with both Wrigley Field and the Chicago Cubs being among the most storied in Major League Baseball.
May 18, 2013
Received as one of the library winners for this signed edition, this is a definite purchase for my library early chapter book series shelves. The combination of baseball historical stadiums mixed with the suspense of mystery is sure to keep readers engaged. I really enjoyed the historical facts laced throughout the story and followed up with dugout notes in the back of the book explaining some of the significance of the ballpark traditions and superstitions that are part of the experience. Geared for baseball lovers, history buffs, and mystery sleuths this is sure to be a hit!
August 22, 2014
This whole series is awesome fun, and the Wrigley entry is no exception. I've read lots of kids mystery series, and the Ballpark Mysteries are among the most plausible, interesting, and realistic. Plus there is fascinating baseball trivia and accurate descriptions of major-league ballparks. Keep writing 'em, Mr. Kelly!
(I received an autographed copy of this book through a goodreads giveaway, as well as some fun memorabilia. Thank you!!!)
(I received an autographed copy of this book through a goodreads giveaway, as well as some fun memorabilia. Thank you!!!)
July 2, 2016
I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway and after reading it myself I passed it along to my grandson who is 7 years old. He loved it and is hinting that he would appreciate reading other books in the series. Any young baseball fan would love these. I especially like reading really interesting information about Wrigley Field.
June 16, 2013
Great early chapter book. The book integrates the traditions of the Cubs and Wrigley Field into the plot. I'd like to have a look inside the scoreboard with Kate and Mike. Great book for baseball fans or an introduction to Chicago. This series should appeal to our Magic Treehouse fans.
February 28, 2013
A very good kids book. I received this book free from Goodreads and gave it to my grandchildren ages 6 and 9 and both liked it.
March 15, 2013
My YABC review:
http://www.yabookscentral.com/kidsfic...
http://www.yabookscentral.com/kidsfic...
May 24, 2013
Cute mystery, a bit of baseball history (about the best team ever), what more could you ask for? :)
February 2, 2014
this book had a neat twist to its ending
October 5, 2016
Excellent reading for pre teens. Historical fact of baseball in Chicago. Wonderful mystery plot.
February 27, 2014
A fun read for transitional readers--- a chapter book for baseball fans- boys or girls. Nice Wrigley references and descriptions...
February 24, 2015
I liked it. I would have rated it 3 1/2 if I could.
February 24, 2015
I liked it and someone's cutting down the ivy in the Cub's ballpark and there's also a riddle. Why people are cutting it down is because of a riddle that Kate solves.
May 31, 2015
It's rocking. It's awesome. It's like a lightbulb hanging down from my ceiling.
November 16, 2015
It was good
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March 17, 2016reviewed in February 2014 column, moved to resource center
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews