Montgomery and the Case of the Golden Key

by Tracy Occomy Crowder, Kristin Sorra (Illustrator)

New Visions Award Winner, Tu Books

It's 2008, and ten-year-old Montgomery "Monty" Carver is out to find the origin of a golden key found in his Southside Chicago community--which may or may not host the next Olympic games, or supply the next President of the United States, or... have a potential ghost hanging around.

In 2008 Chicago, in the Southside community of Washington Park, Montgomery"Monty" Carver had hoped for the best summer ever! Unfortunately, things aren't going as planned. Monty is struggling to prove to his parents that he's old enough to be without adult supervision--especially after a very embarrassing incident with a metal detector. Man!

So when Monty finds a golden key in Old Lady Jenkins's sunflowers, he decides he's going to unravel the key's mystery all by himself, thank you very much. No parents allowed. Besides, he's ten years old now, and he's mastered the perfectly round 'fro! (It takes a protractor, you see.)

Soon Monty's hunt to determine the origin of the key leads him to discover the rich history--like famous Black jockeys!--of his Chicago community, which has been speculating its future since one of their residents, Barack Obama, is running for president and the Olympics might come to town in 2016.

On top of all that speculating, there are rumors going around that a ghost is hanging out behind their apartment building, and that Monty's elementary school may have to close.

So much to solve! Should the Olympics come to Washington Park? What happens if his school closes? Is there really a ghost? And where, oh where, did the key come from anyway? Monty is determined to find out.

Genres: Mystery, Middle Grade, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Audiobook, Childrens, Realistic Fiction

228 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 10, 2023

Reviews

[Vicki Tillman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love books that are an interesting read, have fun characters, and have some mystery and history. This cute book had all that. It was delightful!

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am giving it a 3, which is good on my scale. I personally didn’t get too excited about it. It was the Big Read option through the library. I am obviously not the target audience of middle grade boy. I can see young boys maybe enjoying it? The mystery was pretty feeble. I liked the connection to Obama and the possibility of the olympics coming to Chicago.

[Natalie]

This was on the "Big Read" list on Libby so I gave it a go. It's always good to try something new.

Pretty much from the first page I was not interested. I don't like the writing style. It's almost like a stream of consciousness style, which I never like, but it's even worse when it's told from a child's point of view.

I gave it 10% and had to just give it up. It was boring and I wasn't interested in the story at all.

[Sharon Velez Diodonet · Rating 4 out of 5]

"But the good thing is that we're a campaign of the people!"

I went into Montgomery and the Case of the Golden Key by Tracy Occomy Crowder thinking it was going to be a mystery but it turned out to be such a heartwarming story about Black history and community and the ways Black people show up for each other. It was a celebration of the hidden history that gave this Southside Chicago neighborhood its flavor and the people that still fight to protect it.

This was a lighthearted tale, but it still contained so many relevant themes. Monty's pride was his afro and this book had so much Black hair love. Monty viewed the world through a scientific lens and that was so great to see especially since it tied in to so much of this neighborhood's rich history. There is not enough Black representation in STEM and this was a breath of fresh air. You also reverence of elders and how their wisdom is respected and is the fabric that keeps communities safe and thriving. I loved that when it came to activism against gentrification, the youth played a vital, active role and were part of solution planning. Youth were also exposed to voting and campaigning, and it helped to instill the importance of Black people being informed and active in politics since it affects so many aspects of their lives. This was a cute, enjoyable read for a younger middle grade audience to learn about STEM, agriculture, Black history, gentrification, community and activism. Thanks to partners, @leeandlow & hearourvoicesbt for the gifted copy.

Here are some other books that would male great pairing for this one:

📚 Take Back the Block- Chrystal Giles
📚 Ruby Lost and Found- Christina Li
📚 Justice Makes a Difference- Dr. Artika R. Tyner
📚 The Epic Fail of Arturo Zamora- Pablo Cartaya

[Suey Nordberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a sweet book! Highly recommend for young people (and well, older people like me would enjoy it, too!). I listened to the audio version which was terrific.

[Linda Hartlaub · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book as part of the Big Library Read. I ranked it about 3.25 - 3.5 because I had a few problems with it. The first was that I'm an adult reading a middle grade book so, yep, it was a little boring. Second, I had a few minor problems with continuity - for instance, Monty's dad is barbecuing ribs on the back patio but the family is eating hamburgers.

What I did like was that the book has excellent interactions between Monty and the community, including his parents, neighbors, friends. I just wish the adults would have used please and thank you with him more often. Monty often stretches the limits for acceptable behavior, but the author shows that actions have consequences. Monty also learns to overcome his own prejudices, especially with respect to the senior community showing that they aren't doddering old fools or mean and scary, but instead are individuals with passions and interesting lives. Some are artists, musicians, gardeners and volunteers, among other things.

I love that the author shows individuals of color who are intelligent, compassionate and capable individuals. Even Monty is an intelligent young boy interested in science and math with plans for his future. She also brings a lot of history about Chicago's Southside, Obama's historic presidential run, and African-American participation in the horse racing industry.

The book is easy to read with short chapters to keep even reluctant readers engaged. Depending on the reading expertise of the young person, it would most likely be suited for kids aged 7 to 11.

[Tomás Quintero · Rating 5 out of 5]

I initially picked up this book last week to see if it was up to the hype, and to be honest, it exceeded my expectations. At my work, schools around the county are nominating books for the Black Eyed Susan 2024-2025 school year. Among the many books displayed at the libraries, “Montgomery and the Case of the Golden Key” was perhaps one of the most popular books among 3-5th grade readers, so I figured I would give it a read and see what it’s all about. We followed Monty through his summer, which turned out to be far from what he had expected. From learning about gentrification and community action, to black history and connecting with community members, this book taught life lessons, while keeping me on the edge of my seat. The book was a fantastic read, while inviting students to understand that they can improve their community—regardless of their age. More than anything, it was inspiring to see that so many students, especially in Baltimore’s Title I schools, found this book to be worth reading.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5

[JaTara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute little book! I really liked Monty!

[Cammy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, a good book that I enjoyed. It’s relatable for younger and older readers. This books had everything thing in it. Reverence for the older generation, learning about one’s community and how outside forces can work for and against it. Learning also about the history of of his town and neighborhood.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Los Angeles Public Library “Big Library Read”

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoy reading every Big Read book, even though this one was a children’s book. It brought back my love of reading as a child.

[Kayla Alvarez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story for middle schoolers.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Montgomery and the Case of the Golden Key” by Tracy Occomy Crowder was the November 2024 pick for the Big Library Read book club through Libby library. The Big Library Read only selects books several times a year and I’ve been curious about it for a while. This was the first book I’ve read with them. I really enjoyed it a lot. I look forward to reading more books with Big Library Reads in the future.

[Cathy Waugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read as part of the Big Read. It’s a wonderful story of childhood and community. The characters were welcoming and wise. It had enough mystery to keep you reading.
I think it’s a good book to share with grandchildren. Some lessons to start good discussions. I’m glad I read it.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Montgomery and the Case of the Golden Key is a middle grade chapter book by Tracy Occomy Crowder, with illustrations by Kristin Sorra. It features Montgomery "Monty" Carver, who has all sorts of exciting things planned for his Summer. One of the things he’s particularly eager about is his birthday present, a metal detector! He uses it and is able to find a gold key. However, when he accidentally breaks his metal detector, he needs to start working odd jobs around the neighbourhood in order to pay his parents back for the money they spent on it. As he starts doing these jobs, and chatting with his neighbours, he starts learning more about the people around him, and finding out interesting things about the community. The story is primarily fictional, though has some basis in real life events. The book takes place Chicago, in mid-2008, and features references to Barack Obama’s presidential campaign during that time period.

My general thought about the book is that it has a lot of really good themes. One of the primary themes is responsibility. A good chunk of the book is dedicated to Monty working hard to try and pay back his parents. Though he doesn’t necessarily enjoy it, he still tries his best at a lot of the roles he takes on, and he tries to stay fairly positive throughout the chores. Even when he isn’t working, he does also do “volunteering” (with his parents’ encouragement) roles. As well as doing training for a potential career in tennis, and doing his best in other athletic things, such as running. One key thing I also enjoy about Monty as a character is that he has a huge interest in science. A lot of his behaviour throughout the book is researching aspects of his community, studying things related to this golden key (where it came from, what it is a key to, etc), learning about scientific methods he might use to solve the questions he has, etc. I think he’s definitely a good role model in many ways. Though his curiosity kind of leads him astray sometimes, and he doesn’t always understand why his parents have such rules for him, or why they try to guide him in many ways.

In that respect, I feel like a lot of the characters throughout the book are pretty well written. With a lot of these characters, though younger audiences might not understand the reasons behind why characters act in such ways, I feel like many of these characters do have valid reasons for why they act the way they do. Such as his parents. They just want the best for him, and work their hardest to try and provide for him, as well as giving him opportunities like the camp, tennis lessons, helping him in his scientific interests, etc. They also want to keep him safe, and don’t want him to venture too far away from home, just in case something happens. However, sometimes Monty’s curiosity leads him to step out of that comfort zone area, leading them to get worried for him, or upset that he has breached their trust. And he doesn’t necessarily understand why they’re upset, because he doesn’t realise the worries they have for him, or how it feels like he’s being ungrateful when he acts out (even if he doesn’t mean to cause anger). And the same for Ms. Jenkins. I think she’s a pretty good character. I appreciate that, while Monty was kind of afraid of her in the beginning of the book, he was able to overcome that fear later and become more knowledgeable about who she is. As well as other people in the community; I think it was really nice for him to get to know more of the people, what their interests are, how they contribute to the community, etc. Honestly, it seems like a really special community. I’m glad that everything came together well for them by the end of the book.

On a similar note, I think it was good for the author to broach the subject of how, when special events might come to communities, it’s not always good for the community. The author had characters mention that people might be displaced, if the Olympics were to take place in the community. As well as the subject of schools being considered “underutilized”; it’s something that affects a lot of communities. Kids are often needing to move schools, some families even need to move to different areas, etc. The author included themes of neighbourhood safety, and talked a little bit about how kids aren’t allowed to venture very far away from their homes. Which I think is an important theme that many kids can relate to. I appreciate that the author tried to teach about why parents don’t let kids stray too far. It was good that Monty later learned it wasn’t just him that experienced this; but other kids in the area experiencing the same. Which I think is important because it can give younger audiences a little bit more perspective; in the sense that they might realise it’s not just them being treated like this, and that other kids experience the same.

As a mystery book, I felt like it was a pretty fun adventure, and I think there was a lot of suspense and drama throughout the piece. Whenever he found clues, I enjoyed the way Monty was able to use his science interests to learn more about the clues, and what they could mean. Another regular theme of the book is aspects of history (some of the bits of the book are based in real events/ places; even if some names have been changed). His mystery led him to learn more about a sports star; a famous jockey that the community had ties to. I appreciated that the story covered all sorts of genres. In my opinion, I think the author did really well with the mystery parts of the book, and was able to create an interesting story.

Overall, I think this book is definitely worth a read. I do recommend it. I think it’s great. I think Monty has a good, strong presence in the book. I appreciate how he’s so eager to learn more about life, and he has huge ambitions for himself. Even when life doesn’t go the way he wants it to, he still finds ways to motivate himself and he still tries to succeed at whatever he does. I think the other characters are good, too. He meets all sorts of great people, and I feel like he gets a lot of really positive encouragement from many people in the community; learning little bits from all around him. If it were turned into a series, I think I'd definitely enjoy reading more to Monty’s life. Or even if the writer were to have different characters featured, I think I’d be interested in that, too. I’ll definitely check back in on the author’s other works in future. Though I borrowed a copy of this book from my local library’s Libby catalogue, I have put it on my “to buy” list. I’d like to own a copy of it in future.

[Jame_EReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you @hearourvoices and @leelowbooks for having my kids and I on this booktour.

👦🏻 review: this book is actually very interesting and I like how the author has offered many different ideas in the book. Monty’s adventures to find and search the purposes of the key and where it came from was mysterious. I love how the book added the many interesting history and I know this will come handy when the Black history month comes around so that I can share this with my classmates. I don’t want to give away the story but I know this is definitely a great book for middle-graders like me who is always happy to read an interesting book and learn other cultural history too. I really like this book.

[babygirllit (Tish) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks you, @hearourvoicestours for a copy of this book.

I loved everything about "The Roar."

This was a cute adventurous read that I feel all kids would love. This will be book that will be on my grandson's bookshelf. 

Have you found a key and wonder what it goes to? I have and I've checked every lock unsuccessfully. It then becomes a mystery and may have you wondering where it came from and who it belongs to. 

I love that it provided history and details to guide you along the story.  The references of Barack Obama was everything and that anything can happen. 

[Emily Masters · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a middle grade mystery with a lot of moving parts— the ghost, the key, the mysterious items in the garden, the community, the neighbors, learning responsibility, saving the school, meeting Black cowboys, learning his community’s history— it was a lot but it all fit together in the end

[Vona Karns · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book wasn’t at all like I expected. I thought I was in for like a time travel book but it’s literally a kid learning history of his neighborhood from varying adults. He’s a troublemaker with a good heart and Monty is a fun character. Probably relatable to a 10 year old.

[Andréa]

Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through Edelweiss.

[Mark Buxton · Rating 4 out of 5]

What worked:
The book has an old, small-town feeling despite being set in 2008 Chicago. The author creates a world around Monty’s apartment where most of his neighbors are older, retired men and women. Monty likes to spend much of his time playing in the backyard next to an alley although his parents don’t trust him enough to leave this area unsupervised. He’s just turning ten so their concern is understandable, especially when some of his impulsive decisions put him in potential danger.
The author uses old stories told by the characters to create nostalgia and a tight feeling in the community. Monty is forced to make money during the summer and he’s trying to learn more about the golden key he finds. He visits with his elderly neighbors and asks if the key might belong to them. It doesn’t but it helps them remember stories from their childhoods during simpler times. One lady relates a moment in her life as the daughter of an ice man while another neighbor tells of a trip aboard a train and meeting a Pullman porter. This sense of history becomes a major factor in resolving a simmering problem that emerges as the plot moves along. The book also highlights science as Monty frequently uses the scientific method to resolve questions. It’s nothing too serious or educational that might dissuade young readers.
There are underlying plots about Obama’s campaign to become president and Chicago’s bid for the Summer Olympics. Having the Olympics in their community sounds like a great thing but some characters question how it will affect their lives. In addition, Monty learns a lot about different relationships as he tries to navigate his unexpectedly, eventful summer. His best friend is sent to New Orleans so Monty is left with another boy who likes to tease him. There are neighbors with reputations that frighten Monty but he learns to understand and appreciate them. Old Mrs. Jenkins is the most intimidating character and he does his best to avoid talking to her or even letting her see him. Perhaps Monty’s biggest issue is understanding how to balance what he wants to do with his parents’ expectations.
What didn’t work as well:
This narrative and vocabulary are straightforward without excessive description or fancy language. This style is contrary to most of the books I read but it fits the tone of the setting and characters. The problems and characters are realistic and simple so they don’t require needless details or complications.
The final verdict:
This book may not wow young readers but it’s an unassuming treat. Most young readers can identify with Monty’s normalness and the mystery of the gold key will keep them wondering. The plot comes to a very happy, satisfying conclusion. Overall, I recommend you give this book a shot.

[Lisa Houston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in 2008 on Chicago’s South Side, Monty Carver and the Mystery of the Golden Key offers a delightful mix of humor, history, and heart. At its center is 10-year-old Montgomery “Monty” Carver, a boy with big plans for the summer that are quickly derailed by mishaps, misunderstandings, and a mysterious golden key he discovers in a sunflower patch. Determined to solve the puzzle on his own, Monty embarks on an adventure that’s as much about growing up as it is about uncovering his community’s rich past.

Tracy Crowder expertly weaves Monty’s story with Chicago’s vibrant history, touching on everything from Black jockeys to the city’s role in Barack Obama’s historic presidential run. Against this backdrop of change and possibility, Monty also faces everyday challenges—a rumored ghost, the potential closure of his school, and proving his independence to his parents. The story is infused with humor (Monty’s afro-maintenance tips are priceless) and moments of self-discovery, making Monty an endearing and relatable hero.

The book shines as a celebration of Chicago’s South Side, painting a vivid picture of a community brimming with pride, history, and resilience. Young readers will be inspired by Monty’s determination and captivated by the story’s blend of local lore and larger cultural milestones.

Monty Carver and the Mystery of the Golden Key is a charming and meaningful tale about community, identity, and the thrill of uncovering history—perfect for readers who love adventure, humor, and a touch of mystery.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's 2008 in Chicago, 10-yr old Monty is looking forward to a summer vacation of fun with his friends. When he discovers his birthday gift early, he and his friends can't wait to use it to find buried treasure. Upon which, they find this mysterious gold key. Monty is up to the challenge of finding what this gold key opens, believing it must be to something very secretive and important. But he's in trouble for playing with his gift and must work for neighbors to repay his parents. In the process, Monty realizes Old Lady Jenkins may be the "key" to the mystery behind the key & he gathers the courage to ask her upfront.

Selected for the November Big Library Read, Montgomery and the Case of the Golden Key is an entertaining children's mystery. Throughout the novel, Monty uses his scientific knowledge to solve the mystery behind the key. Additionally, there are many shout-outs to actual places in Chicago during that year, including the election race where Obama started his presidency. I'm surprised a bit that the latest selection was a kid's book, though considering last November was also a graphic novel, this might be a sign of more diverse selections from here on out. This story is more than just about a mystery, it's about the importance of education and community unification. A good story with many good messages for young readers here to learn about history and community organizations.

[Shana OkieCozyReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I saw Montgomery and the Case of the Golden Key was the Big Library Read https://www.biglibraryread.com earlier this month, and it is also on our state reading list, Oklahoma’s Sequoyah Award, so I was excited to read it.

It is such a cute little mystery. Montgomery (Monty) finds a golden key buried in his landowner’s garden. He does a series of scientific experiments to learn more about it, to try to figure out where it might go. I thought the discovery of it was super interesting. In the meantime, we learn about outside Chicago before the 2008 election.

This book discusses:
The 2008 presidential Roar & the Obama campaign
“And then there was “the Roar.” It had taken over a sliver of the Southside of Chicago called Washington Park, where a honey-colored boy, Montgomery “Monty” Carver, was finally making some progress toward growing an Afro that summer.” P10

Jockeys
“at the first Kentucky Derby, thirteen of the fifteen jockeys were Black. And the winner was Black.” Ch 26
“man, Isaac Burns Murphy, won the first American Derby at that racetrack in 1884. He’s the best jockey in American history. A Black man!” Ch 37

High Noon Ride
Chicago’s Black Cowboy Riding Club

Elementary school closings based on low attendance

“What I’m upset about is that you’re scared of nonsense, but you aren’t scared of things you should be scared of.” Ch 27

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes, the push-through is worth the Pushing & Getting Through!
•
Solo deeply & genuinely honored and thankful to @hearourvoicestours @leeandlow and @backyardmysteries for blessing our space here @thedandiestlife with this dope interview!
•
Her steadiness and insightful answers will inspire you to believe that you matter, especially if you are a Black or Brown person in your community.
•
Beautiful and Palpable change is possible with a clear mission and community-minded focus!
•
The interview is available on www.thedandiestlife.com!
•
Do yourself and your community a favor and read, MONTGOMERY AND THE CASE OF THE GOLDEN KEY!
•
It's an incredible book, that I feel honored to have read! It reminded me of the little Black Girl in PG COUNTY (Capitol Heights) MD desperate to find adventure, culture, and GOLD OF COURSE… yet what I found on those streets and within the dirt of my backyard was much deeper… I discovered that I mattered and I, as much as anyone else, am ingrained in the soil of this sweat and blood-stain-tilled land. #blackhistoryisamericanhistory
l matter, you matter, we matter!
#thisbook is awesome!
#hov #black #kidlit ##montgomeryandthecaseofthegoldenkey #hearourvoices #thedandiestlife #blackbibliophie #bibliophile

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Monty lives in the south side of Chicago. He is looking forward to a fantastic summer and his birthday when he will finally be 10. Unfortunately he does something wrong and gets in trouble with his parents. Can he get his parent’s to trust him again?

I loved this book! Even though Monty is quite young, he is a fun, inquisitive and conscientious. He tries really hard to earn back his parent’s trust. The story has a two fold goal. One he is supposed to go around his apartment complex and do chores for neighbors to earn some money to pay for his mistake. Two he is trying to solve the mystery of a golden key he found. Monty really gets to know many of his neighbors during this process. Even more importantly, he actually enjoys spending time with them and learns so much about the history of Chicago.
I really liked how the book firmly grounded the itself in time because Obama’s policial campaign was an aspect of the story.
I really liked learning about the history, the activism, and this communities desires for their future. This was a fantastic story.

PG- Family love. Parental discipline.

[C A Gentle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I saw this book was part of the "big read" so available for immediate download from my library. I knew it was a child's book but I decided I would give it a go as when I have been reading books to my grandchildren which inevitably means I start reading well into the book and finish reading before the end, I am often thinking "Oh, I really want to know what happens next" and have some times thought of actually getting a copy from my library and finding out - but I never have. Not that I have ever read this book to any of my grandchildren. Given the age range for the book, I was a bit surprised as I felt it was pitched below that range. However, I quite enjoyed being able to read the whole of a children's book for once and thought it was a sweet and interesting story which made good points about the importance of community as well as including some real historical references.

[Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a tender story focusing on the power of community and the connection between youth and their elders. Montgomery is a driven child who loves science and tennis and discovers a gold key in the dirt of his neighbor's sunflowers. This key leads him down a path of discovery and some slight trouble along the way. I could totally see young people getting super invested in what the key was for because even as an adult, I wanted to know. I loved how the author weaved history on Black cowboys and their connection to Chicago into the plot. The fight for education and schools was also featured which I admired. Lastly, Monty couldn't have had cuter parents, I mean the two of them holding hands while reading, c'mon, goals!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting mystery set near Obama’s Chicago neighborhood just as Obama’s campaign was heating up and Chicago was applying to host the Olympics. Monty is frustrated to be grounded and forced to attend summer camp after he can’t resist taking his hidden birthday present out for a spin. His parents insist he offer to do chores for his neighbors to earn money to pay them back. When he and his friends find a gold key buried in their neighbor’s garden, Monty sets out to solve the mystery of the key. During his quest, he manages to get in even more trouble and he learns a lot about the history – and the equestrian history – of his neighborhood.