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Izzy Wong’s Nose for News

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Izzy Wong's got a new podcast—and this time she's going to uncover the whole story.


A sixth-grade student with a purpose, Izzy wants to start her own hit investigative podcast. When the girls' washroom at her school mysteriously floods, she's finally got the perfect subject. It doesn't take long to figure out that a student did it on purpose—but who? Izzy sets out on an investigation to find the culprit and interviews anyone who might know anything, including teachers, students and even the principal. But when she runs into difficulty finding the truth and is presented with a juicy lead that may or may not be gossip—but brings in lots of new listeners—Izzy finds herself in hot water. Will her podcast get shut down before she has a chance to find the perpetrator?

208 pages, Paperback

Published September 17, 2024

2 people are currently reading
24 people want to read

About the author

Marty Chan

35 books26 followers
Raised in Morinville--a small town north of Edmonton, Alberta--Marty Chan is a playwright, radio writer, television story editor, and young adult author.

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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
Profile Image for Mikayla Young.
Author 4 books9 followers
May 28, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and author for an E-ARC of this book to read in exchange for an honest review.

The cover is well-crafted and captures the essence of the story. I enjoyed the podcast headers and chapter titles at the beginning of each chapter since they added a unique flair while also making readers feel like they were conducting the podcast with Izzy. The novel is packed with humor that both young and adult readers will enjoy while reading. The allusions made by Izzy and the other characters in the narrative are realistic, easy to understand, and useful in picturing scenarios, locations, and characters. The writing is vivid, amusing, and realistic, making it and the novel overall simple to read, comprehend, visualize, and enjoy. From Izzy to Doyle, all of the characters saw excellent character growth. The plot was established at a wonderful, medium pace, allowing for tension and mystery while remaining easy to read. The storyline development was excellent, and the story will undoubtedly be engaging and educational for readers. The author does an excellent job of tackling and dealing with a variety of problems, including but not limited to bullying, gossip, reporting, school issues, friendship struggles, and understanding the difference between telling a story and making one up. The book is full of wonderful learning opportunities for both young and older readers, such as learning the difference between what is considered the truth and what is gossip, the importance of open and honest communication between people, the right and wrong ways to deal with bullying in school, and finally, finding something that brings you joy, as podcasting and reporting the news do for Izzy and her mother.

One minor drawback for me was that Izzy and some of the other students appeared to be older than their age and in 8th grade rather than 6th grade because of how they acted, the gossip that circulated throughout the school, and the way they spoke at times. However, I think this provides insight into how grown-up or older kids can feel, act, and speak beyond their age, as well as how one should never judge a book or person by their age or appearance. It was a bit tricky at times to tell when Izzy was recording for an interview and when she stopped recording. I think placing a start play button icon when she starts recording and subsequently a stop or pause recording icon when she quits recording would enhance the book and stop any potential confusion on this topic.
Izzy Wong's Nose for News by Marty Chan is a fantastic story that would be ideal for children aged 9 and up, as well as adults interested in reading a book about podcasting, reporting a story, school issues, realistic and humorous characters, as well as a touch of mystery and suspense mixed with fiction.
Profile Image for Kara.
177 reviews14 followers
June 3, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and author for an E-ARC of this book to read in exchange for an honest review.

Izzy is a sixth grade student who loves following in her mom's footsteps by being a reporter. She puts her investigative journalism skills to use by creating a podcast meant to get to the bottom of a big mess in their school. As she proceeds through the investigation process, she starts to meet resistance from her classmates and teachers who aren't too keen to be interviewed on the record.

The author created a lot of tension that kept me reading. Izzy's impulsive decisions and internal conflict felt very accurate and believable even though some of her choices made me uncomfortable as an adult. I think this character will be very relatable to middle grade readers. I love podcasts, and I listen to them all the time. Students like me will enjoy this book.
Profile Image for Raven.
167 reviews5 followers
June 20, 2024
Firstly thank you to Net galley for the ARC of this book literally the first ARC I have ever gotten.
So this is a middle grade book about a sixth grader called Izzy Wong who wants to be a journalist just like her mum , so something happens in her school and she wants to report it on her podcast so people can find out the news, it was a good book but it also made me realize that I don’t think I’m a fan of middle grade especially reading it as an adult because I was annoyed at a lot of the things she was saying and doing and I had to remind myself that she is literally a child so she won’t be rational about things as adult would but it was a good read nonetheless.

It would be a good book to give to kids who have a passion for journalism and it would teach them the ethics of journalism so would definitely recommend to give your kids

#NetGalley #IzzyWong’sNoseForNews
Profile Image for Jessie.
122 reviews1 follower
July 15, 2024
This was such a cute story about Izzy Wong trying to find her place in the podcast world of news reporters.

There's a Scandal at school and Izzy wants to solve the mystery first.

Izzy is a loner that only wants to become an amazing reporter like her mom. When she finds out that someone flooded the school bathroom she is eager to get to the bottom and find the culprit. In the end, she manages to only make a mess of things by not making sure her facts were correct and reporting hearsay.

Will Izzy solve the mystery of who flooded the bathroom? Will Izzy go viral and get the recognition she wants? Will she fix what she messes up?

Find out in this adorable story about a 6th grade dipping her toes in the wonderful world of podcasting and reporting the facts.
Profile Image for Blaque Ace.
107 reviews3 followers
July 10, 2024
Thanks to Netgalley and the author for an ARC in exchange for a review.

I enjoyed reading this book and I liked the mystery at the heart of it. It wasn't entirely predictable and it was engaging till the very last. I would have rated it higher if I didn't have problems with Izzy Wong herself. I feel like besides reporting and being close with her folks, Izzy doesn't really have much personality or life so to speak. This is not an issue that is voiced in the book and we get no reason why Izzy never seems to have any friends or any sort of hobby apart from journalism.

All in all, this was a fun read and I never felt like I was wasting my time.
Profile Image for Kate R.
1,181 reviews42 followers
August 21, 2024
this was cute. I think it had a bunch of good lessons in here for kids. I'd say over the age of 10 for this one though.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews

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