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Found Sound
A delightfully harmonious mother-son collaboration from bestselling author Meg Wolitzer and audio-producer Charlie Panek about a sound-inspired scavenger hunt.
Felix used to love summer vacations, when his family would trade the bustling noise of New York City for the small-town quiet of Blissfield, Massachusetts. But summer hasn't been the same for Felix since his bad-boy big brother, Dylan, left home and his genius younger brother, Miles, started attending a camp for child prodigies.
After Felix discovers a mysterious musical clue, he joins forces with Marigold, the eccentric girl who lives next door, to follow a string of clues on a sound-related scavenger hunt through town. From experimental musicians to frequencies that turn into pictures, the pair learn that sound is so much more than what we can hear. But as the hunt builds to a crescendo, Felix begins to wonder—and worry—about the secret identity of the anonymous puzzle-maker behind the adventure.
Felix used to love summer vacations, when his family would trade the bustling noise of New York City for the small-town quiet of Blissfield, Massachusetts. But summer hasn't been the same for Felix since his bad-boy big brother, Dylan, left home and his genius younger brother, Miles, started attending a camp for child prodigies.
After Felix discovers a mysterious musical clue, he joins forces with Marigold, the eccentric girl who lives next door, to follow a string of clues on a sound-related scavenger hunt through town. From experimental musicians to frequencies that turn into pictures, the pair learn that sound is so much more than what we can hear. But as the hunt builds to a crescendo, Felix begins to wonder—and worry—about the secret identity of the anonymous puzzle-maker behind the adventure.
223 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 21, 2026
About the author
Meg Wolitzer
50 books3,068 followersMeg Wolitzer is the New York Times–bestselling author of The Interestings, The Uncoupling, The Ten-Year Nap, The Position, The Wife, and Sleepwalking. She is also the author of the young adult novel Belzhar. Wolitzer lives in New York City.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
April 12, 2026
3.5⭐️
Wow, I found other review to be way harsh and some failing to remember the intended audience.
Is it the best Middle Grade I’ve ever read? No, it isn’t but it was interesting and explored several challenges that middle grade reader would potentially face IRL.
I appreciated the friendship, the outside peer pressure, sibling challenges, fears and more. The sound scavenger hunt was fun to go on!
I think many young reader will love exploring this book and it even gives them the info of how to get started in their own interest in sound.
Wow, I found other review to be way harsh and some failing to remember the intended audience.
Is it the best Middle Grade I’ve ever read? No, it isn’t but it was interesting and explored several challenges that middle grade reader would potentially face IRL.
I appreciated the friendship, the outside peer pressure, sibling challenges, fears and more. The sound scavenger hunt was fun to go on!
I think many young reader will love exploring this book and it even gives them the info of how to get started in their own interest in sound.
April 23, 2026
This was a cute and refreshingly original middle grade novel but for some reason I just didn't find myself fully invested in the story or the characters. Not one for me and that's okay. Younger readers might enjoy the friendship, music and whimsy of this one which was good on audio.
April 22, 2026
staff rec blurb, may 26: With his brainiac little brother in tow and his day camp flooded, for Felix Frank, the dog days of summer seem endless, and time spent in Blissfield, MA feel anything but. That is, until an afternoon of boardgames with Felix's neighbor, Marigold, turns into a summer-long scavenger hunt! Literary icon Meg Wolitzer teams up with her son, musician Charlie Panek, for this fun new mystery rooted in STEM and sound design!
April 23, 2026
A little slow to start but then it takes off! I love Meg Wolitzer and will read anything she writes!
Also, some great science included in the story. Could make a good class read as an intro to a science of sound or intro to Garage Band unit.
Also, some great science included in the story. Could make a good class read as an intro to a science of sound or intro to Garage Band unit.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
I wasn’t sure about this as I was reading since the treasure hunt didn’t seem compelling enough, but it really came together in the end. A sibling story to give to fans of John David Anderson’s Keep It Like a Secret.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is my first Meg Wolitzer, and I don't want to say it's my last because, based on other ARC reviews, this one doesn't seem universally well-liked; however, I'm not clamoring to pick up another of her novels. This is a bummer because the idea was incredibly intriguing and unique, and it started off decently strong. Felix and Marigold are unique characters with distinct traits and good banter. Unfortunately, they never evolve past that. From the get-go, Felix and Marigold have no personal stake in the scavenger hunt, and "boredom" is not a strong enough hook to get me to believe in their investment. Furthermore, this lack of concrete goals and character arcs (which, while presented, are immediately sidelined by the narrative) means that when the book introduces conflict in the third act, it does not land.
However, I could ignore the character issues if the scavenger hunt was well-written. It is not. The best way to describe it is "unpropulsive", and that's being generous. Felix and Marigold rarely get stumped for longer than a scene, and the book lacks any dead ends or red herrings, which makes it feel too easy. By the end, it felt like I'd read a first draft desperately in need of both a developmental and line edit. For example, at multiple points in the book, I read a phrase and realized the authors ad used the wrong word. The only light at the end of the tunnel was an admittedly sweet ending, even if it further illuminated my major problem with the characters (which I won't get into for spoiler reasons).
However, I could ignore the character issues if the scavenger hunt was well-written. It is not. The best way to describe it is "unpropulsive", and that's being generous. Felix and Marigold rarely get stumped for longer than a scene, and the book lacks any dead ends or red herrings, which makes it feel too easy. By the end, it felt like I'd read a first draft desperately in need of both a developmental and line edit. For example, at multiple points in the book, I read a phrase and realized the authors ad used the wrong word. The only light at the end of the tunnel was an admittedly sweet ending, even if it further illuminated my major problem with the characters (which I won't get into for spoiler reasons).
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
I looked at the reviews before reading this and was surprised by how low they were, because Meg Wolitzer is a terrific author of both children's and adult books. But having finished it, I am giving it a three and considered even giving it a 2.
There were several sequences discussing sound, particularly the one in the science institute, that I really had to slog through. It's been decades since I took physics, but the discussion here of sound would definitely intimidate some of the kids this is intended for. In fact,it may make them abandon reading this. And that's sad, because the authors clear intention was to inspire kids to do their own experiments.
Above all, the ending is contrived and not very believable at all. I finished this book feeling let down despite the very very happy ending, and am not going to purchase it for our collection.
Important note: if you are not familiar with the idea of a "spoiler," it means giving away plot twists so that the reader knows what's going to happen before it happens, spoiling their chance to read it for themselves.There is a very long "review" here that is really just a recitation of the entire plot of the book. That's not how to write a book review. A brief outline of the plot in general is fine. Retelling the entire story is not!
There were several sequences discussing sound, particularly the one in the science institute, that I really had to slog through. It's been decades since I took physics, but the discussion here of sound would definitely intimidate some of the kids this is intended for. In fact,it may make them abandon reading this. And that's sad, because the authors clear intention was to inspire kids to do their own experiments.
Above all, the ending is contrived and not very believable at all. I finished this book feeling let down despite the very very happy ending, and am not going to purchase it for our collection.
Important note: if you are not familiar with the idea of a "spoiler," it means giving away plot twists so that the reader knows what's going to happen before it happens, spoiling their chance to read it for themselves.There is a very long "review" here that is really just a recitation of the entire plot of the book. That's not how to write a book review. A brief outline of the plot in general is fine. Retelling the entire story is not!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
**Review: ★★★☆ (3.5 stars)**
This book is a creative and interesting story that mixes mystery, music, and family life in a unique way. One of the best parts is the scavenger hunt Felix goes on with his neighbor Marigold. The clues are fun to follow, and it keeps you wanting to know what will happen next.
The story does feel a little slow in some parts, especially when it focuses more on background details. However, the scavenger hunt sections really pick up the pace and make the book more exciting.
Felix’s family struggles also feel very real. His brothers are both dealing with their own changes, and Felix sometimes feels left out. These kinds of family issues are relatable to things kids experience today, like siblings growing up, changing friendships, and feeling a bit left behind.
Overall, this is an engaging book with a good mystery and meaningful family moments, even if it takes a little time to get fully going.
This book is a creative and interesting story that mixes mystery, music, and family life in a unique way. One of the best parts is the scavenger hunt Felix goes on with his neighbor Marigold. The clues are fun to follow, and it keeps you wanting to know what will happen next.
The story does feel a little slow in some parts, especially when it focuses more on background details. However, the scavenger hunt sections really pick up the pace and make the book more exciting.
Felix’s family struggles also feel very real. His brothers are both dealing with their own changes, and Felix sometimes feels left out. These kinds of family issues are relatable to things kids experience today, like siblings growing up, changing friendships, and feeling a bit left behind.
Overall, this is an engaging book with a good mystery and meaningful family moments, even if it takes a little time to get fully going.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
A wonderful, funny, evocative book where you actually learn something (and what you learn is INTERESTING, too, not boring or a slog). The plot: Felix returns to his old summer haunt with his family, though his older brother is missing - why? we will find out in due time. Felix then makes friends with his next door neighbor, Marigold (love this name for a girl) - and then they find a mysterious box and...I can't say the rest because to do that would spoil all the fun and momentum. Even better this book was written by Meg Wolitzer (everyone knows who she is) and her SON, Charlie Panek. Ever heard of that before? Me neither!
READ this book, you won't regret it and if you are a parent you'll get as much of a kick out of it as your teens...
READ this book, you won't regret it and if you are a parent you'll get as much of a kick out of it as your teens...
March 28, 2026
Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC. There are some interesting experiences that occur as Felix and Marigold complete the mystery game left in the closet, but it didn’t feel compelling enough most of the time and more as an opportunity to drop sound facts. The family layer needed a bit more characterization to make them more rounded and add to their importance.
If it had added in the above pieces, it could easily have been turned into a book to use in 4-6 grades as a foundational novel for a study involving science and music.
If it had added in the above pieces, it could easily have been turned into a book to use in 4-6 grades as a foundational novel for a study involving science and music.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
4.5
A great mystery/scavenger hunt story with a very sweet surprise at the end! A classic: big city kid goes on holiday in a small town, befriends a local, and they team up solving a mystery. This book takes the trope and turns the volume up a notch. Filled with interesting information about sounds, this book has the perfect balance of fun and intrigue. It kept me wondering who was leaving all these clues until the very end, and I was delighted with the surprise! A great book for all kids, especially middle children who struggle with siblings! Highly enjoyable!
A great mystery/scavenger hunt story with a very sweet surprise at the end! A classic: big city kid goes on holiday in a small town, befriends a local, and they team up solving a mystery. This book takes the trope and turns the volume up a notch. Filled with interesting information about sounds, this book has the perfect balance of fun and intrigue. It kept me wondering who was leaving all these clues until the very end, and I was delighted with the surprise! A great book for all kids, especially middle children who struggle with siblings! Highly enjoyable!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Netgalley for providing a free advance copy of this book. This story has some interesting aspects, however, it is not an engaging read. I would have liked to see more character development and plot development.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Review of arc for NetGalley
I’ve never thought much about the science of sound. This book definitely got me thinking more about that. But unfortunately sound was the most interesting thing in the book. I never really connected to any of the characters and the family drama felt forced and unnatural to me. The book was also very slow and didn’t pick up until close to the end. I love stories about treasure hunts, but this just wasn’t interesting enough to keep my attention. That said, I did like the friendship between Felix and Marigold. I thought it was well written, and I was glad that it didn’t turn into them having crushes on each other. I never do enjoy that.
I’m sure this book will find an audience that loves it, but it wasn't for me. I’m glad to have left with some new knowledge about sound, though.
I’ve never thought much about the science of sound. This book definitely got me thinking more about that. But unfortunately sound was the most interesting thing in the book. I never really connected to any of the characters and the family drama felt forced and unnatural to me. The book was also very slow and didn’t pick up until close to the end. I love stories about treasure hunts, but this just wasn’t interesting enough to keep my attention. That said, I did like the friendship between Felix and Marigold. I thought it was well written, and I was glad that it didn’t turn into them having crushes on each other. I never do enjoy that.
I’m sure this book will find an audience that loves it, but it wasn't for me. I’m glad to have left with some new knowledge about sound, though.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Felix Frank's family spends their summers away from their cramped New York City apartment in Blissfield, Massachusetts. They swap houses with the Lees, and Felix attends a Fun in the Sun summer camp while his "genius" younger brother Miles goes to the Young Achievers of Massachusetts program at the Institute of Science. The house is much nicer, but has a problem with the basement steps this year, so they can't go down there. Older brother Dylan was a problem teen, who had altercations with Felix, and he lives on his own and rarely visits. When Felix's camp is closed due to a septic tank explosion, he is at loose ends until he meets quirky next door neighbor, Marigold Tanizaki-Weathers. When the two open a box in Danny Lee's room that says "Open Me", they embark on a curious scavenger hunt involving a lot of sounds. They find the "tallest thing" in town at Crest Creek Forest, and there's an "old fashioned" library circulation card in the tree. At the library, the book related to the card isn't in the system, but they find it on the shelf. It has a musical clue in it that leads them to the historical society, where they learn about musical cryptograms. Following ADEADBED up at the cemetery, they are instructed to find a room without echoes, and Miles says that there is one at the Institute. The anechoic chamber makes both children sick, but Felix gets a tune stuck in his head... which ends up being an ice cream truck tune. They sneak out at night to find the truck, which has a website listed on it, but they get in trouble when the owner calls their parents. They end up creating a song of "found sounds" to submit to a website, and eventually enter a contest with the local DJ Midnight. Felix is a little creeped out by one of the clues, but this doesn't stop him and Marigold from venturing around town to gather them. He reaches out to his parents, who are not concerned, and his brother Dylan for comfort, but gets no help. Eventually, the two friends figure out the answers and who was responsible for the scavenger hunt. Felix is also able to come to terms with his relationship with his brother.
Strengths: This was a nicely paced, very readable book that I enjoyed spending time with. The idea of a house swap is fantastic; I'd love to hear about what the Lee family did in New York City. Blissfield is a fun town, with plenty of places within biking distance for the kids to visit. Marigold and Felix, both rising 6th graders, feel a bit unseen and friendless, and since both are at a loss for things to do (Marigold is an only child) for the summer, are more than happy to hang out together. They complement each other well. Felix's family dynamics simmer in the background, and I had my suspicions about who was behind the scavenger hunt, but everything came together well. The clues are fairly easy to find, and not hidden in areas too difficult to access. There's a little bit of friction between Felix and Marigold at one point, but that makes sense. At 226 pages, it's a great length. The publisher website lists this for grades 2-6, but I think even my 8th graders would read this.
Weaknesses: It seemed odd that no one was concerned about who put all the clues around town, but perhaps the parents were in on the ruse. I know that Mr. Pacek is a sound engineer, but some of the science of sound bogs the story down a tiny bit. Did like learning about the anechoic chamber, though.
What I really think: Readers who are interested in sound engineering will certainly be glad to see this title, and it's also a great book to hand to readers who enjoyed summer tales involving new towns or scavenger hunts, like Janowitz's All the Ways to Go, Durst's Spy Ring, Renn's The Owl Prowl Mystery, St. Antoine's Three Bird Summerand Little's Worse Than Weird.
Felix Frank's family spends their summers away from their cramped New York City apartment in Blissfield, Massachusetts. They swap houses with the Lees, and Felix attends a Fun in the Sun summer camp while his "genius" younger brother Miles goes to the Young Achievers of Massachusetts program at the Institute of Science. The house is much nicer, but has a problem with the basement steps this year, so they can't go down there. Older brother Dylan was a problem teen, who had altercations with Felix, and he lives on his own and rarely visits. When Felix's camp is closed due to a septic tank explosion, he is at loose ends until he meets quirky next door neighbor, Marigold Tanizaki-Weathers. When the two open a box in Danny Lee's room that says "Open Me", they embark on a curious scavenger hunt involving a lot of sounds. They find the "tallest thing" in town at Crest Creek Forest, and there's an "old fashioned" library circulation card in the tree. At the library, the book related to the card isn't in the system, but they find it on the shelf. It has a musical clue in it that leads them to the historical society, where they learn about musical cryptograms. Following ADEADBED up at the cemetery, they are instructed to find a room without echoes, and Miles says that there is one at the Institute. The anechoic chamber makes both children sick, but Felix gets a tune stuck in his head... which ends up being an ice cream truck tune. They sneak out at night to find the truck, which has a website listed on it, but they get in trouble when the owner calls their parents. They end up creating a song of "found sounds" to submit to a website, and eventually enter a contest with the local DJ Midnight. Felix is a little creeped out by one of the clues, but this doesn't stop him and Marigold from venturing around town to gather them. He reaches out to his parents, who are not concerned, and his brother Dylan for comfort, but gets no help. Eventually, the two friends figure out the answers and who was responsible for the scavenger hunt. Felix is also able to come to terms with his relationship with his brother.
Strengths: This was a nicely paced, very readable book that I enjoyed spending time with. The idea of a house swap is fantastic; I'd love to hear about what the Lee family did in New York City. Blissfield is a fun town, with plenty of places within biking distance for the kids to visit. Marigold and Felix, both rising 6th graders, feel a bit unseen and friendless, and since both are at a loss for things to do (Marigold is an only child) for the summer, are more than happy to hang out together. They complement each other well. Felix's family dynamics simmer in the background, and I had my suspicions about who was behind the scavenger hunt, but everything came together well. The clues are fairly easy to find, and not hidden in areas too difficult to access. There's a little bit of friction between Felix and Marigold at one point, but that makes sense. At 226 pages, it's a great length. The publisher website lists this for grades 2-6, but I think even my 8th graders would read this.
Weaknesses: It seemed odd that no one was concerned about who put all the clues around town, but perhaps the parents were in on the ruse. I know that Mr. Pacek is a sound engineer, but some of the science of sound bogs the story down a tiny bit. Did like learning about the anechoic chamber, though.
What I really think: Readers who are interested in sound engineering will certainly be glad to see this title, and it's also a great book to hand to readers who enjoyed summer tales involving new towns or scavenger hunts, like Janowitz's All the Ways to Go, Durst's Spy Ring, Renn's The Owl Prowl Mystery, St. Antoine's Three Bird Summerand Little's Worse Than Weird.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Found Sound is a delightful middle grade novel that works on many levels; there is an adventure story, a friendship story, and a family story, and they all weave together in an way that will have great appeal to young readers. Highly recommended for fans of Ellen Raskin and E. L. Konigsburg. Bonus: I knew nothing (apparently) about how sound works and now I'm fanscinated - a great segue read for science curricula and library programming.
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