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Something Stinks!
Dead fish are washing ashore on the Higdon River, and seventh grader Emily Sanders decides to find out why. Mocked by her fellow students and abandoned by her best friend, Emily investigates farms, a golf course, and local factories. Gradually she persuades friends to help her test the waters. Their investigations lead them into trouble with the law and confrontation with the town’s most powerful citizen. Can a handful of determined seventh graders find out the true source of the stink in the Higdon River?
- GenresScience
185 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2013
3 people are currently reading
181 people want to read
About the author
Gail Hedrick
10 books38 followers Gail Hedrick, middle-grade fiction author, freelance writer, editor, proofreader, and former teacher in the physical education field, reads the sports section everyday, loving the stories behind the scores. Spurred to write herself, after her first piece sold, she was hooked. With subjects ranging from how-to’s, fitness, and etiquette to mysteries, she is read by kids and teens everywhere. She grew up on a lake in Michigan, spent many years on the lakes and rivers of Virginia and North Carolina, and now lives in Bradenton, Florida, and can be reached at www.gailehedrick.com.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 2, 2014
"Something Stinks" by Gail Henrick which I won through Goodreads Giveaways is a riveting adventure for pre-teens that combines mystery, environmental issues and a corporate cover-up. It begins when dead fish wash ashore on the riverbank near Emily Sander's uncle and aunt's farm. When an inspector investigates he dismisses the case because the water tests clean, the big companies upstream are governed by state regulations, and the golf club at River Landing has taken precautionary measures to avoid pollution of the waterway. But Emily feels there is more to the mystery especially when she learns this incident has occurred before. When she's appointed the assistant editor of her school paper Emily begins an investigation but her research and the outcome could cost more than she expects. Not only does she lose a friend, but she's challenged by the town's most powerful citizen.
The plot is uniquely imaginative, educational and captivating from the first page to the last as Emily and her friends begin to unravel clues to the mystery that sets them in opposition to a sportswear company and its employees. In this tale of greed, power and thoughtless pollution are elements of friendship, and loyalty as Emily's enemies seem to outnumber her friends as she draws closer to the truth. In a skilful blending the author draws together the maturing of a grade seven girl in body and outlook with her interest in saving the environment and its surprising insights.
The characters are well-developed and very realistic especially Emily who's perceptive, determined and brave for a 7th grader. Her best friend Leanne, struggling with the weight of responsibility after her parents split is easily enthralled by a rich and possessive acquaintance at school. She becomes easily manipulated and quickly distances herself from Emily. Cynthia Carver is a snobbish fashionista who's patronizing and bossy while Sam Wheeler, the new transfer student from Greensboro and editor of the school paper is a snide egotistical know-it-all until his viewpoint and admiration for Emily changes. Mary Cantrell, a talented and motivated researcher enlisted by Emily becomes a trusted and supportive friend. I liked all the characters especially Emily, Mary and Sam whose personalities evolve as they learn to appreciate and depend on each other in their quest to uncover the truth behind the mystery.
This is an imaginative and educational story, I couldn't put down and highly recommend to all pre-teens.
The plot is uniquely imaginative, educational and captivating from the first page to the last as Emily and her friends begin to unravel clues to the mystery that sets them in opposition to a sportswear company and its employees. In this tale of greed, power and thoughtless pollution are elements of friendship, and loyalty as Emily's enemies seem to outnumber her friends as she draws closer to the truth. In a skilful blending the author draws together the maturing of a grade seven girl in body and outlook with her interest in saving the environment and its surprising insights.
The characters are well-developed and very realistic especially Emily who's perceptive, determined and brave for a 7th grader. Her best friend Leanne, struggling with the weight of responsibility after her parents split is easily enthralled by a rich and possessive acquaintance at school. She becomes easily manipulated and quickly distances herself from Emily. Cynthia Carver is a snobbish fashionista who's patronizing and bossy while Sam Wheeler, the new transfer student from Greensboro and editor of the school paper is a snide egotistical know-it-all until his viewpoint and admiration for Emily changes. Mary Cantrell, a talented and motivated researcher enlisted by Emily becomes a trusted and supportive friend. I liked all the characters especially Emily, Mary and Sam whose personalities evolve as they learn to appreciate and depend on each other in their quest to uncover the truth behind the mystery.
This is an imaginative and educational story, I couldn't put down and highly recommend to all pre-teens.
August 24, 2013
This review is courtesy of topoftheheapreviews.com
A middle grade level book about ecology and how the things we do can effect the environment around us you say? It was a book I had to take a peek at and see just how well something like this could be done.
It can be really difficult to target the middle grade readers. A lot of them are reading above their level, and a lot are reading at or below. In this eco-saavy novel, Gail Hedrick is able to explore the life of a middle-school teen, and the trials and tribulations they go through, as well as sensitive subject matter. What’s very nice about this novel, is that Gail doesn’t assume anything, but doesn’t treat the reader like they don’t understand what they’re reading.
The characters are at the same time endearing, and ugly. Those that abandon Emily, or mock her, show just how harsh people can be. It’s always rough being in school, and you’ll find your bullies. Where in Emily you have a character that shows tenacity, and following through and believing in yourself. Gail weaves this in very well without being over the top. It’s real.
Another nice thing she does is present the facts of the situations. Just how far reaching trying to take back some of the ecosystem can reach with people in power, and how she’ll make enemies before she makes friends. Not once do I think the reader will get lost in all of this. It’s expertly worded without talking down to the reader.
The Bottom Line: I think this is an important book. Any book tackling the subject of pollution and the planet’s Eco-system, even on a small level is going to be tough to do. Writing it for the early teens is even tougher. Gail Hedrick nails it though from start to finish. The characters are very real, and the mystery is well told with no real plot holes that I could find. You just can’t ask for a better way of conveying the information. It’s a fantastic read, and I guarantee that you’ll learn something along the way!
A middle grade level book about ecology and how the things we do can effect the environment around us you say? It was a book I had to take a peek at and see just how well something like this could be done.
It can be really difficult to target the middle grade readers. A lot of them are reading above their level, and a lot are reading at or below. In this eco-saavy novel, Gail Hedrick is able to explore the life of a middle-school teen, and the trials and tribulations they go through, as well as sensitive subject matter. What’s very nice about this novel, is that Gail doesn’t assume anything, but doesn’t treat the reader like they don’t understand what they’re reading.
The characters are at the same time endearing, and ugly. Those that abandon Emily, or mock her, show just how harsh people can be. It’s always rough being in school, and you’ll find your bullies. Where in Emily you have a character that shows tenacity, and following through and believing in yourself. Gail weaves this in very well without being over the top. It’s real.
Another nice thing she does is present the facts of the situations. Just how far reaching trying to take back some of the ecosystem can reach with people in power, and how she’ll make enemies before she makes friends. Not once do I think the reader will get lost in all of this. It’s expertly worded without talking down to the reader.
The Bottom Line: I think this is an important book. Any book tackling the subject of pollution and the planet’s Eco-system, even on a small level is going to be tough to do. Writing it for the early teens is even tougher. Gail Hedrick nails it though from start to finish. The characters are very real, and the mystery is well told with no real plot holes that I could find. You just can’t ask for a better way of conveying the information. It’s a fantastic read, and I guarantee that you’ll learn something along the way!
November 13, 2013
A staple middle-grade novel—sure to awaken the science-genius within. Something Stinks is nationally recognized by the NSTA-CBC Outstanding Science Committee, and well-deserved considering it’s both educational and entertaining in nature.
Upon meeting Emily Sanders, a seventh grader, she finds herself in the middle of dead fish on the property of her aunt and uncle’s apple orchard. Obviously, the dead fish are burning Emily’s nostrils and she vows to get to the bottom of whatever is going on. The only thing standing in her way seems to be the fact that her parents are a one-computer household with some strict Internet search restrictions. She endures some setbacks on her mission to get to the bottom of the Higdon River stink; her best friend, Leanne, abandons her for the rich, new girl in town, “Snotty Cynthia” (a major emotional crisis for any seventh grade girl).
When Emily’s investigation about possible river pollution for the school newspaper is rejected by Sam, the attractive editor, she becomes even more determined. With a little help—she can get to the bottom of this. With some (crazy) theories to sift through—this seemingly fearless heroine stops at nothing to further her investigation; she confronts the head of a major town business alone, gets involved with secret testing, and social humiliation is unavoidable along the way. All of which leads to a rather surprising conclusion regarding, not only the Higdon River and the stinking fish, but friendships as well.
Compared to other middle-grade novellas, Hedrick’s (Danger at Baird’s Den, 2010) writing embodies authentic emotional, coming-of-age issues that readers will appreciate and identify with. This is a fast-paced read with well-developed, dynamic characters and relevant scientific lessons presented in an exciting way via Emily’s investigation.
Upon meeting Emily Sanders, a seventh grader, she finds herself in the middle of dead fish on the property of her aunt and uncle’s apple orchard. Obviously, the dead fish are burning Emily’s nostrils and she vows to get to the bottom of whatever is going on. The only thing standing in her way seems to be the fact that her parents are a one-computer household with some strict Internet search restrictions. She endures some setbacks on her mission to get to the bottom of the Higdon River stink; her best friend, Leanne, abandons her for the rich, new girl in town, “Snotty Cynthia” (a major emotional crisis for any seventh grade girl).
When Emily’s investigation about possible river pollution for the school newspaper is rejected by Sam, the attractive editor, she becomes even more determined. With a little help—she can get to the bottom of this. With some (crazy) theories to sift through—this seemingly fearless heroine stops at nothing to further her investigation; she confronts the head of a major town business alone, gets involved with secret testing, and social humiliation is unavoidable along the way. All of which leads to a rather surprising conclusion regarding, not only the Higdon River and the stinking fish, but friendships as well.
Compared to other middle-grade novellas, Hedrick’s (Danger at Baird’s Den, 2010) writing embodies authentic emotional, coming-of-age issues that readers will appreciate and identify with. This is a fast-paced read with well-developed, dynamic characters and relevant scientific lessons presented in an exciting way via Emily’s investigation.
November 15, 2014
Quite honored to connect with Gail Hedrick and get the chance to interview, read, and review her book.
My thoughts on Something Stinks!: Appreciated every minute of this book. This is a wonderful coming of age story with a friendship dissolving and main character trying to figure out who she is outside of the friendship. She is also discovering her strengths, interests, and passions as well. I loved the overall actions in this story that center around Emily trying to find out why dead fish are washing ashore along the river. Appreciated how organic farming and various factories located along the river are scientifically investigated. Also, thought how the investigations led to finding out the answer to a mystery adults could not figure out was quite brilliant. This is a perfect science inquiry book for a classroom to read and discuss and perhaps gain inspiration to experiment with water, practice data collection and analysis, and discuss contamination and what quality water is in the local neighborhood.
My thoughts on Something Stinks!: Appreciated every minute of this book. This is a wonderful coming of age story with a friendship dissolving and main character trying to figure out who she is outside of the friendship. She is also discovering her strengths, interests, and passions as well. I loved the overall actions in this story that center around Emily trying to find out why dead fish are washing ashore along the river. Appreciated how organic farming and various factories located along the river are scientifically investigated. Also, thought how the investigations led to finding out the answer to a mystery adults could not figure out was quite brilliant. This is a perfect science inquiry book for a classroom to read and discuss and perhaps gain inspiration to experiment with water, practice data collection and analysis, and discuss contamination and what quality water is in the local neighborhood.
February 20, 2014
"Something Stinks" by Gail Hedrick was given to me in exchange for an honest review.
I thought this was a fantastic story for any kids in grade school. It follows the protagonist, who is a bit of a rebel in her own right, dealing with the drama of middle school changes such as losing best friends and making new ones, discovering an interest in boys and boys discovering an interest in her.
But all of that is revealed through a dynamic tale of discovering who or what is killing all the fish in the river. Emily is on a mission for truth and it almost costs her everything. The book uses this topic to explain the impact our actions have on the environment, each other, and society in a way that is not only kid friendly, but very entertaining.
Awarded as an Outstanding Science Trade Book by the National Science Teacher's Association, "Something Stinks" is a must read for anyone who likes science, mystery, and just plain fun.
I thought this was a fantastic story for any kids in grade school. It follows the protagonist, who is a bit of a rebel in her own right, dealing with the drama of middle school changes such as losing best friends and making new ones, discovering an interest in boys and boys discovering an interest in her.
But all of that is revealed through a dynamic tale of discovering who or what is killing all the fish in the river. Emily is on a mission for truth and it almost costs her everything. The book uses this topic to explain the impact our actions have on the environment, each other, and society in a way that is not only kid friendly, but very entertaining.
Awarded as an Outstanding Science Trade Book by the National Science Teacher's Association, "Something Stinks" is a must read for anyone who likes science, mystery, and just plain fun.
May 14, 2015
*NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Books for 2015*
Emily Sanders is a seventh grade student who takes initiative to find out the cause of all of the stench invading Higdon River. After finding tons of dead fish that have surfaced on her property, Emily comes to the conclusion that the river has been polluted and begins to inform those around her of the atrocity. Through secret testing and investigation, Emily finds out that a greedy company is at the hand of this issue! Through her investigation, not only is she criticized by adults in her area but also her peers!
This book would be best adapted for grades 4-7 because of the content and reading level.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book and would definitely love to have this book in my classroom library or even read this as a whole class read.
I give this book a 5/5!
Pages - 183
Tags - Environment, Pollution, Greed, Fish, Newspaper
Emily Sanders is a seventh grade student who takes initiative to find out the cause of all of the stench invading Higdon River. After finding tons of dead fish that have surfaced on her property, Emily comes to the conclusion that the river has been polluted and begins to inform those around her of the atrocity. Through secret testing and investigation, Emily finds out that a greedy company is at the hand of this issue! Through her investigation, not only is she criticized by adults in her area but also her peers!
This book would be best adapted for grades 4-7 because of the content and reading level.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book and would definitely love to have this book in my classroom library or even read this as a whole class read.
I give this book a 5/5!
Pages - 183
Tags - Environment, Pollution, Greed, Fish, Newspaper
April 2, 2018
This book is a fiction book about ecology and the environment that we affect surrounding of us. This book can be a little bit difficult to young readers but students who are interested in environment can enjoy it becuase they can be immersed in the protagonist.
June 23, 2013
Ecology Lesson for Kids
By Michael Thal
Emily Sanders is starting seventh grade and is about to learn a few valuable life lessons—people change and so do relationships and investigative reporting could prove dangerous.
Gail Hedrick, author of Danger at Baird’s Den, brings us another middle grade novel about pre-teen life with the backdrop of Virginia. With a breezy writing style that leaves images in the reader’s mind, Something Stinks tells Emily’s story.
The pre-teen is shocked by the nasty stench coming from her aunt and uncle’s home. Dead fish have gone belly up in the otherwise pristine Higdon River flowing through their backyard. Emily believes the culprit causing the ecological nightmare is one of the factories up river.
So begins an investigation that causes the young girl to lose a few friends and make unwanted enemies. But Emily is resolute and won’t give up until she finds out who’s polluting Higdon River.
Something Stinks is a fun read no matter what age group you may fall
By Michael Thal
Emily Sanders is starting seventh grade and is about to learn a few valuable life lessons—people change and so do relationships and investigative reporting could prove dangerous.
Gail Hedrick, author of Danger at Baird’s Den, brings us another middle grade novel about pre-teen life with the backdrop of Virginia. With a breezy writing style that leaves images in the reader’s mind, Something Stinks tells Emily’s story.
The pre-teen is shocked by the nasty stench coming from her aunt and uncle’s home. Dead fish have gone belly up in the otherwise pristine Higdon River flowing through their backyard. Emily believes the culprit causing the ecological nightmare is one of the factories up river.
So begins an investigation that causes the young girl to lose a few friends and make unwanted enemies. But Emily is resolute and won’t give up until she finds out who’s polluting Higdon River.
Something Stinks is a fun read no matter what age group you may fall
June 18, 2015
I received a free copy of the book from Tumblehome Learning in return for my honest review and thoroughly enjoyed reading the book.
"Something Stinks" by Gail Hedrick is a fascinating novel for pre-teens that includes a wonderful mix of adventure, some risk, some insight into life of middle school students and a whole lot more. An easy read and the kind of book one needs to read from beginning to end, preferably without putting the book down.
The book helps the young student to be inspired to get involved with their studying and to continue learning outside of the classroom. It teaches the importance of developing one's own interests, of trusting ones intuition and seeing through a project even when others do not believe you or understand what you are doing.
The book also teaches important values such as trust, compassion, environmental awareness, honesty, friendship.
The book is well written and there is much to be gained from reading this book.
This review is written by
Shoshanah Shear
Occupational Therapist
"Something Stinks" by Gail Hedrick is a fascinating novel for pre-teens that includes a wonderful mix of adventure, some risk, some insight into life of middle school students and a whole lot more. An easy read and the kind of book one needs to read from beginning to end, preferably without putting the book down.
The book helps the young student to be inspired to get involved with their studying and to continue learning outside of the classroom. It teaches the importance of developing one's own interests, of trusting ones intuition and seeing through a project even when others do not believe you or understand what you are doing.
The book also teaches important values such as trust, compassion, environmental awareness, honesty, friendship.
The book is well written and there is much to be gained from reading this book.
This review is written by
Shoshanah Shear
Occupational Therapist
August 7, 2015
A lot of things change during middle school. Emily is discovering that her friends are looking and behaving in unexpected ways, and she isn’t sure how to react. On top of that, piles of fish are dying in the river near her uncle and aunt’s farm, and Emily wants to know why. Is it run off from local farms, pesticides from a nearby golf course, or pollutants from a local factory that are causing the fish to die? Will she be able to solve the mystery without getting into trouble and losing all her friends?
Can a middle-grade novel like this one promote STEM? In fact it is likely to inspire young readers who might otherwise avoid science to give it a chance because it reveals how science can have important real-world applications. At the same time the characters are not hardcore science whizzes, but kids who many middle-grade readers will find easy to recognize, with problems that are relatable.
Something Stinks! was chosen by the National Science Teachers Association – Children’s Book Council’s Outstanding Science Committee as an Outstanding Science Trade Book in 2014.
Can a middle-grade novel like this one promote STEM? In fact it is likely to inspire young readers who might otherwise avoid science to give it a chance because it reveals how science can have important real-world applications. At the same time the characters are not hardcore science whizzes, but kids who many middle-grade readers will find easy to recognize, with problems that are relatable.
Something Stinks! was chosen by the National Science Teachers Association – Children’s Book Council’s Outstanding Science Committee as an Outstanding Science Trade Book in 2014.
January 16, 2015
It started off slow but I think kids will read it. The science and environmental story, along with teenagers trying to solve the mystery makes for a good elem/middle school book that highlights facts and friendship.
July 28, 2016
I love the gumption of the narrator, a 7th grader who's negotiating friends and body image but keeps the bigger picture in mind. She doesn't let indifference or peer pressure to conform deter her from solving an environmental mystery.
January 8, 2015
Emily Sanders is a 7th grader whose best friend has ditched her for a popular new girl whose father belongs to the country club and owns a textile factory where many of the people in town work.
January 27, 2016
Good read! Kept me reading the whole time. Definitely a good book for higher grade elementary students
August 26, 2016
Great "environmental fiction" book that tells a fun story wrapped around good scientific information
April 13, 2017
Something Stinks has received the Outstanding Science Trade Book award. With awards being given out left, right, and center, it is refreshing to see a book that has definitely earned its accolade. It is a fiction book, but the reader learns a great deal about water pollution, especially with regard to industry.
Emily is determined to find out why fish are showing up dead on the river banks by her aunt and uncle’s home. Her small town is suffering from job loss, so Emily’s investigations are less than popular. She decides to focus on an exposé for the school newspaper. Whatever industry she points the finger at may mean disaster for the company and, subsequently, the workers.
To make matters worse, her lifetime best friend, Leanne, is pulling away and hooking up with Cynthia, who is rich, spoiled, and bossy. Throw in more complications: her research is pointing toward the textile factory that employees many townspeople, Cynthia’s father owns that factory, the editor of the school newspaper is dating Cynthia, and Leanne wants Emily to leave things alone because she is maxed out on family drama. When trying to obtain water samples, Emily breaks the law and finds herself, and her new friends, in deep trouble.
As Emily researches the reader learns about incidents that can cause the death of fish such as a rise in temperature, dyes leaking into the water, and pesticides used by farms or golf courses.
The book is written in a comfortable style, with believable dialogue and enough suspense to keep the reader engaged. The editing is flawless. Each character is distinct and realistic. Emily becomes the reader’s hero, and like her, we want the fish killings resolved.
This would be a great book for readers aged 8 to 14. As an adult, I wasn’t bored for a minute and read it in one sitting.
A copy of this book was generously donated by the author to my Little Free Library.
Emily is determined to find out why fish are showing up dead on the river banks by her aunt and uncle’s home. Her small town is suffering from job loss, so Emily’s investigations are less than popular. She decides to focus on an exposé for the school newspaper. Whatever industry she points the finger at may mean disaster for the company and, subsequently, the workers.
To make matters worse, her lifetime best friend, Leanne, is pulling away and hooking up with Cynthia, who is rich, spoiled, and bossy. Throw in more complications: her research is pointing toward the textile factory that employees many townspeople, Cynthia’s father owns that factory, the editor of the school newspaper is dating Cynthia, and Leanne wants Emily to leave things alone because she is maxed out on family drama. When trying to obtain water samples, Emily breaks the law and finds herself, and her new friends, in deep trouble.
As Emily researches the reader learns about incidents that can cause the death of fish such as a rise in temperature, dyes leaking into the water, and pesticides used by farms or golf courses.
The book is written in a comfortable style, with believable dialogue and enough suspense to keep the reader engaged. The editing is flawless. Each character is distinct and realistic. Emily becomes the reader’s hero, and like her, we want the fish killings resolved.
This would be a great book for readers aged 8 to 14. As an adult, I wasn’t bored for a minute and read it in one sitting.
A copy of this book was generously donated by the author to my Little Free Library.
December 14, 2017
Something stinks, by Gail Hedrick, is about a girl, Emily Sanders, who goes to her uncle and aunt's house one day and there's dead fish washed up on the shore of their tree farm. At school she decides to join the school newspaper to keep her mind off her ex-best friend. They ask for ideas to write about and she brings up the idea of trying to figure out why fish washed up, but people think it’s stupid so they turn it down but she’s determined to write about it. While at the same time this is all happening her best friend, Leanne, was being taken over by another girl, Cynthia. Leanne abounded Emily, so she had to also look for new friends. She meets a new girl,Mary, in the newspaper club. They end up being good friends. In the end she gets enough proof that a big company was causing all the fish to die and was able to write a story on it.
I thought the book was pretty good. I don’t think it was really in my reading level but it was still pretty good. It was really funny and it was kind of a mystery and so it made me want to keep reading. I would recommend this.
I think this book would be good for like 5th or 6th graders. It had really easy vocabulary and it was a short book.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews