What do you think?
Rate this book
Ada Lace Adventures #1
Ada Lace, on the Case
From Emily Calandrelli—host of Xploration Outer Space , correspondent on Bill Nye Saves the World , and graduate of MIT—comes the first novel in a brand-new chapter book series about an eight-year-old girl with a knack for science, math, and solving mysteries with technology.
Ada Lace—third-grade scientist and inventor extraordinaire—has discovered something her neighbor’s beloved Yorkie has been dognapped!
With the assistance of a quirky neighbor named Nina (who is convinced an alien took the doggie) and her ever-growing collection of gadgets, Ada sets out to find the wrongdoer. As their investigation becomes more and more mysterious, Ada and Nina grow closer, proving that opposites do, in fact, attract.
Ada Lace—third-grade scientist and inventor extraordinaire—has discovered something her neighbor’s beloved Yorkie has been dognapped!
With the assistance of a quirky neighbor named Nina (who is convinced an alien took the doggie) and her ever-growing collection of gadgets, Ada sets out to find the wrongdoer. As their investigation becomes more and more mysterious, Ada and Nina grow closer, proving that opposites do, in fact, attract.
128 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2017
108 people are currently reading
802 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
November 2, 2021
I really wanted to like this series, my kids like Emily Calandrelli's "Emily's Wonderlab" show and I love books that show children involved in science, especially applying it to real world situations. However, the series has left me a bit cold. It feels a little whiny and mean-spirited at times... I don't think it's meant to, but I just don't always like the way the kids talk to one another and some of the situations and attitudes are just not ones that I would like my children to emulate.
In this book, Ada uses gecko gloves to climb to her neighbor's second-story window to spy on him (while wearing a cast!) and sets up surveillance cameras to spy on neighbors. It's supposed to be done to help find a "missing" dog but it's all just so absurd and irritating, why didn't Ada just ask her parents if they could go talk to the neighbor missing the dog and find out what happened to it?! I get that kids like to "spy" sometimes... but it's one thing to do it around family or friends in good-natured play way, it's another thing when you are outright invading other people's privacy! She doesn't get in trouble for it, and even when her conscience ever so slightly wakes up for one paragraph, it's quickly silenced and the neighbor who was being spied on just shrugs it all off like it was no big deal.
I really am not more impressed with the other books in the series and only read them because my son wanted to read the series and I wanted to know what he was reading. The sibling relationship is obnoxious and uncaring. Too much purposely juvenile humor, potty humor and such, that just feels pandering. And I can't remember which book had the "spanking machine" threat in it but just, NO THANK YOU. Also, the science connections felt pretty thin, which really surprised me given the author's background. If you want STEM books for your kids, I highly suggest looking elsewhere. Ellie, Engineer and Zoey and Sassafras Books 1-6 Pack are both excellent series. For younger kids, Dream Machine is nice.
Ada Lace Sees Red another absurd premise, how would no one have noticed she's color blind, especially when her dad is an art teacher!? The sibling relationship is really obnoxious, too. The boys in the story are all unappealing. Just, no thanks.
Ada Lace, Take Me to Your Leader The redeeming value in this one is that we learn that our first impressions of people might be wrong, or that we might learn we have things in common that could forge a friendship where before there was only animosity.
Ada Lace and the Impossible Mission Again, not the sort of role modeling I want for my kids. Here, Ada uses her science know-how to spy yet again and BREAK-IN to a room at the school because she doesn't trust her science partner enough that he did a good job and she just HAS to see the project before it's submitted. What!?
In this book, Ada uses gecko gloves to climb to her neighbor's second-story window to spy on him (while wearing a cast!) and sets up surveillance cameras to spy on neighbors. It's supposed to be done to help find a "missing" dog but it's all just so absurd and irritating, why didn't Ada just ask her parents if they could go talk to the neighbor missing the dog and find out what happened to it?! I get that kids like to "spy" sometimes... but it's one thing to do it around family or friends in good-natured play way, it's another thing when you are outright invading other people's privacy! She doesn't get in trouble for it, and even when her conscience ever so slightly wakes up for one paragraph, it's quickly silenced and the neighbor who was being spied on just shrugs it all off like it was no big deal.
I really am not more impressed with the other books in the series and only read them because my son wanted to read the series and I wanted to know what he was reading. The sibling relationship is obnoxious and uncaring. Too much purposely juvenile humor, potty humor and such, that just feels pandering. And I can't remember which book had the "spanking machine" threat in it but just, NO THANK YOU. Also, the science connections felt pretty thin, which really surprised me given the author's background. If you want STEM books for your kids, I highly suggest looking elsewhere. Ellie, Engineer and Zoey and Sassafras Books 1-6 Pack are both excellent series. For younger kids, Dream Machine is nice.
Ada Lace Sees Red another absurd premise, how would no one have noticed she's color blind, especially when her dad is an art teacher!? The sibling relationship is really obnoxious, too. The boys in the story are all unappealing. Just, no thanks.
Ada Lace, Take Me to Your Leader The redeeming value in this one is that we learn that our first impressions of people might be wrong, or that we might learn we have things in common that could forge a friendship where before there was only animosity.
Ada Lace and the Impossible Mission Again, not the sort of role modeling I want for my kids. Here, Ada uses her science know-how to spy yet again and BREAK-IN to a room at the school because she doesn't trust her science partner enough that he did a good job and she just HAS to see the project before it's submitted. What!?
July 31, 2018
- Children lie to parents and spy (with cameras/tablets) on their neighbors.
- Parents lack discretion and put their children in potentially dangerous situations.
- The "case" could have been solved with just a bit of honesty.
- Characters are not developed enough to be loved.
- Parents lack discretion and put their children in potentially dangerous situations.
- The "case" could have been solved with just a bit of honesty.
- Characters are not developed enough to be loved.
August 20, 2017
Ada Lace, on the Case
by Emily Calandrelli
Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Children's Fiction
Pub Date 29 Aug 2017
I am reviewing a copy of Ada Lace on the Case through Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing and Netgalley:
Ada Lace is an eight year old third grade scientist with a knack for solving cases using technology. Soon Ada learns her neighbors Yorkie is Dognapped, and her quirky neighbor Nina is certain it was aliens that kidnapped her dog.
During the case Nina grows in Ada, teaching her that opposites do attract.
Wil Ada be able to find the wrong doer, and gets Nina's dog back? Find out in Ada Lace on the Case five out of five stars.
Happy Reading!
August 30, 2017
Arrived hot off the presses. The twin 9-year olds said 'why did you get us another book --we have a huge stack' then proceeded to take a look and finish without ever putting it down then request the next in the series and handed to sister who did the same! They loved it! For parents, its definitely more 2nd grade/early 3rd grade reading level but clearly appealed to the 1st and 4th graders in our home.
October 8, 2017
I bought this book for my daughter Zoë because I thought she would enjoy it. She is a 7 year old in a STEM school, and Ada Lace is an 8 year old girl who uses STEM to solve problems and mysteries.
Zoë really enjoyed the book, and I wanted to read it, too. I thought if I read it, it would be easier to discuss it with her. I am overjoyed that Zoë enjoyes reading, and want to do all I can to encourage it. So I read the book, and I think I loved it even more than Zoë did!
Ada is a great character, and a good role model for kids. She shows that STEM is not only important, but also fun and cool. She also shows that girls can excel in these areas just as much as boys. Being the father of a bright, inquisitive girl, I especially love this character!
I would definitely give this book my highest recommendation. I will definitely be picking up the second one next time I am at the book store. This time, I think I am going to read it first!
Zoë really enjoyed the book, and I wanted to read it, too. I thought if I read it, it would be easier to discuss it with her. I am overjoyed that Zoë enjoyes reading, and want to do all I can to encourage it. So I read the book, and I think I loved it even more than Zoë did!
Ada is a great character, and a good role model for kids. She shows that STEM is not only important, but also fun and cool. She also shows that girls can excel in these areas just as much as boys. Being the father of a bright, inquisitive girl, I especially love this character!
I would definitely give this book my highest recommendation. I will definitely be picking up the second one next time I am at the book store. This time, I think I am going to read it first!
March 22, 2021
Have some serious talks with your kids about trespassing, invasion of privacy and stalking. Observations are great but installing spy cameras facing your neighbors bedroom windows and connecting them to a child's tablet is not plotlines I would advocate for young readers. Nor would attempted break ins and checking people's garbage cans. These are pretty dangerous and not the kid friendly detective story I was hoping for. She has some great vocabulary and an inquisitive mind but we had to use this as a "not the best way to solve a mystery" example.
I will pre-read the other books because I wanted to like the characters and have a female Nate the Great or Encyclopedia Brown.
I will pre-read the other books because I wanted to like the characters and have a female Nate the Great or Encyclopedia Brown.
July 4, 2024
I was disappointed with this first in a series. This book is like Hitchcock’s Rear Window but it’s a child in a leg cast who is using binoculars and a remote camera to watch her neighbors.
My concerns stem from thinking it’s being promoted as ok to use technology to basically be a “peeping Tom” and also break into a home. None of the adults in this story seem to have an issue with this behavior, which increased my concerns for this target child audience.
Parents should always review what their kids are reading and discuss with them appropriate behavior and consequences for their actions.
My concerns stem from thinking it’s being promoted as ok to use technology to basically be a “peeping Tom” and also break into a home. None of the adults in this story seem to have an issue with this behavior, which increased my concerns for this target child audience.
Parents should always review what their kids are reading and discuss with them appropriate behavior and consequences for their actions.
March 25, 2017
Fun mystery novel perfect for fans of Nate the Great. Ada moves into a new neighborhood and makes friends with Nina. Together they try to solve the mystery of the missing dog.
Ada and Nina have an argument, but they also make up. They both jump to conclusions about people, but are often proved wrong.
This series will appeal to many students.
Ada and Nina have an argument, but they also make up. They both jump to conclusions about people, but are often proved wrong.
This series will appeal to many students.
February 7, 2022
I read this along with my kids for their bookclub. It's for 6-9 year old so I didn't like some of the language used- an older man called a weirdo for no good reason. The parts where the girls were spying on neighbors were very cringey but made for a good discussion with my kids for why we shouldn't do such things in real life. I don't think there was real consequence to the girl's actions. They were easily forgiven. The author could have added another paragraph with the mom talking in more detail about why their actions were so wrong and having both girls think about if the situation was reversed- what if Milton had spied into their bedrooms? Gross right? If a boy did that to a girl there would be a lot more to say! Books like these are supposed to teach our kids life lessons and I think there was a missed opportunity here.
September 26, 2025
I read this with my 8 year old for her book club. I wasn’t particularly impressed with the way they spy on neighbors and attempt to break into a house, but other than that, it was a fun read for the girls. I like that the series is STEM related and we enjoyed coming up with similar activities for her book club; we did a detective activity and science experiment with her friends and they loved it.
September 1, 2018
Ada Lace, 3rd grader scientist, is the heroine of a new STEM-based chapter book series. Here she studies the ecosystem of her new neighborhood in San Francisco with her new friend, Nina, and solves a mystery about a lost dog as she gets to know the neighbors.
January 22, 2021
Great book with science explanations to read with my 9yo.
November 7, 2020
We adore the author so, so much, but not the book.
I was expecting this book to have more science in it. Instead, I kept thinking it was giving my kids bad ideas about boundaries. Basically it’s set up like the Alfred Hitchcock movie “Rear Window” in that the main character is injured and watches her apartment complex out her window.
What I didn’t love was:
1. There are zero personal boundaries, so the many character basically runs wild and does whatever she wants throughout the space.
2. The main character and her friend put a camera in a tree to spy on neighbors. If my kids decide to do this, big trouble and possible legal repercussions. Eeeks.
3. The main character’s friend climbs a tall tree to sneak into a neighbor’s apartment through a window.
4. The main character makes a new friend and is stand offish at first because the friend is different. Differences aren’t really addressed positively. Instead, Ada comes across as judgmental.
5. Ada and her friend fight and don’t resolve it in a healthy way.
6. Ada and her friend are kind of mean bullies to a boy who lives in the apartment complex. Not cool.
There just isn’t the cool science I was expecting and hoping for from Emily.
Starting the second book now...
I was expecting this book to have more science in it. Instead, I kept thinking it was giving my kids bad ideas about boundaries. Basically it’s set up like the Alfred Hitchcock movie “Rear Window” in that the main character is injured and watches her apartment complex out her window.
What I didn’t love was:
1. There are zero personal boundaries, so the many character basically runs wild and does whatever she wants throughout the space.
2. The main character and her friend put a camera in a tree to spy on neighbors. If my kids decide to do this, big trouble and possible legal repercussions. Eeeks.
3. The main character’s friend climbs a tall tree to sneak into a neighbor’s apartment through a window.
4. The main character makes a new friend and is stand offish at first because the friend is different. Differences aren’t really addressed positively. Instead, Ada comes across as judgmental.
5. Ada and her friend fight and don’t resolve it in a healthy way.
6. Ada and her friend are kind of mean bullies to a boy who lives in the apartment complex. Not cool.
There just isn’t the cool science I was expecting and hoping for from Emily.
Starting the second book now...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 11, 2017
Ada Lace is new in town and her mom wants her to make friends before school starts. She meets Nina and the two of them start observing life in Juniper Gardens, which is their neighborhood. As the two get to know the habits of the people who live around them, they come to believe that someone has kidnapped a neighbor’s dog. It will take all their powers of observation, and then some, to solve the case.
Ada Lace, On the Case is a series about a girl who loves science and logic. She has pet turtles, an imaginative younger brother, and she uses technology to solve mysteries. While she doesn’t always come to the right conclusions at first, she’s open to reviewing evidence that will help her change her mind.
Renée Kurilla’s illustrations go along with the cute story perfectly. It’s a great idea for a series and it’s sure to inspire kids ages 8 to 11 to turn their observation skills to the world around them.
The publisher provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Ada Lace, On the Case is a series about a girl who loves science and logic. She has pet turtles, an imaginative younger brother, and she uses technology to solve mysteries. While she doesn’t always come to the right conclusions at first, she’s open to reviewing evidence that will help her change her mind.
Renée Kurilla’s illustrations go along with the cute story perfectly. It’s a great idea for a series and it’s sure to inspire kids ages 8 to 11 to turn their observation skills to the world around them.
The publisher provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
July 7, 2017
Ada Lace is an eight year old mystery solver who uses modern techie devices to help her. And in this series opener, she also needs the assistance of a new friend who is very different from her. Target audience for this book seems to be grades 3-5 which is right where my library patrons are. Mysteries are not typically a popular genre with my students, but this book offers more than just a "who done it." Ada is the new kid in town and must make new friends in her neighborhood of very diverse characters. There is a bully, a dog or two, an inventor, a dating couple and others. Readers will connect with Ada as she makes mistakes in the friend making and in her mystery solving. The eye-catching illustrations will add to the appeal. (Review of digital ARC from Edelweiss Above the Treeline)
August 29, 2018
Ada Lace has just moved to a new neighborhood but she's stuck inside because of a broken leg. Her window overlooks a courtyard where her neighbors are active. She decides to practice her scientific observation skills and is soon convinced that the dog of one of her neighbors has been kidnapped. Her new neighbor girl Nina agrees to help do the legwork of their exploration and find out who took the little dog.
This is like a mashup of Hitchcock's Rear Window with a junior detective club starring science/tech savvy 3rd grade girls. Ada and Nina push the boundaries of what's allowable in investigations (especially invading people's privacy), but I think they learn their lesson. Hand this to kids who like to read about junior sleuths and tech savvy kids.
No content issues.
This is like a mashup of Hitchcock's Rear Window with a junior detective club starring science/tech savvy 3rd grade girls. Ada and Nina push the boundaries of what's allowable in investigations (especially invading people's privacy), but I think they learn their lesson. Hand this to kids who like to read about junior sleuths and tech savvy kids.
No content issues.
December 19, 2020
Awkwardly contrived beginning to the series. In the next adventure, she won't be all "Rear Window" spying, and will hopefully have learned from her many mistakes. Kids, do not try this at home, especially using gecko gloves (while wearing a cast, no less!), and spying inside neighbors' homes.
April 15, 2017
Great addition to elementary to middle grade libraries! Definite purchase for our library.
March 30, 2021
Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.
February 25, 2021
Sanaya talks Books:
I like reading Ada Lace because I learn so much about technology. I like Ada Lace because she also makes a robot like I made one. I love that she does not give up and tries her best and she shares her ideas with other people and that helps her to learn more technology.
Mommy likes:
Ada Lace is a third grader who loves everything science. She loves tinkering and designing gadgets. The series is a look at her life with her best friend Nina and their neighbor and classmate Milton.
The series has 5 books at the moment. The author of the book is a former NASA engineer and has also hosted an EMMY award winning show Xploration Outer Space. Her knowledge on science thus comes across throughout the book and hence for older kids it would definitely be interesting. I particularly liked the book where Ada gets a ham radio and can communicate with the space station. I think it was pretty cool.
Mommy dislikes:
My major issue with the book was the use of heavy scientific words throughout the book. This makes the books too didactic. Though most of the major terms have been explained at the end of the book in detail, as a chapter book intended for 6 yrs old too, the writing seems too technical.
The second issue was the voice of Ada in the book. She is shown as an 8 yr old child but her mannerisms and tone suggest at least a tween if not a teen.
Verdict:
It's a good series for kids interested in Science. Older kids might enjoy it too. For younger one's we can wait till we feel they are ready to read it as the scientific concepts might be little difficult for them to understand and grasp.
I like reading Ada Lace because I learn so much about technology. I like Ada Lace because she also makes a robot like I made one. I love that she does not give up and tries her best and she shares her ideas with other people and that helps her to learn more technology.
Mommy likes:
Ada Lace is a third grader who loves everything science. She loves tinkering and designing gadgets. The series is a look at her life with her best friend Nina and their neighbor and classmate Milton.
The series has 5 books at the moment. The author of the book is a former NASA engineer and has also hosted an EMMY award winning show Xploration Outer Space. Her knowledge on science thus comes across throughout the book and hence for older kids it would definitely be interesting. I particularly liked the book where Ada gets a ham radio and can communicate with the space station. I think it was pretty cool.
Mommy dislikes:
My major issue with the book was the use of heavy scientific words throughout the book. This makes the books too didactic. Though most of the major terms have been explained at the end of the book in detail, as a chapter book intended for 6 yrs old too, the writing seems too technical.
The second issue was the voice of Ada in the book. She is shown as an 8 yr old child but her mannerisms and tone suggest at least a tween if not a teen.
Verdict:
It's a good series for kids interested in Science. Older kids might enjoy it too. For younger one's we can wait till we feel they are ready to read it as the scientific concepts might be little difficult for them to understand and grasp.
July 6, 2019
“Ada Lace, on the Case” by Emily Calandrelli is among the best chapter books I’ve read!
It’s an exciting mystery adventure full of modern technology (wireless camera, tablet, drone, robot) and great scientific concepts, such as Occam’s razor and Turing Test, which are introduced in a fun and engaging way.
I really love the main character Ada. This 8-year-old girl has an analytical mind, loves field guides and always refers to scientific evidence. She considers that making cool gadgets (e.g. gecko gloves) and upgrading the old ones (e.g. walkie-talkie) is the best possible pastime.
The story starts with Ada being stuck at home because of a broken leg. The fact that she’s just moved to the new neighborhood doesn’t help. However, her quiet and uneventful life turns upside down when she meets Nina, a quirky, superstitious girl with all sorts of wild theories. And when a neighbor’s dog suddenly disappears, Nina is the only person who can help Ada solve the mystery and find the dognapper. As a result, the seeming opposites get closer and develop a true friendship.
I also liked the wealth of supporting characters – from Ada’s energetic little brother Elliott to lovely Ms. Reed – each adding a unique touch to the story.
This chapter book has a lot to be loved for: interesting characters, engaging plot, nice black & white illustrations and modern technology. It’ll surely be an instant hit for any STEM-loving kid!
It’s an exciting mystery adventure full of modern technology (wireless camera, tablet, drone, robot) and great scientific concepts, such as Occam’s razor and Turing Test, which are introduced in a fun and engaging way.
I really love the main character Ada. This 8-year-old girl has an analytical mind, loves field guides and always refers to scientific evidence. She considers that making cool gadgets (e.g. gecko gloves) and upgrading the old ones (e.g. walkie-talkie) is the best possible pastime.
The story starts with Ada being stuck at home because of a broken leg. The fact that she’s just moved to the new neighborhood doesn’t help. However, her quiet and uneventful life turns upside down when she meets Nina, a quirky, superstitious girl with all sorts of wild theories. And when a neighbor’s dog suddenly disappears, Nina is the only person who can help Ada solve the mystery and find the dognapper. As a result, the seeming opposites get closer and develop a true friendship.
I also liked the wealth of supporting characters – from Ada’s energetic little brother Elliott to lovely Ms. Reed – each adding a unique touch to the story.
This chapter book has a lot to be loved for: interesting characters, engaging plot, nice black & white illustrations and modern technology. It’ll surely be an instant hit for any STEM-loving kid!
December 2, 2020
Book Title: Ada Lace, on the Case
Author/Illustrator: Emily Calandrelli & Tamson Weston/Renee Kurilla
Reading Level: LG
Book Level: 4.0
Book Summary: Ada Lace, a 3rd grade scientist and inventor extraordinaire tries to solve the mystery of a neighbor's dog being dognapped. She enlists the help of Nina, a quirky neighborhood girl and the two try to unravel the mystery while finding out they have more in common with each other than they thought.
Bookshelf Genre: Contemporary-Realistic Fiction
Bookshelf Mentor Writing Traits:
Organization-The author does a good job of introducing the characters in the first part of the story then developing the relationships and the plot in the middles, than comes up with a satisfying and fun conclusion. A young writer could look at this example of beginning, middle, and end but could come up with their own variation. Instead of introducing the characters first, they could introduce the setting or the set-up of the story. The characters would need to come soon, but readers can get behind if they know the setting is going to be fun and mysterious and then see the characters navigate that setting. Providing options for writing structure, then developing those through the writing process can encourage and create good, disciplined writers.
Author/Illustrator: Emily Calandrelli & Tamson Weston/Renee Kurilla
Reading Level: LG
Book Level: 4.0
Book Summary: Ada Lace, a 3rd grade scientist and inventor extraordinaire tries to solve the mystery of a neighbor's dog being dognapped. She enlists the help of Nina, a quirky neighborhood girl and the two try to unravel the mystery while finding out they have more in common with each other than they thought.
Bookshelf Genre: Contemporary-Realistic Fiction
Bookshelf Mentor Writing Traits:
Organization-The author does a good job of introducing the characters in the first part of the story then developing the relationships and the plot in the middles, than comes up with a satisfying and fun conclusion. A young writer could look at this example of beginning, middle, and end but could come up with their own variation. Instead of introducing the characters first, they could introduce the setting or the set-up of the story. The characters would need to come soon, but readers can get behind if they know the setting is going to be fun and mysterious and then see the characters navigate that setting. Providing options for writing structure, then developing those through the writing process can encourage and create good, disciplined writers.
September 2, 2018
Ada Lace, on the Case is the first book in a new series that shows a lot of potential. The first book seems to set up who Ada is and that she has a deep love of science and exploration. In this book, Ada and her family have just moved to San Francisco and, to add insult to injury, she has broken her leg. Since she can't go outside much, she winds up keeping a field guide of her neighborhood to keep herself occupied. She winds up befriending a neighborhood girl who joins her on her voyeuristic adventure. When the find that a neighbor's dog seems to have disappeared, they go on the case to find out what happened to her.
This is a neat combination of science, mystery, and friendship aimed at kids transitioning from really short books to slightly longer chapter books. There are black and white illustrations on some of the pages and the plot is not difficult to follow. I love that there are new transitional chapter books that have such strong characters and interesting plots. While I didn't love this book, the others in the series look pretty amazing and I've already encouraged our librarian to purchase them.
This is a neat combination of science, mystery, and friendship aimed at kids transitioning from really short books to slightly longer chapter books. There are black and white illustrations on some of the pages and the plot is not difficult to follow. I love that there are new transitional chapter books that have such strong characters and interesting plots. While I didn't love this book, the others in the series look pretty amazing and I've already encouraged our librarian to purchase them.
January 29, 2021
Last Fall we really enjoyed watching Emily’s Wonder Lab. When I saw that Emily Calandrelli had a children’s book series I knew it was one we had to read.
Ada Lace, on the Case is the first in the Ada Lace Adventures series. This one surprised me a bit. Given the author, I expected it to be more “science-y,” similar to the Zoey and Sassafras series. Although it shouldn’t have been a surprise based on the title, this was much more of a mystery story.
It reminded me of a younger Harriet the Spy. Or for another comparison, a much milder Rear Window. Given those comparisons, it’s likely not surprising to hear that Ada and her new friend Nina make some questionable decisions trying to find out what happened to a neighbor’s dog.
In some ways though my opinion doesn’t matter as much, because my daughter really enjoyed them. Given the author I’m up for the next too, especially seeing the second in the series does look to be more science based.
4/5
Ada Lace, on the Case is the first in the Ada Lace Adventures series. This one surprised me a bit. Given the author, I expected it to be more “science-y,” similar to the Zoey and Sassafras series. Although it shouldn’t have been a surprise based on the title, this was much more of a mystery story.
It reminded me of a younger Harriet the Spy. Or for another comparison, a much milder Rear Window. Given those comparisons, it’s likely not surprising to hear that Ada and her new friend Nina make some questionable decisions trying to find out what happened to a neighbor’s dog.
In some ways though my opinion doesn’t matter as much, because my daughter really enjoyed them. Given the author I’m up for the next too, especially seeing the second in the series does look to be more science based.
4/5
September 23, 2017
A fun chapter book full of mystery. Eight-year-old Ada Lace and her family have just moved from West Virginia to San Francisco. Ada is stuck in her bedroom because of a broken ankle. To pass the time, she keeps a “field journal” of everything she sees from her bedroom window. Through her observations, she notices that a neighbor’s dog has disappeared!
Ada and one of the girls in the neighborhood, Nina, work together to try to solve the case. They have some crazy ideas about what might have happened to the dog. They use science and technology to test their hypotheses. The resulting story is entertaining and enjoyable! The author’s notes provide additional details about some of the science used in the book.
I received an advance reader copy of the book in exchange for my unbiased review.
Ada and one of the girls in the neighborhood, Nina, work together to try to solve the case. They have some crazy ideas about what might have happened to the dog. They use science and technology to test their hypotheses. The resulting story is entertaining and enjoyable! The author’s notes provide additional details about some of the science used in the book.
I received an advance reader copy of the book in exchange for my unbiased review.
August 31, 2021
I was thrilled to finally read the first book in this series. I am intrigued by the dual authorship, and it seems to have worked well. The characters are interesting and series-worthy. The author succeeds in making a very stem-forward character. The plot of the first book is reminiscent of Rear Window, so how can you go wrong? Not exactly what I expected but fun and perfect for the target age. Unless you have readers who will try anything a fictional character does. Spoiler: they never address that it's wrong to peek into your neighbor's windows. I have always loved Renee's illustrations but was disappointed a major descriptor wasn't drawn correctly. The man wearing coveralls (an important story clue) was repeatedly drawn wearing a track suit. Can't wait to read the next installment
January 18, 2023
I really enjoyed this book - it was a fun enjoyable clean children's - Young Young middle grade book to read. Ada Lace is similar to Nancy Drew - Ada is a Mystery Sleuth and this book is way too cute and adorable.
There are more books in the Ada Lace Adventure Mystery Series
I highly recommend this Series - this book
I give this Book 5/5 Stars.....
I love reading this type of book - they are clean - the chapters are short - the book itself is short.
I am going to be reading the rest of the books in this Series. I will get them from my local Library.
I bought this book from Book Outlet.
Happy Reading....
There are more books in the Ada Lace Adventure Mystery Series
I highly recommend this Series - this book
I give this Book 5/5 Stars.....
I love reading this type of book - they are clean - the chapters are short - the book itself is short.
I am going to be reading the rest of the books in this Series. I will get them from my local Library.
I bought this book from Book Outlet.
Happy Reading....
July 30, 2023
Finally a modern book that has a happy, healthy family dynamic. Ada is a girl who, along with her parents and her brother, just moved across the country. She is dealing with being in a new place and being away from her best friend but she is also dealing being holed up with a broken leg. She starts observing her new neighborhood and does lie to her parents about the fact that she and her new friend are investigating the case of a missing dog by watching from her window and setting up wireless cameras. She does come clean at the end of the story. It is a cute book for an early chapter book reader.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 15, 2018
Fun mystery book! A little more difficult for an easy chapter book, but more rewarding IMO. Lots of info about science, but it blends naturally into the book, and Ada and Nina balance each other out well.
Ada is a rising third grader who has just moved. She likes science and gadgets, and decided to keep a field journal of her neighborhood ecosystem. Along with her new neighbor, Nina, she discovers a possible crime in her neighborhood. Her field journal becomes more of a spy journal and Nina and Ada work together to solve the mystery.
Ada is a rising third grader who has just moved. She likes science and gadgets, and decided to keep a field journal of her neighborhood ecosystem. Along with her new neighbor, Nina, she discovers a possible crime in her neighborhood. Her field journal becomes more of a spy journal and Nina and Ada work together to solve the mystery.
April 5, 2024
My kids adored Emily's Wonderlab on Netflix, and when I saw that Emily Calandrelli wrote a book series chock full of STEM topics with a girl protagonist, I was so excited I bought the whole series. My 7-year-old and I are reading through the chapter books and have greatly enjoyed Ada Lace on the Case. Though it was a bit strange to have Ada use video cameras, binoculars, and a telescope to spy on her neighbors, the characters were fun, the mystery was intriguing, and the vocabulary was impressive. We have already started to dive into the second book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews