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Frederik Sandwich #1
Frederik Sandwich and the Earthquake that Couldn't Possibly Be
At the age of eleven Frederik Sandwich awakens to an earthquake that couldn’t possibly be. His town is nowhere near a fault line and no earthquake has ever been recorded there. But when he questions what could have caused the shaking, he realizes he may have uncovered more than he bargained for.
Desperately wanting to know what happened, but not the type of person to break rules or push adults for answers, Frederik is lucky (or not, depending on how you look at it) to meet a mysterious stranger, Pernille. She is the sort of person to break rules and demand answers, and is determined to partner with him to get to the bottom of the mystery. It’s a mystery that will lead the two outsiders through abandoned train tunnels, into hidden library rooms, and to the shadowy corridors of City Hall in the dead of night as they try to figure out what could have caused inexplicable rumblings in their small town.
A delightfully strange and hilarious debut novel perfect for Lemony Snicket and Trenton Lee Stewart fans—the first book in a new middle-grade mystery series that will keep you guessing and laughing all along the way.
Desperately wanting to know what happened, but not the type of person to break rules or push adults for answers, Frederik is lucky (or not, depending on how you look at it) to meet a mysterious stranger, Pernille. She is the sort of person to break rules and demand answers, and is determined to partner with him to get to the bottom of the mystery. It’s a mystery that will lead the two outsiders through abandoned train tunnels, into hidden library rooms, and to the shadowy corridors of City Hall in the dead of night as they try to figure out what could have caused inexplicable rumblings in their small town.
A delightfully strange and hilarious debut novel perfect for Lemony Snicket and Trenton Lee Stewart fans—the first book in a new middle-grade mystery series that will keep you guessing and laughing all along the way.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published February 1, 2018
37 people are currently reading
354 people want to read
About the author
Kevin John Scott
2 books10 followersKevin John Scott started making up stories in England, at the age of six. “How many paces does it take to walk around the whole school?” his teacher asked the class. “Go and find out.”
“Seventeen million, six hundred and eighty thousand,” Kevin reported back, with confident swagger, a half hour later, having spent the intervening period staring at clouds.
“No,” said Mrs. Ogilvie. “Incorrect.” And Kevin, bewildered by her near-psychic intuition, resolved to get a great deal better at making up stories.
Many years on, Kevin has the experience of a dozen peculiar occupations, all over the world. Detective, computer nerd, actor and entrepreneur. Scandinavia, America, the Balkans. And all of it in search of stories. The more peculiar the better.
He writes mischievous adventures for all ages. He lives near Seattle with a comedienne, and a small boy disguised as a whirlwind.
www.kevinjohnscott.com
@_kevinjohnscott
email news sign-up: http://www.kevinjohnscott.com/#contact
“Seventeen million, six hundred and eighty thousand,” Kevin reported back, with confident swagger, a half hour later, having spent the intervening period staring at clouds.
“No,” said Mrs. Ogilvie. “Incorrect.” And Kevin, bewildered by her near-psychic intuition, resolved to get a great deal better at making up stories.
Many years on, Kevin has the experience of a dozen peculiar occupations, all over the world. Detective, computer nerd, actor and entrepreneur. Scandinavia, America, the Balkans. And all of it in search of stories. The more peculiar the better.
He writes mischievous adventures for all ages. He lives near Seattle with a comedienne, and a small boy disguised as a whirlwind.
www.kevinjohnscott.com
@_kevinjohnscott
email news sign-up: http://www.kevinjohnscott.com/#contact
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
March 13, 2018
This is so good. The intended audience is probably pre-teen to early teen. This was incredibly delightful to read. The word play and the alliteration is so good and so sophisticated that it makes it fun to read for any age. The story is definitely geared young but it's fun and fast paced and the characters are quirky and more than one dimensional which so often happens in middle grade lit. So often for literature geared toward that age it's fun to read as a child but not so fun to read as an adult because the writing is too simple and the characters are too one dimensional (). But this was just plain fun to read. Seriously do yourself a favor and read this and pay attention to the alliteration. If it were read out loud it would be music on the ears. I would recommend this to anyone of any age.
February 19, 2018
Kevin John Scott’s debut middle grade mystery, Frederik Sandwich and the Earthquake that Couldn’t Possibly Be, is the first in a series about the corrupt and mysterious culture of the law-obsessed, overly-orderly town of Frederik’s Hill. Whimsical yet poignant, the novel explores what it means to be an outsider in one’s own hometown, and how institutionalized prejudice contributes to unwelcoming cultures.
And, most importantly, what even the smallest and most unlikely heroes can do to change the world around them.
The novel artfully balances the surreal and absurd elements of its setting against a political climate that echoes painful realities of our contemporary social landscape. Frederik’s Hill is a whimsical place where every store, street, and train platform are named Frederik – where the impossible happens daily on both a small and large scale, such as the passing of “hundreds of cyclists, thousands of them, everywhere” constantly in the streets. Yet it is also a town with a dark political underbelly (literally and figuratively, if you count its secret underground train).
For all its quirky hilarity, Frederik’s Hill is also a land that not-so-subtly rejects foreigners and uses diversity events for PR purposes, all while passing legislature to isolate newcomers and discourage equality. While the novel’s setting is fun and colorful throughout, it is also a critical depiction of our modern political landscape: one that rejects refugees and builds walls along international borders. Scott balances the absurd elements of his setting with those that ring painfully true, creating a fun and accessible work for young readers that maintains a meaningful message and packs a powerful punch.
Given the whimsical and surreal setting, the novel runs the risk of confusing readers early on, even before the meat of the mystery is introduced. What makes the novel work so well is, simply, Scott’s prose. Excepting the prologue, the author’s world-building takes place entirely in-scene and through the characters’ (and therefore readers’) interaction with their surroundings. On a micro-level, Scott develops vivid settings, character and action scenes through choppy sentences that focus on sensory detail over wordy descriptors. For instance, while Frederik searches the town library:
“The door creaked. An older room by far. Bare brick and oak panels. He closed the door behind him, listened for footsteps. Nothing. Safe inside.”
Or, as Frederik rushes to rescue his friend Pernille:
“He grabbed and heaved, and the gate swung open. Tipped him down the steps in a tumble. It made a devil of a noise. He looked around in panic. No one there. He picked himself up and ignored a sore elbow and limped through to the sliding door, a solid slab of steel. Open. Just a little. Just enough.”
The use of sensory detail – whether through Frederik’s vision, smell, or hearing – create a vivid and dynamic setting. The alternating sentence structure helps readers focus on the descriptors while also quickening the pace during tense scenes. It works well for a mystery, and particularly well for one that takes place in such a peculiar setting.
Ultimately, Frederik Sandwich and the Earthquake that Couldn’t Possibly Be is a page-turning, hilarious mystery/adventure about friendship and otherness. As Frederik uncovers the mysteries of his town, he unpacks his own prejudices, including those internalized against himself and his family due to years of exclusion. In the end he learns to celebrate himself and others like him – all with the promise of more mysteries to come, and justice to be served in the town of Frederik Hill.
And, most importantly, what even the smallest and most unlikely heroes can do to change the world around them.
The novel artfully balances the surreal and absurd elements of its setting against a political climate that echoes painful realities of our contemporary social landscape. Frederik’s Hill is a whimsical place where every store, street, and train platform are named Frederik – where the impossible happens daily on both a small and large scale, such as the passing of “hundreds of cyclists, thousands of them, everywhere” constantly in the streets. Yet it is also a town with a dark political underbelly (literally and figuratively, if you count its secret underground train).
For all its quirky hilarity, Frederik’s Hill is also a land that not-so-subtly rejects foreigners and uses diversity events for PR purposes, all while passing legislature to isolate newcomers and discourage equality. While the novel’s setting is fun and colorful throughout, it is also a critical depiction of our modern political landscape: one that rejects refugees and builds walls along international borders. Scott balances the absurd elements of his setting with those that ring painfully true, creating a fun and accessible work for young readers that maintains a meaningful message and packs a powerful punch.
Given the whimsical and surreal setting, the novel runs the risk of confusing readers early on, even before the meat of the mystery is introduced. What makes the novel work so well is, simply, Scott’s prose. Excepting the prologue, the author’s world-building takes place entirely in-scene and through the characters’ (and therefore readers’) interaction with their surroundings. On a micro-level, Scott develops vivid settings, character and action scenes through choppy sentences that focus on sensory detail over wordy descriptors. For instance, while Frederik searches the town library:
“The door creaked. An older room by far. Bare brick and oak panels. He closed the door behind him, listened for footsteps. Nothing. Safe inside.”
Or, as Frederik rushes to rescue his friend Pernille:
“He grabbed and heaved, and the gate swung open. Tipped him down the steps in a tumble. It made a devil of a noise. He looked around in panic. No one there. He picked himself up and ignored a sore elbow and limped through to the sliding door, a solid slab of steel. Open. Just a little. Just enough.”
The use of sensory detail – whether through Frederik’s vision, smell, or hearing – create a vivid and dynamic setting. The alternating sentence structure helps readers focus on the descriptors while also quickening the pace during tense scenes. It works well for a mystery, and particularly well for one that takes place in such a peculiar setting.
Ultimately, Frederik Sandwich and the Earthquake that Couldn’t Possibly Be is a page-turning, hilarious mystery/adventure about friendship and otherness. As Frederik uncovers the mysteries of his town, he unpacks his own prejudices, including those internalized against himself and his family due to years of exclusion. In the end he learns to celebrate himself and others like him – all with the promise of more mysteries to come, and justice to be served in the town of Frederik Hill.
November 17, 2017
It's a Little Edgy, and I Like It
In one sense this is a simple buddy/adventure. In another sense it's a pretty thorough examination of what it's like to be an outsider in a heavily regimented and closed society.
Frederik's parents are immigrants to Frederik Hill, but by gosh Frederik was born here! and feels he should be treated as an insider. No one else thinks that though, and so he is bullied mercilessly. Frederik is also small and passive, which doesn't bode well for him, even though we suspect that there is a hero within this smart, sensitive and observant boy. Then one night there's an earthquake, which Frederik knows to be impossible as a matter of geology and soil dynamics, (I told you he was smart). The next day Frederik is frustrated to find that all of the insiders have circled the wagons and decided to totally suppress any acknowledgment of whatever the event was. Frederik may be an unquestioning and rather timid rule-follower, but he also wants answers, darnit.
Enter Pernille, (rhymes with vanilla, she says). Pernille is the middle grade version of a manic pixie dream girl, but I mean that in the most positive way possible. She is the neighborhood weird girl, and unlike Frederik, who yearns to fit in, she revels in that distinction. She takes poor, diffident, rule following Frederik under her wing, and decides that the two of them will solve this earthquake mystery. (Here's my favorite Pernille line, and a good indicator of her character in the book: After Frederik admits he has never read "children's adventure literature" Pernille observes, "How tragic. No wonder you're at sea in mystery scenarios. I shall have to lead. Follow me." If that line tickles you then you'll love this book.)
Thereafter, and along the way, the two partners define their outsiderness, ally with other outsiders, and challenge the corrupt insiders. Also along the way they have exciting adventures, discover a strange world, (including a brilliantly described and atmospheric abandoned subway under Frederik Hill), delve into a Borgesian library, and learn that some rules were made to be challenged. I should note that the mystery itself is sort of wacky, but I didn't care about that at all.
At the outset this felt like a grim sort of bullyfest with Frederik suffering page after page of subtle and not so subtle humiliation. But, early on you realize that there is going to be a point to this, and the narration is just playful and whimsical and edgy enough that you know there is an underlying method and there will be relief eventually for poor Frederik. And of course once Pernille enters the picture, the book opens up into a glorious tale of Frederik loosening up and Pernille coming back a bit to Earth. Along the way there are numerous touching, sympathetic, funny, sad, and confused characters who aid or frustrate our heroes.
So, with two unusual and engaging heroes, tons of sly observations and throw-away lines, and a good deal of subtle irony, (and with an underlying edge regarding who belongs and who doesn't), this book struck me as an unmitigated success and a finely crafted treat for an ambitious reader with an appreciation for the awkward and the absurd. A nice find.
(Please note that I received a free advance ecopy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
In one sense this is a simple buddy/adventure. In another sense it's a pretty thorough examination of what it's like to be an outsider in a heavily regimented and closed society.
Frederik's parents are immigrants to Frederik Hill, but by gosh Frederik was born here! and feels he should be treated as an insider. No one else thinks that though, and so he is bullied mercilessly. Frederik is also small and passive, which doesn't bode well for him, even though we suspect that there is a hero within this smart, sensitive and observant boy. Then one night there's an earthquake, which Frederik knows to be impossible as a matter of geology and soil dynamics, (I told you he was smart). The next day Frederik is frustrated to find that all of the insiders have circled the wagons and decided to totally suppress any acknowledgment of whatever the event was. Frederik may be an unquestioning and rather timid rule-follower, but he also wants answers, darnit.
Enter Pernille, (rhymes with vanilla, she says). Pernille is the middle grade version of a manic pixie dream girl, but I mean that in the most positive way possible. She is the neighborhood weird girl, and unlike Frederik, who yearns to fit in, she revels in that distinction. She takes poor, diffident, rule following Frederik under her wing, and decides that the two of them will solve this earthquake mystery. (Here's my favorite Pernille line, and a good indicator of her character in the book: After Frederik admits he has never read "children's adventure literature" Pernille observes, "How tragic. No wonder you're at sea in mystery scenarios. I shall have to lead. Follow me." If that line tickles you then you'll love this book.)
Thereafter, and along the way, the two partners define their outsiderness, ally with other outsiders, and challenge the corrupt insiders. Also along the way they have exciting adventures, discover a strange world, (including a brilliantly described and atmospheric abandoned subway under Frederik Hill), delve into a Borgesian library, and learn that some rules were made to be challenged. I should note that the mystery itself is sort of wacky, but I didn't care about that at all.
At the outset this felt like a grim sort of bullyfest with Frederik suffering page after page of subtle and not so subtle humiliation. But, early on you realize that there is going to be a point to this, and the narration is just playful and whimsical and edgy enough that you know there is an underlying method and there will be relief eventually for poor Frederik. And of course once Pernille enters the picture, the book opens up into a glorious tale of Frederik loosening up and Pernille coming back a bit to Earth. Along the way there are numerous touching, sympathetic, funny, sad, and confused characters who aid or frustrate our heroes.
So, with two unusual and engaging heroes, tons of sly observations and throw-away lines, and a good deal of subtle irony, (and with an underlying edge regarding who belongs and who doesn't), this book struck me as an unmitigated success and a finely crafted treat for an ambitious reader with an appreciation for the awkward and the absurd. A nice find.
(Please note that I received a free advance ecopy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
March 5, 2018
Frederik Sandwich, though born in Frederik's Hill, has felt like an outsider his entire eleven years. Because his parents are foreigners, the kids tease him and treat him like an outcast. The only other person treated that way is Pernille, the young girl with olive skin and pure white hair.
Frederik always obeys the rules hoping to fit into the crowd. Pernille does the opposite, breaking all the rules. When an earthquake hits their town, everyone refuses to admit that they even felt the earth move, all but Frederik and Pernille.
Together they decide to find out the truth. They discover a long forgotten railroad line, underground water pipes, secret doorways, and a plot to assassinate the major. Can they save their town, the major, and stop the earthquakes?
My Thoughts-
This book cracked me up. From the get go it is just hilarious. The absurdity of all the rules, all the kids named Frederik, and Pernille's bizarre logic and adventure hero characteristics. At every turn the author throws in a phrase or situation that is absurd. Even all the letter I's in the book are written upside down.
Frederik and Pernille are quite the duo. They play off of each other perfectly. Somehow, in all their misadventures, they actually figure out the truth. The major is really a bad person. Now, here is where I had a problem. Thirty years ago an incident occurred caused by the major. She had the railroad closed, accused someone of attempted murder, and basically took over the town. BUT the author never tells us what exactly happened. UGH! Plus, the book ends with our duo finding out that the major is a bad lady, but there is no resolution on how to stop her and bring her evil deeds and bigotry into the light. I wonder if there is perhaps a second book coming? That would help solve the issue, but I don't have a clue. I'll cross my fingers, because this hilarious book really deserves a chance.
Kids will enjoy the antics of our super duo. The weirdness of the characters and the towns absolute adoration of the major and following the rules will give them pause for thought. I'm giving this book 4 stars!
Frederik always obeys the rules hoping to fit into the crowd. Pernille does the opposite, breaking all the rules. When an earthquake hits their town, everyone refuses to admit that they even felt the earth move, all but Frederik and Pernille.
Together they decide to find out the truth. They discover a long forgotten railroad line, underground water pipes, secret doorways, and a plot to assassinate the major. Can they save their town, the major, and stop the earthquakes?
My Thoughts-
This book cracked me up. From the get go it is just hilarious. The absurdity of all the rules, all the kids named Frederik, and Pernille's bizarre logic and adventure hero characteristics. At every turn the author throws in a phrase or situation that is absurd. Even all the letter I's in the book are written upside down.
Frederik and Pernille are quite the duo. They play off of each other perfectly. Somehow, in all their misadventures, they actually figure out the truth. The major is really a bad person. Now, here is where I had a problem. Thirty years ago an incident occurred caused by the major. She had the railroad closed, accused someone of attempted murder, and basically took over the town. BUT the author never tells us what exactly happened. UGH! Plus, the book ends with our duo finding out that the major is a bad lady, but there is no resolution on how to stop her and bring her evil deeds and bigotry into the light. I wonder if there is perhaps a second book coming? That would help solve the issue, but I don't have a clue. I'll cross my fingers, because this hilarious book really deserves a chance.
Kids will enjoy the antics of our super duo. The weirdness of the characters and the towns absolute adoration of the major and following the rules will give them pause for thought. I'm giving this book 4 stars!
December 5, 2017
Two "outerlopers" (as opposed to interlopers) set off to explain a mystery that takes them into the depths of their bigoted city. This book was delightfully odd and chocked full of masterful word play. In some ways, it reads like a Dr Seuss for middle graders - quirky prose with a broader social message. The book could be used as a jumping point to discuss the immigration experience, bullying, the power of government....heck, it could even go along with a lesson on geology. I thoroughly enjoyed the plot, but the writing style is what pushed me to go with a 5-star rating.
1. The alliterations roll off the tongue, making it a fun choice for a read aloud.
-and-
2. The author adeptly navigates run-on and incomplete sentences in a way that makes the passages more interesting.
3. The silly word choice is fun and perfect for a middle grader.
4. And finally, this...well, this made me laugh.
Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read this in exchange for my honest review.
1. The alliterations roll off the tongue, making it a fun choice for a read aloud.
"The chief of police for Frederik's Hill is a toadying timeserver and typical of this two-faced tin-pot tightwad town."
-and-
"'His name is Eduardo,' Pernilla put in. 'Eduardo Esteban de Enchilada.'"
2. The author adeptly navigates run-on and incomplete sentences in a way that makes the passages more interesting.
"As if in answer, a head was lowered sideways into the space between them. A red, rude face, all beastly beard and bad breath and boils and warts and nose hairs. The foul old man gave a fearsome belch and the air grew thick with onions."
3. The silly word choice is fun and perfect for a middle grader.
"'Goodness, gooseberry,' she protested. 'Do keep your undershorts in order.'"
4. And finally, this...well, this made me laugh.
"'For Pete's sake!' he burst out. 'It's not safe. Nowhere is safe. This isn't some childish children's adventure story."
Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read this in exchange for my honest review.
March 17, 2018
Frederik is a likable underdog and the power-hungry mayor in this story is easy to dislike, as are the frightened and rule-driven community members. I enjoyed the story overall and its mysterious theme, but Pernille's way of addressing Frederik in terms of food items began to wear on me ("my pinto bean" "dear croissant" "dented date" - it goes on and on in at least a dozen different ways). And so, I only give it 3 stars but I expect readers who aren't bothered by the food terms will enjoy the story much more than me.
April 10, 2018
*I received a digital copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*
I’m all about the quirky middle grade books and this one was awesome. The mystery was well written and the plot was nice and twisty turny. Pernille’s constant use of different new nicknames for Frederik was perhaps my favourite thing. I just loved her.
I’m all about the quirky middle grade books and this one was awesome. The mystery was well written and the plot was nice and twisty turny. Pernille’s constant use of different new nicknames for Frederik was perhaps my favourite thing. I just loved her.
February 22, 2020
Frederik Sandwich's parents immigrated to Frederik Hill before he was born and gave him the most local name they could, but even so Frederik still is treated like an outsider. He's desperate to be accepted as the local he is, but the kids only pay attention enough to tease him. Pernille is also an outsider. She doesn't quite look like a local though she's also lived in Frederik Hill all her life. At least, she thinks so. She has her suspicions as to who her parents are. When the town experiences quite an earthquake one night, Frederik immediately knows it couldn't be a real earthquake, but what caused the shaking? The locals start to deny there was any disturbance on orders of the mayor, but why? When a run-in with a tramp at the train station leads to Frederik and Pernille taking the wrong train and discovering forgotten secrets under the town, they are on the case of what caused the earth to quake, what's the tramp's agenda, and why is the mayor hushing up the earthquake?
This had a very odd tone. I actually guessed that the author is British just from the tone and writing style because it is quite different from anything an American would write for middle grade. It definitely reminded me quite a bit of Roald Dahl. I also guessed that the setting wasn't America quite early just from the feel of the city (though it isn't stated till quite deep into the book) and sure enough it is supposed to be Denmark. It's not quite a realistic Denmark though. There's no outright magic or scifi. It just feels more like a slightly alternate dimension Denmark in a light dystopian town with some crooked people controlling the strings. I think that alternate dimension feel is caused a bit by a little hyperbole about the characters personalities, various people's reactions to outsiders and events, and the allegorical feel (there are definite points about how places respond to immigrants and those who might look different). The book is totally meant to be read with book 2. This one mostly uncovers the issues and I'm guessing the next book will address resolving the issues. I'm not a huge fan of this kind of tone and most of the book I found Frederik and Pernille to just be annoying. I can see Roald Dahl fans absolutely loving this though, and it is a pretty safe option for middle graders looking for a light dystopia/mystery.
Notes on content: No language issues (except if your British, and then there were 2-3 swear words). No sexual content. There's some rather vicious verbal bullying that boils over to physical bullying once or twice. Peril is threatened at a few points, but no one is seriously hurt.
This had a very odd tone. I actually guessed that the author is British just from the tone and writing style because it is quite different from anything an American would write for middle grade. It definitely reminded me quite a bit of Roald Dahl. I also guessed that the setting wasn't America quite early just from the feel of the city (though it isn't stated till quite deep into the book) and sure enough it is supposed to be Denmark. It's not quite a realistic Denmark though. There's no outright magic or scifi. It just feels more like a slightly alternate dimension Denmark in a light dystopian town with some crooked people controlling the strings. I think that alternate dimension feel is caused a bit by a little hyperbole about the characters personalities, various people's reactions to outsiders and events, and the allegorical feel (there are definite points about how places respond to immigrants and those who might look different). The book is totally meant to be read with book 2. This one mostly uncovers the issues and I'm guessing the next book will address resolving the issues. I'm not a huge fan of this kind of tone and most of the book I found Frederik and Pernille to just be annoying. I can see Roald Dahl fans absolutely loving this though, and it is a pretty safe option for middle graders looking for a light dystopia/mystery.
Notes on content: No language issues (except if your British, and then there were 2-3 swear words). No sexual content. There's some rather vicious verbal bullying that boils over to physical bullying once or twice. Peril is threatened at a few points, but no one is seriously hurt.
December 10, 2017
Fans of mystery adventures with memorable characters will have fun with the story of an earthquake that couldn't possibly be. Frederik Sandwich lives on Frederik's Hill, a place where everyone follows the rules. Because his parents were foreigners who moved to the city, Frederik tries extra hard to be good and do what is expected so that everyone will see that he belongs. The problem is that his plan doesn't work and the kids at school tease him about his name, his accent (which he denies having), and anything else they can think of to make his life miserable. When everyone is shaken awake in the middle of the night, the mayor sends out word that there was no earthquake and that no one should mention the word because it might scare visitors away from the upcoming International Festival. Normally Frederik would follow those instructions, but he and a strange girl from his neighborhood discover an odd train that rumbles beneath the city and an odd man who warns them of dangers and zombies down in the train tunnels. Could he be right? Or is he plotting something sinister to ruin the festival and hurt the mayor? They have to find out the truth!
Frederik is a boy swept up into events that are out of his control. He can't stop the neighborhood bullies from picking on him. He can't get any adults to listen to what he has discovered. He can't even get his new friend (the strange girl) Pernille to call him by name; to his annoyance, she calls him things like melon, enchilada, and other food items. Pernille is a very striking person with dark skin and white hair, unlike anyone else in the city - which makes her an outsider like Frederik. She is also convinced that the two of them can solve the mystery and save the day, although it would be easier if they were orphans. "It takes an orphan to solve a mystery, you see. Nobody else will do." Pernille has learned this from reading children's mystery adventure fiction. Between the two of them, readers are pulled along as if they are trapped on one of those trains running beneath Frederik's Hill.
An entertaining mystery perfect for middle grade fans of Lemony Snicket and similar stories of children facing seemingly unbeatable foes. I read an e-book provided by the publisher for review purposes.
Frederik is a boy swept up into events that are out of his control. He can't stop the neighborhood bullies from picking on him. He can't get any adults to listen to what he has discovered. He can't even get his new friend (the strange girl) Pernille to call him by name; to his annoyance, she calls him things like melon, enchilada, and other food items. Pernille is a very striking person with dark skin and white hair, unlike anyone else in the city - which makes her an outsider like Frederik. She is also convinced that the two of them can solve the mystery and save the day, although it would be easier if they were orphans. "It takes an orphan to solve a mystery, you see. Nobody else will do." Pernille has learned this from reading children's mystery adventure fiction. Between the two of them, readers are pulled along as if they are trapped on one of those trains running beneath Frederik's Hill.
An entertaining mystery perfect for middle grade fans of Lemony Snicket and similar stories of children facing seemingly unbeatable foes. I read an e-book provided by the publisher for review purposes.
June 5, 2020
Review copy provided by NetGalley
This was a book that, despite its light humor and quirky setting, dealt with some very heavy themes including racism, discrimination, and nationalism. It was quite good. Both of the main characters deal with identity conflict. They are outsiders that are trying to justify to themselves their belonging in a community that refuses to accept them as one of their own. Among all of that, they are also trying to uncover the truth behind an earthquake that everyone is trying to deny ever happened. There's action, suspense, mystery, and great characters. In all, it's a very engaging plot, one that I think many of my readers would enjoy. I hope that this book makes a big splash in the middle grade market. It's one that readers will be richer for having read.
This was a book that, despite its light humor and quirky setting, dealt with some very heavy themes including racism, discrimination, and nationalism. It was quite good. Both of the main characters deal with identity conflict. They are outsiders that are trying to justify to themselves their belonging in a community that refuses to accept them as one of their own. Among all of that, they are also trying to uncover the truth behind an earthquake that everyone is trying to deny ever happened. There's action, suspense, mystery, and great characters. In all, it's a very engaging plot, one that I think many of my readers would enjoy. I hope that this book makes a big splash in the middle grade market. It's one that readers will be richer for having read.
February 1, 2018
"A delightfully strange and hilarious debut novel perfect for Lemony Snicket and Trenton Lee Stewart fans—the first book in a new middle-grade mystery series that will keep you guessing and laughing all along the way." I agree completely! Frederik Sandwich is a brilliant boy bullied by his classmates for being different, and when an eccentric new girl named Pernille takes a shine to Frederik, he knows this is not a good thing for his popularity. Fortunately, there is nothing Frederik can do about it. Together they are going to solve the mysterious shaking that plagues their village.
Very strange and funny, with important messages about tolerance, bullying, and popularity.
Very strange and funny, with important messages about tolerance, bullying, and popularity.
February 2, 2019
It's never clear what's wrong with Frederik's name, but it is very clear that he's been ostracized for whatever it is that's wrong. That wrong-ness also leads to his being afraid/unafraid of finding out why there was no earthquake, and what the very old, very weird train that shouldn't be running to stations that don't exist. I loved Frederik's voice and his bravery while insisting that all he wants is to just be left alone to go about his business. This will be a huge hit with my MG readers.
Copy provided by publisher.
Copy provided by publisher.
September 27, 2020
I really enjoyed this book! Such a fun, adventurous story. However, an English teacher’s nightmare, or anyone who appreciates good grammar. My only criticism was the overdone sentence fragments. I’m all about creative writing, but it got a little confusing with unclear fragments and phrases. I also thought it could’ve worked better in first person narrative. Nonetheless, I still enjoyed the story and hope for a sequel.
January 11, 2021
I read this one to my five- and eight-year-old sons. It was a cute mystery with some real-life issues interwoven: namely, being bullied for being different. This showed up in both the kids and the adults in the story, reminding us that just because we grow up, doesn't mean we become good people.
I appreciated the alliteration and occasional internal rhyme. I didn't appreciate the extreme number of fragments that made the reading choppy.
Overall, definitely a fun one to read to the kiddos.
I appreciated the alliteration and occasional internal rhyme. I didn't appreciate the extreme number of fragments that made the reading choppy.
Overall, definitely a fun one to read to the kiddos.
January 18, 2022
I was read until Chapter 4nThe book is really interesting the details are all summary and valuable and have a mediocre picture inserted and great detail and imaginations. the details have a great length and get a chapters to summary the whole things and stay organized.
November 20, 2018
A fun mystery with an unusual setting and a slightly askew sense of humor.
December 3, 2020
Was a fun little read. I enjoyed the premise but title to book 2 is a spoiler.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2023
Good read for kids of all ages.
August 31, 2023
Super cute, but zero resolution. I understand it’s a series but it feels like it leaves off in the middle of a sentence. The characters are totally adorbs.
June 1, 2025
Fun and peculiar. I can see thus being a hit among younger readers
May 17, 2019
Frederik Sandwich is new to Frederik's Hill. Despite the name, he doesn't really fit in. One night there is a horrible shaking that destroys his telescope. He thinks it was an earthquake but since no one will talk about it except to deny that it was an earthquake, he sets out to find out what really happened. However, the mayor of the city has expressly forbidden such things. He teams up with Pernilla, a very odd girl, gets into all kinds of trouble - but does figure out eventually what caused all the shaking.
A serviceable mystery geared towards 4th-7th grade. Nothing outstanding but nothing terrible about it either. It will draw a certain type of reader; you will have to hand sell it, in my opinion.
A serviceable mystery geared towards 4th-7th grade. Nothing outstanding but nothing terrible about it either. It will draw a certain type of reader; you will have to hand sell it, in my opinion.
Want to read
January 9, 2018Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
December 27, 2018
Frederik Sandwich and the Earthquake that Couldn't Possibly Be by Kevin John Scott is the first book i a middle grade series. At the age of eleven Frederik Sandwich awakens to an earthquake that couldn’t possibly be. His town is nowhere near a fault line and no earthquake has ever been recorded there. But when he questions what could have caused the shaking, he realizes he may have uncovered more than he bargained for. Desperately wanting to know what happened, but not the type of person to break rules or push adults for answers, Frederik is lucky (or not, depending on how you look at it) to meet a mysterious stranger, Pernille. She is the sort of person to break rules and demand answers, and is determined to partner with him to get to the bottom of the mystery. It’s a mystery that will lead the two outsiders through abandoned train tunnels, into hidden library rooms, and to the shadowy corridors of City Hall in the dead of night as they try to figure out what could have caused inexplicable rumblings in their small town.
Frederik Sandwich and the Earthquake that Couldn't Possibly Be started off slowly for me, but it certainly picked up. Fredrick just wants to be accepted and fit in, and his parents are doing the best to do the same. But in their town a slight accent of difference in appearance is enough to label you as an outsider and fodder for teasing and abuse. It takes Frederik a while to see this, with the help or Pernille- who is equally ostracized. Together they find friendship, a mystery, and a small portion of the truth behind the strange happenings in town. As a fan of children's adventures I will admit that I figured out who was bad and good fairly early on, but the journey was about the kids figuring it out. I liked the mystery, and the feel of the book. I also liked the message that was thread through the story about prejudice. I was a little disappointed when I reached the end, because it felt like the story just got started. All the major players and plot points were on the table and the action about to begin, and then the next page was the acknowledgments.
Frederik Sandwich and the Earthquake that Couldn't Possibly Be is an engaging story for readers that like mystery and adventures. This is very much a series that would require reading in order, and I would suggest having the next book on hand well before ending the first.
Frederik Sandwich and the Earthquake that Couldn't Possibly Be started off slowly for me, but it certainly picked up. Fredrick just wants to be accepted and fit in, and his parents are doing the best to do the same. But in their town a slight accent of difference in appearance is enough to label you as an outsider and fodder for teasing and abuse. It takes Frederik a while to see this, with the help or Pernille- who is equally ostracized. Together they find friendship, a mystery, and a small portion of the truth behind the strange happenings in town. As a fan of children's adventures I will admit that I figured out who was bad and good fairly early on, but the journey was about the kids figuring it out. I liked the mystery, and the feel of the book. I also liked the message that was thread through the story about prejudice. I was a little disappointed when I reached the end, because it felt like the story just got started. All the major players and plot points were on the table and the action about to begin, and then the next page was the acknowledgments.
Frederik Sandwich and the Earthquake that Couldn't Possibly Be is an engaging story for readers that like mystery and adventures. This is very much a series that would require reading in order, and I would suggest having the next book on hand well before ending the first.
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