Have you seen Hyacinth Macaw?

Abby Jones, Junior Detective #1

by Patricia Reilly Giff

Abby and her friend Potsie work on several mysteries: a mysterious new neighbor, a missing person, a theft, and the unusual actions of Abby's brother.

Genres: Childrens, Mystery, Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Middle Grade

134 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1981

About the author

Patricia Reilly Giff was an American author and educator whose warm, emotionally resonant books made her a beloved figure in children's literature. After spending roughly two decades as a teacher, she turned to writing and brought a deep understanding of young readers to stories that balanced humor, resilience, and emotional truth. Educated at Marymount Manhattan College, St. John's University, and Hofstra University, she drew on both her classroom experience and literary instincts to create memorable fiction for children and middle-grade readers. She became especially well known for the popular Polk Street School series, which captured the everyday dramas of school life with charm and empathy. Beyond those books, she wrote acclaimed novels such as Lily's Crossing, Nory Ryan's Song, Pictures of Hollis Woods, Eleven, and Genevieve's War, often exploring themes of belonging, family, hardship, and courage. Her work earned wide recognition, including Newbery Honors, an ALA Best Book for Young Adults designation, and a Christopher Award. Giff also influenced younger writers through her workshops and teaching spirit. Throughout her career, she remained a compassionate literary voice whose stories spoke directly to children's fears, hopes, and imaginations.

Reviews

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars -- While this is an entertaining first mystery by Giff, there is too much other 'stuff' I can't ignore. Abby and her friend Potsie - whose name cracks me up because it's short for Penelope Olivia Torres - become involved in a double mystery. The first involves a sign on a power pole that Abby watches a girl rip in two. The sign mentions the missing 'Hyacinth Macaw' and a reward. The second involves the odd sounds coming from the apartment next door to Abby's. The girls find out fairly quickly that the apartment is empty, so what is the source of the whispered voice(s)? Add to these two events that Dan, Abby's brother, is acting suspiciously enough to perhaps be involved in a crime that Garcia, Abby's policeman friend, is investigating, which is theft from the pet store where Dan works, and you have the recipe for crazy suppositions, amateur investigations, and incorrect conclusions. The story is certainly entertaining. What bothered me, though, were the constant 'fat' references made about Kiki, the building super's daughter; the idea that something was stolen and then brushed under the rug; the convenient absence of Abby and Dan's parents to allow freedom for their kids; the aforesaid freedom to wander in a big city even at night despite their age; and Abby & Potsie's disregard for common sense and the law. I know this is a middle grade book, but some of this was a bit much even for that.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the very first chapter book I ever read as a child, I must have been in 4th or 5th grade...I just happened to think of it today and looked it up, had no idea it was part of a series, may have to read the other two now :)

[Adrienne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this as a child and became obsessed with it! I just got a Hyacinth plant and immediately was reminded of Hyacinth Macaw and had to look it up. I am 45 now, and just may read the rest of the series. What a great blast from the past!

[Tim Pyne · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of the books I picked up for my granddaughter. Read it to see if she will like it. She’ll love it.

Reminds me of the kids detective books I read as a kid. I liked it too. Fun story. Love the illustrations too.

[Alison Mitchell]

Two girls search for missing Hyacinth Macaw. Not as good as I remembered from the 1980s.

[Maureen Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought a copy of this for nostalgia's sake, having been the first chapter book I ever read. I was probably seven when I read this, and I remember the librarian doubting whether or not I could get through it, but I did. This book is a good introduction to the mystery genre, although it is dated and modern readers will not understand some references (pay-phones, wooden clog shoes, a lack of internet), and this may affect readability and comprehension. Otherwise, the pacing and dialogue are well-executed, providing a decent sense of suspense, even for this jaded reader.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Abby Jones and her friend Potsie are on spring break and Abby is looking for a case to solve. As she starts noticing strange activity outside her bedroom window, her brother, Dan, begins to act strange. Then her friend Detective Garcia tells her there has been a big theft in town, plus there is a strange missing person’s sign that has been ripped. Abby doesn’t have to look too far before she gets wrapped up in a series of mysteries.

Patricia Reilly Giff has written about every young, adventurous girl’s dream with this book. Mystery, intrigue, suspense all occur in this first book in the Abby Jones, Junior Detective Mystery series. This chapter book has some illustrations and shorter sentences to make it easier to read. A few spelling errors and grammatical errors, but overall a good book for elementary school children.


Notes:
This review was written for the bookstore, My Sister's Books. To learn more about this store, please visit their website at http://www.mysistersbooks.com
This review was originally posted on my site, Ariesgrl Book Reviews. To learn more about my reviews, please visit my site at http://ariesgrlreview.com

[Tayler K · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really don't remember this book. For years I knew that I'd read a book that had something to do with a hyacinth macaw, but that was all I could remember about it. Then, yesterday I was going through some old school papers, and came across an Accelerated Reading log from 2nd grade, and there it was! So, yeah.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I remember reading and loving this one as a kid.