The Story Seeker

The Story Collector #2

by Kristin O'Donnell Tubb, Iacopo Bruno (Illustrator)

Inspired by the true story of a girl who lived in the library, Kristen O'Donnell Tubb's The Story Seeker continues The Story Collector series with a heartwarming middle grade mystery that captures the illustrious New York Public Library during the roaring 20's.

Twelve-year-old Viviani Fedeler, proud resident of the New York Public Library, has her sights set on becoming a star reporter. She’s thrilled when Miss Hutch announces a story contest where the winner gets their essay printed in the New York Times!

But then Viviani gets her first-ever case of writer’s block. As she struggles to find inspiration, the library is hit with a strange mystery involving overdue books, secret messages, and perhaps a spy lurking among the shelves . . . Will Viviani be able to crack the code and find the perfect story worthy of a byline?

Genres: Middle Grade, Mystery, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Books About Books, Audiobook

272 pages, Hardcover

First published January 28, 2020

Reviews

[Stephanie Fitzgerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is very rare for me to love a sequel book as much as its predecessor. So not the case with “The Story Seeker”; it was every bit as wonderful as “The Story Collector”! Viviani Felderer, (a child lucky enough to have actually lived in the New York Public Library!), reminds me of Kit Kittredge from the American Girl series, which I also dearly love.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to take a trip back in time and explore the most wonderful library in New York City with Viviani!

[Belles Middle Grade Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I loved this book just as much as the 1st, if not more! Yet again, I learned even more facts in this 1 as well! Also yet again, many events & people in this were also inspired by/based on actual events & people. I absolutely LOVE history, so all this learning while reading an incredible fiction book was heaven for me. I learned so much about pictures/photography, The NY Times, Codes, rare books & the many different forms of value they had back then especially, tuberculosis, library detectives, even why spitting in public was outlawed lol, & of course more about the library. Great focus on never giving up, friendship, & doing what’s right. All combined w/another mystery Viviani & her friends have to solve, which of course I loved. Amazing characters, amazing stories based on history, & amazing writing. Viviani is still amazing w/the quickest dialogue that makes me chuckle. Love her. The scene at the end w/the man who wrote the typewritten letter to the Times, & what he did-made me emotional(in the best of ways)! I don’t know if there will be more to the series, but I really hope there will be. Highly recommend these brilliant books. Another stunning cover w/full page illustrations sprinkled throughout again by Iacopo Bruno too!💜

[QNPoohBear · Rating 4 out of 5]

1929, New York City: Viviani Joffre Fedeler LOVES living inside the New York Public Library where her father works as a superintendent. There's always something to do and mischief to get into with her brothers. Recently Viviani and her friends solved a mystery! Viviani records her daily happenings in a journal she calls a "log book." She also includes all the stories she collects as she wants to be a real, published writer with her book on the shelves of the NYPL. When her teacher announces an essay contest for the New York Times, Viviani is ecstatic. Surely she's going to win. What a thrill it would be to have her story published for all the world to read! But what to write about is the question? The theme is friendship and Viviani has lots of ideas inspired by her two best friends Eva and Merit but putting them on paper is harder than it sounds. As Viviani struggles with writer's block, the library is struggling with a rare book thief! Someone has been checking out and hoarding extremely rare, one of a kind, medical texts. Without these books, knowledge will be lost. The library detective is on the case but it may take years. Viviani thinks she and her friends can solve the mystery much faster. After all, they have experience. Can she solve the mystery in time to write about it for her essay contest? Will she think of something else to write or will her reputation as a story collector be put on the line?

The mystery centers around missing rare medical books. The period detail is enough to give a feel for what was happening at the time but it's not overly old-fashioned. It's a cute story and I got way more caught up in it than I expected. I stayed up later than intended an couldn't put the book down the next morning when I should have been trying to sleep! I figured out what the person who was hoarding the books hoped to gain and if I had known that ahead of time, I'm not sure I would have chosen to read this book right now. Tuberculosis epidemic is killing thousands of people each year. *sigh* Too soon to read about that. I don't know if it's a coincidence or if the author chose a topic kids will be able to relate to. The codes were a lot of fun to try to solve but it was hard without pencil, paper and a keyboard. I enjoyed the exercise of figuring them out. I felt the messages of the story were a tad heavy handed, usually the pitfall of first person narration. This story is told in third person about Viviani (she) but is limited to her point of view. The setting is outstanding. Who wouldn't want to live inside the original NYPL building? OMG those books!! I loved roaming through the library and I could almost smell all the books. mmm! It was a great tour of the building as it was in the 1920s and I could picture my city library, built around the same time, as I was reading. I enjoyed how the author made each chapter heading a Dewey Decimal number but she missed a step-when a book is published it has to be cataloged before it can go on the shelf! In the 190s that meant by HAND (OMG I did it once in school!) or actually by 1929 by typewriter probably but still, by hand, and placing it in the card catalog, something kids today have never seen in a library-something anyone under 40 has never seen in a library outside of possibly a research library or for decoration.

I can relate a lot to Viviani. Like Viviani, I love to read and when I was her age, I wanted to be a writer too. She's very age-appropriate for a 13-year-old girl in the 1920s. She's not overly sassy or modern. She's just a girl who loves stories, loves her friends and family but sometimes chafes against rules and restrictions- not primarily gender norms but rules in general! Viviani gets into mischief with her brothers and friends, has a close bond with her father and friends, and helps a man learn to read. I could think of MANY stories of friendship within this novel she could have written about. The Fedeler family is a lot of fun. The siblings are competitive sometimes but they laugh and joke together and get into trouble together. When it counts, they bail each other out of trouble. John, Jr. is charming and mischievous while Edouard is nerdy but also a normal boy who likes to have a good time. I like his facts but once he states an opinion as a fact. Their parents are loving and Mrs. Fedeler sometimes likes to break the rules herself. Mr. Fedeler loves stories and enjoys sharing his stories with his children. They're such a fun and loving family.

"The Moppets" as Viviani labels her friends, are all very different but relatable girls. Eva is a bit timid but sweet and kind. Merit is very smart and loves photography. She has a keen eye for detail and I'm sure her story about a photograph will be worthy of winning the contest. However, the girls seem a bit confused by the term essay. Is this an essay contest or a short story contest? Merit and Viviani write fiction not essays. I'd like to read Meri's story. I like how the girls have each other's backs and how they may fight but they love each other in spite of slights and differences. Viviani is truly a great friend in the end. At first though she risks getting her BFFs into some BIG trouble trying to solve the mystery of the book thief! I'm cautious like Eva and I don't know if it would be worth trying to solve the mystery on our own.

Could Dr. Monroe be the book hoarder? She's unpleasant and doesn't have a good bedside manner with children. She provides the clue needed to figure out why those particular books are missing. Benjamin, her intern, seems shy and a bit serious but he understands the antics of the Fedeler children and knows just how to deal with high spirited, nervous children. Could he be the book thief? He seems too timid to want glory for himself. Perhaps he has a motive other than fame. The most obvious suspect is Miss Lorena Hicock, a writer for the New York Times. She keeps asking for the books that have been checked out. Could she know something about where they are?

Miss Hutch, Viviani's teacher, seems biased towards Viviani because Viviani is a good writer and usually gets As in writing. Did she even READ all the essays? She should have taught the children a lesson about plagiarism vs. inspiration ahead of time.

The library staff are rather uptight. Mrs. Coe, in the photography department, is the nicest. She lets the children look at the photos and tells them about it. Imagine seeing a photo of a panda for the first time and needing someone to explain to you what you're looking at! Miss Hooligan is a stereotypical librarian. I didn't like her much but she's under a lot of stress and worry. Miss Fillipelli is the rare books librarian and she should be the snippy one. She's nice enough until it comes time to protect the books. Mr. Green, the custodian, is crusty but I think he's truly a good man at heart. He takes delight in learning how to read and Millions of Cats is his first book friend! I love his relationship with the characters in the story. It's very sweet, as is Viviani's relationship with him. She may not fully understand Mr. Green or he her but they have a beautiful friendship. Mr. Berquist, the library's book detective (yes they really had such a thing) is a typical male adult, dismissing the girls as insignificant. He doesn't seem to be doing anything to get the books back. His assistant, Miss Schneider, seems understanding and sympathetic. She finds ways for the girls to help even though her boss doesn't want them involved.

This is a cute series for tweens, girls and boys, those who read to younger children and adults who enjoy an uncomplicated, NICE, children's story. The mystery is gentle and doesn't involve any gore, there's also a decided lack of all the nasty white supremacy/eugenics stuff that was popular at the time so if you're looking for an issue novel, look elsewhere. This is just a simple, nice story and sometimes that's OK.

[Jennifer Murray · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this book after working the author event. I was really charmed by O’Donnell Tubb, and I loved the premise of this model grade book — a girl living in the New York Public Library. I loved that the book is based off of a real family. The whole thing is just a very charming light academia vibe — definitely a read for young readers. I also loved the heart in the story, especially with the ending. Just an incredibly heartwarming story. It felt like drinking hot chocolate inside on a cold day.

[Elizabeth Grace · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

This was a pleasant easy read to break up some of the heavier books I've been consuming.
Always love a simplistic, beautiful story of friendship, mystery and a happy ending!

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just as ingenious and engaging as the first one!

[Judy]

Viviani Fedeler lives in the New York public library. She wants to be a star reporter. When her teacher announces a story contest where the winner gets their story printed in The New York Times, Viviani is elated. She's sure she can win but finds herself with a case of writer's block. As she tries to find the perfect story to write, she finds herself in the middle of a mystery. Medical books are disappearing from the library. This is a very nice middle school book. It has a great storyline, good characters and lots of interesting facts to learn. It also has some codes to decipher which will keep the reader busy and teach them something new. I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads.

[Katie Reilley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you very much to Kristin O’Donnell Tubb and Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group for sharing an ARC with our #bookexpedition group!

Viviani Fedeler is back! Proud resident of the NYPL and writer/reporter/mystery solver extraordinaire, she is overjoyed when her teacher announces a story writing contest. The winner will even get their essay printed in the New York Times AND get to visit the office!

But Viviani develops her first case of writer’s block! Not only that, the library has another mystery to solve: who is keeping overdue valuable medical books? And why?

I loved that this story sprang from a real historical event that occurred while Viviani lived in the library.
Also enjoyed learning about different types of codes that Viviani discovered while trying to solve the mystery.

Great themes of friendship and perseverance. Publishes in January 2020 and highly recommend for middle grade readers!

[Genetta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kristin O'Donnell Tubb's second in The Story Collector series of middle grade books about Viviani Fedeler (and her family who lives in the New York Public Library in the 1920s) will thrill middle grade readers! Who wouldn't want to live in a library, especially that famous library with the lions out front? Who wouldn't want to play mischief games with brothers and friends at the library? When Viviani and her friends set out to solve the mystery of missing rare library books, they learn codebreaking, the difference between intent and theft, and how stories change perspective. I highly recommend this fun book full of adventure, friendship, and family! ✨ ✅🦄 🎉 🐙✨💥!!

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

This sequel continues the story and offers more information about the three young girls who enjoy solving mysteries together. Tubb also provides further information about the New York Public Library and how it is run.
Charming and full of action to keep readers guessing on who is not returning medical books to the rare books room.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the 1920s, Viviani Fedeler and her family live at the New York Public Library, where her father works. Viviani herself intends to be a writer and loves the library, both of which come into play when two things happen. First, expensive and irreplaceable medical texts have gone missing from the library, checked out under false names and not returned. Viviani and her friends have already solved one mystery, so she is determined that they will solve this one as well. The second thing that happens is that Viviani's class is assigned to write stories about friendship, and the winning story will be published in the New York Times. Viviani is determined to win, though she can't seem to find the right story to tell to capture the theme. Will she and her friends track down the book thief, and will Viviani find the right story to tell? How will these two storylines connect?

I liked but didn't love this one. I liked the use of Dewey numbers as chapter titles (because I am a librarian, after all), and if I'd had this in paper rather than as an audiobook, I would have liked the exploration of different codes (as it was, it was rather tedious to listen to each code and then coded message being read out without the possibility of solving it since I was driving!). This is based on a real girl and a real family who lived at the NYPL, so that's pretty neat, but I sometimes feel that the author fell into the trap of wanting to put in a ton of real historical info because it was fun and interesting rather than because it served the plot. Because of that, it felt as if this were more an episodic family story about living at the library (which I would have totally read if it had been so advertised!) rather than the mystery it was advertised as. The mystery didn't start until several chapters in, then it kept getting pushed aside for other parts of the story. I also felt that the book got a bit didactic about plagiarism and related topics. It is an interesting line between inspiration and plagiarism, but it could have been done more subtly. Or maybe not, I don't know.

[Kit · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great children's book, the storyline is not overly simple, it is set in a gorgeous location, peopled with fun and interesting characters and has other interesting elements scattered throughout like codes, inventions, Thomas Edison, and the like.

At about half way I was a little disappointed because it seemed like one storyline was wrapping up a bit too perfectly and also independently of the other.

At first the two storylines are interwoven, Viviani is hoping to find inspiration for her story about friends by solving a mystery with her friends. But then she finds inspiration for her story elsewhere and wins the story contest, making everything seem happy and almost finished, all that's left is to solve the mystery of the missing books and hey presto! Everything will be all wrapped up and great!

HOWEVER it gets good again because Viviani herself is accused of plagiarism and then has to wrestle with the moral dilemma of what really is stealing, is it only stealing something physically, or can ideas be stolen? What about if someone actually does steal something physically but their motive was good? Does stealing boil down to the person's intent or is it black and white?

So then we see the two storylines converge once again in a beautifully complex way, encouraging children to think about these big ideas.

Yup, a great book, although written for children (so obviously the writing is somewhat simple), the plot and the ideas introduced are thought-provoking, interesting, and very, very delicious for a anyone who enjoys literary-ish things.

I don't want to wish I had read this as a child, but I know I would have loved it, and enjoyed reading now anyway as an adult.

[Stephanie P (Because My Mother Read) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher to review. It is out now!

This is the second book in a sweet middle grade series that checks so many boxes for me: library setting, historical fiction, based on a true story, evidence of the power of stories, and beautiful and clever book design. I’m sure I’m not the only one who has dreamed of living in a library, but for Viviani Fedeler it was a reality—and in one of the most iconic and historic libraries: NYPL!

In this book Viviani is trying to find inspiration for her school’s writing contest while also hunting down clues about a case of rare library books that have gone missing. I solved the mystery very early on, but I am not the target audience, and it was the journey I most enjoyed anyway.

I really enjoyed this entertaining story with very endearing characters and a setting that thrilled the book lover in me. I also adored the details like that each chapter heading has a dewey decimal reference and the wonderful illustrations!

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

12yo Viviani Fedeler lives in an apartment with her family in the New York Public Library. It's 1929 and her father is the superintendent, so she has the run of the place. When Vivian grows up, she wants to be a newspaper reporter. When she hears about a story contest where the winner gets their story published in the paper she knows she can win - if only she had the perfect story. Hoping for inspiration, she overhears the librarians talking about a mystery going on in the library involving overdue books. Perhaps, getting involved and finding the culprit will help break her writer's block and finally get her published.

I would have loved to have lived in the library when I was that age. Tubb has based this series on an actual family. A fun mystery that I think the reader will enjoy solving along with Viviani - and there's even a code to break. I'm not sure, however, that my readers would embrace the nostalgia, and that's the best part.

cross posted to http://kissthebook.blogspot.com

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twelve-year-old Viviani Fedeler, proud resident of the New York Public Library, is back with another mystery to solve and an essay contest to win. Although Viviani and her two best friends are making progress on the missing rare library books, she has a slight case of writer's block. If she wants to win the contest with a trip to the NY Times offices and her essay printed in the newspaper, she's going to have to look for inspiration everywhere. I love this series! I enjoy reading about the behind the scenes life in the New York Public Library back in the roaring 20's. Living in and having that magnificent library as a playground would be a dream! I became so captivated in the story, I felt part of it as Viviani and her friends explore that magical place. I recommend this book to anyone who loves libraries, books, history and learning!

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

The whole family (3 grandparents, two parents, and a 7 year old/almost 8) are really enjoying this series based on a real child who grew up in an apartment in the NY Public Library! This second installment includes another mystery that the eleven-year-old friends need to solve, relating to overdue library books; a writing contest that leads to charges of plagiarism, and a gentle discussion of proper attribution when writing; and a look at pre-antibiotic illnesses in the crowded tenements of NY. There is lots of history mixed in with fiction. I personally loved the cameo of Lorena Hickok, a well-known pioneering journalist of her day and later a friend to Eleanor Roosevelt. Plan to look for a biography of her. The children are far from perfect, but thoughtful and they learn from mistakes. Definitely an entertaining and educational read.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 2
Viviani and her family live IN the New York Public Library. (I am soooo jealous!!) Viviani has decided that she wants to be a news reporter and is thrilled when her teacher announces a contest for the New York Times. However, she cannot seem to find the right topic and is worried that maybe she does not have what it takes. In addition, rare books have gone missing and Viviani and her friends are trying to find out who has taken them before the official library detective/overdue collector figures it out.
I absolutely love this inside look at the NY library building and the history there. Also, each chapter starts with a Dewey Decimal number. It makes this book nerd very happy. Sweet and fun. Read it!

[Robynne Lozier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Viviani Fedeler is an 11 year old girl who lives in the main branch of the NYC Public Library where her father is the Superintendent. Viviani has aspirations of being a writer and maybe even an author. In this second book of the Story Collector series, Viviani has to learn some tough things in life. Those lessons include plagiarism, serious medical issues, theft of knowledge and what friendship truly is!!

Many of the characters mentioned in this story are based on real life people who truly did live in NYC in 1929. The Fedeler family was real and yes they did live in the Main Branch of the NYC Public library. Lorena Hickok the reporter, was also a real reporter in the 1920s as well.

I flew through this book in just a few hours and could not put it down. I give this 5 stars!!

[Ramona · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a delightful, fun-filled adventure of a young girl, in 1929, who wants to be a writer. She and her family actually live at the New York Public Library, on the second floor. This wonderful environment molds and encourages young Viviana to pursue her dream. The library staff along with other characters make the story believable and entertaining. Viviana and her friends, Eva and Merit, solve a mystery at the library, help a young medical intern, meet a famous journalist, and win a trip to the New York Times newspaper establishment. This old-fashion historical story encourages young people to go after their dreams, to help others, understand how important family and friends are and to enjoy being a child.

[Donna Dobihal Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun romp this historical fiction/mystery is! The protagonist, Viviani and her loving family (marriage intact!) make NYPL their home, which makes for a wonderful setting. (Google as you go and you can see it for yourself - unless you're lucky enough to live nearby!) Friendship, honesty, and other themes are addressed without becoming didactic. For interactive fun, there are codes to break! Although somewhat predictable, it wraps up with an ending that's sure to please. Works as a stand alone too though kids who missed it will want to read the first! Great for both genders. Book club gem!

[Maddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Viviani Fedeler is a proud resident of the New York Public Library and she has dreams of becoming a reporter. So when her teacher assigns an essay competition with the winner getting their essay in the New York Times she's overjoyed. But then a terrible case of writer's block hits. Lucky for Viviani there's a new mystery afoot with old missing books, secret codes, and maybe even a spy!

This was just as good as the first one, but it does not need to be read after the first one. I can stand on its own. A good recommendation for those who love books that involve books, mysteries, and family dynamics.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is six month after the events of the first volume in the series, and Viviani and friends, the Moppets, are busy with two new events - a story contest about friendship, and a series of missing rare books. I enjoyed reading this historical novel for middle schoolers. There are real people in the story, including Lorena Hickock, a reporter and friend of Eleanor Roosevelt. I like the characters and the writing in this series. The readers learn valuable lessons along with Viviani and her friends, in a fun and palatable way.

[Kayla Zabcia · Rating 2 out of 5]

35%

* this book felt like it would never end; it was boring, repetitive, and had very little substance to the actual "mystery" aspect. Viviani spent the majority of the book complaining about her inadequacies and did very little to actually try and remedy them

* it gets two stars because it was lightly based on a true story, which the author discussed in some detail at the end

* since the New York Library is still standing and open to the public, it would have been neat if there had been maps included of both the old and new layouts of the building (or at the very least, just the old to better understand the setting of the story)

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, how I love going on adventures with Viviani Fedeler. I am so glad to have met her in these two adventures. In Story Seekers Viviani and her family and friends have another mystery to solve, based on real life incidents. Tubb’s way of weaving words together is magic and I love being a dear friend as well as being the reader. Thanks to Kristin Tubb for the Advanced Reader’s Copy. I am happy to shout to the world the magic of your words!

[Shannon Parkin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like the first book in this series, I thought it was a delightful trip into what life might have been like for the daughter of the the man in charge of managing how to maintain the New York Public library in the 1920's. Both books rely on historical facts about the library. This book also allows the reader to see what life was like for those suffering from tuberculosis, quite infectious at the time - very relevant to our current pandemic.

[Mikayla · Rating 3 out of 5]

I probably shouldn't have tried this, but since there were only two in the series I was willing to give it a shot. But seriously, it was so boring. A little better than the first, but still. Chracter quarks do not make up a personality and if read "fact:" one more time I was going to scream. Aside from being boring, it was predictable, and didn't have much of a point. Aside from women's rights are important and so are friends... I guess. It was vague on that part.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book 2 installment of the Story Collector (book one is just as good!). The writing is inspirational, fun, and spot on for all elements of mid grade fiction craft. It can be challenging to pull off an educational story while also writing an engaging and fun story. This book succeeds in both categories. I hope there's more to come!

[Rosemary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a little slow going, but I was all smiles at the end. It was fascinating to read about the library world in the 1920s. The girls were able to see a picture of a panda at the NYPL, which they had never seen before. And there really was a girl named Viviani Fedeler who lived in an apartment at the NYPL.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book about a young girl who lives in the New York Public Library and solves mysteries, what's not to love? Plus it's historical with a bold, ambitious young female heroine! I love that the Dewey Decimal system is brought into the theme of the chapters. Great read for any librarian, even if it is meant for kids!

[Amy Sands · Rating 4 out of 5]

So I read Story Collector a year ago. This book seemed very relevant for right know. When they talk about the tuberculosis pandemic, and we are dealing with the Covid 19 pandemic. I could totally relate to the idea of hoarding information to find a cure.
I also liked that there was true information. The people and events are what makes this book loveable.