A review by marylannireads
Benny on the Case by Wesley King

adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

 

Growing up on the small island of Newfoundland, eleven-year-old Benny is not like other kids his age. Not only does he have mosaic Down Syndrome, but he also lives in a retirement home with his mother and several elderly residents. Benny is reintegrating into a traditional classroom after several years in special education on the same day a girl named Salma joins his school. The two become fast friends, and when a mystery threatens the life Benny has always known, Benny and Salma must combine their skills to discover who is behind it all. This complex middle grade novel combines several elements into one multifaceted narrative. Descriptive writing paints a vivid picture of Benny's surroundings in each scene, and a brief glossary at the beginning of the book orients readers to the slang often used in Newfoundland. Bullying is frequently discussed within the narrative, and though Benny has dealt with unkind behavior for most of his life, Salma and others help Benny learn to find his voice and stand up for himself. Benny's journey to self-acceptance is more of a focus of the novel than the mystery itself is, though the process of remedying the challenge helps build a framework for the social and emotional components of the story. Throughout the book, readers observe overt acts of racism, ageism, and ableism, and while these interactions can be difficult to read, they help young readers to find their own voices in support of individuals who may stand out in general society. Anchored in the lifestyle and voice of Newfoundland, this middle grade story is engaging and thought-provoking, and it is a unique addition to contemporary fiction library collections for confident middle grade readers.