Crowder's New Visions Award winning novel follows newly 10-year-old Montgomery Carver in 2008 as he seeks the secrets of a mysterious golden key found in his neighborhood in South Side Chicago. Monty, intent on proving his independence in a city that is bustling with historical what-ifs, decides to embark on this mission on his own. The big events never stop for his community, either: between possibly hosting the Olympics and possibly being the home of the next history-making president of the United States, Barack Obama, Chicago continues to thrum with excitement. Add to this a possible ghost case that Monty needs to solve and he really has his hands full. Including heartfelt journal entries and vibrant illustrations from Sorra, this voice-y novel is an unforgettable adventure through a nostalgic decade, showcasing the times right before they were about to change.

An almost-10-year-old boy races to solve the mystery of a golden key while forming deeper connections with people in his Chicago community.Born and raised in the South Side of Chicago, Montgomery Carver lives in a world filled with small but plentiful delights. It's the summer of 2008, and Monty's Washington Park neighborhood is buzzing with excitement: A man named Barack Obama could become the first Black president of the United States, and Chicago could host the 2016 Olympics. Monty's summer plans include perfecting his Afro and mastering his tennis serve. But when he prematurely unwraps his birthday present (a metal detector), uses it to find a skeleton key buried in Old Lady Jenkins' flower bed, and then breaks his gift, he gets in trouble with his parents. Forced to work to pay them back, Monty does odd jobs for the neighbors, getting to know them-including community activist Ms. Jenkins-better in the process. Monty feverishly makes observations, does research, asks questions, and forms hypotheses, uncovering the story of the key, which reveals surprising connections to Washington Park and spotlights a lesser-known chapter in Black history. Tu Books' New Visions Award winner Crowder's debut depicts a vibrant community, showcasing the importance of civic responsibility and the power of grassroots organization. The narrative's first-person perspective captures Monty's infinite curiosity and endearing sense of wonder.An engaging novel drawing strength from its rich narrative voice and celebrating Black historical luminaries. (author's note) (Mystery. 9-13)

This endearing middle grade debut by Crowder, set in 2008 on the South Side of Chicago, is an ode to community engagement. Montgomery Carver, a tennis enthusiast and bearer of an “all-that” Afro, aspires to make this summer the best ever. But when he sneaks out carrying the metal detector his parents plan to give him for his upcoming 10th birthday—and accidentally breaks it—he is tasked with finding a way to pay them back. Unbeknownst to his parents, Monty uncovered a golden key buried in neighbor Ms. Jenkins’s yard. The discovery sends Monty on an investigation into the key’s origins, which is punctuated by his doing odd jobs for community members and navigating his neighbors’ apprehension and excitement surrounding Chicago’s bid to host the Olympics. Throughout his inquiry, he learns of Black horse jockeys, train porters, and more, as well as their connections to the found key, Black history, and his beloved town. Crowder employs Monty’s inquisitive and irrepressible first-person narration to rousing effect, making for a spirited novel that encourages curiosity while highlighting a protagonist alongside the neighborhood and history fueling his personal growth. Ages 9–13. (Oct.)