Cody and the Mysteries of the Universe - by Tricia Springstubb (Paperback)

About the Book

"Cody knows there are many mysteries in the big, wide universe. Like why it hurts so bad to get stung by a yellow jacket. Or the exact moment when her best friend, Spencer, will arrive with his parents and move into her neighborhood for good. But the biggest mystery of all may be Mr. Meen, Grandma Grace's next-door neighbor. No one has ever seen him, and when a 'Welcome home' sign appears in his window, Cody and Spencer can hardly wait to see who shows up"--

Book Synopsis

"Brimming with charm, delight, and a diverse cast of characters." -- Booklist

In Cody's second neighborhood adventure, her best friend, Spencer, is moving in around the corner. Cody can't wait: she needs Spencer to help solve the mystery of the never-seen Mr. Meen, who lives on the other side of the porch with a skull-and-crossbones sign in the window and an extermination truck out front. Spencer's new-school jitters and the turf-claiming kids next door -- who have their own reasons for acting out -- make this year's shift from summer into a new school year extra-confusing for Cody -- and extra-delightful.

Review Quotes

Understated illustrations subtly reinforce these diverse identities and bring the cozy world to life. A perennial message, "different strokes for different folks," delivered with affection and tolerance, 21st-century style.
--Kirkus Reviews

Cody makes some keen observations about both herself and those around her. Those insights often lead to more questions than answers for her titular mysteries, but she remains more filled with awe and wonder than cynicism, making her an endearing heroine for kids just starting to puzzle out their own universes. Wheeler's monochromatic illustrations add depth to many of the characters--slouching Spencer as he heads to school, Wyatt's rueful smiles as he hangs out with Cody--and the homey details complement the warmth of the text.
--Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

Readers of all ages will readily relate to Cody and the characters around her. This book is perfect for young readers ready to move on from beginning books and early readers.
--School Library Connection

This sequel displays Springstubb's knack for understanding the ever-shifting questions held by readers this age as their awareness of the universe around them grows in leaps and bounds. Brimming with charm, delight, and a diverse cast of characters.
--Booklist Online

Tricia Springstubb...has created an irrepressible free spirit in Cody and this charming novel for young readers is told from Cody's point of view.
--Buffalo News

About the Author

Tricia Springstubb is the author of Cody and the Fountain of Happiness, illustrated by Eliza Wheeler; the picture book Phoebe and Digger, illustrated by Jeff Newman; and other books for children. She has worked as a Head Start teacher and a children's librarian. She lives in Cleveland Heights, Ohio.

Eliza Wheeler is the illustrator of Tricia Springstubb's Cody and the Fountain of Happiness and the Newbery Honor Book Doll Bones by Holly Black, among other books for young readers. Originally from northern Wisconsin, she now lives in Los Angeles.