Some of our loved ones may have left us for good, but our memories of them can stay forever. See how far a 12-year-old would go to save the legacy of his grandpa in Sam Campbell's latest novel Quagmire. Enter to win a signed paperback copy, along with stickers, a bookmark and a special keychain!
My Review:
Featuring an entertaining mix of mystery, action and adventure, Quagmire excels as a captivating, thrilling and heartwarming middle-grade fiction about family, friendship, intergenerational relationship, courage, determination, problem-solving and teamwork.
On a stormy summer night, Mr. O'Malley, Cooper's senior book club friend goes missing soon after the boy shares about his parents' decision to sell the Pink Fountain Motel left behind by his late grandfather. Puzzled by the old man's abrupt change in behavior at the club meeting and his mysterious disappearance, Cooper teams up with Penny, Mr. O'Malley's granddaughter, on an ambitious and perilous search and rescue mission, which involves breaking into a house to gather clues, making a deal with a witch and venturing into the ominous Dark Swamp in a shabby johnboat. Will the duo find Mr. O'Malley alive? Will they survive an attack from the monstrous giant gator known as Baba? Do Pink fish really exist? Can they help Cooper save the motel from getting sold?
Taking Cooper's perspective, the first person narrative keeps readers fascinated by Cooper's unique way of thinking, his bold behavior and his incredible resilience. The author's amusing descriptions and vivid metaphors make it really easy to visualize the sequence of events and get fully immersed in the mystery-solving adventure. In addition, the short chapters and smooth storytelling combine to provide a pleasant reading experience for young readers.
The story explores family dynamics at multiple levels, including interactions between siblings, between parents and children, and between grandparents and grandchildren. It gently touches upon the topic of loss and grief, indicating the significance of preserving our memories with loved ones. The book also covers different types of friendship, such as the cross-generational friendship between Cooper and Mr. O'Malley, the newly formed friendship between Cooper and Penny, and the long-time friendship between the two grandfathers. One or more of these relationships may resonate with readers in different age groups. Cooper's success strongly suggests that teamwork and problem-solving go hand in hand while courage and determination provide the strength we need to beat the odds.
Filled with humor and heart, Quagmire makes a highly enjoyable and meaningful read for middle graders and beyond.
About the Book:
Ages: 8–12 | 179 Pages
Publisher: Independently Published (2026) | ISBN-13: 979-8197255112
Cooper Knox joined the Gator Island Public Library's weekly book club to get his mind off his parents selling his late grandfather's motel—not help solve a missing persons case.
But old Mr. O'Malley has become a dear friend, so when the local news reveals his boat washed ashore unoccupied, Cooper's determined to find his fellow club member. The only clue? A crude map left behind by Mr. O'Malley.
As summer days grow hotter on Gator Island, twelve-year-old Cooper, along with Mr. O'Malley's granddaughter, Penny, navigate the winding canals and marshes in hopes of finding the missing bookworm. But following the map also means plunging into the Dark Swamp, where a legendary monster is said to be lurking….
Can Cooper find Mr. O'Malley AND save Pops' motel before it's too late?
Purchase links: Amazon | Bookshop.org
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