Ali Cross (Ali Cross #1)

by James Patterson (Author)

Ali Cross (Ali Cross #1)
Reading Level: 6th − 7th Grade
Series: Ali Cross

James Patterson's blockbuster Alex Cross series has sold over 100 million copies - and now he's bringing those thrills to a new generation!

Alex's son Ali is eager to follow in his father's footsteps as a detective, but when his best friend goes missing, what price will he have to pay to solve the mystery?

Ali Cross has always looked up to his father, former detective and FBI agent Alex Cross. While solving some of the nation's most challenging crimes, his father always kept his head and did the right thing. Can Ali have the same strength and resolve?

When Ali's best friend Gabe is reported missing, Ali is desperate to find him. At the same time, a string of burglaries targets his neighborhood -- and even his own house. With his father on trial for a crime he didn't commit, it's up to Ali to search for clues and find his friend. But being a kid sleuth isn't easy -- especially when your father warns you not to get involved! -- and Ali soon learns that clues aren't always what they seem. Will his detective work lead to a break in Gabe's case or cause even more trouble for the Cross family?

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Kirkus

The prolific king of the beach read is back with an intergenerational mystery for the 9-to-12-year-old set.

School Library Journal

Gr 5 Up--Ali Cross is the son of celebrated Washington, D.C. detective Alex Cross, and his dream is to follow in his dad's footsteps and become a great detective. When his friend Gabe goes missing, Ali sees it as his chance to help the police solve a real mystery. But tensions are high in his community after his dad is accused of hurting a suspect's family member, and Ali has to deal with bullies, reporters, and his own father's protectiveness in his quest to rescue his friend. Told in the alternating perspectives of Ali and Alex, this is a fresh look at the world of James Patterson's most famous protagonist through a middle grade lens. Though the message of police violence is simplistic compared to other offerings for the age group, this entry-level police procedural will be an exciting read. Patterson drops frequent references to other children's detective novels throughout, leaving a breadcrumb trail of recommendations. VERDICT Patterson blends the fun of James Ponti's "T.O.A.S.T." mysteries and Stuart Gibbs's "Spy School" with a bit of commentary about the complications of policing in the modern era. A good buy for any collection serving young Patterson fans and middle grade action/thriller audiences.--Madison Bishop, Plymouth Public Library, MA

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Review quotes

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James Patterson
James Patterson is the world's bestselling author. The creator of the Max Einstein and Middle School series, he founded JIMMY Patterson to publish books that young readers will love. He lives in Florida with his family.

Martin Chatterton was born in Liverpool, England and has been successfully writing and illustrating books for almost thirty years. His work has been shortlisted for numerous awards in the UK, US, and Australia. After time spent in the US, Martin now divides his time between Australia and the UK.
Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9780316705684
Lexile Measure
700
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Jimmy Patterson
Publication date
December 01, 2020
Series
Ali Cross
BISAC categories
JUV039060 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Friendship
JUV021000 - Juvenile Fiction | Law & Crime
JUV001000 - Juvenile Fiction | Action & Adventure
JUV013060 - Juvenile Fiction | Family | Parents
JUV028000 - Juvenile Fiction | Mysteries, Espionage, & Detective Stories
JUV039020 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Adolescence
JUV039130 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Runaways
JUV067000 - Juvenile Fiction | Thrillers & Suspense
Library of Congress categories
Mystery and detective stories
Detective and mystery stories
Investigation
Missing persons
Washington (D.C.)
Middle school students
Child detectives

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