Mina Mistry Investigates: The Case of the Disgusting School Dinners

Children’s literature is most definitely an effective means of communicating a significant message, attracting kids and their suddenly (and similarly) curious parents. The straightforward aim of this story is to encourage youngsters to choose healthy snacks over fatty and sugary ones (or at least maintain a balanced diet). Sometimes that is not possible and this is where all readers should pay attention to a better hidden purpose, slipped in carefully among the pages. Adults may occasionally prove to be contradictory, pointing out one thing and doing the opposite, thus influencing children to head on a wrong direction. Some will detect the mistakes, but will take longer to alert others. A grown-up’s mind is an interesting matter, as it holds plenty of clashing intentions. But a kid’s brain is even more exciting to observe and Mina Mistry is here to prove it.

The little girl has a special way with words. She experiments with them, replacing her real family name, Snotbridge, with a secret undercover one, Mistry, alluding to Mystery – eventually I began to see her as a Mistress of Mystery. Her mind is quick to spot the truth and reveal it, but she still chooses her words carefully, avoiding unnecessary discussions and getting straight to the point. What is great about her is that she never scares or gives you the impression she may be misjudging someone. She is aware of both flaws and helpful attributes, and knows when to ask for assistance. Her solitary retreats enlarge her perspective and she will find someone to confide in (you as the reader). Admittedly, she is jotting down her log entries (not to be confused with plain diary entries), with formal references to her current location and status. However, you soon feel as if she often looks away from her notebook and her plush (and best friend), Mr Panda, and gives you frequent side glances. She will either have a “can-you-believe-this-is-happening” moment or slide in an obvious and amusing remark, something which you have been dying to say even in your real-life situations, but have somehow thought it would be irrelevant.

I think it is clever how a simple topic like school dinners (or, as the American edition has nicely adapted, school lunches) provides an elaborate plot, a serious investigation surrounding an issue meant to be addressed once and for all. It may be an indirect hint to how taking the first step towards action is often harder than the task itself. Once involved into something, we all go with the flow and link cues and clues. After attending a talk about nutritious eating, Mina does not ignore how the school cafeteria keeps pumping in unhealthy treats. Case files pile up, presumptions are made, clear evidence is discovered. There is not one second where the readers may get bored. And before they realize it, they are motivated to change bits and pieces in their lives.

-- Teodora Leon * NetGalley *

This is a fun story, an easy read. Mina is so adorable. She's smart and sassy. I want to have a child like her, honestly. I like how simple the story is that makes it enjoyable to read. I think kids will definitely love it.

-- Marianne Suba * NetGalley *

This is such a fun book for early readers! Mina is a really great character and her personality literally jumps off the page! She is super smart, funny, and sassy too! My daughter loved it!

-- Lindsay Landolt * NetGalley *

This book was funny and my children enjoyed listening to it. We enjoyed the multicultural references and the storyline. It was an easy to read and and a lighthearted book.

-- Kelly Butt * NetGalley *

This is a fresh and easy to read book series. The age I would recommend for this book is 7+ and preteens. I would say this book is for people that think school sometimes can be boring and they can flip around that situation with their ingenious imagination.

What we like the most:

• Engaging illustrations that show you Mina’s personality
• Hilarious way to describe common and simple scenes of school life
• It is easy to read, even if you have English as a second language. Double point!!
• Draws the attention to healthy lifestyle at lunchtime

-- Ysomar Mendez * NetGalley *

This was a lighthearted and fun children's book, and I'm sure a lot of kids will find love within the pages of this book.

I loved the formatting (the different fonts used in this book) , the addition of the personal files of most characters, and the illustrations in the book.

The story itself was really fun and amazing, and this would be such a fun read for kids.

-- Oyinda Adeoti * NetGalley *

Very cute and easy for young children to read. The illustrations were adorable and expressive.

-- Iman B * NetGall