Capture the Flag by Kate Messner

Three kids, stuck at an airport with nothing to do and nowhere to go sounds like a recipe for either a long boring wait or possibly some mischief. However these three kids, while they are strangers to start, have a lot in common and a lot of important things to do while they wait. A valuable piece of history has gone missing and they are in the perfect place to find out who has taken it before it’s too late.

Capture the Flag is a fast paced middle grade mystery with a lot of adventure. The kids Anna, Henry and Jose are very likable and believable characters that you easily connect with and care about. The story is well crafted and provides enough interesting clues that you are left guessing and satisfied with the conclusion.

I really loved the pacing, there were a few times I held my breath and cheered on the kids, especially toward the end where the pace really reaches it’s climax. I can see middle grade children and older finding this story deeply engrossing and even thrilling.

There was real effort put into the character development which makes me - and I’m sure most readers - hope that these three find themselves together again really soon to help protect another piece of history. Even the secondary characters were well rounded and believable, which helped to weave a tapestry of reality within the story that was fully immersive.  I loved the fun names and nicknames given to the supporting characters.

This was my first time reading Kate Messner and I will be seeking out more and sharing them with my grand children when they are old enough.

There is a sneak peek of Capture the Flag available HERE.

Disclosure: I was given a copy of Capture the Flag by Kate Messner; no other compensation was received. My opinions are my own and may differ from yours.