The Supernatural Files of CJ Delaney

April 1, 2024
A tween journalist in Ohio has a summer that's full of unexpected intrigue. Lively 11-year-old Countess Jewel Delaney II aspires to become an ace reporter and follow in the footsteps of her grandmother Conti, who was one of the first Black women in America to own a newspaper. After snagging an official role at her grandmother's newspaper, the Galahad Guardian, she's determined to find the perfect story before the summer ends. After a dull news story about the opening of a skate park leads to a perplexing case, CJ is determined to be the one to uncover the truth. She struggles with being reminded that she's "just a kid" and is determined to prove everyone wrong, no matter what it takes. With the help of her best friend, Parker, who's also Black, CJ explores Galahad and finds clues that could point to cult activities, which would be major news in her small college town. In a race against the clock, she must try to solve the mystery before it's too late. CJ's voice is engaging and natural, and debut author Williams emphasizes learning to rely on and work with others as her protagonist wrestles with wanting to be the one to always get the scoop--even at the risk of losing friendships. Despite mentions of the occult, the story never gets too scary but instead provides just the right amount of thrills to keep readers hooked. Suspenseful and emotionally intelligent. (Mystery. 8-12)

COPYRIGHT(2024) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

April 29, 2024
Sixth grader Countess Jewel Delaney, an inquisitive aspiring journalist living in the small fictional college town of Galahad, Ohio, secures a summer opportunity to be a community citizen reporter at the Galahad Guardian, where her grandmother serves as editor. While reporting on the grand opening of a skate park, a howling shriek from the Galahad Grove woods prompts CJ to investigate with hopes of breaking a big story. After gathering clues from the scene, CJ notices that animals have vanished all over town. When her best friend Parker shows her some “weird pix” depicting ritualistic-looking items such as bones and miniature altars set up in the Grove, CJ sets out to uncover what’s really happening in the woods. With a handful of clues, a trail of missing animals, and photographs of unidentified “cult” paintings, CJ determines to prove that she has the passion and wits to be taken seriously as a journalist. Via an endearing and quirky cast embarking on an adventurous, unearthly mystery, debut author Williams presents a new world of thrills and mystique for young readers. CJ and Parker are Black. Ages 8–12.

May 1, 2024
Grades 3-6 Eleven-year-old Countess Jewel Delaney II, or CJ Delaney, cannot wait to become an investigative reporter like her namesake grandmother, a prestigious career journalist and one of the first Black women to own a paper. Living in Galahad, Ohio, CJ interns at her grandmother's small newspaper during summer vacation. In a typical small town with little crime, CJ's investigative curiosity piques when pets alarmingly disappear. CJ's father, the police chief, forbids CJ from investigating further, fearing for her safety. After consulting books from her mother's bookstore, CJ starts following an unusual paranormal lead. Doubting the adults will take the information about the occult seriously, CJ defies her elders and begins questioning town residents as she grows ever more determined to find answers. Parker, her best friend and an amateur photographer, joins her on this unusual adventure, but could CJ's determination push her too far? Debut author Williams writes an entertaining story with a lovably sassy character. The unexpected yet satisfactory ending has a logical aspect paired with a supernatural explanation. The exciting possibility for more adventures with CJ Delaney remains open at the conclusion.

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