This was my second Peg Kehret novel having previously enjoyed RUNAWAY TWIN. I’ve got a few more to cover as this is her 49th kids book to date. Quite the prolific writer!
For the most 
part this story is written through the first person voice of 12-year-old Emmy Rushford. A few chapters shift to a third person POV when the police get involved in the story.
Coming from a community that has experienced several horrid child abduction cases in recent years, I cringed at the choices Emmy made. If a child wants to know what not to do when confronting a stranger, it’s all right here. As is whose car you should not be riding in and when not telling an adult is a bad thing.
The story is suspenseful and doesn’t take long to read. I’m only recommending this one in hopes it will make a child think twice before making any of Emmy’s decisions. (One added note: Change the cover. Much too dark for my tastes.)
PUBLICATION DATE:2014 Page Count: 191
FULL PLOT (From Amazon): Peg Kehret includes humor, animal rescue, and heart-pounding suspense in this story about good intentions gone wrong. Sixth-grader Emmy Rushford decides to provide food for a needy family, but the project turns perilous when Emmy must deal with a car crash, a cat thrown into a Dumpster, and a belligerent neighbor. Then she discovers an apartment full of stolen goods. Her courageous efforts to help hungry children, rescue the cat, and break up a ring of thieves soon put her life at risk.
FIVE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT DANGEROUS DECEPTION by Peg Kehret
- Emmy is a very compassionate girl and truly cares about others. It’s a great lesson in remembering there is always someone in need of help.
- The actions of the police and mother were very believable. This means the author did her research.
- When Emmy’s poor choices catch up to her, the page turning suspense is at its highest. You know the writing is spot on when your stomach is twisted into a knot.
- I always read every word in a novel including any after story notes. In this book Peg Kehret has included the standard ‘Acknowledgements’ page with this one line that shows what writers must do to make their words real: To Chelsea Kehret for allowing me to tie her to a chair so that I could describe her efforts to get free.
- Emmy has some strong thoughts about obesity and kids. It was nice to see her act positively and make some changes.
FAVORITE LINES:
Most of all, I thought how it would feel to have no food except what strangers brought to the door.
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Check the links to other Middle Grade novels over at Shannon Messenger’s Marvelous Middle Grade Monday post.
Running away is always a bad decision made in a bad moment. I’ll have to read this and pass it on to a few kids in my family.
I have read Peg Kehret’s book about surviving a tsunami, ESCAPING THE GIANT WAVE. She is a writer to study for how to produce a “”page-turner.” (I also love the fact she does such hands-on research!) Thanks, as always, for the great review.
This does sound good. I liked what you added from the acknowledgements. When I read something like that at the end of a book, I feel like I’m in good hands with the writer.
This sounds great. I will have to check it out. I love the line from the acknowledgements. Thanks for telling me about this book.
ha! best acknowledgment ever. And I was drawn in at “animal rescue” sounds perfect 🙂
Another great choice. Sharon Draper has been on this subject with her YA novel “Panic” with a sequel to follow next spring. Important topic for kids.
I’m intrigued, though maybe mostly for the writing. Then again, who can resist a good suspense? Thanks for the recommend!