The Strange Case of Baby H (Mysteries Through Time) [Library Binding]

Kathryn Reiss (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 2009 | Age Level: 9 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up | Series: Mysteries Through Time

In the aftermath of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, twelve-year-old Clara finds a baby left on the doorstep of her family's boarding house, and sets out to unravel the surrounding mysteries.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-7-Set amid the rubble and confusion of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, this story is full of suspense and action. Clara, 12, and her family are awakened in the early morning to a damaged home, but one that, miraculously, remains standing. In the aftermath of chaos and fire, she finds an abandoned baby on her doorstep. The mystery deepens when she discovers that the infant is really a girl who has been disguised as a boy. As Clara and her family care for her, they soon discover that the child had been kidnapped and is in danger. The plot unfolds smoothly and builds to a satisfying conclusion. Mystery fans will be hooked by the daring rescues, escapes, and sinister criminals. Details about the earthquake are seamlessly incorporated into the narrative, giving it a real context. A well-done afterword gives more information about the period.
Kristen Oravec, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Strongsville, OH
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

Gr. 4-7. This new adventure in the popular History Mysteries series follows 12-year-old Clara Curfman as she and her family endure the devastating earthquake that rocked San Francisco in 1906. The quake is the history part; the mystery involves an abandoned baby, left on the Curfmans' doorstep, whom Clara believes is the victim of a kidnapping. In the aftermath of the quake, with the city crumbling and on fire, Clara sets out to discover the truth about the baby's identity and ensure that the child is safely returned to its parents. Reiss does a great job of weaving the mystery story line into the historical setting, effectively using the chaotic situation created by the quake to crank up the excitement of Clara's search for answers. The book ends with a six-page section of earthquake history, including old black-and-white photographs of people, places, and memorabilia. Entertaining recreational reading for historical fiction fans as well as a good choice for complementing a unit on the time period or on natural disasters. Lauren Peterson
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Library Binding: 165 pages
• Publisher: Skyview Books (August 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1607544237
• ISBN-13: 978-1607544234
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.7 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars You'll Be Quaking In Your Boots, March 12, 2003

By 

AntiochAndy "antiochandy" (Antioch, CA USA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Strange Case of Baby H (American Girl History Mysteries) (Paperback)

Clara Curfman and her family live in San Francisco in 1906. Clara's house gets a hard jolt when the great earthquake hits, but when the violent shaking subsides it's still standing. Aftershocks continue in the days that follow and huge fires ravage much of the city. Clara and her family, along with the boarders that inhabit their house, are forced to live in the yard for fear that the house may yet collapse. In the midst of all the chaos, a baby in a basket is left on their front porch. Even more strangely, what appears to be a boy baby turns out to be a girl in disguise. Further, Clara realizes that strangers are watching her house. Before this story is over, both the baby and Clara face great danger. Clara, finding herself in one tight spot after another, responds with courage and resolve.

THE STRANGE CASE OF BABY H is a suspenseful and action-packed tale set in the midst of one of the greatest natural disasters of the twentieth century. The author does a nice job of weaving accurate historical details into the story without sacrificing the immediacy of the plot. Being residents of the San Francisco area, this story had a little extra interest for us. On the other hand, the plot is often rather predictable. As the "History Mystery" series goes, this one is about average. That's still pretty good, though. We've found "History Mysteries" to be of good quality in general, and my daughter and I always enjoy reading them together.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great, Captivating Book That Any Girl Would Love, November 28, 2003

A Kid's Review

This review is from: The Strange Case of Baby H (American Girl History Mysteries) (Paperback)

When I listened to this book (on tape) I really loved it's plot. I stayed up till midnight listening to it!

I would definately reccomend it to any girl I know!!!

I hope anyomne else who reads it loves it as much as I did!!! :)