Trashed! - by Martha Freeman

About the Book

After Arthur finds a chipped teacup on a shelf at his family's store, he embarks on an adventure involving stolen jewels, a treacherous friendship, prairie dogs, and even the ghost of a pet mouse."

Book Synopsis

From Edgar Award-nominated author Martha Freeman comes a "delightful" (Kirkus Reviews) middle grade mystery following a young boy working at his family's secondhand store that is a steal-your-heart story about family and friendship.

Arthur Popper helps out in his family's Boulder, Colorado, junk store, Universal Trash, a place so full of cool stuff it inspires awe in first-time shoppers. When it comes to ukuleles, peppermills, and rhinestones, Arthur knows what's what. But unlike his motorcycle-riding grandma and his namesake, King Arthur, he's not brave or adventurous.

Then Arthur finds a chipped teacup, of all things, and realizes it's the key to solving the perfect crime--a crime only he knows about.

With help from a supernatural sidekick, his best friend, his annoying little sister, and a sad-faced police officer, Arthur embarks on the hard work of detecting. Everyone knows Arthur is good at customer service. Does he have what it takes to solve a mystery and confront a thief?

Review Quotes

"A delightful mystery that will lure in young sleuths."-- "-- Kirkus"

"A fast, fun read with a great setting, recommended for young mystery readers."-- "-- Booklist"

"A fun mystery adventure with small openings for important conversations about racism and more."-- "-- School Library Journal "

About the Author

Martha Freeman worked as a reporter and teacher before becoming a full-time writer of books for young readers, including the Edgar Award­-nominated Zap!, Born Curious, The Secret Cookie Club series, Who Stole Halloween?, and Effie Starr Zook Has One More Question, which School Library Journal called "accessible and exciting" in a starred review. She also collaborated with NASA astronaut Mark Kelly on the Astrotwins books. Martha lives in Colorado. Learn more at MarthaFreeman.com.