Bubblegum Shoes: The Case of the Contraband Closet (#1)
Written by Goldy Moldavsky
Published by Random House Books for Young Readers
9:48 AM. Math class. Marlowe Middle School.
Life isn’t easy on the streets, er, hallways of Marlowe Middle School. Luckily, private eye Maya Mendoza never stops paying attention. She knows who is passing notes in class. Spots which teacher wore shoes a half-size too tight. And she certainly notices when her former best friend Jordan suddenly stops talking to her.
Then, the legendary Contraband Closet is robbed. Every handheld game console, spray paint canister, energy drink, and other prized possession teachers have collected since the dawn of time are seemingly lost forever–including an item of Jordan’s. Suddenly, Maya sees a case that may set things back to the way it used to be because contraband–and friendships–don’t vanish into thin air…right?
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Primary ISBN: 9780593813768
Publication Date: July 2025
Available As: Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook, eBook
Middle Grade, Age 08 or older
Community Represented: Unspecified (Hispanic/Latinx/Latine), Unspecified (South Asian), Various
Themes: Accolades & Awards, Accolades & Awards: Starred Review, Cross-Group Friendship, Education & Literacy, Format: Audiobook, Genre: Mystery
Setting: United States (New Jersey)
Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Unknown Arrival
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