Module 9 | The Stranger Next Door

PLOT SUMMARY
Written by Peg Kehret and "Pete the Cat," the book chronicles the struggles of Alex as he begins life at a new school after his parents move to a housing development across town. He thinks that maybe he can form a friendship with his new neighbor, Rocky, but finds the boy aloof. Unknown to Alex, Rocky is in the Witness Protection Program and is weary of making new friends for fear he and his family might have to flee again. When odd events begin to take place at the housing development, Alex wonders if Rocky might be to blame, but Alex's cat Pete has another suspect in mind (and scent).

MY IMPRESSIONS
Overall, the book does a good job of sustaining the mystery throughout, including who is behind the ordered hit on Rocky's family and who is wreaking havoc on the housing development. The contributed passages by Pete are cute and witty, providing a nice counterbalance to the cluelessness of his human counterparts.

REVIEWS
"Kehret packs a lot of action and tension in this easy-to-handle mystery, leavening it nicely with Pete's entertaining swaggering and sleuthing."
Chris Sherman, Booklist, Feb. 1, 2002, Vol. 98, No. 11

"This mystery involving secret identities, school bullies, arson, and monetary gain holds special appeal for young teens and reluctant readers."
Patricia Morrow, VOYA, February 2002, Vol. 24, No. 6

"Readers will be caught up in the action even as they are amused by Pete's astute observations and adroit detective work."
Kirkus Reviews, March 15, 2002, Vol. 70, No. 6

USES IN THE LIBRARY
Young adult mystery novels such as The Stranger Next Door could inspire a "Mystery Game Night" event, where board games such as Clue and Guess Who? could be used to entertain younger kids, while a mystery-theater-style detective game could be crafted for older kids. In addition, the book would be a great choice for a book club, as it might intrigue reluctant readers, which could then lead them to other Peg Kehret novels, as well as more mystery books.

CITATION
Kehret, P. (2002). The stranger next door. New York: Dutton Children's Books.