Once again Friday Barnes solves a variety of intriguing mysteries, all while trying to navigate a new romantic relationship.
Friday Barnes is the unwanted fifth child in a family of organised, driven academics. She literally brought herself up learning all she could about absolutely everything. Unfortunately, being constantly ignored, she missed the bit about social interaction. The first book in this series began when Friday was 11 years old, and now, 10 books later, Friday is 15 years old and being asked to join Interpol and investigate crime in Europe.
Australian author R.A. Spratt is well known for her series of books for middle years readers. As well as Friday Barnes, she is the author of The Peski Kids and The Adventures of Nanny Piggins series. She has also written for 32 television shows including comedy and animation.
Fans of R.A. Spratt will want to read the next instalment in the life of Friday. As usual, she is asked to solve all manner of crimes/problems using her extraordinary rational brain. She is joined by her best friend Melanie, Melanie’s brother Binky and her old school friend Ian, who may or may not be her boyfriend.
R.A. Spratt likes to send Friday to far flung places so that the reader can learn a little bit about the world in their own arm chair. This time, Friday travels to Oslo for the 21st birthday of her friend the Princess Ingrid of Norway. In Friday Barnes 10: Undercover, the reader learns about the Global Seed Vault on Svalbard as well as famous art museums and art works.
Because Friday is socially awkward, and is unable to read social cues, many children on the spectrum will be able to relate to her difficulties: being unable to read facial expressions, blurting out whatever she is thinking, and being uncomfortable in large groups. Luckily for Friday, she has a staunch ally in her best friend Melanie, who helps by explaining her social gaffes to her and stepping in when necessary with encouragement and sometimes apologies.
Each of the 10 books about Friday Barnes continues on from the previous one, but they can also be read as stand-alone novels. Divided into 18 chapters with headings, Friday is able to solve problems using minimal information, pulling together things that nobody else has thought of.
Many children will have grown up with Friday and aged along with her. Spratt’s books are well written and easy to read. They are down to earth and relatable despite Friday being able to travel around the world alone. It may be that the reader will want to look at a map of Europe to follow Friday’s travels … and the book may even encourage travel one day in the future.
Reviewed by Sue Mauger
This review is the opinion of the reviewer and not Glam Adelaide.
Distributed by: Penguin Books Australia
Released: February 2022
RRP: $15.99
