About BC Books Online
BC Books Online was created for anyone interested in BC-published books, and with librarians especially in mind. We'd like to make it easy for library staff to learn about books from BC publishers - both new releases and backlist titles - so you can inform your patrons and keep your collections up to date.
Our site features print books and ebooks - both new releases and backlist titles - all of which are available to order through regular trade channels. Browse our subject categories to find books of interest or create and export lists by category to cross-reference with your library's current collection.
A quick tip: When reviewing the "Browse by Category" listings, please note that these are based on standardized BISAC Subject Codes supplied by the books' publishers. You will find additional selections, grouped by theme or region, in our "BC Reading Lists."
Description
Amateur detective and singing sensation Dinah Galloway has enough on her plate without having to worry about being pursued by a vengeful stalker. The red-headed twelve-year-old is in the running to sing in commercials promoting beautiful British Columbia. To clinch the job, Dinah has to get fit at a wellness retreat on Salt Spring Island. Veggies? Exercise? Yech! Grudgingly, though, Dinah admits that her lifestyle could be a little healthier. Off to Salt Spring she goes, along with the two other finalists: one friendly, the other the last word in sulky. Her friends Talbot and Pantelli make their usual disruptive appearances, along with Dinah's ever-anxious mother and cool, elegant sister Madge. Hoping to shed not only pounds but her crazed pursuer, Dinah learns the true meaning of personal best—it truly is how you play the game, not whether you win or lose.
Recommended Age, Grade, and Reading Levels
- Age:
- 9 to 12
- Grade:
- 4 to 7
- Reading age:
- 9 to 12
Awards
- Short-listed, M.Y.R.C.A nominee
- Commended, CCBC Best Books
Editorial Reviews
"Fans of Melanie Jackson's Dinah Galloway mysteries will not be disappointed in the latest book in the series...This is a fun mystery series for girls who don't mind imperfections in their main characters."
— Puget Sound Council
"Readers will embrace high-energy Dinah, the story's surprise revelations, and the slapsticks pranks, including a memorable fart-cushion incident that's sure to please the middle-grade audience."
— Booklist
"[There are] moments of brilliance like when Dinah realizes that she wears her weight as a mask, to hide her feelings of inadequacy...There are some wonderful cliff-hanger endings on many of the chapters."
— Resource Links
"Dinah's fans will enjoy this new escapade...There are many plot twists to keep readers guessing who is trying to sabotage Dinah, but her thorough detective work and help from true friends will catch the "Queen of Disguise" in action. Readers will appreciate this strong-willed, sassy heroine who has a heart of gold."
— School Library Journal
"Followers of this lively series set in British Columbia will be in for a treat as they re-connect to the liveliest 12-year-old on the west coast. Recommended."
— CM Magazine
