Fine print: We are an independent review organization; we do not use generative AI for any textual content, nor do we accept compensation for book reviews. We are participants in the Westminster Books, Christian Book, Bookshop, and Amazon LLC affiliate programs; purchases you make through these affiliate links may earn us a commission. Read more here.
Can sixth grader Riley Abercrombie win a contest AND solve a mystery in Keep ‘Em Flying?
Keep ‘Em Flying (Heroes on the Home Front Mysteries #1) by Nell Barnum. Moody Publishers, 2025. 192 pages.
- Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12
- Recommended For: ages 8-12
Riley is a fan of history, especially her family’s history. Her Great-Grandma Addie was a Rosie the Riveter during World War II, working as a riveter on B25s. When her Grandma Suzie (Addie’s daughter) suggests Riley use her great-grandmother as inspiration for an essay contest, Riley dives in. Wow! Those Rosies were something else! One thing leads to another, and Riley’s essay lands her in the big leagues, at a Rosie the Riveter festival in Kansas City (where her great-grandmother had worked!).
Riley and Grandma Suzie head off on their adventure, but no sooner do they arrive at the museum in Kansas City than mysterious people and events cross their paths. Riley quickly makes a new friend and together, the two middle schoolers are on the hunt. Riley just knows who stole the artifact and she can prove it!
Riley does help solve the mystery, but she learns a lot about herself along the way. She also learns just how ill-advisable it is to make quick assumptions about people. She’s proved wrong more times than she’s proved right. By the end of the story, all’s well that ends well, and Riley has matured. Sprinkled throughout are Riley’s research notes for her project, adding interesting historical facts to fill in the gaps for young readers who might not be up on their World War II history. Riley and her family are Christians, and their faith is present but not in a preachy way.
Bottom Line: Solid character development, interesting history, and biblical grounding combine in a fun mystery.
Related Reading From Redeemed Reader
- Review: Homer on the Case by Henry Cole is a gentle mystery for those on the younger side of this age range.
- Review: Last in a Long Line of Rebels by Lisa Lewis Tyre is another middle grades mystery that includes family history.
- A Resource: Our Mystery Booklist is our number one booklist!
We are participants in the Amazon LLC affiliate program; purchases you make through affiliate links like the one below may earn us a commission. Read more here.
Stay Up to Date!
Get the information you need to make wise choices about books for your children and teens.
Our weekly newsletter includes our latest reviews, related links from around the web, a featured book list, book trivia, and more. We never sell your information. You may unsubscribe at any time.
We'd love to hear from you!
Our comments are now limited to our members (both Silver and Golden Key). Members, you just need to log in with your normal log-in credentials!
Not a member yet? You can join the Silver Key ($2.99/month) for a free 2-week trial. Cancel at any time. Find out more about membership here.