Dani Noir

Dani Noir

By Suma, Nova Ren

(2009). New York: Aladdin.

ISBN/ISSN: 978-1-4169-7564-9

Reading Level: Grades 5-8

Summary: In the summer before eighth grade, Dani Callanzano is bored in her little town of Shanosha. Her parents have recently gotten a divorce and she is trying to pass the time by ignoring her feelings about her father’s infidelities and going to the local movie theater to watch old fashioned noir films. However when a mystery girl keeps calling the theater and shows up wearing pink tights, Dani wonders exactly what is going on. Who is this girl and what does she have to do with the movie theater? Thinking like Rita Hayworth in “Gilda,” Dani must use her wits to understand the mystery and her own feelings of self worth and identity.

Review: Dani Noir is an interesting read. A throwback to vintage films, actors and actresses, the book deftly portrays issues of family, relationships, friendships, divorce, and self-awareness. The novel was awarded by Amazon’s editors as one of the top 10 picks for middle readers in 2009. Coupled with this award and the amount of reviews written both online by public blogs and by prominent reviewers such as Booklist and School Library Journal, this book makes for an excellent example of the mystery genre. With a believable plot, a character with realistic experiences and a lighthearted introduction to classic film artists of the past, Dani Noir is a mystery that tweens should enjoy.

Selected Award: Amazon.com Editor’s Pick Top 10 Children’s Books for Middle Readers (2009)