By Carly Smith
A tense and upsetting basketball tryout precedes an event that takes brothers Cedar and Green on a whodunnit adventure they never anticipated . After Cedar, a middle school basketball aficionado, convinces his younger and less athletic brother Green to try out for the school team, the coach’s necklace disappears and Coach is certain Green snatched it. The brothers, steadfast in their claim that Green is innocent, work together to prove Green’s innocence With the evidence they collect and the help of some unexpected co-detectives, the boys use their clues and interview skills to stop the accusations and gossip pinning Green to the crime. As the investigation plays out, the brothers learn a lot about themselves and each other, which consequently changes the dynamics of friendships and family relationships, eventually for the better.
King develops the main characters very well. Cedar is an athletic, social media-loving, outgoing teen, and Green is a reserved young man who likes to stick to what he is familiar with. King spends quite a bit of time at the beginning of the novel introducing Cedar and Green, their personalities, interests, and quirks. Although this prolongs the beginning of the investigation and the bulk of the plot, it adds an element of authenticity and really helps readers feel as if they have travelled inside the book, know the boys personally, and are standing beside them as they do their detective work. King also works hard to tie in great life lessons for youth regarding technology use, genuine connections, and staying true to oneself. It’s as if Butt Sandwich & Tree has snippets of a mystery novel, coming-of-age tale, comedy, and sports story all in one, without being overwhelming.
This book is appropriate as a class read-along and as an independent read at school or at home for students aged 8 to 13. It’s also suitable for readers who enjoy suspense and mysteries, feel like they don’t necessarily fit in (like sports and/or social media), or enjoy relating to middle school life. Truly, Butt Sandwich & Tree offers something for all readers. Adults interested in YA or who are reading this story alongside a young adult will not be underwhelmed or disappointed. With a heartfelt author’s note at the end to tie everything together, Butt Sandwich & Tree will leave every reader with a more optimistic and open-minded outlook on life.
Thank you to Simon and Schuster for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.