60) The Humming Room by Ellen Potter

Potter, Ellen. The Humming Room. Feiwel & Friends, 2012. 192 pages. ISBN: 978-031264-4383.

Genre/Subject: Mystery

Ages: 9-12


Plot: Roo Fanshaw is a young girl, whose father and his girlfriend were murdered in thier trailer home. After the incident Roo hides underneath the trailer, which has a collection of treasures, including: trinkets, fake flowers, and a tiny glass snake. Since Roo's father has deceased, the logical idea is that she would be shipped off to foster care. However, she is saved by her uncle, whom she never knew existed. Roo ends up traveling to Cough Rock Island near the t. Lawrence River in upstate New York, to stay with her uncle. On the island there is a fortress and a children's hospital. Roo's uncle is Emmett Fanshaw, but he does not want to keep her, so she is left in the care of Mrs. Valentine, who is very strict. Since Roo is on her own, she explores the Island and the house. She discovers hiding places, and begins to hear strange noises. There are parts of the house that are forbidden, such as the East Wing. Like a detective, Roo is determined to find out what is the source of the noises she hears--which sound like crying. First, Roo finds am indoor garden that seems to be dying. Next, Roo finds out that the crying if coming from her cousin named Phillip. He has been living inside the house for years, suffering from depression. Roo finds out that the garden is related to Phillip's mother's death. She invited Phillip to help her restore the garden. A boy named Jack help Roo and Phillip bring the garden back to life.


Review: This story is a fresh rendition of The Secret Garden novel by Frances Burnett. Roo is basically Mary, Phillip is Colin, Violent is Burnett's Martha, and Jack is Dickon. Although the story parallels to the classic there are some minor changes. The writing updates the tale in a way that current readers can relate. Roo's childhood was traumatic with the murder of her father and being surrounded by the drugs scene (her parents were drug-dealers.) The author also revamps the characters making Roo more likeable than Mary Lennox from the classic Secret Garden. Roo is adventurous and does not get scared of the humming noises. She is a true detective, and a smart and curious character.