The Vanishing Stair — Content Guide for Parents
Themes present
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Religious themes
PRESENTContains references to prayer and church attendance. A minister character plays a supporting role in two chapters.
About this book
New York Times and Publishers Weekly bestseller!
In New York Times bestselling author Maureen Johnson's second novel in the Truly Devious series, there are more twists and turns than Stevie Bell can imagine. No answer is given freely, and someone will pay for the truth with their life.
The Truly Devious case--an unsolved kidnapping and triple murder that rocked Ellingham Academy in 1936--has consumed Stevie for years. It's the very reason she came to the academy. But then her classmate was murdered, and her parents quickly pull her out of school. For her safety, they say. She must move past this obsession with crime.
Stevie's willing to do anything to get back to Ellingham, be back with her friends, and solve the Truly Devious case. Even if it means making a deal with the despicable Senator Edward King. And when Stevie finally returns, she also returns to David: the guy she kissed, and the guy who lied about his identity--Edward King's son.
But larger issues are at play. Where did the murderer hide What's the meaning of the riddle Albert Ellingham left behind And what, exactly, is at stake in the Truly Devious affair The Ellingham case isn't just a piece of history--it's a live wire into the present.
* Junior Library Guild Selection * Chicago Public Library's Best of the Best Books of 2019 * Hypable's Best Books of 2019 *
Praise for Book One:
"The Agatha Christie-like ecosystem pairs with lacerating contemporary wit, and alternating past and present scenes makes for a multilayered, modern detective story." --New York Times Book Review
"Remember the first time reading Harry Potter and knowing it was special There's that same sense of magic in the introduction of teen Sherlock-in-training Stevie Bell." --USA Today (four stars)
"Be still, my Agatha-Christie-loving beating heart." --Bustle
Frequently asked questions
Is The Vanishing Stair appropriate for a 7-year-old?
The story involves a historical kidnapping and murder, as well as the present-day death of a student, indicating a plot centered around violence. There are mentions of light violence and a climactic battle that includes gory details. The book features elements of suspense and mystery, including a kidnapping and murder, which may be considered scary for younger readers. The atmosphere is described as eerie, contributing to a sense of tension.
Does The Vanishing Stair have violence?
The story involves a historical kidnapping and murder, as well as the present-day death of a student, indicating a plot centered around violence. There are mentions of light violence and a climactic battle that includes gory details.
Does The Vanishing Stair have scary content?
The book features elements of suspense and mystery, including a kidnapping and murder, which may be considered scary for younger readers. The atmosphere is described as eerie, contributing to a sense of tension.
Does The Vanishing Stair have religious themes?
No religious practices, beliefs, or ceremonies are mentioned in the narrative of the book.
Does The Vanishing Stair have racial/cultural content?
The narrative includes a diverse set of characters, with mentions of racial and class-based violence within the context of the mystery, suggesting an exploration of these themes.
Does The Vanishing Stair have profanity?
The book contains instances of swearing in conversations among characters, as well as discussions of substance use, which may include mild profanity.
Does The Vanishing Stair have climate change?
No themes related to climate change, environmentalism, or activism are present in the narrative.
Does The Vanishing Stair have sexual identity?
While there are references to characters kissing and discussions of relationships, there is no explicit sexual content detailed in the narrative.
Does The Vanishing Stair have gender roles?
No specific themes related to traditional gender roles or modern feminism are indicated in the narrative.
Does The Vanishing Stair have lgbtq+ themes?
The narrative includes a gay teen character who investigates murders at her school, indicating LGBTQ+ representation as a central theme. The book is noted for its inclusion of diverse characters, including those of different sexual orientations.
