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Effie Starr Zook Has One More Question
“An excellent addition to middle grade collections.” — School Library Journal (starred review)
After being shipped off to stay with her aunt and uncle in Nowheresville, Pennsylvania, city girl Effie Starr Zook stumbles upon a mystery that leads her to an old family feud in this “accessible and exciting” ( School Library Journal , starred review).
A rich girl from New York City, Effie Starr Zook isn’t afraid of much. When her parents go on a dangerous round-the-world adventure in a solar airplane, she’s packed off to her aunt and uncle’s farm for the summer. Expecting boredom, she runs smack dab into a family secret. Why does the neighbor kid want to avoid her? What are her aunt and uncle so worried about? And what does “bad blood” mean, anyway?
Effie’s got a brand-new bicycle, time on her hands, and an unlimited capacity for asking questions. With these, she sets out to uncover whatever it is the grownups are hiding. Along the way, she’ll contend with crackpot politics, serve coffee in a bookstore café, and learn more than she bargained for about her famous great-grandfather, the inventor of the barf bag. Fast-paced and funny, this is a story about having the courage to find out who you really are. Look out, world—when Effie Starr Zook has questions, she won’t take no for an answer!
After being shipped off to stay with her aunt and uncle in Nowheresville, Pennsylvania, city girl Effie Starr Zook stumbles upon a mystery that leads her to an old family feud in this “accessible and exciting” ( School Library Journal , starred review).
A rich girl from New York City, Effie Starr Zook isn’t afraid of much. When her parents go on a dangerous round-the-world adventure in a solar airplane, she’s packed off to her aunt and uncle’s farm for the summer. Expecting boredom, she runs smack dab into a family secret. Why does the neighbor kid want to avoid her? What are her aunt and uncle so worried about? And what does “bad blood” mean, anyway?
Effie’s got a brand-new bicycle, time on her hands, and an unlimited capacity for asking questions. With these, she sets out to uncover whatever it is the grownups are hiding. Along the way, she’ll contend with crackpot politics, serve coffee in a bookstore café, and learn more than she bargained for about her famous great-grandfather, the inventor of the barf bag. Fast-paced and funny, this is a story about having the courage to find out who you really are. Look out, world—when Effie Starr Zook has questions, she won’t take no for an answer!
224 pages, Hardcover
First published March 7, 2017
7 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
About the author
Martha Freeman
47books63followersMartha Freeman was born in Southern California in 1956. It is not actually true that pterodactyls ruled the skies then, but her three children believe this.
Martha graduated from Glenoaks Elementary, Woodrow Wilson Junior High, and Glendale High School. Until Martha came along, Glendale High's most famous graduate was a fellow named Marion Michael Morrison. He later went into the film game and changed his name to John Wayne, which you might very well do, too, if you were a boy named Marion in unenlightened times. In 1978, Martha graduated from Stanford University with a degree in history. She remains Stanford's most illustrious graduate if not its most wealthy.
Stink Bomb Mom
Martha's First Book.
Martha worked as a newspaper reporter, copy editor, substitute teacher, college lecturer, advertising copywriter, and freelance magazine writer before she found her true calling as a writer of children's books in 1994. Her first book was "Stink Bomb Mom," now, tragically, out of print. She has since published 14 more books for children and as you read this, she is probably working on another one. Besides writing and visiting schools to talk to students, Martha teaches occasional classes at Penn State University, volunteers as an emergency medical technician, and works for a wonderful little company called Wall Street Communications. She is a very busy person.
Martha graduated from Glenoaks Elementary, Woodrow Wilson Junior High, and Glendale High School. Until Martha came along, Glendale High's most famous graduate was a fellow named Marion Michael Morrison. He later went into the film game and changed his name to John Wayne, which you might very well do, too, if you were a boy named Marion in unenlightened times. In 1978, Martha graduated from Stanford University with a degree in history. She remains Stanford's most illustrious graduate if not its most wealthy.
Stink Bomb Mom
Martha's First Book.
Martha worked as a newspaper reporter, copy editor, substitute teacher, college lecturer, advertising copywriter, and freelance magazine writer before she found her true calling as a writer of children's books in 1994. Her first book was "Stink Bomb Mom," now, tragically, out of print. She has since published 14 more books for children and as you read this, she is probably working on another one. Besides writing and visiting schools to talk to students, Martha teaches occasional classes at Penn State University, volunteers as an emergency medical technician, and works for a wonderful little company called Wall Street Communications. She is a very busy person.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
December 31, 2018
As our students begin to refine research skills, we direct them to create their own set of questions about a topic before starting their research. Effie Starr Zook does just that when her parents drop their NYC sophisticated daughter off in the country with her aunt and uncle. Sensing very quickly that there is a feud going on between the neighbors, and secrets abound, Effie wants to discover the answers to the secrets, in this rural Pennsylvania town. This is a high energy mysterious romp Effie takes though a maze of endless questions, yet she is resourceful and resilient, equipped with a natural sense of where to go and find answers, when no one is offering her information. The message of thinking through your problems and planning a good stategy is subtly implied. This is a great read that kids will fly through.
February 27, 2017
What will happen when Effie Starr Zook's parents take their solar-powered plane for a ride? Why do the Zooks and the Yoders have bad blood? Who is Mr. Odbody? And who was his grandmother? What are Effie's aunt and uncle worried about?
These (and many, many more) are the questions Effie Starr Zook asks.
These (and many, many more) are the questions Effie Starr Zook asks.
May 24, 2024
While Effie's parents are off flying an experimental plane, she's stashed with relatives. She's a big city girl, so adjusting to the pace in a small town is tough. And all of Effie's curiosity and questions are making people uncomfortable. Inventions and inheritances. Bookshops and bad blood. Forbidden friendship and family secrets.
Hints of conservative religious beliefs (Amish & Mennonite vibes). I was especially amused by a highly patriarchal political party in which real men sport big beards. The family fortune is founded on the (fictionalized) invention of barf bags for airplanes, so there's a retraction and discussion at the end of the real inventor. This is a good book if you're looking to spark discussions about inventors.
Hints of conservative religious beliefs (Amish & Mennonite vibes). I was especially amused by a highly patriarchal political party in which real men sport big beards. The family fortune is founded on the (fictionalized) invention of barf bags for airplanes, so there's a retraction and discussion at the end of the real inventor. This is a good book if you're looking to spark discussions about inventors.
February 12, 2022
This book read so nicely that I found myself reading chapter after chapter. Effie heads to be with her aunt and uncle for the summer in a small farm town that her ancestors founded years ago and she finds that there are some secrets in the family history that no one wants to talk about. Bad blood between families, some delving into race in this very white town, and subtle right-wing politics made it intriguing. The solution to the mystery had some pretty big twists, and I can see 4th-6th graders enjoying this.
March 2, 2023
So cute I loved it so much it was so happy the whole time it you were always on a adventure when reading
May 27, 2017
Effie Starr Zooks likes asking questions, and when she is sent to stay with her relatives in a PA small town, she has to figure out a mystery where none of the grownups will answer her questions. Are grownups always right? I love that at the end she finds inspiration in an adult who gets paid to ask questions (a journalist), and I like that part of the solution to the mystery involves discovering mixed-race cousins (because different races are just a social construct)
November 3, 2017
Summary:
While Effie’s parents are flying the first solar plane around the world, she is spending her summer on the Zook family farm with her aunt and uncle. Effie’s great-grandfather was the original owner of this farm.
When she meets two neighbor kids she learns that some people in this rural area are not fans of her family. The kids’ father, Mr. Yoder, is leader of a movement called Beards for America based on Effie’s great-grandfather’s “Precepts” and yet the two families aren’t on speaking terms.
Effie is excellent at asking questions—the grown-ups are close-lipped about the tension between the families. After befriending the town’s only black resident, Effie starts to piece together the history of her relatives.
Questions:
1. Who is the main character in the story?
2. Summarize the story in order of the events that happen.
3. Do you think it was okay for Effie to ask so many questions?
4. Do you think Effie stopped asking so many questions for the story ends?
5. Do you think it was okay for Effie's family to hide everything from her?
Citation: Freeman, M. (2018). Effie Starr Zook Has One More Question. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman.
While Effie’s parents are flying the first solar plane around the world, she is spending her summer on the Zook family farm with her aunt and uncle. Effie’s great-grandfather was the original owner of this farm.
When she meets two neighbor kids she learns that some people in this rural area are not fans of her family. The kids’ father, Mr. Yoder, is leader of a movement called Beards for America based on Effie’s great-grandfather’s “Precepts” and yet the two families aren’t on speaking terms.
Effie is excellent at asking questions—the grown-ups are close-lipped about the tension between the families. After befriending the town’s only black resident, Effie starts to piece together the history of her relatives.
Questions:
1. Who is the main character in the story?
2. Summarize the story in order of the events that happen.
3. Do you think it was okay for Effie to ask so many questions?
4. Do you think Effie stopped asking so many questions for the story ends?
5. Do you think it was okay for Effie's family to hide everything from her?
Citation: Freeman, M. (2018). Effie Starr Zook Has One More Question. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman.
May 4, 2017
Nothing really special. Some topics come up that are new to juvenile fiction: men getting credit for women's ideas and non traditional families. But it wasn't really discussed in fact the book could have gone a lot deeper and presented a much deeper read. Mildly entertaining but really lacked follow through.
July 17, 2017
I enjoyed this quick read. Effie reminds me of so many kids I know...the constant wondering. This to me is not a bad thing but shows an inquisitive mind! A promise of mystery and friendship keeps the reader engaged throughout the book.
Perfect as a read aloud!
For readers 2nd grade & up. Effie is a little older but the story can be for younger readers too.
Perfect as a read aloud!
For readers 2nd grade & up. Effie is a little older but the story can be for younger readers too.
December 22, 2019
Freeman has done an excellent job of delicately tackling the question of children not acknowledged by their father, without saying why. That central issue leads to families not speaking, a lawsuit over an inheritance, and mild retaliation taken. An outstanding discussion starter for intermediate and middle grades in populations where some children have distinctive family dynamics.
February 22, 2017
Effie Starr Zook is a fun character in a quirky book that might appeal best to fans of Kate DiCamillo or Polly Horvath. I wouldn't mind reading another story with Effie asking the questions. Maybe Moriah can visit Effie in NYC?
November 6, 2018
Who doesn’t like a story about a family feud and mysterious clues about Effie’s famous inventor grandfather. Effie is going to figure out what’s going and she is going to need to ask a lot of questions if she wants any answers. Fun story that keeps you reading.
June 19, 2017
Boring. We ditched it 3/4 through
June 30, 2017
Great story for girls, but I'm going to try to lure in boys as well.
October 20, 2017
good book to recommend to young patrons
AR 4.7 and 5.0 pts
AR 4.7 and 5.0 pts
August 16, 2018
3.5 Stars
April 2, 2019
Fast read - loved Effie's questions!
January 12, 2020
I liked this title. At time I felt Martha Freeman's storytelling was similar to the style of Kate DiCamillo. However, the content got a bit overwhelming and somewhat farfetched.
Read
December 8, 2020This was a good book, I have read better though. But it was a good mystery with a surprise ending, it kept me on my toes.
December 31, 2021
Rounded up from 2.5 because I'm not the intended audience--see for details!
August 30, 2022
I really loved the humorous and big-hearted story, with enough mystery to prevent me from putting it down until I was finished.
December 27, 2022
3.5 stars rounded down to 3.
October 17, 2016
Reviewed from ARC provided by Simon and Schuster.
I really enjoyed this book! Effie's voice came through loud and clear, and the wry humor kept me hooked all the way through. My one issue with this book is that the themes of racism and sexism felt underdeveloped. I understand where Freeman was trying to go, but it felt almost like an afterthought, or like she was trying to accomplish too much at once. However, that didn't prevent me from enjoying the book, and won't prevent me from recommending it!
I really enjoyed this book! Effie's voice came through loud and clear, and the wry humor kept me hooked all the way through. My one issue with this book is that the themes of racism and sexism felt underdeveloped. I understand where Freeman was trying to go, but it felt almost like an afterthought, or like she was trying to accomplish too much at once. However, that didn't prevent me from enjoying the book, and won't prevent me from recommending it!
March 20, 2017
I would say it is closer to a 2 1/2. A fun read but unfortunately the voices of the children did not feel authentic. This had a tendency to pull me out of the story. Still very fun and light.
February 24, 2021
I liked this book. I did not expect what happened at the end. That was a big surprise!
February 22, 2017
Review copy provided by NetGalley
Effie is plopped in the middle of rural Pennsylvania for the summer while her parents fly around the world in a solar-powered plane. At first, the summer looks bleak, but Effie is a master at uncovering the most interesting parts of a dull situation. She spends much of her time questioning those around her, trying to get to the bottom of whatever mystery there is to solve. She uncovers family secrets and examines the oddities all around her. It's hard not to like her, even if she is overstepping the boundaries others set for her.
This is a story about uncovering family secrets and whether hiding things, particularly from children, benefits anyone in the long run. I actually loved this story, though it threw me a couple of times. It made a subtle statement about race, one that is worthwhile to consider after reading. All in all, this was a really interesting, engaging book, one that I will gladly add to my collection at school. It's well written, well paced, and well presented; a real treat.
Effie is plopped in the middle of rural Pennsylvania for the summer while her parents fly around the world in a solar-powered plane. At first, the summer looks bleak, but Effie is a master at uncovering the most interesting parts of a dull situation. She spends much of her time questioning those around her, trying to get to the bottom of whatever mystery there is to solve. She uncovers family secrets and examines the oddities all around her. It's hard not to like her, even if she is overstepping the boundaries others set for her.
This is a story about uncovering family secrets and whether hiding things, particularly from children, benefits anyone in the long run. I actually loved this story, though it threw me a couple of times. It made a subtle statement about race, one that is worthwhile to consider after reading. All in all, this was a really interesting, engaging book, one that I will gladly add to my collection at school. It's well written, well paced, and well presented; a real treat.
March 16, 2017
Effie Starr Zook Has One More Question was a delightful, quick read. It has everything a good children’s book should: adventure, potential peril, mystery and friendship. As an adult, I figured out most of the mystery before the end of the book, but I think children would be completely surprised. Most of all, I loved the bookstore and the friends the main character made. It’s amazing how big of an effect one young person can have on a town in one short summer!
Want to read
February 19, 2017I received a copy of this book from Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 13, 2017
The first 2/3 of this book was delightful. Effie Zook is one of those noticing sorts of kids with a million questions. Her character and most of the others were fresh and interesting and the mysterious "grown up' secret was a nice plot device - until it was revealed. Then it felt like a different book to me with the secret being something that adults might care about far more than kids. I don't want to say more and spoil the ending but it felt mismatched to me and at least one element not very interesting to a 10-year old.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
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