Big Library Read: Montgomery and the Case of the Golden Key
From November 7-21, Montgomery and the Case of the Golden Key is available for free as an ebook and audiobook on the Libby app through the Finger Lakes Library System. This middle grade mystery promises to captivate readers of all ages with its delightful story of discovery, resilience, and the power of community.
Library card holders can access debut author Tracy Occomy Crowder’s middle grade book without waitlists or holds. This title also has access lesson plans and discussion guides from TeachingBooks.net for facilitating age-appropriate conversations about story writing, cultural representation, and historical fiction. Learn more about OverDrive’s Big Library Read.
About the book
Allow us to set the stage for this heartwarming middle-grade novel: it’s 2008 in Washington Park, an African-American community on Chicago’s South Side, which is the center of the universe that summer. We are introduced to Monty, a ten-year old boy who likes to use the scientific method to prove just about everything. As Monty unravels the origins of a mysterious golden key he and his friends find in their backyard, he discovers the true essence of community, the power of curiosity, and uncovers the rich history and heritage of his Chicago neighborhood. From the legacy of famous Black jockeys to the excitement surrounding Barack Obama’s run for the presidency and the potential arrival of the Olympics in 2016, Monty’s summer adventure becomes an exploration of his community’s past, present, and future.
From the Author
“As a community leader and new author, I want young readers to walk away with two clear messages, the importance of learning about the rich histories in our neighborhood, especially around Black history and culture, and building our communities,” says Occomy Crowder. “There is a lot developing for Monty in this novel, and I believe many kids can relate to one, two or all aspects of his summer adventure.”
Tracy Occomy Crowder was the recipient of the 2019 New Visions Award for Montgomery and the Case of the Golden Key. This award is given annually by Tu Books, an imprint of LEE & LOW BOOKS INC., to a middle grade or young adult novel by an unpublished writer of color or Indigenous/Native writer.
“I felt like it was important to expand the adventure/mystery genre to include more books with Black boys like my son as protagonists,” said Occomy Crowder. “My goal is to write mysteries that involve different periods of Black history and aspects of Black culture as the backdrop for characters who experience the funny little occurrences and tensions of everyday life.”