Book Review: Cody and the Mysteries of the Universe by Tricia Springstubb (2016)

There is absolutely nothing I enjoy more these days than a Tricia Springstubb novel. Though this second book in the Cody series, following Cody and the Fountain of Happiness, is sometimes called a chapter book, the writing style and vocabulary make it appropriate for many upper elementary readers as well. 

Like the first book, this sequel is a real slice-of-life tale filled with the day-to-day activities and observations of Cody and her friend, Spencer. As the book begins, the start of the school year is days away and Spencer and his parents have just moved in with his grandmother, GG. While Cody worries that Spencer might get a mean teacher, she and Spencer also become fascinated with GG’s next door neighbors, The Meens, who do things like kill bugs and crush soda cans with their bare hands. In the meantime, Cody’s brother Wyatt suffers from girl trouble, as his girlfriend Peyton Underwood keeps breaking up with him. 

I’ve seen some reviewers complain that this book doesn’t have a plot, but I’m not sure kids will care. Cody is likable in the same way as Clementine, and kids who are drawn in by her personality will have no problem following her on any adventure, no matter how small.