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Ada Lace, on the Case – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Quick facts for agents: Ada Lace, on the Case

TL;DR: Nancy Drew meets MythBusters. Ada uses tech and logic to solve neighborhood mysteries, proving that being a 'science geek' is actually a superpower.

book, 2017
WISE score 91/100 (Wholesome 92, Imaginative 88, Safe 98, Enriching 94), scored by Screenwise
Verdict: This is a top-tier recommendation for the 'I'm bored with baby books' phase. It’s smart, modern, and actually respects the reader's intelligence. Ada is exactly the kind of character you want your kid to emulate—curious, persistent, and not afraid to fail. It doesn't feel 'classic' in the dusty, boring sense; it feels like it belongs in 2026. If your kid is into robots, space, or just likes knowing how things click together, this is a must-read.
Age fit: Perfect for the 7-10 crowd. It's sophisticated enough for 4th graders but simple enough for a 1st or 2nd grader to enjoy as a read-aloud.
Typical age range: 6-11
Watch for: Minor social friction: There's some typical third-grade 'mean girl' dynamics, but they're handled with maturity.
Watch for: Pacing: It's a mystery, so it requires a bit more focus than a high-action graphic novel.

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Ada Lace, on the Case

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book2017

91%

WISE Score

4.7

Amazon

Nancy Drew meets MythBusters. Ada uses tech and logic to solve neighborhood mysteries, proving that being a 'science geek' is actually a superpower.

Ada Lace, on the Case

book

2017

91%

WISE Score

4.7

Amazon

Nancy Drew meets MythBusters. Ada uses tech and logic to solve neighborhood mysteries, proving that being a 'science geek' is actually a superpower.

4.7

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Also rated on

4.7

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Where to Read

Our reviews and ratings are 100% unbiased. Screenwise is a Bookshop.org affiliate and an Amazon Associate, so if you buy a book through one of our links, we may earn a commission. Bookshop.org purchases also support independent bookstores.

Screenwise Verdict

This is a top-tier recommendation for the 'I'm bored with baby books' phase. It’s smart, modern, and actually respects the reader's intelligence.

Ada is exactly the kind of character you want your kid to emulate—curious, persistent, and not afraid to fail. It doesn't feel 'classic' in the dusty, boring sense; it feels like it belongs in 2026. If your kid is into robots, space, or just likes knowing how things click together, this is a must-read.

Age Fit

Perfect for the 7-10 crowd. It's sophisticated enough for 4th graders but simple enough for a 1st or 2nd grader to enjoy as a read-aloud.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Models a healthy, curious mindset and a supportive friendship between Ada and her neighbor Nina. It avoids snarky 'kid-com' tropes in favor of genuine problem-solving and cooperation.

Imaginative

Encourages kids to look at the world as a series of puzzles to be solved with tools and gadgets. It bridges the gap between 'what if' and 'how to.'

Safe

It's a modern chapter book for primary schoolers. No violence, no scary themes beyond a missing pet, and zero inappropriate content. It’s as safe as it gets.

Enriching

Written by an aerospace engineer, it actually teaches the scientific method and real tech concepts (like radio frequencies) without feeling like a textbook.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Legit STEM integration: Emily Calandrelli (The Space Gal) knows her stuff, so the science isn't just 'magic' plot armor.
Perfect 'bridge' book: The length and illustrations are ideal for kids moving from early readers to full-on novels.
Relatable stakes: Solving the mystery of a missing dog feels huge to an 8-year-old without being traumatizing.
Strong female lead: Ada is smart, capable, and tech-savvy without it feeling forced or performative.

⚠

What to Watch For

Minor social friction: There's some typical third-grade 'mean girl' dynamics, but they're handled with maturity.
Pacing: It's a mystery, so it requires a bit more focus than a high-action graphic novel.

Conversation Starters

"If you had to build a gadget to find something lost in our house, what would it do?"
"Ada and Nina are very different. Why does that make them a good team?"
"What was the most interesting piece of tech Ada used to solve the case?"
"Did you guess the ending before Ada did? What was your first clue?"

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