Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Amazon

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Screenwise Verdict

This is the middle-grade mystery series we needed. Jordan Stratford takes two of history's most fascinating women and imagines them as young friends solving crimes—and it actually works. The alternate history angle is clever without being confusing, and the STEM emphasis feels natural because, well, Ada Lovelace literally invented computer programming.

The mystery itself is age-appropriate and engaging—stolen heirloom, false confession, quirky suspects—without being dumbed down. Ada's genius and social awkwardness paired with Mary's emotional intelligence creates a Holmes-and-Watson dynamic that models how different strengths complement each other.

What really sells it is the balance: it's educational without being preachy, feminist without being heavy-handed, and historical without being boring. The backmatter is gold for curious kids who want to know what's real. At 4.5 stars on Amazon and recommended for ages 8+, this hits the sweet spot for kids ready to graduate from Magic Tree House but not quite ready for full YA.

Age Fit

Best for ages 8-12. The historical setting and vocabulary suit confident middle-grade readers, though the humor and mystery keep it accessible. Younger kids (6-7) could enjoy it as a read-aloud if they're into mysteries.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

88

Two smart girls forming a friendship and detective agency models positive collaboration and kindness. The tone is humorous and age-appropriate, with Ada's social awkwardness handled gently. Victorian-era gender constraints are acknowledged but not dwelled upon—the girls simply work around them. Pacing is brisk without being chaotic.

Imaginative

92

Alternate history where Ada Lovelace and Mary Shelley meet as children is wonderfully inventive. The detective mystery format encourages deductive reasoning, and the blend of real historical figures with fictional cases sparks curiosity about both history and science. The STEM emphasis feels organic rather than forced, with math and analytical thinking woven into the plot.

Safe

95

Middle-grade mystery with no violence, mature themes, or inappropriate content. The 'fishy suspects' and stolen heirloom case is gentle fare. No trigger warnings needed. Books are inherently safe from digital manipulation concerns. The only slight tension comes from mystery-solving, which is age-appropriate.

Enriching

90

Introduces real historical figures (Ada Lovelace, Mary Shelley) in an engaging way that makes kids want to learn more. Promotes STEM thinking through problem-solving and deduction. The extensive backmatter helps separate fact from fiction, adding educational value. Strong female protagonists using intelligence to solve problems builds confidence. Entertaining while teaching critical thinking.

Parent Info

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Why It Might Be Great

Two brilliant historical women (the world's first computer programmer and the author of Frankenstein) reimagined as young detectives—finally, role models who use their brains
Mystery format keeps pages turning while sneaking in real STEM thinking and historical context without feeling like homework
Humor and friendship balance the detective work—Ada's awkward genius paired with Mary's warmth creates a genuine, relatable dynamic
Backmatter separates fact from fiction, so kids learn what's real about these remarkable women
Perfect gateway to both mystery series and historical fiction for reluctant readers

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What to Watch For

Ada's social awkwardness and 'rudeness' are portrayed sympathetically but might need context for younger kids who struggle with similar traits
Victorian gender constraints appear in the story—good conversation starter about how far we've come, though the girls mostly just work around the limitations
First in a series, so expect requests for the sequels

Conversation Starters

"Ada Lovelace really did invent the first computer program—in the 1800s! What do you think she'd make if she had today's technology?"
"Mary writes Frankenstein when she's older. Why do you think the author chose these two specific women for this story?"
"If you could start a detective agency with a friend, what would you name it and what kind of cases would you solve?"
"The girls have to work around rules that said they couldn't do certain things because they were girls. What would you do if someone told you that?"

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