Book Info Sheet PDF
Cover Image
Illustration credit: Julie McLaughlin
Cover design credit: Julie McLaughlin and Greenleaf Brook Group
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Book Description
Quinn Knight, a new sixth grader at Hill Springs Middle School in Central Texas, has always been a little different. Not only is she an astrophotographer who battles chronic migraine headaches, she’s recently discovered that the stars—those in the Pleiades constellation, to be exact—are trying to tell her something.
Someone is threatening Quinn’s older sister, eighth-grade social butterfly Vivica, and Quinn realizes the clever constellation is revealing the clues she needs to save her sister! Soon, Quinn and her new friends, Tiya and Xavier, are hot on the trail of Vivica’s mysterious tormentor. Will Quinn’s “artistic scientist” powers of observation and creative thinking be enough to solve the case, or will Vivica’s nemesis knock her off her social throne in epic fashion? Join Quinn and her quirky family and friends to find out if the stars will align in this exhilarating mystery of cosmic proportions.
Book Details
- ISBN: 978-1-63299-783-8
- BISAC: Juvenile Fiction, Mysteries & Detective Stories
- Age range: 8-12; Flesch-Kincaid Reading Grade Level 5
- 288 pages; $16.95
- River Grove Books
- Themes: space, STEM, friendship, sisters, inclusivity
Industry Reviews
“A clever, uplifting, and entertaining story. … Reed’s well-paced mystery is imbued with comedy and heartfelt moments. Quinn is a smart and spirited protagonist and narrator whose wry humor and can-do attitude will make her relatable to young readers. Throughout, Reed depicts Quinn’s struggles with migraines, as well as other chatacters’ health concerns … with honesty and sensitivity. … The novel’s positive portrayal of young, STEM-inclined female characters is refreshing as well.”
–Kirkus Reviews
“Constellation Clues offers a strong protagonist, an engaging plot, and a mystery to keep young readers pondering. I loved the interesting tidbits on constellations, especially the myths about the Pleiades. Like the seven sisters in the sky, each of the three Knight sisters was a star, excelling in their respective fields. I loved how Quinn proved her talents as an “artistic scientist.” Despite suffering from debilitating migraine attacks, her creative experiments and cool logic were needed to solve the mystery. The passionate, sassy Vivica and the caring, dependable Georgie stole my heart, as did Tiya and Xavier with their endearing quirks. I loved the visuals Lee Reed included with her vivid descriptions, be it of the inky black sky with twinkling stars or the dance floor with its unique décor. The upheavals of middle school drama, the thrilling adventures inside dark caves, and the cryptic messages from the stars added to the charm. I also admired the positive message the story conveyed regarding inclusivity. Constellation Clues: The Cipher of the Seven Stars is an engaging read with both entertainment and educational value.”
–Readers’ Favorite (5-star review)
“Reed’s pleasantly descriptive, vivid writing is as spirited as her lead character. Quinn’s narrative voice is distinctive from the first page and will keep readers emotionally invested in her journey. … From her passion for learning about space to her struggles with chronic migraines, Quinn is an unusual protagonist. Quinn’s family members (notably, her self-centered sister, Vivica) and friends are all provided with … depth and individuality.”
–BookLife Prize
Contact Information
For all requests, contact lee [dot] reed [at] leereedwrites [dot] com
Social Media
Author Bios
Micro Bio (25 words)
Lee Reed is a fiction author of middle grade mysteries, picture books, and adult book club fiction and a book editor living in Austin, Texas.
Short bio (100 words)
Lee Reed writes middle grade mysteries, picture books, and book club fiction. Lee is also a senior editor at Greenleaf Book Group. Prior to shifting her career to all things words and books, Lee had a successful and rewarding career in corporate sustainability strategy and communications.
At the University of Texas at Austin, Lee earned a BA in English literature followed by an MBA in sustainable development. Lee also earned a certificate in editing from the University of Washington and is a member of the Writers’ League of Texas (WLT) and the Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).
Full Bio (239 words)
Lee has been working with words most of her life. She started writing short stories as a kid and then worked on novels at night during her first career in corporate sustainability strategy and communications. With a career change her day job became all about words, first in freelance copywriting and editing and now as a senior book editor for Greenleaf Book Group. And she writes fiction: middle grade mysteries, picture books, and upmarket/book club fiction with both contemporary and historical settings.
After living in Dallas and Houston, Lee came to the University of Texas at Austin and earned a BA in English literature followed by an MBA in sustainable development. Lee also earned a certificate in editing from the University of Washington and is a member of the Writers’ League of Texas (WLT) and the Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).
Lee continues to live in Austin with her family. Besides reading and writing, in her spare time she loves shaping color into things (especially working with stained glass, watercolor, or knitting). She is easily talked into school volunteer work, from tutoring in reading and math to coaching archery to sewing theater production costumes. She used to dance and do triathlons and now is a recovering couch potato trying to make a habit of going to Pilates. But you might still happen upon her tap dancing—especially in elevators—when she thinks no one is watching.
Author Photos
Photographer credit: Josh Brewster Photography
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