Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

The Girl in the Blue Tie-Dye Shirt: A Mud Street Misfits Adventure is a paranormal adventure novel for preteens written by Brian O'Dell and Beth Lauderdale. What should have been an awesome after-school listening experience suddenly turned into something strange and frightening for Liam. Connor’s newest vinyl acquisition, a mint condition Allman Brothers album -- and not just any album, Eat a Peach -- was the epitome of Southern rock and definitely a treat to listen to. But as Liam relaxed on the living room floor of Connor’s home with the album jacket in his hands, something totally unexpected happened. He found himself in a strange, smoke-filled and funky-smelling bedroom, and he saw a girl in a blue tie-dye shirt kneeling there and crying. It was a huge relief when he found himself once again in Connor’s living room, but any interest in listening to the record had vanished after seeing that girl. Did that vision or whatever it was have anything to do with the biking mishap that left him with stitches on his temple and a raging headache? Liam had no idea, but soon he realized that he had to solve the mystery behind her continued appearances. Fortunately, his friends were ready and willing to help him do just that.

Brian O'Dell and Beth Lauderdale’s paranormal adventure novel for preteens, The Girl in the Blue Tie-Dye Shirt: A Mud Street Misfits Adventure, is a grand action and adventure lark that will delight anyone who still remembers being young as well as the authors’ targeted audience. Liam and his friends are a marvelous group of kids who complement each other so very well, and watching as they brainstorm and work together to find a solution is great fun. I loved the fact that the authors included both of Liam’s parents and their families as well as having one child with two moms. While the Mud Street Misfits will remind folks of young detectives of the past, such as the Hardy Boys or Nancy Drew, the diverse backgrounds of the Misfits is a welcome touch that ensures that all kids feel included. The authors also address bullying and its harmful effects in this compelling and enjoyable story. The Girl in the Blue Tie-Dye Shirt: A Mud Street Misfits Adventure is most highly recommended.