Samantha Sanderson: Off The Record (Faithgirlz / Samantha Sanderson)(Paperback)

Who tampered with Robinson Middle School’s report card grades? Crack reporter Sam is on the case for a school newspaper scoop in this third Samantha Sanderson FaithGirlz! title. Turns out the problem is a computer virus. But how did it get installed---and affect only their school’s report cards? Sam enlists best friend Makayla, a “computer ninja,” to help figure out what’s going on. Mac’s explanations make her sound like a talking textbook, but techie readers will enjoy the hunt for answers in this timely tale of cyber security. Add Sam’s ethical quandaries (Do you protect a friend from press exposure if she might be guilty? How far can you probe to get a scoop?) and run-ins with the mean-spirited student editor, and you have a full plate of intense middle-school angst. Sam’s snappy assertiveness will play well with series fans who will also appreciate her thoughtful, Christian-perspective ruminations on maintaining honor and
honesty in the dog-eat-dog world of competitive journalism.
--- Anne O'Malley