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Bubblegum Shoes: The Case of the Contraband Closet
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  • Published: 25 August 2026
  • ISBN: 9780593813799
  • Imprint: RHUS Children's Books
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 240
  • RRP: $16.99

Bubblegum Shoes: The Case of the Contraband Closet

Formats & editions
Paperback
25 Aug 2026
Hardback
9 Sept 2025
EBook
1 July 2025
Audiobook
1 July 2025
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When a stock-pile of confiscated classroom items go missing, (self-appointed) seventh grade PI Maya is on the case. From the New York Times bestselling author of Kill the Boy Band comes a whip-smart middle grade debut and the start of a sharp cul-du-sac crime-solving series.

When a stock-pile of confiscated classroom items go missing, (self-appointed) seventh grade PI Maya is on the case. From the New York Times bestselling author of Kill the Boy Band comes a whip-smart middle grade debut and the start of a sharp cul-du-sac crime-solving series.

9:48 AM. Math class. Marlowe Middle School.

Life isn't easy on the streets, er, hallways of Marlowe Middle School. Luckily, private eye Maya Mendoza never stops paying attention. She knows who is passing notes in class. Spots which teacher wore shoes a half-size too tight. And she certainly notices when her former best friend Jordan suddenly stops talking to her. 

Then, the legendary Contraband Closet is robbed. Every Hotwheels car, spray paint canister, bouncy ball, and other prized possession teachers have collected since the dawn of time are seemingly lost forever--including an item of Jordan's. Suddenly, Maya sees a case that may set things back to the way it used to be because contraband--and friendships--don't vanish into thin air...right?

A wise-cracking start to a new mystery series from New York Times bestselling author Goldy Moldavsky.
  • Published: 25 August 2026
  • ISBN: 9780593813799
  • Imprint: RHUS Children's Books
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 240
  • RRP: $16.99
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About the author

Goldy Moldavsky

Goldy Moldavsky was born in Lima, Peru, and grew up in Brooklyn, New York, where she lives with her family. Her novels include the New York Times bestseller Kill the Boy Band, No Good Deed, The Mary Shelley Club, Lord of the Fly Fest, and Just Say Yes. Bubblegum Shoes: The Case of the Contraband Closet is her debut middle-grade title and was inspired by black-and-white noir movies.
GM

Also by Goldy Moldavsky

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Praise for Bubblegum Shoes: The Case of the Contraband Closet

A Junior Library Guild selection!

"Maya’s maturation, rediscovery of the joys of friendship, and developing crush on spray painter Frito are heartfelt and grounding. Witty noir references add theatrical gravitas to the tenuous allies’ ensuing investigation, which includes a hilarious retooling of traditional detective film settings, as when the group plies their school’s ‘underground Legends gambling ring’ for information." -Publishers Weekly, starred review

"A witty story full of humor, mystery, and friendship." -Kirkus Reviews

A Junior Library Guild selection!

"Maya’s maturation, rediscovery of the joys of friendship, and developing crush on spray painter Frito are heartfelt and grounding. Witty noir references add theatrical gravitas to the tenuous allies’ ensuing investigation, which includes a hilarious retooling of traditional detective film settings, as when the group plies their school’s ‘underground Legends gambling ring’ for information." -Publishers Weekly, starred review

"A witty story full of humor, mystery, and friendship." -Kirkus Reviews