Bubblegum Shoes: The Case of the Contraband Closet

By Goldy Moldavsky

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.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0593813766
• ISBN13: 9780593813768
• Release Date: July 2025
• Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 0.74 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.5" x 8.3"
• Age Range: 8 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 3 to 7