FaithGirlz! Samantha Sanderson Off the Record

Born and raised in Louisiana, Robin is a southerner through and through. Her passion has always been to tell stories to entertain others. Robin's mother, bless her heart, is a genealogist who instilled in Robin the deep love of family and pride of heritage--two aspects Robin weaves into each of her 14 published novels. When she isn't writing, Robin spends time with her husband of twenty years, her three beautiful daughters and two handsome grandsons, and their character-filled pets at home--in the South, where else? She gives back to the writing community by serving as Conference Director for ACFW. Her books have finaled/placed in such contests as the Carol Award, Holt Medallion, RT Reviewer's Choice Award, Bookseller's Best, and Book of the Year.

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 -- Booklist