Mobility Mom Book Shelf: The Central Park Irregulars by Paul A Cicchini

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

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Book Description

Harper Jensen just wanted to continue her idyllic childhood riding horses on a farm and dreaming of becoming an actress. Unfortunately, Life doesn't follow a script and when she moves to New York City, she needs to become an amateur archaeologist, historian, and sleuth in order to save her mother's life. Follow her and her new-found friends who formed The Central Park Irregulars- Eli, Addie, Zara, and Gabriel as they follow the clues among the famous landmarks of Central Park to solve the mystery of the stolen Death Mask of Tylos.

About Paul A Cicchini

Paul Cicchini, M.Ed., Ed.S., NCSP is a nationally-certified school psychologist practicing in New Jersey. He specializes in character education and is the only school psychologist on the East Coast to be certified in the new field of Social Emotional Learning (SEL)/Character Ed (Rutgers Univ. 2016).

Much like his hero Cyrano de Bergerac, Paul aspires to be a well-rounded Renaissance man. His list of personal accomplishments includes cable television host (Cars Weekly Video Magazine-Philadelphia), sports journalist, humorist, adjunct professor, martial artist, fencer, semi-pro football player, high school football coach, collegiate football scout, guidance counselor, Templar Knight (rank of Knights Commander), Washington lobbyist for education, webmaster, and author of “The world’s first Inspirational-Satire mashup novel.” That novel, GODSMACKED, was long-listed for the Inspy Awards in 2013.

His second novel, YOUNG CYRANO, is the fictionalized account of the teenage life of Cyrano de Bergerac. It received a five-star rating from the respected READERS’ FAVORITE website.

Paul’s latest novel, THE ESSENTIALZ is about a team of teenage superheroes that undergo the same challenges as modern teens.

My Thoughts

In Paul A. Cicchini's engaging middle-grade mystery, The Central Park Irregulars, readers are introduced to Harper Jensen, a young girl whose idyllic life on a farm is turned upside down when her mother takes a job at a New York City museum. The move to a new city, far from her father, is jarring, but she soon finds a saving grace in Central Park and a new group of friends: Eli, Addie, Zara, and Gabriel. Together, they form the titular Central Park Irregulars.

The group’s fun-filled days turn into a thrilling adventure when Harper’s younger brother, Bodhi, discovers the body of a saxophonist named Zoots Morgan. Their investigation uncovers a link between his mysterious death, a stolen ancient artifact—the Death Mask of Tylos—and an international smuggling operation. As the Irregulars delve deeper, they realize the mask is connected to Harper's mother, putting her life in danger. They must use their collective skills to find the real mask, all while evading dangerous criminals and navigating their own family secrets.

Cicchini’s writing is on point, and the plot is fast-paced, making for a consistently engaging read, especially for younger readers. The author excels at weaving a mix of history and mystery into the story. The characters are thoughtfully developed and shine as a team, with each member contributing unique skills—from deductive reasoning to tech-savvy hacking—to solve the case. This focus on their unique problem-solving abilities highlights the importance of teamwork and resourcefulness, making them instant role models. The dialogue feels organic and the suspenseful scenes will keep you on the edge of your seat.

What truly makes this book a gem is its setting. Central Park becomes more than just a backdrop; it’s a living part of the story, full of secrets that the kids uncover with courage and curiosity. As they meander through famous landmarks, the park itself comes alive. While the narrative is primarily plot-driven, the author tenderly portrays Harper’s personal struggles—her painful transition from country life to city life and her worries about her parents’ rocky relationship.

The Central Park Irregulars is a fantastic read for anyone who loves a good sleuthing story. It's an absolute treat filled with adventure, heart, and a celebration of friendship.