Sammy Keyes and the Hotel Thief

Sammy Keyes and the Hotel Thief is the first book in Wendelin Van Draanen’s 18-part Sammy Keyes series. The 1998 novel introduces readers to amateur sleuth Sammy Keyes. She serves as both the protagonist and narrator, and her spunky attitude, mischievous sense of humor, and insatiable curiosity give her a distinctive narrative voice and propel her on a series of adventures. Sammy begins seventh grade in the first book, and she finishes eighth grade in the final book, Sammy Keyes and the Kiss Goodbye (2014). Sammy Keyes and the Hotel Thief introduces other staple characters in the series, including Sammy’s loving and fretful guardian, Grams, and her best friend, Marissa McKenze, who acts as a supportive sidekick. The first book begins a year after Sammy’s mother, Lana, leaves her daughter with Grams. The mother-daughter relationship remains fraught for most of the series due to Lana’s selfish and deceitful choices. Out of all the foes Sammy faces, her archnemesis is a bully named Heather Acosta. Her attempt to turn William Rose Junior High School against Sammy by claiming that she broke her nose is only the first of many attempts to ruin Sammy’s reputation.