Bubblegum Shoes: The Case of the Contraband Closet

Ages 8 to 12, Grades 3 to 7

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 bestelling 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.

Series Overview: Summer 2025 - Book 1

Summer 2026 - Book 2

About the Author

Goldy Moldavsky was born in Lima, Peru, and grew up in Brooklyn, where she still lives. Her novels include the New York Times bestseller, KILL THE BOY BAND, NO GOOD DEED, and THE MARY SHELLEY CLUB. Her books have appeared on numerous Best-Books lists and have been translated to other languages. Her love of 80s movies, 90s boy bands, and horror flicks hugely influences her work.

Author Residence: Brooklyn, NY

Author Hometown: Lima, Peru