The Westing Game

By Ellen Raskin

Review by Kate Shaw

Perfect for anyone with an interest in reading a classic, a Newbery Winner, and a frequently challenged book! Young readers looking for an introduction to mystery novels need look no further than The Westing Game. Additionally, seasoned mystery lovers will also delight in this complex tale. The novel revolves around the last will and testament of a wealthy man named Samuel W. Westing. Sixteen people attend the reading and learn they could become millionaires if they can win a game created by Mr. Westing. Paired off and given differing sets of clues, the potential heirs hunt to find the solution to a game they don’t really understand. No one knows why Mr. Westing would choose these people as his heirs; a group that includes a possible murderer!

This multi-award winning novel (counting the Newbery Medal, The Boston Globe Horn Book Award, and the Banta Literary Award among the accolades) is one of the best mystery novels written for young readers. A modern classic, The Westing Game delights readers with an interest in puzzles and quirky humor. Care to test yourself? Can you follow the clues and solve the mystery?

The Westing Game has been challenged numerous times in its near forty year history. Read this great book for banned books week (or anytime), to test your powers of deduction.

Check availability on a copy of The Westing Game:

 Physical book
 Audiobook on CD

About the reviewer: Kate Shaw fiercely believes in the freedom to read. It’s only through challenging ourselves and our world view that we truly become enlightened and empathetic beings. This banned books week, see Kate’s graphic design work on the library’s social media accounts. The images depict great quotes from some of the victims of censorship (or attempted censorship).