4: if you liked The Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler
This was one of my childhood faves...there's mystery, archaeology, opera, romance, New York City (uptown and downtown), a dog that becomes a man, and a genie that pops out of a carpet and saves the day. Written by George Selden (famous for penning The Cricket in Times Square), the author knew how to mix the exuberance of youth with the anything-goes quality of Gotham to create a most clever tale (with a happy ending). A great read for smart kids with broad interests poised for adulthood.
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