Diana Renn
Mysteries that Matter
The Owl Prowl Mystery
A 2025 Green Earth Book Award Honor Book
The Backyard Rangers are back, for a high-flying birding adventure!
Ever since the Backyard Rangers saved turtles in their town, Miles thought his troubles were behind him. But adjusting to his new school hasn’t been easy, and now there’s a new wildlife problem. Birdwatchers and paparazzi are flocking to see Marsh Hollow’s newest celebrity, “Bella” the barred owl. The crowds are putting all of Marsh Hollow’s owls on a deadly collision course with humans. Miles and his friends spring into action, launching a campaign to protect them. Then Miles finds clues that someone is baiting and possibly trapping owls. Wildlife photographers, birders, neighbors, and kids all become suspects. Soon, owls aren’t the only thing that’s threatened. Secrets, tensions, and a rival group of rangers put friendships to the test. Will this be the end of the Backyard Rangers? Or can they band together and solve the mystery before more owls get hurt?
Fitzroy Books
Regal House Publishing
Praise
“The Owl Prowl Mystery is a hoot! Clever plot twists, smart kids, cool birds, and real-life dangers make for a riveting read—and leave us hopeful and inspired!”
–Sy Montgomery, bestselling author of The Book of Turtles, Of Time and Turtles, The Hawk’s Way, and Secrets of the Octopus
“Get ready to be inspired by another exciting Backyard Rangers adventure! The Owl Prowl Mystery will turn readers into birders and birders into wildlife champions. This fast-moving middle grade mystery is a triumphant call to action for animal lovers everywhere.” — Carrie Firestone, author of The First Rule of Climate Club and Dress Coded
“Once again, Diana Renn inspires environmental stewardship in young readers with her likable cast of Backyard Rangers solving one ‘hoot-done-it’ of an owl mystery!” –Elaine Dimopoulos, author of The Remarkable Rescue at Milkweed Meadow and the Cadmus Children’s Fiction Green Earth Book Award Winner Turn the Tide.
“The Owl Prowl Mystery is full of friendship, adventure, and a series of mysteries that will keep you guessing until the end. You’ll root for owls and the Backyard Rangers alike and come away thinking about how we can all be a better friend to birds.” — Rebecca E. Hirsch, author of Where Have All the Birds Gone?
“The Backyard Rangers are back in this fantastic follow up to Trouble at Turtle Pond! In The Owl Prowl Mystery, Diana Renn delivers a pitch-perfect middle grade eco-mystery bursting with fascinating facts, dynamic characters, and exciting plot twists. An engaging and empowering story about friendship, standing up for what’s right, and working together as a community to make a positive impact on the world.” — Rebecca Caprara, author of Worst-Case Collin, The Magic of Melwick Orchard, and the Mission Multiverse series
“Looking to spark a reader’s interest in the wild world of their own backyard? The Owl Prowl Mystery will keep readers turning the pages as they follow Miles and the Backyard Rangers in their adventure to save local owls, while also sharing fascinating facts about owls, ethical birding, and the dangers we humans unknowingly create for our feathered neighbors. Owls everywhere will appreciate the help!” — Dayna Lorentz, author of Wayward Creatures, winner of the NCTE Charlotte Huck Award for Outstanding Fiction for Children, and Of a Feather
“A satisfying environmental mystery in which kids are the problem-solvers.” — Kirkus Reviews (Read full review here)
“Readers will quickly engage with the Rangers’ enthusiasm for nature, the environment, and the animals who exist within it, and the power of friendship goes a long way in helping the book’s main players find positive ways to save an important local species.” — BookLife Reviews; Editor’s Pick (Read full review here)
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