The Black Market by Jed Alexander

The Black Market by Jed Alexander
Publisher:  Union Square Kids
Format Read:  Paperback ARC
Number of pages:   272 pages
Published:  September 9th, 2025
Source: Media Masters  

Opening Lines: "My great-aunt Gabby always comes to visit once a year."

Martin's great-aunt Gabby is a seasoned world traveler who never arrives without bringing him a unique gift.  This year, she surprises him with a pair of rare foovaloos shoes, an item thought to be extinct.  Martin's great-aunt explains that she acquired them at the mysterious Black Market, immediately sparking Martin's curiosity.  She tells Martin that the market never appears in the same place twice and surfaces only on Halloween.  It's said to sell countless illegal treasures, but unlike ordinary markets, "you don't seek it out, it finds you."  Entry even requires a secret password. Martin's great-aunt makes him promise to keep the market a secret, but naturally he shares it with his best friend, Jess.

Later at the library, Martin and Jess meet up to work on their Civil War project, but Jess is far more interested in his new shoes.  She convinces Martin that they should search for the Black Market together, hoping to uncover an unusual treasure.  Sneaking out at night, the two manage to find the hidden entrance.  Jess, however, is denied entry, while Martin slips inside in his Headless Horseman costume, which allows him to pass as an adult.  Once inside the market, Martin discovers a Bag of Dirty Tricks and trades his shoes for half a bag and a book of instructions.

Back at home, Martin and Jess eagerly explore the dirty tricks housed in the bag.  Some can make everything taste like pickles, others cause your hair to fall out or leave you perpetually puzzled.  Deciding to start small, Martin tests a bar of trick soap on his dad, intending to turn his hands red for a week.  But when his dad showers with it, his entire body turns red.  Martin's next target is his neighbor, Mr. Murphy whom Martin suspects of stealing his dog.  Mr. Murphy falls victim to the Creeping Arborialis trick, sprouting sapling branches from his fingertips and ears. 

As the pranks escalate, Martin and Jess begin to realize the tricks are changing them, twisting their personalities and making them cruel.  Alarmed, they bury the bag and book under the cover of night.  But the following day, chaos erupts across town.   Random people suffer suspicious, bizarre aliments and fall prey to dirty tricks.  Horrified, Martin and Jess set out to track down the thief who unearthed The Bag of Dirty Tricks and stop them from unleashing any more.

I've never been a huge fan of pulling pranks on people.  Well not since that one time that a family friend put salt into my soda as an April Fool's Day prank.  That's why I really appreciate how Martin and Jess question whether their tricks are turning them into bad people.  At heart, they're good kids who recognize that their pranks can seriously harm someone if taken too far.  I especially enjoyed the concept of the Black Market, with its shadowy stalls and suspicious wares.  It adds a wonderfully mysterious atmosphere.  The true highlight of the book is Jess and Martin's friendship.  Included are these lovely illustrations that heighten kid appeal.  Altogether, this would be a delightful story to read aloud.  

I hope you'll check out all the other Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday posts at Greg Pattridge's blog HERE      

**A huge thank you to Media Masters for the review copy in exchange for an honest review**