Clueless McGee

Gr 3–5—Fifth-grader P.J. McGee's father is a private eye who travels a lot; through a series of hilarious handwritten and illustrated letters to him, P.J. relates his adventures at school and at home. The boy fancies himself a private eye (and a ninja), so when the ever-popular mac and cheese goes missing from the cafeteria, he appoints himself to the case. His outlandish quest to find the bandit entails shrinking the principal's suit in the dryer, getting locked in the janitor's closet, and having more than one run-in with paint and chewed gum. Despite often finding himself the accidental victim, particularly in situations involving his teacher, the principal, and the school nurse, P.J. manages to succeed in catching the thief, much to his classmates' glee. P.J.'s goofy, good-natured personality shines throughout the book. "Wimpy Kid" fans will be thrilled to find this book on the shelf.—Amanda Struckmeyer, Middleton Public Library, WI