The Case of the Pen Gone Missing/El Caso de la Pluma Perdida

Gr 3—6—When fifth-grade detective Mickey Rangel is approached for assistance by the lovely and vivacious Toots Rodriguez, he just can't resist extending his investigative talents to aid her, especially when she leaks tears. She tells him that she has been accused of stealing a valuable souvenir pen from a classmate. His interest in the case is further piqued when he finds out that, according to Toots, she and her boyfriend had broken up. Mickey figures that the breakup might just give him a chance with the girl. The more he investigates, the more he feels that Toots is not being entirely honest. Finally, a note from his mysterious "Angel" gives him the key he needs to solve the case. The pseudo-hard-boiled tone and snappy dialogue make this story an engaging and compulsive listen. The Spanish translation is a fair rendering of the English text. Brian Amador's narration of Rene Saldana's book (Pinata Books, 2009) is expressive and pleasant. A sound addition to collections serving English or Spanish language students or bilingual students who are intrigued by the Cam Jansen and Encyclopedia Brown series.—Ann Welton, Helen B. Stafford Elementary, School, Tacoma, WA