The Startling Story of the Stolen Statue

Gr 2–4—Light on mystery but strong on characters, this story is about four students and their Goofdog, Sparky, a corgi. The detectives seem to be in fourth or fifth grade, while the story is a transitional reader, with short chapters, big print, and lots of fun black-and-white cartoon illustrations. Badger Point School is celebrating its 100th anniversary, and a statue of the school's first principal, Simon Plunkett, has disappeared hours before the celebration. The kids have a scrap of wet paper, a broken pencil, and a skateboard as clues. The mystery takes place in the school and mostly in the Cafeteri-Audi-Nasium. A custodian doubles or triples as art teacher, coach, bus driver, cook, and show director. There are a few silly spots: one of the boys keeps losing his pants and a chance encounter in a darkened closet causes a flood, but the mystery is not easily solved and many readers will be surprised and pleased when the statue is found. The story moves quickly, and those looking for a humorous read will enjoy it. Although it is part of a series, it can stand alone and could encourage young readers ready for chapter books.—Susan Lissim, Dwight School, New York City