Who Stole New Year's Eve?

Gr 4–6—Alex and Yasmeen are back. New Year's Day is around the corner, and so is the Ice Carnival. As the College Springs festival grows closer, however, someone steals all of the ice sculptures intended for the event. Around the same time, a new girl, Eva, moves into town and drives a wedge between Alex and his friend, Yasmeen. As an amateur detective and son of one of the town's police investigators, Alex feels obligated to solve the mystery, but can he do so without Yasmeen? Eve and another girl, Sophie, try to help him, but it isn't quite the same. The characters are a little underdeveloped, but the fast-paced plot will engage children. Reluctant readers will be drawn in by the humor and interesting clues that unfold. Fans of the series, and kids who like mysteries, friendship stories, and realistic fiction will enjoy this book.—Kira Moody, Whitmore Public Library, Salt Lake City, UT