Life After Potter -- and More Great Summer Reading
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KID MYSTERIES
Break out the magnifying glasses. This summer, "Nancy Drew" arrives in movie theaters and, when it does, expect a fresh surge of interest in kid sleuthing. Would-be young detectives can check out these summer reads.
Nancy Drew and The Clue Crew, by Carolyn Keene; Aladdin Paperbacks
Chapter Book Series; Ages 6-9
These illustrated new tales update the ever-popular Nancy Drew series, taking the girl detective -- and a set of spunky friends -- to solve mysteries big and small. The latest title in the series, "Lights, Camera ... Cats!" sends the Clue Crew to the troubled set of a Hollywood film set starring the town's most famous cat.
The Wright 3, by Blue Balliett; Scholastic Press
Chapter Book, 352 pages; Ages 9-12 (Read aloud to child, 6 and up)
What is art? It might seem a big question for kids to ponder, but Blue Balliett has a way of making kids consider the notion while engaged in a fast-paced mystery. In this sequel to "Chasing Vermeer," kid detectives Calder and Petra are joined by Tommy, a friend of Calder's who'd moved away and returns. Set in Chicago amongst Frank Lloyd Wright's famous architecture, the trio must piece together a mystery that could save Wright's landmark Robie House.
Half Moon Investigations, by Eoin Colfer; Miramax Books
Chapter Book, 304 pages; Ages 9-12 (Read aloud to child, 6 and up)
Fletcher Moon may be short. And he's certainly not the most popular 12-year-old in his Irish town. Still, he's got no problem showing off his badge, certifying him a "graduate" of an online private detective academy in Washington, D.C. Half Moon, as Fletcher's called -- has solved several tough cases at Saint Jerome's Elementary and Middle School. Kids know to call on him in a jam. But when grade-school diva April Devereux commissions Fletcher to find a lock of a pop star's hair that she claims was stolen by the Sharkeys, a notorious crime family, everything goes wrong. Fletcher goes on the run, and his only on-the-lam ally is one of the Sharkey kids.
Book Club Activity Ideas:
- Nancy Drew: Mysteries, Movies, & Music -- Learn all about America's favorite teen sleuth.
- Lie Detector Game -- See who's got the makings of a secret operative with this game.
- Veggies in Disguise -- Uncover undercover produce.
- Spy Periscopes -- Make this tool of the trade for young snoops.
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