On his first day at a new school, third grader Myron and new friend Hajrah investigate who trashed the school kitchen and stole their classmates' morning snacks. Myron's literalism (he's autistic) and Hajrah's hyperactivity become strengths as they examine clues and use deductive reasoning. O'Donnell's humorous and sympathetic characterizations are enhanced by Grand's cartoonlike black-and-white illustrations.

Gr 2-4 Myron is starting third grade at a new school, West Meadows Elementary. He doesn't care much for new things, which make his brain itch, especially a bunch of new kids. But at this school, Myron has a special classroom, Room 15, where he has one helpful teacher and just a handful of classmates. Myron has autism, and the special classroom will help him stay calm and focused on learning. He has a small desk with shelves for books. These are mostly mysteries, because solving mysteries is something Myron loves to do. On the first day of school, there is a scream in the kitchen. Myron and his teacher discover the school cook surrounded by a messsomeone has stolen the morning snacks! Joined by his excitable classmate Hajrah, Myron searches for clues and discovers an unlikely thief. Written in first person from Myron's point of view, this is reminiscent of Marjorie Weinman Sharmat's "Nate the Great," books but is longer and more complexperfect for a burgeoning reader. O'Donnell has created a series that young readers will be eager to return to as more titles are added. VERDICT A solid purchase that will diversify chapter book shelves. Kathy Kirchoefer, Henderson County Public Library, NC