Gr 6-8-For reluctant readers and those who are struggling with language, this book provides the perfect melding of text and content. The plot is fast moving and the content is delivered on a 3.0 reading level. Some middle-grade friends have taken it upon themselves to be investigators. Their school has been undergoing some thefts of late, with lunch swiping and valuable books missing from the library, and these students mean to get to the bottom of it. While solving the missing lunch mystery, the friends land in detention, which takes place in the library, and they are able to begin their second investigation. This part of the story does not really demonstrate being a responsible investigator. While one teacher cautions against vigilantism, the kids accuse a teacher, the librarian, and, finally, agree to pay $6K on an online auction in order to catch the perpetrator. Still, this is an entertaining and easy-to-read choice.-Emily Garrett, Armstrong Elementary School, Sachse, TX Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information.

Lunches disappear, and then books for a literacy fundraiser are missing. The books are worth a great deal of money, especially one that was autographed by hockey star Wayne Gretzky. Close friends Nick, Robin, and Trevor decide to become sleuths and find out what is going on. Their detecting makes them suspicious of their teachers and even their librarian. Following leads, they decide to break into a teacher's car, which turns out not to be a great decision. They eventually figure out what is happening with other students' help. This book is part of the Orca Currents series of short, hi-interest novels with reading levels from 2.0 to 4.5 but of interest to middle school students. The characters are well written and believable. The mystery is compelling and will pull students, making them curious about what is actually going on. It is a great read for anyone but certain to catch the eye and interest of reluctant readers.-Susan Allen.