This chapter book showcases a ingrossing story about a young man named alec flint who is practicing to be a sleuth. While he is on the prowl he gets caught up in something less than desirable and is required to get on the case to help his friends! This book will work wonders in inspiring your students. ( )

Encyclopedia Brown revisited. Easier to read but more up to date. Will find an audience with those good illustrations. ( )

Alec Flint knows what he wants to be when he grows up - a super-sleuth! Right now though, he's just a fourth-grade super-sleuth in training. Luckily he's found the perfect partner in Gina Rossi, a new girl who already knows a secret code. Even better they've already found two mysteries - the missing Columbus museum display and the missing art teacher. Could these two mysteries even be connected?

This is a strong opening to a new mystery series which will be great for readers who have finished the A to Z mysteries and are ready for the next step. The Nina, the Pinta, and the Vanishing Treasure has all the necessary clues and logic built organically into the plot - just like the Encylcopedia Brown mysteries, readers will be able to work out the solution to the mystery themselves. Black and white illustrations by C. B. Canga, both full-page and spot, are scattered throughout the book and bring the characters to life. Translations of the coded sections are provided at the end of the book as well as a historical note on Christopher Columbus. ( )