Art Dog - Hurd

When the Mona Woofa is stolen from the Dogopolis Museum of Art, a mysterious character that calls himself Art Dog tracks down and captures the thieves. Boldly colorful illustrations and wildly humorous story will entrance students. Ideal for centers, read aloud, read-along. Can also be used to introduce the real works of art such as the Mona Lisa rather than the Mona Woofa.
Fiction, Grades K-2 (CDE)

Big Ben Is Dead – Stemach

Exciting easy reading mystery is especially appealing to struggling readers. (It is part of the Nick Ford series of stories set in various interesting places worldwide.) In this story, Nick and his friends are trying to track down a thief who has stolen a gear from the great clock, Big Ben, and who also plans to rob the National Gallery and the British Museum. Lots of action, believable characters and the brevity of the book all add up to a pleasurable reading and listening experience for every reluctant reader.

Not available (CDE)

Cam Jansen and the Mystery of the Dinosaur Bones – Adler

Easy reading mystery featuring Cam, the fifth grade heroine of the eighteen books in this popular series, will intrigue students. Cam realizes something is wrong at the museum when she sees that some dinosaur bones are missing. Book will inspire the reading of more books in this worthwhile series.

Mystery, Grades 3-5 (CDE)

The Dollhouse Murders – Wright

A long-ago family murder mystery, a hidden dollhouse, ghostly events, danger and suspense all combine to make this book a popular listening and reading experience. The relationship between Amy and her special education sister, Louann, is presented with realism and understanding.
Not available (CDE)

Edgar Allen Poe Collection

Adapted for struggling readers, these two classic mysteries (The Gold Bug and The Murders in the Rue Morgue) will intrigue students. Many interesting activities are given in the Teacher’s Guide and on the CD ROM.
Not available (CDE)

The Egypt Game – Snyder

Vivid characters and surprising twists are just part of the appeal of this absorbing book. Fascination with all things Egyptian draws Melanie Ross and April Hall together. Soon four other lovers of mystery and ancient Egypt join them. A strange old man, a murder and some unexplainable events test the resolve of the group. As they unravel the mystery, they learn important lessons about themselves. Many students will be inspired to learn more about ever-fascinating ancient Egypt after listening to and reading this fast-paced story.
Fantasy, Grades 3-5 (CDE)

Ghost Canoe – Hobbs

After a sailing ship breaks up on the rocks off Washington’s Cape Flattery, Nathan MacAllister, fourteen-year-old son of the lighthouse-keeper, refuses to believe that there were no survivors. Nathan believes someone is hiding in the remote sea caves because he finds strange footprints and glimpses a wild hairy man. With his friend, George, a member of the Makah tribe, he searches land and sea for clues. He discovers a skeleton and a ghostly canoe that may unlock this mystery of ancient treasure, betrayal, and murder. Native American background adds authenticity to the friendship of George and Nathan. Tribal customs are presented respectfully, although some students may find the graphic description of the whale killing difficult.
Not available (CDE)

Nate the Great Goes Undercover – Sharmat

Beginning readers can enjoy this series of humorous easy reading mysteries as read-alongs, read alouds and on their own. (Our Read -Along collection also includes Nate the Great and Nate the Great and the Missing Key.) All the elements of classic mysteries are present in these books: suspense, problem solving, cleverness, persistence, and the leavening of humor. Some middle grade struggling readers will also feel a sense of accomplishment upon completing any of these books.
Not available (CDE)

Night of the Loch Ness Monster – Stemach

Another book in the exciting Nick Ford mystery series (see Big Ben Is Dead, above), this book tells what happens when Nick and his friends meet the mysterious Scottish monster fact to face. Ease of reading, fast pace and large print add to appeal of book.

Struggling readers will gain confidence reading these up-to-date books.

Useful teacher’s guide and CD-ROM included.
Not available (CDE)

Tarot Says Beware – Byars

This book is one of the popular Herculeah Jones mysteries by Betsy Byars, author of many award-winning books. Madame Ross, an eccentric local fortuneteller, has been brutally murdered and the case has everyone baffled. The only witness appears to be Madame Rosa’s parrot, Tarot, and he’s not talking. Herculeah thinks she knows who the killer is, but someone else is also in the know and doesn’t want Herculeah around to tell the truth. Story draws the listener/reader in from the opening paragraph and does not let go until the exciting finish. Students will enjoy every word and want to read more books in the series.
Not available (CDE)