Edgar Allan's Official Crime Investigation Handbook (2000) - Plot & Excerpts
gr 3-6 (younger for listening)This is such a great story (and great cover). I put it in the back pocket of the front car seat when traveling with my brother's kids. The black-gloved hand was sticking out, and it attracted the attention of my nephew. When I told him what it was about, he asked if I would read it aloud. It is a mystery of missing things in a classroom, and then also an intriguing interweaving of poetry and literary things - all the while making it really fun. Definitely appealing because of the questions and intrigue it raises, and some good characters, too. Edgar is a normal fourth grader who doesn't really feel like he fits in with his classmates or his family. However, one day a robber comes into their class early in the morning and takes their class notebook. Edgar thinks he has found his calling, being a crime investigator. It is really a cute book. He keeps a notebook and writes down his clues and interviews. It is also neat because it centers around poetry, because they are learning that in Language Arts class. So, while trying to solve this great mystery, he finds out he is a pretty good poet.
What do You think about Edgar Allan's Official Crime Investigation Handbook (2000)?
I liked this book because of the last part where they finally discover who the thief is.
—kiersten
A little slow starting but a cute kid's mystery with nice poetry tidbits added in.
—Zenaida
5th grade class. Loved how the author explained poetry!
—Nee
Didn't really care for the author's writing style.
—12372
