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Encyclopedia Brown #28
Encyclopedia Brown and the Case of the Soccer Scheme
The boy detective is back with ten new exciting adventures Since 1963, when Dutton published Encyclopedia Brown, Boy Detective , the first book in the series, the brainy crime-stopper has been a favorite character among middle-grade readers. Following the classic formula, this new installment presents ten new mysteries, complete with answers at the end of the book that allow the reader to solve the cases along with the boy detective. Join Encyclopedia as he takes on cases of an African killifish, a library book vandal, and a nail-biting soccer game.
96 pages, Hardcover
First published October 25, 2012
166 people are currently reading
268 people want to read
About the author
Donald J. Sobol
180 books219 followersDonald J. Sobol was an award-winning writer best known for his children's books, especially the Encyclopedia Brown mystery series. Mr. Sobol passed away in July of 2012.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
September 30, 2019
In a great joint effort, Neo and I tackled this volume of stories about the great Encyclopedia Brown, kid detective from Idaville. In these stories, Encyclopedia tackles the case of an oddly called soccer match, a teen who is accused of stealing at the local store, and even a fishy mystery at a local pet contest. Encyclopedia uses his keen intellect and a great deal of insight to crack the cases, sometimes assisted by his father, the Chief of Police. Neo and I took turns reading these stories and found that we could sometimes be as sharp as young Brown, but were often stumped. Neo wants everyone to know that these stories are great when you have 5-10 minutes and want to exercise your brain. They are fun and make you want to read more... which is exactly what we will do!
June 6, 2020
Thank Mr. Sobol for giving us new collections! I particularly liked this one, as the mysteries were just about at my level. I have to admit, I had most of them kinda solved, but only a few completely figured out... though with a bit more patience I'd have a better score. ;)
December 7, 2012
I was a huge fan of Encyclopedia Brown growing up, so when I saw a new book in this series, I had to read it. Like always, I was able to figure out the solution to a few of the cases on my own. My favorites were "The Case of the Friendly Watchdog" and "The Case of the Hidden Money." I must say, though, that the series was not as exciting to me as it was when I was younger.
October 15, 2019
Was such a fun throwback to elementary school. Couldn't help myself.
August 7, 2022
This is the end of a great series. Ironically, the last case in the final book is solved by someone other than Leroy "Encyclopedia" Brown.
Read
April 28, 2024A decent collection and satisfying end to the series. Not the strongest of the books, but definitely a solid group of stories.
Friendly Watchdog - The solution stood out to me, but there's potential for it to give some people a bit of a challenge.
Red Roses - I figured out the solution, but I missed the detail that should have led me there. Partial credit?
Jelly-Bean Holdup - I'm not quite sure what Pete hoped to get out of the plan. I felt like there was a bit too much detail given about a specific event, which made the solution stand out, particularly when the story has already led you to know who the perpetrators are.
Soccer Scheme - I got hung up on a specific detail. I'm still not unconvinced that my solution wouldn't be at least as good. Anyhow, I missed the bigger and more straightforward picture.
Hole in the Book - I had to look back at the clue a few times before two of the words jumped out at me. I didn't connect the third word at the time, but even with just the two, I found the right solution. And once again, I think it's implausible for someone to put together a note with such a convoluted clue, even if the solution attempts to explain why.
April Fools' Plot - Again, a bit too much emphasis on a specific detail.
Wilford's Big Deal - I was looking for something a bit more complicated. This solution slipped right past me.
Ten-Dollar Bike - I like the idea of trying to talk someone out of a deal so that you can keep the down payment. That's a good premise for a story. The solution was so simple that it didn't seem like anyone could have fallen for it in the first place.
Hidden Money - I figured out the who, but not the where or how. Looking back at the story, I don't think there was anything that would lead the reader there, though.
Lovely Lana - The setup seemed a bit overdone, with the repeated praise of Earl. The premise of a long-term plan like that was interesting, and the solution was fine. I guessed at it and got it right, although I don't have specific knowledge in that area.
Friendly Watchdog - The solution stood out to me, but there's potential for it to give some people a bit of a challenge.
Red Roses - I figured out the solution, but I missed the detail that should have led me there. Partial credit?
Jelly-Bean Holdup - I'm not quite sure what Pete hoped to get out of the plan. I felt like there was a bit too much detail given about a specific event, which made the solution stand out, particularly when the story has already led you to know who the perpetrators are.
Soccer Scheme - I got hung up on a specific detail. I'm still not unconvinced that my solution wouldn't be at least as good. Anyhow, I missed the bigger and more straightforward picture.
Hole in the Book - I had to look back at the clue a few times before two of the words jumped out at me. I didn't connect the third word at the time, but even with just the two, I found the right solution. And once again, I think it's implausible for someone to put together a note with such a convoluted clue, even if the solution attempts to explain why.
April Fools' Plot - Again, a bit too much emphasis on a specific detail.
Wilford's Big Deal - I was looking for something a bit more complicated. This solution slipped right past me.
Ten-Dollar Bike - I like the idea of trying to talk someone out of a deal so that you can keep the down payment. That's a good premise for a story. The solution was so simple that it didn't seem like anyone could have fallen for it in the first place.
Hidden Money - I figured out the who, but not the where or how. Looking back at the story, I don't think there was anything that would lead the reader there, though.
Lovely Lana - The setup seemed a bit overdone, with the repeated praise of Earl. The premise of a long-term plan like that was interesting, and the solution was fine. I guessed at it and got it right, although I don't have specific knowledge in that area.
April 21, 2019
Finished 4/6/19
This book is great for students in grades 3-5. This book is in the mystery genre. Some of the books in this series are very old, but this book in the series was actually published in 2012.
This book can actually be used to teach comprehension strategies especially determine importance as students must use this strategy in order to help them solve the mysteries in the book. The book is interactive and allows the reader to solve the mysteries right alongside Encyclopedia Brown. In order for students to be able to solve the mysteries in the book they must read closely and carefully. Students will need to connect information and infer meaning based off of the clues given in the book.
This book can also be used to teach about simple problem solving skills. It can be used to teach test-taking strategies for standardized test and for just regular math problems students do during class. It would be cool to relate a step-by-step process back to this book so students can remember it.
This was a wow book for me because I loved how it was interactive and involved readers in the book through the mysteries in it that are available to solve. They are also shorter stories so it can keep struggling readers intrigued since it is not too long and does not appear too challenging to read. It is also cool that this book shows the main character pursuing his passion even though it is hard to solve the mysteries even with his own depth of knowledge.
This book is great for students in grades 3-5. This book is in the mystery genre. Some of the books in this series are very old, but this book in the series was actually published in 2012.
This book can actually be used to teach comprehension strategies especially determine importance as students must use this strategy in order to help them solve the mysteries in the book. The book is interactive and allows the reader to solve the mysteries right alongside Encyclopedia Brown. In order for students to be able to solve the mysteries in the book they must read closely and carefully. Students will need to connect information and infer meaning based off of the clues given in the book.
This book can also be used to teach about simple problem solving skills. It can be used to teach test-taking strategies for standardized test and for just regular math problems students do during class. It would be cool to relate a step-by-step process back to this book so students can remember it.
This was a wow book for me because I loved how it was interactive and involved readers in the book through the mysteries in it that are available to solve. They are also shorter stories so it can keep struggling readers intrigued since it is not too long and does not appear too challenging to read. It is also cool that this book shows the main character pursuing his passion even though it is hard to solve the mysteries even with his own depth of knowledge.
March 9, 2019
Encyclopedia Brown was one of my gateway drugs into mysteries. As a kid, I always tried to figure out the solution before I read it in the back. Not always successful, but I did try!
Rereading them as an adult was straight-up nostalgia. The formula I remember from childhood was still there (you start to notice it when you read a lot of this series, especially in a row). The first puzzle is always from the Chief, told around the dinner table, the second is at the Brown Detective Agency. There is always at least one case with Bugs Meany and the Tigers, including a corny expression or pun about how crooked they are. And Sally is the junior detective, Encyclopedia's muscle, and both the prettiest girl and the best athlete.
And I still learn a little each time I read these! Despite the formula, they are great for building critical thinking with kids. Short stories let you get right into the puzzle, and are quick for short attention spans or quick reads when you only have a few minutes.
Encyclopedia debuted in the mid-60s. I was reading them 25+ years ago. And I'd still recommend them to budding mystery readers.
Rereading them as an adult was straight-up nostalgia. The formula I remember from childhood was still there (you start to notice it when you read a lot of this series, especially in a row). The first puzzle is always from the Chief, told around the dinner table, the second is at the Brown Detective Agency. There is always at least one case with Bugs Meany and the Tigers, including a corny expression or pun about how crooked they are. And Sally is the junior detective, Encyclopedia's muscle, and both the prettiest girl and the best athlete.
And I still learn a little each time I read these! Despite the formula, they are great for building critical thinking with kids. Short stories let you get right into the puzzle, and are quick for short attention spans or quick reads when you only have a few minutes.
Encyclopedia debuted in the mid-60s. I was reading them 25+ years ago. And I'd still recommend them to budding mystery readers.
April 28, 2020
Realistic Fiction
3rd-5th grade reading level
If you like mysteries and solving them, this book is perfect. It was such a fun book because it allowed you to get engaged and solve each case for yourself. It would be a fun read aloud for a class whether it be to start off instruction, if there was a little extra time afterwards, or even at the end of the day. It would be a great mentor text for a lesson on using textual evidence or predicting.
3rd-5th grade reading level
If you like mysteries and solving them, this book is perfect. It was such a fun book because it allowed you to get engaged and solve each case for yourself. It would be a fun read aloud for a class whether it be to start off instruction, if there was a little extra time afterwards, or even at the end of the day. It would be a great mentor text for a lesson on using textual evidence or predicting.
May 29, 2019
Leroy "Encyclopedia" Brown and his assistant Sally Kimball continues to help keep crime at bay in Idaville. In these ten short stories, Encyclopedia and Shirley once again uses brains over brawn, and wit to solve crimes, and mysteries involving crafty characters who try to swindle, steal and scheme to their advantage.
January 22, 2022
Encyclopedia Brown does it again. We, as a family, love figuring out the mysteries and seeing who gets the closest to solving the crime. There were two that really stumped me, but what fun we had discussing the mysteries.
July 23, 2024
Inflation doesn't help child detectives (still $.25 per case, plus expenses, placed on top of a gas can in the garage) these days? A good variety of cases, not many with bully Bugs Meany, and as an adult now I can solve some of them without relying on the solutions at the back!
April 6, 2018
I solved very few of these. Some of them rely on assumptions on the part of the reader. This is one of the more difficult ones for me. It was enjoyable, but I would have never solved some of them.
April 30, 2018
Read aloud to my 4th grader.
May 24, 2018
At some point these start to feel a little like we're just going through the motions.
May 22, 2019
I used to read these when I was a kid. Loved them. Tried them on my youngest daughter but she resisted.
September 12, 2020
3 stars. This is a fun read. There were a few euphemisms, and I wasn’t able to solve as many of the cases I did in “Super Sleuth,” but it was still enjoyable—and humorous too. ;)
March 22, 2022
While different from the series I remember growing up with, it was a lot of fun. The mysteries are possible to be solved with minimal outside knowledge and a good dose of common sense.
November 21, 2022
Fun puzzle book for an easy read. Definitely looking forward to reading more of these short stories to try and keep my brain firing on all cylinders!
February 6, 2023
I got on a bit of a Donald J. Sobol kick, and decided to read the last Encyclopedia Brown book. This was a favorite series of mine as a kid. Glad to join E.B. and Sally again for a few mysteries.
July 9, 2025
This is a good book for young people who like mysteries. In each one, the reader gets to solve the mystery along with Encyclopedia Brown. I got about half right!
Read
October 14, 2025Is it cheating counting 6 Encyclopedia Brown books towards my reading challenge? Yes. Will I do so anyways because I READ them, and I've been struggling with things? Also yes. :)
October 31, 2016
i liked it
November 1, 2014
In this series, Encyclopedia Brown solves cases using common sense and his "encyclopedic" knowledge. I am using it in a homeschool lesson to help my granddaughter to observe her surroundings and to think creatively to solve problems. She would like to be a veterinarian and this type thinking is necessary in any medical profession.
Encyclopedia Brown solves problems by thinking the problem through and looking at all possibilities. He often picks up little clues that are easy to overlook. Some of the problems are difficult and he has to use outside information that is not provided, but is well within the ability of a middle grader to obtain. Each of the cases is only a few pages long and so the hunt for clues is very limited, but they still will stump even adults.
Encyclopedia Brown solves problems by thinking the problem through and looking at all possibilities. He often picks up little clues that are easy to overlook. Some of the problems are difficult and he has to use outside information that is not provided, but is well within the ability of a middle grader to obtain. Each of the cases is only a few pages long and so the hunt for clues is very limited, but they still will stump even adults.
December 10, 2013
This book was about solving mysteries because Encyclopedia has a great brain for thinking. My favorite part was when Bugs smelled artificial flowers, the flowers had no water, that’s how they were artificial. I like this book because if I were in the book I try to stump Encyclopedia. For example, “explain Pi to me”. This is a realistic book because almost everything could happen in real life. The main theme is trying to solve hard mysteries. I would recommend this book to Maddie because she likes mystery books and the book I read is a mystery. I didn’t know that temporally dead fish can still enter a fish show because Sally entered the fish in a fish show and won the contest somehow.
December 22, 2012
I might be too old for these books (I solved the cases before lookong at the solutions, which I don't remember ever doing when I was younger), but when I saw the new Encyclopedia Brown, I really wanted to read it. The cases seemed easier than those from the first few books in the series, but I was a lot younger when I read yhose. Otherwise, it's a fairly standard Encyclopedia Brown book: he solves cases for kids, he helps his father out once, and Dally even has a case by herself.
December 4, 2012
Again, (I have to laugh and shake my head at the cheesy/awesome jokes. "They should have called themselves the Lamp Chains. They were always pulling something shady." Favorite. Quote. Ever.
These books never get old! And it's so much fun to solve the mysteries.
These books never get old! And it's so much fun to solve the mysteries.
April 3, 2014
Typical Encyclopedia Brown series novel, but rated higher as it was the last book in the series to be written by Donald J. Sobol. RIP Mr. Sobol. I grew up reading this series & I hope the feature film currently in development does your characters justice.
October 30, 2016
I liked it. They hire him to solve their cases and on one, they are at a soccer game and the other teammates are cheating a lot and the refs aren't calling on them a lot so he has to prove and they have to replay that game.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews