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West Meadows Detectives #2
The Case of Maker Mischief
Myron, the third-grade detective who loves logic, facts, and solving mysteries, gets the chance to crack another case when he finds out his classmate Jordan’s robot has been stolen. Jordan and tech-savvy Danielle, known as “Glitch,” had been working on it for weeks for the upcoming Maker Faire Robot Maze Challenge.
Together with his detective partner, the hyper-energetic Hajrah, Myron pins down two suspects: Sarah “Smasher” McGintley, the school bully, and Lionel Amar, another robot builder who was caught with Jordan and Glitch’s plans. But after investigating the case further, they find out the thief is someone entirely unexpected.
Myron’s unique perspective from the autism spectrum and his eye for detail make him a top-notch sleuth. Similarly, the other neurodiverse kids in his resource room demonstrate creative problem solving and unique talents that come in handy for the case.
Black-and-white spot illustrations accompany the text in this fun and accessible page-turner for independent readers. With a connection to STEAM and the maker movement, this book is an exciting next installment in the West Meadows Detectives series.
Together with his detective partner, the hyper-energetic Hajrah, Myron pins down two suspects: Sarah “Smasher” McGintley, the school bully, and Lionel Amar, another robot builder who was caught with Jordan and Glitch’s plans. But after investigating the case further, they find out the thief is someone entirely unexpected.
Myron’s unique perspective from the autism spectrum and his eye for detail make him a top-notch sleuth. Similarly, the other neurodiverse kids in his resource room demonstrate creative problem solving and unique talents that come in handy for the case.
Black-and-white spot illustrations accompany the text in this fun and accessible page-turner for independent readers. With a connection to STEAM and the maker movement, this book is an exciting next installment in the West Meadows Detectives series.
128 pages, Hardcover
Published October 11, 2016
4 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
About the author
Liam O'Donnell
79 books38 followersI’m an award-winning author, educator and literacy advocate. I have created over 35 graphic novels and books specifically for reluctant readers, including Max Finder Mystery, Graphic Guide Adventures, Geeked Out Mysteries and two new series Tank & Fizz and Battle of the Blocks.
Visit liamodonnell.com and say hi! That'd be awesome.
Visit liamodonnell.com and say hi! That'd be awesome.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
October 13, 2016
Myron is a detective third grader, and Hajrah is his partner. In this second book in the series they are trying to find out who stole Robson, a robot built by their classmates, Jordan and "Glitch", for the Maker Faire Robot Maze Challenge. So far this sounds like an good mystery like many other mysteries for this age range. So, what makes this book different?
The West Meadows Detectives series is told in first person by Myron, who happens to be in the autistic spectrum. The reader will notice from the very first pages how this is mirrored in the writing style, which is focused in the facts, without unnecessary descriptions, or needless extra words. Myron also express in many opportunities along the story how he feels about the situations in his everyday life, like noisy places, unexpected changes in the routine, or how sometimes his brain feels overloaded by the world around him. And at the same time how much he loves logic facts, and his ability to find and process clues. At the same time Hajrah happens to be hyper-energetic, with difficulties to sit or stay still, but also a great sense of how to help Myron when he feels overwhelmed by a situation. And Myron and Hajrah are not the only ones, since they are part of a neuro diverse group at the West Meadows School. The readers will also meet Sarah "Smasher" McGintley, who is a female bully bulling boys, something also uncommon to find in children's novels.
These nontraditional characters already make the story more than worthy. Now add a pinch of science, robots, coding, and challenges. Serve with black & white enjoyable pictures, that also complement the story showing the characters' body language and actions. And there you are. A wonderful book I recommend you to try. I will keep a close eye on this series myself.
I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Find more children's book reviews in Reviews in Chalk
The West Meadows Detectives series is told in first person by Myron, who happens to be in the autistic spectrum. The reader will notice from the very first pages how this is mirrored in the writing style, which is focused in the facts, without unnecessary descriptions, or needless extra words. Myron also express in many opportunities along the story how he feels about the situations in his everyday life, like noisy places, unexpected changes in the routine, or how sometimes his brain feels overloaded by the world around him. And at the same time how much he loves logic facts, and his ability to find and process clues. At the same time Hajrah happens to be hyper-energetic, with difficulties to sit or stay still, but also a great sense of how to help Myron when he feels overwhelmed by a situation. And Myron and Hajrah are not the only ones, since they are part of a neuro diverse group at the West Meadows School. The readers will also meet Sarah "Smasher" McGintley, who is a female bully bulling boys, something also uncommon to find in children's novels.
These nontraditional characters already make the story more than worthy. Now add a pinch of science, robots, coding, and challenges. Serve with black & white enjoyable pictures, that also complement the story showing the characters' body language and actions. And there you are. A wonderful book I recommend you to try. I will keep a close eye on this series myself.
I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Find more children's book reviews in Reviews in Chalk
November 6, 2016
What a refreshingly brilliant work! It's like the kid detective version of Monk. (Yes, I did go there.) As a special needs advocate and pediatric therapist, I can honestly say that it does my heart good to find rich and meaningful books that feature heroes that are beautifully atypical (whatever that means). Bravo!
NetGalley
NetGalley
November 15, 2022
Must love this super inclusive junior detective series with fun characters and a great group of friends
January 31, 2025
Another fun early chapter book mystery from O'Donnell with lovable, neurodiverse characters.
September 26, 2016
A Remarkable and Engaging Book
This book was so good and so impressive that I want to pause a bit to make sure I do it justice.
It does three things especially well: it sets out an excellent third grade detective mystery; it portrays a neurodiverse group of kids with insight and dignity; it emphasizes science tech without a hint of preachiness. I don't see how you beat that combo.
While it is never made especially explicit, our hero Myron is on the autism spectrum, and from the description of his love of logic, facts and mystery and his eye for detail, as well as some of his behaviors, we can see that. The presentation is matter of fact and understated. Since Myron is both well adjusted and an appealing kid, and the hero of the book, this is a sympathetic and even handed presentation of his challenges and strengths. His "assistant", Hajrah, has some hyper-active challenges, and is equally well presented. The two of them are in a special resource class with some other kids with various issues, and the whole gang participates in solving the mystery in the book. I just don't think I've ever before seen such an engaging treatment of an autistic kid hero. The fact that Myron also narrates adds even more immediacy and insight to the matter.
Putting all of that aside, the mystery is quite good. There are real clues and real deductions. Suspects are added and dropped for rational and defensible reasons. There are red herrings. There is a bit of action and some lurking and poking around. Third grade mysteries rarely follow the rules and often rely on coincidence and hunches. This does that a little bit, (some lucky clue finds), but for the most part this mystery plays fair, which puts it well ahead of other early reader offerings.
Finally, the whole mystery turns around a science project and the "maker movement", which is sort of a science craft offshoot of that. In addition to the most tech savvy student being a girl, we have a lot of discussion of robots, circuits, programming and the like, which I would expect to interest science-y and non-science-y kids.
Even the illustrations are to the point, and help to clarify and emphasize what's going on.
So, the upshot is that we have unique, appealing and non-traditional characters, a breezy and upbeat vibe, an authentic third grade sort of feel, science and mystery. I'm a fan.
(Please note that I received a free advance will-self-destruct-in-x-days Adobe Digital copy of this book in exchange for a candid review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
This book was so good and so impressive that I want to pause a bit to make sure I do it justice.
It does three things especially well: it sets out an excellent third grade detective mystery; it portrays a neurodiverse group of kids with insight and dignity; it emphasizes science tech without a hint of preachiness. I don't see how you beat that combo.
While it is never made especially explicit, our hero Myron is on the autism spectrum, and from the description of his love of logic, facts and mystery and his eye for detail, as well as some of his behaviors, we can see that. The presentation is matter of fact and understated. Since Myron is both well adjusted and an appealing kid, and the hero of the book, this is a sympathetic and even handed presentation of his challenges and strengths. His "assistant", Hajrah, has some hyper-active challenges, and is equally well presented. The two of them are in a special resource class with some other kids with various issues, and the whole gang participates in solving the mystery in the book. I just don't think I've ever before seen such an engaging treatment of an autistic kid hero. The fact that Myron also narrates adds even more immediacy and insight to the matter.
Putting all of that aside, the mystery is quite good. There are real clues and real deductions. Suspects are added and dropped for rational and defensible reasons. There are red herrings. There is a bit of action and some lurking and poking around. Third grade mysteries rarely follow the rules and often rely on coincidence and hunches. This does that a little bit, (some lucky clue finds), but for the most part this mystery plays fair, which puts it well ahead of other early reader offerings.
Finally, the whole mystery turns around a science project and the "maker movement", which is sort of a science craft offshoot of that. In addition to the most tech savvy student being a girl, we have a lot of discussion of robots, circuits, programming and the like, which I would expect to interest science-y and non-science-y kids.
Even the illustrations are to the point, and help to clarify and emphasize what's going on.
So, the upshot is that we have unique, appealing and non-traditional characters, a breezy and upbeat vibe, an authentic third grade sort of feel, science and mystery. I'm a fan.
(Please note that I received a free advance will-self-destruct-in-x-days Adobe Digital copy of this book in exchange for a candid review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
January 27, 2018
(Review by James, age 8, 1/27/18)
This story was about a Maker Fair. Your goal was to make a robot that could compete against other robots in a maze. One of the contestant's robot was stolen. Myron and Hajrah are kid detectives and the Jordan, whose robot was stolen, hired them to find it. Whoever stole the robot had to have a key or somehow get into the locked shed. The window was painted shut. They accused the bully because she had said "I like those robots so well that I want to steal one." They also had another suspect because they found the missing plans taped underneath his desk.
Jordan's cousin came and unlocked the shed with his own key. The cousin was staying at Jordan's house. They found the case being used as a bird feeder in an old man's yard. The old man said he'd found it in his trash can in the morning, and said that the person who put it there could have done it in between the morning and 8 pm.
Eventually the culprit was found and Jordan got is robot back. If you want to know who did it, read the book.
I would recommend this book to people who like mysteries.
This story was about a Maker Fair. Your goal was to make a robot that could compete against other robots in a maze. One of the contestant's robot was stolen. Myron and Hajrah are kid detectives and the Jordan, whose robot was stolen, hired them to find it. Whoever stole the robot had to have a key or somehow get into the locked shed. The window was painted shut. They accused the bully because she had said "I like those robots so well that I want to steal one." They also had another suspect because they found the missing plans taped underneath his desk.
Jordan's cousin came and unlocked the shed with his own key. The cousin was staying at Jordan's house. They found the case being used as a bird feeder in an old man's yard. The old man said he'd found it in his trash can in the morning, and said that the person who put it there could have done it in between the morning and 8 pm.
Eventually the culprit was found and Jordan got is robot back. If you want to know who did it, read the book.
I would recommend this book to people who like mysteries.
April 15, 2022
I read this story to a grade 3/4 class and they seemed to enjoy it, some asking if there were any more West Meadow books, which there are.
For me, it was basically a simple detective story done a million times with a few chairs moved around to make it feel fresh. I wouldn't be too harsh cause, really, how do you come up with new ideas for a detective story meant for kids. I must admit I found some of it a little confusing, but that might be just because I was reading it aloud to an audience. Not really much to say about the story itself other than an autistic child is one of the main characters which is meant to bring more understanding and compassion for the needs of such kids.
No game changer, but the kids liked it. How can there be anything wrong with that?
For me, it was basically a simple detective story done a million times with a few chairs moved around to make it feel fresh. I wouldn't be too harsh cause, really, how do you come up with new ideas for a detective story meant for kids. I must admit I found some of it a little confusing, but that might be just because I was reading it aloud to an audience. Not really much to say about the story itself other than an autistic child is one of the main characters which is meant to bring more understanding and compassion for the needs of such kids.
No game changer, but the kids liked it. How can there be anything wrong with that?
September 26, 2025
Myron and his friends have been waiting a long time to enter in the robotics competition. When one of the robots is stolen, Myron goes all-in to figure out who is guilty. Using his unique perspective from the autism spectrum, and with help from a diverse cast of friends, will Myron solve the mystery in time for the competition?
Interest Level: ages 5+
Reading Level: ages 7+
OVERALL RATING 9.5/10
It was refreshing to read a children's book with diverse and interesting characters! West Meadows Detectives really did a great job showcasing a wide range of characters, and simultaneously weaving in an exciting detective story. I would definitely recommend this book!
Interest Level: ages 5+
Reading Level: ages 7+
OVERALL RATING 9.5/10
It was refreshing to read a children's book with diverse and interesting characters! West Meadows Detectives really did a great job showcasing a wide range of characters, and simultaneously weaving in an exciting detective story. I would definitely recommend this book!
August 7, 2019
I liked the first book to look for others in the series... time passed and I wasn't sure but I read the second and now I am certain of the place I can find for these characters in my classroom. The main characters are different - yes - but they clearly deserve respect and understanding. I look forward to sharing the West Meadow Detectives with my students and asking them to think about how they can be unique and alike at the same time and what that means when we are part of a community.
June 5, 2019
This was a cute story and I think I will add this series to my library. I can see my students really liking this book.
July 31, 2022
My boys really enjoyed this read aloud. This is a cute series.
September 2, 2016
Children will enjoy
As someone who has worked with various special needs children, I recognized Myron as being a high functioning autistic boy. I thought the author did a great job of helping children start understanding what it might be like instead of being afraid or unfriendly because someone is different than you are. I wish in the book itself it mentioned Myron had a form of autism. Books like these help normalize those with special abilities. Since Myron is very well functioning I think you don't get to see how ostracizing it can be to have autism, though, and could give children the wrong idea about it being easy for those with autism to do something that overloads their systems or makes them feel uncomfortable. Obviously, there are those that's the case with - like Myron - so I don't fault the author for that, as giving them a spring board to help start understanding some of the differences between people is sorely needed.
As for the story itself, it was easy for me to solve the mystery. Children who are new to mysteries will be kept guessing until the end and be surprised. Those who are familiar with elementary mysteries will see it coming, but still enjoy the book.
My only complaint is really that the two kid detectives disobeyed by going somewhere they weren't allowed to look for clues. I think if they had asked, an adult would have agreed for them to search that area, given the situation.
I didn't read book 1 in this series, but from book 2 this looks like it will be a good series for young readers.
PS - I read this book on my kindle. The artwork does not look right in this format. It would be better to have no illustrations than the partial graphics that appear. I imagine a print copy will look fine.
I received a complimentary ecopy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
As someone who has worked with various special needs children, I recognized Myron as being a high functioning autistic boy. I thought the author did a great job of helping children start understanding what it might be like instead of being afraid or unfriendly because someone is different than you are. I wish in the book itself it mentioned Myron had a form of autism. Books like these help normalize those with special abilities. Since Myron is very well functioning I think you don't get to see how ostracizing it can be to have autism, though, and could give children the wrong idea about it being easy for those with autism to do something that overloads their systems or makes them feel uncomfortable. Obviously, there are those that's the case with - like Myron - so I don't fault the author for that, as giving them a spring board to help start understanding some of the differences between people is sorely needed.
As for the story itself, it was easy for me to solve the mystery. Children who are new to mysteries will be kept guessing until the end and be surprised. Those who are familiar with elementary mysteries will see it coming, but still enjoy the book.
My only complaint is really that the two kid detectives disobeyed by going somewhere they weren't allowed to look for clues. I think if they had asked, an adult would have agreed for them to search that area, given the situation.
I didn't read book 1 in this series, but from book 2 this looks like it will be a good series for young readers.
PS - I read this book on my kindle. The artwork does not look right in this format. It would be better to have no illustrations than the partial graphics that appear. I imagine a print copy will look fine.
I received a complimentary ecopy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
December 17, 2016
Originally published on
Hina Loves To Read
I read this book for two reasons. Firstly, I wanted to relive my childhood with books and secondly at that age I wanted to be a detective myself. And thirdly because I liked the cover.
OK, that was more than two reasons but anyone who knows me, knows my craziness when it comes to book covers.
Back to the book, this was to be a light read that I could read over a few days to de-stress from work but when I started reading it, I was hooked and had to know what happened next.
For a person as old as I am (in the third decade of their life), the mystery was not much of a mystery but if a kid were to read it, they’d have been completely engrossed and solving the mystery with Myron and the feeling of jubilation would indeed be there.
A couple of chapters in and I knew who was the culprit but then again I was never the target audience for this book and still I enjoyed it much.
This being a second book in a series, automatically one is added to my TBR which I will hopefully be reading soon.
Another thing that brings a new dimension to the book is that Myron, our very skilled detective is Autistic but he has not stopped that from becoming a mystery solver or hindered him in developing his skill further.
That was sort of the selling point for me because even though Myron suffers from Autism, you will not feel sorry for the kid because he is normal as normal can be.
Give it a read. Or maybe buy it for your kids.
I read this book for two reasons. Firstly, I wanted to relive my childhood with books and secondly at that age I wanted to be a detective myself. And thirdly because I liked the cover.
OK, that was more than two reasons but anyone who knows me, knows my craziness when it comes to book covers.
Back to the book, this was to be a light read that I could read over a few days to de-stress from work but when I started reading it, I was hooked and had to know what happened next.
For a person as old as I am (in the third decade of their life), the mystery was not much of a mystery but if a kid were to read it, they’d have been completely engrossed and solving the mystery with Myron and the feeling of jubilation would indeed be there.
A couple of chapters in and I knew who was the culprit but then again I was never the target audience for this book and still I enjoyed it much.
This being a second book in a series, automatically one is added to my TBR which I will hopefully be reading soon.
Another thing that brings a new dimension to the book is that Myron, our very skilled detective is Autistic but he has not stopped that from becoming a mystery solver or hindered him in developing his skill further.
That was sort of the selling point for me because even though Myron suffers from Autism, you will not feel sorry for the kid because he is normal as normal can be.
Give it a read. Or maybe buy it for your kids.
August 21, 2016
The thing about early chapter books is you have to make them easy enough for new readers to read, and be engaged in. A mystery is a good way to do so. And, although I got frustrated in the middle because I, an adult could not figure things out, because of all the red herrings, when the mystery was solved, it all made sense, and was cleaver about it.
The characters were diverse. The bully was a girl. The two detectives were a boy and a girl. The writing was funny, and cute.
I think early readers will enjoy this story. And adults that have to read this with kids will have fun trying to solve the mystery.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
The characters were diverse. The bully was a girl. The two detectives were a boy and a girl. The writing was funny, and cute.
I think early readers will enjoy this story. And adults that have to read this with kids will have fun trying to solve the mystery.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
June 12, 2017
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read an ARC of this book.
October 8, 2018
This is the second West Meadows Detective book I have read. I love these books for children. This is the story of Myron (who is autistic) and his friend Harjah who make up the West Meadows Detectives. In this story someone has stolen their classmates Jordan and Glitch's robot. They are due to enter it in the weekend competition and the detectives need to get it back by then. Using Myron and Harjah's analitical minds they take the case and want to help their friends. Through deductive and straightfoward reasoning they come up with clues and solve the case. I really like the way the author describes some of the feelings of autism but does not make it the central point of the story. I will anxiously await more adventures of Myron and Harjah and the West Meadow Detectives.
I received this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
I received this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews