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Hilde cracks the case #1
Hero Dog!: A Branches Book (Hilde Cracks the Case #1)
Real-life super-sleuth and media sensation Hilde Lysiak's reporting skills are put to the test in this fun early chapter book mystery series! Pick a book. Grow a Reader!This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line Branches, aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and stamina. Branches books help readers grow!Nine-year-old crime reporter Hilde Lysiak is starring in her very own early chapter book series -- inspired by news stories Hilde wrote in real life! In this first book, there's been a break-in on Orange Street! Cupcakes have been stolen, and soon a pie goes missing, too. Hilde and her sister/photographer, Izzy, must interview witnesses and follow the clues. Can Hilde crack the case in time to post her news story online? Joanne Lew-Vriethoff's personality-filled illustrations appear on every page, bringing Hilde's adventures to life for young readers!
112 pages, Paperback
First published September 12, 2017
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271 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
August 7, 2017
Excellent addition to the early chapter book world - perfect for grades 1-3!
Thanks to the #kidlitexchange network of reviewers for this ARC - all opinions are my own.
Any title in the Branches imprint from Scholastic is an auto-purchase for my elementary library - my students in grades 1-3 absolutely inhale these books and I can't keep them on the shelves. Hilde is a great new addition to the imprint, and I'm excited to see that there are additional titles in this series already in the works! This is a cute detective story with the illustrations I expect from Branches books, as well as the perfect readability level for this grade level target audience. I love the process Hilde works through to solve the case - this would be a great discussion point with young readers. Highly recommended for elementary libraries as well as grades 1-3 classroom libraries.
Thanks to the #kidlitexchange network of reviewers for this ARC - all opinions are my own.
Any title in the Branches imprint from Scholastic is an auto-purchase for my elementary library - my students in grades 1-3 absolutely inhale these books and I can't keep them on the shelves. Hilde is a great new addition to the imprint, and I'm excited to see that there are additional titles in this series already in the works! This is a cute detective story with the illustrations I expect from Branches books, as well as the perfect readability level for this grade level target audience. I love the process Hilde works through to solve the case - this would be a great discussion point with young readers. Highly recommended for elementary libraries as well as grades 1-3 classroom libraries.
August 13, 2017
Thanks to the Kid Lit Exchange network for this review copy of Hilde Cracks the Case: Hero Dog! All opinions are my own.
Hilde is a precocious young journalist investigating a theft on her street, Orange Street. The story follows her investigation as she questions neighbors to find out who is responsible for a break-in in her neighborhood. Her big sister and partner, Izzy, is along for the ride, snapping pictures of potential clues. Who has committed the crime, and will Hilde get her story in time for her 6:30 deadline? All will be answered by the conclusion of the story.
What a delightful book for young readers, and a great foray into the mystery genre for readers who haven't been exposed to mysteries. This book is well done and smart. I enjoyed it. As a gauge, I had my nine-year-old son read it, and he really enjoyed it. Even though he usually prefers books whose protagonists are male, he liked the mystery and the fact that Hilde is an investigative journalist (he didn't use the words--"investigative journalist"--he IS a fourth grader, after all!) His direct quote on the book is, "I liked the mystery. When I read it I though every new character was the thief. I thought it was cool that Hilde and her sister worked together. My favorite character was Zeus, because he barked like Zeus's thunder." (Side note: My son is really into Percy Jackson, so the name of the dog could have (did) affect his choice of favorite character.)
I love that the book is based on a real-life girl who actually publishes her own newspaper called the Orange Street News. (Click the link to see her site.) Not only is the story great, but Hilde provides a great example for youngsters of loving something, in this case, journalism, and going for it.
Bottom line: Love the book, and love that it is based on a real-life girl. If you have young readers (ages 5-9), they should definitely read it. My rating is 5/5.
Hilde is a precocious young journalist investigating a theft on her street, Orange Street. The story follows her investigation as she questions neighbors to find out who is responsible for a break-in in her neighborhood. Her big sister and partner, Izzy, is along for the ride, snapping pictures of potential clues. Who has committed the crime, and will Hilde get her story in time for her 6:30 deadline? All will be answered by the conclusion of the story.
What a delightful book for young readers, and a great foray into the mystery genre for readers who haven't been exposed to mysteries. This book is well done and smart. I enjoyed it. As a gauge, I had my nine-year-old son read it, and he really enjoyed it. Even though he usually prefers books whose protagonists are male, he liked the mystery and the fact that Hilde is an investigative journalist (he didn't use the words--"investigative journalist"--he IS a fourth grader, after all!) His direct quote on the book is, "I liked the mystery. When I read it I though every new character was the thief. I thought it was cool that Hilde and her sister worked together. My favorite character was Zeus, because he barked like Zeus's thunder." (Side note: My son is really into Percy Jackson, so the name of the dog could have (did) affect his choice of favorite character.)
I love that the book is based on a real-life girl who actually publishes her own newspaper called the Orange Street News. (Click the link to see her site.) Not only is the story great, but Hilde provides a great example for youngsters of loving something, in this case, journalism, and going for it.
Bottom line: Love the book, and love that it is based on a real-life girl. If you have young readers (ages 5-9), they should definitely read it. My rating is 5/5.
August 27, 2017
Special thanks to #kidlitexchange for this review copy of Hilde Cracks the Case: Hero Dog. All opinions are my own.
This book has an engaging premise that immediately draws the reader in. We are compelled to ride along as Hilde shares her love of investigative reporting with us as she solves this fun mystery. The teacher in me appreciated the Table of Contents, map of her town, Reporter’s Toolbox (vocabulary list) and notes pages interspersed throughout the book. I also love the emphasis on who, what, where, when and why.
The fun illustrations and use of different forms of writing (first person prose as well as text messages and a poster) add to the story. Additionally, the author clearly outlines motive and opportunity for the characters and reinforces what a “real writer” does through Hilde’s actions. I can see this book inspiring other kids to write their own newspapers (especially when young readers discover that the book is actually written by a girl like them)! Cannot wait to add this to our elementary library (and recommend to my 1st-3rd grade colleagues for their libraries)!
This book has an engaging premise that immediately draws the reader in. We are compelled to ride along as Hilde shares her love of investigative reporting with us as she solves this fun mystery. The teacher in me appreciated the Table of Contents, map of her town, Reporter’s Toolbox (vocabulary list) and notes pages interspersed throughout the book. I also love the emphasis on who, what, where, when and why.
The fun illustrations and use of different forms of writing (first person prose as well as text messages and a poster) add to the story. Additionally, the author clearly outlines motive and opportunity for the characters and reinforces what a “real writer” does through Hilde’s actions. I can see this book inspiring other kids to write their own newspapers (especially when young readers discover that the book is actually written by a girl like them)! Cannot wait to add this to our elementary library (and recommend to my 1st-3rd grade colleagues for their libraries)!
April 23, 2018
@kidlitexchange #partner —— All opinions are my own.
Another wonderful addition to the Branches line of books by Scholastic. This is book 1 in the Hilde Cracks the Case series. The chapters are short, the story is intriguing and it includes cute illustrations. Perfect for grades 1-3. The best part is Hilde Lysiak is an actual kid!! She publishes her very own newspaper and now coauthors a fantastic series with her dad. Talk about excellent inspiration for students and young readers.
Fans of Nate the Great will adore this story. Hilde uses her reporting skills to help solve some mysteries that are centered around a local bake-off. She conducts interviews around town, follows some leads and is always writing down observations in her notebook. She repeatedly remembers to ask herself: Who, What, When, Where, Why and How?
This would be a great early introduction into mysteries or a wonderful read aloud -especially if you are studying professions or doing a unit on question words! My 7 year old and I look forward to reading the other books in this series. Book 4, UFO Spotted!, is set to release tomorrow (4.24.18).
Another wonderful addition to the Branches line of books by Scholastic. This is book 1 in the Hilde Cracks the Case series. The chapters are short, the story is intriguing and it includes cute illustrations. Perfect for grades 1-3. The best part is Hilde Lysiak is an actual kid!! She publishes her very own newspaper and now coauthors a fantastic series with her dad. Talk about excellent inspiration for students and young readers.
Fans of Nate the Great will adore this story. Hilde uses her reporting skills to help solve some mysteries that are centered around a local bake-off. She conducts interviews around town, follows some leads and is always writing down observations in her notebook. She repeatedly remembers to ask herself: Who, What, When, Where, Why and How?
This would be a great early introduction into mysteries or a wonderful read aloud -especially if you are studying professions or doing a unit on question words! My 7 year old and I look forward to reading the other books in this series. Book 4, UFO Spotted!, is set to release tomorrow (4.24.18).
August 26, 2017
Small town mystery and Hilde is up for the challenge! Fun book, looking forward to reading more from the series.
May 16, 2018
@kidlitexchange #partner
Thank you to @kidlitexchange for the review copy of Hero Dog! (Hilde Cracks the Case, Book 1). All opinions are my own.
Hilde Lysiak is only nine years old, but she is a serious reporter. She started her own newspaper for her town called the Orange Street News. She learned a lot about being a reporter from her dad who used to be a reporter in New York City.
When Hilde finds out that there has been a break-in on Orange Street, she doesn’t waste any time trying to crack the case. She immediately heads to Orange Street to interview residents. She texts her sister Izzy to join her and take pictures. As she asks questions and records answers, Hilde discovers that Mr. Macintosh’s eggs have been stolen from his chicken coop. Mrs. Hooper’s lemon cupcakes were stolen from her kitchen table, and Mrs. Taggert’s cherry crumb pie was stolen from her window sill! There has also been a disturbance at the Kind Kat Cafe’. While she is there gathering clues, someone slashes her bike tires. All of these crimes seemed to be linked to the town’s Bake Off Bonanza…. As Hilde puts all of the pieces of the puzzle together, and zeroes in on her suspect, it is Zeus, Mr. Macintosh’s dog, who is the real hero and helps Hilde solve the mystery of the stolen baked goods! She solves the case just in time to write her story for the Orange Street News!
This is a great addition to Scholastic’s Branches series. What is truly impressive, is that the author is young Hilde Lysiak herself (co-authored by her dad Matthew Lysiak.) I love the organization of the story, with short chapters, some illustrations, and visuals of the notes that Hilde takes as she investigates the case. I think children will enjoy following Hilde’s clues to try to solve the mystery. The writing is creative and clever. This is a great chapter book for young readers!
My 8 year old niece was so excited that I received this book. She read it in one day and gives it 2 thumbs up!
Thank you to @kidlitexchange for the review copy of Hero Dog! (Hilde Cracks the Case, Book 1). All opinions are my own.
Hilde Lysiak is only nine years old, but she is a serious reporter. She started her own newspaper for her town called the Orange Street News. She learned a lot about being a reporter from her dad who used to be a reporter in New York City.
When Hilde finds out that there has been a break-in on Orange Street, she doesn’t waste any time trying to crack the case. She immediately heads to Orange Street to interview residents. She texts her sister Izzy to join her and take pictures. As she asks questions and records answers, Hilde discovers that Mr. Macintosh’s eggs have been stolen from his chicken coop. Mrs. Hooper’s lemon cupcakes were stolen from her kitchen table, and Mrs. Taggert’s cherry crumb pie was stolen from her window sill! There has also been a disturbance at the Kind Kat Cafe’. While she is there gathering clues, someone slashes her bike tires. All of these crimes seemed to be linked to the town’s Bake Off Bonanza…. As Hilde puts all of the pieces of the puzzle together, and zeroes in on her suspect, it is Zeus, Mr. Macintosh’s dog, who is the real hero and helps Hilde solve the mystery of the stolen baked goods! She solves the case just in time to write her story for the Orange Street News!
This is a great addition to Scholastic’s Branches series. What is truly impressive, is that the author is young Hilde Lysiak herself (co-authored by her dad Matthew Lysiak.) I love the organization of the story, with short chapters, some illustrations, and visuals of the notes that Hilde takes as she investigates the case. I think children will enjoy following Hilde’s clues to try to solve the mystery. The writing is creative and clever. This is a great chapter book for young readers!
My 8 year old niece was so excited that I received this book. She read it in one day and gives it 2 thumbs up!
February 7, 2019
{My thoughts} – I found this book to be rather amusing. Hilde is a young child that is a news reporter on her street. She posts her news articles by deadline on a webpage. Her older sister Izzy takes the photos and tags along sometimes while Hilde is gathering information on crimes/hot topics/things of interest in her neighborhood.
Hilde finds out that there has been a break in on her street. As soon as she has that information she rushes to the police station to find out where it happened. She The officer she speaks with doesn’t seem to like her and brushes her off. That doesn’t stop her though, she just goes and starts asking her neighbors like any good reporter would.
This was a really face-paced easy to follow book. I really enjoyed it and I can’t wait to read it with and share it with my girls. I must confess I had to buy the first five or so books after I’d received the sixth book for reviewing purposes. I like to read things in order so of course I just had to get the previous books. I am still waiting for some to come in the mail but I have the first two right now which lets me get a jump on the series.
This book was incredible. I am sure that any child that likes to ask questions, gets a bit nosey, likes a good mystery will love this book and series. This is definitely on my top loved list for children’s beginner chapter books! The best part about them are they are based on a real child’s life. Who doesn’t want to read about a child their own age being a reporter. It helps to show children that they really can be anything they want to be when they grow up and even before!
Hilde finds out that there has been a break in on her street. As soon as she has that information she rushes to the police station to find out where it happened. She The officer she speaks with doesn’t seem to like her and brushes her off. That doesn’t stop her though, she just goes and starts asking her neighbors like any good reporter would.
This was a really face-paced easy to follow book. I really enjoyed it and I can’t wait to read it with and share it with my girls. I must confess I had to buy the first five or so books after I’d received the sixth book for reviewing purposes. I like to read things in order so of course I just had to get the previous books. I am still waiting for some to come in the mail but I have the first two right now which lets me get a jump on the series.
This book was incredible. I am sure that any child that likes to ask questions, gets a bit nosey, likes a good mystery will love this book and series. This is definitely on my top loved list for children’s beginner chapter books! The best part about them are they are based on a real child’s life. Who doesn’t want to read about a child their own age being a reporter. It helps to show children that they really can be anything they want to be when they grow up and even before!
November 24, 2017
Many thanks to Kid Lit Exchange for access to a free review copy of this book! All opinions are my own.
Whenever Scholastic publishes a new series under the Branches umbrella, it’s an automatic buy for my 2nd/3rd grade classroom. Branches books are touted as “illustrated early chapter books that grow young readers,” and they are go-to series for my early chapter book readers. So I was super excited to receive the first book in the Hilde Cracks the Case series for review. Hilde is a 10 year old reporter in a small Pennsylvania town who has started her own newspaper, the Orange Street News. She rolls around town on her bike with Izzy, her older sister/photographer, searching for scoops for her newspaper. In Hero Dog, she investigates a string of crimes related to the upcoming bake off, from stolen cupcakes to missing pies. I love how this book is written by the real life Hilde and her dad. The book is very accessible for readers who are ready for early chapter books but need help developing stamina and confidence. The story and illustrations are engaging and will be a big hit with these transitional readers. Recommended for 1st-3rd grade classrooms and elementary school libraries!
Whenever Scholastic publishes a new series under the Branches umbrella, it’s an automatic buy for my 2nd/3rd grade classroom. Branches books are touted as “illustrated early chapter books that grow young readers,” and they are go-to series for my early chapter book readers. So I was super excited to receive the first book in the Hilde Cracks the Case series for review. Hilde is a 10 year old reporter in a small Pennsylvania town who has started her own newspaper, the Orange Street News. She rolls around town on her bike with Izzy, her older sister/photographer, searching for scoops for her newspaper. In Hero Dog, she investigates a string of crimes related to the upcoming bake off, from stolen cupcakes to missing pies. I love how this book is written by the real life Hilde and her dad. The book is very accessible for readers who are ready for early chapter books but need help developing stamina and confidence. The story and illustrations are engaging and will be a big hit with these transitional readers. Recommended for 1st-3rd grade classrooms and elementary school libraries!
November 12, 2017
Thank you to the @kidlitexchange for providing me with a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Hilde is an independent and intelligent young girl that is set out to get an article for her own newspaper, The Orange Street News. She is a “serious reporter” and needs to solve the mystery to make her deadline of 6 p.m. She has heard there was a break in on her very own street, so she heads out to investigate and possibly get the lead story.
****/5 stars for this book! I love that this is based on a real girl that also has her own newspaper. I also love the fact that this is another great (much needed) addition to early chapter books. Easy to read with fun graphics that make you feel like you are keeping notes and finding clues along with Hilde. My 7-year-old daughter saw me reading this and was intrigued and asked me if she could also read it. She enjoyed the mystery, how Hilde writes clues down in her notebook, and the way she persisted to solve the mystery! I couldn’t agree more. It was a fun read and I definitely recommend it for Grades 1-3. I am looking forward to more books in the series. Well done by Hilde and her dad Matthew!
Hilde is an independent and intelligent young girl that is set out to get an article for her own newspaper, The Orange Street News. She is a “serious reporter” and needs to solve the mystery to make her deadline of 6 p.m. She has heard there was a break in on her very own street, so she heads out to investigate and possibly get the lead story.
****/5 stars for this book! I love that this is based on a real girl that also has her own newspaper. I also love the fact that this is another great (much needed) addition to early chapter books. Easy to read with fun graphics that make you feel like you are keeping notes and finding clues along with Hilde. My 7-year-old daughter saw me reading this and was intrigued and asked me if she could also read it. She enjoyed the mystery, how Hilde writes clues down in her notebook, and the way she persisted to solve the mystery! I couldn’t agree more. It was a fun read and I definitely recommend it for Grades 1-3. I am looking forward to more books in the series. Well done by Hilde and her dad Matthew!
April 29, 2018
There are a lot of things I really liked about this book and that made it a book I would absolutely recommend to kids starting to read chapter books.
The over all storyline was sinple to follow, the chapters were broken down nicely and the language was simple and appropriate.
The characters were great and I love how they were introduced.
The format of the book was very useful, with the map in the beginning marking important places, the introduction to tell us about the main character without wasting time in the plot for it, the reporters toolbox to define terms possibly needed for the book to be understood, and the fact the whole article was posted asst the end of the story. I also liked the notebook inserts giving the clue.
The illustrations were also really good.
I loved finding out at the end that this is co written by a girl who basically is the main character, I think it could be really inspiring for kids, and I think it's cool that the picture of the author and the pictures of her character match.
I think this has the potential to be a great series for early chapter book readers.
The over all storyline was sinple to follow, the chapters were broken down nicely and the language was simple and appropriate.
The characters were great and I love how they were introduced.
The format of the book was very useful, with the map in the beginning marking important places, the introduction to tell us about the main character without wasting time in the plot for it, the reporters toolbox to define terms possibly needed for the book to be understood, and the fact the whole article was posted asst the end of the story. I also liked the notebook inserts giving the clue.
The illustrations were also really good.
I loved finding out at the end that this is co written by a girl who basically is the main character, I think it could be really inspiring for kids, and I think it's cool that the picture of the author and the pictures of her character match.
I think this has the potential to be a great series for early chapter book readers.
July 17, 2018
This is a SSYRA, Jr. book for the 2018-19 school year. It’s a beginning chapter book that was very engaging for the reader. The book is written by a little girl & based on her real life reporting. The book has wonderful illustrations throughout the pages & it is a true mystery until the end. Great storytelling while also teaching the reader how to be a good reporter. I love how the end of the book leads into the next book & even gives you a 3 chapter teaser of book #2.
Scholastic is now publishing the “Branches” books which are varying series of books that are all beginning chapter books & seem to have themes that appeal to young readers. I hope that theses books connect with the young readers & that they get hooked on a series.
Scholastic is now publishing the “Branches” books which are varying series of books that are all beginning chapter books & seem to have themes that appeal to young readers. I hope that theses books connect with the young readers & that they get hooked on a series.
December 17, 2017
I read this book to my 7 year-old she loved it so much that when I said we had to stop reading for the night, she grabbed it and read two pages on her own.
The story follow Hilde the journalist as she and her sister Izzy solve the mystery of some missing baked goods. The book is right on target for the early elementary age with lots of pictures, action, readable text and an interesting story line.
The story follow Hilde the journalist as she and her sister Izzy solve the mystery of some missing baked goods. The book is right on target for the early elementary age with lots of pictures, action, readable text and an interesting story line.
March 23, 2018
I didn't like this book because I didn't like the part when Maddy (one of the mean-agers) stole a pie. I liked this book because I liked the part when Hilde cracked a case of the cupcakes and broken dishes on the sidewalk.
June 8, 2020
Great fun read for younger readers that I vetted for my granchildren.
September 17, 2024
Again, I had to read this book for school I was way younger when I read this, but this book is still a baby book I liked it back then but now if I read it I know I would give it a one star⭐️
September 13, 2021
Loved this engaging story about a young reporter who solves a mystery! I’m also a small town newspaper reporter so this story was close to my heart. A great read for young readers!
January 26, 2023
3,5
Bedre enn detektivbyrå nr 2, ikke på høyde med dyrehagedetektivene
Bedre enn detektivbyrå nr 2, ikke på høyde med dyrehagedetektivene
May 13, 2018
It looks like a reporter's notebook, is filled with 'pencilled in clues," and has sketch-style drawings throughout. The unique appearance alone got my granddaughter's attention. She's only six, so there were some challenging words. However, she was able to sound most of them out without assistance.
Hero Dog is the first book, in this promising series starring the budding young reporter, Hilde. It isn't Poe or Twain. But it isn't supposed to be. These books are aimed at little ones just taking their first, independent, literary steps -
with a good mix of common, easily recognized and challenging, unique wording. Thus ensuring it's not so simplistic the child is bored, nor so difficult they become completely discouraged and give up. Either of which can have a lasting negative effect on a child's interest and ability to read.
Interesting, age appropriate and affordably priced ... I recommend without reservation. Becoming an independent reader is a big step for little ones. This series is a good start.
**Written by 10 year old Hilde Lysiak, each book is a fictionalized retelling of an actual story from her very own newspaper. The 'Orange Street News' is a monthly publication covering local stories and community events. Available online and in print, Hilde has thousands of readers. She has even been featured in the Washington Post.
Happy Reading,
RJ
Hero Dog is the first book, in this promising series starring the budding young reporter, Hilde. It isn't Poe or Twain. But it isn't supposed to be. These books are aimed at little ones just taking their first, independent, literary steps -
with a good mix of common, easily recognized and challenging, unique wording. Thus ensuring it's not so simplistic the child is bored, nor so difficult they become completely discouraged and give up. Either of which can have a lasting negative effect on a child's interest and ability to read.
Interesting, age appropriate and affordably priced ... I recommend without reservation. Becoming an independent reader is a big step for little ones. This series is a good start.
**Written by 10 year old Hilde Lysiak, each book is a fictionalized retelling of an actual story from her very own newspaper. The 'Orange Street News' is a monthly publication covering local stories and community events. Available online and in print, Hilde has thousands of readers. She has even been featured in the Washington Post.
Happy Reading,
RJ
May 22, 2018
@kidlitexchange #partner #bookstagram #kidlitexchange #kidlit
Thanks to the @kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
One of the most critical features of a successful early chapter book series is the voice of the main character. And in this series, the voice is spot on. The author, Hilde, is a ten-year-old writing about events loosely based on her own real-life experiences as a junior sleuth.
In Hero Dog, Hilde is intent on solving a baffling case. Various baked goods, among other things, have gone missing on none other than the day of the local Bake-Off Bonanza. Is the culprit a dog with a sweet-tooth? A disgruntled neighbor? A jealous Bake-Off contestant?
Armed with her trusty notepad and pen, Hilde cycles around the town of Sellinsgrove interviewing those who have had items stolen and questioning the police and suspicious people. She records her thoughts in a notebook, the pages of which are scattered throughout the text. The reader follows along with Hilde and her sister Izzy (who takes photographs) every step of the way from their first clue to solving the mystery.
This is a fast-paced, page turning story that will leave young readers feeling empowered to take charge, follow their dreams, and trump age barriers through perseverance and hard work.
Go Hilde!
Thanks to the @kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
One of the most critical features of a successful early chapter book series is the voice of the main character. And in this series, the voice is spot on. The author, Hilde, is a ten-year-old writing about events loosely based on her own real-life experiences as a junior sleuth.
In Hero Dog, Hilde is intent on solving a baffling case. Various baked goods, among other things, have gone missing on none other than the day of the local Bake-Off Bonanza. Is the culprit a dog with a sweet-tooth? A disgruntled neighbor? A jealous Bake-Off contestant?
Armed with her trusty notepad and pen, Hilde cycles around the town of Sellinsgrove interviewing those who have had items stolen and questioning the police and suspicious people. She records her thoughts in a notebook, the pages of which are scattered throughout the text. The reader follows along with Hilde and her sister Izzy (who takes photographs) every step of the way from their first clue to solving the mystery.
This is a fast-paced, page turning story that will leave young readers feeling empowered to take charge, follow their dreams, and trump age barriers through perseverance and hard work.
Go Hilde!
March 6, 2018
I was very excited about this book, written by a young person who is a journalist who received some notice for alerting police to an actual crime.
The book does a little too much explaining about the career of a journalist, but that may be necessary in the first book in a "moving up" series about a journalist/detective.
The crime (stolen & damaged desserts, in advance of a baking competition) is both realistic and kid-scale - EXCELLENT!
The setting is a little tame - suburbia?, and too many of the characters live on the same street as the main character and have history in the previous year's baking competition, yet the main character, an obviously inquisitive young person, seems not to have met half of them before - she only knows the teenagers, and she knows them so well, she has a snarky nickname for them. How could Hilde fail to have noticed her neighbor with chickens, or fail to have made the acquaintance of the kind old lady who is ready to give out cookies to anyone who knocks on her door?
In short, this is a little pedantic...BUT...I think it's a great start to a series for readers ages 6 to 8, and the fact that it's written by a 9-year-old with her dad is really something special.
The book does a little too much explaining about the career of a journalist, but that may be necessary in the first book in a "moving up" series about a journalist/detective.
The crime (stolen & damaged desserts, in advance of a baking competition) is both realistic and kid-scale - EXCELLENT!
The setting is a little tame - suburbia?, and too many of the characters live on the same street as the main character and have history in the previous year's baking competition, yet the main character, an obviously inquisitive young person, seems not to have met half of them before - she only knows the teenagers, and she knows them so well, she has a snarky nickname for them. How could Hilde fail to have noticed her neighbor with chickens, or fail to have made the acquaintance of the kind old lady who is ready to give out cookies to anyone who knocks on her door?
In short, this is a little pedantic...BUT...I think it's a great start to a series for readers ages 6 to 8, and the fact that it's written by a 9-year-old with her dad is really something special.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 8, 2019
Good book and series for emerging independent readers. Based on the adventures of a real child reporter (in conjunction with her father, a professional reporter), the book series about Hilde Lysiak cracking hometown cases in her local community offers some adventure without being too scary for the vast majority of children. Illustrations on every page aid in developing children's understanding of text. As an educator, I appreciated the reporter-specific lingo (including the vocab words and definitions at the beginning), the map of the town, the newspaper excerpt at the end, the real-life details from the childhood of Hilde Lysiak, and the questions and activities to aid children in building their own comprehension, and to aid adults in helping children make sense of and mentally organize what they've read. These books have some re-readability and will appeal to genre-specific readers but may not have as broad of appeal as the Dragon Masters series. The clues provided here are not sufficient to do observant readers to solve the whodunit themselves. For children interested more in the mystery aspects of the story, I'd recommend Encyclopedia Brown by Donald J. Sobol. The Encyclopedia Brown books do have a bit higher reading level, but the interest level may be higher.
December 5, 2019
Hilde has heard that there was a theft on Orange Street. She starts interviewing neighbors to find out what they know about the crime. Soon she uncovers a whole list of thefts, but who is the culprit and why?
I don't know anything about the real Hilde Lysiak or her newspaper, but this was a really well done mystery for lower grade readers. There are enough clues presented that readers can create hypotheses and solve the case right along with Hilde. It is like a new, even better female version of Encyclopedia Brown. There are black and white illustrations throughout and they help convey what Hilde uncovers. And I thought it was cool that the artist is Malaysian. A fantastic intro to sleuthing for upper lower grade readers, reluctant middle grader readers, budding reporters, and mystery fans.
No content issues.
I don't know anything about the real Hilde Lysiak or her newspaper, but this was a really well done mystery for lower grade readers. There are enough clues presented that readers can create hypotheses and solve the case right along with Hilde. It is like a new, even better female version of Encyclopedia Brown. There are black and white illustrations throughout and they help convey what Hilde uncovers. And I thought it was cool that the artist is Malaysian. A fantastic intro to sleuthing for upper lower grade readers, reluctant middle grader readers, budding reporters, and mystery fans.
No content issues.
February 3, 2018
The mystery of the missing delicious treats is a perfect scoop for crack detective nine-year-old Hilde of Selinsgrove, PA. She just has a fewl hours to crack this case, AND submit her article before the publication deadline to the Orange Street News. Hilde is a young professional reporter who follows a reporters' discipline for news articles, answering the crucial questions of who, what, when, where, why, and, how. This takes self control since the "Mean-ager" crowd taunts her with, "Wow is your cute little baby paper?" Hilde faces many obstacles when unwilling suspects ignore her questions, and the Mean-ager kids ridicule her constantly. Kids will enjoy trying to unravel the guilty culprit before Hilde.
September 3, 2018
This book was a mystery in the vein of "Encyclopedia Brown" with a precocious kid gathering clues. Unlike Encyclopedia Brown, though there is just one mystery to be solved in this book, and the reader isn't challenged to solve the mystery independently.
I did not know, when I picked this book up, that the main character really exists and really does write her own newspaper. She and her father have apparently written these books together. I think that is pretty cool, but I don't think this story is a true story, it is a bit too tidy for that.
I think this book might appeal to kids who like mysteries or are interested in reporting, and the reading level makes it appropriate for those just getting read to move out of "easy readers" and into chapter books.
I did not know, when I picked this book up, that the main character really exists and really does write her own newspaper. She and her father have apparently written these books together. I think that is pretty cool, but I don't think this story is a true story, it is a bit too tidy for that.
I think this book might appeal to kids who like mysteries or are interested in reporting, and the reading level makes it appropriate for those just getting read to move out of "easy readers" and into chapter books.
August 22, 2018
I'm constantly looking for more mysteries for the 1st- 3rd age range. This was a pretty good mystery and I think kids will like it, especially how it incorporates newer technology like texting and having an online newspaper. I didn't realize until the end that it's written by a kid, which is pretty great.
I have two petty complaints: Hilde talks about how it's wrong to peer into people's windows, yet just before that she walked herself into a gated backyard with a dog in it, which also qualifies as wrong in most places. Also, Mr. Macintosh gasps, "My eggs! They're gone!" yet the illustration right below this shows him looking at five eggs broken on the ground, which doesn't make sense. Maybe "My eggs! They're smashed!"
I have two petty complaints: Hilde talks about how it's wrong to peer into people's windows, yet just before that she walked herself into a gated backyard with a dog in it, which also qualifies as wrong in most places. Also, Mr. Macintosh gasps, "My eggs! They're gone!" yet the illustration right below this shows him looking at five eggs broken on the ground, which doesn't make sense. Maybe "My eggs! They're smashed!"
September 4, 2019
Hilde wants to be a news reported like her dad. So she starts her own paper, called the Orange Street News and investigates crimes happening in her neighborhood. As every reporter knows, you have to find answers to the six basic questions: Where, When, Why, What, Who, How?
In this book, various baked goods have been stolen in the neighborhood.
The main character is based on a real life young girl with the same name who started her own paper with just crayons and paper.
Mystery/Realistic fiction. Step up from Nate the Great series.
In this book, various baked goods have been stolen in the neighborhood.
The main character is based on a real life young girl with the same name who started her own paper with just crayons and paper.
Mystery/Realistic fiction. Step up from Nate the Great series.
September 16, 2017
Kid Reporter for the Orange Street News on the case when she hears there has been a break-in on the street.
- (broken in through a window) cupcakes were taken
- a pie was stolen off a window sill
- eggs were stolen/broken from a chicken coop
it looks as if someone is trying to sabotage the neighborhood bake-off bonanza
can Hilde solve the case and have something to report before deadline at 5:30pm!
- (broken in through a window) cupcakes were taken
- a pie was stolen off a window sill
- eggs were stolen/broken from a chicken coop
it looks as if someone is trying to sabotage the neighborhood bake-off bonanza
can Hilde solve the case and have something to report before deadline at 5:30pm!
January 3, 2018
How amazing is this 9 year old reporter (in her home town, Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania) and author of her own series. I looked up her newspaper with my son tonight and quickly learned it was not appropriate for him, but laughed that a girl, only 3 years older, was reporting on her town’s drug problems, traffic accidents, and robbery’s. Will be neat to see how her career turns out when she’s older, she already has a pretty cool one now.
July 17, 2018
Hilde Lysiak is a crack news reporter even though she is only 9 years old. In this fun story you get to know the girl, the town she lives in and her sister Izzy. It's a great set up for this story and many stories to come. It is made even better because the story is based on a real little girl and her real online newspaper. My son really got interested in the real girl and how she did something so grown up.
July 24, 2020
I really enjoyed the first installment in the Hilde Cracks the Case series, written by the young author who is also the lead character! Middle grade students will enjoy following the clues and trying to solve the mystery right alongside Hilde and her sister as she seeks to uncover who has been attempting to sabotage and steal their way to success in a local baking competition. I look forward to reading future Hilde adventures!
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