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Cam Jansen Mysteries #2
Cam Jansen and the Mystery of the UFO
What are those strange colored lights in the sky? Will Cam's friend Eric win a contest with his photograph of a U.F.O.? Or will creatures from outer space keep Cam and Eric in the dark?
Unknown Binding
First published January 1, 1980
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About the author
David A. Adler
400 books202 followersDavid Abraham Adler is an American children's author. He was born in New York City, New York in 1947. He graduated from Queens College in 1968 with a bachelor's degree in economics and education. For the next nine years, he worked as a mathematics teacher for the New York City Board of Education, while taking classes towards a master's degree in marketing, a degree he was awarded by New York University in 1971. In that same year, a question from his then-three-year-old nephew inspired Adler to write his first story, A Little at a Time, subsequently published by Random House in 1976. Adler's next project, a series of math books, drew on his experience as a math teacher. In 1977, he created his most famous character, Cam Jansen, originally featured in Cam Jansen and the Mystery of the Stolen Diamonds, which was published that year.
Adler married psychologist Renee Hamada in 1973, and their first child, Michael, was born in 1977. By that time Adler had taken a break from teaching and, while his wife continued her work, he stayed home, took care of Michael, and began a full-time writing career.
Adler's son, Michael S. Adler, is now the co-author of several books with his father, including A Picture Book of Sam Adams, A Picture Book of John Hancock, and A Picture Book of James and Dolly Madison. Another son, Edward, was the inspiration for Adler's Andy Russell series, with the events described in the series loosely based on adventures the Adler family had with Edward's enthusiasm and his pets.
As of November 2008, Adler has three sons and two grandsons. He lives in Woodmere, New York.
(source: Wikipedia)
Adler married psychologist Renee Hamada in 1973, and their first child, Michael, was born in 1977. By that time Adler had taken a break from teaching and, while his wife continued her work, he stayed home, took care of Michael, and began a full-time writing career.
Adler's son, Michael S. Adler, is now the co-author of several books with his father, including A Picture Book of Sam Adams, A Picture Book of John Hancock, and A Picture Book of James and Dolly Madison. Another son, Edward, was the inspiration for Adler's Andy Russell series, with the events described in the series loosely based on adventures the Adler family had with Edward's enthusiasm and his pets.
As of November 2008, Adler has three sons and two grandsons. He lives in Woodmere, New York.
(source: Wikipedia)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
August 14, 2020
Fifth-grade sleuth Cam (Jennifer) Jansen and her best friend, Eric Shelton, return in this second beginning chapter-book mystery, this time confronting some mysterious lights over their local park. As everyone around them becomes convinced that it must be UFOs, Cam drags Eric into the park to investigate, and they discover that it is . Fortunately, Cam and Eric are there to foil the plot, and all ends well...
At a slight 58 pages, Cam Jansen and the Mystery of the U.F.O. is a book intended for young people who have graduated from leveled beginning readers and are just getting going with longer chapter-books. Although the two main characters are in fifth grade, I recall reading this series at a younger age, in the third grade or so. Children tend to like to read about characters who are slightly older than they are, I find. This one was originally published in 1980, and there are elements of the story - particularly the almost complete freedom the two main characters are given by their parents - that I think would be unlikely in today's world. Leaving that aside, this is a fun story, and although I thought the narrative developments were anything but surprising, during this adult reread, I recall finding it quite suspenseful as a girl. Recommended to beginning chapter-book readers who enjoy mystery stories.
At a slight 58 pages, Cam Jansen and the Mystery of the U.F.O. is a book intended for young people who have graduated from leveled beginning readers and are just getting going with longer chapter-books. Although the two main characters are in fifth grade, I recall reading this series at a younger age, in the third grade or so. Children tend to like to read about characters who are slightly older than they are, I find. This one was originally published in 1980, and there are elements of the story - particularly the almost complete freedom the two main characters are given by their parents - that I think would be unlikely in today's world. Leaving that aside, this is a fun story, and although I thought the narrative developments were anything but surprising, during this adult reread, I recall finding it quite suspenseful as a girl. Recommended to beginning chapter-book readers who enjoy mystery stories.
April 21, 2011
The original Cam Jansen series follows the exploits of 10-year-old 5th grader Jennifer "the Camera" (aka "Cam") Jansen and her best friend, classmate, and neighbor Eric Shelton. Cam got her nickname because of her photographic memory. All she has to do is say "Click," and Cam can remember everything she's seen, which comes in pretty handy when trying to solve mysteries.
David Adler has written several beginning chapter book series, but Cam Jansen is one of the earliest and most successful. He's been writing the series since 1980 and now writes roughly one volume per year. He has also started a Young Cam Jansen series of even simpler chapter books. Reading level wise, I'd say children they'd interest children from kindergarden through fifth grade who are just starting to read chapter books. I didn't read any of the the young Cam Jansen books, but it looks like they're more limited in scope and probably would be considered "baby books" to anyone beyond 2nd grade.
Because the books are so short, I read essentially the first half of the series and the 25th anniversary special "The Valentine Day Baby Mystery" where Cam's mom has twins, ending Cam's only child status, and Eric's mom has her car stolen, only to be returned when Cam's quick thinking discovers the thief.
Overall I was surprised at how engaging these stories were. I would totally recommend them to children just starting to read chapter books. The print is big and there are still several black and white drawings scattered throughout the text, making them an easy transition from picture books. Plus, they're well-written enough that I think they can nudge children to move on to better quality titles as they move on to longer chapter books.
Of course they're not perfect, though. It seems that adults Cam and Eric interact with choose to not accept Cam's photographic memory only when it's necessary to create tension in the story. Otherwise most adults take for granted that this 10-year-old can solve diamond thefts and bank robberies. Still, it has to be empowering for kids to read about someone close to their age solving mysteries like that.
I was also kind of bothered by the way Cam always ends up being right. Sometimes she comes off as a little too cocky and unwilling to listen to others. In nearly every story Eric plays the wet blanket suggesting that they tell an adult what they've discovered rather than trying to catch the bad guy on their own. However Cam always forges ahead and ends up getting her suspect. Again, I'm sure kids love the feeling of accomplishment, but sometimes it feels like Cam's walking the fine line between extreme confidence and recklessness, as in the Chocolate Fudge Mystery where she trespasses into someone's back yard just because she thinks it's weird that no one's home. Her dad and Eric both tell her she shouldn't be doing this, but Cam doesn't care because she's certain there's a mystery to be solved. She turns out be right (there's a bank robber hiding in the house) and her disregard for strangers' privacy is forgotten.
And honestly, that's the problem I had with these books when I was little. While it was cool to read about a kid doing cool stuff like solving robberies, I could always tell that the stories weren't quite true to real life. I guess that's why I always preferred stories of kids doing amazing things that were based off real stories like Island of the Blue Dolphins or at least seemed more realistic.
My husband, however, loved these books as a kid and said he read every one he could get his hands on when he was younger, so I guess that's at least some proof of their appeal to both sexes. Both libraries I checked these books out from had multiple copies of the titles in this series and even then I had trouble finding all the titles actually on the shelf, so they continue to be popular titles. I think they would be great additions to a school or public library collection.
David Adler has written several beginning chapter book series, but Cam Jansen is one of the earliest and most successful. He's been writing the series since 1980 and now writes roughly one volume per year. He has also started a Young Cam Jansen series of even simpler chapter books. Reading level wise, I'd say children they'd interest children from kindergarden through fifth grade who are just starting to read chapter books. I didn't read any of the the young Cam Jansen books, but it looks like they're more limited in scope and probably would be considered "baby books" to anyone beyond 2nd grade.
Because the books are so short, I read essentially the first half of the series and the 25th anniversary special "The Valentine Day Baby Mystery" where Cam's mom has twins, ending Cam's only child status, and Eric's mom has her car stolen, only to be returned when Cam's quick thinking discovers the thief.
Overall I was surprised at how engaging these stories were. I would totally recommend them to children just starting to read chapter books. The print is big and there are still several black and white drawings scattered throughout the text, making them an easy transition from picture books. Plus, they're well-written enough that I think they can nudge children to move on to better quality titles as they move on to longer chapter books.
Of course they're not perfect, though. It seems that adults Cam and Eric interact with choose to not accept Cam's photographic memory only when it's necessary to create tension in the story. Otherwise most adults take for granted that this 10-year-old can solve diamond thefts and bank robberies. Still, it has to be empowering for kids to read about someone close to their age solving mysteries like that.
I was also kind of bothered by the way Cam always ends up being right. Sometimes she comes off as a little too cocky and unwilling to listen to others. In nearly every story Eric plays the wet blanket suggesting that they tell an adult what they've discovered rather than trying to catch the bad guy on their own. However Cam always forges ahead and ends up getting her suspect. Again, I'm sure kids love the feeling of accomplishment, but sometimes it feels like Cam's walking the fine line between extreme confidence and recklessness, as in the Chocolate Fudge Mystery where she trespasses into someone's back yard just because she thinks it's weird that no one's home. Her dad and Eric both tell her she shouldn't be doing this, but Cam doesn't care because she's certain there's a mystery to be solved. She turns out be right (there's a bank robber hiding in the house) and her disregard for strangers' privacy is forgotten.
And honestly, that's the problem I had with these books when I was little. While it was cool to read about a kid doing cool stuff like solving robberies, I could always tell that the stories weren't quite true to real life. I guess that's why I always preferred stories of kids doing amazing things that were based off real stories like Island of the Blue Dolphins or at least seemed more realistic.
My husband, however, loved these books as a kid and said he read every one he could get his hands on when he was younger, so I guess that's at least some proof of their appeal to both sexes. Both libraries I checked these books out from had multiple copies of the titles in this series and even then I had trouble finding all the titles actually on the shelf, so they continue to be popular titles. I think they would be great additions to a school or public library collection.
November 29, 2021
Looks like we'll be reading this series
April 30, 2018
I loved these books as a child. I thought we'd try one with my six year-old son and see what he thought. He didn't love it but liked it well enough to say he'd try another one. I have to admit this one didn't exactly grab me like I remembered either! Cam and her pal Eric see some strange colored lights in Central Park one night and investigate. Cam's famous photographic memory comes in handy, as usual! And there's a cute scene-stealing kitten involved to boot.
September 18, 2022
Written in 1980, this book is a little dated for the young children who will read it. It mentions camera film several times, and I know in my school of about 500 kindergarten, first, and second grade students, they would not know what that is. If you want to read a good Cam Jansen book, read the first one: The Mystery of the Stolen Diamonds.
April 9, 2024
Although I know that I may have read one or two of these books from this series when I was younger I can already say for a doubt that they didn't really influence me at all. And returning to them as an adult I am actually confused as to why this series would be so popular.
Cam Jansen is the story about a girl who is suppose to be like Harriet the Spy but unlike Harriet she has a photographic mind as her main tool, which makes her a bit on the snooty side at least to me. And in this particular book I feel vindicated in my opinion since she not only chooses to recite the rules verbatim but to also recite them backwards and then won't allow her friend to borrow the borrowed binoculars when he asks but instead uses them until the item of interest disappears. And when he keeps on insisting to want to go home so he can do homework, she must have her own way.
At the same time the book is a mystery or at least meant to be one but basically all the events occur probably with ten or twenty minutes of each other, maybe less. There aren't much clues provided to the reader who may be curious to try their hands so in the end it is less a mystery than an actual story telling an episode in one bossy girl's life.
The book does have occasional black-and-white illustrations for the characters that are a bit cartoonish, especially when it comes to the cat, to help ease the monotony of the story for young readers.
It was okay and a quick read but not only I would recommend to young readers who may be interested in mystery-type books for their bookshelves.
Cam Jansen is the story about a girl who is suppose to be like Harriet the Spy but unlike Harriet she has a photographic mind as her main tool, which makes her a bit on the snooty side at least to me. And in this particular book I feel vindicated in my opinion since she not only chooses to recite the rules verbatim but to also recite them backwards and then won't allow her friend to borrow the borrowed binoculars when he asks but instead uses them until the item of interest disappears. And when he keeps on insisting to want to go home so he can do homework, she must have her own way.
At the same time the book is a mystery or at least meant to be one but basically all the events occur probably with ten or twenty minutes of each other, maybe less. There aren't much clues provided to the reader who may be curious to try their hands so in the end it is less a mystery than an actual story telling an episode in one bossy girl's life.
The book does have occasional black-and-white illustrations for the characters that are a bit cartoonish, especially when it comes to the cat, to help ease the monotony of the story for young readers.
It was okay and a quick read but not only I would recommend to young readers who may be interested in mystery-type books for their bookshelves.
January 17, 2017
Part of the Cam Jansen chapter book series featuring a fifth-grade girl with a "photographic" memory. These books are not whodunit type of mysteries, but each story contains a conundrum, which Cam's eidetic memory helps to solve. The protagonist and her bff are a bit old for a chapter book. The books in the series are all short, (less than 60 pgs each) quick reads. They can be read independently of one another, and are easily understood if read out of order. Published in the 1980s, the books are somewhat dated, mostly in terms of technology (i.e. cameras requiring film that needs developing, pay telephones in boxes, kids running around without a cell phone or any way to contact parents/authorities, etc.).
In this book, Cam and her best friend, Eric, investigate a UFO sighting to determine whether or not it is authentic.
In this book, Cam and her best friend, Eric, investigate a UFO sighting to determine whether or not it is authentic.
February 3, 2019
This is the second Cam Jansen book I've bought for my second grade daughter. I've looked for books with good female characters, and Cam is definitely that: she's smart, observant, confident. These books are light, but that's exactly what I'm looking for for my young tween reader. There's no sass, no snarky, no attitude and certainly nothing inappropriate for the 7-10 year old crowd. Just a fun mystery that sets up and resolves like a fun episode of Scoobie Do.
My daughter is a good reader and these chapter books are the perfect size for her. The chapters are the right length for finding a stopping place at bedtime. She can finish a book in a night or three of reading. The characters and story arcs are not complicated, allowing her to remember the story arc and the clues as she's reading.
My daughter is a good reader and these chapter books are the perfect size for her. The chapters are the right length for finding a stopping place at bedtime. She can finish a book in a night or three of reading. The characters and story arcs are not complicated, allowing her to remember the story arc and the clues as she's reading.
June 1, 2017
This book was funny and engaging. It's about a girl named Jennifer who's nickname is Cam, because she has a photographic memory and also says "click" a lot. Then there's her friend Eric who loves taking pictures. In the book Eric is trying to find the perfect picture to take, along with Cam's help so he could enter it into a contest. Nothing seemed to catch his eye until him and Cam think they have spotted other life form. They do a little investigating and discover that it's a boy making his siblings take pictures dressed as aliens so he can win the photography contest. This is a good book to open children's imagination. I would use this book in the classroom to do an opening for a creative writing assignment.
September 4, 2025
The book was simple and used a lot of the aspects we talked about in class, such as having main characters that are similar in age to the students who would be reading them, having animals, and having an adventurous plot to keep students' attention. The book also was comprised of short sentences, was short in length, and did not use much advanced vocabulary. In addition, the illustrations interspersed with the pages would be effective in helping students fill comprehension gaps and vocabulary gaps. The plot was simple and clear, my only issue with that and the characters was that Cam is not very nice to Eric, who is her best friend, and brushes him off multiple times while still being the heroine of the book. I didn't love that message. Otherwise, I think it is a solid early chapter book.
March 7, 2024
I found this book in my drawers, purchased from Goodwill several years ago. The book was quite digestible and easy to read. Great for kids to read as a reading nook starter. I also envision reading it to my children someday. I really enjoyed the mystery aspect of it -- it kept me hooked and curious throughout the read. I also thought the scene with the kitten, named "Neptune," was quite cute. They called the kitten “Neptune” because the characters encountered it around the same time they saw a mysterious UFO in the sky.
January 17, 2017
How to write a series of children's books: Lesson 2. 1) We learn more about Cam's photographic memory ability. 2) A cute animal is introduced. 3) A mystery is solved. 4) A child is thrilled to win an "Honorable Mention" in a photography contest but not first place. So doing your best is what counts most, not winning the top prize. 5) The illustrations, very good, are randomly sized and placed.
September 21, 2020
On a cold night in November, Cam Jansen saw a big crowd and she walked over. Then she saw what looked like a UFO landing and it hit a big tree. Cam Jansen saw they weren't UFOs but little people wearing masks and costumes. Then weeks later, she knew why they were taking pictures of those creatures and the lights were balloons with flashlights in them. There was a picture contest and her friend Eric won third place.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 14, 2018
Fiction, Mystery
Good for grades 2-4
This book was a great intro into chapter books. There were a lot of pictures, big text and relatively easy vocabulary words. I used this book in one of the book clubs I run with my third graders and we were able to have great comprehension discussions with one another.
Good for grades 2-4
This book was a great intro into chapter books. There were a lot of pictures, big text and relatively easy vocabulary words. I used this book in one of the book clubs I run with my third graders and we were able to have great comprehension discussions with one another.
March 26, 2019
Tamara listened to this audiobook and wrote this review: A good mystery for beginning independent readers Grades 1-2. I found the ending a bit abrupt for my taste, but still a good introduction to the mystery readers. Pick up a copy at the Dover Free Library or download from Dover Library's RBdigital platform online.
November 2, 2020
Cam Jansen, manages to solve the mystery of the U.F.O along with her friend Eric. This book is full of mystery but it is also fun to read and has great illustrations on some of the pages. This is a chapter book, but it's not too long which makes it easier for students to read. Overall, this is an excellent book that will make you feel like you are in it.
July 9, 2021
Not surprised that it's number two... the reader doesn't get a chance to look for clues or piece them together at all. And Cam & Eric destroy someone's property. And adopt a kitten, no drama from parents.
Also I didn't realize these kids are in fifth-grade. The books are very slim, short, and simple.
Also I didn't realize these kids are in fifth-grade. The books are very slim, short, and simple.
October 22, 2024
Cam and Eric are trying to take a photograph that Eric can enter in a contest; along the way they adopt a stray kitten named Neptune and investigate some mysterious unidentified flying objects that appeared to people in the dark woods. A good early-grade mystery and a fun book for kids who like to read books in a series.
June 24, 2019
While trying to take the winning photo for the 12-and-under photo competition, Eric and Cam witness what appears to be a UFO flying away. This is a good book for young mystery lovers. I especially recommend it for 1st-2nd graders.
October 30, 2019
I read Cam Jansen The Mystery of the U.F.O. This is a great series of books to share when students are just getting into chapter type books. It would be one to share as a read aloud to get the students excited about reading chapter books on their own.
October 6, 2020
When Cam and Eric spot some strange lights in the November, evening sky, the venture into the park to find the cause.
Not really a traditional 'collect the clues' mystery. More like an adventure. But maybe for first or second grade, they would need to put the clues together to figure it out.
Not really a traditional 'collect the clues' mystery. More like an adventure. But maybe for first or second grade, they would need to put the clues together to figure it out.
December 5, 2021
Cute story about a little girl (Cam), her best friend (Eric), and their search to find an incredible photo for Eric to take to win a local photography contest.
Only UFOs have come to town and Cam wants to investigate (much to Eric's dismay).
A fun story with a nice 'surprise' as to the UFOs.
Only UFOs have come to town and Cam wants to investigate (much to Eric's dismay).
A fun story with a nice 'surprise' as to the UFOs.
February 6, 2022
I love this book. The main character is called Cam because of her photographic memory. She is a young detective. In this book Cam figures out about the mysterious UFO. As a nine year old I think that anybody ages 1-10 can read this book.
January 13, 2025
Cam and Eric are out trying to take good photographs for Eric to enter in the city's contest when some mysterious objects start floating in the sky. This was good, but I think I would have liked to see some repercussions for those miscreants who were trying to cheat.
March 6, 2017
These are fun kid mysteries. The writing is good and I like the main characters. I also really like the pictures.
October 22, 2017
4 1/2 stars
February 3, 2019
Luisa loves mysteries
February 12, 2019
They beated another band of crooks. Great job!
October 4, 2020
Super cute! Such a fun intro to mysteries for kids. I wish I had discovered this series when I was younger!
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