West Meadows Detectives: The Case of the Snack Snatcher

 

Title: West Meadows Detectives: The Case of the Snack Snatcher

Author: Liam O’Donnell

Illustrator: Aurelie Grand

Publisher: Owlkids Books

Year: 2015

ISBN: 978-1-77147-069-8

Summary: Myron starts a new school year (which he hates, because he doesn’t like changes) and he immediately finds a mystery to solve (which he loves, because he is a 3rd grade detective). Myron doesn’t make friends easily and doesn’t understand why people sometimes speak the way they do, because he has autism. But Myron finds that one of his classmates becomes a friend and his exacting nature helps them solve the mystery of the snack snatcher.

Literary Merit: Realistic depiction of children with special needs in a special needs classroom. Not overly simplistic. Values each child for his/her talents.

Kid Appeal: Kids will enjoy a good mystery. They may be able to figure it out or at least have some reasonable ideas before the end of the book, which empowers young readers to be successful.

Disclaimer: This book was nominated for the 2015 CYBILS Award in the Early Chapter Book category. This review is shared as part of the Round One Judging. It is solely my own opinion and not influenced by any other parties.