Description
Meet Myron: a third-grade detective who loves logic, facts and solving mysteries. He does not love new things. Unfortunately, everything is new this year: Myron has a new baby sister, his family has moved across town, and now he’s starting his first day at a new school. But when the school kitchen is burgled, leaving the morning snacks nowhere to be found, Myron gets his chance to crack the case with help from his classmates from Resource Room 15.
Myron’s unique perspective from the autism spectrum makes him a top-notch sleuth. Similarly, the other kids in his resource room demonstrate creative problem solving and unique talents that come in handy for the case. Together with his detective partner, the hyper-energetic Hajrah, and tech-savvy Danielle, known as “Glitch,” Myron gets to the bottom of the mystery — all while trying to avoid the school bully, Sarah “Smasher” McGuintley, who’s intent on sabotaging their efforts. Black-and-white spot illustrations accompany the text in this fun and accessible page-turner for independent readers.
Recommended Age, Grade, and Reading Levels
- Age:
- 7 to 10
- Grade:
- 2 to 5
Awards
- Commended, One of 100 Scope Notes's 10 to Note for Fall
- Long-listed, Cybils Award
- , Nominated for the Beverly Cleary Children's Choice Award 2017-18
Editorial Reviews
"Perfect for a burgeoning reader...O'Donnell has created a series that young readers will be eager to return to as more titles are added."
— School Library Journal
"This book will be a hit in libraries...finally we have a great mystery novel with an autistic main character. Recommended."
— School Library Connection
"Full of humour and mystery. I recommend this book for any school or home library."
— Resource Links
"An optimistic series beginning for young mystery fans."
— Kirkus
"Refreshing...the engaging mystery and gentle humor will keep hesitant readers eagerly turning the pages."
— National Reading Campaign
"A welcome addition to any library...a great gift for a developing reader. Highly recommended."
— Canadian Review of Materials
"With a cast that's both ethnically and developmentally diverse, this school-day caper should entertain a broad range of readers, while also opening eyes to the perspectives of those not like themselves."
— Publisher's Weekly
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Annotations
Librarian review
West Meadows Detectives: The case of the snack snatcher
The first title in a new chapter book series featuring Myron, a boy detective on the autisum spectrum, as he and his Resource Room 15 classmates crack cases.
This is a chapter book that can easily be shared with young readers interested in the detective genre. Students will relate to this mystery about the disappearance of school snacks. The main character, Myron Matthews, has autism which will also help readers learn understanding for and acceptance of the special needs of others. The chapter book highlights how what may be considered our greatest weaknesses can also be our greatest strengths.
Also available: Max Finder Mystery Collected CasEbook #1 by Liam O 'Donnell @liamodonnell
Source: Association of Canadian Publishers. Top Grade Selection 2016.
