January 1, 2013
At a fundraiser for a new firehouse, a guest nabs the hostess's pearl necklace during an elevator ride. Per usual, girl detective Cam Jansen draws on her photographic memory and quick thinking to find the thief. Not-so-usual is the book's interesting back story about Cam's memory skills as a toddler. Black-and-white illustrations show Cam on the case, sporting a cute plastic fire hat.
(Copyright 2013 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)
April 1, 2013
Gr 2-4-Cam Jansen, a child with a remarkable photographic memory, is the main character in Adler's mystery series. In this story (Viking, 2012). Cam and her friend Eric are attending a charity function for local firefighters thrown at Mrs. Scott's house. While in the elevator, Mrs. Scott's valuable pearl necklace goes missing. Each person in the elevator is a suspect, including Cam. When the police have almost given up, Cam and Eric must work together to solve the mystery. Christina Moore provides colorful and unique narration for every character-from the security guards and doormen to young children and their mothers. Her steady pacing and crisp enunciation will help children become involved in the mystery and make predictions about "whodunit." A rousing audiobook for beginning readers.-Kelly Roth, Prospect Park School, PA
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