Tips & Tricks for Junior Detectives [Paperback]

Thomas Brezina (Author), Gabriele Klann (Illustrator), Bernard Forth (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 2000 | Age Level: 10 and up

How can junior detectives become master sleuths who behave just right at a crime scene; distract suspects, follow tracks, and decode secret messages? The Alligator Gang, a team of four kids--two boys and two girls--has the answers to these all-important questions...and once you open this wonderful "training manual" you will too! Create a multi-purpose pad to jot down observations, scribble a secret letter, and even take measurements. Set up all-natural alarm systems, make a great escape, and perfectly execute the "bandage trick." Don't go on a search without that "special suitcase" stuffed with such necessities as a measuring glass, flashlight, rubber gloves, and fingerprint powder.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Gr. 3-6. Fans of mystery and detective stories who might like to try some sleuthing on their own, will get dozens of tips--from camouflage ideas and secret codes to how to test a crime scene for fingerprints--in this "strategy guide" for four amateur sleuths who call themselves the Alligators. The ideas may be fun, but they aren't always practical: the hidden cameras seem invasive and difficult to manage, and a life jacket jerry-rigged from a pair of pants could be dangerous. Young people following in the footsteps of David Adler's Cam Jansen or Louise Fitzhugh's Harriet the Spy will have a great time with this, but the book will also be a useful resource for teachers who include the reading or writing of mysteries in the curriculum. Catherine Andronik
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 10 and up
  
• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: Sterling (September 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0806909870
• ISBN-13: 978-0806909875
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.3 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,882,376 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars This book inspired me to become a detective :0), February 22, 2008

By 

Suzymama (Michigan) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Tips & Tricks for Junior Detectives (Paperback)

This review is from my ten year old son:
Pros: This book contains many of the essential and basic elements a beginning detective would need to start. It told you exactly the things you would need to know. For example: how to make invisible ink or make a fingerprints. I would recommend this book for kids ages 7-12.

Cons: Some areas were unclear as to why you would use certain things to be a good detective or why would one need certain tools as a detective.

Overall the book was mostly clear and understandable. I would recommend this book to a friend or relative. It inspired me to become a detective.