The Bald Bandit
(A to Z Mysteries #2)

Gr 2-4--Third graders Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose are getting ready for Halloween when they are approached by a man claiming to be a private detective. He enlists their help in recovering the videotape of a bank robbery. The bandit is described as a tall, red-haired high school boy. The three friends search for information as they go trick-or-treating and locate Lucky O'Leary, who fits the profile, but claims to be innocent. In fact, the robber on the video bears a striking resemblance to the supposed detective. Second in the series, this short, snappy Halloween story is full of funny incidents. The black-and-white drawings add to the fun. A good early chapter book that will be equally useful with remedial readers.--Elaine E. Knight, Lincoln Elementary Schools, IL