Hilde on the Record: Memoir of a Kid Crime Reporter

Lysiak (the Hilde Cracks the Case series) pens an astonishing memoir that details her transition from early childhood to local preteen reporter and beyond. Lysiak was six years old when her crime reporter father, former New York Daily News journalist Matthew Lysiak, rushed to the scene of a homicide with her in tow. Hilde recalls her father's assignments, including his extensive coverage of the killing of Trayvon Martin (unnamed by Lysiak, as is much contextualizing information throughout) and the Sandy Hook shooting. Though many of her father's assignments involved shocking crimes and children her age, she "couldn't wait to go reporting with him again." When Hilde, then seven, moves with her family to Selinsgrove, Pa., she founds Orange Street News to report on local happenings, such as a "plant vandal" damaging gardens. She soon gains notoriety for a viral video in which she breaks the news of a local murder, but her reportage is drowned out amid media frenzy over her age and gender, and the attention takes a toll on her mental health and friendships. Though Lysiak's remembrances are sometimes superficial-feeling, suggesting unexamined depths, this newsy, reportorial telling attentively showcases an amateur reporter's development and memories of growing up. Photographs are included throughout. Ages 8-12. Agent: Sharlene Martin, Martin Literary & Media. (Apr.)

Gr 3-7--Growing up the daughter of a famous New York City newspaper reporter was just the education Hilde Lysiak needed to follow in her father's footsteps. Her first taste of reporting life happened when she was just four years old: a breaking story was developing and her father took her with him to capture it all. Visiting the crime scene and traversing neighborhood stores in the city for witnesses gave her an insight into the world of reporting that hooked her immediately. But it was her father's coverage of the Sandy Hook shootings that changed their lives. He wrote a best-selling book about the shootings and was able to work as a freelance journalist and spend much more time at home. This also led to their move from New York City to Selinsgrove, PA. But the reporter bug was alive and eager as Lysiak began writing and publishing her own newspaper, the Orange Street News. At first a sweet tome about births and stray cats, the OSN was a great way for Lysiak to gain confidence in her reporting and hone her journalism skills. A local murder and Lysiak's reporting of it was the scoop of a lifetime, and her big break. Her story went viral, making her famous, but also subjecting her to much scrutiny due to her age and gender. Her response was to stand up for herself and meet the haters head-on. Her notoriety also gave her many opportunities to showcase how creative and intuitive young people can be, ultimately emphasizing to Lysiak the importance of the press and its power of "telling the truth." Fast-paced and action-packed, the narration will thrill young readers. Lysiak tells her own story while genuinely voicing the freedoms of the press and their importance within our constitution. As the narrative evolves, readers see a progression in Lysiak, too, gaining maturity and strength in her writing. Personal events give her purpose and courage as a reporter, but simultaneously give her the wisdom to stop and take care of herself as she steps into her own. Her writing is seamless as she transitions from very young reporter to teen. Family photos are included. VERDICT Young readers will instantly like Lysiak and come to respect her love for the press as well as the responsibilities that come with reporting. An insightful, solid read for middle school.--Carol Connor