Hilde Cracks the Case: Hero Dog! (Review and Giveaway!)

Ooo have I got a good one to share with you today. I'm always excited about kid authors, and this next author just about blows my socks off--Hilde Lysiak is one awesome chica! I've been perusing her website and news stories for the last hour and am so impressed... But I'm getting ahead of myself! First, her book to be reviewed. And then, make sure to see below for a giveaway!

Hero Dog!
(Hilde Cracks the Case #1)
Written by Hilde Lysiak & Matthew Lysiak, illustrated by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff

My rating: ★★★★

ISBN: 978-1338141559
Publisher: Scholastic
Date of publication: September 12, 2017
Age: Grades 1-3
Genre: Mystery, Realistic Fiction
Format: ARC from publisher

Themes: journalism, detective work, dogs, neighbor relationships

Nine-year-old crime reporter Hilde Lysiak is starring in her very own early chapter book series—inspired by news stories Hilde wrote in real life! In this first book, there's been a break-in on Orange Street! Cupcakes have been stolen, and soon a pie goes missing, too. Hilde and her sister/photographer, Izzy, must interview witnesses and follow the clues. Can Hilde crack the case in time to post her news story online?

What really makes this book for me is not so much the story, but the people and inspirations behind it. I mean—hello!—awesome child reporter writes her own book series about the crimes she solves?? That's just so legit. Too legit to quit. Hilde is sharing what she loves and doing it in a way that demands to be taken seriously. It's awesome for kids; it encourages them to pursue their dreams and work hard for what they love.

I will still comment on the story, of course. The journalistic aspects are well incorporated into a Nate-the-Great-style mystery, with some great characters (or perhaps I should say suspects) and dramatic build-up. The illustrations add some fun support to the story. My only small complaint would be a number of exclamation points. I felt like there was a lot of excited yelling in my head as I read it. I'm sure that won't bother the kids who read it—the book will, I'm sure, be much enjoyed. Definitely recommended!

Also recommended: doing a journalism classroom/library study—get started with the Scholastic curriculum guide, which has a LOT of useful material!

Find it at your library or on Amazon

Hilde Kate Lysiak is the reporter and publisher of the Orange Street News. Since starting her paper at the age of seven Hilde has written and published hundreds of stories in her hometown of Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania. Hilde has been recognized for her work in the New York Times, NBC Today Show, GMA, The Washington Post, and thousands of other media across the world.

Giveaway!

I'm partnering with Scholastic to provide a giveaway! One lucky winner will receive a copy of Hilde's first book—book 1, THE HERO DOG! (U.S. addresses only) Enter using the widget below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway