The Case of the Case of Mistaken Identity, by Mac Barnett

(Paperback, 208 pages, first published in 2010)

National treasures, criminal masterminds, and…secret agent librarians?

Steve Brixton wants to be a crime-busting detective—just like his favorite crime-busting detectives, the Bailey Brothers. Turns out, though, that real life is nothing like the stories.

When Steve borrows the wrong book from the library, he finds himself involved in a treasonous plot that pits him against helicopter-rappelling librarians, has him outwitting a gaggle of police, and sees him standing off against the mysterious Mr. E. And all his Bailey Brothers know-how isn’t helping at all!

Worst of all, his social studies report is due Monday, and Ms. Gilfeather will not give him an extension!

Redeemed Reader Considerations: "Contemporary cultural markers intrude, such as the absence of Steve’s father and the all-too-ubiquitous presence of his mom’s obnoxious boyfriend, but Steve himself has the earnest and likeable demeanor of Beaver Cleaver...As long as they don’t try this stuff at home–including lying to your parents!–boys are in good company with him. Girls, too." See full review here.

Recommended Age: 9-13