(4) 4-6 First Kids Mystery series. In the fourth series installment, Tessa's lost her piggy bank, but there's something a lot more valuable than pennies inside. In book five, a fossilized dinosaur egg has been stolen from the National Museum of Natural History. Freeman deftly distills science and political goings-on to middle-grade level, the mystery plots are engaging (if obvious), and Tessa's sister Cammie's narration is accessible. Review covers these First Kid Mystery titles: The Case of the Missing Dinosaur Egg and The Case of the Piggy Bank Thief.

Reviewer: Lisa Catherine Findlay

(4) 4-6 First Kids Mystery series. In book six of this series, the president's daughters' new pet cockroach has been bugged. Cammie and Tessa must find the culprit before their private conversations result in a national security breach. The mystery itself is fairly bland, but Freeman weaves kid-friendly humor with current issues such as healthy eating in schools. The story is followed by an author's note on protests.

Reviewer: Lisa Catherine Findlay

(4) 4-6 First Kids Mystery series. In First Kids Cammie and Tessa's third mystery, the White House is borrowing something from the Smithsonian for their Wizard of Oz–themed party: the ruby slippers. But the shoes disappear before they even arrive. The story is on the predicable side, but middle-graders will appreciate the abundance of clues to help them figure out the mystery before the resolution is revealed.

Reviewer: Lisa Catherine Findlay

(4) 4-6 First Kids Mystery series. In the fourth series installment, Tessa's lost her piggy bank, but there's something a lot more valuable than pennies inside. In book five, a fossilized dinosaur egg has been stolen from the National Museum of Natural History. Freeman deftly distills science and political goings-on to middle-grade level, the mystery plots are engaging (if obvious), and Tessa's sister Cammie's narration is accessible. Review covers these First Kid Mystery titles: The Case of the Missing Dinosaur Egg and The Case of the Piggy Bank Thief.

Reviewer: Lisa Catherine Findlay

(4) 4-6 First Kids Mystery series. President's daughters Cammie and Tessa (The Case of the Rock ’n’ Roll Dog) investigate a diamond dog collar sent to their dog Hooligan. The First Kids are the only ones who believe it's real--and they worry when one of the diamonds goes missing. The large cast of characters is difficult to keep straight, but Cammie and Tessa ground the story.

Reviewer: Lisa Catherine Findlay

(4) 4-6 First Kids Mystery series. Because their mom is the president, Cameron and Tessa live in the White House, along with their superior-acting cousin, Nate, and an aptly named dog, Hooligan. Cammie's psyched that her favorite boy band is performing in D.C.; when a conducting baton disappears (possibly forcing cancellation of the show) the sisters investigate. An engaging setting--and an amiable dog--help move the action in this transparent mystery.

Reviewer: Susan Halperin