Barnett, Mac.
THE CASE OF THE CASE OF MISTAKEN IDENTITY
New York : Simon & Schuseter Books of Young Readers, 2009
IL 3-6, RL 4.6
ISBN 1416978151

(3 booktalks)

What would you do if you were innocently checking out a book from the library (ok, the book you needed for your Social Studies report was the Illustrated History of American Quilting—which, you admit, is an odd choice for a seventh-grader) and you found yourself surrounded by undercover spies who lead double lives as---librarians?? Fortunately for Steve Brixton, founder of the Brixton Brothers Detective Agency, he has thoroughly studied the Bailey Brothers Detective Handbook, and is well on his way to becoming a middle-school super sleuth. Situations like this are a piece of cake for the trained detective. But wait—now the librarians are accusing him of being in league with the mysterious, nefarious Mr. E. If he doesn’t want to stand accused of treason, Steve’s going to have to figure out this mystery for himself. Read The Case of the Case of Mistaken Identity to see if Steve can clear himself of all charges and still get his report in on time!  (New Hampshire Great Stone Face nominee, 2011)

Booktalk #2

Steve Brixton a 12 year-old expert in detective skills, thanks to his “Bailey Brothers Detective Handbook”, finds they come in handy in this suspenseful adventure. Given a social studies project, to research early American needlework, he unwillingly makes a trip to the library to find a book. When he locates his resource and checks out An Illustrated History of American Quilting, the lights go out and all pandemonium breaks loose. Ninjas descend from the skylights; Steve narrowly escapes from them, finding himself instead captured by Librarian Secret Agents. These clever agents use Library of Congress numbers to communicate. How will Steve complete his research project, combat the secret agents and make you laugh at the same time?  (Pennsylvania Young Reader's Choice Awards, 2011-2012)

Booktalk #3

Steve is an avid fan of mysteries- especially the Bailey Brothers’ Mysteries. He’s read them multiple time and has practically memorized the handbook. It’s no wonder he has some strong detective skills himself. But a mystery is the last thing on his mind as he heads to the public library to research American Quilts for an assignment. What Steve assumed would be a dull trip to the library turns chaotic. As soon as he pulls An Illustrated History of American Quilting off of the shelf, alarms sounds, the lights go out and he’s surrounded by armed secret agent librarians. Steve manages to escape, but the librarians are sure that Steve is working for the infamous Mr. E. to find the most valuable quilt in history, which is full of America’s secrets. They will stop at nothing to catch Steve. Once he realizes that the police aren't an option, he turns to his best friend, his Bailey Brothers' Detective Handbook and his wits to find Mr. E. himself.   (Courtney Anderson <canderson@foxchapelcountryday.com>)