Thief Strikes!: A Branches Book (Hilde Cracks the Case #6)

About this book

Pick a book. Grow a Reader!

This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line, Branches, aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and stamina. Branches books help readers grow!

Real-life crime reporter Hilde Lysiak is starring in her very own early chapter book series -- inspired by real news stories she has written! In this sixth book, tomato plants are stolen from a local garden! Hilde needs to catch the thief fast. But when she and her sister Izzy interview witnesses, they discover something strange: people all around town are getting sick! Can this real-life reporter get to the ROOT of these two mysteries?

Joanne Lew-Vriethoff's personality-filled illustrations appear on every page, bringing Hilde's adventures to life for young readers!

Reviews

Praise for Hero Dog! (Hilde Cracks the Case #1):

"This mystery series is sure to win over readers diving into beginning chapter books. Like other titles in the 'Branches' line, pictures and text work together to tell the story. Fast-paced action helps maintain budding readers' attention. Pages from Hilde's notebook introduce new vocabulary and model questioning. The right amount of support and repetition is given for students transitioning into a more independent phase of reading, and many will find themselves working to solve the mystery alongside the protagonist. Teachers will appreciate using this series to teach questioning words...VERDICT: A solid addition to most chapter book collections, especially where there are mystery fans." -- School Library Journal

"It's a light, quick-moving mystery, and the young author's backstory will undoubtedly inspire many aspiring writers, reporters, and sleuths." -- Publishers Weekly

"Entertaining and fast-paced." -- Kirkus Reviews