The Case of the Backyard Treasure (Hello Math Reader, Level 4)

Liz the Whiz uses all her patterning, measuring, analyzing, and time-telling skills to uncover a treasure for her neighbor, Zack. Original.

Gr. 1^-2. Liz the Whiz & Company (Liz, her brother Henry, and their dog) receive a message challenging them to find a treasure. They follow a series of clues left by Henry's friend Sam and discover a stash of cookies and Sam's new address. The first-person narration, particularly the line "I, Liz the Whiz, stay calm," has a tendency to make the book sound derivative of (or perhaps a tribute to) the Nate the Great series. Although the story is slight, Rocklin will please young mystery fans with popular genre elements such as clues, secret messages, and hidden treasure. Appealing line-and-watercolor artwork illustrates the tale. The appended math activities include retelling the story, doing mental math, and identifying geometric shapes. These ideas vary greatly in their relevance to the story and their child appeal, but the section is addressed to parents, who can pick and choose. For larger collections. Carolyn Phelan