The On-Line Spaceman and Other Cases (Einstein Anderson, Science Detective)

Twelve-year-old sleuth Einstein Anderson uses his scientific skills to solve a series of baffling mysteries as he investigates the puzzle of the crying rocks, the case of the extraterrestrial from cyberspace, and the riddle of the far-out Frisbee, among others.

Grade 4-6. This newest addition to the popular series is reminiscent of Donald Sobol's "Encyclopedia Brown" books, but with a decidedly computer-age slant. This title consists of 10 short stories, each with a scientific inaccuracy that stumps everyone except sixth-grade whiz, Einstein. His real name is Adam, but he earned his nickname from his kindergarten teacher who recognized his extensive scientific knowledge. The episodes are rather tough tests of scientific phenomena from crying rocks to bovine behavior to extraterrestrials on-line. The spare ink sketches add interest, but no clues. Einstein will satisfy middle schoolers with a knack for science and who also like a touch of mystery.?Christina Dorr, Calcium Primary School, NY
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Gr. 3^-6. Twelve-year-old science sleuth Einstein Anderson (last seen in Einstein Anderson Sees through the Invisible Man, 1983) returns to solve 10 more short mysteries. Using the deductive reasoning of Sherlock Holmes and an advanced knowledge of science and technology, Einstein is able to unravel brainteasers that boggle everyone else. Clues are presented in short chapters, and readers are given a chance to solve the puzzle before turning the page for Einstein's solution. S. D. Schindler's black-line drawings provide an inviting format for younger readers. The loosely linked chapters span an entire school year, and the fact that several characters are involved in more than one case should please readers looking for a cohesive story. Give this to graduates of Sobol's Encyclopedia Brown series as well as science and mystery fans. Kay Weisman