Cam Jansen and the Chocolate Fudge Mystery (2004)

Independent Reading Level: Grades 2-5]
Awards:

Cam Jansen and her best friend Eric Shelton stumble across a criminal in hiding while selling chocolate and candy for a local library program in this fourteenth entry in David A. Adler's beginning chapter-book series devoted to their adventures. Alerted, as always, by Cam's superior powers of observation, the two children, along with Cam's father and two local neighbors, foil the escape plans of the criminal and his confederate...

Although the resolution of many of the Cam Jansen Mysteries are unlikely - would Cam, Eric and Mr. Jansen really be included in the police chase that tracks down one of the robbers? - I would imagine that they are very satisfying for young readers, who will appreciate the idea of their favorite sleuth being in on the action. Like its predecessors, Cam Jansen and the Chocolate Fudge Mystery relies upon its eponymous heroine's eidetic memory for the solving of the case, something I found fascinating as a young reader myself, even if its strains my adult credulity a bit during my current rereading project. Recommended to beginning chapter-book readers who enjoy mysteries, as well as to fans of Cam Jansen. ( )

When Cam Jansen and her friend Eric uncover a mystery while selling fudge door to door to raise money for the local library, Cam uses her photographic memory to foil the crime. Book #14

GR: L
GL: 2.6
DRA: 20
Lexile: 560L

In this early chapter book, Cam (given name Jennifer) and her friend Eric are raising money for the local library by selling fudge and rice cakes door to door. Cam (short for Camera because she has a photographic memory) senses that something is wrong in a house that seems empty but it appears that someone is hiding inside. Cam, Eric and Cam's father solve the mystery and help catch some bad guys in the process. I found this to be a very entertaining book that I'm sure will captivate younger readers and keep them reading.

I think this would be a good series to have on hand in the classroom for use during independent reading and to let students check out and take home. This book was not terribly thought provoking, but this was an enjoyable read and it is fun to predict what you think might happen. These are good books to help readers better understand plot and beginning, middle, and end of stories. This is a good option for helping children build their reading stamina and fluency. ( )