Bear on the Loose!: A Branches Book (Hilde Cracks the Case #2)

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!

Nine-year-old crime reporter Hilde Lysiak is back for the second book in this early chapter book mystery series! This time, there's a bear on the loose in Selinsgrove! Hilde knows a BIG story when she hears one, and she's determined to get the scoop. So she and her sister/photographer, Izzy, set out to track the bear and find out where he came from. But how will they find the bear? And can Hilde crack this case before someone gets hurt? Joanne Lew-Vriethoff's personality-filled black-and-white 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." -- Publisher's Weekly

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

Praise for Branches books:

"A nice stepping stone to more advanced chapter books." -- Booklist