Cabin Creek Mysteries

My son is into mysteries. I discovered this series when I did a search for new Encyclopedia Brown stories. We checked the first one out at the library, and he's wolfed down three since. There are several in the series, and while not as prolific yet as the Hardy Boys or Encyclopedia, there are enough in the series to get involved with it.

This is a modern day version of the Hardy Boys. There are two boys, brothers, and a tag-a-long little girl cousin.  The mysteries occur around "Cabin Creek" where the brothers' family has a cabin.  The first mystery is set in a cave on an island (that, warning, they were ordered not to go to). The boys are older, around tween, early teen, and are often left alone by their mother to get into scrapes and adventures.  This is typical it seems of literature now days as most of the stories and television shows just seem to disregard parental supervision.  However, so were the Hardy Boys. 

The kids get into scary situations (stuck in a cave, or accused of stealing, etc.) but always manage to think their way out.  The girl cousin is generally the voice of reason. She's a bit of a smart-ass to tell the truth, and I like that.  Not great literature, but a relatively easy read with the mystery aspect to keep younger readers hooked.

Chapter Book - Melvin Beederman

We love Melvin Beederman.  This is one of my son's favorite chapter book series ( and one of my favorites, too!) There are seven books in the series so far. The reason I love this series is because the superhero is just a regular boy. He's not super talented, not super good looking, and not super agile either. But seems super nice and super smart. His superhero powers come from his cape, as well as his superhero education. He adheres closely to the "code" of superhero conduct.

Melvin graduates from Superhero Academy, top of his class, despite his difficulties getting off the ground.  He is sent to Los Angeles, of all places, for his first assignment.  It's a rather lonely life being a boy superhero in a city the size of Los Angeles.  Through a series of mishaps a young girl accidentally gets his cape, and becomes a superhero. There's some tension about him getting the cape back (my son was very concerned that the girl would keep the cape and Melvin would no longer be a superhero) but superheros don't give up. In fact, the girl, Candace, and Melvin become friends - and eventually partners.

What's wonderful about this series is that it is funny in a old-fashioned tongue-in-cheek\ way.  The feel is an old 50's superhero melodrama ("Will our intrepid hero be able to save the day?") on black and white t.v.  Every superhero has a weakness, but the weakness is so funny and unexpected that it becomes hilarious and nonthreatening for someone reading the story (hint, bologna). The villains are hilarious both in name and character. None of them are too mean or vicious for this story, but annoying enough you root for Melvin.

He and his new friend, Candace, become partners by cutting the cape in half and each wearing one.  Melvin helps Candace with her math homework, and Candace helps him on his mission.  It's a wonderful contrast that she's the athletic one, with no problems getting into the air to fly, and he's the academic one with tremendous difficulty getting into the air. I like that there is a girl superhero in here, and the idea that anyone can be a superhero, so long as they have a cape and follow the code. Seems very inclusive.

The only issue with the book is that Melvin is a boy, living alone (all alone), with no parents. There's no back story on his parents.  My son was a bit concerned about this. But with a little discussion about suspension of disbelief, and understanding the magic of making up your own story, he moved past it.  Highly recommended.