Case of the Uncrackable Code

By Kyla Steinkraus

Even though Rocket is the fastest kid in third grade, his dyslexia makes him a slow reader. When he finds coded notes, Rocket knows he needs the help of his friends, the Gumshoe Gang. Together they try crack the secret messages but kind they are stuck. Can the Gumshoe gang crack this case? Is Mrs. Flores in danger? And is the new computer teacher really an alien?

These mysteries are perfect for your early fluent reader. With longer sentences and fewer illustrations, these are suited to keep readers guessing as they solve for clues.

• Extensive back matter

• Underlying issues related to friends, family, and growing up

• Keeps kids guessing with false clues

• Language: English
• Publisher: Carson-Dellosa Publishing
• Release date: Nov 30, 2018
• ISBN: 9781643696935

Book preview

Possible Alien Encounter

Who knows what is so special about next week? Miss Flores asked.

I raised my hand. A mega-asteroid is going to hit the moon and school will be canceled for the rest of our lives?

Good try, but that’s not quite the answer I was looking for, Rocket.

My name is actually Ronald Carson Gonzaga, but everyone calls me Rocket on account of me being the speediest kid around.

My friend Tully raised her hand. Next week we have both the 100th day of school and Valentine’s Day.

Miss Flores smiled. Right! The 100th day of school is Wednesday, and Valentine’s Day is Thursday. For the 100th day of school, I’d like you to put 100 items on an article of clothing to wear to class.

I exchanged grins with Caleb, Lyra, Tully, and Alex, my four best friends and the best detectives at Watson Elementary. We are so good at solving cases we even have a name: the Gumshoe Gang. We do not actually have gum on our shoes. A gumshoe is a detective who solves cases. The school secretary Mr. Sleuth gave us that name way back when we were in second grade.

Can I glue 100 Hot Wheels cars to my shirt? Caleb asked. He loves cars and math. He is also really messy.

What about glass beakers? asked Alex, pushing his glasses up his nose. Alex was really smart, and he loved science.

Miss Flores frowned. Unfortunately, I think that would be a safety hazard.

I’m going to do candy, Aidan said.

I want to use safety pins! Maya said.

I call diamonds! Tully said. She was very smart and organized, and her favorite thing was to wear lots of weird sparkly outfits.

Lyra raised her hand. I want to use candy hearts. Can I eat them off my shirt? Lyra was a great singer, but she had trouble with being too loud sometimes. I did too.

I’m not sure the glue would taste very good, Miss Flores said. She was the teacher for Room 113, and my favorite teacher ever. Great ideas, class. Let’s break for silent reading. Find your favorite spot.

Most of the class raced for the reading loft. I almost always got there first. Mostly I loved being in third grade, but sometimes it wasn’t so much fun because Miss Flores made us read so much. As in, every