The Case of the Rock 'n' Roll Dog

Gr 3—5—Numerous items, including Colonel Michael's baton, are missing from the White House so Cammie and her younger sister, Tessa, decide to investigate. Their mother is the first female president of the United States. Their dog, Hooligan, is a suspect because of his tendency to hide objects, and their cousin Nate because he doesn't like the Song Boys, "the best boy band in America," who are performing at the White House. He believes the myth about the U.S. Marine Band leader not being able to perform without his baton. The mystery has to be solved before the performance because Aunt Jen, White House Hostess and the president's sister, invited all of Cammie's classmates. ("Dad would never make it as a First Lady.") The characters seem loosely based on the current First Daughters and their dog, in addition to a popular band made up of three brothers. An afterword on the life and work of John Philip Sousa is included, as well as sheet music for two original Song Boys numbers. Bits of information about the White House are sprinkled throughout. The mystery is lightweight, but readers new to the genre will enjoy the story.—Lori A. Guenthner, Baltimore County Public Library, Randallstown, MD