A Number, A Nerd and A Mystery (Crackling Cans Mystery Series #1)

Rating:
Summary: A Number, a Nerd and a Mystery
Review: AUTHOR: Flora A. Trebi-Ollennu

If mystery books give you the kicks, then this book is a must to read. This is a story about two African boys, Tolimashi and Mokosane who because of their naivety, strongly believe that their community including some of their relatives, is under attack by an unexplained mysterious alien. They believe that the alien has the power of predicting winning lottery numbers for his victims so as to control them eventually. Even more so, they believe that he (the alien) possesses the power to control peoples' brains by simply touching them. Their mission: to find who this mysterious man is and to find a way to neutralize his enchantment that seems to control some of their relatives already.

Trying to solve this problem is not easy since they were too young and immature to utilize deductive reasoning or, scientific method given the limited clues to start with. Instead, they embark on random approach by asking too many unorthodox questions that usually raise eyebrows; by indulging in deceptions and excuses that sometimes get them into trouble; by taking high risk when carrying out their clandestine operation - sometimes, late into the night; and, by indulging in trespassing or searching someone's premises without a warrant until one day, their luck ran dry and was caught by the mysterious man. Would he also temper with their brains and control their little minds?

This story captivates one's interest to continue reading because the author keeps readers in suspense. Although this book would be ideal for elementary students, junior high students may find it interesting to read to familiarize themselves with some of the African words and/or phrases that may not be learned on the street or in any educational medium. Because the African culture emphasizes on close family ties, the tendency of relatives living closer together or in extreme cases, within one large compound is commonplace. Trying to keep track of the names of family members can be confusing and frustrating especially if the reader is unfamiliar with African names. The author realizes this problem by reintroducing the character that has not been on the scene for a while. Finally, the author tries to write about African way of life within the context of the Western culture thus embracing readers in both developed and developing nations. As an educator therefore, this is a "Must Read" book for children who are interested in mystery and African culture.

Francis Achus
(Teacher)

Rating:
Summary: A Number, a Nerd and a Mystery
Review: AUTHOR: Flora A. Trebi-Ollennu

If mystery books give you the kicks, then this book is a must to read. This is a story about two African boys, Tolimashi and Mokosane who because of their naivety, strongly believe that their community including some of their relatives, is under attack by an unexplained mysterious alien. They believe that the alien has the power of predicting winning lottery numbers for his victims so as to control them eventually. Even more so, they believe that he (the alien) possesses the power to control peoples' brains by simply touching them. Their mission: to find who this mysterious man is and to find a way to neutralize his enchantment that seems to control some of their relatives already.

Trying to solve this problem is not easy since they were too young and immature to utilize deductive reasoning or, scientific method given the limited clues to start with. Instead, they embark on random approach by asking too many unorthodox questions that usually raise eyebrows; by indulging in deceptions and excuses that sometimes get them into trouble; by taking high risk when carrying out their clandestine operation - sometimes, late into the night; and, by indulging in trespassing or searching someone's premises without a warrant until one day, their luck ran dry and was caught by the mysterious man. Would he also temper with their brains and control their little minds?

This story captivates one's interest to continue reading because the author keeps readers in suspense. Although this book would be ideal for elementary students, junior high students may find it interesting to read to familiarize themselves with some of the African words and/or phrases that may not be learned on the street or in any educational medium. Because the African culture emphasizes on close family ties, the tendency of relatives living closer together or in extreme cases, within one large compound is commonplace. Trying to keep track of the names of family members can be confusing and frustrating especially if the reader is unfamiliar with African names. The author realizes this problem by reintroducing the character that has not been on the scene for a while. Finally, the author tries to write about African way of life within the context of the Western culture thus embracing readers in both developed and developing nations. As an educator therefore, this is a "Must Read" book for children who are interested in mystery and African culture.

Francis Achus
(Teacher)

Rating:
Summary: A Number, a Nerd and a Mystery
Review: AUTHOR:Flora A. Trebi-Ollennu

If mystery books give you the kicks, then this book is a must to read. This is a story about two African boys, Tolimashi and Mokosane who because of their naivety, strongly believe that their community including some of their relatives, is under attack by an unexplained mysterious alien. They believe that the alien has the power of predicting winning lottery numbers for his victims so as to control them eventually. Even more so, they believe that he (the alien) possesses the power to control peoples' brains by simply touching them. Their mission: to find who this mysterious man is and to find a way to neutralize his enchantment that seems to control some of their relatives already.

Trying to solve this problem is not easy since they were too young and immature to utilize deductive reasoning or, scientific method given the limited clues to start with. Instead, they embark on random approach by asking too many unorthodox questions that usually raise eyebrows; by indulging in deceptions and excuses that sometimes get them into trouble; by taking high risk when carrying out their clandestine operation - sometimes, late into the night; and, by indulging in trespassing or searching someone's premises without a warrant until one day, their luck ran dry and was caught by the mysterious man. Would he also temper with their brains and control their little minds?

This story captivates one's interest to continue reading because the author keeps readers in suspense. Although this book would be ideal for elementary students, junior high students may find it interesting to read to familiarize themselves with some of the African words and/or phrases that may not be learned on the street or in any educational medium. Because the African culture emphasizes on close family ties, the tendency of relatives living closer together or in extreme cases, within one large compound is commonplace. Trying to keep track of the names of family members can be confusing and frustrating especially if the reader is unfamiliar with African names. The author realizes this problem by reintroducing the character that has not been on the scene for a while. Finally, the author tries to write about African way of life within the context of the Western culture thus embracing readers in both developed and developing nations. As an educator therefore, this is a "Must Read" book for children who are interested in mystery and African culture.

Francis Achus
(Teacher)

Rating:
Summary: A great kid's mystery
Review: I really enjoyed reading this mystery novel. The story kept me turning pages right to the end. Each chapter foreshadowed a turn of events. It kept me guessing. The characters were believeable young boys whose sense of curiosity and abundant imagination made for a delightful read. The author weaved in details that helped me to learn more about the location and culture of the characters. The word games and quiz activities at the back of the book gave additional enjoyment and encouraged better reading comprehension. Children and parents alike would enjoy this book - a mystery of intrigue with a clear understanding of appropriate content for the targeted audience. The story would enable teachers to discuss the elements of writing a mystery story with their students. It also provides opportunities to discuss everyday life issues as simple as sleepovers with friends, to the more involved issues of having a sibling in boarding school or determining what is a lottery.

A great kid's mystery. Thank you Ms. Trebi-Ollennu

Rating:
Summary: Tolimashi and Mokosane's Mystery
Review: I think Tolimashi and Mokosane should have dicussed the problem with an elderly person because what if the Mystery Man did something to them when he came in the room and told them to move away from the table.I also think that they should have asked Mokosane's parents what has come over them these day when Mr. Okunu moved in.I wonder if this kind of thing has happened in Africa.I've been there and i haven't heard such a thins as Mystery Wonder.But i think it was a good idea to have some Ghanaian names like Fiifi,Ghanaian game like oware and Ghanaian food like waakye.Generally i think the story was good and it made interesting reading.BRAVO!

Rating:
Summary: A Review - By Rocky A. - A Grade 3 Student
Review: My favourite character is Tashamio because he is brave and clever. I wonder who is the Mysterious Wonder? Moskane is my second favourite character because he is smart. This is my second favourite book of the year. I can't wait to read the next book, "The Under River Case." I wish the author luck to publish over 1,000,000 copies of the next book. Is Tashamio and Moskane going to be in your next book?
Is the number doctor a good job? in your book, two kids tried to figure out who the Mysterios Wonder is. In fact, I'm trying to figutre out who the Mysterios Wonder is too. My favourite chapter is #23 because they get to play video games with Mr. Okuuno.
The book wasn't to easy for me to read. It took me three weks to finish. The story was long but I enjoyed reading it.
Sincerely,
Rocky A.

Rating:
Summary: A Refreshing Cultural Awareness
Review: This book has a wonderful cultural education. Throughout the lifestyles of the characters their home, education, transportation, food and even clothing the unique culture was expressed throughout the pages of the book. The different climate helped to contribute to the fiesty way Christmas was prepared for and celebrated. Sometimes a little change is good, and the exciting new cultural expressed in this book kept me turning the pages.