David A. Adler

When fifth-grader Cam notices that the prizes for the most difficult game at the school carnival are rapidly disappearing, she uses her amazing photographic memory to investigate.

Cam Jansen and the mystery of the carnival prize

Briar's Reviews

Growing up I was OBSESSED with the Cam Jansen series. I loved reading and I tried to get through every book I could at the library. This series was loud and centre for me, so of course as an adult when I saw them I wanted to give them another try. Luckily, they're still super enjoyable!

In this book, Cam and her friends are trying to figure out why people keep winning at certain games and why things keep going missing.

These middle grade mysteries are the perfect little read if you want under 100 pages of fun and mystery. The mysteries are solvable and will make you think, which is really nice. It's also full of friendship and thinking, which is an added bonus. The stories hold up for the most part, although I doubt any carnival game now costs 10 cents. Ironically, I do remember reading this exact one though! I would think Grade 1 to 4 would be the ideal group for this book, depending on the reading level. 

This is an easy read and a great way to make middle grades love reading. I highly recommend picking up this series as they still hold true. They also have incredible morals and themes in them, which makes them a bit more educational but still packed full of fun.

Three out of five stars.