The Mystery of Case D. Luc

November 1, 1995
Gr 3-5-Thinly veiled Sunday school lessons, complete with scripture verses, didacticism, and a proselytizing style. In Mystery, Dunkum's basketball, signed by Christian ballplayer David Robinson, disappears. Through a series of puzzles and codes, Dunkum, who attends church alone because his parents aren't Christian, finds his ball. Jason, the main character in No Grown-ups, has Attention Deficit Disorder and breaks his parents' house rules while they are away for the weekend. While both titles are poorly written and shallow in plot and characterization, No Grown-Ups is also inaccurate in presentation. Medicating ADD children is highly controversial and there is no scientific proof that chocolate and sugar make them hyperactive. It is a disservice to these youngsters to perpetuate such misconceptions. Unnecessary purchases.-Pamela K. Bomboy, Chesterfield County Public Schools, VA