Encyclopedia Brown: Boy Detective is the story of a 10 year old boy detective who outsmarts his father, Police Chief Brown by solving mysteries before he does. The book I reviewed was copyrighted 1963, but had a modern cover to entice today’s readers. Encyclopedia Brown’s real name is Leroy Brown but since his “head was like an encyclopedia” he became known in town by his nickname. The book reads like a story, but each chapter is divided into mysteries that his father takes on as Chief of Police. Encyclopedia Brown also runs the Brown Detective Agency, helping his friends with their cases by charging them “25 cents per day plus expenses.” Each chapter, interspersed with black and white lined sketches, provides us with an introduction to a mystery along with some clues. At the end of each chapter, Encyclopedia has solved the crime but we don’t know how exactly. For answers we need to turn to a designated page to get a full page solution. Upper elementary school readers will enjoy the short chapters and the clever thinking that the mysteries entail. The plot is rather thin and the characters shallow, but the emphasis is on quick mysteries with thoughtful solutions. A fun, although sometimes dated read. ( )

Leroy Brown is so smart everyone calls him Encyclopedia and when he starts helping his father, the chief of police, solve crimes a boy detective is born. The book is presented as a collection of short riddles tied together by the common story of the protagonist, Encyclopedia. The 10 page mysteries are left solved, but unsolved, so the reader has a moment to figure it out on their own before flipping to the back to find the answer. This book has definite appeal, especially to mystery lovers, as part of a long series, and containing short sections for readers at different reading levels. The 'fringe' content might be getting out of date even though the cover has been revamped. Readers in grades 1-5, boys and girls. ( )

genre: realistic fiction
critique of genre: This is a good example of realistic fiction because it has people and events that really could be here and do the same things. Leroy "Encyclopedia" Brown, has a knack for solving mysteries around his town and often helps his father, the police chief, figure out troublesome crimes over dinner.
Characterization: Leroy Brown is a pretty rounded character even though the stories are short, we get a little background about him in the beginning of the book and then his expressions and thinking process is explained to us throughout his mystery solving episodes.
Media: pen and ink