Module 9, Trouble is My Beeswax

#1 Bibliographic Information

Hale, Bruce (2004). Trouble is my beeswax. Orlando: Harcourt.

#2 Summary

Chet Gecko, a famous detective at Hicky Elementary, is snoozing in class one day, when his teacher angrily accuses the majority of the class of cheating on the last history exam.  Then conveniently, an answer key is found right at Shirley Chameleon's feet.  She claims innocence, but is punished regardless, and hires Chet to solve the mystery of who framed her.  Hounded by the school newspaper's ace reporter for news related to the investigation, Chet soon learns that Hicky Elementary has a vast cheating ring.  But how and who remain unsolved.  But one day, in his computer class, Chet receives an email that leads him to the conclusion that the method is an online cheating ring.  Yet he keeps turning up cold clues, until a quote appears in the school newspaper that the journalist couldn't possibly have heard.  Unless...she is the cheating ring leader!  Chet uncovers the mystery just in time to escape punishment for himself, and the rest of the class.

#3 Reaction

Oh goodness, this was such a fun read!  Okay, the constant puns and wisecracks did get old after awhile, but it's a cute book, and I can see how kids would want to fantasize about being a mystery-solving king! This is the only book I've read in this series, but I can certainly see why the author is well-known throughout the elementary school, and library world.  It's also a great way to instill a horror of cheating!

#4 Reviews for Trouble is My Beeswax

Review #1

Gr 3-6-- Children will definitely relate to this funny installment in the series. Investigating the theft of answers for a history test leads Chet to a ring of dishonest students at Emerson Hicky Elementary school. As he and his loyal mockingbird partner, Natalie Attired, take this case to heart, they also throw out many one-liners and stabs at humor. It is inconsequential if readers fully appreciate or understand all of the humor because the story moves along smoothly and Chet's investigation techniques are clever, corny, and comical. The tale is told in an almost Mickey Spillane style; narrative is pretty much tongue-in-cheek, many character's names are perfectly hilarious, and snacks and treats are described in detail. This visit with Chet will be a popular choice.

Tarr, Andrea (2003). Trouble is my beeswax: from the tattered casebook of Chet Gecko, private eye (book).  School Library Journal, 49(11), 95-96.

#5 Suggestions for Library Use

This would be a great opportunity for a costume party!  Perhaps to promote a new book in the series, the library could let all the kids dress as their favorite Chet Gecko character, and even eat bug-inspired foods (e.g. gummy worms, etc.).