Pick a book. Grow a Reader!

This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line Branches, aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and stamina. Branches books help readers grow!

Nine-year-old crime reporter Hilde Lysiak is starring in her very own early chapter book series -- inspired by news stories Hilde wrote in real life! In this first book, there's been a break-in on Orange Street! Cupcakes have been stolen, and soon a pie goes missing, too. Hilde and her sister/photographer, Izzy, must interview witnesses and follow the clues. Can Hilde crack the case in time to post her news story online? Joanne Lew-Vriethoff's personality-filled illustrations appear on every page, bringing Hilde's adventures to life for young readers!

Hilde Kate Lysiak is the nine-year-old publisher of Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania’s monthly newspaper, Orange Street News. The paper has 700+ paid subscribers and is read by hundreds of thousands more on her website. Hilde’s journalism efforts have been profiled in the New York Times, Columbia Journalism Review, the New York Daily News, NBC TODAY, and hundreds of other newspaper and television stations around the world. Hilde is co-writing the Scholastic Branches series Hilde Cracks the Case with her dad, Matthew Lysiak.

Matthew Lysiak is a nationally-recognized journalist and author. He has reported for the New York Daily News, Newsweek, the New York Sun, AM New York, and The Guardian. He has also appeared as a contributor on The Today Show, MSNBC, and countless other media outlets to discuss his work. He co-authored the young adult memoir of teen scientist Jack Andraka, Breakthrough: How One Teen Innovator Is Changing the World, and was the author of Newtown: An American Tragedy. Matthew is co-writing the Branches early chapter book series Hilde Cracks the Case with his daughter, Hilde Kate Lysiak.

Joanne Lew-Vriethoff is an illustrator and graphic designer who received a B.A. in Illustration from Art Center College of Design in Pasadena. Joanne has illustrated many children's books -- picture books such as Peace, Baby! (Chronicle Books) and I'm Big (Dial), and middle grade-novels such as Dancing Pancake and Another Day as Emily (Random House). She also illustrates funky websites and product branding for toy companies. Joanne was born in Malaysia, grew up in Los Angeles, and currently lives in Amsterdam.

Table of Contents1: Introduction2: Mean-agers!3: SQUAWK! SQUAWK!4: Mighty Zeus!5: Stolen Eggs6: A Crumby Trail7: The Super-Secret Source8: Zeus on the Loose!9: Kind Kat Café10: Flat Tire!11: The Chase12: GRRRRRRRUFFFF!13: Breaking News!14: Cute Enough For You?15: Hero Dog