Ideal for upper elementary, this book gives appropriate weight to sensitive topics such grief and trauma, yet the overall tone is optimistic, weaving friendship, community, and perseverance into Mattie’s healing journey. With help from the mysterious owl and two loyal friends, Mattie is determined to get to the bottom of this ecological crime and save the donut shop, even if it means confronting deep-seated fears she developed after her mother’s death. Somebody has dumped a suspicious substance near her aunt’s donut shop-which is bad for the environment and bad for the shop. Young Mattie is startled by an owl tapping on her window, alerting her to strange happenings in the neighborhood. With short chapters, a whodunnit mystery, and uplifting themes, Owl’s Outstanding Donuts(Carolrhoda, Sept., 2019 Gr 3-6) by Robin Yardi hits the right notes. When choosing a classroom read-aloud, I look for tightly-woven plots that keep students rivited, and topics that invite discussion and reflection.

From titles that will ignite discussions about contemporary issues, highlight little-known true stories, or tug on the heartstrings, these books will find a place on classroom shelves. 'Readers of all ages will be cheering-and hooting!-for Mattie and her friends as they track down the culprits in this brilliant, high-stakes mystery with heart.Educators in search of engaging new chapter books to read aloud to their students need go no further.

Along the way, she'll face fears that have followed her since her mother's passing-and get to know Alfred, a stuffy, donut-loving owl who's also on the case. And soon people want to blame Aunt Molly! With help from her friends, Mattie sets out to find the real gloopers. A shady duo is dumping gloop near the highway. When an owl taps on Mattie's window one night, Mattie looks out to see suspicious activity not far from the shop.

But not everybody is a fan of Owl's Outstanding Donuts. Mattie loves her aunt and the shop, even if she's still dealing with a life without her mom. This hoot of a donut shop serves up delicious snacks to people driving down California's Highway One-treats like the Turkey Talon, the Banana Slug Bar, and the Strawberry Iced Classic. A wild California mystery full of feathers, sprinkles, and moreĮver since Mattie Waters lost her mother, she's been sharing a trailer with her aunt Molly, the proud owner of Owl's Outstanding Donuts.

Owl's Outstanding Donuts by Robin Yardi