Ruhama is back with another book suggestion to make it through this cold weather together. Like the Hardy Boys? You may love Brillstone Break-in by Florence Parry Heide.

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Seeing good books languish on the library shelves makes me sad, so I’ve come up with a few pairings to get you to try some of these ‘older’ titles, triggering your memory with something that’s considered a classic. Today’s offering is: 

If you loved The Hardy Boys by Franklin W. Dixon then try Brillstone Break-in by Florence Parry Heide!

The Summary

Liza and Logan are thrust into a mystery when one of their neighbor’s in the apartment building bursts in on the family at dinner to report he had money stolen. The wrinkle? The money was planted in his apartment to look like a bribe, so it has turned into a murky mess. The neighbor insists on not involving the police, so it’s up to the teenagers to solve the crime before the week is over.

Brillstone Break-In Project Ideas

Liza and Logan run a lot of errands for the folks of their apartment complex. How can you help those that live in your neighborhood, church or community? Check with your local senior center for ideas.

Liza’s dad writes articles for big magazines and one he’s working on during this mystery is all about Egyptian mummies. Visit your local library to see if you can find out more about mummies and create an article that looks like it would be printed in a magazine.

Mr. Hoyt (another neighbor) plays chess with a friend over the telephone. Get a book from the library or join a club to learn chess and then challenge a friend or computer to a game!

Inspired by the chase scene in the garage (which happens mostly in the dark)? Grab some friends and play a few ‘in the dark’ games together like Sardines or Capture the Flag.

Our Pastimes describes three games you can play here (there are many, many more):

Food Ideas to Pair With Brillstone Break-In

Liza’s dad is an amazing cook, and Logan often benefits by eating there when his mother is traveling for work. Here are just a few of the items mentioned in the story:

• –Chocolate chip cookies
• –Coffee Cake
• –Ham and Scalloped Potatoes
• –Cheese Dip (and below are a few suggestions as to what that might look like)
  • Cheese Sauce for Cheese Fries and Nachos Recipe via Serious Eats
  • Warm Bean Dip via Life in the Lofthouse
  • Ro*Tel® Famous Queso Dep via Ro*Tel

The Lowdown on Brillstone Break-In

• Title: Heide, Florence Parry. Brillstone Break-in. Chicago: Albert Whitman, 1977.
• Age level: 4^th grade and up
• All ages readaloud: no
• Series: yes

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More Children’s Library Corner Suggestions

• Children’s Library Corner: Alice-all-by-herself
• Children’s Library Corner: The Song of Pentecost
• Children’s Library Corner: Introducing Dara Dokas, Local Author
• Children’s Library Corner: Spring Books for Kids
• Children’s Library Corner: The Lancelot Closes at Five
• Children’s Library Corner: Hickory by Palmer Brown
• Children’;s Library Corner: Four Fall-Fun Favorite Books
• Children’s Library Corner: Lionel and the Spy Next Door
• Children’s Library Corner: Beetles, Lightly Toasted
• Children’s Library Corner: David LaRochelle