HOWIE BOWLES, SECRET AGENT

Banks (Baboon, 1997, etc.) pens a fast-paced novel about a hero to whom many children will relate: Howie, a real worrier. Starting a new school gives Howie pause, and without actually planning it, he convinces his new classmates that he is secret Agent Bean Burger, sent by the principal to ferret out crimes in the classroom, including “copying, nail-biting, gum-chewing,” and more. He ends up with a real mystery to solve: Who is putting gum in the water fountains? The problem with being Agent Bean Burger is that Howie has two new worries—that he’ll be exposed, and whether his classmates like him, or just Agent Bean Burger? Howie learns to be his true, worried self, his teacher is understanding, and his classmates like him just the way he is. This transitional chapter book rolls pleasantly along; it’s amusing, with no surprises, and children may find it comforting. (b&w illustrations) (Fiction. 7-9)