Unravel a thrilling mystery with “Spike’s Crime Time,” a captivating installment in the *Active Readers Series* by acclaimed author Clive Gifford. Perfect for young, budding detectives and English language learners, this accessible reader published by Letts Educational in 2004 will have children aged 7-11 completely hooked and eager to improve their reading comprehension. “Spike’s Crime Time” plunges young readers into an engaging narrative filled with suspense and intrigue. Spike, the central character, finds himself embroiled in a puzzling crime. Gifford masterfully crafts a story that’s both exciting and easily digestible, making it an excellent choice for children building their reading confidence. The Active Readers Series is renowned for its focus on high-interest stories and carefully leveled text, ensuring a rewarding and confidence-boosting reading experience. This paperback edition, spanning 24 pages, is designed to be accessible without feeling intimidating. The narrative uses simple, age-appropriate language and sentence structure, promoting fluency and comprehension skills. It’s an ideal resource for guided reading sessions, independent reading, or as a supplementary text in the classroom. Its compact size and light weight (approximately 70 grams) make it easy for young readers to handle and carry. Clive Gifford is a highly respected and prolific author known for his engaging and informative books for children. He has written on a diverse range of topics, from science and technology to sports and history, consistently demonstrating his ability to capture the imaginations of young readers. His expertise in crafting age-appropriate content shines through in “Spike’s Crime Time,” making it a valuable addition to any child’s library. This book is more than just a fun story; it’s a tool for developing essential reading skills. The Active Readers Series is specifically designed to support children in improving their vocabulary, understanding plot development, and making inferences. The captivating storyline encourages children to actively engage with the text, fostering a love of reading and laying a strong foundation for future literacy success. With “Spike’s Crime Time”, turning children into avid readers becomes an exciting adventure! The book promotes critical thinking as readers try to figure out who committed the crime. What better way to learn than through reading a suspenseful mystery.