Needles and Patch, by Jane C. Scott

When the boards were scattered around us, a dark hole was revealed in the storeroom floor. Patch and I were amazed. We never suspected this.
‘Is it a drain, or a collapsed bit of earth?’ I thought out loud. Then Patch finished my thought for me.
‘Or a secret tunnel deliberately dug out?’

When the school is evacuated because of a fire near the library, Needles thinks its pretty exciting, but she doesn’t realise just how exciting the events which follow will be.

Needles (her real name is Nadine) and her best friend Patch (Paul) volunteer to help clean out the storeroom where the fire started. Soon they realise something very strange is going on. They find a box of money hidden in the storeroom and, later, a box of jewellery, which disappears as fast as they find it. When they discover a tunnel disappearing benath the floor of the storeroom, they start to work out what is going on – but before they can tell the dults Patch disappears and Needles must get the help of the other kids in her class to save him.

Needles and Patch is a humorous and action-packed novel for 10 to 12 year old readers, with a recommended reading age of 12.5. Part of the Macmillan Education Breakers series, it is suitable for classroom or private reading.

It is nice to see a story where boy and girl main characters appear alongside each other as equals and friends, which makes the book likely to appeal to both genders. Needles and Patch is an entertaining read for upper primary students.

Needles and Patch, by Jane C. Scott
Macmillan Education, 2004

Caravan Park Kids, by Jane C. Scott

‘Now look what you’ve done,’ yelled the boy. ‘You’ve made me lose the biggest fish I’ve ever caught, and my Grandpa’s rod.’
I was amazed by his anger and tried to say ‘I’m sorry’ but the boy was already storming off up the beach.

Vicki loves her holidays at the caravan park on the beach. One of the best things is meeting up with her four friends, who she only sees during their annual holidays. But this year, as well as the usual fun, there’s a new boy around. He’s grumpy, mean about the games Vicki and her friends play and he’s up to something strange. Things have been going missing around the caravan park and the new boy is always around when it happens. Is he stealing the things? Vicki and her friends don’t know what to do about it.

Caravan Park Kids is a fast moving mystery for kids aged 8 to 12. With a touch of humour and a message about judging others and about friendship, it is a fun read. Part of the Breakers series from Macmillan Education and with comic illustrations by Dave Deakin, it is suitable both as a classroom reader and for private enjoyment.

Caravan Park Kids, by Jane C. Scott
Macmillan Education, 2004