Module 9: Cam Jansen and the Mystery of the Circus Clown

Bibliography
Adler, D. (1991). Cam Jansen and the mystery of the circus clown.
New York, NY: Puffin.
Summary
Aunt Molly takes Cam, a young girl with a photographic memory to the circus with her friend, Eric.  They are enjoying the show when Aunt Molly realizes her wallet is missing.  Cam, Eric, and Aunt Molly retrace their steps from the time they enter the circus to find the thieves.  They talk to many people, narrow the clues, and ultimately catch the thieves, two people dressed as clowns.
My Impression
This is one book from the Cam Jansen series.  These books do not have a deep, developed plot, but I think they are great for struggling readers or those students that need some familiar text to deepen their reading comprehension.  Predictable, but well written and fun for young readers.
Review
School Library Journal
"What wrongdoer is any match for Cam Jansen, the amazing girl with the photographic memory?  Certainly, not a couple of pickpockets disguised as clowns.  It all starts with Aunt Molly takes Cam and her friend Eric to the circus.  When Aunt Molly has a collision with one of the clowns, Cam takes a mental picture of him.  Later, when Aunt Molly discovers her wallet is missing, Cam and Eric figure it was the clown that stole the wallet and the hunt is on.  Using Cam's mental pictures and plenty of old-fashioned hustle, the kids capture not one but two pickpockets and are rewarded with two free passes to the next circus.  The excitement of the big top plus Cam's usual resourcefulness and unusual gift makes this a welcome addition to Adler's series."
Use in Library
A good way to introduce series books, if all readers in classes have the ability to read at this level, it would be fun for each student to read a Cam Jansen book and have Booktalks about the book they chose.
Review. (1983, May 1). [Review of the book Cam Jansen and the circus clown by David Adler].  
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