TITLE: The Case of the Sneezy Popcorn (Body System Disease Investigations)
AUTHOR: Michelle Faulk, PhD
PUBLICATION INFO: Enslow, 2013
ISBN: 978-0-7660-3946-9
SOURCE: publisher provided copy
INTENDED AUDIENCE: interest level = 5+ (publisher), reading level 5.6
GENRE: fact-filled fiction
OPENING and SYNOPSIS:
“My name is Agent Annie Biotica. I am a Disease Scene Investigator with the Major Health Crimes Unit.”
From the book cover:
“What do you get when you combine evil microbes trying to harm the respiratory system and a super detective skilled at Body System Disease Investigations? You get crime-solving super sleuth Annie Biotica.” Think Law & Order meets your local doctor’s office.
THEMES/TOPICS: respiratory system, science, health, biology, mystery
WHY I LIKE THIS BOOK: It took me a few days to wrestle this book away from my mystery-obsessed 6 1/2-year-old. Sneezy Popcorn expertly combines mystery with learning about the respiratory system. Readers have to consider the clues carefully, interpret results of medical tests and help Annie Biotica solve the cases and cure the patients. The book is divided into 5 cases, but also includes three cases for readers to solve on their own, once they’ve learned symptoms and how to interpret medical tests. The book reminded us of Encyclopedia Brown, a current favorite in our house. One note of caution: very sensitive children may worry about contracting many of the illnesses described in the book. I had to reassure mine that he has had vaccinations for most of them.
Kirsten W. Larson 
Great premise for a health book to get kids to read it! Thanks for sharing!
I have to admit, I found myself attempting to solve the cases on my own. It took me back to my Encyclopedia Brown Days.
I think your warning is very sound! Keep this book away from hypochondriac kids (and adults!).
I think my son’s words were, “I really like this book, but it also kind of scares me.” Once he knew he wasn’t getting whooping cough or pertussis, we were ok.
What a cool idea for a book! This sounds interesting and fun 🙂
Susanna, apparently there are several in the series, though I’m not sure I can explain away some of the other dangers as easily.
What a fun title, and it’s absolutely perfect for my little spy. I’m going to pin this!
This sounds GREAT! I would read it just because of the title! 😀