Carly's Angels

Gr 2—4—With a nod to the 1970s television show Charlie's Angels, Hoena features three girls, known collectively as Carly's Angels, who interview, write, and take photos for their school newspaper. The mysterious Carly, who is only seen in silhouette but is really the editor-in-chief, gives them news scoops. In this story, the three investigate the sudden arrival of super-sized bees and discover that the science club has dumped their failed toxic slushie formula into the school pond. Profiles of Carly, the three girls, the author, and the illustrator, as well as discussion questions, writing prompts, and a glossary, are appended. Carly's Angels reads like a television script with cartoon-style illustrations. While the environmental theme is commendable, the story is not memorable.—Marilyn Ackerman, Brooklyn Public Library, NY