Ben and Jacky and the Missing Diamond

Lynn Manuel, the author of Return to Cranberry Farm, writes mystery
novels for young adults.

When Ben’s father is promoted to detective, the family moves from the
country into town, a transition Ben finds very difficult until he adopts
a young, orphaned crow he names Jacky. There are still problems to be
faced, however, in the form of a class bully and neighbors’ complaints
when Jacky flies in through opened windows and steals shiny objects such
as spoons and teacups. It is thanks to Jacky that Ben’s father is able
to catch the burglars he’s been tailing. But finally the day comes
when Ben must decide between keeping the crow caged forever or allowing
it to go free.

Holt handles the lessons learned with a light touch, and many readers
will empathize with Ben’s experience of missing his old home and
trying to adapt to being the new kid at school. Mystery buffs may be
disappointed to find the mystery element taking a back seat to the
relationship between Ben and Jacky; however, the details conveyed about
crows are both interesting and educational. While there is a need for
more natural, smoother dialogue, the prose flows freely and the story is
told with simplicity and gentleness.

Suitable for readers in grades 4 to 6.