EAT YOUR POISON, DEAR by James Howe
When the incredibly unpopular Milo Groot passes out during lunch, everyone assumes that he has the flu. When more students start getting ill, they assume food poisoning. Only teenage radio show host and investigative reporter Sebastian Barth suspects that the poisoning may be intentional. Going undercover as a cafeteria worker, Sebastian Barth tries to unravel the mystery and catch the culprit before the innocent school cook gets stuck with the blame.
Although now a bit dated, the Sebastian Barth mysteries are engaging mystery stories with plenty of suspects, clues, and red herrings to keep you guessing until the very end. Although the characters in the book are in middle school, the books will most likely be enjoyed by 4-5th graders.
If you liked Eat Your Poison, Dear, you might like Closed for the Season by Mary Downing Hahn, The London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd, or the Sammy Keyes books by Wendelin Van Draanen.
Susan the Librarian 