Author Profile
Matthew Lysiak
6 Books
Matthew Lysiak is a nationally recognized journalist and author who frequently collaborates on both non-fiction and children's literature. He co-authors the popular Hilde Cracks the Case chapter book series alongside his daughter, Hilde Lysiak, which is based on her real-life experiences as a young reporter. In addition to his children's books, he has co-authored memoirs like Breakthrough and written extensive investigative journalism.
Tomato plants are vanishing from a local garden, and nine-year-old crime reporter Hilde Lysiak is on the case. Inspired by real news stories, this exciting mystery follows Hilde and her sister Izzy as they interview witnesses and search for clues around town. But their investigation takes a strange turn when they realize people all over the neighborhood are suddenly getting sick.
With two mysteries tangled together, Hilde must work fast to get to the root of the problem. Can she catch the thief and figure out what is making everyone ill before it is too late? Packed with fast-paced action and fun illustrations, this early chapter book is perfect for building reading confidence. You will love following the facts alongside a real-life kid reporter.
6-8 Years
96 Pages
There has been a break-in on Orange Street, and someone is stealing baked goods. First, delicious cupcakes go missing, and soon a whole pie disappears. Nine-year-old crime reporter Hilde Lysiak is starring in her very first mystery, and she is determined to catch the thief.
Hilde and her sister Izzy grab their reporting gear to interview witnesses, follow the messy clues, and piece the facts together. Based on real news stories written by Hilde herself, this fast-paced adventure puts her super-sleuth skills to the ultimate test. Can she crack the case in time to post her news story online? With easy-to-read text and fun illustrations on every page, this early chapter book is perfect for growing your reading skills while solving a tasty neighborhood mystery.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
112 Pages
A bear is roaming the backyards of Selinsgrove, and nine-year-old crime reporter Hilde Lysiak is ready for the scoop. Hilde knows a major story when she hears one, so she grabs her notepad and teams up with her sister Izzy, the official photographer for the Orange Street News. Together, they set out to track the wild animal and discover where it came from.
Their exciting investigation quickly turns into a rescue mission when they realize the culprit is just a little black bear cub. Can Hilde crack the case and help the cub before someone gets hurt? This fast-paced mystery is inspired by real news stories and features engaging illustrations on every page, making it a perfect adventure for newly independent readers.
6-8 Years
96 Pages
Flames are blazing on Orange Street, and a local shop has completely burned down. Nine-year-old crime reporter Hilde Lysiak is on the scene to cover the story. The shop owner, Mrs. Brown, is convinced that her own candles started the terrible fire. She is so upset that she refuses to leave her house, which means the annual town pet parade might be canceled.
Hilde knows there is more to this story. Teaming up with her sister Izzy, she sets out to uncover what really caused the disaster. Can Hilde find the truth and crack this red-hot case in time to save the parade? Based on real news stories, this exciting early chapter book combines a fast-paced mystery with fun illustrations to boost your reading confidence.
6-8 Years
96 Pages
Alien fever has taken over the town of Selinsgrove after reports of a glowing UFO in the sky. Everyone is convinced an invasion is coming, but nine-year-old crime reporter Hilde Lysiak remains skeptical. She knows she needs solid facts for her newspaper, the Orange Street News.
When Hilde and her photographer sister Izzy investigate the area near Grove Pond, they stumble upon something shocking. They discover what looks exactly like the wreckage of a crashed spaceship. Suddenly, this ordinary mystery becomes an out-of-this-world adventure. Can the sisters gather the clues and figure out what really happened? Packed with exciting twists and fun illustrations, this thrilling early chapter book will keep you guessing until the very end.
6-8 Years
96 Pages
A wild thunderstorm brings a small tornado ripping through the town of Selinsgrove in the middle of the night. Nine-year-old crime reporter Hilde Lysiak and her sister Izzy wake up ready to document the damage for the Orange Street News. Thankfully no one is hurt, but the storm has left behind a very strange mystery.
There are live fish flopping all over the streets and sidewalks of their neighborhood. How did aquatic animals end up so far from the water? Hilde knows she has to get to the bottom of this bizarre weather event. Filled with fast-paced investigative action and lively illustrations, this early chapter book takes you on a wild ride as the sisters follow the clues to solve the puzzle of the falling fish.
6-8 Years
96 Pages
