Investigators: Heist and Seek, a pun-laden, mandatory graphic novel for 8 and up

It’s great to see things mature and evolve as new books come out in a series. Investigators is not that book series. Instead, Investigators came into the all-age graphic novel space as a plucky, genuinely very funny elementary school book that older readers will also want to jump into. When the first Investigators graphic novel came out we said something along the lines that it was the next must-read book series for elementary school readers and that there was a new captain (underpants) in town. Now, five books after their debut, Investigators: Heist and Seek is still providing dependable, smart laughs, all the while making young readers enjoy something that they need to do.

For example, as I write this I’m on a break while teaching fifth grade. I just passed out a worksheet that had kids write down what to do when they need help with something. Many of the kids wrote down that they need help in this or that subject or maybe assistance in writing. When I saw the common theme in some of their answers I asked them to raise their hands if they play a sport. I then asked one of those students if they were good at that sport the very first time that they played it.

I let students know that if they want to get better at something, anything, then they must practice. And reading is the Rosetta Stone that can help make any issue at school easier for students of any age. They can read anything. At a certain point in their studies, they will have to read things that won’t be their favorite. However, at that point, students are reading to learn, as opposed to learning to read, and getting them to that first point is all about finding the right vehicle.

Investigators: Heist and Seek is funny, without being juvenile. On most pages, there are multiple jokes, in addition to the fabulous illustrations that come along with a graphic novel. These are jokes that have more in common with puns and wordplay, as opposed to toilet humor, not that there’s anything wrong with that. It’s also not rude or disrespectful. There’s no attitude that parents, educators, or others might find objectionable.

Now, you younger readers might roll your eyes and think that because it’s not objectionable must mean that it’s boring. But, hold onto your Minecraft or Fortnite horses. Heist and Seek, just like the other Investigators books that we’ve read, oozes action and charm without displaying any of the other traits that could slow its compatriots down.

Mango and Brash are the titular investigators. They’re alligators who are the best of friends and seemingly always have a sunny disposition about things, even when they’re completely going sideways. They work in S.U.I.T, a group of other investigators who have hi-tech gizmos at their disposal. Think somewhere along the lines of Agents of O.W.C.A from Phineas & Ferb, except much, much cooler and positioned for a graphic novel, instead of television.

In Heist and Seek our alligators are on the hunt to prevent an art theft, as well as, reclaim some that have already been stolen. Mango impersonates a world-famous, up-and-coming artist, Doctor Copter is back, Pansky, the street artist rat is introduced and there are more puns than you can shake a stick in the book.

The graphic novel is divided up into chapters for those readers who need a break and want it broken up evenly. There are also several instances where the characters in the book break the fourth wall and speak directly to readers. In those cases, it’s done with a wink and nod, most likely because people have probably read one of the Investigator’s graphic novels before this one.

It’s a mystery why I don’t see multiple copies of this in every elementary school library. I see it in elementary schools, but it’s usually with individual students bringing their copies with them. Personally, I think that it’s a lagging indicator. The libraries are adapting to the book, whereas the cool kids have the series and their younger siblings will drive it home for the masses. Whatever category those readers aged eight and up are Heist and Seek, as well as the complete Investigators series so far, will deliver big smiles and effortless reading.

Investigators: Heist and Seek is by New York Times-bestselling Author John Patrick Green and available on :01 First Second, an imprint of Macmillan Press.  

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