Calvin Reed and the Missing Field Trip: The Case of the Vanishing Fundraiser

A funny, heartfelt classroom mystery for curious readers ages 8–12.

Calvin Reed notices everything.

Tiny clues. Strange sounds. Missing details. Weird hallway behavior. The kind of things most people walk right past.

But when Room 12’s field trip fundraiser envelope disappears, Calvin’s fast brain has to solve more than a mystery. The class trip to the Hayden Science Museum is suddenly in danger, rumors start spreading, and suspicion lands in all the wrong places.

With help from Maya, Noah, Eli, Lily, Sam, and the rest of Room 12, Calvin follows a trail of mixed-up clues, yellow recycling envelopes, wet footprints, and one very suspicious squeaking sound.

But this case is trickier than it looks.

Calvin is learning that noticing is powerful—but noticing is not the same as knowing. To solve the mystery, he’ll need to ask better questions, protect his friendships, and steer his busy brain with kindness.

Calvin Reed and the Missing Field Trip: The Case of the Vanishing Fundraiser is Book 2 in the Calvin’s Busy Brain series, perfect for readers who enjoy school mysteries, funny friendships, clever clues, and big-hearted characters.

Perfect for readers who love:

• Funny classroom mysteries
• Smart and curious kid heroes
• Friendship stories with heart
• Chapter books for ages 8–12
• Neurodivergent main characters
• Fast-paced school adventures
• Stories about mistakes, kindness, and second chances

Series: Calvin’s Busy Brain
Book: 2
Author: Don Hinton
Recommended Age: 8–12
Genre: Children’s chapter book / early middle-grade mystery
Format: Paperback
Themes: Friendship, curiosity, kindness, problem-solving, neurodiversity, emotional growth, school mystery