A new kid in school named Ernie solves the case of the lunch bag thief using her powers of deduction and her "eagle eye" Grade 2-3-- Second-grader Ernestine's move from Virginia to Minnesota doesn't start out too well. The other kids tease her about her accent and her clothes, and she is accused of stealing from her classmates' lunch bags. However, her nickname, "Eagle Eye," is well deserved. With a combination of determination and intelligence, she uncovers the thief--William, the nicest of her new classmates. Together they exact a revenge on the school bully whose extortion of William's lunches drove him to steal, and in the process, Ernie wins acceptance and friendship from her classmates. Although marred by occasionally choppy writing, this first book in a new series is excellent for transitional readers moving into chapter books. The right length; appropriate vocabulary; and pleasant, cartoonlike illustrations combine to create an appealing package. Children will relate to both the situations and the characters, who are realistic and well drawn. The solution to Ernie's problems comes about through exercise of her innate talents, and although the grown-ups are supportive, she must find her own answers. --Lisa Smith, Lindenhurst Memorial Lib . , NY Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. Used Book in Good Condition