Hilde on the Record: Memoir of a Kid Crime Reporter

Lysiak (the Hilde Cracks the Case series) pens an astonishing memoir that details her transition from early childhood to local preteen reporter and beyond. Lysiak was six years old when her crime reporter father, former New York Daily News journalist Matthew Lysiak, rushed to the scene of a homicide with her in tow. Hilde recalls her father’s assignments, including his extensive coverage of the killing of Trayvon Martin (unnamed by Lysiak, as is much contextualizing information throughout) and the Sandy Hook shooting. Though many of her father’s assignments involved shocking crimes and children her age, she “couldn’t wait to go reporting with him again.” When Hilde, then seven, moves with her family to Selinsgrove, Pa., she founds Orange Street News to report on local happenings, such as a “plant vandal” damaging gardens. She soon gains notoriety for a viral video in which she breaks the news of a local murder, but her reportage is drowned out amid media frenzy over her age and gender, and the attention takes a toll on her mental health and friendships. Though Lysiak’s remembrances are sometimes superficial-feeling, suggesting unexamined depths, this newsy, reportorial telling attentively showcases an amateur reporter’s development and memories of growing up. Photographs are included throughout. Ages 8–12. Agent: Sharlene Martin, Martin Literary & Media. (Apr.)