2. The Pasta Detective

3. Olympic value: Friendship
Friendship:
The entire story revolves around the friendship of
two boys. These two particular boys would be Rico
and Oscar. The adventure that they are embarking
on, requires them to work together. As they work
together to solve the “biggest crime ever” they
grow much closer. Though this book has nothing
to do with sports, it touches on friendship and the
teamwork we should have.

4. Olympic value: Friendship
An example, which will give readers an insight view of the
immense teamwork displayed between this pair.
Differences usually bring people apart. On the contrary, the boys
in this case are able to excel in their friendship due to their
differences. At the same time teamwork can be seen as they use
these differences to pick up hints which would lead them solving
this crime.
 Rico: He notices the things nobody else does. From a little piece
of cheesy pasta lying on the pavement to something as big as
what’s going on in the building where he lives. Though he is able
to think in depth, he is not particularly quick.
 Oscar: Unlike Rico who is slow. Oscar is quick-witted and is able
to get the duo out of any problems.
Through the character traits of the two individuals we are able to
see that they compliment each other. Rico digs out the facts
while Oscar puts together the facts and brings sense to it. With
their teamwork, solving the crime would only be in a matter of
time.

5. Why I chose this book?
I feel that the author of this book is rather
accomplished. This was the main reason why is was so
drawn to this book. Andreas Steinhofel is the author of
numerous books for children and young adults.
Another book of his that I have read would be The
Centre of the World. It won the prestigious Buxtehuder
Bulle prize for the best Young Adult Novel in Germany
and was shortlisted for the German Children’s
Literature Award.

6. Author: Andreas Steinhofel

7. Published:2008

8. Plot
 The story is about two unusual boys who notice the things
that others miss: the mildly autistic Rico and the brainy but
anxiety-ridden, Oscar.
 Rico, the main character is an unusual boy. Sometimes he is
laughed at because he mixes things up in his head. Rico is
brilliant at noticing the unnoticed. It is only when his new
friend, the gifted but anxious Oscar is kidnapped that Rico
gets the chance to put his detective skills to the test.
 In other words, this is the first of three curious crime-
solving adventures, which have been recorded in detail by
Rico.

9. Why my friends should read it?
First of all, I have to admit that this book is filled with
wonders. Anyone who reads it would be totally
captivated. This would be one of the reasons to why
my friends should read it.
On the other hand, the deeper issue dealt with here is
friendship. My friends would grasp the true meaning
of friendship. Helping one another used to be a hassle,
but after reading this book it would certainly be looked
forward to.

10. Done by: Jasper Goh
School: Anglo-chinese School
independent