Name: Henry Hail and the Whittier Kids: Mystery of the Lost Locker
Author: Dave Hail III

Book One: Mystery of the Lost Locker

When a renovation crew uncovers a sealed locker at Whittier Middle School, Henry Hail and his friends discover more than a dusty relic. They find a trail of clues that leads from school halls to forgotten places around town, and toward a truth someone worked hard to bury.

It started with a locker no one knew was there

And it wasn't supposed to exist. Sealed behind a wall for more than a century, waiting for the right kids to find it.

Inside were letters signed by someone history forgot

Cryptic messages from the past—and they weren't finished telling their story.

The clues led them places they weren't supposed to go

Hidden in murals, landmarks, and corners of town most people walk right past.

And then they had to decide what the truth was worth

Some mysteries cost something to solve. This one did.

Meet the Whittier Kids

Four friends with unique talents who work together to solve the mystery of a lifetime

Henry Hail

The observant leader with an exceptional memory and talent for spotting patterns and details others miss. When mystery calls, Henry reluctantly steps up to guide his friends.

"We need to be systematic about this," Henry insisted, consulting a color-coded checklist he'd created.

Eleanor

The confident strategist and adventurer who's quick to take action when others might hesitate. Her bold thinking keeps the team moving forward.

She shrugged. "Tell that to my eyes, Henry. They don't lie."

Nate

The tech-savvy researcher with a knack for uncovering hidden connections. His gadgets and analytical skills help solve the toughest puzzles.

"If it's a locker, the dimensions are off by about two inches for the standard models used at the turn of the century," said Nate.

Zach

The creative thinker whose humor lightens tense moments while his quick thinking and improvisational skills get the team out of tight spots.

"If there is a portal in there, dibs on using it to skip Miss Penwell's class."

Why readers stick with the series

Hidden history

Real headlines and local legends become clues in the present.

Friends who show up

The Whittier Kids stay in it together when the puzzle tightens.

Clues in ordinary places

Lockers, murals, notes, and landmarks become evidence if you learn how to see them.

Coming next in 2026

Henry Hail and the Whittier Kids: The Roosevelt Code

A mystery tied to Theodore Roosevelt and a real Oklahoma story that was never meant to be solved by kids.

A secret that can only be unlocked through action, not guesses

A new leadership test for Henry as the pressure grows

Clues hidden in places people walk past every day

Want to know when Book Two releases? Check back here in 2026.

Order Book One

Dave Hail III

Author & Creative Strategist

Debut novel author and Oklahoma native, David Hail is a writer, creative strategist, husband, and father of two. Inspired by history, mysteries, and kids' imaginations, he blends two decades of nonprofit storytelling into his first middle-grade series. Henry Hail and the Whittier Kids celebrates friendship, courage, and curiosity. When he's not writing, Dave helps organizations tell stories and enjoys family adventures and sports.

Contact Dave

What Readers Are Saying

"My 10-year-old couldn't put it down — we can't wait for the next book!"

— Parent of a 10-year-old reader

"A perfect blend of humor, history, and adventure — an instant favorite in our family."

— Parent of two young readers

Henry Hail and the Whittier Kids

An Adventure Awaits