Encyclopedia Brown Trivia Quiz

Answer: Leroy

Most opening chapters feature the same information about the characters. Only his parents and teachers call him by his real name. The nickname comes from all the books he's read. Apparently he has a photographic memory too.

The first book appeared in 1963, nearly ten years before Jim Croce's "Bad Bad Leroy Brown" song. In recent years this name has become more associated with African American men. Arsenio Hall claimed that his first name actually meant Leroy. Encyclopedia Brown appears to be Caucasian. Judging from the names and illustrations in the books, he has many friends of various ethnic backgrounds.

Answer: Sneakers

This appears on the front of several books in the series. Some stories make mention of his favorite footwear. He probably enjoys the other items too.

Answer: Dinner table

When the chief of police and his force can't solve a crime, he goes to dinner. Mrs. Brown is upset if their son doesn't solve the crime before dessert.

Answer: Wilford Wiggins

This lazy teenager spends his time in bed dreaming up get-rich-schemes. Oh yeah, only he (and perhaps an occasional accomplice) will get rich. His favorite meeting place is the city dump. He never tells Encyclopedia of these meetings. Our favorite boy detective always hears of them from some potential but wary victim. In one instance, he didn't charge.

Harold Jenkins is the real name of the late singer Conway Twitty. Homer Noodleman was the real name of fictional character Dash Riprock. He was an actor and occasional date of Elly Mae's on "The Beverly Hillbillies." Archibald Leach is the real name of the late actor Cary Grant.

Answer: Tigers

Alternative names are occasionally suggested. Duke Kelly is also a member. This gang of young toughs hang out in a clubhouse.

Answer: His junior partner Sally Kimball

Sally is the prettiest and strongest girl in the class. Many of Bugs' schemes are aimed at getting revenge on both of them. He'd love to embarrass the son of the chief of police.

After Sally first beat up Bugs, she set out to outsmart Encyclopedia Brown. For once, Bugs and his gang were on Encyclopedia's side. She almost succeeded. Interestingly, her appearance has changed in the books. She was first shown in a dress. Most future books had her in pants or shorts.

Answer: Snoring

Many stories deal with camping trips and Benny's snoring. Various remedies (a chin strap, extra strong tent, etc.) don't help. The boys like him when he's awake!

Answer: Cookie jar

One time his mom used the teeth to hold down his socks. That could have been a mess. Some stories deal with Charlie obtaining new teeth. Once he nearly lost the collection to a cheating egg spinner.

Answer: Music

These books vary. One book combines mysteries with Encyclopedia and Sally learning new recipes. I've tried the "Tubers a la Twitty". Others share clippings Encyclopedia has collected over the years. He's only 10 years old!

Answer: 25 cents

Put the quarter on the gas can if you want to hire him. This is his summer job. Note that his sign uses his real name. I wonder when inflation will catch with him.