After five years in France, Ten-year-old Jada Sly has just moved to New York, along with her father and her father’s assistant, Cecile. Her father runAfter five years in France, Ten-year-old Jada Sly has just moved to New York, along with her father and her father’s assistant, Cecile. Her father runs the Sly Museum which has just been refurbished. Jada’s mom was killed over a year ago in a plane crash.
Or was she?
Jada is certain her mother is still alive. And that there are men following Jada. And that her mother is a spy. But proving all that is harder than she thinks. Her father keeps sending her to therapists to get over her imaginings. But her new friends, all members of the International PIE club (which is really a spy club), help believe her and help her out. Jada keeps all her clues and drawings in a sketchbook, but someone keeps stealing them. It’s up to Jada and her friends to figure everything out.
This is a fun story full of action, adventure, and a bit of angst. I love that the characters are diverse and that Jada isn’t your typical white, small town kid. We’re in the middle of New York with a well-to-do black girl from France. How fun is that? The mystery is a good one that is solved in the end but with just enough loose threads to let us know that more stories with Jada and her friends are coming.
What I liked: the diversity and believability of the characters; the writing was well done and moved at a good pace; although this is the first in a series, the story did end well.
What I didn’t like: honestly? Not much of anything. I really enjoyed this book.
Recommendation: I highly recommend this book to all kids who like a good mystery along with action and adventure.
I received this ARC for free in exchange for an honest review.
Sixteen-year-old Zeph’s junior year of high school isn’t the greatest. Yes, he’s on the cross-country team with his friend Connor, and yes, they “hookSixteen-year-old Zeph’s junior year of high school isn’t the greatest. Yes, he’s on the cross-country team with his friend Connor, and yes, they “hook up” any time they can, but those are things on the surface. Much deeper down, things aren’t quite so rosy, especially when his religious zealot parents find out he’s gay, and when his best friend Bronson returns from boarding school.
Watermarsh is a small town once renowned for its cranberry bogs, but now, it’s just a small town with not a lot going for it except secrets—a lot of secrets. Zeph’s father runs a road-repair business and his mother is heavily into her church—the kind of church where you don’t have gay sons. When Zeph comes out to his parents, they refuse to accept that. So they reach an agreement with Zeph. He doesn’t have to attend church (which he hates) as long as he doesn’t come out to anyone else and embarrass his mother. Their uncomfortable agreement lasts for a while. What they don’t know is that Zeph’s friend and teammate, Connor, and Zeph meet quite often, and not for team sports.
But Connor isn’t okay with being out. Not like Zeph. Zeph is his dirty little secret. Then Zeph’s old friend Bronson comes back from boarding school and Zeph discovers what life could be like if he wasn’t someone’s secret. Unfortunately, it’s not as easy as it sounds.
This was a story full of the usual teen angst plus the added issues of being gay or bi, religious zealots, small town gossips, and suicide (a very small part of the story but it’s talked about as in the past). The author does a decent job of showing us Zeph’s issues and how he handles things. And there’s a definite HEA that satisfies completely.
One thing I absolutely loved – and laughed over—was the author’s use of non-swearing swear words for the coach (get your aspirin over here!). It’s a shame that only lasted for a page. The humor was a nice break from all the angst.
One thing that didn’t work for me… was that it was a little slow to get into, but once I did, this was a decent story that came out right in the end. Nicely done.
Recommendations: I would recommend this book—and not just to teens. The characters are well-constructed and believable, the setting works, and the issues are definitely handled well and in a way that makes you believe it could have happened that way. It’s a realistic look into teen life and all the things that can go wrong—or right. ...more
This is a great follow up to Dust Girl. Callie and Jack have made it to California and the search is on for Callie's parents. Along the way, they haveThis is a great follow up to Dust Girl. Callie and Jack have made it to California and the search is on for Callie's parents. Along the way, they have to continue to fend off her uncle, nasty fairies and other beings, and puzzle out who is a true friend, and who just wants to use them.
If you liked Dust Girl, you'll enjoy this one as well. ...more
Sixteen year old Jax Taylor grew up in the lap of luxury. Daughter of the leader of the Miami coven, she’s had everything she always wanted, except foSixteen year old Jax Taylor grew up in the lap of luxury. Daughter of the leader of the Miami coven, she’s had everything she always wanted, except for one thing – a real life. So she plots and plans and runs away. The only problem is, having a normal life isn’t exactly easy because nobody leaves the coven and lives to tell about it.
The covens are all about dark power, something Jax feels bubbling up inside her when she gets angry. When she was ten, Jax’s mother, a believer in white power, tried to leave the coven. Jax was forced to watch as her mother’s powers, and then her life, were siphoned from her by Jax’s father. Jax knows that when she turns seventeen, she will be forced to kill for the coven, something she refuses to do, so she plots and plans…and leaves.
With some finagling, she does manage to enroll in a school in the mountains near Asheville, North Carolina. She gets friends (Toni & Paige), an instant boyfriend (Keller) – who also happens to be a paranormal hunter – and enemies (Stacy and her mean girl crew). She also raises the suspicions of Keller’s father, a minister and fanatic witch hunter.
Things I didn’t like:
I understand why Jax wants to leave her coven so badly. She doesn’t agree with what the coven is all about, but what I had a hard time accepting was her desperation to get into a school. If she’s all about leaving and hiding, why go to all that trouble of being put “on the grid”? Especially when she’s tried so hard to get off it. Yes, she wants a “normal” life, but living by herself in a camper in the woods is anything but normal. Plus I had to keep asking myself where she got all the money for everything – her car, the camper, clothes, etc. Did she keep a stash hidden in the camper?
I also don’t get why she has to be so perfect – she’s so beautiful all the guys instantly want her. She’s smart. And fast. And talented in art. Come on. Give me something wrong with her. Please? Just to give us humans something to hang onto. A little flaw or two wouldn’t be horrible.
The romance between Jax and Keller was a little hard to accept – the absolute instant attraction was a little too intense making me wonder whether it really was real or just the product of paranormal attraction. Yes, Jax is uneasy that he’s a hunter – so why isn’t she running away? She wants to be in hiding, but does everything she can not to be.
The cliffhanger ending – yes, I know it’s a series, but I felt that the story seemed too rushed, especially the ending.
First person present tense – it got a little distracting at times, especially with the multitude of typos and other grammar/writing issues (NOTE: this was a pre-pub ARC provided by NetGalley so hopefully these issues have been dealt with in the finished product).
Things I liked:
The story! It was fast paced, fun, and interesting. The world building gave a new twist on the history of witches and, possibly, the Salem witch trials.
Toni! (Jax’s new best friend) – she was cute, perky, real.
Egan – I thought he was a better hero than Keller.
The epic battle – fast, intense with some great twists.
Recommendations: This was a fast-read story with romance, friendship, teen angst, suspense. Yes, parts of it were too stereotypical, but there were other parts that were well beyond the norm. It’s a quick, light, fun read that will appeal to most teen girls, especially younger ones. I actually enjoyed the story and am looking forward to the sequels. ...more
I have to tell you, I had a love-hate relationship with this story.
First, what I hated: the multiple – and I do mean multiple – points of view, plus sI have to tell you, I had a love-hate relationship with this story.
First, what I hated: the multiple – and I do mean multiple – points of view, plus switching from first person to third person. Sometimes I wasn’t sure which character I was with.
What I loved: the story! It drew me in, grabbed me, and didn’t let go. I’ve read a lot of YA’s over the past year. Most of them dealt with death, but not like this. This was unique and poignant and intriguing. This was soul-searching. This was good.
The story is about Abbey Chandler, a fifteen-year-old girl who lives with her mortician father in Alaska. She has a secret crush on handsome Nate Holden, who doesn’t even know she exists. Her best friend, Tanner, is wheel-chair bound. Five years ago, Abbey lost her mother in an accident that almost killed her. She still carries around the guilt from the accident, feeling that it was her fault.
(view spoiler)[ Things that happen in the story: 1. Ravens start following Abbey and Nate. 2. Nate heads to Denali with his dad and best friend for his first climb. 3. Someone posts ugly pictures of Abbey and Tanner online. 4. Abbey heads upcountry with her father to get away from the cyber-bullying 5. There’s an accident on Denali 6. Abbey meets Death up close and in person – only she doesn’t know it since he looks like Nate. 7. Tanner comes to help Abbey. 8. Abbey saves Nate by arguing with Death 9. Death forgives Abbey (hide spoiler)]
There’s a lot that happens in this story, but it works. Definitely pick this one up. You won’t be sorry. ...more
This is the exciting second book in the WondLa series. If you read the first one, you have to read this one. It takes Eva Nine to whole new places wheThis is the exciting second book in the WondLa series. If you read the first one, you have to read this one. It takes Eva Nine to whole new places where she meets more an very interesting people.
BUT - if you haven't read the first one, you may be lost. It's still a really good book, but the first one will give you all the background you need to know what's going on here.
This is a great series for the middle-school age group and above. It's a mixture of fantasy and science fiction and all good. Definitely recommended....more
I loved this book. It is sweet, snarky, intelligent, and well written. The language is beautiful. The words - a higher class of vocabulary - are put tI loved this book. It is sweet, snarky, intelligent, and well written. The language is beautiful. The words - a higher class of vocabulary - are put together with such skill and an esthetic ear. It is a nice change from the usual dark and morbid YA story. There are no vampires, no zombies, no dead bodies, no sex, no drugs (and just the occasional swear word) - just a good story that I very much enjoyed reading.
In the story, Lily is a 16 year old girl stuck at home in New York with her older brother over the Christmas holiday while their folks are off on vacation in Fiji. Lily has an extensive extended family, all of whom watch out for her making it difficult for her to find a guy to date. Dash is also home alone - jumping between his divorced parents' spaces. He has no other family, and just a few oddball friends. What both of them have in common is a love for The Strand, a huge bookstore in NY. On a dare from her brother, Lily sticks a red journal in an obscure spot of the bookstore and waits to see who will pick it up and follow the instructions inside. Thus begins the adventure between Dash and Lily as they challenge each other to different activities over the two weeks. Lily is a die-hard believer in Christmas and all that goes with it. Dash - not so much which adds to the challenges.
It is fun to read about the interaction between the two characters and their surrounding friends and family. The chapters flip between Dash and Lily so we get to know each one as they get to know each other.
As I said above, this is a sweet story - but a good one. I highly recommend it, especially if you're looking for something a little less angst-ridden than the standard YA....more
This is a new fantasy story from veteran writer, Sarah Prineas – author of the “Magic Thief” series.
In this one, we are introduced to Fer (short for JThis is a new fantasy story from veteran writer, Sarah Prineas – author of the “Magic Thief” series.
In this one, we are introduced to Fer (short for Jennifer – which I love! What a different twist on the nickname). She is a middle school girl who is always in trouble at school, something her grandmother is constantly on her case about. She lives with her Grand-Jane who makes her wear an herb pouch for safety and uses herbs and poultices for healing. According to Grand-Jane, Fer’s parents “had gone from this world” which Fer took to mean they were dead.
The tale starts with Fer being in trouble again and taking off into the night where she rescues what she thinks is a dog from three wolves. When he turns out to be a boy, she knows something is up.
There are all sorts of fantastical creatures, magic, secrets, and more going on in the story. It’s a quick read with very well done world building and characters you are sure to love. This will be a good story for the 4th-5th grade age levels.
Things I liked: • The characters, especially Fer and Puck • The way the author blended nature into the magic • The world building • The message shown through the characters standing against what they believe to be wrong • The quick, satisfying read
Things I didn’t like: • Grandma silent all these years, but suddenly, she lets Fer go to a new, dangerous world without a quibble • POV switches – hard to know who was whom sometimes • Fer beats off slavering wolves with just a stick (though I eventually realized it wasn’t so much her attack on the wolves as it was the magic she wielded without knowing it)
Recommendation: Definitely recommended for middle schoolers who enjoy fantasy stories and especially fans of Sarah Prineas. ...more
When I first picked up this ARC, I was immediately intrigued. How could I not be? Cinderella retold as a cyborg! What's not to love? As I started to rWhen I first picked up this ARC, I was immediately intrigued. How could I not be? Cinderella retold as a cyborg! What's not to love? As I started to read, I was drawn into the story.
While I really enjoyed the story, I was also a little let down. The world building is unique, but didn't go quite far enough for me. The story takes place in New Beijing in the Eastern Commonwealth - yet there is very little flavor of the East there. It is almost homogonized rather than unique. The same for some of the other world-building extensions we are given, such as the Lunars. I'd like to know a little more about that culture. Admittedly, this is the first in a series and more may be forthcoming, but I did miss some of the details.
Basically, the story is about Linh Cinder, a teenage cyborg mechanic who lives under the rule of her stepmother. Like in the fairy tale, she also has two stepsisters (though not ugly) and she does meet the handsome prince, but there is a lot more happening here than in the original fairy tale. I won't go into details since I don't want to ruin the book for you, but it is interesting and different and very intriguing.
Although I was a little disappointed by the execution of some of the story, it wasn't enough to put me off the story and I am definitely looking forward to reading more of the series when it comes out.
Tankborn is set on the planet: Loca, which is similar to Earth. The story is told from the perspectives of Kayla and Mishalla, and Trueborn, Devak. KaTankborn is set on the planet: Loca, which is similar to Earth. The story is told from the perspectives of Kayla and Mishalla, and Trueborn, Devak. Kayla and Mishalla are GENS – Genetically Engineered Non-humans (GENs). They are at the very bottom of the social caste system and are considered basically as animals. Their entire existence is to serve as a slave to higher castes, which they do once they reach fifteen. They are not given the chance to be anything other than what they are programmed and created to become. Devak is a member of one of the highest castes – a highborn Trueborn, meaning he was born of woman and not of test tube.
The world-building is excellently done. The society is clearly described along with all the rules and regulations that go with it. Though detailed, you do not get bogged down with it and actually understand what is happening and why. The few unfamiliar words are explained easily. What makes Tankborn unique is its exploration of class and race. It’s extremely thought-provoking and although it is fictional and futuristic, it mirrors our own society in a disturbing way.
Tankborn has traditional dystopian aspects: the police-state, the underground rebels, the control of beliefs and ideas, control of freedom and individual rights, and control over relationships. The issues that Kayla, Mishalla and Devak face are all difficult ones. I also found it interesting as Kayla and Devak explore their unique views of the world from their different perspectives – slave and master.
This is a solid story with difficult concepts expertly laid out and explored. The characters are believable and unique and the world building very well done. It is very much a science fiction book, but as in the older tales like 1984 and Brave New World, it is science fiction taking a hard look at society. A very well done, thought-provoking story. Definitely recommended.
Not since Monk have we had such a unique person with OCD solving a mystery. This is a story with so many layers - family issues, personal issues, a muNot since Monk have we had such a unique person with OCD solving a mystery. This is a story with so many layers - family issues, personal issues, a murder mystery, love, truth, and more.
The main character, Lo (aka Penelope) is definitely not the normal teenage protagonist. She was heavily affected by her brother's death. Always a little OCD, it ramped up big time leaving her struggling to get through a day. The constant flow of her OCD tics (tap tap tap, banana, groups of three, but not six or eight, etc.) gets a little disconcerting, and even distracting, but it is part of the character, and since she's the main character, it's necessary.
Lo is inexplicably drawn to certain items. Due to this, she ends up mired in the middle of a murder investigation. Kate Ellison builds a world and story that will draw you in.
Things I liked: the overall story, the representation of someone with OCD, the satisfying ending.
What I didn't like: first person, present tense. Not my favorite point of view, but the story is good enough to almost make me overlook that.
Recommendation: It's a good story with quirky characters and a believable mystery and satisfying ending. Good for older teens....more
There were things about this book I didn’t like, and yet, I couldn’t put it down. The story drew me in from the first page and didn’t let go until theThere were things about this book I didn’t like, and yet, I couldn’t put it down. The story drew me in from the first page and didn’t let go until the last, and even then, I wanted more.
In this story, we follow the adventures of Elisa, a sixteen year old princess who also happens to possess a Godstone, a gem permanently embedded in her navel. It appeared there on her naming day, a symbol to all that she is something special. Unfortunately, Elisa doesn’t feel special. She’s not tall, slender and beautiful like her older sister. Nor does she want to have anything to do with ruling a kingdom, which is just as well since she’s the younger sister. She would rather sit in the kitchens eating pastries than trouble herself to do much of anything beyond study old scriptures.
Then her father marries her off on her sixteenth birthday to a king from a neighboring country, a man she’s never met and never even sees until they are pronounced husband and wife. She is whisked away from her home and her comforts with the knowledge she is no more than a peace pact between the two countries. What follows is a story of how Elisa finds herself. She develops a spine, finds courage in the midst of war, and love in the camp of enemies. She also discovers what she was meant for and how to use the Godstone to help herself and others.
This is a story full of betrayal, adventure, love and friendship, and the ugliness of war. Elisa describes herself as a fat sausage and worse. I am glad the publishers changed the original cover art - though it was pretty, it did not portray the character correctly. Not even close, actually. Also, this is a highly religious story that is told in first person present tense (two of those things I really don’t like), but the story is told so well, that I shrugged off those issues and just read. By the end of the story, I was totally in love with Elisa and cheering for her. Definitely a story worth reading. I hope to see more from this author and more from Elisa....more
This is a quirky, funny mystery that is sure to please anyone, though it is aimed at the 10 year old and up group. It is the fifth book in the Gilda JThis is a quirky, funny mystery that is sure to please anyone, though it is aimed at the 10 year old and up group. It is the fifth book in the Gilda Joyce series and I know one thing for certain – I am going to find the other books in the series and read them as well!
In this book, Gilda’s mother gets engaged to a man from St. Augustine, Florida. She is devastated – she hasn’t even had a chance to give him the Joyce Family Application or even the chance to meet him in person? And something is definitely odd about him. For instance, why does he keep calling her mom by his ex-fiance’s name? The weirdness keeps building up – with a ghost showing up all in white, and her mother walking around like she’s possessed or something. Gilda knows she has to find out what’s going on before it’s too late.
This is a fun book full of mystery, adventure, and more than a few scares. A great Halloween read! And a definite recommendation. ...more
**spoiler alert** This is a teen book full of heavy subjects such as drug abuse, death, drinking, teen sex, and more. In addition to these, there are **spoiler alert** This is a teen book full of heavy subjects such as drug abuse, death, drinking, teen sex, and more. In addition to these, there are also ghosts.
Ever since an event called "The Shift" young people born after that time can see ghosts. People born before The Shift cannot. Aura, the main character, was the first child born after the shift. Zack, a gorgeous Scottish exchange student was the last child born before The Shift. There is a connection between the two of them but nobody knows what it is...yet.
On the night of his 17th birthday, Aura's boyfriend Logan dies of an overdose. He returns as a ghost, complicating Aura's life. She is drawn to Zack, but feels a loyalty to Logan. Things go from bad to worse when Logan turns into a Shade, an evil ghost. Aura is sure she can bring him back, but it's never been done.
The story moves quickly with a good mix of action and dialogue. The connection between Zack and Aura is strong, as is the connection between Aura and Logan - an interesting love triangle between the living and the ghost. The characters were well developed with believable flaws and strengths. The world development is excellent with the ghosts, ways to avoid them (wearing red) and ways to keep them out of places (black (obsidian) rooms) and ways for them them move on.
The story is unique, a paranormal with an interesting twist. It's a strong book that touches on dark issues that all teens face - drugs, drinking, sex, death and more. It is, at times, a difficult book to read because of its intensity, but it is also very interesting. Be aware that these subjects are part of the story, but a minor part. The story is about the Shift and the ghosts.
I enjoyed the book and am looking forward to the sequel "The Shift". ...more
This is an anthology with stories by sixteen "Smart Chicks" authors including Jeri Smith-Redy, Kelley Armstrong, Melissa Marr, Rachel Vincent, and morThis is an anthology with stories by sixteen "Smart Chicks" authors including Jeri Smith-Redy, Kelley Armstrong, Melissa Marr, Rachel Vincent, and more. The stories run the gamut from sweet to creepy, from funny to serious, but all are well crafted and interesting.
Like all anthologies, there were stories I liked, and others, not so much. But even the ones that didn't top my "favorites" list were still good. All of them contained paranormal aspects. The crafting of Jeri Smith-Redy's story "Bridge" was unusual enough to make it stand out. Written in free-form poetry style, it was soul-wrenching, poignant and moving. There were others that pulled the heartstrings as well. But there were also ones that made me laugh, or cringe.
Overall, this was an really good anthology that would be a great buy for those who don't have time or don't want to spend a lot of time in a long novel. The stories are short, easy to read and very well crafted.
Recommended for any teen who loves paranormals and a little bit of romance. ...more
Stuck in a tiny fortress situated between high mountains, a glacier, and a frozen fjord, Solveig, her brother Harald, and sister Asa, are surrounded bStuck in a tiny fortress situated between high mountains, a glacier, and a frozen fjord, Solveig, her brother Harald, and sister Asa, are surrounded by their father’s warriors, a few servants, and a skald (storyteller). The king sent them to the far north for their protection during a war, but no one considered treachery from one of their own.
Solveig has always been the overlooked on. She is not beautiful like her older sister, nor a male heir like her younger brother. She’s just Solveig. Even her father rarely acknowledges her. But Solveig is important in a different way, as she finds out during the long winter. She is the one whose stories calm the restless warriors during the long nights and bring them comfort when they are struck down by a fatal poison. Thanks to the tutelage of Alric, her father’s skald, she learns she has a voice and that gives her power. Forced to face harsh realities, she comes to understand that the fiercest warriors may have the gentlest hearts and the ones you trusted most may have dark secrets. She also learns that courage comes in many forms.
Mr. Kirby has written a moving story full of action and adventure that will appeal to both boys and girls. It is the type of story that draws you in and doesn’t let go until the last page. Though younger readers may not understand all the Viking references and terms, they’ll figure it out through contextual clues, and even if they don’t, it’s still a great story.
For a strong story set in distant Viking times with a touch of suspense, myths, action, and emotional ups and downs, definitely pick up Icefall when it comes out in October. Your tweens will enjoy it – and while you’re at it, read it yourself. You’ll be glad you did. It’s definitely a story worth reading....more
**spoiler alert** This is an incredible YA (ages 8-12) book. I laughed. I cried. I couldn't stop reading. This is "a heart-stirring adventure about al**spoiler alert** This is an incredible YA (ages 8-12) book. I laughed. I cried. I couldn't stop reading. This is "a heart-stirring adventure about all that glitters versus all that matters." Truer words have never been written.
The main character, Kaitlin (Kat, aka Calamity Kat) Graham has a "thing" for gold. She even has a gold tooth. So when she sees a poster for a tourist gold mine while on a cross-country trip with her father and brother, of course she has to go.
And thus the adventure begins.
In the backstory, Kat's mother was in an accident that put her in a home in a coma. Her father goes through his savings, his insurance, has to sell off everything that Kat loved - her horse, their home, everything but an old car and a few clothes for her and her brother. Then he loses his job. The family is destitute, and it's all Kat's fault. Or so she believes. They are on their way to California for a new job for her dad when they stop at the gold mine. On the tour, Calamity Kat sneaks away and falls down a deep hole. In trying to find her way out, she meets a dragon - Ye. And his cache of gold. But it isn't what Kat thinks it is. Gold is what's left when a dragon dies and Ye is the last of his kind. All Kat sees is a way for her family to get out of the mess they're in so, even though Ye shows her the way out, she takes one of the gold nuggets and starts the worst gold rush since the 1800's. In all the insanity, Kat comes to realize that it isn't the gold that's important, but the fact that she took it and she and her brother Dillon plot to get it back.
The story is funny, poignant, sad, and adventurous. There are parts that made me go "huh???" but so much of the rest of it is good that I let those spots go. So, if you can suspend disbelief and allow a little bit of "come on, really?" to go by, then pick this up.
The Genius Files: Mission Unstoppable is a fun read for boys and girls. Not only is it full of adventure, but also fun facts about the US as we followThe Genius Files: Mission Unstoppable is a fun read for boys and girls. Not only is it full of adventure, but also fun facts about the US as we follow the two main characters across the US.
In eight days, twins Coke and Pepsi (or Pep) are very smart children. From the very beginning of the book there is a lot of action as Coke and Pep go on the run from people who are trying to kill them. Later in the book, they learn that they are part of a group called The Genius Files but they didn't know this. Some people don't like The Genius Files and want to destroy it so they are trying to kill the kids who are involved.
Since it's the end of the school year, their parents have planned a cross country trip from California to their Aunts wedding in Washington DC. The readers get to go along to all sorts of places like the Pez museum, The National Yo-yo museum, visit the singing sand dunes, the biggest ball of twine and more. (Note: their mother runs an online site called "Amazing But True" and is very much interested in oddball places).
While the adventure part is pretty predictable, it's still a fun read kids will enjoy and they can then check out the very real places being visited by the twins and discover all sorts of odd facts themselves. Fans of Dan Gutman will quickly become fans of Coke and Pep as they thwart the killers. It's adventure. It's fun. And it's full of interesting facts all rolled into one book. ...more
Like many children's mysteries, this one starts with the family moving from where the kids grew up to a new state/town and going exploring where they Like many children's mysteries, this one starts with the family moving from where the kids grew up to a new state/town and going exploring where they shouldn't go exploring.
In this case, Simon, Henry and Jack, have just moved from Chicago to Superstition, Arizona. Out their back door, they can see Superstition Mountain, but they are warned repeatedly by parents and the police not to go there. So of course they do. When Jack falls down a steep embankment, Simon and Henry go after him, and they find three bleached skulls laying on a rock, overlooking the canyon. Together with their neighbor Delilah, the boys embark on an adventure to figure out the mystery - who are the skulls? What happened in the mountain? And more.
This is a cute book aimed at ages 8-12. There is lots of scary adventure, mystery, and more and what's even better is that the mystery surrounding Superstition Mountain is real. It is a range of mountains east of Phoenix most famous for the tale of the Lost Dutchman's Mine - which plays a prominent part in the story.
This is the first book in a trilogy and I for one can't wait to see how the mystery plays out. Not only will kids enjoy the book, but if you really want to push them, you can point them at the internet and let them explore the real mystery surrounding the mountains.
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