Review: Knightley & Son

love this cover

It has been a while since I last blogged. A lot has happened, mostly of the shingles variety, so my time has been devoted to other areas, like napping. And itching. Let me not forget the non-stop itching.

But, I am happy to review this because this is a book that I think my own little man would enjoy.

Title: ‘Knightley & Son’

Author: Rohan Gavin

Pages: 320

Publisher: Bloomsbury Childrens

Available: NOW at your local library/book store

Source: Netgalley

Summary (from Goodreads):

The once highly in-demand detective Alan Knightley has just woken up after an unexplained incident kept him asleep for four years. While he was out cold, his son, Darkus, took it upon himself to read of all his dad's old cases, and he's learned a lot about the art of detection. It's a good thing too—because suddenly the duo find themselves caught up in a crazy conspiracy that involves a group of villainous masterminds (who keep appearing and then vanishing), some high-speed car chases (that will have everyone fastening their seat belts), and a national, bestselling book with the power to make people do terrible, terrible things. But because Alan is still suffering the effects of his coma, he tends to, well, fall asleep at the worst possible moments, Meaning that young Darkus might just have to solve this mystery . . . by himself.

My Thoughts:

When I am not reading tween and YA novels, I am reading mysteries. I love them. I always have, ever since I wanted to be Nancy Drew. I was excited to see that I found an adorable detective story aimed at children, and one that deals with a father-son team.

This novel had me from the start. From the moment Mr. Knightley awoke in his hospital room until the very end, I was hooked into the plot. It was like a young Indiana Jones and his dad hunting down the bad guys, just without the craziness that usually accompanies those films. Actually, I take that back. There is a touch of craziness happening in this book too.

Darkus is his father’s son. He keeps the faith that his father will wake up eventually. In the mean time, he is reading and memorizing his father’s journals. There must be a clue to help him uncover why his father is in an unexplained sleep, there just has to be. But then his father wakes up, sometimes steals the journals, and Darkus is back at square one. Or is he? This kid has a lot invested in helping his father, and now that the journals have been stolen, this piques Darkus’ curiosity and proves to him that indeed, there is something in those journals to lead him to the right conclusion.

Father and son reunite and head out to stop the bad guys. But, who are the bad guys, and why are there children committing unexplainable crimes? Can a simple book unlock this mystery, and how much help is Mr. Knightley when he cannot stay awake?

The development of Darkus’ character is spot on—this is his story, and the author lets us know that. He is the only character to truly receive page time, and he is the only character we see evolve. All of the adults in the novel are pretty stagnant, and at times I felt they got in the way of the plot, which is one reason I feel a lot of writer’s try to keep adult interaction on the page to a minimum.

With exception to Mr. Knightley. He seems to get his son—and he is off the page enough to give Darkus just the support he needs to solve the mystery without interfering in Darkus’ development.

While the plot itself was simple—and yet complicated enough to keep readers guessing—the execution of it was a little slow-going. It’s the only complaint I have. I felt like the pace could have been faster, especially since this is aimed at younger readers.

Do I recommend this book?

For readers of mysteries, absolutely. I don’t think this is a good novel for the novice mystery reader because the plot is a little slower than most mysteries. I think readers of the Geronimo Stilton series will especially enjoy this novel. They have the same feel to them.

My little man loves reading and watching Geronimo Stilton, and when I brought up this novel and its plot, he said, “That sounds like a cool book mommy.” I think he secretly wants to be a detective himself. He loves watching ‘Jesse Stone,’ ‘Murder She Wrote,’ and ‘Matlock.’

Kids like these are the ones I think will really embrace Darkus and his dad into their reading lives.

Have you read a great tween/YA/adult mystery lately? Comment below and leave me suggestions. I am always looking for new mystery series.

         

Happy Reading!

-      The Hodgenator

Review: Homeroom Headhunters

After reading the title and seeing the cover, I decided I need to make this novel a part of my life. I was not disappointed.

This is a great read for that reluctant male reader in your classroom/library/home.

Title: The Tribe: Homeroom Headhunter

Author: Clay McLeod Chapman

ISBN: 9781423152217

Pages: 304

Publisher: Hyperion Books

Available: May 7, 2013

Source: Netgalley

Summary (from Amazon):

All Schools are the same and Spencer Pendleton expects no less from Greenfield Middle. But Spencer hasn't met them yet-the Tribe, a group of runaway students who secretly own the school. They live off cafeteria food and wield weapons made out of everyday school supplies. Strangely, no one seems to know they exist, except for Spencer. And the group wants him to join their ranks. All he has to do is pass the initiations...and leave his mother and life behind. Can Spencer go through with it? Better yet, what will happen if he says no?

My Thoughts:

This book = WOW!

It is not realistic fiction. It is not fantasy. I am not 100% sure where I would categorize it. But I will say this—it’s a fast-paced, mind-bending, literary allusion-filled read for boys. I think this would appeal to girls too, but if you have a reluctant male reader, hand him this book. Seriously.

Here’s why.

Spencer always seems to be “that kid” who is always in trouble. So, now is his time to start fresh at Greenfield Middle. But, that would be too easy, right? I mean, we wouldn’t have a plot if that was it.

There is so much more.

The Tribe, a group of kids who have mysteriously disappeared but who live in the school, has their eye on Spencer. He seems like the perfect fit. He has all the attributes they are looking for, so what happens when they try to recruit him? Mayhem, to say the least.

There’s trouble from the start, and for once it’s not Spencer’s fault. With his track record, no one believes him. All of his hope is lost, unless he joins The Tribe. They want him. They believe he can add to their cause. I’m not too sure what their cause really is, but whatever it is, Spencer can definitely add to it.

There were moments when I cringed, I laughed, and my heart pumped. It was a great treadmill/elliptical book because I was moving my legs as fast as Spencer—sometimes.

I really enjoyed Spencer as a character. I’ve had quite a few Spencer’s in my own classroom—and sometimes they help challenge me in new ways (good and bad). I think a lot of male readers will identify with his character for a multitude of reasons, and I think his character sells this plot.

I have mixed feelings about the characters that make up The Tribe, but I think that’s because I am a mom and a teacher. I just wanted those children to go home to their families. To live normal lives. But they left that behind by choice. And it’s their choice to stay a part of The Tribe. Or is it?

The principal reminded me of Mr. Rooney in ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’ – he and his staff added a few comical elements to the plot, again something that will appeal to male readers.

This book has so many literary allusions I cannot begin to count. When I was reading, all I could think was, “This will spark readers to pick up that book to see what it’s all about.” Well-played by the author. Well-played indeed. What a sneaky way to spread the love of reading while having readers read your novel.

The one novel that is alluded to the absolute most: ‘Lord of the Flies.’ Now, I don’t know about your high schools, but here we teach that novel to seniors. I was surprised to see it so heavily alluded to in a book that Amazon says is appropriate for ages 8 and up, but you know what? It’s a good book at any age.

But I just want you to be aware before you put it in the hands of a fifth grader. I know some parents are finicky about what their kids read. The book does contain violence, but nothing on the level of LOTF.

As a whole, I enjoyed this book. I enjoyed the plot, the pacing, and the characters. I gave it three stars on Goodreads because I felt it was a little too drawn out. There were parts where I thought, “Here comes the end…” and then not.

My main complaint with the novel is with the end. I know this is a part of a series, but I really like it when there is an element of a cliff-hanger as well as a ribbon tied to a few plot questions I had. Those did not get answered at all, and I will forgive the author if he answers them in the second book.

Happy Reading!

-      The Hodgenator

Review: The Second Spy

I really enjoy reading children's books, especially series. This is fast becoming one of my favorite series for children, especially mystery. 

This is such an interesting mystery: living in a house where the characters can go in and out of Elsewhere, AKA paintings. It's a clever idea, and I am curious to see where the author takes me in the next one.

Title: The Second Spy 
Author: Jacqueline West 
ISBN: 978-0-8037-3689-4 
Pages: 296                                    
Available: NOW at your local bookstore or library 

Summary (from the book jacket): 

What lurks below the house could be as dangerous as what's hidden inside . . .

Some terrifying things have happened to Olive in the old stone house, but none as scary as starting junior high. Or so she thinks. When she plummets through a hole in her backyard, though, she realizes two things that may change her mind: First, the wicked Annabelle McMartin is back. Second, there's a secret underground that unlocks not one but two of Elsewhere's biggest, most powerful, most dangerous forces yet. But with the house's guardian cats acting suspicious, her best friend threatening to move away, and her ally Morton starting to rebel, Olive isn't sure where to turn. Will she figure it out in time? Or will she be lured into Elsewhere, and trapped there forever? 

My Thoughts: 

This is my favorite in the series so far.

In the third installment of West’s tale, Olive is starting middle school. If that’s not scary enough, strange occurrences are happening not only in her home but also in her art class. She’s dealing with unexplained notes, missing items, and a betrayer in her midst.

The plot of this novel is well-developed and nicely paced. The mystery unfolds at all the right spots, building suspense and then popping the suspense bubble. Who is leaving Olive letters in her school cubby? Where are the missing items? Who is the betrayer among them? The answers to these questions will surprise seasoned readers of Olive’s story.

Olive is such a delightful character. Very little rattles her. She just wants to seek the truth, find Morton’s parents, keep her best friend from moving, and to be rid of Annabelle McMartin once and for all. Is that too much to ask? Yes. Yes it is.

I enjoy Olive because she is a loyal friend, she is curious, and she does what she feels is right. Sometimes these qualities get her in trouble, but ultimately these are the qualities that will keep readers coming back, cheering Olive on as she tries to defeat the McMartins.

Readers of the first two novels will not be disappointed, but I feel that the first two novels aren’t a necessity to read before diving right into this story. West has a delightful way of reminding readers of the events of the past two novels.

This series will appeal to those who enjoy children’s mysteries. It is not scary, and the illustrations that accompany the writing really enhance the storytelling. I could see readers of the Magic Tree House series really engaging with this one as they grow.

Have you read the The Books of Elsewhere series? What are your thoughts? Leave a comment below.

Happy Reading!

Review: Scary School (Book 1)

love the cover

Title and author: Scary School by Derek the Ghost

Publisher: HarperCollins

Pages: 237

Date: June 21, 2011

ISBN: 9780061960925

Source: The author

Summary (from Goodreads):

You think your school's scary? 

Get a load of these teachers:

"Ms. Fang," an 850-year-old vampire
"Dr. Dragonbreath," who just might eat you before recess
"Mr. Snakeskin"--science class is so much more fun when it's taught by someone who's half zombie
"Mrs. T"--break the rules and spend your detention with a hungry "Tyrannosaurus rex"

Plus

Gargoyles, goblins, and Frankenstein's monster on the loose
The world's most frighteningly delicious school lunch

And

The narrator's an eleven-year-old ghost 

Join Charles "New Kid" Nukid as he makes some very Scary friends--including Petunia, Johnny, and Peter the Wolf--and figures out that Scary School can be just as funny as it is spooky

My Thoughts:

This novel is quite a clever idea. What happens when you combine a moat, a giant squid, and a twenty-foot T-Rex wearing a blue dress and a blue bonnet? An introduction to Scary School!

The mission of the school is simple: to bring humans and other beings together as one unit, but what happens when a student accidentally calls a teacher by the wrong name? DEATH! No seriously, she drains them because the teacher is a vampire, and she cannot have students call her by the wrong name. But no student of Scary School should attempt to break a rule because the punishment is not worth the price, unless it turns the student into a dragon. Then it becomes a cool price to pay.

There are allusions to some of the best “monster” stories in literature and in movies. 

There are life lessons to be learned in this book as well – never judge someone based on their looks, always speak up for yourself, cleverness counts, and most importantly, do not betray your school: “‘I pity the fool who betrays his school,’ Mrs. T replied, licking her chops.” It’s the one-liners such as this that will make adults reminisce and young readers laugh.

Readers are also treated to a gaggle of goblins acting out “The Three Little Pigs” as a Halloween treat. If it can go wrong, it does.

And then there are the Ghoul Games: a survival of the fittest between monsters. With Scary School being both participant and host, the stakes are higher because now it becomes monsters vs. monsters and humans. There are some in the monster community that believe this is wrong, and thus they create the ultimate monster prize: the winners of the Games get to eat the losers. Or they can choose a lollipop instead.

The illustrations enhance the storytelling, giving a visual that many will find to be much more frighteningly comical than their own imagination.

The chapter titles are clever and the overall plot is hilariously engaging. I really enjoyed reading this book, and I think reluctant boy readers will enjoy it as well.

This is a winner for young readers in more ways than one. Add it to your summer reading list.

Be sure to check out the next in the series, Scary School: Monsters on the March out on June 26, 2012! 

Winnie, the Prequel

I first fell in love with Lauren Myracle's "Winnie Perry" years ago when I discovered Eleven. From the first chapter I was hooked, and I was in love with this young heroine. It was refreshing to have a strong-minded female character for youngsters to read and admire. As a matter of fact, she is one of my favorite female heroines in children's literature.

With Ten, Myracle provides readers a prequel to the Winnie series. We step back in time to when she hits double digits. After all, this is an important time in her life. Fifth grade is a big deal - there are boys to consider (yuck), new rules for friendship (whatever), and mean girls (yep, even Winnie has to deal with them). With an active imagination, a good heart, and a strong soul, Winnie tackles all things fifth grade. She does so with her family and friends rooting for her...always rooting for her.

One of my favorite chapters in the book is November, when Winnie takes a field trip to the World of Coca-Cola and finds a mysterious toe on her armrest:

"If she did see, I hoped she' be amazed. Amazed and thankful, because without even asking, she'd received a genuine autograph from a genuine girl from Atlanta. Not just any girl, but a girl who was, frankly, a pretty big deal. A girl who was me." (160) 

Taking us month-by-month, Myracle's prequel provides a solid plot, rife with old favorite friends such as Amanda, Chantelle, Alex (oh my), and a few mentions of Dinah. For fans, this book will not disappoint; for those looking for a good series to introduce young female readers to, well...this is for YOU!

If you have not yet discovered the character of Winnie Perry, I must insist that you read Ten. When you're finished, you will want to continue with Eleven, Twelve, Thirteen, and Thirteen plus One. Come fall in love with Winnie and her strong spirit.

Note to Lauren Myracle (if she were ever to read this) - I would really love to read about Winnie in high school...ever thought of transiting this into a YA series???