Tuesday, February 16, 2010

We the Children (Keepers of the School) - Andrew Clements

Reading level: Ages 9-12

Publisher:  Atheneum (April 6, 2010)
Pages:  260
Source:  ARC from publisher
We the Children is the first book in  a new series by Andrew Clements which comes out in April of this year.  In this first book we find Benjamin Pratt a young boy who must divide his time up between his separated parents.  He lives in a small town and attend Captain Duncan Oakes School.  Most schools aren't like this one.  Captain Oaks had his tombstone built in the middle of the playground with a see-saw attached to it and rings for children to climb on it.  It is through the halls of this school we find Benjamin Pratt running, late again to homeroom.  He comes upon the janitor who is injured.  As Benjamin helps him to a chair to await the paramedics,  Mr. Keane presses something into Benjamin's hands.  It is a gold coin with writing on it.  He tells Benjamin that it has been passed down from janitor to janitor and is now being passed to him.  He is now the defender of the school.  He also warns him not to trust the new janitor.  We next find Benjamin eating lunch with his friend Jill when they hear that Mr. Keane has passed away.  Benjamin is shocked.  He shares what he know with Jill, the only person he thinks he can trust.  Between the two of them they begin the quest to save their school.  They are not really sure who or what they are protecting it from but they will be taking us along on that journey.

This book was for upper elementary to middle schoold kids.  It is a quick easy mystery that held my attention and will I am sure hold the attention of the students.  I only hope Mr. Clements can pump them out fast enough.

4 comments:

  1. A tombstone attached to a see-saw, oh my.
    This sounds like a great mystery.
    Thanks for the review.

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  2. Well this sounds different...and exciting...and mysterious!

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  3. Good Afternoon Sandra,
    Just dropping by to let you know I have something for you on my blog.

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  4. This was a real quick read and one I think you will enjoy. Best for upper elementary or low readers in middle school. I had an extra ARC signed by the author and I gave it to one of my students and you would have thought I gave her gold. She is on her second reading of it. She carries it to school with her each day for

    fear one of her younger siblings at home will get hold of it. It has absolutely no pictures, etc. She chose it over the ARC with quick sketches because it was signed. I will do whatever it takes to help kids get better at reading and learn to love reading. It is a shame she loves books so much but struggles yet her twin reads just fine and hardly ever reads.
    Joyful I have been by your blog and want to thank you. I have not picked it up yet. Have had a lot on my plate with state testing etc.

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