Deep Water - Watt Key

This is one of the best books I have read since school began. I read it in one sitting. Julie Sims is spending the summer with her father. He has a dive business. Julie has been diving since she was very small. When she gets to her dad's house she realizes his business is quickly going down the drain. He manages to get a client willing to pay his high price.  Unfortunately, he can tell from the beginning that this father son duo is going to be trouble. With her father not feeling well and unwilling to cancel the dive, he sends his daughter Julie down with the clients. It is immediately apparent that they don't care about listening to instructions. A series of events leave Jamie, Shane and his father floating in the open ocean. Their dive boat has disappeared.  It soon becomes obvious that something has happened and that if they are to survive they are on their own.

This is one of those books where you read about a catastrophic event and think, "wow they made it" things can't get any worse, only to discover that is exactly what this author has done.  This is an intense read and one I definitely recommend.

Intense Book Series by Glenn Haggerty

I have found a new author whose books I absolutely love. His writing style is similar to Max Elliot Anderson and Tim Shoemaker. These are two author's whose books are on my classroom shelves. Not only do my boys love these books, but so do my girls. I highly recommend this author to all of my readers.

Escape 

Genre: Middle Grade, Adventure, Thriller

Source: I purchased a copy

Glenn Haggerty’s books are full of suspense and adventure. Tyler Higgins wants to fit in with the “cool” kids. He is willing to ditch his former best friends to be “cool”.  He is quickly learning that being “cool” is not all it is cracked up to be. Tyler agrees to spy on kids parked at Lover’s Lane.  He invites his former best friend who declines. While hiding in the woods waiting to catch teens making out a car pulls up. When the trunk lid is opened they see what they are sure is a dead body. Unfortunately they are discovered.  This book takes you on an edge of your seat adventure as these two teens try to stay alive.  Discover what exactly is going on. Who is chasing them and who wants who dead.  This is a lite Christian Fiction.  Throughout the book Tyler talks about church and God. The reason I loved this book is because it is so true to life in the Christian aspect.  Tyler has thoughts about what he believes God would want him to do, chooses to take a different path because he doesn’t want to listen to God. The other thing we see is what happens when he makes decisions he knows is wrong.   This is a book that can and will be enjoyed by everyone. This is the first book of a trilogy.

Run

Genre: Middle Grade, Adventure, Thriller

Source: I purchased a copy

Tyler Higgins family has moved.  Now he is once again trying to fit in with the cool kids.  The cool kids have ditched him in the woods.  He decides he will get his younger brother to go into the woods to try and find the “cool kids” treehouse. When a storm hits they stumble onto an old house. As creepy as it is they slip inside. When they hear someone coming up from the basement they hide in a closet.  When the coast is clear they escape.  A run in with the creepy guy from  the old house puts Tyler and his family in danger. When these would-be plumbers threaten him and his friends Tyler takes things into his own hands.  Once again Glenn Haggerty has created a story that keeps you sitting on the edge of your seat.

Chase 

Genre: Middle Grade, Adventure, Thriller

Source: I purchased a copy

This was the most intense of the three books. Tyler has noticed a change in some of his friends. He is sure there is a drug problem in his school.  His plan is to find out who is dealing the drugs. The problem is that they need to find the person at the top of the chain.  Tyler and some of his friends come up with a plan.  They are going to track these drug dealers to get to the bottom of the problem.  But the woods are full of problems.  Sometimes the ones you think you can trust are the ones you need to avoid. Will this adventure cost Tyler and his friends their lives?  These books are so good that I read one a day. I stayed up to finish them each night.  I look forward to reading many more books by this author.

Snake Island by Max Elliot Anderson

Genre: Middle Grade, Adventure, Mystery
Source: I purchased a copy.

Rod Campbell loves going to his grandfather's farm with his friends to tube down the river. As they float past Snake Island they talk about the different stories they have heard.  It seems to be that every generation of boys needs to spend the night on Snake Island to prove they aren't scared. Few make it the whole night.  Rod and his friends, Mark, Terry and Ken decide before the summer is over they are going to do just that. The trick is they must convince their parents to let them.

Rod's grandfather has offered to pull his boat down to the river  and  to cart their stuff down with his tractor  Before they go Rod hears the island was originally called Hobo Island. He spends days at the library learning all about the hobos, their lifestyle and the island. He has a run in with Mr. Paterson. Everyone around town talks about what a hero he was in the war, and how great he was in high school. Then they talk about how the war changed him.  He warns Ken about the island.  Rod learns that things were buried on the island. He and his friends go to the island with a metal detector and find a silver box with coins and metals. They divide things up.  Then they make final plans to spend the night on the island. They begin by eating with Rod's grandpa and he tells them old scary stories about the island.  Once on the island they set up camp and tell their own ghost stories.  Later on they hear a noise and go to find out what is going on. What they see terrifies them. They see crazy Mr. Paterson bury something in a hole.  They are so scared they leave the island and spend the night back in Rod's grandfather's barn.

A few days later a body is found on the island.  But are things really what they seem? Did the boys witness the killer burying the body?

I absolutely loved this book. It kept me on my toes. I kept wondering what the boys would find on the island. Then I wondered what kind of danger they would find themselves in. One thing about this author's books is that they are not only filled with adventure, but also have some sort of mystery to them. This is a must read book.

This Property is Condemned by Max Elliot Anderson

Genre:  Middle Grade, Adventure, Mystery
Source:  I purchased a copy

Sam Cooper and his friends Tony and Tom find themselves in a terrible predicament. Riding their bikes down the steepest hill in Harper’s Inlet Sam Cooper realizes he has no breaks. He is riding a bike his father picked up out of the trash for him. Sam is sure that this can’t turn out good in any way. His friends keep telling him to land in the grass and it will be okay. At the bottom of the hill Sam hits the fence and is thrown backward over his friend’s head. This turned out to be extremely good in many ways. As Sam picks himself up he sees a sign that reads, ‘This property condemned”. As always, Sam has to find out more. He learns the old mansion belongs to an elderly lady who lives in the place called Remington Mansion. Her husband had built the house.  Now someone is trying to take it away. Can Sam and his friends save the day again?

This was a very intense read for me. Every time there was some sort of danger I found myself sitting on the edge of my couch, rocking back and forth.  The author does a wonderful job of creating realistic characters, and enough tension to keep you turning page after page.  I can’t speak highly enough about the Sam Cooper Series. I have loved each and every one of the books in the series.  Highly recommended, especially for that reluctant reader in your life.

At the Buzzer - Max Elliot Anderson

Genre:  Middle Grade, Adventure, Mystery

Source: I purchased a copy

This is the fifth book in the Sam Cooper Adventure. Sam Cooper and his friends are awaiting the beginning of the basketball season. Sam keeps having the same dream. They are on the basketball court. It comes down to him making the winning three point shot. The crowd screams.  In reality the star of the team is his best friend Perry.  Perry is the tallest person on their team. He plays center and Same plays point guard. Sam has been working on making three point shots from anywhere on the court.  Sam has a bigger concern.  Perry knows he is good. He believes he is so good that he shouldn't have to worry about homework. He is sure that with his talent, if he fails a class they will let him play anyway. He sees no use for education. He knows he is going to be a star and make millions. He doesn't need to learn anything else.  Unfortunately his father feels the same way.  But what happens when a freak accident takes him out of the game?

I could relate to this book so much. I taught at a school where the international students were semi-pro sports players.  I had a tennis player tell me he didn't need to learn English or pass my class because he was going to be a tennis star. It didn't matter what I said to him.  I asked him what would happen if he injured himself in an accident or something and could no longer play. His response was shocking. He said he'd kill himself.  I asked him if he thought he was of so little value that his life didn't matter? I told him with that attitude he would never go pro because those looking for his talent would consider him high risk. He told me that I didn't know what I was talking about because I was "just a teacher".  I told him that he could always coach others if he loved the sport so much. He left my class that year barely passing my class. I figured I wouldn't see him again. The next year I had another student just like him, different sport.  This young man looked at the other student and threw my speech at him. I was in shock. He realized that no matter what we do in life we are a team of people, not an island.  

This book is important for kids everywhere to read this book to see what decisions Perry makes.  I absolutely love all of Max Anderson's books. They are full of important yet gentle lessons.

Funny Money by Max Elliot Anderson

Genre:  Middle Grade, Mystery, Adventure
Source: I purchased a copy

The summer is over and Kurt, Jordan, and Riley have moved on to another job. Kurt's uncle runs a bakery and Kurt and his friends are working for him making deliveries.  Every the thinker, Jordan comes up with a plan to make deliveries easier they connect two bikes to an old cart and add a battery powered motor to it with the help of their friend Emmett.  Now they can not only get up hills faster, but get away from the boys from school who are determined to bully them.
Kurt's uncle hurts his back and so Kurt tries to help out more around the bakery. One of the things he does is spends the night in a room they have for him above the bakery. It makes it easier for him to work later and get up earlier to make deliveries before school.  It isn't log before Kurt begins to notice something strange going on.  The vacant building across from the bakery has some new occupants that seem to only show up at night and seem to bring in a lot of unusual boxes.  At school in history they are learning about currency and counterfeiters.  This of course gets Kurt to thinkinng, especially when he learns that several businesses around town have been hit with funny money. Kurt gets it into his head that there is something strange with the business across the street and he's sure there must be some connection to the funny money.  Now all he has to do is convince his friends and come up with a plan.

Once again we have a wonderful mystery for kids to involve themselves in.

The Cat Burglars by Max Elliot Anderson

Genre: Middle Grade, Adventure, Mystery
Source: I purchased a copy

Like all of Max Elliot Anderson's books, this one kept me reading from beginning to end. Kurt and his two best friends Jordan and Riley are spending the summer working for Riley's father at the Bed and Biscuit, a kennel.  Some of their clients leave their cats there daily. The Kitty daycare has brought business in. Riley's father is increasing the space in his kennels and is having a Christmas in July for his clients.  There is a problem.  Several people in the neighborhood have returned from vacations to find their homes have been burgled. Unfortunately most of those people had housed their pet at the Bed and Biscuit.  Is there a connection?  Kurt thinks there is.  But what can he and his friends do to catch the burglars and save the "Bed and Biscuit"?

One of the things I enjoy about these books is that even though there are several books in this series they all read like stand alone books.  The mysteries are simple enough with enough twists and turns that even though I think I have it figured out I haven't. These are high interest for those who might not think they like to read.  Looking forward to reading several more of these.

Ghosts in the Old Attic by Max Elliot Anderson

Genre: Middle Grade, Adventure, Mystery

Source: I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Sam Cooper’s parents are moving the family to Louisiana. They want to open and bed and breakfast. Until they can find the perfect house, they are staying with his cousins Scooter and Shelley.  Louisiana is known for its ghosts and pirates.  Sam’s cousin loves telling Sam many stories. He even takes him to what he deems a haunted house.  When Sam hears strange noises and sees strange sights he can’t explain he’s ready to leave.  Scooter wants to go back.  As luck would have it, Sam’s parents find a house they can afford with the charm they want. Yep, you guessed it. It is the old historic mansion that Sam’s cousin believes is haunted.  If it isn’t haunted, then why would someone be trying to keep them out of the house?  Loved all the twists and turns in this book.  The twist at the end was wonderful.    I have read several of the Sam Cooper series and have several on my school shelves. I highly recommend not only these books, but all of this author’s books. It is always a pleasure to read and review them.

Shadow of the Fat Man by Max Elliot Anderson

Genre: Adventure

Source: I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Kurt is trying to earn money to buy a car by the time he reaches high school. He helps out Mr. Weaver at his hardware store. Mr. Weaver isn’t real fond of Kurt’s friends Riley and Jordan. They don’t seem to be as motivated as Kurt is.  Mr. Weaver needs the boys to clean his basement. They need to organize it and take inventory. The basement is shared with the restaurant next door. When the boys don’t finish by closing time, Mr. Weaver locks up. He tells Kurt to make sure he locks up and sets the alarm when he leaves.  Kurt can’t wait to show his friends the secret room he found while cleaning.  While in the basement they hear voices and realize it is coming from the restaurant. They over hear a crime being planned.  It seems once again trouble has found Kurt. How do you stop a crime when you don’t know when, where, or how it is going to happen, and you can’t even describe the criminals.  I really loved this one.  I kept holding my breath because the action is so strong in this one.   I really enjoy all of his books because they have not only the adventure aspect, but, some sort of mystery to them.  Once again I have to say this is a great book.

Danger Mountain by Max Elliot Anderson

Genre: Adventure

Source: I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

After the adventure at camp, Kurt’s father decides to take him with him on business to Colorado. The idea is that Kurt will stay with his cousin. That way he surely can’t get into any trouble. His father guesses wrong. When Kurt his cousin and two others witness  something they shouldn’t while on a hike in the mountains, things turn deadly. They have men chasing them, there are wild animals and the only way to escape is to climb higher.  The twist on this one was absolutely wonderful.  There is so much packed into these small books. I learned so much about hiking in the mountains just from reading the book.  Because it is non-stop action I have several reluctant readers I believe this will  interest.

Summer Camp Trouble by Max Elliot Anderson

Genre: Adventure, Middle Grade, Mystery

Source: I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Kurt and his friends can’t wait to go to summer camp. It is a Christian based camp. When a spoiled rich kid flies into camp in his father’ s helicopter, Kurt and his friends pray the kid doesn’t end up in their tribe. They see right away that Rudy is going to be trouble. He has suitcases full of candy to buy anything he wants. No matter what happens, or what havoc Rudy causes, Kurt is determined to be nice to him. When a fire starts, the question that the counselors asked one night becomes very real. “Would you be willing to lay down your life for another?”   The action never stops in these books.  I felt sorry for Kurt’s parents. It seems like no matter what he does, trouble just seems to find him.

The Secret of Grandmother’s Grandfather Clock by Max Elliot Anderson

The Accidental Adventures of Kurt Benson and His Friends, Riley and Jordan Series

Genre: Adventure, Mystery

Source:  I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

This author knows how to write stories that kids, especially boys, will love. They are just as popular with my girls.   I was familiar with his Sam Cooper series, but not this one.  The author graciously sent me books three through 6. Kurt Benson is the main character.  When his family receives a call one day telling them that Kurts grandfather has died.  Kurt soon learns that something may have caused his death. His grandfather had been a pilot and Kurt belongs to a flying club. The way he uses clues to help solve the mystery of what is going on in his grandfather’s town and what truly happened to his grandfather will keep you reading.

Chuga the Beluga by Carl F. Kristeller

Genre: Upper Elementary, Middle Grade, Adventure

Source:  I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

First let me say that we need more books like this one.  Chuga is a Beluga Whale. This is his first migration to Black Pebbled Beach. He must make some very important decisions that will affect him for life. Along the way he has the guidance of his mother and others. This is a simple yet important book because every child will be able to see themselves or others in this book. It deals with issues of new friends, bullying, building relationships based on kindness, how to show patience and most important, how to forgive. This will ring true with the youngest to the oldest showing the consequences of decisions they make.  This book is not preachy, which is what makes it so wonderful. Along this journey there is much to be learned about life in the ocean. 

Hunt For the Horseman - Gita V. Reddy

Genre: Middle Grade, Adventure, Mystery

Source: I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

For readers who have always loved the idea of exploring a house with hidden areas, this is the book for you. The children in this book are searching their ancestral home in India for a toy supposedly hidden by a cousin.  Family members for years have searched for this toy. Even more important they must try to find a very important paper. They are trying to save their ancestral home which is at risk of being taken from them. They need the paper to show they are the rightful owners of it.    Along the way the characters learn about their heritage. This was something I believe many of my students will be able to identify with.  Our school has a large Indian population.  I see the differences when some of them are born here in the United States and are clueless to their Indian Heritage. I also see how many of the students who were born in India and then moved to the United States handle the cultural differences.  I think a large part of the message found in this book is about family and embracing the differences within your cultural heritage. The adventure and mystery is something that kept me reading. I look forward to reading more from this author.

Remembrance by Carolyn Twede Frank Review and Blog Tour

Remembrance Book Blog Tour
December 1 Carolyn Twede Frank - franklycreative.blogspot.com
December 2 Sheila Staley - whynotbecauseIsaidso.blogspot.com
December 3 Susan Tietjen - susantietjen.blogspot.com
December 4 Sandra Stile - themusingsofabookaddict.com
December 5 Christy Frazier - pocketcheerleader.com
December 6 Christy Monson - christymonson.blogspot.com
December 7 Kathryn Olsen - kakiolsenbooks.com
December 8 Donna K. Weaver - weavingataleortwo.blogspot.com

Genre:  Young Adult, Christian, Adventure

Source: I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

It seems that Josh Sawyer finds him even when he is trying to do the right thing. Josh loves his drama class but hates that they are singing in the Christmas Gala. Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus has been sung as part of the Gala for decades.  This year they have been told they can’t sing the “Hallelujah Chorus”.  They have been given permission to choose another song that doesn’t have a religious meaning.  While joking around with the new kid Zane, Josh sarcastically declares they should sing the song he hates the most, “Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer.”  To his horror, Mrs. Kowalski agrees that is the song they will sing.  Then she takes her frustration out on the class by assigning them reports on classical musicians.

Josh’s girlfriend Ester invites him to use her Uncle’s Literary Loom to research the musician. I loved the idea of the literary loom Ester’s uncle invented a way to live a book, to travel through it through the character. This trip to learn about Handel is just the inspiration Josh needs to spur him into action to try to save the traditions of the school’s Christmas Gala. There are so many story lines throughout this book. We see a young man who is searching for the meaning of God.  We learn the secret Zane had been keeping. As Josh travels through the Literary Loom several times, he learns more about the meaning of Christmas. He questions why more people don’t celebrate the real meaning of Christmas.

This is a fabulous book to read at any time of year. It was perfect for right before Christmas. This book really hit home with me. I see more commercialism each year. I had a student ask me a couple of weeks back if we could have a Christmas party. I teach in a public school. I told him we didn’t have parties in middle school. He said, but it’s a Christmas party we need to celebrate Christmas. I told him we weren’t allowed to celebrate religious holidays in the classroom. He still didn’t get it. I told him we were not allowed to celebrate Jesus’ birthday.  He said, “What does Jesus have to do with anything? I want to celebrate Santa.”  It is books like this that allow me to introduce kids to God’s messages.

I have not yet read the first two books in this series. I can assure you I will.  I will also be purchasing the series for my classroom library. It is difficult to find faith-based messages in books for classrooms.  I am looking forward to sharing this one with my students.  I just really wish the Literary Loom were real.  

Purchase on Amazon
Find out more about the author here
.

http://www.franklycreative.blogspot.com./

The Whizbang Machine by Danielle A. Vann

Genre: Middle Grade, Young Adult, Fantasy, Adventure

Source: I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Synopsis from Goodreads:

After years of running from his tragic past, Jack Yale books a flight home. With him is a typewriter that is intended to be a gift for his granddaughter, Elizabeth. The minute Elizabeth’s fingers cradle the large black and cream keys the machine responses: popping, sizzling, and roaring to life with a Whiz-Whiz-BANG! Elizabeth quickly discovers the typewriter has powers beyond anything she has ever seen. The more she types, the more the machine spells out guarded secrets that need to be revealed in order to set history straight and remove a curse that has been on their family for centuries. To solve the mystery, Elizabeth Yale, alongside Jack, will have to crack the code of the Whizbang Machine. What they find challenges their most basic assumptions of their family, the history of the typewriter, and even Elizabeth’s father’s death. The ultimate goal is to remove the curse. The question is: will Jack and Elizabeth be able to carry out their mission?

My Thoughts:

Any time I can read a book that is so clean, yet so adventurous, it is a win-win situation. It is a win for me because I can recommend it to my students and parents. It is a win for my students because they are in for an adventure they won’t want to end. Most young kids have never seen or touched a typewriter. They may have seen pictures. They have so many different fonts available with computers today. The author used old typewriter font throughout the book so the reader knows when the typewriter is putting out a message.  This is what I call charming. One of my students thought it was cool because they had seen papers at their grandmother’s house that looked the same.

The adventures keep readers turning the pages. They are carried along on the adventure. The reader never feels like they are on the outside of the story reading along. It is more a feeling of traveling with Jack and Elizabeth as a third member.  It has a creepy, mysterious feel to it. These are all elements I love in a book.  I kept thinking about the dangerous aspects they find themselves in and if I would be the kind of grandparent to go on that adventure with a grandchild. I’d like to think I am adventurous enough I would, or that my grandchildren could persuade me to.  I definitely recommend this book to young and old alike. There are so many great things about it. You have a curse, a mystery, travel, history, and one adventure after another. I am definitely anxiously waiting for the next book by this author.

You can find out more about the author here:

Website

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Four Books by Koos Verkaik

Alex and the Wolpertinger – The Monster Inn

Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Middle Grade

Source: I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Alex is a young boy who was from the Alps. He found himself picking berries in Westland, the kingdom of Prince Ruff Rumble. This prince was the son of King and Queen Clover who ruled Northland. They had two other sons. Prince Dozen ruled Eastland, and their son Prince Prime ruled Southland. When Alex meets up with Prince Rumble he is taken to the castle to work in the kitchen. It is here he witnesses the capture of a very important magician, who has landed in the lake. The Prince locks him away. His parents soon arrive looking for the magician, who they tell the Prince can make gold. There is a big problem here. The magician’s magic books are all wet, the ink is smeared and his memory is going. He tells the Prince to make gold he needs help from the Downhills. The Prince agrees to send Alex and the kitchen cat Shabby Tabby Chum to get that help. Alex is shrunk down to the size of the cat. They find the magic tree that lets them into the Downhills. It is here their adventure begins as they meet and get help from a Wolpertinger.  I really enjoyed the mysterious adventure this author has written about.  I think young and old alike will enjoy this book.

Alex and the Wolpertinger – The Downhills

Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Middle Grade

Source: I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Alex’s adventures in the Downhills are not what he expected. He finally finds a way to help Halo the Magician, only to discover he can’t help the magician there. He must return to the Prince and get help from someone else. Like the first book, I enjoyed the land of the Downhills. I enjoyed all of the characters and the quest. The adventure and the situations they face because of Prince Ruff’s greed make this a book you just can’t put down. I really enjoyed it. Eventually I will read the other’s in this series.

Saladin the Wonder Horse

Genre:  Adventure, Middle Grade

source: I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

This is a wonderful tale from the middle ages. What happens when the King leaves his brother in charge of the country, while he joins the Crusades? Trouble is what happens. Prince John is not there for the people. He is there for himself and all that he can take. When he tries to take the horses that belong to Lord Baltimore, a young orphaned stable girl named Annie takes a young colt named Silver and flees.  She meets up with Saladin the wonder horse and his owner. She is trying to find Robin Hood while Prince John is trying to find her. She is saved multiple times by Silver and Saladin.

One thing that really impressed me about this author’s writing is his ability to write about complicated themes in a language children can understand. At the same time he never dumbs down or insults their intelligence. This for me, as a teacher, is very important when it comes to suggesting books to my students. This is one I will definitely recommend.

Nibelung Gold

Genre: Adult, Paranormal

Source: I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

This is a different type of book from the others I have reviewed. In this book we take a look at spiritualism in Europe in the early 19^th century.  While some put all paranormal activity under witchcraft, the main character sets out to prove whether the paranormal can be debunked or if it is real. Wilhelm Wolf and his mentor Jacob set out to debunk people who say they can do specific things. They often find wires and other hidden tricks. However, they are led to Were Keller who claims she is telekinetic.  During their visit Wolf has an experience he can’t explain. This leads him to search for more answers. The book is full of suspense, and gives us a look at the beginnings of Spiritualism and how many set out like Wolf to debunk these people. The book is well written. It is completely different from the author’s children’s books in style. It will be unlike any paranormal book you have read. It reads somewhat like a research journal as we find our main character doing just that, research. This author’s variety of styles in writing intrigues me and I will read more.