The Adventures Continue

Now that my kids are going back to school I am thinking about adventure. We've had adventures and travel all summer and now we begin the adventure that is the school year. Here are two quick reviews for middle grade readers.

"The Loser List"

By H. N. Kowitt
For Ages 9 - 12
It’s not "Diary of a Wimpy Kid," but kids who like that series will like this book too. Rated 3.75 (school story and bullying)
This diary style story follows comic book lover Danny Shine through the school year at Thorn Underwood Middle School. Bullies, graffiti, sharpie tattoos and stolen comics keep this enjoyable story moving at a fast pace. Sure "The Loser List" is similar in style and content to the Wimpy Kid books, but the message is very strong and enjoyable. Be who you are and be proud of it.

"The 39 Clues: Vespers Rising"
By Rick Riordan, Peter Lerangis, Gordan Korman, Jude Watson
For Ages 9 - 12
The hunt for the 39 clues may be over but, the Cahill’s story is far from finished in "Vespers Rising." Rated 4 (mystery, historical adventure, peril)
The newest edition in the 39 Clues series introduces us to a new family – the Vespers. With a history lesson on the creation of the secret formula, Gideon Cahill, Madeleine Cahill and Grace Cahill we learn about the newest threat to Amy, Dan and the rest of the Cahill family. Action, adventure and historical facts are blended into fast fiction and an enjoyable read. As in all the other books in the series there is a great deal of peril and even some deaths. So it can get pretty intense for some readers. Fans of the series will enjoy the family background and the adventure.