Book Review: Ghost in the Machine by Patrick Carman

Ghost in the Machine
by Patrick Carman
Skeleton Creek

Scholastic
ISBN-10: 0-54507-570-X
ISBN-13: 978-0-54507-570-1
Publication Date: October, 2009
List Price: $14.99

Review: Do you enjoy ghost stories? The Internet? Reading from a journal? Join Sarah Fincher and Ryan McCray on the adventure of a lifetime. Skeleton Creek is the journal of Ryan, who writes down everything he find out about his seemingly dull life, until they explore dredge, and discover it’s haunted. Have you read Skeleton Creek? Then Skeleton Creek, Book Two: The Ghost in the Machine, is the book for you. It sounds like a really thick book, but honestly it’s not. Do you want to know why? You need a computer to understand the full story. This is considered a multimedia story. Every 40 pages or so, you just hop on the computer when Ryan tells you to and use the password (the website is Sarahfincher.com). Ryan McCray and Sarah Fincher are on the brink of finding out the secret of dredge asset #42, Old Joe Bush, and the Crossbones. Ryan is almost ready to go back to school. The videos get scarier. And, you may just find a few surprises while you read.

Drudge asset #42 is haunted, presumably the ghost of Old Joe Bush, and nobody believes Sarah or Ryan about it. And it doesn't help that Ryan's parents banned him from seeing Sarah ever again. The one bad thing about Sarah is that she doesn't take “no” for an answer. Ryan starts to freak himself out. We wakes up one night to find that he had written “Don't make me come looking for you” on the wall above his bed. And what does he conclude?... its Old Joe Bush. Sarah's videos get creepier, Ryan's journal gets harder and harder to stop reading, and the stakes get higher. While Ryan has to help Sarah and discover things for her while his mother and father check his computer, and Ryan can't walk with a broken leg, let alone go meet up with Sarah. Follow these two in the second book in the Skeleton Creek series the Ghost in the Machine.

Patrick Carman has a unique way of doing things, and frankly, many readers enjoy it. Instead of a simple paper book, he decided to add some technology into it. Carman has written a delightfully terrifying story, and everybody I've spoken to about it seems to have loved it. It gives you quite a fright, but this book may make you a bit paranoid, like it did to me. I wish I could give it more stars, but I'm only allowed 5, so he deserves all of the 5. There is one thing I would like to point out, though. If anyone is without a computer, they only get to experience about half of the story, and anything Ryan tells them from the video. The best thing to enhance this story had been the scenery. Nice, little town in the middle of nowhere, nothing ever really bothered it, then Ryan and Sarah, two innocent kids, go and find out that the smallest little town on the face of the US, has the biggest secret they could imagine. Ryan especially gets more and more worried (or you could call it paranoid) and freaks out at the smallest things. All in all, this story has been very enjoyable, but I don't want to spoil anything for those who want to read the book for themselves.

Review written by Willow (6th grade student).

We would like to thank The Mehta Family for providing a copy of Ghost in the Machine for this review.

Have you read Ghost in the Machine? How would you rate it?

Book Review: Malice by Chris Wooding

Malice
by Chris Wooding
The Malice Series

Scholastic
ISBN-10: 0-54516-043-X
ISBN-13: 978-0-54516-043-8
Publication Date: October, 2009
List Price: $14.99

Review: It’s not just a myth. It’s MALICE. It’s horrifying, it’s real, and it’s written by Chris Wooding! Better yet, it’s only the first book in the adventure! After Malice, Havoc will be let loose. I’m not really into horror books like Malice, but I could NOT put Malice down for a moment! If Havoc doesn’t come out SOON I will DIE!

The rumor is that if you gather the right things and say the right words you’ll be taken to Malice, a deadly comic world. I would tell you the items and the chant you have to say but I don’t want to be responsible for children disappearing all over the world. But I will tell you that you’ll find out in Malice. Seth and Kady don’t believe in all this mumbo-jumbo. But then… their friend goes missing and it doesn’t seem so silly anymore. Soon Seth and Kady are on a wild adventure inside of Malice. Malice is much more real than they ever expected. Will they make it out ALIVE!? I know, but YOU don’t. Read it. Say the chant. Be the next to star in, and possibly survive in MALICE!

It’s horrifyingly real, and I can’t get enough of it! Even I’M tempted to say the chant and see if I end up in Malice, and I’m one of the biggest CHICKENS you’ll ever meet! I’m going to DIE if Havoc doesn’t come out SOON! Let’s talk characters a moment. Seth is the kind of guy that lives for adventure and keeping his adrenaline pumping. But unfortunately, the world, the WHOLE world has already been explored. He has a great attitude and would lift the world and move the sky to keep a promise. Kady comes from a rich family and is Seth’s BEST friend. She’s always trying to keep them safe. She has easy to change attitudes and is being trained in hypnosis by her mom. Justin you meet later in the story but is an important guy. He’s an I-can-do-it-myself kind of guy but he’s always there for his friends. Tatyana you’ll also meet later in the story but is as important as Justin is. Tatyana was killed by a chitter - a mechanical robot created by the timekeeper to suck the time out of people. She is now a mechanical saber tooth-tiger. (Don’t ask, you’ll find out in the story.) The setting and the plot are awesome. Did I mention I CAN’T WAIT for Havoc to come out? I give Malice a 1 million star review!

Review written by Amanda (6th grade student).

We would like to thank The Mehta Family for providing a copy of Malice for this review.

Have you read Malice? How would you rate it?

Book Review: Hunter Brown and the Consuming Fire by The Miller Brothers

Hunter Brown and the Consuming Fire
by The Miller Brothers
The Codebearers Series

Warner Press
ISBN-10: 1-59317-357-1
ISBN-13: 978-1-59317-357-9
Publication Date: September, 2009
List Price: $13.99

Review: Adventure, mysteries, and brain-washing: these topics all come together in Hunter Brown and the Consuming Fire. This is the second book in the Hunter Brown series written by Allan Miller and Christopher Miller - brothers. This action-packed book has Hunter Brown and his new friends Trista and Rob visiting different worlds and fighting the deathly Shadow. Will they defeat them or fail their quest?

Since Hunter’s first trip from Solondria nothing has gone his way. His friends desert him and things are becoming stranger and stranger. The author puts him back at school where Hunter believes he is being followed by the Shadow. But when he returns to Solondria, with his new friends, Trista and Rob, the Resistance is becoming weak. Hunter becomes the carrier of the Flame and is led on a new quest. He needs to find the seven that are marked by the Flame. Xaul an enemy is trying to stop them and threatens to destroy the Resistance. What will happen to Hunter Brown? Can he finish his quest or will it be too late?

Action-packed and fun to read is the second book of the Hunter Brown series. It was a great sequel to Hunter Brown and the Secret of the Shadow. I wanted to just keep reading it. The Miller brothers did a great job at keeping me interested. I loved all the action and how you never knew what would happen next; for example, when Hunter wanted to save Hope, but didn’t because she told him not to. Hunter Brown was an interesting character who changed a lot through the book. I liked how he never limited himself to doing one thing; he always found different ways. This book is great for people who love adventure. The settings always changed and were never boring. Hunter Brown and the Consuming Fire is the most exciting book I have read-so far. I cannot wait for the next book in the series.

Review written by Jennifer (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Warner Press for providing a copy of Hunter Brown and the Consuming Fire for this review.

Have you read Hunter Brown and the Consuming Fire? How would you rate it?

Book Review: The Doom Machine by Mark Teague

The Doom Machine
by Mark Teague
Non-series

The Blue Sky Press
ISBN-10: 0-54515-142-2
ISBN-13: 978-0-54515-142-9
Publication Date: October, 2009
List Price: $17.99

Review: “Suddenly, a column of turquoise light erupted from the darkness of Dutch Woods. A huge saucer rose to fill it, its rim spinning just above the tree line, its domed top and rounded bottom spilling light from stacked rows of yellow portholes. A collective gasp went up from the Outer Space Division and even a few scattered cheers. The ship hovered, throwing off swirling ribbons of gas. Then, like a bubble released from the bottom of a tub, it shot straight up into the starlit sky. Soon it was no more than a star itself. Then it was gone. In the aftermath, the town seemed darker than before. “Looks like Bud’s outdone himself, this time,” said Mrs. Creedle.” Thrilling, adventurous, an alien chase to the very end, The Doom Machine, written by Mark Teague, takes its readers on a journey out of this world. When is this exhilarating story occurring? What other point of time than 1956? To make the circumstances even more intriguing, a doom machine, disguised as a refrigerator will determine the fate of the universe!

Jack Creedle s the first to see the spaceship during his paper route. Who would believe the kid that always is threatened by the police officer about going to a reform school? This time, Jack is telling the truth, and that is made clear when the aliens broadcast themselves on television. The aliens want a device they call the special item. Afraid for their lives, the people of Vern Hollow, Jack’s hometown, flee. Isadora and her mother fit into the puzzle when their automobile breaks down. Is it destiny or chance that brings these two unlikely friends together? Nothing seems to go well from there as Jack, his uncle Bud, the police officer, the police officer’s son, Isadora, and her mother are abducted by the aliens which call themselves Skreeps. To make the situation worse, a machine that can put holes through time and space is created by Uncle Bud. This item is what the Skreeps called the special item. The special item is now in the possession of a Skreep named Xaafuun. Will these two young children overcome their differences and work together to stop the Skreeps, or will the universe fall to these spider like creatures whom are about to ruin their second planet?

The Doom Machine is a beautifully constructed story of companionship and a voyage through time and space. An obvious champion of the arts, Mark Teague has taken fiction to the next level! The arrival of a book two coming to stores would be of no surprise to me. It is a hope that Mark Teague will continue to write. The Doom Machine has soared past my expectations of what I believe to be an outstanding tale. Five stars is the max amount to give and is what I give this manuscript. In my opinion, The doom Machine has outdone itself with flying colors! Suspense and adventure fill this three hundred seventy six page book from the beginning to its end. I recommend this book for ages ten to fourteen because of its fun, play on words and marvelous sense of creativity. My eyes always fill with wonder as each character jumps from planet to planet. Joe the hobo only added on to the fun and adventure to the story. Mark Teague has inspired me to look at reading and reality a completely different way for the better. Mark Teague has built a track to skreepia that will keep children climbing for many generations to come!

Review written by Brandon (6th grade student).

We would like to thank The Mehta Family for providing a copy of The Doom Machine for this review.

Have you read The Doom Machine? How would you rate it?

Book Review: Crocodile Attack by Justin D'Ath

Crocodile Attack
by Justin D'Ath
Extreme Adventures

Kane Miller
ISBN-10: 1-935279-32-7
ISBN-13: 978-1-935279-32-7
Publication Date: March, 2010
List Price: $5.99

Review: Action, Suspense and hair-raising can describe the book Crocodile Attack written by a wonderful author named Justin D’Ath. This book is the first in the Extreme Adventures series that will knock people’s socks off of their feet. One rainy day, and when I mean rainy, I mean pouring and pouring like there was a tropical cyclone or something, which there was but anyway, Sam Fox and his little cousin Nissa get kidnapped by a teenage robber in the middle of Cyclone Kandy. When the getaway car crashes into Crocodile River, Sam and Nissa must face one ordeal after another to survive against the incredible odds. Sam fights to keep alive and Nissa out of unwelcome jaws. When not many things work out for Sam and Nissa, Sam must push his endurance to the highest level to save both of them!

I think this book should be rewarded for its action and entertainment! I can’t tell you readers how much this book should be read by all readers young and old. They would all like it as much as I did! My favorite part was when the log they were on turned 180 degrees and how Sam had to dive in the chilly waters of the overflowing river and pull Nissa out from under. I almost started to slip off my chair that I was reading on, that was how much this book is packed with suspense. The day I got this book, I knew I was going on a crazy ride on a crazy rollercoaster! I finished this book so fast it wasn’t even funny! Anyway I still can’t believe that the robber had a shotgun and wanted to steal money from one of the smallest stores in the whole town. On a scale of 1 to 5, 1 being the worst and 5 being the best, I rate this book a 5! I also recommend this book and any book from this series to any and all ages. Oh and this was one of my favorite dialog parts in the story, “I didn’t want to die, and I especially didn’t want to be killed by a crocodile. But there was no escape.”

Review written by Karan (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Kane Miller for providing a copy of Crocodile Attack for this review.

Have you read Crocodile Attack? How would you rate it?

Book Review: The Ever Breath by Julianna Baggott

The Ever Breath
by Julianna Baggott
Ever Breath Series

Delacorte Press Books for Young Readers
ISBN-10: 0-385-73761-0
ISBN-13: 978-0-385-73761-6
Publication Date: December, 2009
List Price: $16.99

Review: Funny, adventurous, and magical, these are all words that describe Julianna Baggott’s book- The Ever Breath. This is the first in the series the adventures of Camille and Truman, and it shows lots of promise.

We all live in the Fixed World, or the “normal” world (as we think of it). The Breath World is where creatures of our imagination live. This is because millions of years ago something split our worlds apart. Camille and her brother Truman are about to find out what holds our two worlds together, and what happens if they come apart. Keep in mind that Truman is allergic to everything in the fixed world, and Camille isn’t. That all changes in the Breath World though- it is the exact opposite. The Ever Breath is a stone that holds the two worlds together. If it is removed from its rightful spot both worlds will die. The Ever Breath is a stone with breath imbedded in it. No one knows the creator, but people call him a Being That Which Nothing Greater Can Be Conceived. Our world will die, because there will be no imagination, which means no dreams and no magical thinking. When the Ever Breath is stolen, Truman and Camille will have to find their father The King Of Jarkmen (who mysteriously disappeared), true Jarkmen (followers of Camille and Truman’s father the true king), and not to mention The Ever Breath itself.

I found The Ever Breath to be a good book. It is funny, and it keeps you wanting to read the next page. It kind of reminds me of The Chronicles of Narnia and Harry Potter combined. I also love how vivid the descriptions are. For example, “He emptied tea cup after tea cup- orangey bitters, strong berry flavors, various mint mixes- and Camille did too.” Baggott portrays the Breath World as a world that formed our entire imagination. She is very consistent, and she wrote a complicated plot. Fortunately the plot isn’t too hard to follow. It has just the right amount of creativity and complication to make it extremely interesting, and exciting. While I love the book and the fantasy of the book, I don’t really like the ending. It was a cliffhanger that said, “Find out what happens next in The Ever Cure coming in fall 2010.” While it leaves you waiting for the next book to come out, it also isn’t very impressive. The whole book was leading to a climax that only partially happened. I think that this book is meant for 4th graders and up. I rate it 4 out of 5 stars.

Review written by Kayley (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Random House for providing a copy of The Ever Breath for this review.

Have you read The Ever Breath? How would you rate it?

Book Review: January Joker by Ron Roy

January Joker
by Ron Roy
Calendar Mysteries

Random House Books for Young Readers
ISBN-10: 0-375-85661-7
ISBN-13: 978-0-375-85661-7
Publication Date: December, 2009
List Price: $4.99

Review: The first mystery series of the younger siblings from the A to Z Mysteries kids has just begun! In this book there are four kids, Bradley, Brian, Nate, and Lucy. All these kids have been friends for a long time, and coincidentally so have all their older siblings. All of them are about the same age, but the author didn’t find it necessary to add the exact ages. January Joker is clearly meant for younger kids.

January Joker is about the four younger siblings of the A to Z Mystery kids, and they have gotten their first detective case. What all starts as a harmless sleepover at Bradley and Brian’s house ends up to be a clue-packed book that is quite easy to follow. This is great for the younger sleuth readers! The kids will encounter everything from glowing lights in the distance, to “aliens” in the attic. But did the kids actually see what they said they saw, or is it just a prank that someone has pulled on them? Were the kids telling the truth? You can find all this out in January Joker.

I kind of liked this book, but clearly it is intended for younger children. This is the first book in the Calendar Mysteries series and certainly not the last. Unfortunately this book fell short in a few areas. First, it didn’t have any sensory details, and lacked depth in the descriptions. Plus, the book was unrealistic, because if the kids thought they saw aliens wouldn’t they just call for their parents, not the police? I know that I wouldn’t go straight into calling the police that’s for sure. On the other hand, this book has chapters but shorter chapters which is great for the child that is just starting to tackle chapter books. So overall I believe that this would suit a younger child just fine. The best audience for January Joker is for chapter book readers under the age of 8.

Review written by Gabrielle (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Random House for providing a copy of January Joker for this review.

Have you read January Joker? How would you rate it?

Book Review: Conspiracy 365: January by Gabrielle Lord

Conspiracy 365: January
by Gabrielle Lord
Conspiracy 365

Kane Miller
ISBN-10: 1-935279-49-1
ISBN-13: 978-1-935279-49-5
Publication Date: January, 2010
List Price: $10.00

Review: It’s New Year’s Eve. 15 year-old Callum Ordman is a boy living in Australia. His dad went to Ireland for a business meeting, but he came back jumbled up. He couldn’t talk and could only draw what he wanted. He died. Doctors think he died of a disease. January is only the beginning of the Conspiracy 365 series by Gabrielle Lord. Cal doesn’t realize it but, gangs will be after him to figure out things about the Ordman Riddle and they will kill.

Cal is heading home when he runs into a madman. The man says ‘They got your father. They are coming for you. You must survive the next year, or they will…’ then he is carried off by an ambulance. Cal then goes to the beach with his mom, uncle, & his sister Gabbi. He and his uncle are on a boat. The tanks that keep it afloat fail & they are pulled into the ocean. Cal climbs up to see sharks. He is rescued by a helicopter after long hours at sea. He goes home and a couple days later finds out that all the money in his family’s bank account is gone. Cal is kidnapped and questioned about the Ordman Riddle and the Ordman Angel. He said no. They asked him if he had any drawings from his dad. He said no again and they locked him up. He escaped. Later the Ordman’s are robbed and the only thing missing is the contents of a box Cal’s mom got from his dad. When Cal comes home another day he finds his uncle lying on the kitchen floor bleeding and his sister Gabbi upstairs not breathing. The authorities arrive and see Cal. They think he did the crimes. So he flees and hides in a home for awhile. He studies the drawings his dad sent him while his friend Boges brings him clothes, food, and keeps Cal updates on events. Later he hangs around a bar and it bursts into a flame then he is pulled into a car. The people interrogate him about the Ordman Riddle. He asks if they are with the other gang. They are surprised and ask Cal again about the riddle. When Cal says he knows nothing again they think he lied and throw him in a tank and fill it with oil.

Overall this is a 5 star book. The page numbers are written backwards so it says how many pages are left. The chapters are days and they are broken up into time periods like 12:37am, 8:23pm, January 2, ect. The Australian setting is a nice switch from other settings. This book has a mystery that will keep you reading until the last page. I think the rest of the series will be just as thrilling and mysterious, but go a little deeper into the whole riddle. I would recommend this book to fans of thrilling, mystery filled novels.

Review written by Zach (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Kane Miller for providing a copy of Conspiracy 365: January for this review.

Have you read Conspiracy 365: January? How would you rate it?

Book Review: BABYMOUSE #12: Burns Rubber by Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm

BABYMOUSE #12: Burns Rubber
by Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm
BABYMOUSE

Random House Books for Young Readers
ISBN-10: 0-375-85713-3
ISBN-13: 978-0-375-85713-3
Publication Date: January, 2010
List Price: $5.99

Review: Babymouse Burns Rubber is a classic tale of how a little fiction animal follows her dreams. Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm did a fantastic job with this book. This book simply has everything. It starts with a dream and then Babymouse nearly reaches her dream of driving in the Downhill derby. The book also includes the always important good deed. Babymouse Burns Rubber is the tenth book in the series.

The book begins with Babymouse riding her bike to school. However she looses focus and thinks she is in a race car and of course she crashes. After school she goes to her best friend Wilson’s house so he can fix her bike. Meanwhile she spots Wilson’s race car. It is at that very moment that Babymouse learns about the Downhill Derby. She knows that that is her time to shine. She wants to win extremely badly. In order to enter, she has to make her own vehicle. She dreams about the perfect ride and goes home and starts making a car of random junk. It doesn’t work out that well. Through a series of mishaps, Babymouse finds she eventually ready to fulfill her greatest dream, but her conscience stands in her way. What will she do?

This book is filled with passion, adventure, and humor, all the ingredients to a great book. I personally thought this was an amazing book. I had a few laughs every once and a while. And, it ends with a wonderful message for all children. Certainly,-children as young as 7 could read this book because the vocabulary was not very big. Plus it is a high-interest book-especially for early readers. Babymouse Burns Rubber is an inspiring book. I look forward to the eleventh book!

Review written by Sara (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Random House for providing a copy of BABYMOUSE #12: Burns Rubber for this review.

Have you read BABYMOUSE #12: Burns Rubber? How would you rate it?

Book Review: The Ectoplasmic Man by Daniel Stashower

The Ectoplasmic Man
by Daniel Stashower
The Further Adventures of Sherlock Holmes

Titan Books
ISBN-10: 1-848-56492-9
ISBN-13: 978-1-848-56492-3
Publication Date: November, 2009
List Price: $9.95

Review: Have you read a good mystery recently? I have! The book, The Ectoplasmic Man by Daniel Stashower comes from The Further Adventures of Sherlock Holmes series. This book takes place in the late 1800’s in London, England. Harry Houdini is performing in London, and while there, he becomes a suspect in a recent theft of important letters concerning the Prince of Wales and another woman. These letters concern the private life of the future King of England. Bess Houdini visits 221 B. Baker Street because she fears someone from Houdini’s past means him harm.

Although Sherlock Holmes declines to aide in Houdini’s protection, Watson attends Houdini’s performance that night, on the behalf of Bess Houdini. Dr. Watson accidentally rescues Houdini from his water trap trick only to have Inspector Lastrade arrest Houdini. Just then, Sherlock Holmes reveals himself from the crowd, and promises then and there to prove Houdini’s innocence. He asks Houdini one favor - Do not escape from Scotland Yard until asked to, and Houdini gives his word he will wait.

This book manages to mix real life people with fictional events and characters. The book brings these two larger-than-life men together in a believable, enjoyable mix of adventure and dialogue. I enjoyed this book because it is an enthralling read that took me from the streets of London to the countryside of England. David Stashower captured the essence of the greatest detective in his book. It felt as if Sir Arthur Conan Doyle himself wrote this book. Stashower did this by his use of dialogue and the descriptions of Victorian England. It felt as if I was actually there.

Having read The Hound of the Baskervilles, there is a distinct similarity between the writing styles of the two authors. I couldn’t tell The Ectoplasmic Man was written by someone more than 100 years later. There was nothing about this book to dislike whatsoever, in fact, I recommend this book to any reader - Sherlock Holmes fan or otherwise.

This book is part of a new series of Sherlock mysteries written by multiple authors. I look forward to reading the other books in the series - “The game’s afoot!”

Review written by Jonathan (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Titan Books for providing a copy of The Ectoplasmic Man for this review.

Have you read The Ectoplasmic Man? How would you rate it?

Book Review: Murder at the Lake by Bren Gaudet

Murder at the Lake
by Bren Gaudet
Amanda Christie

Synergy Books
ISBN-10: 0-9821601-9-4
ISBN-13: 978-0-9821601-9-0
Publication Date: August, 2009
List Price: $13.95

Review: Murder at the Lake is a thrilling mystery. Bren Gaudet did a credible job writing this book. She really made the characters come to life. 17- year old Amanda wanted to figure out who killed her uncle. I love the book so much that I can’t wait to read the next book in the series. This book is the first installment in the Amanda Christie Adventures.

Amanda Christie is visiting her aunt and some other members of the family in Austin, Texas. She is pretty nervous because no one on her uncle-in-law’s side of the family wanted Clyde and Grace to get married. They all think that Amanda’s family tricked uncle Clyde into marriage. Her uncle Clyde was murdered and Amanda‘s goal is to find out who did it. She soon finds that the murderer is not finished. To everyone’s horror, the guests all start to disappear. Amanda loses her cell phone. She has no idea who to trust. Amanda must find out who is killing her Uncle Clyde, before she becomes victim to the murder too!

I personally was very interested in this book. It was a mysterious and suspenseful. My only concern is that the writing was very large. However Bren really gave descriptive detail. For example she said “the humid Texas air blowing off the lake Travis assaulted me.” Amanda showed her determination and courage by really trying to face a murderer. If you are looking for a suspenseful mystery, you have found one.

Review written by Sara (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Phenix & Phenix for providing a copy of Murder at the Lake for this review.

Have you read Murder at the Lake? How would you rate it?

Book Review: Indian Summer by Tracy Richardson

Indian Summer
by Tracy Richardson
Non-series

Luminis Books
ISBN-10: 1-935462-25-3
ISBN-13: 978-1-935462-25-5
Publication Date: January, 2010
List Price: $11.95

Review: When Marcie goes to her grandparent’s house to spend the summer at Lake Pappakeechee, something extraordinary happens. Marcie soon finds out that Mr.Swyndall is going to destroy James Bay! Marcie knows that she has to stop Mr. Swyndall, before most of her greatest childhood memories are lost. Join Marcie in Indian Summer written by Tracy Richardson, an exciting fictional story with history and fun!

Marcie knows it will be a summer that is the same as all of her summer vacations, B-O-R-I-N-G. What she doesn’t know is that Kaitlyn Swyndall and her family are staying in their summer home across the lake from where Marcie is staying. When Marcie soon finds out that Kaitlyn’s dad is going to destroy James Bay, Marcie knows it is up to her. Marcie seeks out help from her friend’s dad, Al, her brother and her family. But when something bad happens to Al, a neighbor, Marcie finds something that will stop Mr. Swyndall from destroying James Bay.

Overall, I think Indian Summer is a fantastic story. The author is very talented person because she has gotten my whole family interested in her book. The book has no bad language or scenes which I thought was good. The author was very descriptive about the scenes in the story. My favorite thing about the book is that she used history about the Adena Indians. I really enjoyed learning history in a fun way. Another thing I really liked is that the book is appropriate for all ages. Indian Summer is one of the best books I have read for a long time. I have read many books but this one is fantastic. If I had to rate this book I would give it 10/10 stars because it was so good. I think everyone should read Indian Summer because it is an extraordinary book.

Review written by Sheila (6th grade student).

We would like to thank MM Book Publicity for providing a copy of Indian Summer for this review.

Have you read Indian Summer? How would you rate it?