Books you can trust...For readers 8 and up.
Barney and the Runaway – Available now.
By
This review is from: Barney and the Runaway (Paperback)
Did you ever want to run away and join the circus? Did you ever actually try it? Michael Ellis lives in Independence, MO, is waiting for his twelfth birthday, and has recently told his dad and mom that he wants to be called Mike from now on. But he has problems in school with not doing his work, and his parents always seem to be correcting him and telling him what to do, so he decides to teach them all a lesson by pretending to run away with his dog Barney. The two sneak out one night, planning to stay only long enough to scare his parents and make them appreciate him more, but the plan goes awry.
Mike and Barney climb into a railroad boxcar full of hay to spend the night, but they fall asleep and end up in Georgia with a circus. Fortunately, they are discovered by Big Bob the Clown and are taken to safety in his wagon. Big Bob tries to encourage the boy to get in touch with his parents, but Mike refuses. Barney is a smart dog, and his tricks earn him and Mike a part in the clown show at the circus. Mike begins to think that living and performing with the circus might be the answer to his problems. Meanwhile, someone is trying to sabotage the circus, and their plans might hurt Mike and Barney. Is there anything that they can do to thwart the plot? And will Mike learn anything from the story of Big Bob's own unfortunate past that will help him understand that his parents truly love him?
Author Max Elliot Anderson grew up as a struggling, reluctant reader and knows exactly what will grab the attention of "tween" boys. I did this book as a read aloud for our fourteen-year-old son (of course, he reads a lot on his own, but we still like to do reading aloud too) who said that it is great. There is much to commend it. Of course, it is filled with action, mystery, and excitement that will keep both boys and girls turning the pages to see what happens next. But there are also important lessons that children will be able to discern along with Mike, such as the importance of family and the fact that we often don't appreciate what we have until it's gone. One thing which I especially like is Big Bob's belief that God brought Mike to him so that he could explain what had happened to him as a youngster and help the boy understand his own situation better. Barney and the Runaway is a marvelous adventure book for young people that gets kudos from me.
Mike and Barney climb into a railroad boxcar full of hay to spend the night, but they fall asleep and end up in Georgia with a circus. Fortunately, they are discovered by Big Bob the Clown and are taken to safety in his wagon. Big Bob tries to encourage the boy to get in touch with his parents, but Mike refuses. Barney is a smart dog, and his tricks earn him and Mike a part in the clown show at the circus. Mike begins to think that living and performing with the circus might be the answer to his problems. Meanwhile, someone is trying to sabotage the circus, and their plans might hurt Mike and Barney. Is there anything that they can do to thwart the plot? And will Mike learn anything from the story of Big Bob's own unfortunate past that will help him understand that his parents truly love him?
Author Max Elliot Anderson grew up as a struggling, reluctant reader and knows exactly what will grab the attention of "tween" boys. I did this book as a read aloud for our fourteen-year-old son (of course, he reads a lot on his own, but we still like to do reading aloud too) who said that it is great. There is much to commend it. Of course, it is filled with action, mystery, and excitement that will keep both boys and girls turning the pages to see what happens next. But there are also important lessons that children will be able to discern along with Mike, such as the importance of family and the fact that we often don't appreciate what we have until it's gone. One thing which I especially like is Big Bob's belief that God brought Mike to him so that he could explain what had happened to him as a youngster and help the boy understand his own situation better. Barney and the Runaway is a marvelous adventure book for young people that gets kudos from me.
Reviewed by The Old Schoolhouse - May 2011
Michael Ellis is in trouble-- again. He's tired of getting in trouble, he's tired of being sent to his room, and he's tired of rules altogether! He decides to teach his parents a lesson by running away. He and his best friend--a dog named, Barney--decide to camp out all night in a boxcar. Though they don't mean to be gone too long, things take a scary turn when the boxcar suddenly begins to move. Michael and Barney are trapped on a circus train traveling all the way from Missouri to Georgia, but fortunately Big Bob the clown takes them in, providing safety, food, and even friendship. In the midst of action-packed adventure that involves earning a spot in the show, rescuing Barney from bad guys, and eventually saving the circus from closing down for good, Michael learns a very important lesson.
Specifically written for tween boys, Barney and the Runaway provides reluctant readers with an easy read that is realistic yet adventurous enough to keep interest. Readers won't be bogged down by hard-to-pronounce words and literary jargon--no delving deep in search of symbols, metaphors, and the like. The book is also rather short--only 130 pages. Long books can seem daunting to tweens who don't love to read. It's nice for my children to get a break every now and then from classical literature so that they can read for the sake of simply enjoying a good story.
I assigned Barney and the Runaway to my third grade son, and upon finishing, he shrugged his shoulders and said it was good. Unless it's a Diary of the Wimpy Kid book, he typically doesn't act overly thrilled when it comes to reading. One thing I do know is that he never once became frustrated while reading the book, and he completed his book report form without a hitch!
Max Elliot Anderson incorporates Christian values in his books for tweens, which is comforting to me as a parent. A few topics of discussion you might want to consider for Barney and the Runaway are: the importance of family, the reasons for rules, and the meaning of true love. While there won't be a need for a vocabulary list for this book, you might want to point out the misspelled word on page 10 before giving the book to your child--or better yet, see if he can find it! (The word used, complement, should actually be compliment.) This minor error in no way detracts from the story.
Overall, I was pleased with Barney and the Runaway and would recommend it as a great summer read or, as I mentioned above, as a break from your child's regular literature curriculum. Purchase it for just $10.99 from www.comfortpublishing.com .
******
Reviewed by: Sarah Bailey
Eclectic Homeschool Association
Barney and the Runaway by Max Elliot Anderson is a book that will grip the children with the story and make them want to keep reading. We are introduced to Michael Ellis and his dog Barney, and his point of view, which is very different from how his parents perceive what is going on. Michael decides his parents don’t love him and decides to scare them by spending the night in a train car. However, he gets the scare of his life when the train begins moving.
Meeting up with some unlikely characters along the way, Mike learns what family and love really are and that they can’t be taken for granted. With 130 pages and 14 chapters, this book reads relatively quickly and is enjoyable from beginning to end. Whether read aloud as a family or read quietly to oneself, this book provides plenty of mental pictures for the imagination.
The book is mainly written for the older boy. However, both boys and girls of all ages could easily read and enjoy this story and understand the morals that underlie it. Max Elliot Anderson has written a wonderful book about Faith, family, and the tie that binds that all ages will enjoy.
http://eclectichomeschool.org/store/
Sarah Bailey
I am a homeschooling mom in our second year. I am eclectic in our approach and use what works for each child. My husband and I have been married 8 year and we have 3 blessings from the Lord..
Copyright © Eclectic Homeschool Association
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Lost Island Smugglers – Book #1 in the Sam Cooper Adventure Series – Available now
Reviewed by: Sarah Bailey
Eclectic Homeschool Association
Barney and the Runaway by Max Elliot Anderson is a book that will grip the children with the story and make them want to keep reading. We are introduced to Michael Ellis and his dog Barney, and his point of view, which is very different from how his parents perceive what is going on. Michael decides his parents don’t love him and decides to scare them by spending the night in a train car. However, he gets the scare of his life when the train begins moving.
Meeting up with some unlikely characters along the way, Mike learns what family and love really are and that they can’t be taken for granted. With 130 pages and 14 chapters, this book reads relatively quickly and is enjoyable from beginning to end. Whether read aloud as a family or read quietly to oneself, this book provides plenty of mental pictures for the imagination.
The book is mainly written for the older boy. However, both boys and girls of all ages could easily read and enjoy this story and understand the morals that underlie it. Max Elliot Anderson has written a wonderful book about Faith, family, and the tie that binds that all ages will enjoy.
http://eclectichomeschool.org/store/
Sarah Bailey
I am a homeschooling mom in our second year. I am eclectic in our approach and use what works for each child. My husband and I have been married 8 year and we have 3 blessings from the Lord..
Copyright © Eclectic Homeschool Association
********
Lost Island Smugglers – Book #1 in the Sam Cooper Adventure Series – Available now
5.0 out of 5 stars Review From Marilyn Rockett, Homeschooling Today Magazine, March 30, 2011
This review is from: Lost Island Smugglers (Paperback)
Boys love adventure, excitement, and challenge, but often they don't like to read. Max Elliot Anderson, author of Lost Island Smugglers (Port Yonder Press, 2010), understands because he grew up hating to read. Now he writes adventure stories for boys aged eight to twelve (but girls love them too). What mother doesn't want to find a book with good values wrapped around an adventure story her sons will enjoy?
Fans of Anderson's seven previous stories will notice that this new Sam Cooper Adventure Series departs from Anderson's prior writing. His earlier books have had different characters and settings, but Lost Island Smugglers is the first in the new series featuring the same central characters.
A Life-and-Death Adventure
Sam Cooper, the new boy in town again, hates to move. His father's job as a research biologist takes the family to many interesting places, but it is always hard for Sam to find new friends before it is time to pack up and leave. He wants this move to Florida to be different, but when Sam meets Tony and Tyler at his new church, he doesn't foresee how different it will be!
Learning to scuba dive with his new friends begins as a fun adventure for Sam but turns into a scary, life-threatening experience because of the boys' disobedience. A hurricane, a deserted island, and a secret hideout for some frightening characters with high-powered speedboats make the boys wonder whether they will live to see their parents again. They learn a lesson in truth and that it isn't wise to try to get away with something thinking no one will find out about it.
Some have said that Sam Cooper Adventures are like good family movies, and Anderson brings his award-winning film and video production experience to the written page in stories that will encourage boys to read. Additional titles in the Sam Cooper series, coming soon, include Captain Jack's Treasure and River Rampage. To learn more about Max Anderson and his writing, visit
*******
Reviewed by The Old Schoolhouse Magazine March 2011
"Sam wondered what kind of bad thing Tony was thinking about doing. He didn't want to be part of anything he could get into some serious trouble for."
Sam's family is moving--again. This time his dad's job is taking them to Florida. At first he's worried about making new friends, but he ends up meeting two kids right away--Tony and Tyler from church. Tony's dad owns a marina and treats the three boys to scuba diving lessons. Once they've passed their final exam, Tony wants to brave the real ocean without adult supervision. Tyler's in. Will Sam risk everything to join in the fun? What follows is an extraordinary event none of them could have fathomed.
Lost Island Smugglers was the perfect book for my third grader, whose least favorite subject is reading. Max Elliot Anderson writes in everyday, conversational language, providing a simple yet enjoyable adventure story for children between the ages of 8 and 11. Even though there are 255 pages, the print is large. My son liked being able to read without the hassle of defining a long list of vocabulary words, answering comprehension questions, and discussing literary terms--things he says "take the fun out of reading."
My son really enjoyed this novel and even finished early. Because I used this book as part of his homeschool reading lesson, I did give an assignment--a book report. Writing a report was a great way for him to practice summarizing, ordering events, and writing complete sentences. Parents or teachers could also include moral discussions about divorce, lying, friendship, trustworthiness, and obedience.
At the end of the book, there is a picture and a short lesson on the catamaran, the same type of boat Sam, Tony, and Tyler sailed. Children can also read about how to make a shelter in the wilderness, but I think our family will play it safe and go with making the recipe for the delicious Chocolate Dessert!
You can provide your middle-grade reader with an easy-to-read adventure for just $8.95! I think this book is great for boys, especially boys who might not be overly excited when it comes to reading. I am already planning to buy the next book in the Sam Cooper Adventure Series for my son during summer vacation.
http://www.maxbooks.9k.com/ For interesting and fun information about raising boys and reading, visit Anderson's blog: http://booksandboys.blogspot.com/
Marilyn Rockett is a graduated homeschool mother of four sons, grandmother to five home-taught boys, and great-grandmother to one boy. She has read to boys for countless hours and survived their adventures.
Originally published in Homeschooling Today® magazine (Jan/Feb 2011). Used by permission. All rights reserved.
5.0 out of 5 stars an exciting, action-packed adventure story, August 26, 2010
By
This review is from: Lost Island Smugglers (Paperback)
How do you think that you would react if you were caught in a storm at sea and landed on a deserted island only to find out that it was the hideout of drug smugglers? Samuel Clement Cooper, age eleven, lives with his dad, who is a research biologist, and mom. Mr. Cooper's job has kept the family moving frequently during Sam's short life, so he's always the new kid in school and has difficulty making friends. Now, they are moving to Harper's Inlet, FL, and his dad will be working on a project in the Everglades. The contract is for two years, but they might get to stay five. At Sunday school in the church where the Coopers decide to attend, Sam meets Tony and Tyler. Tony's father owns a marina, so Tony invites Tyler and Sam to take free scuba lessons. One day, while Tony's father is away on a buying trip, the boys decide to try out their new skills by taking one of the rental sailboats, a catamaran, and scuba diving in the ocean. The only problem is that they don't have permission and don't let anyone know. Everything seems all right until a big storm blows up suddenly. Their boat is smashed to pieces and they find themselves stranded on Lost Island, where they build themselves a shelter, find a wrecked boat with some food, and think of how they might survive until help arrives--if it ever does. But that is not the worst news. The three discover that the island is a secret hideout used by drug smugglers with high powered speed boats. Sam and his friends know that they need to do something to stop the men. But what? Will they succeed or get themselves killed? And will they ever be rescued?
Author Max Elliot Anderson grew up as a reluctant reader. Therefore, he has written action adventures and mysteries for readers eight and up, especially boys. We did Lost Island Smugglers as a bed-time read aloud, and everyone thought that it is great. It is certainly an exciting, action-packed adventure story that both boys and girls will enjoy. In addition, I liked two other things about the book: that religion is portrayed as a normal part of people's lives, and that good character traits are emphasized. Yes, Sam, Tony, and Tyler make a terrible mistake in sneaking off without telling anyone and suffer some serious consequences as a result. However, they learn a valuable lesson from their disobedience, and so will children who read the book. Book #2, Captain Jack's Treasure, is already in production, and Book #3, River Rampage, is also planned. Several of Anderson's other books for boys are being republished as well by Comfort Publishing. They'll release Barney and the Runaway this fall and follow that by republishing The Newspaper Caper, Terror at Wolf Lake, North Woods Poachers, Mountain Cabin Mystery, Big Rig Rustlers, Secret of Abbott's Cave, and Legend of the White Wolf.
******
Reviewed By: Aaron Garrett - Eclectic Homeschool Online
Newspaper Caper, written by Max Anderson, is one of the better books I have read. It held my attention with its exciting plot, well-developed characters, and a feeling that what happens in the book could actually happen to someone in real life. I would recommend it to readers between the ages of 9-14. Newspaper Caper is the second installment of the Tweener Press Adventure Series. This story revolves around a twelve-year-old boy named Tom and his two friends, Matt and Jimmy. Tom has convinced Matt and Jimmy that they will become the most physically fit try-outs for their school football team if they help him with his paper route every morning. One day, while delivering papers, they see a strange sight: a man trying to open a car when the key won't work. When the man sees the boys, he runs to a tow truck and drives off. The next day, while rolling papers, Tom notices a headline about car thefts. The mystery unfolds from this point. With its humor, mystery, and the reminder that God is always with you, this book makes me want to read the other books in the Adventure Series.
North Woods Poachers - To Be Re-published September 1, 2011
Reviewed by - HOME SCHOOL BOOK REVIEW
North Woods Poachers - To Be Re-published September 1, 2011
Rating: 5 stars (EXCELLENT)
Reviewed by Wayne S. Walker
For more information e-mail homeschoolbookreview@gmail.com
Do you know what a poacher is? Andy Washburn, almost twelve, and his cousin CJ, the same age, are making their annual two-week fishing vacation trip with their families from their home in the United States to Dore Lake in northern Saskatchewan, Canada. They have been doing this as long as they can remember, but neither boy really likes to fish all that much, so this year they plan for things to be different.
They hope that their parents will agree to let them fish a day or two then be allowed to explore the area around their cabins. At the border crossing station, their trucks are searched and they see another vehicle out of which a crate of wood turtles and two bags of eagle feathers are taken by the authorities. Poachers!
When they arrive at Dore Lake, some strange things start happening. A couple of black planes fly in to a nearby deserted lodge after dark and out again before morning on several nights. While playing in the woods, the boys and their nine-year-old sisters Sarah and Jessica climb an old forest fire watch tower, and with his dad's telescope, which he took without permission, Andy sees some things which lead him to the conclusion that the lodge houses poachers. As they investigate further, they are chased by men on ATVs through the woods and on jet skis over the lake, as well as by
vicious guard dogs.
CJ is a computer whiz who tests new products for his father's electronics store and has brought a lot of the newest gadgets along.
They come in very handy. But will the boys get caught? And will
their families be safe?
This is the second book by author Max Elliot Anderson that I have read, and both have been great. Max uses an exciting and adventuresome story to appeal to struggling, reluctant readers. Yet, there is more than just an interesting tale here. The Washburn cousins, who are also best friends, are motivated by a sense of justice at the mistreatment of the animals by the poachers. There is also the importance of family traditions and respecting one's parents. And it is realistic. The kids are not "perfect." They make some mistakes, but the boys learn the valuable lesson that one must be careful in striving to do good not to use the wrong means. It is always enjoyable to read a good book which pictures happy, two-parent families who, in spite of any problems that may arise, love each other and learn to solve their difficulties. I would happily take an Anderson book over much of what is palmed off as young people's literature today.
****************
MOUNTAIN CABIN MYSTERY - To Be Re-published Soon
Reviewed By: Jean Hall -
Eclectic Homeschool Online
How refreshing it is to find a mystery story written for 8 - 12 year olds that is relevant to modern times and yet retains an old-fashioned flavor. My eight-year-old read it through twice in one day, and I must admit I found it held my own attention and even elicited several chuckles along the way. One of my pet peeves is fiction written for this age group. So often things are glorified that are better left unsaid: dating, defiance, "naughtiness," talking back to parents. So many times the children are portrayed as smarter than the adults. So many times the parents don't understand the children and so the children must go to other adult figures (grandparent, youth leader, teacher, janitor, anyone but a parent) for advice. In Mountain Cabin Mystery three twelve-year-old boys have been taking a class in wilderness survival and have passed a test in order to qualify for a wilderness camp in the Colorado mountains. Each of the boys has a distinct personality, without straying into clich‚: the planner and natural leader, the worrier, and the one who doesn't quite play by the rules, though he's more mischievous than rebellious. The boys are respectful, the parents are wise (for the most part, but also human and at one point in the story, played for humor), the other adult figures are appropriately placed, and Christian themes are deftly woven into the story, not hammered in. Because two of the boys do not follow instructions, all three end up in trouble, separated from the main body of campers, and by not following the lessons they learned, they get deeper into trouble. They remember their lessons when it's too late (Don't go off the trail! When you're lost, stay put!), but keep on going, drawing on the knowledge they acquired in their class, making choices to the best of their young ability, and getting into - and out of - a very frightening and challenging situation with youthful ingenuity and a little bit of Providence. As a result, they help a great many other people... but I don't want to spoil the story for you.
Lay Ups and Long Shots
We have all heard the old saying, "It's not whether you win or lose, but how you play the game." Darby Creek Publishing says, "It's whether you get out there and play the game!" In this sequel to Sport Shorts, nine contemporary authors provide short stories that depict the problems and difficulties all athletes must conquer in order to be successful in their sports. Joseph Bruchac and Terry Trueman both investigate basketball and perseverance. Lynea Bowdish tells about a girl who cannot climb a rope in gym class but finds out what she can do. David Lubar explores how one boy trained to be the next table tennis champion. CS Perryess looks at a BMX rider who isn't really sure that dirt-bike racing is a girl's sport. Dorian Cirrone discusses how a surfer overcame his boundaries and enjoyed the ride. Jamie McEwan talks about a boy's embarrassing incident during whitewater rafting. Max Eliot Anderson focuses on the new kid in school with an unusual ability who goes out for the football team. And Peggy Duffy describes one girl's challenges when she is caught between her traditional Korean upbringing and her American love of soccer. Any child who engages in sports should really like these stories. However, as they demonstrate (or seek to promote) good attitudes on the part of both those who play and those who watch, they can be beneficial for athletes and benchwarmers alike. Indeed, they will inspire and encourage all young people to let that athlete within have a try. Aimed primarily at middle-school-aged students, each of the stories has an special plot twist or surprise that will make them interesting reading for people of every age. The book is a Junior Library Guild Selection and certainly deserves the honor. Never much of a sports person myself, I thoroughly enjoyed the book and give it my hearty endorsement.
********
Other books coming soon.
Terror at Wolf Lake
Mountain Cabin Mystery
The Secret of Abbott's Cave
Legend of the White Wolf
Reviewed by Wayne S. Walker
For more information e-mail homeschoolbookreview@gmail.com
Do you know what a poacher is? Andy Washburn, almost twelve, and his cousin CJ, the same age, are making their annual two-week fishing vacation trip with their families from their home in the United States to Dore Lake in northern Saskatchewan, Canada. They have been doing this as long as they can remember, but neither boy really likes to fish all that much, so this year they plan for things to be different.
They hope that their parents will agree to let them fish a day or two then be allowed to explore the area around their cabins. At the border crossing station, their trucks are searched and they see another vehicle out of which a crate of wood turtles and two bags of eagle feathers are taken by the authorities. Poachers!
When they arrive at Dore Lake, some strange things start happening. A couple of black planes fly in to a nearby deserted lodge after dark and out again before morning on several nights. While playing in the woods, the boys and their nine-year-old sisters Sarah and Jessica climb an old forest fire watch tower, and with his dad's telescope, which he took without permission, Andy sees some things which lead him to the conclusion that the lodge houses poachers. As they investigate further, they are chased by men on ATVs through the woods and on jet skis over the lake, as well as by
vicious guard dogs.
CJ is a computer whiz who tests new products for his father's electronics store and has brought a lot of the newest gadgets along.
They come in very handy. But will the boys get caught? And will
their families be safe?
This is the second book by author Max Elliot Anderson that I have read, and both have been great. Max uses an exciting and adventuresome story to appeal to struggling, reluctant readers. Yet, there is more than just an interesting tale here. The Washburn cousins, who are also best friends, are motivated by a sense of justice at the mistreatment of the animals by the poachers. There is also the importance of family traditions and respecting one's parents. And it is realistic. The kids are not "perfect." They make some mistakes, but the boys learn the valuable lesson that one must be careful in striving to do good not to use the wrong means. It is always enjoyable to read a good book which pictures happy, two-parent families who, in spite of any problems that may arise, love each other and learn to solve their difficulties. I would happily take an Anderson book over much of what is palmed off as young people's literature today.
****************
MOUNTAIN CABIN MYSTERY - To Be Re-published Soon
Reviewed By: Jean Hall -
Eclectic Homeschool Online
How refreshing it is to find a mystery story written for 8 - 12 year olds that is relevant to modern times and yet retains an old-fashioned flavor. My eight-year-old read it through twice in one day, and I must admit I found it held my own attention and even elicited several chuckles along the way. One of my pet peeves is fiction written for this age group. So often things are glorified that are better left unsaid: dating, defiance, "naughtiness," talking back to parents. So many times the children are portrayed as smarter than the adults. So many times the parents don't understand the children and so the children must go to other adult figures (grandparent, youth leader, teacher, janitor, anyone but a parent) for advice. In Mountain Cabin Mystery three twelve-year-old boys have been taking a class in wilderness survival and have passed a test in order to qualify for a wilderness camp in the Colorado mountains. Each of the boys has a distinct personality, without straying into clich‚: the planner and natural leader, the worrier, and the one who doesn't quite play by the rules, though he's more mischievous than rebellious. The boys are respectful, the parents are wise (for the most part, but also human and at one point in the story, played for humor), the other adult figures are appropriately placed, and Christian themes are deftly woven into the story, not hammered in. Because two of the boys do not follow instructions, all three end up in trouble, separated from the main body of campers, and by not following the lessons they learned, they get deeper into trouble. They remember their lessons when it's too late (Don't go off the trail! When you're lost, stay put!), but keep on going, drawing on the knowledge they acquired in their class, making choices to the best of their young ability, and getting into - and out of - a very frightening and challenging situation with youthful ingenuity and a little bit of Providence. As a result, they help a great many other people... but I don't want to spoil the story for you.
You'll just have to go and read it for yourself.
********
Lay Ups and Long Shots
REVIEWED BY: Wayne Walker Homeschool Book Reviews
We have all heard the old saying, "It's not whether you win or lose, but how you play the game." Darby Creek Publishing says, "It's whether you get out there and play the game!" In this sequel to Sport Shorts, nine contemporary authors provide short stories that depict the problems and difficulties all athletes must conquer in order to be successful in their sports. Joseph Bruchac and Terry Trueman both investigate basketball and perseverance. Lynea Bowdish tells about a girl who cannot climb a rope in gym class but finds out what she can do. David Lubar explores how one boy trained to be the next table tennis champion. CS Perryess looks at a BMX rider who isn't really sure that dirt-bike racing is a girl's sport. Dorian Cirrone discusses how a surfer overcame his boundaries and enjoyed the ride. Jamie McEwan talks about a boy's embarrassing incident during whitewater rafting. Max Eliot Anderson focuses on the new kid in school with an unusual ability who goes out for the football team. And Peggy Duffy describes one girl's challenges when she is caught between her traditional Korean upbringing and her American love of soccer. Any child who engages in sports should really like these stories. However, as they demonstrate (or seek to promote) good attitudes on the part of both those who play and those who watch, they can be beneficial for athletes and benchwarmers alike. Indeed, they will inspire and encourage all young people to let that athlete within have a try. Aimed primarily at middle-school-aged students, each of the stories has an special plot twist or surprise that will make them interesting reading for people of every age. The book is a Junior Library Guild Selection and certainly deserves the honor. Never much of a sports person myself, I thoroughly enjoyed the book and give it my hearty endorsement.
********
Other books coming soon.
Mountain Cabin Mystery
The Secret of Abbott's Cave
Legend of the White Wolf
