The 39 Clues; The Maze of Bones

The first book in the 39 Clues series is called, The Maze of Bones, by Rick Riordan. He does a great job setting up the premise of the story. Two orphans must choose whether they want to take an inheritance or accept a quest. They accept the quest. There is peril and intrigue as soon as they begin the quest. Mysterious characters are introduced and little known history is woven seamlessly into the story. I found it very interesting.

Each chapter focuses on the perspective of a different character. This approach to the story occasionally interrupted the flow for me.

This is an excellent book series for any adventurous child that enjoys reading a good mystery.

Benjamin Pratt & The Keeper of the School

Benjamin Pratt & The Keeper of the School is the latest book by Andrew Clements, my son's favorite author. It's the first book in a series.

The book is a mystery set in a school about to be torn down to make a theme park. Benjamin and his sidekick, Jill, are trying to save the school by finding clues left by the founders of the school.

I enjoyed the book and will read the next book in the series when it comes out.

Landon Snow And the Auctor's Riddle

Landon Snow And the Auctor's Riddle, by R.K. Mortenson is the first book in a series of six or seven books. I think the message of the book is great, but I got a little bogged down with the fantasy details. I wondered as I read if all the detail was necessary.

Pictures of Hollis Woods

I finished reading Pictures of Hollis Woods by Patricia Reilly Giff, a Newberry Honor book. It's because of books like this that I love to read and want to write. I could not put it down. Ms. Giff had me completely tied up with her character, Hollis Woods. The story is told in a unique and fascinating manner using flashbacks and drawings created by Hollis Woods.

I loved the book and recommend it to middle-grade novel readers everywhere.

Two New Book Contracts

I am happy to report that I received two new nonfiction picture book contracts this week with E&E Publishing.

E&E Publishing has a wonderful book out about being a freelance writer by Nancy Sanders, called Yes You Can . . . Write Children's Books. Check it out. If you want a career in writing for children, it's an excellent tool to help shape and guide your career.

I just finished reading Maniac Magee, by Jerry Spinelli. It was a Newberry Honor book and I see why. It was thought provoking and uplifting. Maybe it should have been the winner.

The Golly Whopper Games

The Golly Whopper Games, by Jody Feldman is a clever updated version of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. I really enjoyed reading it and trying to solve the puzzles myself. I was NOT as good at the puzzles as the main character, Gil! (I would have been out in round one.)

This is an excellent book to read aloud in school. It encourages cooperative problem solving, higher levels of thinking, and math skills.

I loved the book and would encourage 3rd - 6th grade teachers to read it aloud in their classrooms.

I visited a second grade classroom today. The students were working on researching topics and taking notes. I talked about looking at the pictures and reading the captions in a book to find valuable facts when researching.

Then the students got to work. I walked around and helped them find facts and organize their notes.

The students were delightful and I had fun helping them.