Children's Series Books Books

This is a great book for kids. I loved it so much and it gets to be great at the end. I recommend this book for ages 7 and up. There are 160 pages plus a preview of Pony in a package.(another book by the same author)

Horse in the House(Animal Ark Series #26) by Ben M. Baglio

I bought this book for my daugther and she love it.She's an animals lover especially horses.She already read it 3-4 times. Thanks!!!

Twelve-year-old Mandy Hope, and her best friend James Hunter feel horrible that their good friend, Wilfred Bennett, is being forced to sell his riding stables. Since the death of his beloved wife, Rose, both Mandy and James have assisted Wilfred in various menial tasks, including taking care of his eight remaining horses. The stables hold fond memories for Mandy, as she learned to ride on Rose's favorite mare, Matty. So when Mandy and James must accompany Mandy's veterinarian father, Dr. Adam, to a horse auction to watch each and every one of Wilfred's horses be sold to the highest bidder, they both find themselves extremely down. Mandy can't bear to part with the lovable Matty, and, deep down in her heart, she knows that Wilfred is feeling the same sadness. Matty was Rose's favorite horse, and by selling Matty, Mandy is convinced that Wilfred is selling off the last piece of Rose that he has. Unfortunately, by donating so much of their stables' business out to disabled riders, Wilfred is in quite a tight position with money, and can't keep even one of the horses. Besides, with Sam Western having already bought up all of Wilfred's land, and begun setting up a campsite for travelers, there's no room for an aging horse. However, when all of Wilfred's horses have been sold off, Matty is nowhere to be found, and Wilfred is being hush about the whole situation. The town of Welford is worried about Wilfred. With Rose gone, and now having to lose his horses and his stables so soon after her death, the townspeople begin to wonder if Wilfred will be able to cope. Mandy and James are curious about the same thing, and spend quite a bit of time trying to visit their older friend, and find out more about Matty's bizarre disappearance. But Wilfred's lack of appearances within Welford quickly takes a backseat to the newest mystery that has hit the tiny town. Sam Western's campsite is booming with business, and bringing all sorts of new people to Welford. But when rumors begin to fly that the campsite is haunted, Western's Campsite becomes one stop that people don't want to make on their vacations. According to campers, in the middle of the night, a headless horseman comes galloping through the campsite on a white horse, then manages to vanish into thin air. The rumors state that the horse and her rider are surrounded by a ghostly white light, and do nothing more than gallop through, then disappear. Mandy and James can't believe the rumors. Wilfred owned the land for years, and there were never any reports regarding a headless rider and his horse. So, under the pretense that they are holding a "badger watch," Mandy and James decide to do a little investigating of their own into the haunted campsite, to learn just how accurate the rumors are. But with all of the spooky tales floating about around them, the friends begin to wonder if Western's Campsite is truly haunted, or if someone is simply playing a joke on the unsuspecting campers.

Of late, Ben M. Baglio has added a handful of horse tales to the ANIMAL ARK series. However, his writing talent is so great, that he is able to weave a very different, very unique tale, to accompany each title. HORSE IN THE HOUSE is no different. Mandy is, as always, generous to the extreme. Along with James, the two of them donate their time - unasked - to help an elderly man cope with the grief of losing his wife of countless years, and help him with chores around his home and land. The two are such wonderful company for Wilfred, and really manage to cheer the man up; and the kind gesture that they extend to the aging fellow is a prime example for young/middle readers to help their elders, and volunteer for the people around them. While Blackie has been missing from many of the ANIMAL ARK books lately, Baglio inserts the feisty, misbehaving dog into the thick of HORSE IN THE HOUSE, making him as lovable - and troublesome - as ever. His perpetual smile, and boundless energy is humorous, and will leave readers - both young and old - with a grin on their face. Wilfred was an interesting character. He's kind and jovial; while, at the same time, mysterious and sneaky. His friendly treatment towards Mandy and James instantly makes you enjoy his appearances throughout the story; while his dedication to both his deceased wife, and his horses - especially Matty - is admirable. While Wilfred is a rose, however, the character of Sam Western is rather like a bushel of thorns. Sam Western is scruffy and grumpy, and seems to dislike kids to the extreme. He can't stand Mandy and James butting into his affairs, and is always out to earn some extra money. At the same time, he takes wonderful care of his bulldogs, so you know that he can't be that bad. His tough attitude is a nice contrast to the kindness that usually surrounds Welford, and provides a little controversy throughout the tiny town. Once again, Baglio has woven a tight, clean, fresh story that will intrigue readers of all ages. Animal lovers will adore the mystery that accompanies HORSE IN THE HOUSE.

Erika Sorocco
Freelance Reviewer

As always Ben M. Baglio did a great job. Not scary, so great for little ones to read. I'm glad Mr. Baglio dropped his pen name of "Lucy Daniels" and is now using his real name. He should be known for such great children books. My Sarah loves his books.(for those who don't know, Lucy Daniels was the "Pen" name Ben M. Baglio used in the beginning of his series. Since then, he has dropped the name and uses his own. If you see a Animal Ark book with Lucy Daniels name on it, rest assure it is by Ben M. Baglio.)

This book was TOTALLY entertaining.I loved it. It was about a poor horse and it's life after his wonderful stable was gone.Mandy and James, helpes and solved the problem of "Horse in the House"It wasn't really 'Scary' so small kids can read them too.In my opinion, THIS IS THE BEST BOOK EVER!!!!! Hope this helpes!

As a Pastor of Children's Ministries, I frequently give away or recommend books from this series. The series provides parents with information and a strategy for presenting the material to their children. Use the recommendations as a suggestion - your child may need to hear the content sooner, depending on the exposure he/she has had from peers or others.

This is a great book with clear descriptions and discussions. However, it is way more information than my 9 year old needs right now. I am going to order book 2 and go from there. It will be a good book to have on hand when the time is right though.

I've been searching for just the right book for my 11 year old son and this is one has just the right look and information I wanted for him. Many other books were way too long, some with pages in the hundreds and other books were too immature for his age. This is a great beginner book for covering all of the facts and terms. An 8 yr. old would need help reading it but an 11 yr. old could read it alone. I think it would be fine even for 12-13 who hasn't learned much about reproduction and puberty. The illustrations are simple but accurate, not like some I've seen that are more like from a medical textbook or cartoonish. There is a glossary with pronunciations and definitions. I like that it is Christian and family based. It's everything I was looking for!!

My husband and I have read through the book and feel that this is the place to pick up where previous discussions have ended. Having a biblical basis was very important to us and this book does so wonderfully.

This has so much info in it, I am afraid it had a little too much for my 11 year old. She became a bit nervous at some things I thought she would not. I would not let a child read it alone, as suggested, until a parent has read it first and made sure there is nothing too mature for the individual child.

This Howie book is a real treasure. Howie is looking for attention from his family members but they are all busy. At the end, the whole family gives him the hug that he was waiting for. These Howie books really depict how puppies really are and how much they love us. A great story with adorable pictures.

In our busy world, it is hard for children to get all the hugs that they want and need. Children will be able to identify with this cute puppy as he sets out to get a hug. The bright colors and easy reading format will encourage my beginning readers to pick this book up to read. I love the way this book allows the children to get a peek at a happy, loving family.

The Howie books are a delightful series for young readers. Howie brings a charming message of God's love and brings humor and adventure as well.

I just graduated from college with an elementary education degree. I read -Howie Finds A Hug- and was found the entire Howie series charming and am enthusiastic about adding it to my classroom library for young readers.

My 10-year old daughter enjoyed the character of Howie and the repetition used in the book.

This book is a wonderful example of how God loves you even when you don't do everything right. My child loved the puppy and the message, too.

I love the easy-to-read format. The "sound" words (clang, bang, etc.) give good practice with these words and add excitement. This is a story many children can relate to, having had puppies of their own. It gives encouragement for children to forgive themselves and others when they mess up. My first graders are going to love this book!

The Howie books are a delightful series for young readers. Howie brings a charming message of God's love and brings humor and adventure as well.

I just graduated from college with an elementary education degree. I read -Howie Wants To Play- and was found the entire Howie series charming and am enthusiastic about adding it to my classroom library for young readers.

My 10-year old daughter enjoyed the character of Howie and the repetition used in the book.

The book has many fun and interesting facts about Lewis and Clark. If you're using it for the classroom...the activities are creative and easy to do.

This is a perfect book for kids to learn about Lewis and Clark. Not only is it informative but also holds their attention by giving them useful and entertaining activites. A must for those not in the standard school system in the states.

I would have given this book five stars if there had been just a few more activities in it.

The book reads as non-fiction literature and is interspersed with good photos and interesting sidebars. There are also some useful activities for the child to do within the text to reinforce what is learned.

This book would be useful for all grades but can be read independently in the middle school grades. The book contains a glossary, index, web site suggestions, bibliography, listings of museums and parks and other handy references.

The Lewis and Clark Bicentennial is here, finally! If you are still on your own undaunted journey of discovery or plan to teach children about these two courageous men and their corps, then you NEED this book. It will be invaluable to any teacher of intermediate students.

I found "Lewis and Clark for Kids" to be an excellent source of information and activities for both children, parents and teachers. There is an abundance of information about the actual journey plus there are great activities for children to engage in to learn more about the various indian cultures that Lewis and Clark interacted with on their journey of discovery.

Did you ever read a children's bobk that has no pictures? This book stands on its own and stimulates the child's imagination. Hats off to the author for having the guts to create such an amazing book!

As a retired Teacher,College Professor, Clinical/Counseling/ School Psychologist in private practice for over 25 years, I have had the opportunity to read many texts on children, parents, & how to help them. This one speaks directly to the childs unconscious, much like the fables of Hans Christian Anderson did, and carry powerful messages of good role model behaviour. For the child it's an easy read of recognizable situations which are instantly remembered for reference.This gives the parent a wonderful opportunity to share the stories and to discuss the implications as similarities impact on the childs real life.I wish it had been available when I was working-it would have been of considerable value to my students and patients. Highly Recomended.

"Marcy" is a wonderful and worthwhile book filled with exquisite life lessons in each story for both children and parents. The stories are creative, enjoyable and deal effectively with life situations that parents and children face. It allows an adult to really understand and appreciate a child's experience through a child's eyes. Your child will love these simply sweet stories while learning powerful lessons. If you're interested in being the best parent you can be, this book is a great tool.

Marcy and Her Friends is a very realistic and touching book. The situation are so real that it seems like they are written about each one of us. I can see why children can relate to these stories. It takes a great insight to be able to write a book about children from their points of view. Reading the stories,we the adults can learn a lot about situations that our children are facing and dealing with. I highly recomend it. And maybe someone will take the challange to translate it to Hebrew.

Deeply insightful. Kids can identify with problems presented in this book and gain strength from the situational analysis. Adults can re-visit childhood events and place them in perpective. It is a powerful book with positive messages, conveyed in easy to understand language. Strongly recommend this book!

Driving in Los Angeles is always problematic, but when a giant monolith suddenly appears in the middle of Hollywood Boulevard to signal yet another impending apocalypse, things quickly come to a standstill. Except for Angel and his teammates. They know right away that it's time once again to stop sipping the pig's blood and get to work.

When an ancient demon bamboozles a failing actress into carrying out an ancient ritual that will open the portals to hell, Angel faces a series of ugly problems. Not the least of which is that neither he, nor Wesley, nor anyone else have a clue what is actually going on. They know it must be bad, since every demon in town it headed out, but what kind of bad, or how bad, is still a mystery. Everyone goes into action, but the clues are slow in coming. And time is running out.

As I've noted elsewhere, John Passarella is a natural storyteller. This time he takes a high-tension story line and fleshes it out with two of the show's most complex relationships - that between Connor and Angel (who last buried Angel in the ocean) and that between Gunn and Fred (who seem caught in a web of interlocking guilt and obligation). The result is an action story with moments of poignancy and depth.

In fact, the story has a bit of everything. Demon dogs, creepy wizards, dark soldiers, and wild chase scenes populate the narrative. The characters, who have come through some rough times, are rebalancing their interplay, and Passerella captures the increasing maturity of the cast as well as the high tension of a summoning to end all summonings. One of this year's best Angel books.

This book was really great i loved how indepth it got with Connor and Angels relationship. I also thought it had a little bit comic in it to lighten the mood just like the show. (I thought it was hystererical when Connor was putting up a distraction so wesley could get by the monolith and Lorne,Cordy and Fred saw it on the news. (Cracked me up) Gunns tourist distraction was funny too. Great you shoukld definatley pick it up!

Great book!!! I loved it!!! Excellent story about Angel and Connor as well as Cordy, Lorne, Gunn, Fred and Wes.

I really loved this book! I cant seem to put it down!

A chilling stone monolith carved with two demonic faces has arisen in the middle of Hollywood Boulevard, leaving many interpretations of it's actual cause. Some believe it is nothing more than an elaborate publicity stunt for a new horror movie, while religious extremists believe it's the sign of an upcoming apocalypse. The Angel Investigations team though come to truly understand the full extent of the threat that the monolith poses to mankind. And with Hyconian demons causing havoc through the streets of L.A., it soon becomes clear that differences will have to be set aside if they're to come out victorious.

Angel: Monolith is a heart pounding, thrill-packed, adventure in Joss Whedon's Angel-verse as seen through the observant eyes of the Bram Stoker Award-winning horror author, John Passarella. Passarella has seamlessly handled the tricky task of bringing life to these characters and situations within the pages of his novel while adding his own unique sense of style to make an instant lasting impact. What makes this novel extra better is the fact that it's written through the pen (or PC) of a fellow fan who has obviously paid serious attention to the way the characters behave down to the even slightest of details.

The action is cranked high throughout but really takes an epic turn in it's final pages in which Angel and co. can't seem to stay six feet away from danger. This isn't the only brilliant factor though in this outstanding novel. The character involvement is far superior to that of any other Angel novels as Passarella has cleverly placed his story in a complex time for it's characters during it's fourth season. This leaves a much stronger plot for the author to develop his story around, one in which relationship triangles and un-easy bonds between characters are tested to their furthest limits, especially that of the two central characters, Angel and his demon-hunting son Connor.

The plot that Passarella has cleverly weaved within the current situation with the Television show is unlike any other previously experienced and you're guaranteed not to read anything like it anywhere else.

Novels by John Passarella always leave a strong sense of satisfaction behind long after you've passed the final pages and undoubtedly, Angel: Monolith is no exception of this. Passarella has perfectly struck the right balance between thrilling action and a strong story making this Angel novel much more widely appealing as a whole than any other, action-heavy, novels.

Angel: Monolith is an essential purchase for every Angel fan's collection.

Highly recommended. Buy it now!

Sarah Weeks is awsome! My favorites are her GUY books. I hope she writes more!

Sarah Weeks is awsome! My favorites are her GUY books. They're GARBONZO! SNIKERDODDLES ruule! I hope she writes more!

Sarah Weeks is awsome! My favorites are her GUY books. They're GARBONZO! SNIKERDODDLES ruule! BUZZ is awsome! I hope she writes more!

This was my favorite by far. Guy and Lana see each other than they go out. Oops! she's the daughter of the guy your momis going to marry. Now should my feelings change for Lana no that we might be brother and sister. Think about it, what would you do? His friend, Buzz has a great influence on him. Like most teens, peer pressure slurrs our thought and decisions. I remember I read this book when I was ten, now I'm twelve and I didn't know people cares so much about childish funny books like this. Hopefully to all you reviewees this review can help you understand this book even more.

This book was about two kids that want to separate their parent's form getting married and living together in one big family. I liked this book because its funny and I liked it more than other book because this was funny. Well really you can't dislike nothing from this book because once you read this book you will recommended to others. My favorite character was Guy because he doesn't know that he likes Lana the daughter of the man that her mom wants to marry. A passage that meant something to me was "We clearly don't belong here, and I'm inclined to believe we never will." When I told my parent that I did belong in this family. This was apart with others was that this one it was funny and it was some sad sense and it's the best book I ever read. I would say this book to some one else that who ever likes funny books it's the one for you. A question after I finish reading this book was that why did they wanted to separate their parents except they did like each other and that they will never make a good big happy family. A really strong reason for recommending this book to others. I don't really have a strong reason why people should read this book but it's just like a funny and sad book.

This is a GREAT book. I really enjoyed reading it.
There is alot of adventure and cliffhangers.
It's a great historical fiction with alot of information
on how the Vikings really lived.

I'm only thirteen...and I'm already reading this series for the third time! It's a book that never gets old! You'll read it over and over again and never get tired of it! If you could give it a million stars...I would!
The way the book is written...is magical! You want to read it slowly to get every word, yet at the same time yourself reading it as fast as you can! It's got mystery and danger...but unlike most...it's so real! The best thing is that the characters always turn to God when they need help instead of panicking or thinking they can do it on their own!
As soon as I was done reading the first book...I picked up #2! The first one was a million stars....but they get even better! (If that's possible!)
I'm not gonna tell you what happens...cause you need to find out what happens for yourself in this one too! You'll find yourself totally rapped up and lost in the book without even realizing that hours have gone by... again!
This is defiantly a must read! For everyone!

The day thirteen-year-old Bree O'Toole and was captured by Viking raiders, her life changed forever. Now she is far from her home in the green hills of Ireland, in a strange new country where all she has to look forward to is a life of slavery. Determined to escape that fate, Bree and one of the other captives, a younger girl named Lil, escape the Viking ship and head into the hills of Norway, hoping to make their way to a trading village where they can find safe passage back to Ireland. But the hardships she faces on her escape cause Bree to struggle to hold on to her courage and to her faith that God will protect her. And as her captor, the young Viking leader Mikkel, searches for her, he faces a personal struggle of his own: did he do the right thing by leading that raid? Meanwhile, Bree's older brother, Devin, who was set free before the Vikings left Ireland, is determined to find a way to go after his sister, but he struggles with his feelings of anger and hate toward the Vikings who tore apart his family.

This was an excellent continuation of the first book in the Viking Quest series, Raiders from the Sea. The historical details are wonderful, and I loved the unique setting. I'd highly recommend this book to all readers who read the first book, but new readers should start at the beginning of the series, otherwise this book won't make as much sense. I look forward to reading the other three books in this series and seeing what happens to Bree, Devin, and Mikkel next.

Spoiler alert! This book continues the Viking Quest saga, which is full of adventure and lessons in faith. Bree and Devin learn about forgiveness and to realize the fact that God's will is sometimes different than our own. At one point the gospel is presented, but the author never preaches to the reader. It's a great series, but only read on if you're interested in knowing more of the working out of the plot.

In this, the second of the Viking Quest series, Bree has escaped from her Viking captors, along with a Lil, an eight year old girl. Bree works out a disguise to protect her as she fishes for the food they need, and she is careful to hide her tracks to the girls' hiding place. As they trek across the mountains, they are confidant of escaping from the island, and back home to Ireland.

Bree discovered that Mikkel, her captor, was not only interested in recovering the two girls for their value as slaves, but he also believed that she had stolen a bag of silver coins. The penalty for this theft was death, although it seemed perfectly fine to the Vikings to have stolen the coins from the Irish (We find later in the book that the coins were actually stolen from a Norseman living in Ireland).

Meanwhile, Bree's brother Devin is also heading home, from the other side of Ireland where he was left by the Vikings. He nurses his hate for the Vikings, making a bitter enemy of one who had followed him. On his journey he comes to Dublin, and meets a Viking who was a friend of his own father. Devin comes to understand that he must surrender his hate, and learn to forgive.

Forgiveness was not a lesson Bree had yet learned, however. Lil became very sick on the mountains, and they stopped their journey over the island to wait for her recovery. She told Bree she was not afraid to die, and explained why she was lonely for heaven, giving the plan of salvation. Just after Lil's fever broke, however, the girls were discovered by Mikkel. He had decided to search for them himself, fearing that his guards might harm them if they found the girls first. Bitterness and anger filled Bree, especially when she heard that Mikkel had prayed, not only to Thor, but to the Christian God, her God, for help in finding the girls. How could God help him? Didn't God want them to escape? How could she be a light to the nations in captivity?

To clear her name, as well as to save her life, Bree set her mind to identify the real thief of the silver coins. Hints were dropped through the book, but you may be surprised to find out who he really was! His resentment at being detected turns into anger toward Bree.

The book concludes with Devin back home with his family, and Bree's arrival at Mikkels home, where she is to be his mother's new slave. She thinks she has seen her long lost sister, but that, as well as all the other unfinished threads, is left for other books.

this was a WONDERFUL book!I finished it in a day. I reccemend this to boys and girls ages 8-15 This is one of my favorite books and it is awesome!

This was a great book. I bought it for my son, and read it first to check the content. Other than the 12 year old boys sneaking out of the house, the content was all positive. Great to find a book whose characters are good examples and the adults are not made to look foolish.

My older two boys who are 8 and 10 years old LOVED these books. I have one boy who doesn't like to read, but it was easy getting him to read everyday with this series of books! They would come tell me everything that happened in the part they read that day. I'm so glad I found an adventure that they like to read and isn't harsh on their little minds.

Reviewed by Kelli Glesige for Reader Views (4/06)

Tom Stevens and his best friends Jimmy Wilson and Matt Woodbridge are 12 year old boys who live in Rock Island, IL near the Mississippi River. It is summer, and the boys want to earn some money, so Tom, a master salesman, talks his friends into taking on three paper routes in the neighborhood which means the boys must awaken each day at 4:30 A.M. in order to get the papers wrapped and delivered on time. He tells his friends this will get them in shape for trying out and playing football in the fall; all three boys' dream. A daily reward for the boys is their delivery at Big Bob's Doughnut Shop where Bob generously treats the boys to orange juice and a doughnut each day. What a reward for a 12 year old boy!

All goes well for the boys, besides the occasional dog chasing after them, until they begin to see some odd things happening in the early morning hours. A truck bearing the words SMITTY'S TOWING acts very odd and leaves quickly when the driver sees the boys have noticed him, and he quickly drives away without towing the intended car. Soon after, the boys learn of unexplained car thefts occurring around town.

Jimmy's uncle owns P.J.'s Auto Repair, so the boys begin hanging around and asking questions, trying to learn all they can about why the mysterious truck acted as it did, thinking someone at the repair shop might have some knowledge about Smitty's Towing. They boys learn about chop shops and what happens to cars after they are stolen and how reselling car parts is a very lucrative business. The boys are surprised to learn that sometimes a car thief will make a deal with the car owner so that when the car shell is found, the original owner can turn this loss into their insurance company and get paid for their loss. They learn the insurance company comes out the loser in this situation, but in reality, we ultimately all pay with higher rates. Deceit hurts everyone.

Exciting times ensue for the three boys, and they see some strange things going on around town; such as one person gets out and deposits his trash in a container, then along comes another person who takes the trash out and drives off with it! They encounter vicious guard dogs, and they come up with some quite ingenious ways to subdue the animals. The boys also learn of some resources available at the library that are helpful in their quest to unravel the puzzle. While investigating some leads, Tom meets a little old lady on a park bench near the library whom he learns has had her car, a last gift from her now deceased husband, stolen. He promises the little old lady he will do all he can to help her find her car again, for she now must take a bus or walk everywhere she goes, but even more importantly, for sentimental reasons. The license plate bearing the title "PRINCESS" is especially meaningful to the little lady. The boys get in several very precarious circumstances and the story is exciting! The plot will keep you passionately turning pages!

This story is a great book for all 12 year olds, and I believe even those who find it difficult to become engrossed in a book will find results here. Another item I liked about the book was that the boys are aptly rewarded by the city for doing their civic duty. I found that in itself a good message to kids. Max Elliot Anderson offers a book with good values, a healthy lesson, plus the bonus of a great and exciting story. It is a page turner that will keep you and your child fascinated!

Newspaper Caper is a wonderful mid-grade mystery adventure book for reluctant readers. Tom Stevens is a nine-year-old businessman who has talked he two best friends into working for him on his morning newspaper route. They witness, try to solve, and become enmeshed in a car theft ring.

This book teaches the work ethic, honesty and many positive values, while not preaching. The action is fast, and young people will quickly get pulled into the story. We feel this author is providing a much-needed resource for those readers who would rather not read if they don't have to. We rated it five hearts.

12-yr old Tom Stevens is a paper boy. A born leader and 'business man,' Tom parleys everything he touches into a money-making enterprise. "When he was only four, Tom was the first boy on his street to set up a lemonade stand -- in January. And, even though snow already covered the ground, people still stopped and bought some. He could just as easily sell hot chocolate on the most sweltering day of the summer if he wanted to."

Thus Max Anderson introduces us to Tom. With his two best friends Jimmy and Matt, Tom runs one of the largest newspaper routes in his home town. But Tom isn't your ordinary kid. His is an inquisitive mind and when he spots something not quite right, he is determined to get to the bottom of it.

That early in the morning, the boys often saw some pretty strange things: customers locked outside their house while retrieving the paper just delivered, not necessarily ready to meet the world - like a lady in curlers and green stuff on her face. But the boys instinctively adopted a rule of silence about what they saw on their daily route.

However, one morning, during their summer vacation, while it is still dark, the boys notice a tow-truck backing up to the car parked in the driveway of one of their customers. A man gets out of the truck and approaches the car, while in the cab sits another man. Tom gets a glimpse of him. He wears a light blue shirt with a nametag on the front and a patch on the sleeve. The man had dark hair. Though his face was hidden, Tom saw the name on his shirt -- "Jake."

But the man outside the truck sees the boys and instead of hooking up the car to tow it away he quickly runs back to the truck, jumps in and drives away with squealing tires and a trail of blue smoke. "That's strange," thought Tom. And the investigation is on.

Max says he really hated to read, and everything he tried to read failed to hold his interest. He wanted "music, action, and moving pictures...not just a bunch of words." So, he set out to write a book that he would like. NEWSPAPER CAPER is the start of an adventure series he developed will hold the interest of ...'Tweeners' - ages 8-13, especially boys."

I loved this book - and I'm a girl! And I'm definitely not a Tweener. Yet this book captivated me from the first page. I think Max has done exactly what he set out to do - and beyond. I'd give this book SIX stars, if there were such a thing. Max, you're on the right track, and I wish you all the best!