Storm Runners

Storm Runners

Roland Smith

March 2011

Last week I read this post by Jordon over at Life is Better Messy (one of my favorites), and I promptly added it to my TBR list.  Well, yesterday, I went to the library and there it was!  Like it was just waiting for me!  Then I was stuck in there while a storm raged outside (Yay for rain!), so I sat and read the whole thing.  That's right - the entire book in one sitting.  OK it's only 160 pages long, but really,  I couldn't stop! (OK, I know that's a lot of !!s, but really, that's how it really sounds in my head!)

Here's what I didn't know: 

1. You MUST check out all three books in the series at the same time!  Trust me you will want to keep reading; this is more like a serial novel (a la Dickens) than a series. 

2 (and way worse). The library DIDN'T HAVE THE SECOND ONE!  Of course, I didn't know I needed it before I started...

Anyway...  Storm Runners is excellent!  I had seen it in the book orders this year and suggested it to the boys especially.  I knew it would be good because I've read Jaguar by the same author and loved it.  But let me tell you, this is even better!  

Summary from Barnes & Noble: "Chase Masters and his father are "storm runners," racing across the country in pursuit of hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods. Anywhere bad weather strikes, they are not far behind. Chase is learning more on the road than he ever would just sitting in a classroom. But when the hurricane of the century hits, he will be tested in ways he never could have imagined."

I cannot wait to read this to my class; I know they will get hooked just like I did.  I have a policy to never read a sequel, but I may have to in this case.  On the other hand, it's a good policy - I don't know yet.

Thanks, Jordon, for the great recommendation! 

Buy it now at Barnes & Noble

The Billionaire's Curse

The Billionaire's Curse

Richard Newsome

April 2011

Gerald is a fairly ordinary thirteen-year-old living in Sydney, Australia with his fairly ordinary parents.  Until his Great Aunt Geraldine passes away in London.  Suddenly Gerald's hope of a holiday getaway with his best friend is suddenly dashed as he is whisked away to England for the funeral and reading of the will.  Having never even heard of Great Aunt Geraldine, Gerald is stunned when he is named the heir to the bulk of Geraldine's vast fortune!  Now owner of multiple homes, billions of dollars and even a private Caribbean island, Gerald soon discovers Geraldine was murdered - and he may be next!  With the help of his new friends, twins Sam and Ruby, Gerald sets off to solve the mystery of Great Aunt Geraldine's death and save his own life in the process.  

THE BILLIONAIRE'S CURSE reminded me of a great mystery story from my childhood!  Think Nancy Drew or Trixie Belden with more action and adventure.  There are no vampires, no witches, and no aspects of fantasy to detract from the mystery the characters face.   And it's a great mystery full of twists and turns, excitement and danger that doesn't relent!  

I cannot recommend this book enough.  This is the first in the Archer Legacy Series; I'm looking forward to the other two in the series. Even the most reluctant readers - especially boys - will be caught up in the story and not be able to put it down!  I don't know if I can see this as a read aloud, however; there is some moderate graphic violence that may not be appropriate for every child in my classroom.  (It's no worse than what they see on TV and in movie, but I don't want to assume every parent would be okay with it.)  But I do see this book as the book that is passed from student to student throughout the year.  I must definitely buy at least a couple of copies of the book for my classroom library!

Buy it now at Barnes & Noble