My son's reading group selected this as their book for the quarter ... as he predicted, I finished before he did. I did read this right after book 2, My son's reading group selected this as their book for the quarter ... as he predicted, I finished before he did. I did read this right after book 2, so I didn't have the recollection issues I did with that one.
You know, these books are really violent for the age group it's aimed at.
I think one of the things I dislike was the complete change in perspective (which occurred in all three books). There would be Michael's POV, written in first person, then other chapters switch to third person.
This story wrapped up much better than the last couple (at least this particular adventure is complete).
I like to read what the boys are reading, but that's probably the only way I'll continue on with this series....more
I'd read the first book because my son read it in school and really liked it. I remember liking the original, but I don't know if this one wasn't as gI'd read the first book because my son read it in school and really liked it. I remember liking the original, but I don't know if this one wasn't as good or if I've gotten a bit more picky since then. It just seemed so "young adult" (while as an adult I read YA, some just seem on a lower level). The text/speech patterns just didn't seem natural. Hatch just comes off as a ridiculous villain and the kids overcome all odds. It had been a while since I'd finished book one and I didn't remember much, that was hard going into this as well....more
I originally picked up this book (both hardcopy and audio, the audio version is REALLY cute, with different voices and much better Yoda voices than I I originally picked up this book (both hardcopy and audio, the audio version is REALLY cute, with different voices and much better Yoda voices than I could attempt) for my 6th grader. After he read it and enjoyed it I thought I would read (listen to) it with the little boys for our morning book.
It took us a while, as we just did a chapter at a time (we don't read on weekends or during the offtrack). I think the little ones did like it although it is actually aimed at a slightly older audience (the characters are in middle school, they like girls ...)
The cover, the concept, the presentation of the book ... it was all quite clever. It's a good introduction of different point of views, as many chapters were told by different people. In the audio, the voices were different (several different actors), but even just reading it, the "voice" ... of each individual was different. The text also supported the changing characters visually with different fonts and such. There were a few illustrations (school posters, drawings in the margins, reminiscent of "Wimpy Kid").
I'm not sure if I (or the little boys) will continue on with the sequels, maybe ... Keaton (my 6th grader) read them all and created a complete origami collection and reintroduced Star Wars to the family .... ...more
... so a shift from my normal genres to pre-read a book I'm recommending to my son. He needed to read a book with "teen issues" in it, and I think thi... so a shift from my normal genres to pre-read a book I'm recommending to my son. He needed to read a book with "teen issues" in it, and I think this will fit the bill perfectly! The main character needs to deal with being in his older brother's shadow, his parent's divorce, his struggling grades, some bullying issues at school, a difficult friendship ... and of course basketball.
As an adult reading the book, it was a little too "teen", but probably perfect for my boys. There was quite a bit of basketball talk that wasn't really my cup of tea (although I do love to watch my boys play) but again, might really appeal to young players.
I thought the issues brought up here were dealt with well. I'll look forward to seeing what my son thinks. I did especially like some of the basketball struggles (not making the starting team, not having a good game) as I'm sure he will have to deal with some of that in his own future....more
I'd pulled this out of the library as possible reading material for the boys. They are so reluctant to read, that I do like to pre-read some books, anI'd pulled this out of the library as possible reading material for the boys. They are so reluctant to read, that I do like to pre-read some books, and only pass on the very best, hoping to catch their interest. While I really enjoy reading YA stuff, these elementary books are a little harder to get into for me. But this was pretty cute and I do think the boys might like it. The four star review is more based on my recommendation to kids, rather than the fact that it kept ME super enthralled. I've always enjoyed mythology though, and this was a good review (or introduction) presented in a clever, silly, but memorable way.
I think I'll buy a copy to have on hand and encourage the boys to read it, there is an entire series if they like it ... doesn't seem to be available on Kindle yet, but the boys/schools haven't converted to digital, so an actual physical book is probably the way to go anyway....more
I just saw this come across Pixal of Ink this morning (08/31/2012) for FREE, so I grabbed it in e-book format. I do have a hard copy and I did read thI just saw this come across Pixal of Ink this morning (08/31/2012) for FREE, so I grabbed it in e-book format. I do have a hard copy and I did read this a while back. I'm always on the lookout for books with BOY protagonists, as I have boys, and they seem to only want to read books about boys. My oldest read this and seemed to express a somewhat positive experience (which for him is HUGE). I bought the sequels and he got through a few of them.
It was several years ago that I read this. I did like it, it was a bit confusing near the end (I had to go back and reread some things). I seem to recall there being some "code" text ... it gave you the key to translate, but I never did, I just skipped over it. I think my first son liked that aspect, my second son read it in school and he didn't like it (said it was confusing).
I'm happy to have it in digital format too now though. I might skim through it again as a refresher and see if the younger boys might be interested in reading it. LOVE seeing these free deals come though!...more
...I had read this book as a teenager, and wanted to read it again (to see if it lived up to my memory of it, and to see if it might be something my b...I had read this book as a teenager, and wanted to read it again (to see if it lived up to my memory of it, and to see if it might be something my boys would like). I did still really enjoy to concept, really improves after the first couple chapters... inside the shed, time goes faster. One twin (the younger one) decides to spend a couple hours in the shed (which would actually be a year inside)thus becoming older than his twin. Just the thought of the discipline, how he would live in one room alone for a year, by choice, was thought provoking.
Also enjoyed Sleator's other books "Interstellar Pig" and "House of Stairs"...more
... I'm not sure if I'm trying to read these books while distracted, but I was a little confused at the start of this one especially. SO many new char... I'm not sure if I'm trying to read these books while distracted, but I was a little confused at the start of this one especially. SO many new characters... I really feel I need to go back and re-read the beginning... or the entire book (but I didn't really like it enough to do that). ...more
Would have liked to rate it a 3.5ish. I admit, I don't really care for first person, so that was the first hurdle. It took a little bit to get into thWould have liked to rate it a 3.5ish. I admit, I don't really care for first person, so that was the first hurdle. It took a little bit to get into the story but about half-way in it picked up. It reminded me a tiny bit of Ranger's Apprentice, a tiny bit of PercyJackson (with some mythology thrown in). Twist at the end that I didn't foresee. I feel the need to go back and re-read a couple of things *Ü* I'll be reading the sequel ......more
Thought this would be a good read for my boys (read it myself so see). I really enjoyed "Island of the Blue Dolphins" and "Call it Courage" when I wasThought this would be a good read for my boys (read it myself so see). I really enjoyed "Island of the Blue Dolphins" and "Call it Courage" when I was young, and this has a similar theme. I continued on to "The River" and "Brian's Winter" ... two sequels, but alternate endings if you will (read Brian's Winter before The River). There are a few more in the series I might get to at some point.
My son was reading this series and I like to read what they are reading. I enjoyed this book, interesting concept. The first in a series. Read books 2My son was reading this series and I like to read what they are reading. I enjoyed this book, interesting concept. The first in a series. Read books 2&3 but just couldn't get into #4. Easy reading, some historical information. The author does manage to leave each chapter hanging a bit so you do want to continue reading....more
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