On the way back from a trip to the New Orleans railway museum, Derek Stone, his nineteen-year-old brother Ronny, and their dad were in a train wreck. Everyone aboard was either presumed dead or in a coma, except for Derek. After three weeks, when he had been given up for dead, Ronny returned, only he wasn't the same. He didn't even seem to know who he was. Everyone said it was because of the trauma he experienced, but Derek couldn't shake the feeling that there was a more sinister reason: Ronny really was someone else. Soon, Ronny admitted that he was really the soul of a prison guard who died in an earlier train wreck and that the criminals he was transporting have taken on the bodies of other people, as well. Somehow, Derek and 'Ronny' must find them and stop them before they can terrorize New Orleans again. Warning: this book ends in a cliff-hanger. You will want to read the rest of the series. Book 2 is Bayou Dogs. Book 3 is The Red House. The Ghost Road is book 4.

Reviewed by: vverscaj

Date read: 10/8/2009

ISBN-13: 9781439591475

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Commenter: Hap, grade 0

The boy who tells this story of Roberto Clemente, the great baseball player, is named Clemente. His father is president of The Bronx Roberto Clemente Fan Club. The book is a tribute to a man considered to be one of the finest baseball players ever. Besides being a great baseball player, he was a wonderful human being. He never gave up even when people called him ugly names. Spanish words and phrases help tell the story. Sadly, the baseball player lost his life in an airplane accident as a group was taking supplies to earthquake victims in Nicaragua. Pictures by the artist, Bryan Collier, are bright, cheerful and help tell the story.

Awards nominated: 2013 Monarch Nominee

Reviewed by: cjones

Date read: 3/19/2012

ISBN-10: 0805082247

ISBN-13: 9780805082241

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This is a fast paced, action packed adventure story set in Australia. Fifteen year old Callum Ormand is thrust into life on the run after his father's mysterious death. Hunted by both the ruthless killers and the police Cal must try to survive, solve the mystery of his family's secret and discover the truth behind his father's death. This book will appeal to middle school aged readers and older but has a 4th - 5th grade reading level. The series comprises twelve books, one for each month of the year. They are written in a diary format with short un-intimidating chapters, large font and a reverse countdown of page numbers. With non-stop action and a great accompanying website it should draw in even the most reluctant of tween/ teenage boy readers.

Reviewed by: jc

Date read: 12/13/2012

ISBN-13: 9781935279495

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Life is already tough enough for 14-year old Tom Tin living in London in the early 19th century. After his younger sister drowns and his mother is terribly depressed, they have to move yet again due to unfortunate circumstances that keep his father from getting a job. Seems like Mr. Goodfellow is really quite a bad fellow who is responsible for most of the awful things happening including Tom's father being taken to debtor's prison. As sad as all this is, it is only the beginning of the torment and misery that comes Tom's way when he is unjustly arrested for murder and sentenced to 7-years. As a convict Tom befriends a young 10-year old boy and fights to keep them both safe on the prison ship. Readers will be spellbound as the daily struggles unfold and Tom plans his escape. The tale continues with The Cannibals followed by The Castaways.

Similar authors: Anthony Horowitz

Similar books: Alex Rider series

Reviewed by: adf

Date read: 12/22/2009

ISBN-10: 038573087X

ISBN-13: 9780385730877

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During World War II, a father is in the army and the mother has to work, so a five-year-old boy is sent to stay with his grandmother, who works as a cook for a road-building crew in northern Minnesota. At first, his day consists of long stretches of quiet as he tries to amuse himself, only to have the peace invaded by the crew of large, loud, good-natured men, who inhale great amounts of food, ruffle the boy's hair, and then get back to work. The boy ultimately gets over his shyness when they take him out to work with them, and let him ride in the big trucks.

Reviewed by: sc

Date read: 4/29/2009

ISBN-10: 0531085279

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