Disclosure: Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this book and prize for the giveaway.
Back in the olden days, I measured a book’s worth by the attention I wanted to devote to it. If I wanted to read it twice, it was held in higher esteem, for example. These days, books have a difficult standard to meet. First, they have to make me think, “My students would love this!” Yet more daunting, they have to make me think, “I bet I could get my daughter to read this.” A reluctant bibliophile, she’s slightly hard to please when it comes to a good book. It seems to have something to do with her mom, who happens to be an English teacher, making the suggestion. So when I held The League and the Lantern for the very first time, it had to jump through a few high hurdles.
No worries, though. This book stared me in the face and raised an eyebrow. The cool adventure theme, reminiscent of the Lightning Thief, starts out with hilarity. Sprinkle in a little bit of middle school sass, a dash of time travel, and you’ve got a winner. What other book mentions corn dog shrapnel? Author Brian Wells has the sarcastic irony button sewn into his shirt sleeve. From funny character names to stereotypical mall cops, Wells takes the reader into an experience instead of a story. Jake’s one-liners cracked me up; I could really hear his voice in my head. Fans of Neil Gaiman – go ahead and click submit. You’ll love it!
There are a few things that I wished were made a little more fresh. First of all, the story builds in the ever-present middle school trio. The formulaic Main Character Boy, sidekick sanitizing friend (boy) and super-smart spunky third character (girl) seem a little stale in this book. I’m hoping that there will be more stories to come, and perhaps the other characters can have a whole book of their own. There I go, dreaming again! While I’m at it, I need illustrations. Even if it’s just a teaser, such as a little sketch at the top of the new chapter page. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely loved this book. It’s just that I mourned a little for the rounded edges, and hope to see those get sharper as the series continues. I loved the fact that the book,which includes some historical facts, contains a rigorous vocabulary, making it suitable for classroom lessons and homeschool units. If only it wasn’t so cost-prohibitive to put this book in the hands of every student!
Bottom line – I highly suggest The League and the Lantern. It’s a laugh-out-loud funny story that holds great potential for smashing success. Try it as a read aloud and watch your kids become enthralled in something without a power cord. Download the first six chapters and see what you think! Now, here’s the down-and-dirty about the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I received a copy of this fabulous book in order to prepare this review and post. Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days (including the same prize offered here), you are not eligible to win. Winner is subject to eligibility verification. The giveaway is open to US/CAN readers ages 18+. Void where prohibited by law. Good luck!
From the website, I learned that this book is the author’s first novel.
I learned that the author worked in the top 140 vocabulary words for Middle School into the book. Way cool!
I love the cover and uniqueness of the book! Thanks for the chance to win 🙂
This book looks awesome! Thanks for the chance
The book is about a very dangerous situation with a school-aged person, and looks very thrilling.
Thanks for posting.
the synopsis for this book looks good
This is the author’s debut novel and it really looks good and there will probably be a second one.
I’m reading the first six chapters now!!
This book will probably be the first in a series.
The book seems like something my niece in 5th grade would like. I love that it’s about middle schoolers.
Ah the stages of reading, and you are so right looking for books that would capture my children’s attention was key. It paid off because all three of them love to read. Great review. I have no one in this age group now I am looking for books for my granddaughter.
If you buy this book they will give away a book to a child in need.
Thanks for the contest.
I love books with twists and since it says it has twists, I sure expect them! This book looks very intriguing.
I learned that there are the top 140 vocabulary words that middle schoolers need to know in the book as you read it so as you read you learn the words. this would be great for my two oldest who are just starting middle school.
Looks like an exciting book and a great way for kids to build a vocabulary.
It’s perfect for middle grade students and if you buy one copy, a copy is donated-yeah!
Raised on the edge of the jungles of Nigeria and the prairies of Illinois, executive producer Brian Wells has helped bring to life award-winning network television movies
I learned that the author was raised on the edge of the jungles of Nigeria and the prairies of Illinois. A critic says that it has great characters, unexpected humor and clever twists!
The book sounds fantastic. Lots of twists and turns. I learned that Brian Wells was raised on the edge of the jungles of Nigeria and the prairies of Illinois. I like that the book is set in Chicago.
They’ve incorporated top vocabulary words into the story for middle schoolers.
I learned by looking around this book has many twists.
A good book for middle schoolers and they donate to a needy child the book when you buy it.So nice.
I also learned from the website that the author spent some of his childhood living in Nigeria. How cool!
I was *just* loading my 6th grade son’s iPad with content for our trip next week, wondering which books to convince him to read. After reading a junior version of 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea, he claims that he only likes “underwater” books. But there aren’t many of those! He struggles with mild dyslexia and reads very slowly because of it. I really have to push him to read at all. But I think this book will be a breakthrough!! And it’s a total bonus that so many vocabulary words are worked in. His reading problems caused us to place him with a charter school for 2nd & 3rd grade where they focused solely on his reading —- he missed all spelling and grammar lessons. Boy, will this book help! I’m excited!
I love that this book is great for the middle school aged kids. I am a huge fan of reading.
I learned that they have 140 of the top vocabulary words for middle schoolers in the book. That’s wonderful!
sounds like a fun one!
Looks like a great adventure!
I learned that if you purchase it from the website now, they will give an additional copy to a child in need. Love that!