Diane Rapp's Blog: She's a Mystery and Science Fiction Writer! - Posts Tagged "tween"

The Mystery of the Indian Carvings by Gloria Repp

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Remember those old Nancy Drew mysteries?

Do you remember the excitement of reading a new Nancy Drew Mystery or A Hardy Boys Adventure? Kids today need that kind of experience, and adventure mixed with a little bit of mystery and stirred up with a smidgen of danger. This charming story takes its readers to an island in the Northwest where secret Indian carvings, a mysterious medicine man, and a cranky uncle lead Julie Fletcher on a hunt for clues. She's faced with learning how to "get along" with a cousin who developed a grudge against her and fitting into a secretive family that she doesn't understand. Who doesn't love to solve a good mystery?

The character in this book learns important life lessons about faith, trust, and forgiveness. She learns to control her temper during the adventure and helps her cousin learn important lessons, too. The author gives her readers an intriguing mystery to solve as she shows us island life in the Northwest and explores truths and myths about Indian culture. Buy it for your tween. I'm sure they'll enjoy reading the adventure and you might learn something as well.




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BIGFOOT BOY: Lost on Earth by Kenna McKinnon

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Proof that Bigfoots do exist!

Do Bigfoots really exist? Do Bigfoot spaceships regularly visit Earth to gather precious minerals needed by their planet? What if Bigfoot children study our planet? Did a few of them get lost and start their own tribes, hiding deep in the forest?

This delightful tale is designed to appeal to middle-grade children, but it captivated my adult imagination, too. Errl, a seven-foot tall Bigfoot youngster, wanders away from his MiddleSchool group while exploring Earth on a field trip. Now he’s lost in the woods, alone and afraid. He meets various crazy humans, some friendly and others out to capture him, but he must stay alive for ten days until the spaceship returns to take him home.

Errl left his tech compass on the ship, he’s really bad with directions, and his eyes are weak. He wishes he’d paid closer attention to Dr. Teach’s lessons, especially when visiting an alien planet. Those lessons might prove crucial for survival on Earth. He’s hungry. What plants are safe to eat? He’s lonely. When he meets a human, he realizes that a few Earth words might help him make friends.

When Errl meets a beautiful golden-haired female, he literally falls head-over-heels in love. Soon he’s convinced he doesn’t want to leave Earth without her, but can he convince this lovely creature to return to Planet X? He can’t stay behind on Earth with his lady love, because humans tracking him have dangerous guns. A few humans seem friendly, but can he really trust them to help?

Life is scary for a young Bigfoot on the run. Every school child gets bored and fails to pay proper attention to lessons. Errl wishes he’d studied in the safety of MiddleSchool, but now he must learn the hard way—while running for his life. Enjoy this fast-paced and entertaining story while you read it to your favorite child. After all, you might meet a real Bigfoot one day.




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