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Brody Boondoggle #1
The Last Akaway
An Akaway is a rare and magical creature that connects you to your spirit animal. Once you're connected, you have all the special powers that your spirit animal possesses.
But those powers are in serious jeopardy when the diabolical Uncle Skeeta tricks 11-year-old Brody Boondoggle into helping him steal the Akaway's spirit.
Now, aided by his skeptical big brother, Jake, and guided by his quirky Grammy, Brody must lead the way on an adventure to defeat Uncle Skeeta, save the last Akaway, and protect the special powers of kids everywhere.
"A refreshingly imaginative, emotionally satisfying quest for all ages... Author Karton has an ear finely tuned to the rhythms and sweet absurdities of childhood patter, and his tale has enough fabulous twists and turns to keep even the most grown-up young adults intrigued... Adults reading to children will also delight in the wholesomely irreverent tone and moments of linguistic fancy... the villain and resolution are wonderfully original."
-Kirkus Review
But those powers are in serious jeopardy when the diabolical Uncle Skeeta tricks 11-year-old Brody Boondoggle into helping him steal the Akaway's spirit.
Now, aided by his skeptical big brother, Jake, and guided by his quirky Grammy, Brody must lead the way on an adventure to defeat Uncle Skeeta, save the last Akaway, and protect the special powers of kids everywhere.
"A refreshingly imaginative, emotionally satisfying quest for all ages... Author Karton has an ear finely tuned to the rhythms and sweet absurdities of childhood patter, and his tale has enough fabulous twists and turns to keep even the most grown-up young adults intrigued... Adults reading to children will also delight in the wholesomely irreverent tone and moments of linguistic fancy... the villain and resolution are wonderfully original."
-Kirkus Review
273 pages, Hardcover
First published March 22, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 14, 2014
A cute adventure story aimed at young boys - 7-10 at a guess, and designed to encourage them to play outside instead of spending their time in the computer-game world.
This book was a LOT of fun - the characters of Jake and Brody were immediately likeable and immediately realistic. I did find the jumping viewpoint a little confusing at first: the chapters are so short that one minute you're in Jake's head, the next in Brody's, but once I slowed down my reading speed a little it became rather easier. The random conversation topics spattered throughout the text were highly entertaining, and I am wondering if the author garnered them from his own two boys, whom I imagine are a lot like Jake and Brody.
Some of the plot seemed a little forced - the fact that Jake stayed up all night basically reading every single book about the spirit animals that he could find seemed rather a convenient excuse to give him instant knowledge on everything important, but I would very much doubt a teenage boy would read that fast and retain that much. Still, this is not exactly a logical book - it is a tale to entertain and amuse the young fellows, who will not be analysing everything: like how a fish could walk and whether the Crab skittered sideways.
Overall, this was a great romp and would be exceptionally fun to read to a young audience. If I ever find myself in the situation where I have my tablet and are required to amuse a young boy (aged 6-9) then I shall certainly be reading this one! Heck, maybe it might inspire them to put down the game console and go outside, climb a tree or throw a snowball (but not a rock) and get in touch with their own spirit animal.
Ebook provided via NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Thanks!
This book was a LOT of fun - the characters of Jake and Brody were immediately likeable and immediately realistic. I did find the jumping viewpoint a little confusing at first: the chapters are so short that one minute you're in Jake's head, the next in Brody's, but once I slowed down my reading speed a little it became rather easier. The random conversation topics spattered throughout the text were highly entertaining, and I am wondering if the author garnered them from his own two boys, whom I imagine are a lot like Jake and Brody.
Some of the plot seemed a little forced - the fact that Jake stayed up all night basically reading every single book about the spirit animals that he could find seemed rather a convenient excuse to give him instant knowledge on everything important, but I would very much doubt a teenage boy would read that fast and retain that much. Still, this is not exactly a logical book - it is a tale to entertain and amuse the young fellows, who will not be analysing everything: like how a fish could walk and whether the Crab skittered sideways.
Overall, this was a great romp and would be exceptionally fun to read to a young audience. If I ever find myself in the situation where I have my tablet and are required to amuse a young boy (aged 6-9) then I shall certainly be reading this one! Heck, maybe it might inspire them to put down the game console and go outside, climb a tree or throw a snowball (but not a rock) and get in touch with their own spirit animal.
Ebook provided via NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Thanks!
April 17, 2013
The Last Akaway is a wonderful read, filled with adventure and quirky diction. I loved every moment of this YA novel, and even as an adult I could not put this down. Looking forward to the next book in the series. Great book!!!
February 14, 2014
The Last Akaway is a fun adventure featuring a good plot and interesting characters. I read this to my 11 year old and she loved it - all the wish fulfillment that a tween/pretween could desire in the form of spirit animals and a grand adventure.
Plot: Jake and Brody are visiting their grandmother, a retiring woman living in a remote cabin in the forest. The boys don't get along: younger Brody loves to talk magical and fantastical things with his grandmother while Jake prefers prefers his video games and reality. Then, while out walking with his grandmother, Brody is bitten by an Akaway - a mysterious and mythical creature that bestows the ability for kids to see and use their spirit animals. But the akaway was hurt by an odd hunter at the same time and now is dying. Brody will have to convince Jake that the animal is real so they can set out together to find the magic that will save the the last akaway.
There are some great themes here: believing in imagination, magic, and appreciating the world as it is. As well, learning to like and respect one's siblings. But of course, for the kids it's about the whole fun idea that each child has a spirit animal whose abilities they could use - if only they can find an akaway to make that connection for them. My daughter had a fun time imagining what her spirit animal could be - which I liked because it meant she evaluated her own strengths and appreciated them.
The story is quite fun and quirky. And unusual for a children's books these days, it wasn't as snarky nor violent. Sometimes, it is nice to read a simple, old fashioned, magical story without all the modern trappings. I think this one will stand the test of time.
Received as an ARC from the publisher.
Plot: Jake and Brody are visiting their grandmother, a retiring woman living in a remote cabin in the forest. The boys don't get along: younger Brody loves to talk magical and fantastical things with his grandmother while Jake prefers prefers his video games and reality. Then, while out walking with his grandmother, Brody is bitten by an Akaway - a mysterious and mythical creature that bestows the ability for kids to see and use their spirit animals. But the akaway was hurt by an odd hunter at the same time and now is dying. Brody will have to convince Jake that the animal is real so they can set out together to find the magic that will save the the last akaway.
There are some great themes here: believing in imagination, magic, and appreciating the world as it is. As well, learning to like and respect one's siblings. But of course, for the kids it's about the whole fun idea that each child has a spirit animal whose abilities they could use - if only they can find an akaway to make that connection for them. My daughter had a fun time imagining what her spirit animal could be - which I liked because it meant she evaluated her own strengths and appreciated them.
The story is quite fun and quirky. And unusual for a children's books these days, it wasn't as snarky nor violent. Sometimes, it is nice to read a simple, old fashioned, magical story without all the modern trappings. I think this one will stand the test of time.
Received as an ARC from the publisher.
February 17, 2014
There's been a renewed interest in spirit animals recently. Scholastic has their Spirit Animals series with the online game component and several different authors (similar to the way 39 Clues and Infinity Ring are organized). And now there is the first in a series featuring the character of Brody Boondoggle, along with his Grammy and big brother Jake. Brody and Jake are spending time with their grandmother and during a walk in the woods, Grammy and Brody find an Akaway. What's an akaway? "Oh, about 50 pounds," said Grammy. "Maybe a little more after a big meal." (There are silly moments like that all through the book, many of them based on Grammy mishearing something the boys have said.) Actually, an akaway is a magical creature with the ability to connect kids to their spirit animals. Brody can see it, but Jake can't - which makes it hard to convince his brother that they need to help the creature. What follows is a quest to find a portal to another dimension, with the necessary villains to try and stop our heroes.
There is action, humor, typical brotherly teasing and arguing, a really cool grandmother (even if she can't hear very well), a jealous friend, bad guys to dislike, and magical possibilities. I think one of my favorite things about the book is the explanation that children don't connect with their spirit animals any more because they are so busy with video games and electronic devices. It makes sense that if you are not connected to nature and really aware of it, then you can't connect to your spirit animal. If you enjoy adventures and stories of kids trying to save the world or endangered species, then you'll have fun with Brody.
I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
There is action, humor, typical brotherly teasing and arguing, a really cool grandmother (even if she can't hear very well), a jealous friend, bad guys to dislike, and magical possibilities. I think one of my favorite things about the book is the explanation that children don't connect with their spirit animals any more because they are so busy with video games and electronic devices. It makes sense that if you are not connected to nature and really aware of it, then you can't connect to your spirit animal. If you enjoy adventures and stories of kids trying to save the world or endangered species, then you'll have fun with Brody.
I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
March 3, 2014
This is a really good fantasy book for probably 8 and up. Our protagonist is Brody Boondoggle a typical 11yo boy and the only thing special about him in the beginning is his belief in magic. Because of this belief, his grammy shows him a world full of magic which all starts with a rare bird called an akaway. Once he's bitten by the akaway Brody begins to realize he is very special indeed. The akaway helps connect kids to their spirit animals and after being tricked by Uncle Skeeta Brody must set out to open the portal between the two worlds and save the special powers of kids everywhere. The magic can't be seen by nonbelievers so Brody's older brother Jake doesn't believe his brother in the beginning but with grammy's encouragement Jake helps Brody and in turn opens up his eyes to the magic. This book is a short and easy read. A lot of it is summarized and filled with goofy jokes and conversations. There isn't much detail but a lot of action so it appeals to a younger set. There's never an actual description of the Akaway other than it's a rare creature like no other, and it's an albino. Every time someone asks, 'what's an akaway?' someone always responds with, "Oh, about fifty pounds." These are the kinds of kooky jokes filling this book. In this book video games are the anti-magic and playing outside and having fun helps magic grow stronger. It was a quick easy read and I think my boys will enjoy it.
June 10, 2014
My Thoughts About The Book: When I was a child I would have loved to have had this book placed in my hands. This book was awesome! This book has everything I want in a book. The plot was so thrilling that I could not put it down. The characters were realistic. There was elements of humor and when I reached the end of the book I was disappointed that it was over. I have researched Gary Karton and found that he is a first time author and he knows his stuff. He can draw in his audience from young to young at heart. I would recommend The Last Akaway to everyone! It is a must read.
Disclaimer: I received this book free from NetGalley Publicity Company in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” Thanks guys for allowing me this opportunity.
Disclaimer: I received this book free from NetGalley Publicity Company in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” Thanks guys for allowing me this opportunity.
April 30, 2014
See complete review at http://soimfifty.blogspot.com/2014/05/mmgm-last-akaway-by-gary-karton.html
I'm always looking for books that encourage generational connections or connections to the natural world. This book hits it out of the part. This is a quiet fantasy for younger boys age 7-11, those boys who are beginning to get quite enamored with the gaming technology. What I liked best was Grammy's personality, a little hard or hearing, she was always messing up what Brody was talking about which would make it a great read aloud. It's going on my list of 2014 Summer Reads With Grams List! (Coming Soon)
I'm always looking for books that encourage generational connections or connections to the natural world. This book hits it out of the part. This is a quiet fantasy for younger boys age 7-11, those boys who are beginning to get quite enamored with the gaming technology. What I liked best was Grammy's personality, a little hard or hearing, she was always messing up what Brody was talking about which would make it a great read aloud. It's going on my list of 2014 Summer Reads With Grams List! (Coming Soon)
February 12, 2014
I'm at a loss for words! Such a lyrical, magical, spirit-raising, soulful, magic-inspiring, uplifting, precious tale!
February 13, 2014
Great adventure for Brody and Jake Boondoggle finding their spirit animals. Then defending them against evil forces. A fun adventure for 9 to 14 year old.
got-bored
April 28, 2014I started reading this and wasn't captivated within the first two (very short) chapters. I had other things on my kindle and ended up reading them instead.
Read
March 13, 2014Review pending
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews