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The Left Behinds #1
The iPhone that Saved George Washington
Percy Jackson fans will embrace this humorous time travel adventure, the first in a series, about an iPhone malfunction that sends three kids back to 1776 in time to rescue George Washington.
On Christmas Day, Mel finds General George Washington lying dead as a doornail in a stable. But Mel knows that George Washington must cross the Delaware River, or the course of American history will be changed forever.
Could Mel’s iPhone have sent him back in time to 1776? And can Mel and his schoolmates, know-it-all Bev and laid-back Brandon, come to the rescue? Perhaps, with a little help from two colonial kids and Benjamin Franklin himself.
Debut novelist David Potter cleverly combines time travel, humor, and American history in this fast-paced adventure. For American Revolution enthusiasts, there's information about historical reenactments, additional reading, and websites.
On Christmas Day, Mel finds General George Washington lying dead as a doornail in a stable. But Mel knows that George Washington must cross the Delaware River, or the course of American history will be changed forever.
Could Mel’s iPhone have sent him back in time to 1776? And can Mel and his schoolmates, know-it-all Bev and laid-back Brandon, come to the rescue? Perhaps, with a little help from two colonial kids and Benjamin Franklin himself.
Debut novelist David Potter cleverly combines time travel, humor, and American history in this fast-paced adventure. For American Revolution enthusiasts, there's information about historical reenactments, additional reading, and websites.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published January 6, 2015
15 people are currently reading
146 people want to read
About the author
David Potter
2 books7 followersDavid Potter developed a love for American history as a boy growing up near Morristown, New Jersey, where George Washington spent the winters of 1777 and 1779. He was inspired to write The Left Behinds: The iPhone That Saved George Washington while taking his children to the annual Christmas reenactment of Washington’s Crossing the Delaware.
The premise of the novel is simple: three modern day kids, armed with nothing more than their iPhones and their attitudes, find themselves thrust back into a pivotal point in American history. They know how things are supposed to turn out, but will they? The kids are going to have to come through in the clutch - or else!
Visit David at http://www.davidpotterbooks.com or on Twitter at http://twitter.com/dpotterbooks.
The premise of the novel is simple: three modern day kids, armed with nothing more than their iPhones and their attitudes, find themselves thrust back into a pivotal point in American history. They know how things are supposed to turn out, but will they? The kids are going to have to come through in the clutch - or else!
Visit David at http://www.davidpotterbooks.com or on Twitter at http://twitter.com/dpotterbooks.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
February 7, 2015
Please note that I received a free ARC of this book in a contest and would like to say a huge thank you for the opportunity to read and review it!
Mel, Bev, and Brandon don't have the best relationship with each other. However, it's the Christmas holidays, and their parents are either too busy or too successful for these three children to come home with them. In turn, they made arrangements with their school to take care of these three over the course of the vacation. They are the Left Behinds. To make their time less unpleasant, special events were planned out so that boredom did not overtake their lives. One of these such arrangements was on Christmas Day when their teacher decided to take them to the annual reenactment of George Washington crossing the Delaware River.
Things don't go exactly as planned though, as Mel, Bev, and Brandon witness a queer man exit the basement of a nearby building. Daring each other to go down to the stranger's previous location. As they descend and find a computer, they are suddenly transported to a most bizarre and curious place. Before them in a horse stall, George Washington is lying dead right before their very eyes. Wait, this has to be a part of the reenactment, right? Perhaps, not only were they transported to a different scene, but perhaps they were transported to a different time, as well! If that's true, however, that means the real first President of the United States is dead before he even crossed the Delaware River! That means that, as many serious events such as the defeating of the Hessians at Trenton, the United States would not be the United States that we know today if Washington is really dead. That can't be good. All the children have on them are the clothes on their back and their...iPhones. What can Mel, Bev, and Brandon possibly do to save the future so that they have a home to return to? Can history be saved? Read the exciting The Left Behinds: The iPhone that Saved George Washington to find out!
My review:
David Potter made an enjoyable Middle Grade novel that conveyed an adventurous story chalk full of American history in an enjoyable way. This story was entertaining and amusing at the same time. I really enjoyed the humor and the way that certain historical figures were portrayed. For example, Benjamin Franklin was so inquisitive, always asking questions to which Mel had trouble answering himself. However, I will say that the way that George Washington was represented, I did not particularly like him. I found him to be a bit rude at times, but I still find his character to be quite amusing at other moments, especially when trying to understand the explanation of the present.
The story was really imaginative, a sure grabber for many young readers. I can fondly remember my fourth grade teacher reading to my class George Washington's Socks by Elvira Woodruff and this brought back memories of that. While they both had similar elements to them, I loved David Potter's reiteration of history and his covering of some myths that are frequently brought up, such as George Washington possessing wooden teeth. The mystery of the iPhones working was what kept me turning the pages. I wanted to know just how George Washington could have been killed when this fact completely deviates from the rest history. The alternate route and how it exactly came to be was excellently approached, and this was a great setup for the rest of this series. I would gladly enjoy continuing on with it.
Mel, Bev, and Brandon don't have the best relationship with each other. However, it's the Christmas holidays, and their parents are either too busy or too successful for these three children to come home with them. In turn, they made arrangements with their school to take care of these three over the course of the vacation. They are the Left Behinds. To make their time less unpleasant, special events were planned out so that boredom did not overtake their lives. One of these such arrangements was on Christmas Day when their teacher decided to take them to the annual reenactment of George Washington crossing the Delaware River.
Things don't go exactly as planned though, as Mel, Bev, and Brandon witness a queer man exit the basement of a nearby building. Daring each other to go down to the stranger's previous location. As they descend and find a computer, they are suddenly transported to a most bizarre and curious place. Before them in a horse stall, George Washington is lying dead right before their very eyes. Wait, this has to be a part of the reenactment, right? Perhaps, not only were they transported to a different scene, but perhaps they were transported to a different time, as well! If that's true, however, that means the real first President of the United States is dead before he even crossed the Delaware River! That means that, as many serious events such as the defeating of the Hessians at Trenton, the United States would not be the United States that we know today if Washington is really dead. That can't be good. All the children have on them are the clothes on their back and their...iPhones. What can Mel, Bev, and Brandon possibly do to save the future so that they have a home to return to? Can history be saved? Read the exciting The Left Behinds: The iPhone that Saved George Washington to find out!
My review:
David Potter made an enjoyable Middle Grade novel that conveyed an adventurous story chalk full of American history in an enjoyable way. This story was entertaining and amusing at the same time. I really enjoyed the humor and the way that certain historical figures were portrayed. For example, Benjamin Franklin was so inquisitive, always asking questions to which Mel had trouble answering himself. However, I will say that the way that George Washington was represented, I did not particularly like him. I found him to be a bit rude at times, but I still find his character to be quite amusing at other moments, especially when trying to understand the explanation of the present.
The story was really imaginative, a sure grabber for many young readers. I can fondly remember my fourth grade teacher reading to my class George Washington's Socks by Elvira Woodruff and this brought back memories of that. While they both had similar elements to them, I loved David Potter's reiteration of history and his covering of some myths that are frequently brought up, such as George Washington possessing wooden teeth. The mystery of the iPhones working was what kept me turning the pages. I wanted to know just how George Washington could have been killed when this fact completely deviates from the rest history. The alternate route and how it exactly came to be was excellently approached, and this was a great setup for the rest of this series. I would gladly enjoy continuing on with it.
July 31, 2020
The concept is nice and there were some funny parts, but the writing was forking weird.
Also that ending.
So disappointed, since I don't want to read the rest of the series, or whatever.
Also that ending.
So disappointed, since I don't want to read the rest of the series, or whatever.
July 20, 2015
The concept of this book gets 5 stars, and I think most kids I would hand this to would love it just based upon that general idea: time travel that is possible through an iPhone app.
This is totally modern and since most kids I know don't even set their phones down to brush their teeth or sleep, it might grab the attention of some reluctant readers. There are awesome historical figures, facts, and events during the American Revolution that the story is based around which is super awesome.
That being said, parts of it drove me crazy - it went on far too long, the chapters often cut off in strange spots, and what made me crazy was that the kids' teacher texted them using "R U there?" and other text shorthand. I think this could have been executed better but with the current time we live in kids will really enjoy this idea… and hopefully learn a few things while reading it, too!
Note to myself: There's a line that says "burn in hell" so don't buy this for my third graders; not worth the issues it will cause.
This is totally modern and since most kids I know don't even set their phones down to brush their teeth or sleep, it might grab the attention of some reluctant readers. There are awesome historical figures, facts, and events during the American Revolution that the story is based around which is super awesome.
That being said, parts of it drove me crazy - it went on far too long, the chapters often cut off in strange spots, and what made me crazy was that the kids' teacher texted them using "R U there?" and other text shorthand. I think this could have been executed better but with the current time we live in kids will really enjoy this idea… and hopefully learn a few things while reading it, too!
Note to myself: There's a line that says "burn in hell" so don't buy this for my third graders; not worth the issues it will cause.
December 27, 2015
An iPhone malfunction sends a group of children back to 1776 where they find General George Washington lying dead in a barn. Unless they can figure out how to undo what has happened, the course of history will be changed forever. Although the kids were in constant danger, humor gave the book an overall lighthearted feel. The reader, Kirby Heyborne, did an incredible job. He is one of my favorite readers. I give him 5 stars and the book
3 1/2 stars. The Left Behinds has the potential to be a really great series.
3 1/2 stars. The Left Behinds has the potential to be a really great series.
April 21, 2015
I wanted this to be good. I really did. But a great concept (an iPhone app that allows time travel) falls apart in the execution. The chapters are repetitive and weirdly short; the story takes way too long to explain the set up; at least half of the characters are wholly unnecessary. Normally I'd just say "Eh" and let it go, but this was SUCH a neat idea that I'm genuinely upset that it wasn't rewritten to repair these problems. Huge missed opportunity. Not recommended.
April 18, 2015
I actually listened to the audio book version... it was pretty slow. I think I would've liked it more if I had read the actual book instead of listening to it. Really cool concept! The author did a ton of research, so the book is packed with historic detail. The characters weren't very detailed, though. And I'm not the biggest sci-fi fan to begin with.
July 19, 2015
The kids and I listened to the audio version of this book on a long car trip. The book provided historical details that added to the humor in the book as well as a history lesson. The audio version seemed a little slow and we lost interest near the end.
January 15, 2019
Excellent premise and I love me some time travel but the execution was trying. There was much to like here (tweens forced to deal with the realities of life in 1776, problem solving, etc.) but the story felt forced, repetitive (too many on-page explanations of iPhone, for example) and too long.
January 16, 2019
This almost got 3 stars because I liked the concept and there were certainly moments that made me chuckle. However, the pacing was all wrong and the ending was wholly unsatisfactory. The dialog/narration was also clumsy, falling into the trap of trying too hard to sound like a kid. I expected this to be a story where three unlikely friends bonded in the face of crisis, and while that kind of happened, it was an afterthought and not convincing in the slightest. Also, while clearly well researched, it didn't provide a very nuanced picture of some of our founding fathers, which in 2015 when this was written doesn't make sense to me. Additionally, the things like people not understanding Mel's Nike's got old and redundant after a while, which is a shame because that could have been such an interesting point of contact.
Very disappointing, because it's a great concept, and historical time travel is a favorite trope of mine.
Very disappointing, because it's a great concept, and historical time travel is a favorite trope of mine.
June 28, 2019
I think middle grades will like this time travel novel.
It's about three kids who are the Left-Behinds (Their parents left them at their boarding school over Christmas break, hence the nickname.). On Christmas day one of their teachers takes them to the reenactment of Washington Crossing the Delaware. While there, the trio inadvertently stumble upon a time travel device which put an app on their phones AND sent them back to 1776 and the preparations for the crossing. But things are as they have learned in their history class. First of all, Washington has been killed by some Hessians, and the future of the revolution is at risk! Trust the Left Behinds to get things all sorted out.
It's very simplistic in the telling of what really is a complicated story. How all these people just accept their different clothes, the iPhones(!), and how they know what's going to happen with only a simple question or two is incredible! I know it's just a story, but ..
C rating.
It's about three kids who are the Left-Behinds (Their parents left them at their boarding school over Christmas break, hence the nickname.). On Christmas day one of their teachers takes them to the reenactment of Washington Crossing the Delaware. While there, the trio inadvertently stumble upon a time travel device which put an app on their phones AND sent them back to 1776 and the preparations for the crossing. But things are as they have learned in their history class. First of all, Washington has been killed by some Hessians, and the future of the revolution is at risk! Trust the Left Behinds to get things all sorted out.
It's very simplistic in the telling of what really is a complicated story. How all these people just accept their different clothes, the iPhones(!), and how they know what's going to happen with only a simple question or two is incredible! I know it's just a story, but ..
C rating.
January 15, 2019
Title: The Left Behinds and the iPhone That Saved George Washington
Author: David Potter
Length: 8.5 hours – 7 CDs
Lexile Level:610L
Review: OK, the title alone lets you know this book is definitely fiction/sci-fi, but it still had a lot of accurate historical information. This book is part of a series and that is evident by the ending. The reading was a little drawn out for me. I would have sped it up if I used a Playaway vs. CDs. I think kids would enjoy this book while learning some history. Some of Potter’s descriptions of the historical event were very detailed and made you feel like you were there too.
3 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by: Emily K.
Author: David Potter
Length: 8.5 hours – 7 CDs
Lexile Level:610L
Review: OK, the title alone lets you know this book is definitely fiction/sci-fi, but it still had a lot of accurate historical information. This book is part of a series and that is evident by the ending. The reading was a little drawn out for me. I would have sped it up if I used a Playaway vs. CDs. I think kids would enjoy this book while learning some history. Some of Potter’s descriptions of the historical event were very detailed and made you feel like you were there too.
3 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by: Emily K.
November 12, 2018
A fairly entertaining story that sets the stage for a series of books that are good follow-ons for those that enjoyed the magic tree house series. These stories (I have started but not finished the Abe Lincoln Book) set historical facts and circumstances into a fictitious adventure time travel framework for juvenile kids. It will be interesting to see what this series produces. In this books kids will learn about the players in the Revolutionary War and one of the most decisive battles along with the context surrounding it.
July 20, 2020
Three students Mel, Bev, and Brandon are left behind at their boarding school over Christmas. Their teachers takes them to the reenactment of Washington crossing the Delaware. The three find themselves transported back in time. They have to try to keep George Washington from being assassinated.
Good premise, but story telling isn't quite up to par.
Good premise, but story telling isn't quite up to par.
September 18, 2023
DNF
I didn’t like it enough to finish.
On Christmas Day, Mel finds General George Washington lying dead as a doornail in a stable. George Washington must cross the Delaware River, or the course of American history will be changed forever.
Time travel, humor, and American history
Reminds me of the magic treehouse series
I didn’t like it enough to finish.
On Christmas Day, Mel finds General George Washington lying dead as a doornail in a stable. George Washington must cross the Delaware River, or the course of American history will be changed forever.
Time travel, humor, and American history
Reminds me of the magic treehouse series
February 3, 2017
This was a fast paced read. It was certainly exciting. It teaches problem solving and history. The history was pretty accurate. I would recommend it to anyone who thinks history is boring. Of course if you love history like me, it does not disappoint.
January 10, 2020
I gave up on this book 15 minutes into listening. Confusing relationships, the time-traveling premise, a working iPhone and the same reader as 'Fred, The Vampire Accountant'. I just couldn't continue. Not really sure what age would actually enjoy this book.
April 18, 2021
I picked this up based off nothing but the (awesome) title, and much to my surprise I LOVED this. It was so cute and funny, and it even reminded me of some Revolutionary War trivia that I had forgotten over the years.
May 10, 2017
What a great way to make history fun and exciting. Such a great book.
July 6, 2017
A fun read- a little too long, I had to take a break in in the middle and read something else that was moving a little faster- loved the narrator, Kirby Heyborne.
January 23, 2019
Entertaining history reenactment.
September 16, 2020
Fun read for kids that has at least one gruesome scene. It does point out some of the hazards/horrors faced by the revolutionary army. The Left Behind kids are all privileged white kids.
July 12, 2021
I absolutely loved this book! It made me think how much America has changed since 1775!
June 5, 2022
It's an interesting read. Kind of weird,but adventurous.
May 28, 2025
It was a cute story. I’ll read the next one
February 8, 2016
The idea was silly but had fun potential: a trio of tweens left behind at Christmas by their overly busy parents end up traveling back in time to 1776 and see George Washington (yes, THAT, George Washington) dead in a barn. They quickly learn that their iPhones still work, and their teacher who was supervising their Christmas day outing, is still able to text them FROM THE FUTURE, and somehow there's a new app on their phones which allows time travel. But, Mel's phone only has 5% power left...
*Spoilers*
Wow this failed on pretty much every level. If you wanted a good delving into history, you're not going to get it aside from a few boring info-dumps. If you wanted good time-travel stories? Tough. You only get one time-hop after the first main "accidental" trip back to 1776. This MAY have worked as a short story to set up for a series on three kids traveling through time to stop some crazed inventor who is determined to mess up the past for fun but as a long novel it dragged (seriously, after the first time, the reader does NOT need to see the on-screen explanation of "what is this 'iphone' of which you speak'?" and yet we DO...over and over...). The improbability of tweens being listened to by the leading officer of the Continental Army and Benjamin Franklin (where else do you go to get your iPhone recharged in 1776, after all?) was something I was willing to just go along with but the characters are all so stilted, forced and boring that it was a painful experience to finish skimming the final 3rd of the book.
Not recommended for history lovers OR time travel readers. Skip this one!
FTC Disclosure: The Publisher provided me with a copy of this book to provide an honest review. No goody bags, sponsorship, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
*Spoilers*
Wow this failed on pretty much every level. If you wanted a good delving into history, you're not going to get it aside from a few boring info-dumps. If you wanted good time-travel stories? Tough. You only get one time-hop after the first main "accidental" trip back to 1776. This MAY have worked as a short story to set up for a series on three kids traveling through time to stop some crazed inventor who is determined to mess up the past for fun but as a long novel it dragged (seriously, after the first time, the reader does NOT need to see the on-screen explanation of "what is this 'iphone' of which you speak'?" and yet we DO...over and over...). The improbability of tweens being listened to by the leading officer of the Continental Army and Benjamin Franklin (where else do you go to get your iPhone recharged in 1776, after all?) was something I was willing to just go along with but the characters are all so stilted, forced and boring that it was a painful experience to finish skimming the final 3rd of the book.
Not recommended for history lovers OR time travel readers. Skip this one!
FTC Disclosure: The Publisher provided me with a copy of this book to provide an honest review. No goody bags, sponsorship, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
December 24, 2014
So, I know reviewers aren't supposed to quote from an ARC in case the author changes things around in the final copy, but this book was so darn funny I just had to.
Thank you, Netgalley and Random House Children's, for this free book to review!
I'm okay at history, but reading about a kid (and a boy, at that), who really loves it was awesome. Mel's always been more on the sidelines, but he's not afraid to take charge when no one else is capable.
I've got two quibbles about this book though. First off, the length bothered me. It felt like the author, David Potter, finished this book, wanted it to be longer, and added twists at the end. It would have read smoother if the plot were half as long, with more development in the minor characters.
My second quibble is George Washington: grant it, I don't have a iTime app on my iphone (nor do I have, you know, an iphone), so I don't know his personality. But apparently he only agreed to cross the Delaware because Mel told him about Washington D.C. and he was vain enough to change his mind. It sure was funny though.
Would I read other books by David Potter? I hope so! This one was absolutely hilarious. Bravo to David for such humor.
Thank you, Netgalley and Random House Children's, for this free book to review!
I'm okay at history, but reading about a kid (and a boy, at that), who really loves it was awesome. Mel's always been more on the sidelines, but he's not afraid to take charge when no one else is capable.
I've got two quibbles about this book though. First off, the length bothered me. It felt like the author, David Potter, finished this book, wanted it to be longer, and added twists at the end. It would have read smoother if the plot were half as long, with more development in the minor characters.
My second quibble is George Washington: grant it, I don't have a iTime app on my iphone (nor do I have, you know, an iphone), so I don't know his personality. But apparently he only agreed to cross the Delaware because Mel told him about Washington D.C. and he was vain enough to change his mind. It sure was funny though.
"I like it! Washington, D.C." Then his eyes flash. I am 'Washington, G.' G., and only G. Who is this Washington D.C., you speak of? I have no relation with such initial. What abomination is this? After all I have suffered? All I have risked? To be--to be insulted! In such a manner! 'Tis an outrage!" 65%, The iPhone that Saved George Washington. The exact quote may not be in the final copy, but I sure hope it will be.
Would I read other books by David Potter? I hope so! This one was absolutely hilarious. Bravo to David for such humor.
July 22, 2015
I borrowed this book from a friend whom thought that since I enjoyed the Harry Potter series and the Percy Jackson series, I would enjoy this one as well. Normally I have stayed away from friends' recommendations seeing as some of the books have been less than stellar but I have to say I really enjoyed this one immensely.
An app sends the Left Behind Trio (known as Bev, Mel, and Ben) back in time to 1776 where George Washington is lying dead. But that cannot be. He is set to cross the Delaware River and sail into history as the next President of the newly formed United States. This is a serious problem. If George Washington is dead, then history of the United States could be in jeopardy and with only the app on their phones, they must find a way to make things right and save history!
I really, really enjoyed this book. Although I found the storyline quite different and refreshing, I felt the characters in some form or another were clones of other trios such as Harry, Hermione, and Ron or even Annabeth, Percy, and Grover. It was just felt too similar to me and maybe it was just me. Otherwise this book was a fun and adventurous read and I am really looking forward to seeing the rest of this series. It looks extremely promising and the idea of the app sending people to the past seems like a ton of fun. I want one of those apps!
I recommend this book to those who have enjoyed books like Harry Potter or even Percy Jackson. This series will make you giggle in some parts and root for the kids to the very end. You don't have to be a kid or a young adult to pick up these book and be ashamed to read. Just do it!
An app sends the Left Behind Trio (known as Bev, Mel, and Ben) back in time to 1776 where George Washington is lying dead. But that cannot be. He is set to cross the Delaware River and sail into history as the next President of the newly formed United States. This is a serious problem. If George Washington is dead, then history of the United States could be in jeopardy and with only the app on their phones, they must find a way to make things right and save history!
I really, really enjoyed this book. Although I found the storyline quite different and refreshing, I felt the characters in some form or another were clones of other trios such as Harry, Hermione, and Ron or even Annabeth, Percy, and Grover. It was just felt too similar to me and maybe it was just me. Otherwise this book was a fun and adventurous read and I am really looking forward to seeing the rest of this series. It looks extremely promising and the idea of the app sending people to the past seems like a ton of fun. I want one of those apps!
I recommend this book to those who have enjoyed books like Harry Potter or even Percy Jackson. This series will make you giggle in some parts and root for the kids to the very end. You don't have to be a kid or a young adult to pick up these book and be ashamed to read. Just do it!
April 4, 2015
Mel, Bev, and Brandon (The “left-behinds” during Christmas vacation at an exclusive boarding school.) are transported via an i-phone app back in time to the Revolutionary War. There they must change history from George Washington being killed to successfully crossing the Delaware River on Christmas.
Historical buffs will enjoy this “What if…” novel that are so popular today. Written from Brandon’s point of view, George Washington is found dead and so the time travel begins. Many historical events are noted- many of them true but one fact is twisted and duly noted. The one discrepancy is when the three students meet Ben Franklin in Philadelphia when really he was already in France. There is plenty of action and dialogue to keep the interest of the reader. Historical knowledge would be helpful in understanding the story. This would be a good addition to the upper level library shelf. Recommended. Grades 5 and up.
Historical buffs will enjoy this “What if…” novel that are so popular today. Written from Brandon’s point of view, George Washington is found dead and so the time travel begins. Many historical events are noted- many of them true but one fact is twisted and duly noted. The one discrepancy is when the three students meet Ben Franklin in Philadelphia when really he was already in France. There is plenty of action and dialogue to keep the interest of the reader. Historical knowledge would be helpful in understanding the story. This would be a good addition to the upper level library shelf. Recommended. Grades 5 and up.
January 12, 2015
Three kids, dubbed the "Left Behinds" because their wealthy non-participant parents left them behind at school, are suddenly transported to the American Revolution to help George Washington get across the river and take control of the war. They are able to do this through the use of their iphones and an app
that makes their lives more adventurous but a lot more dangerous as well. Mel needs Ben Franklin to charge his phone and get back to save General Washington and rescue his friends who are held captive by some angry Hessians. Kids will appreciate the irreverent way that our founding fathers are introduced but will learn some valuable history lessons and appreciate the sacrifice those men made. There are numerous jabs at Nike sneakers, iphones, apps and all the modern conveniences kids (and adults) have come to expect. It made me wish there really was an app called itime.
that makes their lives more adventurous but a lot more dangerous as well. Mel needs Ben Franklin to charge his phone and get back to save General Washington and rescue his friends who are held captive by some angry Hessians. Kids will appreciate the irreverent way that our founding fathers are introduced but will learn some valuable history lessons and appreciate the sacrifice those men made. There are numerous jabs at Nike sneakers, iphones, apps and all the modern conveniences kids (and adults) have come to expect. It made me wish there really was an app called itime.
June 10, 2015
My kids and I listened to the audio version of this book and I can't tell if the narrator spoke too slowly and deliberately to bring out the humor or I just didn't care for the book, but either way this one just didn't grab me. It felt like there was too much historical detail (and I majored in history, too! ) and long conversations between characters, but not enough action. I'm sure there will be kids out there who will just eat it up (my 11 yr old liked it), but not enough general interest for MHL. And on a final note, I felt a little uncomfortable with the non stop product placement of iPhones. It made me wonder if the author got any money from Apple . . . couldn't he have made up a fake phone brand and used that? sheesh.
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