Longleaf

by Roger Reid

When fourteen-year-old Jason accompanies his scientist parents on a trip to the Conecuh National Forest in Alabama, he witnesses a crime being committed and finds his own life endangered as a result.

Genres: Young Adult

Hardcover

First published December 1, 2006

Reviews

[Books Ahoy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a great, short, quick to the point, adventurous, and educational book! This book does not have all the fluff at the beginning that some books have. It states everything you need to know in the second chapter. I also like how the chapters are short and sweet. I love the budding relationship between Jason and Leah. I think it's really cute :). This book also contains lots of adventure and has alittle heart pounding moments here and there. Not only does this book contain adventure and romance, this book also contain some very educational facts about science in general and about the Conecuh National Forest. No, it is not some boring educational book but there is a few facts thrown into the mix. Overall, I think this is a very good book and I currently have my nose in the second book.

[Betsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. As a former school librarian, I think it would be very entertaining for young adult/junior high students. The main characters are fourteen and fifteen years old, but it is written from the point of view of a very intelligent young man who finds himself wrapped up in a dangerous situation in the middle of the Conecuh (Alabama) National Forest. The writing is clear and straight to the point..no flowery descriptions or comments...no secondary plots. The story gets off to a great start and carries the reader through an adventure that is exciting and entertaining. It is a small book and a quick read, but packed with action.

[Jeannie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decided to read this since I have spent some time in the Conecuh Forest, and still live a couple hours from it. I also picked it because I enjoyed watching the Discovering Alabama tv series, which the writer was involved with. The book is aimed at the jr high age group, but good for all ages. I enjoyed the story, and learning about the forest. I knew the places mentioned in the story, so it was nice to be able to picture them as I read. The story moved quickly, had very short chapters, and was written in a way that didn't feel "teachy", even though you learn a lot about the Conecuh forest, and its inhabitants. I am very glad I chose to read this book.

[Nathalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book after learning that the author is coming to the school I teach at. It immediately grabbed my attention and moved at a quick pace. I loved the two main characters, but the best part was the description of the national forest. Because the setting was close by, I instantly formed another connection with the book. Although the ending was predictable, it still made for an enjoyable read.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute book with lots of suspense and he got in all the main facts of the longleaf pine ecosystem. He captures what the forest looks and feels like at night and provides a space for the necessity of fire. The people are scarier than fire, which is the paradigm shift our culture needs to adopt.

[Annie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Documentary producer Roger Reid makes his debut as a novelist with Longleaf, a young adult adventure thriller with a strong message about environmental preservation.

Read the rest here:
http://blogcritics.org/archives/2007/...

[Terri Floccare · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this one. It was short, but told a good story. I loved the young adult main characters. It makes me want to visit a longleaf pine forest. Alabama here I come!!

[Julianna Schock · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book!!!!!!! a very quick read!!!! it keeps you interested while giving you different facts about nature!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Ellie Wallace · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved this book! We went camping in the same campgrounds as the characters I the book, so it just felt so real