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The Secret of Rover
The Secret of Rover follows the clever and resourceful twins Katie and David as they race across country in their attempt to outwit an international team of insurgents who hold their parents and baby sister captive in a foreign land.
Held hostage because they invented a spy technology called Rover that can locate anyone in the world, Katie and David’s parents are in grave danger. Now, it’s up to Katie and David to rescue them. But first they must find their reclusive uncle, whom they have never met—the only person they know who can help them.
This page-turning story from a debut author with insider knowledge of Washington is fun, suspenseful, and convincingly real.
Praise for The Secret of Rover
*STARRED REVIEW*
“David and Katie’s relationship is realistically and amusingly portrayed in all its sibling rivalry and friendship. Fun, intelligent, political page-turner.” – School Library Journal , starred review
“One of the drawbacks of young-adult fiction these days is that compelling stories, well told, so often include both expletives and depictions of dark unpleasantness that many parents would rather their teenagers not encounter. Rachel Wildavsky's The Secret of Rover offers a considerably gentler degree of tension for children. Somehow, even as the action heads toward its big conclusion, it all happens without expletives.” – Wall Street Journal
“As if a road trip without any money isn't exciting enough, escape from demented villains ups the ante in this survival tale with international-spy overtones. Sort of a 24 for middle-grade readers. Fans of spy stories and political intrigue will find plenty to appreciate here…” – Kirkus Reviews
“Kids making the transition from series mysteries to more sophisticated thrillers will do well by this suspenseful and age-appropriate drama.” – Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
“Let’s hope that the sequel won’t be so long in appearing, because children need more first class books to read.” – The Washington Examiner
“Wildavsky spins a yarn that’s tight and compelling, balancing high-stakes jeopardy (escaping kidnappers in a high-speed car chase) with more basic, earthy troubles (what to eat and where to go to the bathroom). Carefully placed bread crumbs will satisfy young mystery enthusiasts, while the sweet, detailed portrait of a tightly knit family will widen this title’s appeal.” – Booklist
Held hostage because they invented a spy technology called Rover that can locate anyone in the world, Katie and David’s parents are in grave danger. Now, it’s up to Katie and David to rescue them. But first they must find their reclusive uncle, whom they have never met—the only person they know who can help them.
This page-turning story from a debut author with insider knowledge of Washington is fun, suspenseful, and convincingly real.
Praise for The Secret of Rover
*STARRED REVIEW*
“David and Katie’s relationship is realistically and amusingly portrayed in all its sibling rivalry and friendship. Fun, intelligent, political page-turner.” – School Library Journal , starred review
“One of the drawbacks of young-adult fiction these days is that compelling stories, well told, so often include both expletives and depictions of dark unpleasantness that many parents would rather their teenagers not encounter. Rachel Wildavsky's The Secret of Rover offers a considerably gentler degree of tension for children. Somehow, even as the action heads toward its big conclusion, it all happens without expletives.” – Wall Street Journal
“As if a road trip without any money isn't exciting enough, escape from demented villains ups the ante in this survival tale with international-spy overtones. Sort of a 24 for middle-grade readers. Fans of spy stories and political intrigue will find plenty to appreciate here…” – Kirkus Reviews
“Kids making the transition from series mysteries to more sophisticated thrillers will do well by this suspenseful and age-appropriate drama.” – Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
“Let’s hope that the sequel won’t be so long in appearing, because children need more first class books to read.” – The Washington Examiner
“Wildavsky spins a yarn that’s tight and compelling, balancing high-stakes jeopardy (escaping kidnappers in a high-speed car chase) with more basic, earthy troubles (what to eat and where to go to the bathroom). Carefully placed bread crumbs will satisfy young mystery enthusiasts, while the sweet, detailed portrait of a tightly knit family will widen this title’s appeal.” – Booklist
368 pages, Hardcover
First published March 1, 2011
14 people are currently reading
148 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
September 21, 2024
I love this book!!!! I love how you didn’t expect Trixie to be so tricky,and how they escaped nose and hair,the only thing I wished would have been different was when they found their uncle Alex it was a bit confusing that in the middle of the night he was outside and didn’t act one bit surprised to see them. Also the ending could have been a bit better. But other then that I would recommend this book!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 23, 2015
Secret of Rover - Review
Katie & David Bowden's parents are off to Katkajan to pick up the baby girl they are adopting. The kids don't quite trust the nanny who will be taking care of them while their parents are gone (especially Katie). But they keep quiet about it so their parents don't worry. Turns out, Katie was right, their parents have been kidnapped and Trixie is a Katkajan rebel in on the plan.
This is an thrilling story about two kids who are determined to help their parents, no matter what. There is plenty of edge of your seat excitement. And there are some especially harrowing moments for Katie & David. I enjoyed experiencing this adventure with them.
Recommended to:
This book will appeal to fans of adventure stories, especially in grades 6-8.
Katie & David Bowden's parents are off to Katkajan to pick up the baby girl they are adopting. The kids don't quite trust the nanny who will be taking care of them while their parents are gone (especially Katie). But they keep quiet about it so their parents don't worry. Turns out, Katie was right, their parents have been kidnapped and Trixie is a Katkajan rebel in on the plan.
This is an thrilling story about two kids who are determined to help their parents, no matter what. There is plenty of edge of your seat excitement. And there are some especially harrowing moments for Katie & David. I enjoyed experiencing this adventure with them.
Recommended to:
This book will appeal to fans of adventure stories, especially in grades 6-8.
April 7, 2011
I very much liked this story. It may not have been the most original of stories, but I was definitely rooting for these two kids and their happy ending. Reminded me of the kids from the 39 clues.
April 25, 2025
Loved this book, I even got through it in one day! I would totally reread it 😄
May 11, 2011
This is a fast page-turner thriller appropriate for elementary and young middle-school. A twelve year old pair of brother/sister twins must rescue their parents who've been kidnapped by eastern European revolutionaries because of Rover -- a robot the parents created that has Defense Department applications. Secret of Rover captures the fear and sadness of children who find that the adults they've always relied on have suddenly become helpless, and lost. That the kids will find the strength to escape hit-squads, seek out their reclusive uncle, and then travel all the way to the White House to free mom and dad is a given -- this is definitely a child-empowerment tale -- but the kids' emotions are finely drawn, and the action moves along briskly from page 1.
March 29, 2011
Ms. Wildavsky's delightful book moves swiftly from page to page, adventure to adventure, with the stakes ratcheting higher and higher. One minute the young Washingtonian siblings at the book's center are living happily with their parents, doing homework and bickering -- and the next they're contending with an evil oily nanny, rats and a hostile truck driver. Through it all, these ingenious siblings ring true, riding on waves of lucid prose that doesn't pause to admire itself, although I certainly did. I highly recommend this book to young adults -- and their parents. What's The Secret of Rover? I'll never tell. Please read the book and find out.
July 1, 2014
What a fast and exciting read! Car chases, spies, international intrigue and heartwarming grownups that need *just a bit* of help from the kids. Loved it!
September 5, 2020
Overly detailed when not needed - unrealistic to the hilt with no real interesting twists or turns. The ending...well...that leaves much to be desired. It could have been a short story if well written but alas it was not. Katie might be the most ANNOYING child in any book I've read yet - she has nothing but spite for her brother it is made plain how (with few exceptions) she takes charge and makes the intelligent decisions while everyone else seems to be bumbling idiots. Wrong number? REALLY?
May 13, 2018
Basic run-down: All adults are stupid and don't know how to handle a crisis, and the kids somehow always know exactly what to do - even when they don't - and with a lot - a LOT - of dumb-luck, they are able to constantly get themselves out of a fix - that usually they're own rebelliousness got them into. I liked this story in the beginning, but wound up being more and more annoyed the farther along I got.
July 15, 2017
good book, just a bit clichéd.
January 1, 2025
Loved this book as a kid!
August 5, 2011
Katie and David, twins, have lived in the two extremes of life: poverty and wealth. Their parents and uncle worked for years to create a top secret governmental program (called Rover) and once it was completed, they didn't have to want for anything anymore. Except perhaps another family member. Finally, after asking for years, the twins' parents agree to adopt a baby from Katkajan and immediately head off to get her. Unbeknownst to anyone, this is a nefarious plot by the Katkajans to get Rover and suddenly, Katie and David are prisoners in their own home. They decide to escape and try to get to their uncle's remote cabin in Vermont, as he is probably the only one left who can help.
This book has an intriguing concept, especially as it's portrayed as realistic fiction, rather than fantasy, and the plot moves quickly, but is not executed very well. The device of Trixie (the evil Katkajan in charge of the twins) constantly finding the kids every time they escaped or plotted to escape got old (and there are one too many twists, making the book drag a little by the end). Katie and David bicker constantly, which got annoying and felt over-the-top (as opposed to the realistic fighting between siblings it was meant to be). The sudden mood changes also were overwhelming and the overall relationship between the two was irritating. I also found the use of nicknames inconsistent, which was a little jarring to the overall feel of the text. A secondary purchase.
Note: I'm in the minority--if you hop over to the Amazon reviews, you'll see that others have loved it.
This book has an intriguing concept, especially as it's portrayed as realistic fiction, rather than fantasy, and the plot moves quickly, but is not executed very well. The device of Trixie (the evil Katkajan in charge of the twins) constantly finding the kids every time they escaped or plotted to escape got old (and there are one too many twists, making the book drag a little by the end). Katie and David bicker constantly, which got annoying and felt over-the-top (as opposed to the realistic fighting between siblings it was meant to be). The sudden mood changes also were overwhelming and the overall relationship between the two was irritating. I also found the use of nicknames inconsistent, which was a little jarring to the overall feel of the text. A secondary purchase.
Note: I'm in the minority--if you hop over to the Amazon reviews, you'll see that others have loved it.
March 29, 2011
Twins Katie and David haven't always lived a charmed life. Until recently, their family has struggled in poverty. However, life as been looking up since their parents invented Rover. When their parents fly overseas to adopt a new baby girl, the children's excitement quickly turns to fear as they find themselves in the middle of a sinister political plot. Unsure of whether or not they will ever see their parents again or meet tehir new baby sister, their immediate goal is to make it out alive.
Rachel Wildavsky's new book, The Secret of Rover, is a captivating novel for children. With well developed characters and an appealing plotline, the story allows children to experience a fantastical mystery with action and adventure.
Disclaimer: A copy was provided by the publisher.
Rachel Wildavsky's new book, The Secret of Rover, is a captivating novel for children. With well developed characters and an appealing plotline, the story allows children to experience a fantastical mystery with action and adventure.
Disclaimer: A copy was provided by the publisher.
March 21, 2012
The Secret of Rover is an exciting book. The Story is about a top secret project called rover that was built by Katie and David's parents. When their parents are kidnapped, Katie and David and Uncle Max match wits with an evil group that is bent on stealing the Rover project from the government. First Katie and David have to get away from their nanny who is more than meets the eye.
Rachel Wildavski has come up with a unique plot, and fun characters that really come to life as you read the book. The book is simple enough for middle schoolers but can also catch the interest of teenagers. Overall this action paced book is sure to be a great adventure.
Rachel Wildavski has come up with a unique plot, and fun characters that really come to life as you read the book. The book is simple enough for middle schoolers but can also catch the interest of teenagers. Overall this action paced book is sure to be a great adventure.
February 6, 2016
I read this book because it is one of the Sunshine State Young Reader Award nominees for the 2015-2016 school year. Overall, I enjoyed the book, but not quite as much as the other SSYRA books that I have read so far this year. The characters were likable and believable, the villains were described in vivid detail and were very unlikable (as they should be), and the plot was interesting and enjoyable. There was also a relationship twist that I did not see coming until just before it was revealed. However, I thought the writing style was a bit choppy, and at times I wished that the story would move along at a quicker pace. If we could give half stars, I would give this 3 and one half.
November 2, 2015
The Secret of Rover is a twisty - turny mystery that chases each thrilling moment with another one. This book is about twins Katie and David whose life is pretty much all you can wish about. Suddenly their family is mysteriously swept away and a mean very strange nanny arrives. Now the twins are involved in the most thrilling most dangerous adventure of their lives. This book will whisk you up and keep you on the edge of your seat and leave you begging for more. This thriller is perfect for fans of mysteries. Now strap yourself in for the ride of your life!
Review by Masha K, Age 9, Boston Mensa
Review by Masha K, Age 9, Boston Mensa
May 5, 2011
Received from NetGalley.
Summary: The Secret of Rover follows the clever and resourceful twins Katie and David as they race across country in their attempt to outwit an international team of insurgents who hold their parents and baby sister captive in a foreign land.
Review: Adventure, page turning fun, interesting plot, evil nanny. I enjoyed the book, it was fun to read and it was very hard to put it down. I believe the author did a fantastic job with the characters and story line. It was fun to read.
Summary: The Secret of Rover follows the clever and resourceful twins Katie and David as they race across country in their attempt to outwit an international team of insurgents who hold their parents and baby sister captive in a foreign land.
Review: Adventure, page turning fun, interesting plot, evil nanny. I enjoyed the book, it was fun to read and it was very hard to put it down. I believe the author did a fantastic job with the characters and story line. It was fun to read.
February 21, 2014
the book the secret of rover was a good book it was about these two kids named Katie and David their parents go to a foreign country to adopt a child from an orphanage and when they are gone a nanny comes to take care of them. once their parents leave the next morning the nanny is dressed in army clothes and they have now realized that the people had kidnapped there parents and they have to get up to Vermont from Washington DC to meet up with there uncle whom the have never met. throughout the book Katie and David must find out why the katkajan people have kidnapped their parents.
November 6, 2011
James (my 10 year old) LOVED this book and insisted that I read it. He eventually just put it by my bedside so I was continually reminded. The story is compelling and a good story of two 12 year olds surviving and triumphing against all odds. I didn't think the writing style was stellar, but it's definitely a fun read.
December 23, 2011
The last of the intermediate fiction nominees for 2012 IRA awards. Sort of a Spy Kids wannabe. A brother and sister are battle against captors when their mother and father are kidnapped while completing an international adoption. Plot-driven, predictable. Former journalist Wildavsky writes the story like it is a factual news story.
April 27, 2015
690L. This was an exciting story of kidnapping, secret inventions, and espionage. This story also includes the reuniting of a family. Also, part of the story is of a family who adopts a child from another country. This is handled well. Unfortunately the two main characters argue and speak with a great deal of sarcasm to each other. Overall a great page turner for an older elementary child.
September 27, 2015
An interesting story with a well-thought-out plot and for the most part enjoyable characters. However the author spent too much time on the journey and watching the two main characters bicker. Many of those moments bored me to tears and I skimmed through the text. This is my 14th Sunshine State book. In general I'm not overly impressed this year.
August 29, 2011
Kids should enjoy both the nonstop action and the interesting complement of characters. It reminded me a bit of Roland Smiths I, Q series, both because of the action and because of the brother/sister team working to keep the people they love safe.
August 6, 2011
A good read in the vein of Korman's on the run, and Smith's IQ, as well as the 39 Clues... But a slow start, some adults who act either saintly or dopey, and some extreme suspension of disbelief hold it at 3.5 stars.
September 19, 2015
An Adventure for kids
Kids will like this adventure story that features car chases, danger and spy intrigue. I would recommend The Secret of Rover for intermediate and middle school readers.
Kids will like this adventure story that features car chases, danger and spy intrigue. I would recommend The Secret of Rover for intermediate and middle school readers.
November 12, 2015
Probably better if you're a younger reader, but I found the premise a bit far-fetched in terms of what the kids would ignore or do. It is fast paced and exciting and without anything that might be objectionable for younger crowds. The students do love it - just not one for me.
February 1, 2016
This book was a great book. I really enjoyed it because I love mystery books and this was full of surprises. I would recommend this book to people 12+ based on their reading level. I would definitely read this book again.
April 18, 2011
action packed, realistic characters in scary situations with cool sci-fi/techie storyline.
August 10, 2011
Bryce recommends this to fans of spy-themed stories; fast-paced and highly entertaining!
December 30, 2011
An interesting adventure story. Probably most appropriate for the 5th or 6th grade reader.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews