middle grade books – Author Jessica Parker

Curse of the Mummy’s Uncle is book four of the Case File 13 series.

About the Book:

You hold in your hands a very sinister story.

I have searched every nook and cranny to compile the evidence in Case File 13. Now, in this book, you will find the next eerie installment in the adventures of Nick, Carter, and Angelo, three monster-obsessed boys whose harmless trip to Mexico turned into something so horrendous, so revolting—

Wait a second, Mr. B! You’re making this whole thing sound way scarier than it really was. Maybe dial it back a notch?

But Nick, it is that scary. In this volume alone there are haunted pyramids, alien artifacts, and even a mummy with a terrible curse.

True, but there’s also the part with the hidden treasure, and the time when Carter used his knitting needles to—

Yes, all right, you win. Now if you’ll excuse me…

You hold in your hands a very sinister, VERY SILLY story, following the WACKY adventures of three boys whose expedition to Mexico turned into something OUT OF THIS WORLD. This is the fourth volume. Read on if you dare…

About the Author:

J. Scott Savage has returned after being lost in a Mexican rain forest. His office is now filled with Mayanscrolls, hieroglyphics, artifacts, and star charts. His children and children-in-law, Big Nick, Erica, Scott, Natalie, Jake, and Little Nick, look pale, and claim to be cursed. His grandchildren, Gray, Lizzie, and Jack, are heavily wrapped in mummy-like bandages. And his wife, Jennifer, has reportedly been seen glowing green and hexing the neighbors.

You can visit him on his blog jscottsavage.blogspot.com or on Twitter@jscottsavage.

I must say that the book Being West is Best by author Monique Bucheger pleasantly surprised me. I don’t typically read middle grade novels, but I found myself pulled into the story of love, hurt and learning to be a family. Being West is Best is book four in the series, and despite not having read the first three, I was able to jump right in and follow along.

Set on a farm, the story follows two twelve-year old girls who are best friends. Ginni and Tillie are excited to become step-sisters now that Ginni’s dad has proposed to Tilli’s mom. However their planned happily ever after is threatened when Tillie’s father shows up. He abused Tillie and her mom before leaving for six years. He says he’s changed and wants his family back.

I found myself flipping through pages as fast as my eyes would read. Unlike other novels I’ve read, I found I couldn’t skip ahead. When I tried to skip, I just had to go back and read what I missed.

The variety of characters in the story kept me involved as I learned more about their pasts, dreams, and fears. The author was great at showing there is more than one side of a story. While characters had to face abuse, the reactions to dealing with it varied. So many stories shy away from the subject of abuse, but it is something that children and adults unfortunately encounter. That being said, the story made me laugh and cheer, and while it had depressing subjects I feel uplifted.

I was satisfied by the story plot and ending. The characters drew me in, and the world was easy to understand(family farm in modern times). I want this book so that I can share it with others. I feel this novel is one that can be enjoyed by anyone who can read it. I highly recommend it for anyone twelve or older. Out of five stars I give it a five.

To learn more about the author:

Monique Bucheger (author of The Secret Sisters Club: A Ginnie West Adventure)

Blog: http://moniquebucheger.blogspot.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Monique-Bucheger/193789017310198

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/MoniqueBucheger

Books available at: Barnes and Noble and Amazon