Back on Track

New reviews coming soon! I'll be importing my work from the past two years, but in the meantime,
I'm reclaiming my small place on the web.

Friday, January 18, 2008

Children's Fiction Review

The Criminal in the Caymans
By Connie Lee Berry
ISBN-10: 0977284808
Review by Heather Froeschl


Family adventures and incredible journeys await brothers Max and Sam. Going to the Cayman Islands would be an adventure enough for any first and second grader, but a mysterious box arrives at their home before they leave, adding intrigue to the voyage. Connie Lee Berry’s book, “The Criminal in the Caymans” is the beginning of an exciting series for young readers.

This first book is a great introduction to Max and Sam’s family and their lives in grade school, but then jumps right into the adventure with a mysterious map and a leather bound journal. Their vacation begins in the normal way, running to the ocean and playing in the sand but suddenly turns quite extraordinary as the boys realize they are in the midst of a dangerous criminal. An amazing thing happens just as one of the boys is about to call the FBI. What exactly does their dad do for a living, being sent to this paradise for work? They are about to find out.

Connie writes in a fresh and outreaching way. Young readers will be captivated, which is sometimes hard to achieve. The story, setting and feel of the book is right on the level of excitement needed for this age group. Adding in some interesting facts about the Cayman Islands is a plus for parents and teachers and as another bonus; a science project is described in the back of the book. These extras are like getting that special package in the mail…surprising and fun. Max and Sam are likeable characters who promise some incredible journeys. Expect the unexpected.

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