Scan barcode
protoman21's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoy this style of children's book with built in puzzles for the reader to solve. They make the reader feel involved in the story and it can keep the story moving by always having another puzzle to solve. Although many of the situations in this story aren't really believable, this would certainly have been a book I would have enjoyed in elementary school. Travis is Every Boy and you easily root for him. There isn't anything groundbreaking here, but it is a fun story that moves along quickly.
wiseowl33's review against another edition
4.0
Loved it! What a great story. I loved it as much as The Gollywhopper Games!
book_nut's review against another edition
I loved the author's first book, but this just wasn't grabbing me.
theartolater's review against another edition
3.0
I'm a big fan of Jody Feldman's first book, The Gollywhopper Games. This one is along the same lines - puzzles, games, and young people haivng to deal with adversity. This one felt a little more forced, though, and wasn't nearly as great. Not to say it was bad, just not up to the same standard. Regardless, there is something to be said about a book about a middle school secret society, and that makes it fun enough.
auntiel's review against another edition
4.0
An interesting middle school puzzle book.
By the same author of The Gollywhopper Games.
By the same author of The Gollywhopper Games.
doulicia's review against another edition
1.0
I thought this was horrible. My 12y-o son liked it. But it's my review, so I give it my stars. I just thought I'd mention his assessment so someone doesn't despair if her child brings this home to read.
The story was needlessly complicated. Too many red herrings and pointless plot twists come up. A theme is "things aren't always as they appear," but the author gives us evidence supporting one assessment, then tells us to disregard it later. I lost patience with it.
The plot was contrived, too. A secret middle school group condoned? organized? supported? tolerated? by the school administration? Kids sworn to secrecy even from their parents and teachers? Nope.
The story was needlessly complicated. Too many red herrings and pointless plot twists come up. A theme is "things aren't always as they appear," but the author gives us evidence supporting one assessment, then tells us to disregard it later. I lost patience with it.
The plot was contrived, too. A secret middle school group condoned? organized? supported? tolerated? by the school administration? Kids sworn to secrecy even from their parents and teachers? Nope.
More...