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As soon as my son opened the package, he immediately claimed The League and the Lantern for himself. This kid is an avid reader, and sometimes, I feel like I’m looking at my 9 year-old self, head down, immersed in action, adventure and thrills. In those moments when he’s reading, his world is that of the characters and their stories.
I didn’t even have to ask my son if he wanted to read The League and the Lantern. In just a few days he had completed it, curious about Jake’s next adventures. I had met author Brian Wells in Arkansas earlier this year, so when my son asked if he could email the author with his thoughts, I scored major cool mom points for making that happen.
Here is a brief excerpt of their conversation:
DS: Thank you for the book. I really enjoyed it. My favorite part was when Lucy hot-wired the government vehicle. I didn’t know she could hot-wire a car as she isn’t even old enough to drive a car. When does your next book come out? When is your next book signing?
Brian Wells: Thanks for the great words on the book! I loved writing it but I think I might like even more hearing that kids like you love Jake, Lucy and TJ as well. If you’re 8 years old and reading books like this as quickly as you did you sound a lot like me! When I was 8 it was books like The Hardy Boys and Phantom Tollbooth. I can only hope that The League and the Lantern belongs on the shelf with those kind of books!
As far as the next book, I’m working on that right now. The story of book 2 is a big secret but I can tell you two things: 1) Even I’m surprised by what Jake, Lucy and TJ get themselves into and 2) All the family secrets have not been discovered yet!
DS: I am really interested in your books. I think your books were really good. I don’t really know what I could change but I liked when Lucy hot wired the jeep, when TJ calls the lantern agents psycho stormtroopers, and when TJ calls Tina a weasel. I would want the kids to go back to Dangerous Delbert’s donuts to get more Honest Abes. I was so excited about e-mailing you that I played League and the Lantern at recess and told my class about me e-mailing you!
Brian Wells: Thanks for the thoughtful comments. I LOVE that you liked the Weasel line. That’s one of my personal favorites but I don’t know if everyone thinks its as funny as I do. Now I know at least one other person does! We’re hoping to make it into a TV series but that kind of stuff takes a long time, so we’ll see. By the way, someone made their own “Honest Abe” donut and brought it to me yesterday.
The League and the Lantern Summary:
The League and the Lantern is the first in a new book series designed for children 9-14 years old. The story follows 12-year old Jake Herndon, who’s hoping 7th grade will be his chance to start over after his sixth grade year didn’t go as planned. During his seventh grade sleepover, things take a shocking turn when a dangerous organization invades. After he escapes with classmates Lucy and TJ, the 3 find themselves caught in a conflict between two centuries-old secret organizations and a fight for survival on the streets of Chicago. Over the next 2 days, the trio find themselves unfolding a mystery that dates back to the Civil war and uncovering a secret about Jake’s family.
9-year-Old Book Review
My son absolutely loved the book and read it twice, so today I’m happy to share his review with you.
I recently read the book The League and the Lantern. The book is about three kids running away from what they call “bizarro batman” and his lantern troopers. My favorite part of the book is when Lucy hot wires and hijacks a government jeep. I think people should read this book because it is funny and has a little bit of the Civil War in it.
Filled with adventure and positive role models, The League and the Lantern is Wells’ debut novel and will inspire an upcoming TV series. For bonus material, including Fact vs. Fiction (which details what is true in the book), a vocabulary guide (the book features 140 of the top middle school vocabulary words, and excerpts from Abraham Lincoln’s speeches, visit The League and the Lantern.
Win It! One of you will win a copy of The League and the Lantern. Simply complete the Rafflecopter form and leave me a comment with one thing you like about the book. Comments will close on September 20th, 2016 at 11:59 pm PST.
US Residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.
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Love that it is filled with adventure.
I like that it’s full of mystery and intrigue!
I like the mystery.
I like the Fact vs Fiction which tells you what is true in the book.
I like that it uses past history in a current setting
It sounds like the kind of book my boys would love! It’s great that it has a vocabulary guide as well.
I like that it is designed for children 9-14 years old.
Lincoln’s speeches.
I liked the mystery of it
I like that it has a character that my son can relate to.
I like that it’s full of mystery
Like the mystery.
This looks like a great book!
I like that this is an engaging book for good readers that is the start of a new series. It would make an interesting read-aloud for struggling or younger readers too, I bet.
i like that it is an engaging mystery book for kids.
i like that its full of mystery and suspense! great for my son!
My daughter will like that it’s a mystery book!
I love that it not only uses history as the setting but is a mystery as well! Should be a great book!
I like that it instills bravery and wonder.
Mystery, adventure all the makings of a good story!
I really like the educational factor of this book. I also know that my son and nephew would like the adventure. So this book is a win win.