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THE SASQUATCH OF HAWTHORNE ELEMENTARY

Name: THE SASQUATCH OF HAWTHORNE ELEMENTARY
Author: K.B. Jackson
ISBN: 978-1-4788-6852-1

From the Sasquatch Hunters series , Vol. 1

by K.B. Jackson ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 18, 2023

Unlike a cryptid sighting, this tale is unremarkable.

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Moving across the country is a big change, but it may bring Jake closer to proving Sasquatch’s existence.

Since Gramps told Jake about his Sasquatch encounter, Jake has been interested in cryptids. When his single mom decides they are moving from Orlando, Florida, to Gramps’ home in Washington state, Jake realizes this will give him better access to the legendary beast. Sixth grade at Hawthorne Elementary is off to a rough start when Jake makes an enemy, but eventually his unique interest leads to him becoming friends with pretty, popular Jasmine and smart third grader Lanny. The trio form Sasquatch Hunters of Washington, Inc., and make plans to seek out stories of other encounters and find proof that Sasquatch is real. The premise takes a bait-and-switch approach and winds up being less about cryptids and more about human connections, especially when Jake makes a discovery about his absent father. It’s not entirely successful, however, as the familial drama feels too quickly and easily resolved, while the Sasquatch story is left open, presumably to be explored in future books. Jake, his family, and Jasmine are cued White; Lanny is Indian American, and there is some racial diversity among incidental characters. The characters are decently developed, but sometimes the way the race or ethnicity of characters of color is revealed is clumsy or rooted in stereotypes.

Unlike a cryptid sighting, this tale is unremarkable. (Fiction. 8-12)

Pub Date: Jan. 18, 2023

ISBN: 978-1-4788-6852-1

Page Count: 204

Publisher: Reycraft Books

Review Posted Online: Oct. 11, 2022

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 2022

Categories:

CHILDREN'S GENERAL CHILDREN'S

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THE BOXCAR CHILDREN MYSTERIES

BOX SET: BOOKS 1-12; ENHANCED EDITION

by Gertrude Chandler Warner ‧ RELEASE DATE: N/A

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Separate e-book versions of the entire Boxcar Children series are or soon will be available, but this “bundle” makes an economical way to pick up the first 12. The classic (“dated” to use a more cogent term) original line-drawn illustrations have been preserved in each mystery, but the type size and style can be altered to suit, and each opens with an image of a recent color cover. The “enhanced version” adds four professionally produced, two-minute-or-shorter video clips. These feature fulsome appreciations of the books and their original author by employees and volunteers from Connecticut’s Gertrude Chandler Warner Museum, overviews of the museum and some of its memorabilia—plus a 500-or-so–word biography of Warner and 10 photos of the author, her home and the railroad station that inspired the stories. The absence of Gertrude Chandler Warner and The Boxcar Children, the 1997 biography of the author by Mary Ellen Ellsworth, represents a missed opportunity. As it is, the extra content is no more than a lagniappe but provides at least a glimpse of the series’ live-wire creator for both young readers and nostalgic adult fans. (Enhanced e-book. 9-11, adult)

Pub Date: N/A

ISBN: 978-1-4532-1117-5

Page Count: 2813

Publisher: Whitman

Review Posted Online: April 9, 2011

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2011

Categories:

CHILDREN'S GENERAL CHILDREN'S

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THE DETENTION CLUB

by David Yoo ‧ RELEASE DATE: June 21, 2011

Peter Lee isn’t surprised to be accepted into the academically gifted program. Fifth grade was a breeze, and he and best...

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Being cool in the sixth grade turns out to be an unexpected challenge.

Peter Lee isn’t surprised to be accepted into the academically gifted program. Fifth grade was a breeze, and he and best friend Drew were popular because of their expert collecting skills. Peter’s perfect, older sister Sunny warns him that middle school’s completely different; she couldn’t be more right. On the first day, Peter and Drew learn that no one followed through on their mica-collecting challenge from last year. There’s no recess. Everyone grew. By the end of the day, Peter’s pretty sure they’re losers. How can they regain their popularity? Following Sunny around only proves she’s busy, not popular. Faked pictures from parties “in another town” impress no one. Even a cool escapist act for the talent show only nets them embarrassing nicknames. When Peter ends up in detention, inspiration strikes, though it jeopardizes his friendship with Drew. Yoo’s lovable loser becomes a whole lot less so when he preys on his best friend’s naiveté. His journey from totally self-centered dweeb to team player is littered with wacky speed bumps (mostly of his own unwitting design), and preteens will see themselves and their peers in the halls of Fenwick Middle.