With the summer season just around the corner, you may be looking for some good books to keep the interest of your children. The League and the Lantern {} by Brian Wells is one book that just may be the answer to that search. Wells, a successful television movie producer, decided to try his hand at book writing for young people when he was unable to find quality entertainment for his own children. I like that he decided to write a book instead of a movie, although it would be exciting to see how his book debut would come together on the screen.
The League and the Lantern is the first book in a series, which introduces the readers to seventh grade student Jake Herndon and his friends Lucy and TJ. Wells, who was raised in Nigeria, also grew up in Chicago, which is where the story takes place. The ages of the characters, middle school, are just right for my children, but you do not have to be a middle school student to enjoy the book. We used this book as a read-aloud, because I also wanted to read the story. None of us were patient enough for the book to go through two hands of readers before they were able to read the book. Plus, the promised mystery and excitement was something we all were ready to experience. Although there are 44 chapters in the book, it is a quick read, because it keeps your interest.
Synopsis:
The League and the Lantern is the first book in a new adventure series for middle-school readers. It all starts when a dangerous organization invades Jake Herndon’s seventh-grade sleepover. He escapes along with two new classmates, Lucy and TJ, only to face a 48-hour fight for survival on the streets of Chicago. The kids unravel a mystery dating back to the Civil War, and an incredible secret about Jake’s family. Along the way they learn unexpected lessons about courage, family and friendship.
A couple of things I really like are that I received an autographed copy of the book, which I totally love and is a keeper. I also appreciated the racial diversity of the three friends. They bond and support each other throughout their adventure. Wells also promotes the importance of family, which I too try to impart on my children. Mercy and compassion are also stressed in the story as well as are part of Wells’ purpose for the book. For each book that is purchased through this site, a copy of the book will be given to a child who may not be able to afford a copy of their own.
Wells has also included some fun and educational features in the book that increase the interest in the story. There are many historic sites mentioned in the story as well as 140 key vocabulary words, fifth through eighth grade levels, that the reader must find. Mystery, intrigue, adventure and educational, all the things youth (and parents) love in a book. Visit the website where your child (and you) may read the first six chapters of the book and grab some free bonus stuff.
Guess what? Homeschool Roster has a copy of The League and the Lantern to give away to one of its readers. Hmm. Could that person be you? Register below to win!
Don’t miss a thing! Subscribe to the Homeschool Roster blog and get our articles in your inbox!
©2015-2016 Homeschool Roster. Article by Jennifer Smeltser. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the publisher http://www.homeschoolroster.com/.
The book sounds great! I would like to win 🙂
I would like to win this book, thank you!