The 100 Cupboards, Book 1

Reviewer:  Kerin (age 18)
Title: The 100 Cupboards
Author:  N.D. Wilson
Primary Audience/Age Group: 8 years-old and up.
Genre: Fantasy
# of pages: 289
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers.
Year of Release: 2007
Part of a Series? Yes, 1 of 3
Rating: 5 (View Scale)
Recommend? Yes.

Description: Henry York is on a journey. To Kansas.
Sent to visit with his aunt and uncle, and their daughters, Henry isn't sure what to expect from this small town. But finding a wall full of small, strange cupboard doors on the wall of his attic bedroom certainly aren't what he had in mind. Upon further inspection Henry realizes there's something even more special about these doors than first meets the eye -- they're magic. Each door leads to a spectacular new world.

Henry and his cousin, Henrietta, set out to learn all they can about this wonderful discovery, but soon come to realize that the doors aren't just fun and games. While one door leads to a wonderful woodland, another leads to a haunted ball room, and yet another leads to a post office. And one, a disturbing black door, leads to a dark world where something mysterious, and quite possibly deadly, lurks.

This once thrilling and always exciting adventure will lead to more than ever could be dreamed of as they continue to open doors, discover worlds, and even uncover an old family secret.

Review: This was yet another book I honestly wasn't sure what to expect when I picked it up, but it turned out to be pretty addicting. I stayed up several nights even to the point of almost falling asleep just to keep reading. I finished it pretty quickly, and it didn't take me long to find the second book in the series and start reading that as well.

The adventure and plot the author created are so very unique and different - he's created different worlds entirely in just one book. And it's just so easy to fall into the story and feel like you're with the characters. That makes it all the more fun to read.

The writing style the author uses is slightly different from what I normally read - but in a very good way. It was new and unique and just added to the quality of the adventure. His words flow in such a way that they seem to be bringing the story to life before your eyes.

Rating: The book is pretty safe for the age listed and above. There really isn't much to worry about, so I feel confident giving this book a 5.

Positive: Henry is what you would probably call an unlikely hero. He has led an extremely sheltered life up until the point of discovering the cupboards. Though he might be afraid, and even down-right terrified at moments, when it counts he swallows his fear and handles the journey head on. For example, when his cousin Henrietta disappears behind one of the cupboard doors, Henry is afraid to travel through after her but forces himself to face his fear and rescue her. You can see how his character comes to grow and change from the sheltered young boy he is at the beginning to a brave, though possibly reluctant, hero later on.

Spiritual Elements: None really, that I can think of.

Violence: The evil witch in the story is my main concern for violence. She injures a couple of characters in her pursuit of the main hero of the story, whom she intends to 'steal his life force' -- not really killing the character per-se, but using his life energy for herself. 
Also, a few of the characters, when defending themselves from the witch, injure her as well -- one even at the last second, swinging a baseball bat. Nothing graphic mind you, but the witch at one point is knocked out. Another character is injured to the point of bleeding briefly. Most of this happens near the climax of the book and is all relatively non-descriptive. The rest of the book is pretty clean from violence.

Language: None

Sexual Content: None.

Other: The main thing to be worried about I think is for younger readers. The evil witch and her pet cat, though only around for a hand-full of chapters, were both pretty creepy and kind of disturbing. There is nothing major. The author doesn't go into gory details by any means. It's just a basic description. But, I just found the character and her pet to be creepy. For some of the younger kids, depending on how well they handle that sort of thing, it might be just a tad much for them. I know some kids have no problem with it (for instance one of friends as a child used to watch and read Goosebumps), while other kids can get easily frightened (like myself when I was younger). So it all depends on how the reader handles those kind of things.

Recommendation: I'd definitely recommend this book. I may have said it before, but I will say it again. It was just so much fun to read. It's so action-packed and filled with mystery and excitement.

And aside from the point I made above about the witch and the slight use of violence, the book is pretty clean. Which, to be honest, is pretty rare anymore - even in some children's books. So, yes, this is definitely something I would recommend.

About the reviewer, Kerin: "I feel truly blessed to be where I am in my life - with loving parents, friends who I would die for, and on the verge of starting college to pursue a career. And though I haven't yet picked a specific path, I know that whatever I choose to do, I want to help people and make a difference. I am a huge bookworm with a passion for both reading and writing in my spare time - though my passion and love for my God outshine both."

The Land of Darkness (The Gates of Heaven Bk 3)

Reviewed by: Shawna
Title: The Land of Darkness (The Gates of Heaven Series)
Author: C.S. Lakin
Primary Audience/age group: Young Adult, 13+
Genre: Christian Fantasy
# of pages 318
Publisher: Living Ink Books
Year of Release: 2011
Part of a series Yes, 3 of 4 in the Gates of Heaven Series
Rating: ­­­­­3 (View Scale)
Recommend? Yes

Description: Callen, a master apprentice in woodworking, discovers plans for an exquisite, intricately detailed bridge that is fabled to be the passage between the living world and the afterlife. He sets off the find this mysterious masterpiece and along the way rescues 12-year old Jadiel from the clutches of two impetuous scoundrels. Realizing she is his mentor’s niece, Callen vows to protect her when he discovers she is on a mission herself to find the leaves of an Eternal Tree to save her father’s life from the clutches of her evil step-mother. As they grow closer to discovering the truth behind the legends of the Land of Darkness, a sinister being discovers their plans and will do anything to thwart them from finding the truth.

Review: Author C.S. Lakin intertwines the fantasy of fairy tales with Bible truths in this allegorical story of The Land of Darkness. She tells of twelve-year old Jadiel’s quest to save her father from the clutches of Huldah, his new wife, a sinister witch disguised as a breathtaking beauty. As Jadiel is forced on a dangerous quest to find the leaves of the terebinth tree that are said to give eternal beauty, she is rescued by the brave Callen, a young man on a similar mission obsessed to find the bridge to the Land of Darkness. With their missions now combined into one, they must encourage each other to stay on the right path even as they are tested to their limits.

I was impressed with Lakin’s skill in interweaving fiction with Biblical truths, which made the story come to life in more than one way. Since the Bible verses were not referenced until the end of the book, many might not realize they are reading a Christian-based fantasy unless they are familiar with the Bible. Therefore, those who do not typically read Christian fiction might find this book appealing. I also enjoyed her use of parables and how she caused the characters to grow in faith as the story progressed just as Christians grow in faith as they live out their lives for Christ.

Rating: 3 for violence

Positive: One of the main points of the book is beauty is not everything. Jadiel realizes Huldah’s quest for beauty is an empty pursuit that causes her to be miserable. Over and over, Jadiel learns that what is on the inside is more important that what appears on the outside. Along the way the main characters grow and change for the better, especially Callen. Through another character, Callen’s faith in the truth is tested.

Spiritual Elements: Verses from the Bible are used throughout the book although they are not referenced until the end with an added spiritual discussion. “Heaven” is mentioned in several ways (like “heaven bless you”, heaven is watching out for you) to show which characters believe in God. Some characters in the book pray. Jadiel’s name means “may God call to rejoice. She and her family are believers in heaven.

The legend about the Land of Darkness can be compared to the truth in the Bible about God, the Father, sending His Son Jesus into the world to bridge the gap between heaven and earth. The story includes many references to light versus darkness, which are paralleled to Jesus and truth being the light and sin being the darkness.

A big theme in the book is having faith in things that are unseen and eternal. The book used John 20:29 to explain. “Have you believed because you have seen? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.” A large part of being a believer in God is the fact that we have not seen Him, but yet we still believe in Him and the truths that are written in the Bible just as Callen and Jadiel must learn to believe in things that are not seen in order to complete their quest and experience the fullness of their faith.

Huldah uses spells and potions to change her appearance, control others, and even kill others.

Violence: Huldah’s character is one of two dark and sinister villains. Huldah is evil and ruthless and is not afraid to take a life to get what she wants. She is cruel to Jadiel often slapping and kicking her. When her schemes for Jadiel’s death are thwarted, she sends Jadiel on a dangerous quest with the threat if she does not return, Huldah will kill her father. When Ka’rel, Jadiel’s father, finds Jadiel missing, Huldah tells him she has been killed and shows him her blood-soaked clothing. But, Huldah had killed a calf and used its blood instead.


Another villain takes the form of a shadow. His presence causes horrible dreams of “great slaughter and screaming victims” in Jadiel. He easily kills people by constricting their hearts.

The legend of the Land of Darkness includes a king building a bridge that spans the gap between the living world and the afterlife. He sends his son to the living world, but his son is rejected, beaten, and nailed to a stake to die like a criminal.

Language: none

Sexual Content: none

Other: Some of the scenes may be scary. In one instance, the ground shakes, and it seems as though blood is seeping up from the ground.

Some mentions of ale, beer, and wine.

Recommendation: I recommend this book for ages 13 and up. Younger children might find a few parts somewhat scary, especially those with the villains. I would encourage teens to read the discussion about the themes and Bible references used in the book for additional insight.

To Darkness Fled (Blood of Kings, Bk 2)

By Reviewer Nadine
Title: To Darkness Fled
Author: Jill Williamson
Primary Audience/Age Group: Young Adult
Genre: Fantasy (Christian)
# of Pages: 681
Publisher: Marcher Lord Press
Year of Release: 2010
Part of a Series? Yes (2 of 3 Blood of Kings)
Rating: 3 View Scale
Recommend? YES!

Read review of By Darkness Hid, Book 1

Description: Achan, Vrell, and the Kingsguard Knights flee into Darkness to escape the evil prince. They head for Ice Island—an abandoned prison and frozen wasteland holding what Achan hopes will
be his future army. He’s been called by Arman to lead the world of Er’Rets to freedom—to
light. Both Achan and Vrell learn more about bloodvoicing as they travel. Achan comes to a new
understanding of what kingship entails and grows a deeper relationship with Arman—the One
who called him to be king. Meanwhile, Vrell struggles to keep her gender and identity a secret,
but cannot subdue her growing love for Achan.

The majority of the book covers their travels which, to be honest, I thought would be repetitive
and monotonous (what’s more boring than traveling for weeks on end? Reading about traveling
for weeks on end.), but Williamson’s writing is anything but dull. She throws twists from every
corner and keeps every chapter exciting, unpredictable, and harder to put down.

Review: It’s my second time reading To Darkness Fled and I enjoyed it even more than the first time,
which is surprising. It kept me flipping pages, anxious for answers, and surprised by plot turns.
Reading a well-written Christian fantasy was a new (or at least sorely-missed) experience for
me. And only after reading these first two Blood of Kings novels did I notice what a difference
having a fantasy based on Christ makes. Both during and after the read, I felt uplifted and even
able to focus on God more. I’ve grown closer and closer to the characters—they are very realistic
and believable. Jill Williamson continues to show her skill in writing through making a 600-page
book of mere traveling full of suspense and thrill. I would recommend reading it over the course
of several days—not in one sitting. The characters are traveling through Darkness over a matter
of months and it can get mentally draining for the reader to cover so much ground in a single
day (though I’d love to see someone try! ;)

All the characters in these first two books are convincing, in-depth, and believable. No human
reaction, battle scene, escape attempt, or romantic encounter comes off as sugar coated or
unrealistic. Every character, bad and good, has lifelike motives and desires. Williamson skillfully
emphasizes morals, beliefs, and life priorities through her characters’ eyes. I am also impressed
with her ability to create and describe a new world without bogging down the reader with
explanations, descriptions, or over-the-top details.

Rating: 3 for violence

Positive: The relationships between characters grow strongly through this book. Bonds are
made through travels and hardships. A lot of trust is formed and focus made on faithfulness and
friendship.

Spiritual Elements: Arman continues to seek out Achan and Achan’s faith is turning into his
own. His belief is deepening and you see it becoming part of his character. He continues to
address difficult questions like “Why does evil have power if Arman is God?” and why are
Arman and his Son both worshipped if there’s only “one” God? It stimulates thinking and
growth in the reader—at least it did for me.

Violence: The violence in this book is appropriate for teens and up. It’s a bit higher than in
the first book. Achan and Vrell both enter several life-threatening battles that often leave them
stabbed, bruised, beaten, or tortured. Again, the author keeps the descriptions at a decent level
while continuing a realistic write-up of events. There is one moment where a character gets an
arm severed. The novel deals with the feelings behind causing such damage to a human being as
well as addressing the feelings that come from killing someone—even if it’s in self defense. The
sacredness of life is emphasized greatly in this novel particularly.

Language: None!

Sexual Content: There are some on-the-mouth kisses and a character who’s a bit brazen with
his attraction to women. Achan is forced to seek a bride as the upcoming leader of Er’Rhets and
encounters love potions, which lead to some passionate kisses. On the more severe side, twice,
women are chased and/or kidnapped by ill-seeking men who want to take advantage of them
physically. Their evil intents are alluded to and never gone into detail—older readers (teens and
up) may understand the insinuations whereas younger readers may miss them. Both instances are
resolved through rescue and strong lessons are learned from them of protection and caution. All
scenes are still appropriate, but I would recommend that these books are only read by teens and
older.

Other: None

Recommendation: I definitely recommend this book. It is well-written, a brilliant continuation
of the first, and encourages the reader grow more in his or her thinking and faith. It’s such an
encouragement to see these strong Christian fantasy novels hitting the electronic bookshelves.
They’re exactly what young Christian readers need.

Mimi McGee in Monkey Monday Business

Reviewed by Shawna
Title: Mimi McGee in Monday Monkey Business
Author: Shan Williams Burklow
Primary Audience/age group: 8+
Genre: Humor
# Of pages: 102
Publisher: The Happy Crayon
Year of Release: 2012
Part of a Series? Yes (More to Come)
Rating: 5 (View Scale)
Recommend? Yes!

Description: Mimi McGee and her best friend Sam Jenkins have been assigned the most embarrassing part in the school play at the biggest town event of the year, the Hampton Watermelon Festival. They have to find a way to save themselves from the humiliation, but how? Will the quick-witted Mimi and Sam be able to triumph over the watermelon of a mess they have created or become the laughing stock of the town?

Review: Author Shan Williams Burklow has created a clever and amusing tale in Mimi McGee in Monday Monkey Business. Her characters, Mimi and Sam, make quite a riotous team. From secret missions to watermelon bandits, you won’t believe what muddle the pair of friends will find themselves in next. This fast-paced and hilarious tale will keep you kids laughing while teaching them about the importance of being honest.

Rating: 5

Positive: The families presented in the book have strong ties and are all involved within the community. Friendship and honesty are also two very important themes in the book.

Spiritual Elements: The children attend church, particularly choir practice, on a weekly basis.

Violence: A fight breaks out at school.

Language: none

Sexual Content: none

Other:The characters tease each other a lot, especially by assigning nicknames based on certain incidents. Some of the nicknames are not so nice. However, the children have consequences for their unkind behavior.

Recommendation: I highly recommend this book to elementary-aged children and their parents. I think it would be a great teaching tool. The likeability of the characters as well as the humor will draw children in while teaching them the value of being honest. I recommend reading it aloud and discussing the book’s themes together.

By Darkness Hid (Blood of Kings Bk 1)

Reviewed by Nadine
Title: By Darkness Hid (Blood of Kings, book 1)
Author: Jill Williamson
Primary Audience/Age Group: Young Adult
Genre: Fantasy (Christian)
# of Pages: 352
Publisher: Marcher Lord Press
Year of Release: 2010
Part of a Series? Yes (1 of 3 Blood of Kings)
Rating: 3 for violence (View Scale)
Recommend? YES!

Read the review of To Darkness Fled, Book 2
Description: Achan, a young stray, works in the kitchens of the Sitna Manor. Having no parents, no rank, and a shameful brand marking him as such, his life takes the first of many steps of change when he meets a Kingsguard knight, Sir Gavin. Sir Gavin trains Achan to be his squire. During this time, Achan discovers he can bloodvoice—a type of communication that takes place between minds—though he does not accept or understand it at first.

Three chapters in, the point of view switches to another bloodvoicer, Vrell, a high-ranking daughter of a duchess who’s masquerading as a stray boy to escape an undesired marriage. When her plan takes an unexpected turn (aka. encountering giants, reekats, wars, and underground rivers), she finds herself on a long and trying journey to a strange “master” who only wants to increase her bloodvoicing skills for his own selfish gain.

The book jumps back and forth by chapter from Achan to Vrell, giving the reader an equal and satisfying dose of both, while keeping the storyline moving. Achan and Vrell are thrown together, forming a connection that winds their paths in a way they never expected. Achan is confused about Arman (God), whereas Vrell has a passion for Arman and seeks to spread the truth. Through their interactions and time spent in their minds, the reader learns more about the true God
through the character’s eyes, which is applicable to every Christian’s life.

Review: When I first started reading By Darkness Hid, I wasn’t hugely impressed. It didn’t start with an explosion or secret plot to destroy the world—it began with the main character milking goats. I wondered what I’d gotten myself into, but I pushed through the first couple chapters and I don’t regret a single moment of it. Jill Williamson beautifully weaves in- depth characters that come to life in your imagination and dreams. She spends the majority of this first book in the series establishing who Achan and Vrell are and why you care about them.

The novel is very well-written and understandable. The idea of “bloodvoicing” was explained so thoroughly I even dreamed I could bloodvoice at one point. I especially loved reading a novel that is Christian-based, yet not a typical romance novel. I found myself thinking more often about why I believe in God and mentally answering different questions that the main characters were asking.

Rating: 3 for violence

Positive: There is a lot of humor in Achan’s character. I laughed out loud several times while reading. Morals like obedience, lying, thievery, etc. are addressed in this book, from both character’s points of view. Achan is treated and raised as a stray, but his characteristics are very wholesome and human-like. He fails and succeeds, but his mind and heart are usually seeking the right place.
Spiritual Elements: The focus on God (Arman) and His interaction with people is a focal point in the story. He is seeking Achan out even though Achan does not necessarily believe in Him yet. The book portrays a very good image of God pursuing us as His children. It also addresses the issues of false gods and why they are not the “true God”—setting God apart as the only living God.

Violence: The violence in this book is appropriate for teens and up. The characters enter battles and wars, sparring matches and life-threatening situations. A lot of this deals with sword fighting, piercing arrows, etc. The author describes the scenes appropriately with description to make it come alive (yet keep it appropriate). I felt Achan’s pain at many points, but I never felt ill or disgusted with the writing. Williamson does a good job of keeping the novel clean yet descriptive. There are moments early in the book of bullying where Achan fights the bullies with a little bit of pride and anger mixed in. It’s not long until he learns what is worth fighting for and where fighting is appropriate.

Language: None! Characters express their surprise through fun phrases like, “Pig snout!”

Sexual Content: There are a couple kisses on the cheek and mouth. There is mention of marriage and consummation of the marriage. The mention of these situations is appropriate, but it does allude to a married couple sealing a marriage on the wedding night.

Other: None

Recommendation: I definitely recommend this book. It is well-written, a brilliant story, and encourages the reader grow more in his or her thinking and faith.

Michael Vey The Prisoner of Cell 25

By Reviewer:  Dianne
Title: Michael Vey: The Prisoner of Cell 25
Author:  Richard Paul Evans
Primary Audience/age group: Middle School and upcoming
Genre: Science Fiction
# Of pages: 325
Publisher: Simon Pulse/Mercury Ink
Year of Release: 2011
Part of a Series? Yes, 1 of ? (Book 2 coming in August, 2012)
Rating: 4 (View Scale)
Recommend? Yes

Description: (From the Book Jacket)  “My name is Michael Vey and there’s something you don’t know about me; something that scares people more than you would believe.  It’s my secret – and it’s part of the story I’m about to tell you.”

To everyone at Meridian High School, Michael Vey is just your average, ordinary fourteen-year-old.  But Michael is anything but ordinary – in fact, he is electric.

When Michael’s best friends, Ostin Liss and cheerleader Taylor Ridley, make an accidental discovery, the three of them learn that there are other kids with similar powers – and that someone, or something is hunting them. 

After Michael’s mother is kidnapped, Michael will have to rely on his wits, his unique power, and his friends to combat the hunters, free his mother, and save the others.

Review: Wow, this is a really exciting, fast paced book!  

Only seventeen of the fifty-nine babies born at Pasadena General Hospital during the eleven days of testing of a new method of body imaging survived more than two days, but they did not survive unscathed.  Each one of them had a physical anomaly which imparted to them a unique characteristic that affected their electrical systems.  Michael was able to generate electricity within his body that he could release at will. 

Dr. C. James Hatch, who pioneered the imaging procedure, had hushed up any reference to what had happened at Pasadena General and was now searching for the last two survivors that he had not yet apprehended – Michael Vey and Taylor Ridley.

Dr. Hatch fully intended to use these exceptional children to heighten his power for his own nefarious purposes and would go to any lengths to secure their cooperation.

This novel is a classic example of good vs. evil.

Rating: 4 for mild to moderate violence

Positive: Michael shows remarkable courage and restraint in controlling his power, choosing to do the appropriate thing when faced with several bullies.  He does, however get pushed beyond his limit when the bullies tried to strip him of his pants.

It is evident that Michael has a deep love and respect for his mother who has taught him strong morals and character.  He even manages to befriend the bullies who were tormenting him and comes to understand some of the rationale behind their behavior.

After being captured by Dr. Hatch, Michael refused to commit the atrocities planned by Hatch to garner his loyalty. (Who would you choose to destroy – your mother or your friend?)

This book addresses difficulties that teens face – bullying, difficult decisions, peer pressure, teen crushes, less than ideal home situations – and Michael and his friends must learn to deal with each in turn along with a plethora of other problems.  There is much here to initiate discussions about making right choices.

Spiritual Elements: None.

Violence: There was a fair amount of violence, much of it connected with the special abilities of these students.  Torture was the word used when students were isolated with the barest of necessities and threatened with electrical shock.  One of these special students followed Hatch’s every request and had the ability to virtually suck the life out of the others, causing excruciating headaches. There was little graphic violence.  Most of the violence was manifested by playing with the minds of these kids, which could be disturbing to young readers.

Language: None.

Sexual Content: Mild kissing once or twice.

Other: There was mention of an adult drinking beer, and one glass of champagne was served to this group of fifteen year olds to celebrate Taylor’s birthday.

Recommendation: I would recommend this book to teens 14 and up mainly because of the emotional turbulence it could cause in younger readers.  The maturity level of younger readers should be used as a guide to determine whether a student could handle the tension. There were many opportunities to choose good over evil even though the choices given were agonizing.  

Found (The Missing Book 1)

Reviewer:  Kerin
Title: Found (The Missing Book 1)
Author: Margaret Peterson Haddix
Primary Audience/Age Group: 9-13
Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction
# of pages: 314
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Year of Release: 2008
Part of a Series? Yes, 1 of 4. (The Missing)
Rating: 5 View Scale
Recommend? Yes

Description: Life is pretty normal for thirteen-year-old Jonah and his new friend Chip, school, basketball, annoying little sisters. That is until Jonah gets a mysterious letter in the mail. It has a very simple message: "You are one of the missing."

Convinced he is nothing more than the victim of a prank, Jonah shrugs it off. But when his friend Chip receives a similar letter, leading him to discover a family secret, and then two new letters, this time with a warning, arrive, things take a more sinister turn.

When Jonah and Chip, joined by Jonah's sister Katherine, set out to discover the truth behind the letters and how their pasts of being adopted children are connected, they are thrown headfirst into an adventure that leads to a chilling mystery.

Jonah, Chip and Katherine are determined to find answers, even if this means unearthing an old government cover-up and facing ghost-like opponents that seem to have the ability to literally disappear into thin air.

But they had better be ready for the answers because what they will unearth will not only change their lives, but history as they know it.

Review: When my mom first handed me this book, I honestly wasn't expecting to enjoy it much; she and I have pretty differing tastes when it comes to what we read. But I was desperate for something new to read so I decided to give it a shot. I finished it in two sittings.

There was something so intriguing about the plot and the mystery involved, I just couldn't put it down. It kept me so curious; I wanted to figure out the mystery as badly as the characters in the book itself.

The plot was more different and unique than anything I'd read in quite a while. The change of pace was really refreshing and for the most part, pretty easy to follow. I did get confused during one of the scenes in the book, where the ideas of time-travel (a huge part of the plot) were being explained, but even still, I got the main points of what was being said.

The characters were enjoyable, the plot fleshed out well, and the mystery handled very well.

So, bottom line, it is very good read and a book I would definitely recommend.

Rating: With no language, minimal violence, and virtually no sexual content, I give this book a firm 5.

Positive: The hero of the story, Jonah, is a very positive role model. He is generally a well behaved kid with good morals, especially considering family and friends.

Early on in the series, he promises Chip that he will "do whatever it takes to help him" and even when the situation turns dangerous and they get more than they bargained for, he keeps him promise to Chip. He is also very protective of his little sister. He may become annoyed with her and they may argue from time to time, but he takes his role of big brother very seriously.             
He is also pretty respectful to his parents. Though he thinks they can sometimes be "mushy" and "emotional", he wouldn't ever say that to them. He realizes how lucky he is to have loving parents. He does, however, hide things from them when his adventure turns mysterious but partially in an effort to protect them and partly in fear they wouldn't understand. Still it eats away at him to keep something from them.

There is a heavy emphasis on friendship and loyalty through-out the story.

It is also stressed that you don't have to be blood to be family. Jonah, though adopted, is very firm in believing that they are his parents and Katherine is his sister despite the fact that they are not related in blood -- as are his parents and Katherine.

Spiritual Elements: Jonah mentions his parents taking him to church.

Violence: The violence is kept to a minimum. One of the characters, in an attempt to protect the children, tackles a man that is chasing them. Some punches and kicks are thrown as he tries to hold him off.

Near the climax of the book, one character is tasered and another held a point with the taser. A few characters are restrained and a hit or two is thrown by the bad guys.

Language: I don't remember any at all. There may have been one use of the word 'crap', but it's been a few weeks since I read it, and I can't remember for sure.

Sexual Content: The boys talk of one of them maybe having a crush on a girl.

Other: Perhaps the only thing some parents might want to be warned about is that one of the boys, Chip, can be disrespectful to adults, including his parents.
It is implied that he doesn't have a very good relationship with them, and that his father yells at him, and in return, Chip can be rebellious.

In another scene, when speaking to a woman about their mystery, Chip makes a few disrespectful comments.

Recommendation: I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys science fiction and fast-paced adventure. The age range may be 9-13, but I think it's a highly enjoyable story for any age.

It is very appropriate for the younger generation, but still enjoyable for young adults (like myself) and older adults (like my mother, who recommended the book to me).

To parents, if your kids like fast-paced stories with adventure or you want something exciting to get them interesting in reading but want to avoid all the gore, sexual content, and undue language, this is a perfect book for your kids to read and for you to read with them.