bethh1352's review
4.0
I think it could use a little polish, but it is a great adventure of a boy who discovers a magical library.
imzadirose's review
3.0
Such a cute middle grade story about what could happen if you could walk into books and change the story. Look forward to the next one.
traditionson's review
3.0
A good start to a book. Would have loved more development of the characters and understanding of the world. With a big cliffhanger at the end i know i will read more to see what happens but wish there was more to start with.
clockless's review
4.0
I felt like this started out a little rough, with mild "the author hasn't gotten over his childhood bullying," but that went away quickly as the story took shape, and the bulk of it was a really solid, enjoyable adventure story. It looks to be a highly promising series; I'm looking forward to reading the rest.
biddywink's review
4.0
This was a delightful, quick, fun adventure through literature. I am a sucker for library and librarian related stories, so this one got me. I am looking forward to soon downloading and enjoying the next installment of this saga.
becxreadz's review
4.0
REREAD-
It was still very original and I enjoyed the story just not as much as the first time around
FIRST READ- Really enjoyed this story. Loved the magical library, the boy perspective, The Wizard of Oz element. It was very attention getting and original. I got to the end to the....TO BE CONTINUED and was very happy I had picked up the 2nd book for free when i picked up the first. Great for adults and children
It was still very original and I enjoyed the story just not as much as the first time around
FIRST READ- Really enjoyed this story. Loved the magical library, the boy perspective, The Wizard of Oz element. It was very attention getting and original. I got to the end to the....TO BE CONTINUED and was very happy I had picked up the 2nd book for free when i picked up the first. Great for adults and children
buttercupsobsession's review
3.0
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
I enjoyed this book, and I'm anxious to get to book 2. Hobbs blends some of our favorite children's stories into this tale but gives them a distinct twist. Our main character Wesley finds himself on a field trip to tour a local library. Also on the trip are his best friend Taylor and worst enemy Randy. Wesley is regularly bullied by Randy and his crew of goons, while Taylor is always sticking up for him and telling him to stand up for himself. Wesley and Taylor break away from the history lesson on the tour and end up learning that the historical library is more than it seems. There are some truly magical things hiding in its walls. Randy's father is also on the trip with the class, but it turns out he wants to demolish the historical library and all its magic. While trying to stay out of Randy and his father's sights, Wesley finds himself drawn to a strange painting of Neverland. He also runs into Locke, who happens to be one of Peter Pan's Lost Boy's from Neverland. Locke is looking for the mysterious Librarian.
Wesley, Locke, and Taylor can't find the Librarian, but they do discover that Locke must get back to his own story. The kids end up in Oz and learn that once a story is written, it must not be changed. Taylor won't be swayed though and she is determined to help the Tin Man find his true love. If you know the rules of time travel, they kind of apply here, you don't mess with the timeline or it will have consequences. Eventually the kids face off with Randy and his dad to get the Neverland key back so Locke can go back. The find the Librarian and face off with the Headless Horseman. Wesley who is almost irritatingly weak throughout the story, finds his inner strength and starts to stand up for himself. He gets tired of being pushed around all the time which is a good lesson for young readers especially if they are in a similar situation with a kid like Randy. Locke heads back to Neverland, but Wes, Taylor, and the Librarian are left in the real world to deal with the mess they've made. The story ends with a bit of a cliffhanger, but not a bad one. I kind of saw it coming.
I enjoyed this book, and I'm anxious to get to book 2. Hobbs blends some of our favorite children's stories into this tale but gives them a distinct twist. Our main character Wesley finds himself on a field trip to tour a local library. Also on the trip are his best friend Taylor and worst enemy Randy. Wesley is regularly bullied by Randy and his crew of goons, while Taylor is always sticking up for him and telling him to stand up for himself. Wesley and Taylor break away from the history lesson on the tour and end up learning that the historical library is more than it seems. There are some truly magical things hiding in its walls. Randy's father is also on the trip with the class, but it turns out he wants to demolish the historical library and all its magic. While trying to stay out of Randy and his father's sights, Wesley finds himself drawn to a strange painting of Neverland. He also runs into Locke, who happens to be one of Peter Pan's Lost Boy's from Neverland. Locke is looking for the mysterious Librarian.
Wesley, Locke, and Taylor can't find the Librarian, but they do discover that Locke must get back to his own story. The kids end up in Oz and learn that once a story is written, it must not be changed. Taylor won't be swayed though and she is determined to help the Tin Man find his true love. If you know the rules of time travel, they kind of apply here, you don't mess with the timeline or it will have consequences. Eventually the kids face off with Randy and his dad to get the Neverland key back so Locke can go back. The find the Librarian and face off with the Headless Horseman. Wesley who is almost irritatingly weak throughout the story, finds his inner strength and starts to stand up for himself. He gets tired of being pushed around all the time which is a good lesson for young readers especially if they are in a similar situation with a kid like Randy. Locke heads back to Neverland, but Wes, Taylor, and the Librarian are left in the real world to deal with the mess they've made. The story ends with a bit of a cliffhanger, but not a bad one. I kind of saw it coming.
kelleyand's review
5.0
Wesley is the class nerd. He is good at writing and loves books, so when his class takes a field trip to the ancient library in town, he is excited to go. He prepares an essay for the contest to be judged by the ancient curator, which is promptly confiscated by the class bully. While exploring the library with his friend Taylor, the two happen upon a terrified wild boy who seems to be straight out of a children's book. Things only get stranger from there.
I thought this was a fantastic book. Having become an avid book fan at a young age, I could really identify with the Wesley, who loves books and writing. And when the children leave their middle school world behind, the descriptions and imagination of the author really pull you in to the story.
I plan on reading this book with my daughter (who is 6) after I read some of the old classics, such as Peter Pan and Wizard of Oz with her, so she can understand the plot a little better. I would recommend this book for any school aged children who love books, whether or not they have read these classics. I am confident that not only will they love this story, but they will want to read the books Eric Hobbs describes in the story as well.
I received this book free from Library Thing giveaways.
I thought this was a fantastic book. Having become an avid book fan at a young age, I could really identify with the Wesley, who loves books and writing. And when the children leave their middle school world behind, the descriptions and imagination of the author really pull you in to the story.
I plan on reading this book with my daughter (who is 6) after I read some of the old classics, such as Peter Pan and Wizard of Oz with her, so she can understand the plot a little better. I would recommend this book for any school aged children who love books, whether or not they have read these classics. I am confident that not only will they love this story, but they will want to read the books Eric Hobbs describes in the story as well.
I received this book free from Library Thing giveaways.
kribu's review
3.0
Not a bad little fantasy / "lost in a book" sort of book for kids, but not exceptional either.
I felt it could have used some polishing - the writing was competent enough, but the occasional awkward phrasing and head-hopping got a little distracting at times. I think I'd have liked it better at age ten than age thirty-six, though.
I felt it could have used some polishing - the writing was competent enough, but the occasional awkward phrasing and head-hopping got a little distracting at times. I think I'd have liked it better at age ten than age thirty-six, though.