meezcarrie's review
5.0
I. Loved. This. Book.
C.S. Lewis once said, “A children’s story that can only be enjoyed by children is not a good children’s story in the slightest.” Y’all. THIS? is a good children’s story. It’s a good adult story. It’s just a good story.
In fact, I haven’t been as captivated or entertained by a middle grade novel since the Harry Potter series. Before that it was of course The Chronicles of Narnia. And while I haven’t yet read the Percy Jackson books, what I have heard about them leads me to easily put The League and the Lantern in the same … well, league.
The trio of main characters – Jake, TJ, and Lucy – are a hoot! Strong kids (emotionally, mentally, etc.) from loving families and different backgrounds. All three are misfits of sorts (but then, who isn’t in middle school?) and this bonds them together … even before they’re forced together by the museum break-in and murder and – you know – fleeing for their lives. High stakes, fast-paced action ensues, peppered with hearty doses of humor that is edifying while still appealing to the middle grade mind. (Poor TJ – he just wants something to eat) As if that weren’t fabulous enough, history comes alive, laced with just enough intrigue to have kids digging for more info. Lo and behold, they’re learning before they know what’s hit them!
The League and the Lantern is imaginative and well-written from page 1 to the final sentence. Hilariously smart humor for middle grade kids and their adults, well-written movie quality action scenes, high stakes suspense, historical intrigue…. and bonus education while you’re at it. Brian Wells set out to provide quality entertainment for his kids, and he has more than done so. I am thoroughly impressed with the intentionality behind this book – the values, the excellence, even the vocabulary (he worked with education professionals to seamlessly weave 140 of the top vocab words for middle school success into The League and the Lantern) and engaging history. As a teacher, as an aunt, as an avid reader – I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Completely enjoyed it and waiting eagerly for the next volume in the series. (P.S. – My husband snatched up the book as soon as I’d finished with it – he’s reading it now…. and giggling in the background while I type up this review. I’d say it’s a winner in our household all around! Our childless household. lol.)
(I received a copy of this book in exchange for only my honest review.)
C.S. Lewis once said, “A children’s story that can only be enjoyed by children is not a good children’s story in the slightest.” Y’all. THIS? is a good children’s story. It’s a good adult story. It’s just a good story.
In fact, I haven’t been as captivated or entertained by a middle grade novel since the Harry Potter series. Before that it was of course The Chronicles of Narnia. And while I haven’t yet read the Percy Jackson books, what I have heard about them leads me to easily put The League and the Lantern in the same … well, league.
The trio of main characters – Jake, TJ, and Lucy – are a hoot! Strong kids (emotionally, mentally, etc.) from loving families and different backgrounds. All three are misfits of sorts (but then, who isn’t in middle school?) and this bonds them together … even before they’re forced together by the museum break-in and murder and – you know – fleeing for their lives. High stakes, fast-paced action ensues, peppered with hearty doses of humor that is edifying while still appealing to the middle grade mind. (Poor TJ – he just wants something to eat) As if that weren’t fabulous enough, history comes alive, laced with just enough intrigue to have kids digging for more info. Lo and behold, they’re learning before they know what’s hit them!
The League and the Lantern is imaginative and well-written from page 1 to the final sentence. Hilariously smart humor for middle grade kids and their adults, well-written movie quality action scenes, high stakes suspense, historical intrigue…. and bonus education while you’re at it. Brian Wells set out to provide quality entertainment for his kids, and he has more than done so. I am thoroughly impressed with the intentionality behind this book – the values, the excellence, even the vocabulary (he worked with education professionals to seamlessly weave 140 of the top vocab words for middle school success into The League and the Lantern) and engaging history. As a teacher, as an aunt, as an avid reader – I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Completely enjoyed it and waiting eagerly for the next volume in the series. (P.S. – My husband snatched up the book as soon as I’d finished with it – he’s reading it now…. and giggling in the background while I type up this review. I’d say it’s a winner in our household all around! Our childless household. lol.)
(I received a copy of this book in exchange for only my honest review.)
cblunier's review
adventurous
informative
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
kathys1977's review
5.0
This book is fantastic. It is written for young adults, but as a woman in my 30's I really enjoyed it. It is an adventure from start to finish. I am sure that you can find other reviews with a story synopsis so I will spare you that part of my review. It is quite obvious that Brian Wells did his research on Lincoln and on Springfield. After having visited Springfield a few years ago, this book took me back to all of the fantastic places that I had visited, while picturing Jake, TJ , and Lucy right there with me. This book is a fantastic start to the series and I can't wait to read the next book . I proudly supported this book on Kickstarter.
melodyriggs's review
4.0
I loved that this book had everything it set out to do for its intended pre-teen/teen audience. Good characters, engaging plot, elevated vocabulary, and no attention grabbing descriptions, swear words, or other gimmicks that some YA authors use to entice teen readers. A great read!
shelfesteem's review
5.0
Originally posted to QUATTRO'S CORNER: REVIEWS FROM A MIDDLE SCHOOLER'S POV on christianshelfesteem.wordpress.co
The League and the Lantern is a great action/adventure book. Jake Herndon, the main character, is led through a series of wild exploits that all begin with a school sleepover. In a surprising turn of events, Jake and some new friends are on the run of their lives! With this breathtaking experience, their ways of thinking change forever.
Jake is a “normal” kid that has mismatched eyes, wrestles, likes Budapest fire mustard, and has a tendency to have embarrassing moments. Lucy, another character, “has killer kung-fu moves and can haggle for a granola bar in six different languages.” TJ, the last friend, fences, loves donuts, and uses a lot of hand sanitizer. They seem like an unlikely trio of friends, but their chemistry works.
I thought the book was good because it had a lot of action. The plot was realistic until the league appears, and brings with it futuristic technology. The story had many turns so you’ll never guess what happens in the next chapter. The end was a cliffhanger and it made me want to read more. This book is a hit!
*I received a free copy from the author. No review, positive or otherwise, was required—all opinions are my own.
About the Reviewer:
Quattro began reading before his 2nd birthday and reading remains his favorite pastime. Currently in the 6th grade, he is a staff reporter for his school’s newspaper. He is considering working in publishing when he grows up.
The League and the Lantern is a great action/adventure book. Jake Herndon, the main character, is led through a series of wild exploits that all begin with a school sleepover. In a surprising turn of events, Jake and some new friends are on the run of their lives! With this breathtaking experience, their ways of thinking change forever.
Jake is a “normal” kid that has mismatched eyes, wrestles, likes Budapest fire mustard, and has a tendency to have embarrassing moments. Lucy, another character, “has killer kung-fu moves and can haggle for a granola bar in six different languages.” TJ, the last friend, fences, loves donuts, and uses a lot of hand sanitizer. They seem like an unlikely trio of friends, but their chemistry works.
I thought the book was good because it had a lot of action. The plot was realistic until the league appears, and brings with it futuristic technology. The story had many turns so you’ll never guess what happens in the next chapter. The end was a cliffhanger and it made me want to read more. This book is a hit!
*I received a free copy from the author. No review, positive or otherwise, was required—all opinions are my own.
About the Reviewer:
Quattro began reading before his 2nd birthday and reading remains his favorite pastime. Currently in the 6th grade, he is a staff reporter for his school’s newspaper. He is considering working in publishing when he grows up.
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