Enjoy another round of book reviews from one of our VolunTeens! Our VolunTeens provided over 70 hours of community service this summer! Our summer VolunTeen program is open to any teen entering grades 8-12 and runs through the months of June and July. We also recruit teen volunteers during the school year. To find out more, check the library web site towards the end of August.
Belly Up by Stuart Gibbs
Teddy Fitzroy grew up in the jungle but now he lives at Funjungle, the world’s first zoo amusement park in central Texas. And life just isn’t as interesting anymore. That is, until Henry the Hippo, the mascot of Funjungle himself, turns up dead. And Teddy is the only one who suspects foul play. Join him in his adventures to discover the truth about what happened to the world’s most famous Hippopotamus.
I really enjoyed this book and found it very engaging. The best part is the mystery which author Stuart Gibbs does an incredible job of crafting. And the well given clues are sure to leave you saying, “of course,” when the answer is finally revealed. With lots of thrills and animal encounters, this is the perfect book for any mystery or animal lover.
Space Case by Stuart Gibbs
Being one of the first people to live on the moon sounds awesome, like the adventure of a life time. That’s what NASA told Dash and his family before they moved to the newly constructed Moon Basa Alpha. But in reality, its cramped, you can’t go outside, and the food is disgusting. Dash just wants to go home. Then one day, Dr. Holtz shows up dead on the lunar surface. It’s ruled an accident, saying he didn’t have his suit on properly. But Dash knows that something else went down. With the help of his new friend Kira, and the mysterious Zan Perfonic, Dash does his best to uncover the truth.
I Really love this book and it’s on of my favorites. The characters, setting and plot are all just so captivating. Who would’ve thought that moon live was terrible? The setting provides lots of thrill and suspense to an already intriguing mystery. And the reason Holtz was killed will definitely shock you. Combined with the added moments of humor that Gibbs adds in seamlessly, you won’t want to put this book down.
The Nebula Secret by Trudi Trueit
Attending the Explorer Academy has always been a dream of Cruz Coronado. And when he arrives, its just as perfect as he’s imagined, with new friends and new challenges to overcome. Until one challenge isn’t as simple: Nebula, an organization after a formula created by his mother and with spies everywhere. No one can be trusted. Thankfully, Cruz’s mom has left him a series of clues that lead to her hidden formula. But can Cruz and his friends solve the puzzles before it’s too late?
I thought this book was really captivating and fun to read. While the high-tech world may at first seem unlikely and off-putting, it soon seems not only possible, but plausible. In fact, Trueit uses this aspect of their world to the story’s advantage, creating gadgets and technology that can not only be used to help the heroes in their quest, but can also be sabotaged by the enemy. With secrets and surprises galore, you’re sure to be left wanting more from Cruz and his friends.
