Dr. I. Seymour Youngblood

I received this book through Goodreads' Giveaways from the author in exchange for an honest review.

When I first received this book, I hadn't realized that it was the 4th in a series, but it didn't stop me from jumping right in! The nice thing about it was that I didn't have to read the first three to get my bearings, though I will say it did captivate me enough to want to now go back and read the first three! I appreciate that the author has a knowledge of kids (as a principal), and, as a teacher myself, I really appreciate the way Youngblood was able to capture the child-like perspective that we see as teachers but for many is hard to really grasp (especially as an adult in an adult world).

I teach 8th grade English and, aside from the 'popular' and trendy books that these Young Adults go for, it's difficult sometimes to point my kids in the direction of their next read, something that is interesting and different. I think for boys especially this would be a great read! It is a little bit on the "creepy" side (not too scary but just enough to put a middle-schooler or junior high kid on edge here and there and keep them reading), and I think many of my boys that are intimidated by massive books would like the sound of the book and also be willing to jump right in.

Overall, great read and refreshing to have something different for the younger generation that isn't realistic fiction but still brings out great lessons that can be learned about friendship (among a few other things).… (altro)

This is a mystery up until the end when you learn why this story focuses on insects. Lexi is a typical middle school student until she starts hearing crickets for no apparent reason. Soon she realizes that the new girl in school is not normal, and she cannot figure out why the other kids in her class want to be her friend so badly. The story takes a dramatic turn at the end when the plans that the new girl has in store are revealed. I really enjoyed this story, even though it is probably more for a younger audience.… (altro)