Benjamin Pratt & the Keepers of the School: We The Children—Book 1

by Andrew Clements

Andrew Clements author of Frindle, A Week in the Woods, and numerous other good books is now writing a series about sixth graders: Benjamin Pratt and his friend Jill Acton. Benjamin arrives at school one morning to find the aging janitor, Mr. Keane, in need of medical help. Before Ben knows it Mr. Keane entrusts him with a gold coin that has an inscription written on both sides—basically it says “. . . Defend It. Duncan Oakes 1783.” The school was built in 1783 and at the present time it has been mysteriously sold and will be replaced by an amusement park. A great deal of money (thirty million dollars) has changed hands and now Ben finds himself the new defender of the school. Ben and his friend Jill are determined to find the truth and save the school. However, the powerful developers are determined to keep this from happening. Ben and Jill will discover how dangerous a little knowledge can be. You can discover more about the Benjamin Pratt & the Keepers of the School series, visit www.keepersoftheschool.com (YA/YAM ages 7-12 for boys or girls)

Growing up in Mississippi, I have always know John Grisham’s name. From his huge house outside of Oxford to his books and movies, some of which were shot in Mississippi, I have always felt that he was our very own version of a mythical being. As we would drive in to Oxford for football games, my dad would regale us with stories about John Grisham coaching tee ball and little league for his children, and even as a child I found these stories endearing.

When I heard that John would be publishing a young adult series, the same image of a caring father came to mind, and I knew I wanted to read Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer to see what it was all about. I have to say that Theodore is an adorable character. He is thoughtful when it comes to his friends, loyal when trouble is afoot, and brave when he needs to be.

Theo is the only child of two busy lawyers, so this 13-year-old spends enough time around the courtroom to know quite a bit about the legal system. Every day after school he does his homework with his dog Judge in his “office” at his parents office building. He helps classmates with legal problems, such as bankrupt parents and escaped pets being held by the city pound. He even gets his Government class into the biggest trial of the year: the murder of  a woman in her own home. The only suspect in this trial is the husband, but even with such little evidence, Theo tries to stay objective as he watches the trial progress. When a friend comes to Theo with some information that could make or break this case, Theo must decide if he should convince his friend come forward or let a murderer walk free.

John Grisham’s language when describing the ins and outs of the legal system is so clear that I was never confused. Also, Theo’s knowledge never seemed unrealistic–this smart kid loves law, and whereas my hobby as a thirteen-year-old was reading and dancing, his is legal knowledge.  I had a lot of fun with this novel and cannot wait for the next book in this series, due very soon.

If you are a Grisham fan, young or old, you won’t be disappointed with this new brand of legal mystery. Adults will really enjoy another Grisham mystery, and Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys fans now have another series to devour. In the video below, Grisham talks about the inspiration behind Theo and the challenge of venturing into a new genre. Footage of John reading to his daughter’s classroom is also included, along with their very candid reactions to Theodore Boone.

We have signed first editions of Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer, so come on by and pick up one for you and one for the tween in your life.

As the title indicates, this story is about Celeste, art, inspiration, and the meaning of home. The time period is 1821 at Oakley Plantation located a short distance from New Orleans. The story is not only about Celeste and her quest for making a home, but you will get a glimpse into life and time of James John Audubon (1785-1851) and how he went about painting portraits of beautiful birds of North America. The story also includes Audubon’s 13-year-old assistant, Joseph Mason and his relationship with Celeste. This is a very charming and entertaining read. (Young Adult Middle)

Starting in July, Story times in Oz will be revamped! We are going to start planning them just like any other event, except instead of an author, there will just be me the reader, and instead of signed books, there will be awesome activities. I don’t want to spoil the surprise too much, but here is the plan for the five Saturday’s in July.
Every Saturday at 10:30, we will be having a rockin’ time in Oz! So come on in and see what we’re up to! 

A while back I picked up a middle-grade novel entitled The Books of Elsewhere #1 The Shadows by Jacqueline West. Reading about Olive and her family was a similar experience for me as reading Roald Dahl’s The Witches or Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of Nimh: I just knew it was going to become one of those series that everyone is talking about in a couple of years. Well, since you love us and we love you, I am here to tell you about it now, before it becomes trendy! I have also tested my theory on one of our Oz customers, Sophie Creath, and she agrees!

The Dunwoody’s just moved into Old Ms. McMartin’s old house, and there is definitely something weird about the house. It’s not just that all of Ms. McMartin’s stuff is still in the house, or that the basement is creepy, but the paintings move. And all of them are glued to the walls. Not to mention the cat that Olive is sure spoke to her and told her his name was Horatio. What has Olive gotten herself into? And as she gets to know the people in the paintings and the cats (yes, there are three) who should she trust? Olive is going to have to figure out 1. if she is crazy, 2. if cats can really talk, 3. if a painting can be alive, and 4. if the shadow in the basement are moving on their own.

Sophie says, “I loved The Books of Elsewhere: The Shadows because it was the kind of book I love – ghostly fiction.  I liked it because of the characters. I thought they had unusual and crazy personalities and the author used interesting ways to describe them.  Olive,the 11 year-old main character, moves into the McMartin house and she realizes it is strange.  She thinks the house is trying to keep secrets from her.  And when she meets a strange cat she knows the house and cat are keeping secrets from her…”

I thought this book was creative and fast-paced, perfect for these hot days that we are having. I would love to see what y’all think about it, so please comment here!