Tuesday, February 09, 2010

Middle Grade Musings: We the Children by Andrew Clements

This book caught my eye while perusing the Shelf Awareness newsletter one day. I was excited to receive a copy!

We the Children by well-known author Andrew Clements is the first in a series of books called Benjamin Pratt and the Keepers of the School. This first installment really just introduces us to Benjamin Pratt and his friend Jill. They attend a school originally started by an eccentric ship captain. And now, the school is in danger of being bulldozed so the City can build an amusement park on the property. Ben didn't know it at the time, but a fateful encounter with the school janitor just before he passes away may give Ben the key to saving his school. Ben is also preoccupied by an upcoming sailing race. The race itself provides an exciting end to the book and also a look at what Ben's true personality is like.

The first book doesn't take us very far into the story, but gives a small inkling of what is to come. Clements focuses quite a bit on ships and sailing. If you have a child who is particularly interested in these subjects, this may be well suited for them. I also think this would be a good book to put into the hands of boys. Though with a girl playing the part of sidekick to Ben, I believe anyone will enjoy it. I am anxious to see where Clements takes this story in the future books.
Source disclosure: A review copy sent from Simon and Schuster.

1 comment:

allisonmariecat said...

Oh, this sounds fun! I've read a few of Clements's standalone books, and I'll have to try the series.