Regina (Gr8Smokies) reviewed on 8/28/2011 + 98 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 2

This book is so intriguing. From the picture on the cover, to the decorated end papers, to the vintage photographs, it was one delight after the other.

I wish the text lived up to the beautiful presentation. The book, about a boy named Jacob who tries to uncover the mystery of his grandfather's death, is a trip to a land of "peculiar children"--those with special abilities pictured in the vintage photographs. Add in some evil soul-suckers and you are all set.

My biggest complaints were about the photos. The story did not naturally flow for me. I could almost see the author laying the pictures out and mapping the story accordingly. (I imagine something like this: "Oh, this kid with a bee beard needs to show up in chapter 5 so the girl with the mouth on the back of her head can appear by chapter 6".) Though the story lagged in some places, the photos would perk it back up again.

It has a very "ordinary kid becomes extraordinary through discovering hidden powers" vibe--like Harry Potter.

Though this book is appropriate for teens and for mature younger readers, I think a few crude references will keep it out of my 4th grade classroom library. A shame--because the premise would be highly entertaining for them.

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