Rise of the Balloon Goons
by Troy Cummings
Scholastic, 2013
5 things I love about this early chapter book:
- It’s neatly plotted–the mystery is all tied up with no loose ends.
- I love the pages out of the monster notebook–the forkupine is my favorite!
- I’m not a big reader of graphic novels,?but this novel has just a hint of?that approach–visually super interesting, but still a novel…not a graphic novel.
- Clues are planted throughout, so discerning and mystery-loving readers will be able to try to figure out who is who and what’s going on
- I always knew those balloon-twisty creatures outside the oil change place were creepy. Now I have proof.
Summary from Goodreads: Alexander has just moved to a new town where he is about to uncover all sorts of monsters! He finds an old notebook with the word “DOOM” inscribed on the front cover. The Notebook of Doom, which Alexander now holds, contains top secret information about monsters! In this first book, Alexander goes up against spooky balloon goons–unique and twisted arm-waving balloon guys! This book is full of humor, engaging black-and-white illlustrations, and of course . . . monsters!
(Review copy provided by my amazing Maple Grove Public Library.)
I’m having so much fun reading lots of fabulous easy readers as part of the Cybils panel, and I’m trying to share one or two per week.?If you find these posts useful, please share them with other educators and book people using the social share buttons below. Part of the fun of being nominated for a Cybil is that more people get to hear about your book. Thanks!
Disclaimer: This is MY opinion only! This does not reflect any Cybils discussion nor the opinions of the other Cybils panelists or judges. Perhaps I’ll share some titles everyone else on the panel hates! Perhaps I’ll share ones everyone has fallen in love with. I’ll never tell, and you’ll never know:>)
Hi Laura,
This is super helpful and interesting to me. I tutor kids in younger grades when I am asked and I have a couple right now. I also like to know about books for younger kids when parents ask for recommendations. Your tips and ideas are great. Love that you are on this journey into a genre other than your “norm”. Curious what ages “they” say it is geared for. I, though, know full well that that is a mere suggestion. What I love is when a parent/teacher might read aloud a book like this and then a fledgling reader picks it up and gives it a go!!
THanks, Janet–I will check on what ages it’s officially for… It would be super fun to read a kid just the first chapter or two and then set that kid loose with the rest of the book:>)
OK, checked the book. This is part of Scholastic’s new (I think) Branches line. It says the book appeals to 1st-3rd graders and has a reading level of 2nd grade.
Hi Laura,
This is super helpful and interesting to me. I tutor kids in younger grades when I am asked and I have a couple right now. I also like to know about books for younger kids when parents ask for recommendations. Your tips and ideas are great. Love that you are on this journey into a genre other than your “norm”. Curious what ages “they” say it is geared for. I, though, know full well that that is a mere suggestion. What I love is when a parent/teacher might read aloud a book like this and then a fledgling reader picks it up and gives it a go!!
THanks, Janet–I will check on what ages it’s officially for… It would be super fun to read a kid just the first chapter or two and then set that kid loose with the rest of the book:>)
OK, checked the book. This is part of Scholastic’s new (I think) Branches line. It says the book appeals to 1st-3rd graders and has a reading level of 2nd grade.
Thanks for this post. I watched these books turn my granddaughter into a real reader. I love the early reader chapter form. They are so empowering for kids. I hope to try my hand at it one day soon.
Yes! I do, too:>) Here’s hoping we both find success in this form!
Thanks for this post. I watched these books turn my granddaughter into a real reader. I love the early reader chapter form. They are so empowering for kids. I hope to try my hand at it one day soon.
Yes! I do, too:>) Here’s hoping we both find success in this form!