New Blog for New Book

Young people in your family, church, school, or circle of friends need to read this book and see the DVD when they're released by Elk Lake Publishing in 2016 http://tracyschoices.blogspot.com/2015/12/tracys-choices-new-book-coming-soon.html

An Excellent Christmas Gift In Stores Everywhere...Where To Find It In The Bible

Looking for that perfect gift this Christmas? Here's an idea. 

If you want to know what the Bible says about topics like computers or nutrition or psychology, you may not find them in regular concordances. 

Where to Find It in the Bible helps you locate specific Bible references to thousands of different subjects!

This is a contemporary concordance that uses common phrases to help you locate biblical sources on a myriad of subjects, both traditional and offbeat.Useful to Bible readers, students, Sunday school teachers, youth directors, counselors, pastors, or anyone who wants to find - using everyday speech - relevant Bible passages quickly and easily. An A-to-Z listing of topics puts key Scriptures at your fingertips, without heavy theological language. Includes humorous illustrations throughout.

Amazon Link 
http://www.amazon.com/Nelsons-Little-Book-Where-Bible/dp/0785247084%3FSubscriptionId%3D1QZMGW0RRJC2PX87HDR2%26tag%3Dsalranexp-20%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3D0785247084

Christmas Reading Ideas for Middle Grade Eyes

Christmas Book Ideas

For Middle Grade Readers In Your Family or Circle of Friends

Are there young readers 8 - 12 in your family, or circle of friends, who love reading good mysteries and adventures? If the answer is yes, then here are several ideas for you this Christmas and on into next year.

               Available Now

Find over 60 pages of reviews here: 

http://maxbookreviews.blogspot.com

Amazon Author Page here: 

http://www.amazon.com/Max-Elliot-Anderson/e/B002BLP3EE

Find promotional Videos for most of the books here: 

http://www.youtube.com/user/Maxbooks100?feature=watch

More Books Are Coming

An additional 23 books have been contracted, so there will be a steady stream of new titles in the months ahead.

"Max Elliot Anderson brings a lifetime of dramatic film and video production to the pages of his action adventures and mysteries."Jerry B. Jenkins, Author

"Sam Cooper Adventures are like good, family movies . . . as an ordinary kid finds himself in exciting and extra-ordinary adventures!" Bill Myers - Author

Nobody Warned Us

     Apparently these guys didn't get the memo warning them of the significance about today. 
     The turkeys were snacking on fallen seeds from a bird feeder in our back yard earlier. One of their relatives is currently baking in our oven.
     If you look at the bird out front, he seems to be looking for his long lost uncle or someone. Sniff...snnnif. What's that I smell?

The Sense Of Humor Book Cover and Update

Here is the cover for The Sense Of Humor. This book is now in the editing process and slated to be published by Elk Lake Publishing. This is my first book project for adult readers. A release date has not been announced so keep an eye on this blog for further information.

Let humor put you on a fast track to healthier, happier living.

Additional information about this book is available at:

http://yourhumorsense.blogspot.com 

New Toad in the Nieghborhood

When we first moved into our house, over 30 years ago, we noticed several toads around the yard. Then, for some reason, they seemed to disappear and we haven’t seen any for many years. That was until this past weekend. While mowing the yard, I saw something move in the grass next to me. To my surprise, it was a big, fat toad.

Quickly I shut off the mower, bent down, picked up the toad, and deposited it in a place next to the house.

I hope this will become its new, permanent home. We’re even looking into ordering a toad house for the little guy.

By next spring, I’m also hoping to find a lot of his relatives around the yard and garden. Maybe this cement frog will make him feel a little more at home : )) Might have to write a story about them sometime.

The Sense of Humor

The Sense of Humor will make the sense of humor. Make sense? See details at:  http://yourhumorsense.blogspot.com

What do you think about the importance of short stories for kids?

Would you take a few moments and give your opinion about the importance of short stories for kids? Please go to the following link and leave your comment. 

Thank you so much! 

https://www.chestnutpublishing.com/index.php/tree-forts-pigtails-pollywogs-and-more-by-max-elliot-anderson#comments

Final Jeff Gordon Chicago Race

On Sunday, I went with my son, Jim, who lives in Chicago, to the final Race for Jeff Gordon at the Chicago Speedway. 

I’ve followed Jeff’s career since his first year in NASCAR. Before that, I had been a fan of Indy racing

Jeff has broken multiple racing records over his career and this season will be his last.

Though I’ve seen him race at Michigan, Daytona, and Chicago, multiple times, he’s never won while I was at those tracks.

During this race in Chicago, he was out front for over thirty laps. But during the final re-start, he spun his tires, fell back, and couldn’t recover.

Even so, it was great to have the opportunity to see him race one more time. After this season, I suspect my interest in NASCAR will greatly diminish since I never picked an alternate driver to follow. That’s kind of the way it is with racing. We each pick a favorite and follow them exclusively during each race.

A few years ago, my middle grade adventure & mystery writing for kids took me to one of my publishers in Charlotte, NC. That's the home of Hendrick Motorsports; the owner if Gordon's team. Following are a few pictures from that visit.

First, my wife and I toured the shop where all the teams' cars are prepared for each race.

Next, we went to the museum where we saw lots of Jeff's cars from previous races, along with others from the team.

Before leaving, we discovered that the receptionist was previously from Rockford, IL, where we live. She was kind enough to give me three race-used lug nuts from one of Jeff's cars. What a treasure!

An Exciting Book to help kids understand 9/11

When The Lights Go Out was written for the 10th anniversary of 9/11 so our kids will never forget its importance. Many middle grade readers are too young to remember anything about 9/11 except for what they see on TV. This exciting, heart-pounding action-adventure story can help.

When the Lights go Out

Peyton Aldrich has just moved to a new army base with his parents and younger sister. He doesn’t understand why his father has been sent to such a rundown place in the middle of nowhere. After all, his father was a colonel, with top security clearance, who completed the elite Ranger school. And his training had been in Army Intelligence. Yet, here they were.

Peyton was never allowed to ask his father anything about what he did in the army. Nor was he allowed to ever get in the way. There were many secrets that his dad couldn’t even tell his own family.

Peyton idolized his father. One day, he hoped to grow up to be just like him. His father had told him that the army may not be for everyone, but after what happened on 9/11, somebody had to help keep the country safe.

Peyton finds two friends. Gill is the son of the base’s motor pool sergeant, and Dave’s father is the base chaplain. Together they decide to train like Rangers, and search for some kind of mission they could do. Little did they know that a mission was about to put the boys right in the crosshairs of a dangerous terrorist plot, when a secret weapon would be delivered to the base on its way across the country.

There was no way Peyton could tell his father what he knew. After all, it could cost him his job. Peyton, Gill, and Dave have to take matters into their own hands, and they do.

Will the terrorists find out who is trying to expose their evil plan? Will the boys be able to stop them? And what will happen to Peyton’s father when the general finds out what the boys did?

“When the Lights go Out.” A story for kids, and their parents, so we never forget 9/11.

 Get a copy for your young reader today!

TO ORDER http://www.amazon.com/When-The-Lights-Go-Out/dp/1936695472%3FSubscriptionId%3D1QZMGW0RRJC2PX87HDR2%26tag%3Dsalranexp-20%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3D1936695472

Video

Focus On The Family reviews When The Lights Go Out

Recently I learned that Focus On The Family did an in-depth review of one of my books: When The Lights Go Out. 

With another anniversary of 9/11 upon us soon, I thought you might be interested in this middle grade book.

http://www.pluggedin.com/book-reviews/when-the-lights-go-out

Thanks for taking a look!

Max

Book Video Trailer

Sunken 1715 Spanish treasure ship yields more gold coins

Captain Jack's Treasure is set on the Treasure Coast of Florida for good reason! 
Gold coins are still being found. Here's an article today, August 21, about a find worth millions in gold coins just discovered.

 http://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=11500481&ref=rss

After you read the article, get your hands on a copy of Captain Jack's Treasure for your middle grade reader. You'll be glad you did and so will they.

http://www.amazon.com/Captain-Jacks-Treasure-Adventure-Episode/dp/1942513267%3FSubscriptionId%3D1QZMGW0RRJC2PX87HDR2%26tag%3Dsalranexp-20%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3D1942513267  

REVIEWS for Captain Jack's Treasure

Here's what people are saying about Captain Jack's Treasure; book #2 in The Sam Cooper Adventure Series.

1. This book touches on trust, truthfulness, respect and important life issues such as what we will value in life and the importance of family.
This book is written for ages 8 and up. and the author has a great gift, to offer stories that appeal to those who love adventure, and to adults who will love the way the story leads youngsters to think how this may relate to their lives, and in a way they will enjoy reading it.
I highly recommend this book ! I am looking forward to reading more from this author.

2. This is the second book in the series, and it continues to follow the adventures (or misadventures) of Sam, Tony, and Tyler.
This time, they meet an old sea captain by the name of Captain Jack. He has a whole bunch of interesting stories that keep the boys, and the reader, wanting more. But he also has a secret that the boys – especially Sam – want to know.
What is his secret? You’ll have to read it to find out!
The author once again keeps things exciting, while giving lessons on love, trust, obedience, and realizing what’s really important in life. This is a great book for both the young and the young-at-heart! Enjoy!

3. Sam and his buddies are at it again – discovering new adventures and exploring where they live. Sam has a thirst for treasure and meets Captain Jack. As the boys have new adventures while helping out Captain Jack they learn some new lessons. A gift from Sam’s dad helps them go searching. Another well written, suspenseful and lesson learning story. Where is our treasure stored? Are we too busy with earthly things? Wonderful lessons learned by the boys and timely reminders for those of us reading. The author knows how to speak to teens and meet them where they are in their lives. Great suspense to keep it a page turner – I can highly recommend this to any teen or adults wanting a good mystery or adventure story with wonderful morals.

4. I really enjoyed this book. It is geared toward 8-12 year olds. I love all things about pirates and metal detecting so this book for right in with my interest. 

5. I didn't even know, until after I read it, that it was the second book in a series. It was so good, that now I'm going to have to read the others.
This book was good to read as an adult, but I can't wait for my son to read it also. It is written well enough that I didn't get bored, and my 9 year old will be able to not only read every word, but will be able to understand it.
Sam, Tony, and Tyler learn a great lesson about money and greed. They also learn about what is really important in life, Family.
Kids will be able to read this book and not know they are learning really good lessons. This book gets 5 starts from me!!

6. This book has a great story that will really appeal to boys as well as adventuresome girls. It has a very good plot. The characters are believable and entertaining. Mixed in with the fun and action is a wonderfully developed and clearly spelled out lesson that is important for everyone to learn.

7. I found this book refreshing and I am sure young boys and even girls will find this book exciting.

8. These books by Anderson are a treasure to have. The format is clear and easy to read. Each chapter has a great ending to pull you into the next chapter and before the youth knows it they have read a book! 

9. The story is geared toward boys age 8 and up but I feel girls would also enjoy the story.

10. This story is wonderful and the excitement is good enough for any young boy, maybe 4th grade through middle school even.
You don't have to read the stories in sequence but I would recommend it. This story refers to the boys harrowing adventure in the first book that I'm going to have to read now! And I'm sure Book 3 will be just as good.
What I, as a parent and grandparent, like best about this book is how the author wove all the important things young boys should learn while growing up into their everyday lives. He built the base of a faith filled life without pushing it on you. It is a very easy book to read, flows very nicely.
I would recommend this book and this author to every grandparent, parent or child to read or give as a gift.

11. This is a book that both boys and girls, and parents will enjoy. I love the gentle message of laying up treasures in Heaven. All of Max's books have a Christian theme to them. The reason I really like them is that I can put them on my shelves at school. I put them there not only for the Christian students, but also for ALL students. They are clean cut with great messages. They have adventures and mysteries to carry the reader from the first sentence to the end of the book. I would say it is a must read.

12. Suspense and surprises abound, along with lots of Captain Jack sea-tales.

13. CAPTAIN JACK'S TREASURE is book two in the Sam Cooper Adventure series by Max Elliot Anderson. Mr. Anderson is an adventure writer for boys--especially boys that are reluctant readers. I can vouch that his books make reluctant readers sit up and take notice--and that they will read these books from cover to cover. I had two reluctant readers when they were young, and now both of these boys are in college and they both still enjoy Mr. Anderson's books. My oldest son tells me, "They're exciting, Mom." And my youngest son says, "These are books that once you start them you can't put them down, you have to keep reading."
CAPTAIN JACK'S TREASURE is a book that will appeal to juvenile boys and older. Girls will like these books too. If you have a reluctant reader, be sure to pick up any of Max Elliot Anderson's books. You'll be glad you did. Instructions are included tying sailors' knots.

14. Beyond the fun, this book is a safe bet for kids to read. Nothing offensive popped out at me, which is something I can't say for other modern reading choices for kids.

15. This is a book of love, redemption, honesty, and most importantly, hope. The overlying theme is to not store treasures here on earth, but rather store your treasures in heaven. While this book isn't overly religious, it does speak of focusing on heaven and the eternal life rather than this temporary earthly life.
I recommend this book to kids, especially those who like a good adventure!

16. My boys absolutely LOVE pirates...treasures and adventure!
While my boys are a bit young for this story, at the same time this was a delightful, clean and adventure filled story that was packed enough to hold their attention for a chapter a day, reading time. As a parent that is always looking for quality literature that my boys can grow with (and doesn't include vampires and magic and demons, yuck!) this was a refreshing read indeed. One I am sure we will revisit too as they get older.

17. It's so nice to see someone writing exciting fiction for young boys between the ages of 9 and 12. As the mom of two former reluctant readers, I wish this book, and it's counterparts, had been around when my boys were that age. Filled with wonderful characters, young and old alike, Captain Jack's Treasure is sure to keep even the most hesitant reader glued to the pages of this book.
What little boy doesn't want to be a pirate or a sea captain at some point in their young life? I really liked how the three friends worked together with Captain Jack, their comradarie, and the amount of respect they showed to him and each other. Not only is this a captivating tale but it has spiritual concepts in at as well!
Nicely laid out in short chapters so they aren't overwhelmed, and not too many pages, it keeps a good pace going. They're sure to be enticed to read it just from the cool cover! I recommend this to any parent who has a child struggling with interest in books. Try this one. They just might become hooked on reading for life!

18. There isn't a lot of good, modern (lots of classics though) books for boys to enjoy that aren't riddled with witches, magic and other sinful behavior, so to read this was a breath of fresh air. There was no violence - although an old sailor did tell a pirate ghost story - but even that was VERY brief and I know my oldest would write it off as fanciful and not to be believed. I'm looking forward to maybe reading this with my son but may need to wait a few more months.

19. One can tell that Max Elliot Anderson knows the hearts and minds of young boys. The characters, Sam, Tony and Tyler, were typical all-American, adventure-seeking, conclusion-leaping boys full of curiosity and impatience, yet each has his own distinct personality. I highly recommend this book to all adventure-loving (especially pirate-adventure loving) 8 to 11 year old boys or girls.

Coming Soon!

Book 3 - River Rampage
Book 4 - This Property Is Condemned
Book 5 - At The Buzzer
Book 6 - Ghosts In The Old Attic 

To Order - http://www.amazon.com/Captain-Jacks-Treasure-Adventure-Episode/dp/1942513267%3FSubscriptionId%3D1QZMGW0RRJC2PX87HDR2%26tag%3Dsalranexp-20%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3D1942513267

FREE Short Story For Kids - Willy The Wrong Way Rabbit

Willy The Wrong Way Rabbit

  

by

Max Elliot Anderson

            A young rabbit stood outside his home, looked down at the ground and mumbled, “Willy the wrong way rabbit.” He shook his head and repeated, “Willy the wrong way rabbit.” He took a deep breath. “That’s what they call me, Willy the wrong way rabbit.”

            Willy wasn’t worse than other rabbits. His ears stood up straight like theirs, he had the same color of fur, and his bushy tail looked just as nice as any other rabbit’s in the woods. But poor Willy really did have a big problem. No matter what he was supposed to do, Willy always did it the wrong way. For example, most rabbits take off running with a hop, skip, and a jump. But not Willy. He started out with a jump, skip, and then a hop.

            His mother had nearly given up trying to teach Willy the right ways. That’s because two days ago, she asked him to take out the garbage. Instead, Willy brought trash into the house and stacked it neatly in the hallway. “One of these days,” his mother scolded, “something very bad could happen to you if you don’t stop, look, and listen.” In fact, earlier on that day, she had taken him down to the railroad tracks where a sign with those very words of warning stood guard at the crossing. But Willy didn’t stop, he didn’t look, and he didn’t listen. He charged right toward the tracks just as a fast-moving passenger train roared through. Lucky for Willy, his mother grabbed his little coat just before that monster streaked only inches in front of his twitching nose. He held his breath and closed his eyes tight.

            For nearly a minute after the train had passed, his mother couldn’t speak. But when she did, Willy knew he was in trouble. “Willy the wrong way rabbit,” she said in a trembling voice. “Whatever shall become of you?” And that was the last time she had tried to teach him.

            When Willy’s friends teased him about being the wrong way rabbit, they weren’t simply being unkind. Willy always did things the wrong way. Like whenever he ate dinner with his family. If all the other rabbits at the table passed serving bowls from the left to the right, Willy tried to pass them in the opposite direction, which was wrong. If he were told to turn right, he went left. It was no use telling Willy to go up the path because he’d turn and go down. To Willy, left was right, black was white, day was night, up was down, hot was cold, in was out, under was over, and fast was slow.

            Willy hopped out into the woods where he could think about his problems. He stayed out there for a long time. Later he wandered down by Webster’s Creek where he spoke quietly. “I’ve always been a happy rabbit. Having fun is just a habit. If there’s a carrot, I will grab it. I can’t help it I’m a wrong way rabbit.” After sitting on the bank for a while longer, he heard a familiar voice.

            “Hey Willy! Where’ve you been?”

            He looked up at his friend Wilbur.

            “We haven’t seen hide nor hair of you?”

            Willy blinked. “Huh?”

            His friend laughed. “It’s a rabbit joke, Willy.”

            Willy rubbed his nose. “I’ve been around. What about you?”

            “We hopped past where the watermelons grow.”

            Willy smacked his lips. “Watermelons. What a wonderful taste. Who was guarding them?”

            “Old Man Woodman, why?”

            Willy’s ears stood up a little straighter. “What was he doing?”

            “Whistling.”

            “Why was he whistling?”

            Wilbur sat next to his friend. “Whenever he knows we aren’t around, he whistles.”

            Willy turned to Wilbur. “Where was his dog, King?”

            “Whining in the bushes at the end of a strong rope.”

            Willy shook his head. “Wonder why?”

            “Who knows?”

            Willy stood up. “Wow, wouldn’t a watermelon be delicious on a hot day like this?”

            Wilbur stood next to him. “What are you thinking?”

            “Well, Wilbur, why don’t we get all of our friends, hop on over to Woodman’s yard and go through his fence tonight?”

            “What if King whines?” Wilbur asked in alarm.

            “Who cares? That dog can’t catch all of us. Besides, Old Man Woodman doesn’t hear very well anymore.”

            So, after dark that night, Willy, Wilbur, Wyatt, Weldon, Walt, and Warren headed for the back fence behind Old Man Woodman’s property. A full moon shined its light on their path. Willy had been warned many times, by his mother, “Stay out of gardens. We have plenty of our own food. A rabbit can go into a garden and never come out.”

            Mr. Woodman’s fence hadn’t been repaired for many years. Several of the boards had loosened so that, if a rabbit wanted to, he could easily push them to one side and have all the fresh carrots, lettuce, radishes, and other vegetables he wanted. And right now, Willy wanted all of them; even though he knew it was wrong. He and his friends pushed their way through the fence. They stopped on the other side, right in front of the straightest garden rows any rabbit has ever seen.

            Willy looked closer. “Not a weed anywhere,” he told the others. Then, as if they were in their own, personal produce department at the grocery store, each rabbit began picking and eating nearly everything in sight. Before long, they completely forgot about Old Man Woodman, his dog King, or anything else. And that was a big mistake.

            On their very first visit to this garden, Willy and his friends made sure to know where the dog had been tied and the length of his rope. Willy may have been the first to hear it tonight, he wasn’t really sure. But one thing he was sure of is a low growl cut through the night air, just to his left, or was it his right? No matter which one it was, Willy knew he and his friends were in danger.

Good thing that hound is still tied up, he thought. Willy slowly opened one eye. What he saw made him squeeze his eyes shut and wait. The next thing he felt was the hot breath from Mr. Woodman’s dog. Willy noticed that Old Man Woodman had tied an extra length into King’s rope. Now he could chase rabbits two times farther than before. Right then Willy knew he was in the wrong place, at the wrong time, doing the wrong thing, and he hadn’t even made it to the watermelon patch yet.

Willy opened his other eye. That’s when he noticed his friends eating lettuce in the row next to where he hid. He had two choices. Willy could stay hidden, or he could warn his friends and put himself in danger. He thought for only a second or two. Then he stood up, took a big bunny breath, and called out in his loudest voice, “Run for your lives!”

His friends dropped what they were eating and dashed for the fence. The growling hound turned around toward Willy and cut off his path of escape. And that’s when Willy noticed something. In an instant, he dove under King, ran through his four legs, and streaked toward the iron stake at the other end of the rope. Well, King had no choice. He spun around and followed as fast as he could. When he reached the stake, Willy ran around and around and around as King chased only inches behind him until something surprising happened. The dog had wound his rope around that stake until he could run no more.

Next, Willy did the right thing for only the second time in his life. He didn’t run the wrong way. Instead, he raced straight for the fence, burst through, and tumbled into the grass on the other side where his friends met him. They all cheered and hopped around as they shouted, “Willy, Willy, the right way rabbit!”

From that day on, Willy listened to his mother, and even though he made mistakes from time to time, Willy tried his best to do the right thing so no one could call him Willy the wrong way rabbit ever again.

-          The End -

Max Elliot Anderson writes adventures and mysteries for middle grade readers. An additional 23 books are contracted for publishing over the next several months!

Amazon Author Page 

http://www.amazon.com/Max-Elliot-Anderson/e/B002BLP3EE

Reviews for Lost Island Smugglers!

TO ORDER: http://www.amazon.com/Lost-Island-Smugglers-Adventure-Adventures/dp/1942513259/ref=pd_bxgy_14_img_y 

 

Following are a few examples of what people are saying about  Lost Island Smugglers, book #1 in The Sam Cooper Adventure Series.



5A Great Adventure Story!

This is a great book for teenage and younger boys, or for anyone who enjoys an adventure!

You will love getting to know Sam, Tony, and Tyler, as you follow them taking scuba lessons, testing out their new skills without permission, and then suffering the consequences, along with making an unexpected discovery.

The author weaves an exciting story while giving good old-fashioned moral lessons on obedience to parents, not submitting to peer pressure, and the fact that we may have the freedom to make decisions, but we may not be able to control the consequences.

This is a 5-star book! Enjoy!

I received this book from The Book Club Network in return for my honest opinion.

5Action-packed!

What a great first in this series for teens! The author knows how to keep the suspense going to keep the reader intrigued. The story was a good mix of danger, suspense, dialogue and mystery. You feel for the new kid who has the dilemma of peer pressure to make friends or doing what is right. This story also teaches that each decision has consequences and you have to live with those. What a great teaching tool for teens who are in the middle of these peer pressure years. This well written story will gently remind them that God sees everything and will be with you always. I recommend this for any teen and even pre-teens as a great story with wonderful morals.
I received this book from bookfun.org for an honest review.

4A great read

The book reminds me of a more modern Hardy Boys story with more current problems and a tidy solution. It is something I would like to have my boys read.

4Good story for boys

It is quite interesting to read. I'd like to tell my 7-year boy the story. Main characters are typical and educational.

5Great book!

Actually, my 12-year-old son read this book and loved it. He is already asking me to buy the other books in the series.

5Anderson writes for the young person

I bought these books for a young reader who has just begun to enjoy having his own story to read. The chapter are exciting and short. The print and format are very clear making it easy to read. The young person feels a nice feeling of accomplishment when finishing the books by this author.

5My son who wouldn't read, read this book straight through!

My son has refused to read books, instead wanting me to read to him. He is now 12 and needs to be reading some books on his own. A friend who knew of my reading struggles with my son saw these books advertised for boys who don't like reading and told me about them. I bought 2 and he read them both in under one week! He loved these books!! It was just a matter of finding a book that kept is interest and these books did it! Another good set of books is the Trail Blazer series by Dave & Neta Jackson.

5Couldn't Put It Down

This is the review that my teenager wrote up after reading Lost Island Smugglers.
***The Lost Island Smugglers was an extremely enjoyable book. I felt that each character was well-developed and I could feel what they were feeling. I enjoyed the struggle against the storm, how they gradually got weaker as the storm progressed. I really like how Sam took charge and was able to help them survive. The book, in all, was very exciting and it really kept me at the edge of my seat.

5Great Adventure!!

I thoroughly enjoyed "Lost Island Smugglers" by gifted Author Max Elliot Anderson. This fictional novel reminds me of my youth and the pleasure I received in reading both the Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys mystery series. My twelve year old grandson would be intrigued by the adventure that Sam Cooper and his two new friends, Tony and Tyler, face in this well-written suspense novel.

Sam Cooper is an eleven year old boy who moves around more than the average boy of his age. His father is a biologist and must go where his job takes him. This occurs more than Sam likes. His latest move takes him to Harper's Inlet in Florida and once again Sam must seek out new friends. He does so at Sunday School where he meets up with Tony and Tyler. Tony's father owns a marina and many opportunities arise for the boys to spread their wings. After taking scuba diving lessons, they decide to venture out into the ocean on their own and put their skills to the test. An unexpected storm is brewing and the three boys manage to survive and end up on Lost Island. The adventure that ensues is most enjoyable and sure to capture the hearts of many younger readers.

There is an added thread throughout this novel, that intertwines lessons to be learned, as well as the importance of morals and values in the lives of these youngsters. "Lost Island Smugglers" can be seen as a valuable educational tool in teaching these ethics as well as stressing the role parent's play in shaping the lives of their children. I'm sure many young boys and girls can identify with the desire to be popular with their friends and the tendency to be disobedient to their parents in order to attain that popularity. Sam is faced with this challenge. This thought-provoking novel, demonstrates the sometimes peril consequences of ignoring the warnings of concerned parents. The illustrations in this book also add to the reading pleasure of the young audience it will appeal to.

5Christian contemporary Hardy Boys

Lost Island Smugglers by Max Elliot Anderson is about Sam Cooper and his family's latest move. Sam's dad's job has them moving frequently. While Sam has learned to adjust and makes friends quickly, it's hard to leave relationships behind over and over. When the Cooper family visits a local church, Sam meets two boys who seem to know how to find all the excitement. Tony's dad owns the marina and Tyler is Tony's sidekick. After getting all three boys free scuba lessons, Tony borrows one of his dad's boats so he and his friends can do some real scuba diving. The boys learn a lot about themselves as well as a few secrets of the island that someone else wants kept secret.

Growing up I loved reading Hardy Boys (preferred them over Nancy Drew) and this reminded me of a Christian contemporary version of Hardy Boys. There is definitely action, adventure and suspense for both boys and girls 8-12 years.

PRWeb - NEWS: Author Contracts Twenty-Three Middle Grade Children’s Books

PRWeb - NEWS: Author Contracts         

Twenty-Three Middle Grade Children’s Books

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2015/07/prweb12830042.htm

On The Cover of July's BOOK FUN MAGAZINE

I have the privilege to be featured on the July cover of Book Fun Magazine and with an interview on pages 118 - 127 

http://digital.turn-page.com/i/534840-july-2015-magazine

Max Elliot Anderson