Thursday, September 12, 2019

Mysterious Cabin - Soon To Be Released For Middle Grade Readers

Coming Soon!


Synopsis: Mysterious Cabin
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Twelve-year-old Scott Holcomb and his friends Al and Benji have finally been accepted to go on a wilderness adventure hike. Before they go, they have to take a course which teaches the dangers, and what should be done, in case anything goes wrong.

At the start of their hike the boys listened to the guides and followed the rules. It wasn't until Benji thought he saw a deer that he and Al took off after it, trying to get a picture. That’s where they broke the first rule; never leave the path. Scott called for them to come back, but they didn't listen to him and when they finally do return to the trail, the other hikers are nowhere to be seen. They hurried off in the direction they thought was right, but find out later that they were hopelessly lost. Just when they thought things couldn't get any worse, they did.  

Even though the boys broke the rules by leaving the trail, they quickly remember all the rest of their survival training and show unique ingenuity as they face the challenges ahead of them as they try to find their way back to safety.

The boys stumble upon a terrorist group hiding out in an abandoned cabin in the Rocky Mountains. The terrorists are tricked by the boys, arrested, and many others are captured around the world, stopping a planned disaster for the city of Denver. 

This story includes dense fog, an angry, menacing bear, a dangerous decrepit suspension bridge, the fear of being lost, terrorists, the army, and oh, yes, are their parents going to be upset!

Comments and Reviews

. How refreshing it is to find a mystery story written for 8 - 12 year olds that is relevant to modern times and yet retains an old-fashioned flavor. My eight-year-old read it through twice in one day, and I must admit I found it held my own attention and even elicited several chuckles along the way. 

. As in his previous books, Anderson keeps the descriptions to a minimum and the action moving. The reader is apt to read the entire book at one setting as the mystery unfolds.

. This summertime trip into the mountains to learn outdoor survival skills is only the backdrop to a rollicking adventure that climbs up your spine and hangs by its fingertips from the cliff of your skull. A very nicely crafted, attention riveting adventure tale, Mysterious Cabin is especially recommended reading for children ages 8 to 12. MIDWEST Book Review

. Mysterious Cabin is an exciting read, guaranteed to keep your tween boy entertained for hours. My son lives for these books to arrive. Even then I couldn’t put it down, and I am anxiously awaiting the next book. I liked that they showed some distress symbols in the back of the book for boys to experiment with. Pick up a copy for a boy in your life today!

. I don’t want to give away Anderson’s action-packed, riveting plot, but I promise, you will not be able to put down the book until the final page. 
Max Elliot Anderson’s books are destined to become classics along with such greats as Tom Sawyer, The Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew. Anderson is a talented writer; his books should be available in every local and middle school library. I am looking forward eagerly to his next adventure.
. I recommend reading this book to all who’ve enjoyed Anderson’s other books, because this is one of his best.

. The latest release by talented storyteller Max Elliot Anderson is a wonderfully entertaining read. When I began reading the book I found myself unable to put it down. I read the book from start to finish in one sitting. I could not stop reading even for meals. I was drawn in from the start by the way Mr. Anderson writes. He writes in a free flowing style that is very easy to read. He writes in such a way that the reader does not even realize that they are moving through the book so quickly and smoothly. Younger readers will find this book to be one they can easily read and enjoy. They won't feel bogged down by a book that is too challenging or difficult to read. Rather they will find an enjoyable entertaining story that is realistic and speaks to them in a manner that is consistent with how they speak themselves. Parents will find Anderson 's books to be a great way to get their kids to read. So many parents have to fight to get their kids to read. Try this book if that is the typical routine in your home when it comes to reading. I am sure you will find that these wonderful books are met with enthusiasm and are welcomed. Simply try it out for yourself and let the positive writing style of Max Elliot Anderson engage your young readers.

. I love the way Max writes. Though these books are aimed at the middle grade reader (boys 8-13) he writes in such a way that adults, like me, can really enjoy the story, too. Max doesn't "write down" to this age group. There is no condescension, no attempt to make this an 'easy' read. Yet it flows well and the pages get turned in rapid succession. I strongly urge you to get Mysterious Cabin. Another great job, Max. Congratulations.

. Typically, Anderson 's characters wind up in a happily ever after ending type of situation, but that hardly negates the tense impact of this author's exciting stories! The reader is led to genuinely care about the main characters and roots for them through every dangerous second! Max Anderson, again you continue not to disappoint this reader!

. In a world of TV and media coverage where violence and crime seem to win the day, Mysterious Cabin is a refreshing, thrilling story that also concentrates on the values that ensure a meaningful and peaceful life – yes, with plenty of mystery and adventure!

. Anderson is a genius at exciting plots, and sympathetic, interesting characters.


. I found myself reacting to events and wanting to keep reading despite interruptions around me. I think pre-teen boys would like this book, because the three boys are normal, believable characters. The facts presented in the book about wilderness camping, using signals, and what to do when faced with various dangers make the book even more believable and interesting.

Max Elliot Anderson
Author

Wednesday, September 11, 2019

A children’s book so we never forget #9/11

This book is currently out of print but will be republished in time for 9/11 2020.

“When The Lights Go Out” is a middle grade adventure / mystery that will help kids appreciate what happened on 9 /11 so we never forget.

Unfortunately, the original publisher closed recently so the book is only currently available used. A new publisher had picked it up and new copies will become available soon.

Synopsis_________________________________

When the Lights go Out

Author: Max Elliot Anderson
Audience: 8 – 12; especially boys

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.



REVIEWS
As a 6th grade teacher, I am always on the look out for good books for my boys who are reluctant readers. They went nuts over this one. Exciting, quick-paced, with good lessons - Anderson has written a book that middle school boys will gobble up in a night or two! What's even better is he's written even more books, and now my boys are seeking them out. Parents and teachers, if you have a boy who doesn't enjoy reading, try this book out on him. It might ignite a new passion for the written word!

      I thoroughly enjoyed this book - and all of Mr. Anderson's books, as has my son. Thanks to Mr. Anderson, my son went from being a very reluctant reader, but when he read the first book he was hooked, and has read every one of his books to date. He still reads Mr. Anderson's books, even though he's now in college. (He also reads Ted Dekker, so that says something about the excitement level of these books!)
If you are looking for a book for your reluctant reader then WHEN THE LIGHTS GO OUT or any of Mr. Anderson's books will be excellent to pick up. Highly recommended.