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I'm a mother to three and a former middle school Language Arts teacher. When a friend recommended this book I previewed it first (just in case), but I really didn't need to. The book was appropriate for late elementary and definitely for middle school, the plot was action packed and had enough twists to keep me guessing, and he dialogue was witty and enjoyable. The vocabulary and interesting historical elements were icing on the cake. There were many moments I didn't want to stop reading to get kids from the bus!

By the time I was half finished I knew my 10 year old would love it. She started and enjoyed it so immensely that we often heard her laughing out loud. She finished before I did, and she couldn't wait to talk to me about it. For me, the mark of a great book is that it keeps us talking about it long after we've finished. Kudos, Brian Wells. We're ready for the next one. ( )

If you are looking for great summer reads for your kids, The League and the Lantern is such a no-brainer. It is overflowing with adventure and intrigue. The main characters are nerdy but gifted kids, both boys and girls making it a story anyone can dive into.

As a former elementary school principal, parent and avid reader, I highly recommend this book. The book is hard to put down and the story line exciting. It has great characters readers can relate to. I loved the unexpected humor and clever twists. Without being syrupy, the book reinforces positive values and choices. Middle School parents and educators will love the intentional use of 140 of the top vocabulary words for middle school success. However, it is book designed to engage and intrigue readers! ( )

Title: The League & the Lantern
Author: Brian Wells
Pages: 282
Year: 2016
Publisher: Republic Ink
My rating is 5 stars.
The League and the Lantern is a really fun book to read for the middle school crowd. It’s about a young boy named Jake Herndon who is ready for seventh grade, but things aren’t working out for him. After an embarrassing disaster with sixth grade, he hopes this new school he is going to will provide him with new opportunities and a fresh start. When he arrives at the Museum of Science and Industry for the school sleep-over, Jake makes two new friends, TJ and Lucy. During a game of finding clues, the museum comes under attack and the trio immediately find themselves thrust into danger. The children are forced to run and hide from the mysterious attackers and soon discover that they are after the gloves that belonged to Abraham Lincoln himself! The children take the gloves with them and are unsure of whom they can trust as they find danger waiting for them at every turn. While on the run, they are rescued by a secret agency known as the League and learn of a secret war that has been going on since the end of the Civil War. The evil organization known as the Lantern has been trying take over the world since after the assassination of Abraham Lincoln and will stop at nothing to achieve their ultimate goal. The children continue to go on the run and are surprised to learn of new secrets, one of which concerns Jake’s family, as they attempt to evade the Lantern.
Taking history and integrating it into a work of fiction made the story all the more interesting. What also made it a good work of fiction was the continual plot twists and nonstop action. Right from the first few pages it sets the pace for good story development that just leaves readers wanting more, and by the end of the book you are already waiting for book two (like me). I would recommend this book to others for the mystery, nonstop action, loveable characters, and the unique story-telling. As a reminder to readers, this book is a work of fiction and should bear in mind that the historical material in the story may not all be accurate. It still was enjoyable to read, and I hope others enjoy reading it too.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” ( )