Book Review - "Middle School Magic: The Kindling" by Braden Bell

"Connor Dell didn't mean to set anyone's gym shorts on fire." This is the first line of "Middle School Magic: The Kindling" by Braden Bell. This book should come with a warning label. Seriously. Once you pick it up, you won't get anything else done. You'll be pulled into a new world that is a perfect blend of fantasy and reality. You won't want to stop reading until the final page. 

Braden's completely believable middle school students suddenly find that they have unusual powers. The friends are then drawn into a world of danger and magic. They learn about their new abilities as they must simultaneously deal with a stalker no one else can see and warriors from an unseen realm.

 This fast-moving tale is interspersed with humor middle-schoolers will appreciate, but adults will find this an enjoyable read, also. The images of a memorable scene that takes place in the "It's a Small World" ride will long be with me...

It's hard to find good books that will interest children in middle school, especially boys. Discovering one that is a "clean read" without objectionable material is even more difficult. This is a title that kids of both genders will want to enjoy without worrying their parents.

You can take a look at trailers for this book here, read sample chapters here and order your autographed copy here.

You can read more about this title at www.bradenbell.com, and check out the author's blog (his Middle School Mondays have great advise for parenting) at http://www.bradenbell.com/bradens-blog.html.