Young Llama Thoughts
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Adventurous
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Christian Friendly
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Easy Reading
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Humerous
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Youth Appropriate
Overall
Review
This book is fantastic!!! You don’t see a lot of books that dive into the Deaf culture from a hearing angle and I just love it!!!! It has mystery, adventure and lots of plot twists, all wrapped up in a very clean novel for kids 8 and up!
This book is about Charlie. A boy who just wants his parents to listen to him for once before they go off on another crazy adventure. But they don’t and he ends up staying with his grandparents in a strange town. Charlie, uncertain what to do stumbles into a mystery when a Deaf women signs “dead” to him. Now with the help of Francine (aka Frog) who is Deaf, they are on the trail to save the day! Only problem? They aren’t the only ones mystery hunting…
This book is absolutely stunning! It had a slow build up, and the adventure is much more suited to kids; but I still just love this book!!! It shows that friendship can happen to anyone even with a language barrier. All it takes is some faith, trust and a notebook and pen. 😉 This novel is totally clean for kids 8 and up who love a good mystery!
There really isn’t any ‘cons’ in the book. Mention of some people stealing and possible murder. Some mention of death, but just in passing. Honestly this book is VERY clean and would be a great read for kids. (Book 2 is also fantastic and I already reviewed that one! Yes I did read that one first… Don’t judge me!!!)
Overall, I love, Love, LOVE this book!!!! I loved book 2, and I adore book 1!!! (I hope there’s a 3rd one!!!!) If you are looking for a clean, interesting book with fun ASL signs in it for kids, I have the book for you. Later! -The Young Llama Reader.
Pros
- An AMAZING book for kids!!!
- A great representation of Deaf culture!!!
- Full of adventure, friendship and new signs to learn!!!
Cons
- Some mention of thieves and murder…
All Charlie Tickler wants is for his parents to listen.
Charlie’s parents have left him (again). This time they are off to South Africa to help giant golden moles. And Charlie? He’s been dumped with his TV-obsessed grandparents. Lonely and curious, Charlie heads into the village of Castle-on-the-Hudson, where a frightened old woman gives him a desperate message-in sign language. When she suddenly disappears, Charlie is determined to find answers.
All Francine (aka Frog) Castle wants is to be the world’s greatest detective.
Frog, who is Deaf, would rather be solving crimes than working at the Flying Hands Cafe. When Charlie Tickler walks into the cafe looking for help, Frog jumps at the chance to tackle a real-life case.
Together, Charlie and Frog set out to decipher a series of clues and uncover the truth behind the missing woman’s mysterious message. Charlie needs to learn American Sign Language (fast) to keep up with quick-witted Frog. And Frog needs to gather her detective know-how (now) to break the case before it’s too late.
