02/10/2014
When Jax's mother confiscates a package sent to Jax on her 12th birthday, Jax is determined to get it back in this charming adventure story. She enlists the help of her cousin Ethan, who is a year older and much more cautious than headstrong, impulsive Jax. He's also tired of being Jax's sidekick. The package turns out to be a mysterious box that can only be opened in one location, but Ethan is less than eager to turn detective and embark on an adventure, especially because it requires the help of his computer genius older brother, Tyler. The mystery deepens when the three learn that the box was sent by an archeologist great aunt none of them knew about, and villains are seeking the box as well. With narration shared by Jax and Ethan, and plenty of humorous moments supplied by cranky Tyler, this is a promising launch to a planned trilogy. Mixing Greek mythology and mystery with gamer lingo and poignant coming-of-age moments, Ringwald delivers a smart balance of comedy, endearing characters, and high-stakes escapades. Ages 8–12. (Feb.)
This mystery unfolds before your eyes in a series of cliffhangers that build up to a blow-your-mind ending. Wanting to know the secret kept me turning the pages.” — Dan Gutman, New York Times bestselling author of the Genius Files series
“Never mind the mystery, suspense, and humor—what I loved most about The Secret Box was getting into the heads of its two unique and delightfully quirky narrators.” — Christopher Healy, author of The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom
“Fresh voices make this story a winner. Readers will relish this sparkling adventure, which offers plenty of action, humor, age-appropriate danger and mental calisthenics.” — Kirkus Reviews
“This is a great read for reluctant readers or for anyone who loves adventure, mystery, or a touch of magic.” — School Library Journal
“This is a promising launch to a planned trilogy. Mixing Greek mythology and mystery with gamer lingo and poignant coming-of-age moments, Ringwald delivers a smart balance of comedy, endearing characters, and high-stakes escapades.” — Publishers Weekly
“The first-person narrative alternates among the protagonists: frizzy-haired Jax, the impulsive leader; introverted Ethan, always her sidekick; and his obnoxious video game-making older brother, Tyler. The action is fast-paced and the suspense is real.” — Booklist
The first-person narrative alternates among the protagonists: frizzy-haired Jax, the impulsive leader; introverted Ethan, always her sidekick; and his obnoxious video game-making older brother, Tyler. The action is fast-paced and the suspense is real.
Never mind the mystery, suspense, and humor—what I loved most about The Secret Box was getting into the heads of its two unique and delightfully quirky narrators.
This mystery unfolds before your eyes in a series of cliffhangers that build up to a blow-your-mind ending. Wanting to know the secret kept me turning the pages.
The first-person narrative alternates among the protagonists: frizzy-haired Jax, the impulsive leader; introverted Ethan, always her sidekick; and his obnoxious video game-making older brother, Tyler. The action is fast-paced and the suspense is real.
04/01/2014
Gr 5–8—Jax Malone is a 12-year-old tomboy with a thirst for adventure and an inquisitive mind. Ethan is her younger, quieter, nerdy cousin who is just along for the ride. When a mysterious gift appears on Jax's 12th birthday, Jax's mother quickly tries to hide it. What happens next is a string of events that will leave readers on the edge of their seats. Great Aunt Juniper sent the box, a great aunt Jax didn't even know existed. After a few failed attempts at opening it, Jax and Ethan enlist the help of Ethan's older brother Tyler, a gamer who loves to win at anything, and a wild, crazy and even dangerous road trip adventure begins. Jax and her cousins quickly find out that the box was not really a present after all but a call for help. Ringwald creates a cast of characters that are relatable to any middle-grade child; Jax could be any smart, sassy tween in any school. The chapters are told in alternating voices between Jax and Ethan, using both points of view. Ethan's chapter even starts with fun real facts. This is a great read for reluctant readers or for anyone who loves adventure, mystery, or a touch of magic or who is curious in nature, for, as Jax says… "Curiosity may have killed the cat but I was no cat."—Joanne Albano, Commack Public Library, NY
2013-11-13
Fresh voices make this story a winner. Jax Malone is bored with her 12th birthday. Her presents are unexciting--"…nail polish, a couple of Starbucks cards. Big yawn"--and she is not even interested in a package addressed to her delivered in that day's mail. That is, until her mother whisks it away, forbidding her to open it. Jax can't stand secrets, and with the help of her shy cousin, Ethan, she finds and opens the package. It contains a mystery that Jax and Ethan need help solving, so they trick Ethan's older brother, Tyler, an obnoxious genius computer gamer, into helping. The story is told in first person, in alternating chapters by Jax and Ethan (made easy to follow by a distinct typeface for each). Jax's wry, confident voice juxtaposed against Ethan's insecure, retiring one, along with Tyler's supergeek, out-of-touch arrogance, combine to create many laugh-out-loud moments. Pursuing the mystery carries the three from their New Jersey home to Washington, D.C. Along the way, they elude a villainous couple and search for a rogue great-aunt. As they work together to solve the mystery, the cousins conquer individual fears and forge a bond with one another, learning to respect their differences. Readers will relish this sparkling adventure, which offers plenty of action, humor, age-appropriate danger and mental calisthenics. (Mystery. 9-12)
