The Magic Tree House series, written by Mary Pope Osborne, has been captivating young readers for over two decades. Known for its blend of adventure, history, and fantasy, this beloved series follows siblings Jack and Annie as they travel through time and space in their magic tree house. The latest release in the Magic Tree House books, titled "The Blizzard of the Blue Moon", takes readers on a thrilling journey to New York City during the Great Depression. Jack and Annie find themselves in the midst of a powerful blizzard, where they must solve a riddle to help restore the missing moonstone and save the magical land of Camelot. With each new installment, Osborne continues to spark the imaginations of young readers, introducing them to different historical periods, cultures, and scientific concepts. The Magic Tree House books not only entertain, but also educate, fostering a love for reading and learning.
The Magic Tree House books not only entertain, but also educate, fostering a love for reading and learning. "The Blizzard of the Blue Moon" is a testament to Osborne's ability to create engaging stories that both entertain and educate. Through her vivid descriptions and immersive storytelling, she transports readers to different worlds and time periods, allowing them to learn about history while following Jack and Annie on their thrilling adventures.
The Curse on Spectacle Key - by Chantel Acevedo (Hardcover)
Eleven-year-old Frank Fernâandez and his family move to Spectacle Key, Florida, where he befriends a ghost who needs Frank's help breaking the curse plaguing the island.
Book Synopsis
A sweetly spooky ghost story about a Cuban American boy who befriends a pair of spirits and tries to break the curse on his island home . . . only to discover a seemingly lost piece of his family's history in the process. This new middle grade standalone mystery from the author of the Muse Squad series is perfect for fans of Doll Bones and The Girl and the Ghost!
Frank Fernandez's family never stays in one place for long. His parents renovate unusual buildings and turn them into homes, which means the family moves--a lot. This makes it hard for bookish Frank to make friends. So when his parents announce they're moving to Spectacle Key, Florida, to live in a lighthouse--this time for good!--Frank is thrilled.
But Spectacle Key isn't the perfect forever home they'd imagined. The lighthouse is falling apart. There are knocks on the door--but no one is there--and mysterious sighs and sniffles from nowhere. There's even a creepy doll that seems to move on its own. Could Spectacle Key be haunted?
Then one day while exploring, Frank meets a girl in old-fashioned clothes, with no memory of who she is. What she does know, though, is that the island is under a curse--and she needs Frank's help to figure out how to lift it. But what if learning the truth about Spectacle Key means losing the first real friend he's ever had?
Review Quotes
"The Curse on Spectacle Key masterfully blends its chills and thrills with healthy doses of humor and heart in a story about the value of friendship and family, and the need to remember our roots and learn from our mistakes." -- John David Anderson, critically acclaimed author of Riley's Ghost and Ms. Bixby's Last Day
"In The Curse on Spectacle Key, Frank's move to a possibly-haunted lighthouse in the Florida Keys is a lucky thing for two maybe-ghosts, one de?nitely creepy doll, one lovable dog--and all the readers who are going to savor this book!" -- Margaret Peterson Haddix, bestselling author of the Greystone Secrets series
"Supernatural mystery meets generational drama with hopeful endings for all." -- Kirkus Reviews
"Acevedo achieves a remarkable amount of character development alongside a fast-paced and spooky mystery, all within a trim page count." -- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
"A solid purchase to enhance popular middle grade horror collections. The balance of humor and horror should attract readers, and the lessons Frank learns are relevant to all." -- School Library Journal
"In The Curse on Spectacle Key, Frank's move to a possibly-haunted lighthouse in the Florida Keys is a lucky thing for two maybe-ghosts, one de?nitely creepy doll, one lovable dog—and all the readers who are going to savor this book!" — Margaret Peterson Haddix, bestselling author of the Greystone Secrets series
Whether readers are new to the series or longtime fans, "The Blizzard of the Blue Moon" is sure to captivate and inspire. It serves as a reminder of the magic that can be found within the pages of a book, and the power of imagination to transport us to new and exciting places..
Reviews for "Enchanted Forests and Mystical Creatures: The Magic Tree House's Newest Adventure"
1. Jenna - 2 stars
I was really disappointed with the latest release in the Magic Tree House series. The story felt disjointed and lacked the usual sense of adventure. The characters seemed flat and the plot was predictable. I was hoping for a captivating and magical journey, but instead, I found myself bored and uninterested. Overall, it was a letdown and not up to the standard of the previous books in the series.
2. Mark - 1 star
I cannot express how much I disliked the latest Magic Tree House book. The writing was dull and lacked any sort of excitement or engagement. The story felt like a rehash of previous adventures, and I found myself disinterested from the very beginning. The characters were poorly developed, and their dialogue was wooden and unconvincing. I would not recommend this book to anyone, especially long-time fans of the series who will be disappointed by the lackluster effort.
3. Emily - 2 stars
As a fan of the Magic Tree House series, I was extremely let down by the latest release. The storyline was unoriginal and predictable, with no surprises or twists to keep me engaged. It felt more like a filler book rather than a meaningful addition to the series. The writing style was also flat, lacking the charm and imagination that I had come to expect from the previous books. I hope future releases will bring back the magic and excitement that made me fall in love with this series in the first place.
4. Alex - 3 stars
While I enjoyed aspects of the latest Magic Tree House book, it fell short of my expectations. The story felt rushed and lacked the depth and complexity that I had come to enjoy from previous installments. I also found the plot to be somewhat repetitive, with elements that felt recycled from earlier books. Overall, it was an okay read, but I was left wanting more from the Magic Tree House series.