Eat, Read, and Be Mommy

Welp–I put in a load of laundry, went for my exercise walk, did my Duolingo, rinsed myself some grapes since I’m feeling snackish, and here I am again. Did I mention that after today, there are only two more days of our PTA membership drive? I’m SO looking forward to not having to be ready for the day by the time I take my youngest to school. It isn’t that I’ll be getting up later–I’m just happier to leave the bathroom to my hubby to get ready for work in while I do some chores first thing. Being up and doing and being presentable to go out in public are two very different things!

Anyway. I actually finished listening to Gordon Korman’s Zoobreak on our first day in Idaho in August–that’s how behind I am! It was a good time, though, and I’m hoping my son will enjoy it. Zoobreak brings us back into the world of Swindle, only this time, Griffin (the Man With a Plan) is helping his animal-loving friend Savannah rescue her stolen monkey. Of course, Cleo (the monkey in question) has been sold to a floating zoo, and since none of the animals in the zoo are being treated well, Griffin’s plan needs to expand.

A lot.

Korman’s Swindle series is shaping up to be formulaic, certainly–a groups of kids, each with his or her own special skill, executing a heist under Griffin’s leadership–but for kids who don’t dive exuberantly into books, that’s not a bad thing. My youngest is likely to enjoy this one, yes, but so is my son, and finding books he’s actually excited about isn’t easy. (Although he did just devour James Ponti’s Framed! trilogy.) The animals’ antics are a standout in this one, and Griffin’s realization about kids and grown-ups at the end is valuable; give the Swindle series to your latter elementary or middle schooler with confidence!

In the meantime, I’m off to do a few more chores. We’ll see if I manage another review today!