Gr 5-8—Tyson loves being with his grandpa, and he is ready for the annual elk hunt. He gets to go this year because he is turning 13. That is, until his dad tells him that there is a killer bear on the loose and his grandpa is being sent to a nursing home, so he won't be going on the trip. But even after that, Tyson and Gramps sneak out and go hunting, only to encounter Sandy, the killer bear. And after a wild adventure, they are both content to live their lives, and end up with a great memory. I thought the book was written very well, the action was great. It tied into what many kids my age experience daily and the sequence of events fit just right. I think fans of David Lubar would enjoy this book.—Prid, age 12 HURWITZ, Michele. The Summer I Saved the World... in 65 Days. Random. April 2014. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9780385371063. Gr 5-8—During the summer, Nina Ross decides to do 65 anonymous good deeds in her neighborhood. Meanwhile, her parents never pay any attention to her and always seem to be working. Her brother Matt appears to be away from the house as much as he can. Nina just isn't feeling any love from her family, not after her grandma died last year. That's why when the neighbor's sweet little boy is begging for attention, Nina's willing to give it to him, and she notices the little boy's brother who suddenly looks very attractive. Nina’s supposed “best friend” is someone she can hardly to connect with anymore. Jorie is into shopping, makeup, and other unnecessary obsessions. Could it be time to look into having a different friend? Nina distracts herself by getting started on her good deeds for the summer. Throughout this process, she discovers her family and neighbors are full of shocking secrets. Although not everyone appreciates her efforts to make a difference, Nina does get insights on people’s lives and better understands how to comfort them. The writing was well-paced with a good balance between dramatic and calming situations. There was a very simple story line and it was appropriate for maybe a fourth or fifth grader. I feel like the author was trying a little too hard to make it a book for teen. She has the book suitable for someone younger and then out of nowhere throws in a make-out section or suggestion of drug use. Some of the content makes the whole book more fitting for someone older when other parts are more for tweens, because teens can comprehend that something doesn't actually occur in real life. This book is very well written and kept me engaged. It was a book worth finishing but not a book I would probably read in one sitting or stay up a little later to finish. Often the plot would go a little off track but the author included just enough suspense to keep me wondering what would happen next. Someone who enjoys the outcome of performing good deeds and a teen encountering universal experiences would like this book.—Esther L., age 13