By: Pete Catalano
Release Date: May 17, 2016Publisher: Tantrum Boooks
At the last moment they're given a way out.
An extra credit assignment to find several
fake artifacts for a fairy tale display their teacher is presenting at the
local library.
Thinking they've hit the
easiest-extra-credit-ever jackpot, they begin rummaging through any piles of
junk they can find. As they start putting the clues together, they realize that
what they're really searching for is one authentic artifact that can rewrite
fairy tales!
Enlisting the aid of the Lost Boys, Jax and
his friends battle fairy tale villains to see who can get their hand, or their
hook, on it first.
I have to say I’m quite impressed. Artifacts was a fun fast read that had me right from the start. It reminded me of a Disney movie, one I didn’t want to end. This is a perfect read for middle schoolers and fun read for parents.
I love fairy tales and I love retellings. This was a unique take on both. Instead of the normal, pick a fairy tale and retell it, Pete Catalano plucks elements from our favourites and intertwines them with new unexpecting characters to creates a new story for our enjoyment.
I love Jax, he’s the voice of reason between his crazy friends, Crunch, Mouth Tank and of course I can’t overlook the sweet puppy crush his has on his girl best friend. Jax is that kid everyone likes, and gravitas towards, he’s going to be a heart breaker. In saying that, he’s loyal, kind and will do anything for friends, like getting conned into doing extra credit so his friend wouldn’t have to do summer school. Thus starting the whole adventure.
I love how the story never stopped, it was beautifully connected, the rhythm was smooth and the writing style was appropriate for the age group that it was intended for. The dialogue was perfect for the age of the kinds and even though there was some hits of a crush, it was done tastefully. Mouth and Tank had a fun time poking fun.
The only that bother me about this read, and the reason for the 4 star, was that I felt at times there was too much silliness between that characters. Yes I know they’re middle schoolers, and I know what I was like then, but there was times that it was overkill, you could say. All I kept thinking, boys, you need to tone it down. Other than that, this story is one for the ages.
The ending was cute, and to me it felt let open, like there might be more adventures to come from Jax and his friends. I would love to read more about their crazy shenanigans.
I highly recommend this book to readers of all ages. I had fun reading this book, it took me back, and made me want to be a kid again and I’m sure if you take the time to dive into this new fascinating world , where anything is posable.
Giveaway
Information: Contest ends June 3, 2016
Pete Catalano’s books are written for kids
of all ages — and adults who secretly never grew up. He lives in Charlotte, NC
with his adorably funny wife and two neurotic dogs. Pete was a theatre major in
college and tries to keep the ‘suspension of disbelief’ in his life as much as
he can.
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