Not every child develops skills at the same rate, and today's read fills the hole for those middle graders, who still need more word practice. It's part of a series of four books aimed at middle grade readers, but these books are much shorter (this one ranks in with only 42 pages). The reading level also sticks to the 2nd grade so readers can build their vocabulary and grammar. At the same time, this series promises to hold the tension and excitement middle graders enjoy with characters their age. I'm curious to see how all of this works out.
So, let's open it up and take a look!
TRACKING BIGFOOT
Cryptid Hunt #2
by Nico Waters
Illustrated by Phil Dragash
Stone Arch Books
Middle Grade Myth / Mystery
76 pages
ages 8 to 12
COMING AUGUST 1st!!!
Eleven-year-old Sam likes putting puzzles together, eating sweets, and spending time with his abuela. When Sam’s parents ask him to go on a hiking trip in Washington, he wants to stay with Abuela instead. But then he sees a Bigfoot magazine on the bus. The more he learns about the mysterious cryptid, the more fascinated he becomes. He decides to go on the hiking trip after all. He has one goal—to find Bigfoot. Will he track down the big, hairy creature? Or will he find something else?
With an intriguing story perfect for students in grades 4–6 and text at an achievable 2nd grade level, this book in the Cryptid Hunt series will draw in reluctant and striving readers who need support and practice to improve reading proficiency.
MY TIDBITS
When a summer hiking trip turns into a search for Bigfoot, unexpected things can happen.
Sam isn't crazy about heading to Washington with his parents for a 5-day hiking trip, but when he learns that they will be near the stomping grounds of Bigfoot, his excitement soars. With all gear packed and a walkie-talkie from his dad just in case there isn't phone service, he heads out onto the trails. Of course, it's all about looking for clues, but every one he finds quickly reveals itself to be something else. His hope wanes, especially when he keeps crossing paths with two kids his age who want him to join their bird watching group. But then, the unexpected appears.
This is a quick-paced read, which invites in with a sympathetic main character as well as tension and mystery. Sam is introduced as a kid, who feels a little left-out since none of his friends ride his school bus and no one else seems to want to sit with him. But other than that, his life is fine, and he especially adores is abuela. In other words, he's an average kid. When he learns about Bigfoot, it's easy to feel his excitement and wonder if he'll really find the mythical creature during the trip. To add tension, he finds possible clues and even runs into to a few dangerous situations. After all, nature is not always tame. There is a hint of imagination built in, but most of the tale stays grounded in reality. It's a fun read, which keeps the reader in the pages until the end.
This book is designed for those middle grade readers, who still need more practice with their basic skills, and is written at a 2nd grade level. The sentences and chapters are kept short, and the font and spacing create room for easy reading. But at the same time, the text does push just a bit with occasional longer sentences and vocabulary building. At the beginning of the read, there is a quick glossary with the definition of a few more difficult terms. At the end, there are several questions for writing exercises, discussions, and reading comprehension. Reluctant readers can enjoy a tense story with characters their age, while building their reading skills at a pace which comfortably nurtures their level.
And here she is...
Nico Waters wrote her first book as a class assignment in elementary school and has loved writing ever since. She lives with her husband in sunny California. And despite her allergies, she hopes to have a cute dog someday.
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