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mbenzz's review against another edition
4.0
This was a really sweet elementary/middle-grade story. I think this book will appeal more to the younger set, ages 8-12, rather than middle schoolers/teens. The story was creepy enough for young children without scaring the daylights out of them.
As a military family, I also think this will appeal to military kids who are forced to move all over the country numerous times. My own son had been to 6 different schools by the time he was in 7th grade, so I feel like military children will really identify and understand Franks's loneliness and frustration at having to move so often, as well as the terrible feeling of making friends only to have to leave them every couple of years.
I received an ARC of this book (thank you to NetGalley and the publisher), and while there were a few continuity issues I ran into, I won't get into them as I hope they'll be picked up by editors before publishing.
11-year-old Frank is a likable main character. He's a good kid with a good heart and has a happy and loving home life. The setting of the Florida Keys was one I really enjoyed, and I think kids will find it different and a little exotic. The mystery/curse of Spectacle Key was well done, yet terribly sad. I won't give anything away, but the author did a great job of tying everything together, and I think this book will go over well in elementary schools.
As a military family, I also think this will appeal to military kids who are forced to move all over the country numerous times. My own son had been to 6 different schools by the time he was in 7th grade, so I feel like military children will really identify and understand Franks's loneliness and frustration at having to move so often, as well as the terrible feeling of making friends only to have to leave them every couple of years.
I received an ARC of this book (thank you to NetGalley and the publisher), and while there were a few continuity issues I ran into, I won't get into them as I hope they'll be picked up by editors before publishing.
11-year-old Frank is a likable main character. He's a good kid with a good heart and has a happy and loving home life. The setting of the Florida Keys was one I really enjoyed, and I think kids will find it different and a little exotic. The mystery/curse of Spectacle Key was well done, yet terribly sad. I won't give anything away, but the author did a great job of tying everything together, and I think this book will go over well in elementary schools.
is_marcia's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
relaxing
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
dsauriol1991's review against another edition
4.0
A great middle grade mystery book! I read this mainly because the author is visiting my school soon to talk about it and I'm glad I did because it's a lovely little story. Frank sets out to solve the mystery of Spectacle Key and it's a fun journey. I think that anyone who likes a quick mystery read would enjoy this or if you've got kids who enjoy a good mystery this would up be their alley!
domcarino's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
pandafan7's review against another edition
4.0
As Frank celebrates his last day of fifth grade, he looks forward to spending the summer with his friends. Unfortunately, he learns that his family is moving to a lighthouse in the Florida Keys. Frank is not too excited about moving again. He doesn’t know anyone in his new town. Frank spends his days exploring the key his family now lives on. He notices weird things going on. His parents are fighting, which they’ve never done before, and the weather is weird. Then, Frank meets a girl in an old-fashioned dress. Frank is determined to solve the curse of Spectacle Key.
This is a great story for kids ages 8-12. It had some creepy elements like ghosts, but it was not scary. I think this book would appeal to children that have moved around a lot. Chantel Acevado writes Frank as a fully developed, likable character with a good heart. Her descriptions of the Florida Keys were enjoyable and a great setting for a book. I think kids will find the curse of Spectacle Key an interesting and intriguing story.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Audio for this ALC in exchange for an honest review!
This is a great story for kids ages 8-12. It had some creepy elements like ghosts, but it was not scary. I think this book would appeal to children that have moved around a lot. Chantel Acevado writes Frank as a fully developed, likable character with a good heart. Her descriptions of the Florida Keys were enjoyable and a great setting for a book. I think kids will find the curse of Spectacle Key an interesting and intriguing story.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Audio for this ALC in exchange for an honest review!
kels_tewell's review against another edition
4.0
I love the story of Frank and his family and the lighthouse! It was very well written and kept the reader wanting to know more! I did Read the ARC audio and it wasn’t a real narrator: This took away from the characters personalities. I hope they find the perfect person to portray the Cuban Family and all the exciting and crazy things that they experience on Spectacle Key. Recommend for grades 4th-7th.
nae20's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0