January 15, 2010

Friday's For the Guys

Everything Friday I highlight books and authors that are ones boys might really enjoy. I'm not saying girls wouldn't read these books, but they are clearly "guy" books.

This Friday I'm highlighting:

The Alfred Kropp Series

I read the first book in this 3 books series, The Extraordinary Adventures of Alfred Kropp, a long while back now and really enjoyed it.  I liked that the main character isn't your typical hero.  He's not some perfect kid that knows all the right things to - he doesn't but that makes him more likable. 

Here's the summary from Goodreads:
Alfred Kropp was just trying to survive high school when his guardian uncle gets him roped into a suspicious get-rich-quick scheme that changes his life forever: stealing Excalibur—the legendary sword of King Arthur. But after Alfred unwittingly delivers the sword into the hands of a man with enormously evil intentions, he sets off on an unlikely quest to try to right his wrong and save the world from imminent destruction. This gripping, fast-paced, hilarious novel is both a thrilling adventure story and an engaging account of one boy’s coming of age.

Like the summary says, it's a very fast paced story that has, at least in my opinion, quit a bit of blood and gore.  Not overly so, but way more than I expected.  I have yet to read the next two books (see below), but I plan on getting to them.  This series hasn't gotten much attention, and I'm not sure why.  The covers may be a factor.  The one for the first book isn't that exciting, and they kept changing them for the other books.  All I know is that every chance I get I suggest this book to the boys I teach.  If I get get them to ignore the size of it (they think it looks too long), they really enjoy the story when they are done. 

                    Book #2: The Seal of Solomon

6 comments:

  1. Sounds like a scary series! :) And that cover of the third book, I wouldnt pick that one up! Give me the creeps. LOL.

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  2. I love that you feature books for so many different audiences on your blog. It is so impressive.

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  3. What a great weekly meme. You have such great ideas! And, I think that books for boys are harder to choose. Thanks for doing the legwork!

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  4. I am always looking for books that will interest my eighth grade guys. They are a hard group to engage in my reading program. Thanks for the recommendation, and I will definitely be stopping by on Fridays for more.

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  5. I'm always looking for books for boys - thanks for the recommendation!

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  6. Smart of you to direct some books toward the boys. They do seem to be more reluctant readers than girls and you have to appeal to them with some action- to get them started anyway. You clearly work hard at making books appeal to young readers.

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