Review - Gideon the Cutpurse

With a little time sitting on the plane and in the airport, I was able to finish Gideon and the Cutpurse by Linda Buckley-Archer. The cover actually caught my eye (you will see what I mean when you see the book) and so I bought it for the library.

Peter Schock and Kate Dyer are transported in time from the present to 1763. Gideon Seymour sees their amazing appearance out of thin air and takes them under his protective wing. At that point, they try to piece together what has happened to them. The Tar Man, a villainous henchman, has stolen their hope of returning to the present day and challenges them to meet him in London. Along the way the have to deal with highwaymen and other treachery. Meanwhile Peter and Kate's parents are desperately trying to find the missing children, along with a clever police investigator.

This is the first book in the trilogy. The ending of this volume definitely leaves the reader wanting for more. The books is for readers ages 10 and up. There are a few offensive words and some violence, along with graphic descriptions of 18th century prison life. Overall, it was a fun book to read. Children who enjoy the Magic Tree house books and want a little more challenge in a longer book (400 pages) will enjoy this trilogy.

Now it's on to Donutheart by Sue Stauffacher. I am also working on Mr. Chickee's Funny Money by Christopher Paul Curtis.