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Hunter Moran #1
Hunter Moran Saves the Universe
Hunter Moran and his twin brother have a small problem to a diabolical dentist who is planning to blow their town to smithereens. They've found clues that prove it. Hunter and Zack have only days to save their town, but first they have to hold a funeral for an incriminating report card before it breaks their mother's heart and keep their father from finding out what they did to his laptop—with four nosy siblings on their tails. This laugh-out-loud novel is filled with wonderfully whimsical characters, momentous amounts of mischief, and plenty of heart.
128 pages, Hardcover
First published August 1, 2012
4 people are currently reading
56 people want to read
About the author
Patricia Reilly Giff
213 books466 followersPatricia Reilly Giff was the author of many beloved books for children, including the Kids of the Polk Street School books, the Friends and Amigos books, and the Polka Dot Private Eye books. Several of her novels for older readers have been chosen as ALA-ALSC Notable Books and ALA-YALSA Best Books for Young Adults. They include The Gift of the Pirate Queen; All the Way Home; Water Street; Nory Ryan's Song, a Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators Golden Kite Honor Book for Fiction; and the Newbery Honor Books Lily's Crossing and Pictures of Hollis Woods. Lily's Crossing was also chosen as a Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor Book.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
September 7, 2017
I have no idea what possessed me to take this arc. I have never been a fan of Giff, and I'm afraid this book is no different. I know I'm in the minority on this but I stick to my position. This book is about twins who have a rich fantasy life. I suppose they need it sandwiched into the middle of a large family in a small town. They get into more trouble than a whole classroom of kids. They are convinced they have discovered a bomb and it is their duty to save the family from it. Oh, and the town as well. At least the very small part of it they do not suspect being in on the dastardly plot. Will they save the family and town? Read it, if you are a Giff fan only, and find out. This is going in the recycling bin now!
August 8, 2012
Fun, but not great. A cute "boy who always gets in trouble" story, but I didn't think it was up to Patricia Reilly Giff's usual standards. I would recommend it to 2nd or 3rd grade boys who enjoy realistic fiction.
ARC provided by publisher.
ARC provided by publisher.
December 19, 2020
Not my type of book
May 27, 2021
I guess it wasn't bad
August 13, 2012
The idea of children stumbling across a diabolical plan is one that's had special resonance through the years. From Treasure Island to this year's Liar & Spy, children's literature is full of youthful characters who have uncovered -- or at least, believe they have uncovered -- some kind of dastardly plot, something that they must prevent in order to Save The Day.
Hunter Moran is such a child. By piecing together garbled telephone conversations, mysterious notes, and other sundry clues, he and his twin brother Zack have become convinced that the local dentist, Dr. Diglio, is scheming to detonate a bomb and destroy the town. It thus falls to them to stop him, while trying to stay out of trouble at home, keep an eye on their five-year-old brother, Steadman, and help prepare for the yearly festival, Tinwitty Day.
It's certainly a promising setup, and parts of Hunter Moran Saves the Universe are suitably madcap, living up to the idea. I liked Hunter's first-person narration. However -- and this is a criticism I rarely make -- the book simply isn't long enough.
It's barely 125 pages, and yet, in addition to everything else I've mentioned, it shoehorns in three additional Moran siblings, an attempt to hack their dad's computer, an awkward "love interest" subplot, a sketchy greengrocer, Zack's cello career, an annoying dog, a priest with a green thumb, and several other things I've probably forgotten. In order to hit all the points, the book maintains a frenetic pace, skimping on detail, and throwing characters at the reader so quickly that I had difficulty keeping track of them all. Some of the plot threads, such as the twins' mock funeral for Zack's sub-par report card, never really get a resolution at all, and some of those that do rely heavily on Steadman's near-superhuman ability to be seemingly everywhere at once.
I wanted to enjoy Hunter Moran, especially since it's by Patricia Reilly Giff, a two-time Newbery Honor medalist (Lily's Crossing, 1998; Pictures of Hollis Woods, 2003), and a major figure in American children's lit. But I think there's just not enough of it to make it successful.
Hunter Moran is such a child. By piecing together garbled telephone conversations, mysterious notes, and other sundry clues, he and his twin brother Zack have become convinced that the local dentist, Dr. Diglio, is scheming to detonate a bomb and destroy the town. It thus falls to them to stop him, while trying to stay out of trouble at home, keep an eye on their five-year-old brother, Steadman, and help prepare for the yearly festival, Tinwitty Day.
It's certainly a promising setup, and parts of Hunter Moran Saves the Universe are suitably madcap, living up to the idea. I liked Hunter's first-person narration. However -- and this is a criticism I rarely make -- the book simply isn't long enough.
It's barely 125 pages, and yet, in addition to everything else I've mentioned, it shoehorns in three additional Moran siblings, an attempt to hack their dad's computer, an awkward "love interest" subplot, a sketchy greengrocer, Zack's cello career, an annoying dog, a priest with a green thumb, and several other things I've probably forgotten. In order to hit all the points, the book maintains a frenetic pace, skimping on detail, and throwing characters at the reader so quickly that I had difficulty keeping track of them all. Some of the plot threads, such as the twins' mock funeral for Zack's sub-par report card, never really get a resolution at all, and some of those that do rely heavily on Steadman's near-superhuman ability to be seemingly everywhere at once.
I wanted to enjoy Hunter Moran, especially since it's by Patricia Reilly Giff, a two-time Newbery Honor medalist (Lily's Crossing, 1998; Pictures of Hollis Woods, 2003), and a major figure in American children's lit. But I think there's just not enough of it to make it successful.
October 30, 2012
Hunter Moran is enjoying the first day of summer vacation when he intercepts a phone call that leads him to believe there is a plot to bomb the town. With the assistance of his twin brother Zack, Hunter sets out to save the town of Newfield.
The twins suspect the local dentist, Dr. Diglio, who has buried a mysterious black box in his back yard. Ducking the suspicious surveillance of their older brother as they simultaneously try to rid themselves of their tag-along younger brother, the twins scramble over rooftops, rappel down rose trellises, and race in and out of trouble.
The close-knit hometown described by Giff seems idyllic and nostalgic. The whole town seems to fondly look out for the brash twins, who appear unaware of the destruction they leave in their wake. The long-suffering parents of the very active, disorganized family of six children can only hope for school to start again soon. Alas, Zack and Hunter are only four days into summer vacation.
The action is non-stop, with misadventures, mishaps, and mischief along the way. The many eccentric characters (from the green grocer to the music-teacher-turned-pilot) add to the madcap escapades. The short novel should appeal to third and fourth grade readers, especially boys.
The twins suspect the local dentist, Dr. Diglio, who has buried a mysterious black box in his back yard. Ducking the suspicious surveillance of their older brother as they simultaneously try to rid themselves of their tag-along younger brother, the twins scramble over rooftops, rappel down rose trellises, and race in and out of trouble.
The close-knit hometown described by Giff seems idyllic and nostalgic. The whole town seems to fondly look out for the brash twins, who appear unaware of the destruction they leave in their wake. The long-suffering parents of the very active, disorganized family of six children can only hope for school to start again soon. Alas, Zack and Hunter are only four days into summer vacation.
The action is non-stop, with misadventures, mishaps, and mischief along the way. The many eccentric characters (from the green grocer to the music-teacher-turned-pilot) add to the madcap escapades. The short novel should appeal to third and fourth grade readers, especially boys.
September 30, 2012
Twins Hunter and Zack Moran are out of school and have become convinced that there is a plot afoot to bomb the town or do harm to their family--or possibly even to the two of them. Their suspicions rest on the town dentist Dr. Diglio when they see him burying something in the yard. As they race over rooftops, down rose trellises and into and out of much mischief, their long-suffering mother can only hope for summer to end and school to bring her some respite. Unfortunately, summer vacation is only four days old. Filled with hilarious scenes and misunderstandings and very strange characters, including music teacher Mrs. Campbell who turns out to be a pilot, this title will probably appeal to plenty of third and fourth grade boys. Every time it looks as though the boys are headed for disaster, something happens to avert that. Amid it all, the town's citizens are busy stirring up soup for a town festival, causing plenty of not-particularly-pleasant smells to fill the air. While I enjoyed it, this territory has been traveled before by plenty of other authors.
April 2, 2013
I love Patricia Reilly Giff's books. They are usually light and just right for kids who have just started chapter books. This one, however, just didn't fly for me. Summer vacation is here and Hunter and Zack Moran, twins, are going to have a great time. That is, if they can avoid their kid brother, Steadman, and their older brother and sister who are always getting into their business. (Forget the baby, she's too young to cause a problem.) And there's a lot of business to get into. The boys think they've discovered a spy plot and a bomb, and they need to cover up some of their own misdoings. Don't forget about the soup contest! This is an imaginative romp of misunderstandings, but it fails to adequately create a sense of place and time so I was left floundering for much of the book. What a pity.
October 1, 2012
Hunter Moran Saves the Universe by Patricia Reilly Giff
Holiday House, 2012
Recommended Grades 3-5
Realistic Fiction/Crazy Adventure (128 pages)
I wasn't blown away by this story, but I can certainly see some major boy appeal to it. Young readers will like the mystery and adventure around trying to figure out what Mr. Diglio buried in his backyard (the twin boys in the story think it is a bomb). There is trouble with parents and siblings, middle of the night rendezvous, and weird townspeople. The problem for me was how quickly one thing ran into the next, never giving my mind time to create a world where these characters lived. I think young readers might have trouble picturing the story unfold and have trouble keeping characters straight, as there are many minor characters.
Holiday House, 2012
Recommended Grades 3-5
Realistic Fiction/Crazy Adventure (128 pages)
I wasn't blown away by this story, but I can certainly see some major boy appeal to it. Young readers will like the mystery and adventure around trying to figure out what Mr. Diglio buried in his backyard (the twin boys in the story think it is a bomb). There is trouble with parents and siblings, middle of the night rendezvous, and weird townspeople. The problem for me was how quickly one thing ran into the next, never giving my mind time to create a world where these characters lived. I think young readers might have trouble picturing the story unfold and have trouble keeping characters straight, as there are many minor characters.
October 11, 2012
Grades 3-5
When twin brothers Hunter and Zack intercept a phone call and find a mysterious note, they are convinced that the town's dentist, Dr. Diglio is after them, and even more disturbing, is planning to blow up the town. Their attempts to foil his plans involve lots of sneaking away from their very large and boisterous family, and they find themselves in unlikely places-- on top of the church roof, in a manure pile, and in a hot air balloon. Needless to say, their attempts to save the town are not entirely necessary, as they misinterpreted the original messages and Dr. Diglio is NOT an evil villain, but the boys are engaging characters and middle grade students will like the over the top humor as Hunter and Zack find themselves in one predicament after another.
When twin brothers Hunter and Zack intercept a phone call and find a mysterious note, they are convinced that the town's dentist, Dr. Diglio is after them, and even more disturbing, is planning to blow up the town. Their attempts to foil his plans involve lots of sneaking away from their very large and boisterous family, and they find themselves in unlikely places-- on top of the church roof, in a manure pile, and in a hot air balloon. Needless to say, their attempts to save the town are not entirely necessary, as they misinterpreted the original messages and Dr. Diglio is NOT an evil villain, but the boys are engaging characters and middle grade students will like the over the top humor as Hunter and Zack find themselves in one predicament after another.
November 17, 2012
Hilarious story! Hunter and his twin, Zack, are convinced the dentsit, Dr. Diglio, has buried a bomb in the backyard. They are determined to save the town by dismantling it or sacrificing themselves covering up the bomb when it explodes. Add to that story four nosy siblings, both older and younger, and you have a house full of anarchy and sibling rivalry. A very entertaining story that would make a great read aloud.
July 25, 2013
I really wanted to love this one, but it shouldn't be read by parents. I just cringed and cringed as the boys involved made a constant stream of yes, well-meaning, but also destructive and disobedient choices. The madcap action will probably be great for the targeted readers...but on the other hand, I'm not sure I want to give those readers any more ideas than they've already got.
September 29, 2012
A kid overhears something he thinks is a plot to blow up the town and he and his twin cause havoc trying to save everyone. It is very fast-paced, almost too fast as I had a hard time keeping up with the action sometimes.
January 21, 2013
I started reading this aloud to Ayden, but some of the words are still a little too advanced for him. It's a cute, quick read about two boys using thier imagination to solve a summer mystery. Definitely one that I'll read to Ayden when he's ready!
August 20, 2012
Good mystery story with a few other subplots going on. Hunter and his twin try to save the town from a bomb - but is it really a bomb?
September 22, 2012
Good for 2nd - 6th graders. Completely unrealistic mystery. Funny characters.
December 21, 2012
Zany mahem, non-stop action. Cute, quick read.
February 17, 2013
This is funny. Think of twins as two restless Dennis the Menaces on summer vacation.
February 28, 2013
Coming off of Gingersnap, I was not impressed.
March 6, 2013
A very funny book!
April 4, 2013
A mysterious message, a spy call and a mission to save one's own life as well as the whole town. Full of summer fun and lots of childish innocence, at least in some cases....
July 23, 2013
I got a kick out of the Moran family and particularly enjoyed the antics of Hunter, his twin brother, Zack, and their younger brother Steadman.
April 28, 2014
good fap
November 11, 2017
Okay. Didn't appeal to me.
July 18, 2015
Silly, fun read about twins that get into a lot of trouble when they make a bunch of unfounded assumptions. The story was a bit chaotic but not horrible.
September 16, 2015
Um... this book was kind of all over the place, and not in a good way.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews