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Scary School #3
The Northern Frights
In The Northern Frights, the third book in the spooky Scary School series, Charles “New Kid” Nukid and his friends, including Lattie, a girl ninja, must fight an epic battle with an ice dragon to save their school. But first they must survive going to Scream Academy as exchange students. And that may be hard, because the Academy has an abominable snowman for a principal, a Headless Horseman as one of the teachers, and the students are yetis, trolls, and ogres!
Will Charles survive to make an ancient prophecy come to pass and save everyone? The illustrated Scary School trilogy by Derek the Ghost, with its mix of humor, scares, and adventure, is a perfect pick for middle-grade readers of the Wayside School series and the Zach Files books.
Will Charles survive to make an ancient prophecy come to pass and save everyone? The illustrated Scary School trilogy by Derek the Ghost, with its mix of humor, scares, and adventure, is a perfect pick for middle-grade readers of the Wayside School series and the Zach Files books.
- GenresFantasy
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 25, 2013
1 person is currently reading
101 people want to read
About the author
Derek The Ghost
11 books71 followersDerek is an eleven-year-old ghost who haunts the classrooms and hallways of Scary School, writing down all the spine-tingling often hilarious things that go on there. Despite his ghostly state, Derek still enjoys reading comic books and hopes to one day become a master ninja. If that doesn’t work out, he will continue to share the fun of this very special, very secret school, so all kids can experience the scariest school on earth. Derek the Ghost communicates through the first-time ghost whisperer Derek Taylor Kent, who is a writer and performer in Los Angeles, California.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
November 22, 2013
So my 9 year old asked me if I was going to write a little something before his very first review. All I can say, is that he wrote this review on his own. Typed it on his own. But above all, read the book in just a few days, so I know it must be good!
Deitre
I think this book has a fantastic cover with Charles holding the Sword of Fire fearlessly and with Scream Academy in the background. Charles Nukid is a student at Scary School who hates to break the rules. He is going to be an exchange student at Scream Academy for a week with 5 other students. He will run into some trouble, a good bit of trouble, but he does not have a clue that he will have to battle a furious monster that might cost his life trying to save four other schools.
I think the author did a awesome job explaining this story, but I was a little confused at the beginning because I did not read the first two books. So you should read the first two so you can understand it more clearly. The setting I think was the most interesting was Scream Academy. This is where Charles and his friends fought the furious monster. I thought Charles was amazing when he and his friends were using the Sword of Fire and potions to save Scream Academy, Scary School, Bloodington, Wolfs Bane, and Zombie Tech.
I recommend this book for 8 and older. I'm going to tell my friends about it!
Deitre
I think this book has a fantastic cover with Charles holding the Sword of Fire fearlessly and with Scream Academy in the background. Charles Nukid is a student at Scary School who hates to break the rules. He is going to be an exchange student at Scream Academy for a week with 5 other students. He will run into some trouble, a good bit of trouble, but he does not have a clue that he will have to battle a furious monster that might cost his life trying to save four other schools.
I think the author did a awesome job explaining this story, but I was a little confused at the beginning because I did not read the first two books. So you should read the first two so you can understand it more clearly. The setting I think was the most interesting was Scream Academy. This is where Charles and his friends fought the furious monster. I thought Charles was amazing when he and his friends were using the Sword of Fire and potions to save Scream Academy, Scary School, Bloodington, Wolfs Bane, and Zombie Tech.
I recommend this book for 8 and older. I'm going to tell my friends about it!
June 25, 2013
A couple of years ago, I was on a mad search for a book that would appeal to my then 7-year old son. He was going through a period where he didn’t like to read, and his attention span was so short that reading to him was not only a challenge, but pure torture for me. I knew I’d have to find something that would capture his interest so completely that he’d be glued to the story and beg me to turn the pages. After an endless Google search using search words like “great boy books” and “hilarious chapter books for boys,” I kept stumbling upon one title over and over: Scary School by Derek the Ghost.
Once the Scary School title had popped up for about the fifteenth time, I started to look a little closer at the title and found that it had received rave reviews from hundreds of different reviewers – both kids and adults alike. It didn’t seem to have a bad review, and so I took a leap of faith and ordered the book. The result: It was a complete hit! Not just for my son; but for myself…my husband…my teenage daughter…and eventually the entire 2nd, 3rd and 5th grade classes at my son's school this past May when the school was fortunate enough to receive a personal visit from the author. We just couldn’t get enough! Teachers were reading to their students and enjoying the books; parents were reading to their kids; and kids who had professed a dislike for reading were literally devouring the book. The school library ordered several copies of the first two books and the wait-list to check them out was so long that the media specialist wasn’t sure they’d be able to get through the list even if they’d had another few months of school. The books were that good! After all, who could possibly get enough of a school run by monsters, where just making it to the end of the day without being eaten was considered to be a “good day”?
Scary School is back, now with its third installment: Scary School: The Northern Frights. And oh boy are readers in for a treat!
Fans of the first two Scary School books will see a return of their favorite characters: Charles Nukid, the newest kid at Scary School; Jason Borjees, a hockey fanatic who always wears a hockey mask and just happens to carry around a chainsaw at all times; Fred Kroger, who has razor-sharp fingernails and assumes that all-things-scary must be a dream; Petunia Petals (Yup! We learn her last name in this book!), the purple girl with the endless swarms of bees; Dr. Dragonbreath, a ginormous dragon-teacher at Scary School who is simply biding his time until you break a rule so that he can eat you; and the painfully shy Penny Possum, who becomes so terrified that she plays dead to avoid confrontation. They’re all back, and they’re just as fun and colorful as in previous books.
New in this book is Lattie the Ninja Girl, who is hands-down my favorite character of any of the Scary School books! Lattie was trained by a Ninja Master and is amazing! She’s brave, swift on her feet, and can catch a spitwad from across the room with just two pencils held in her hand like a set of chopsticks. And she’s wise, spouting off Zen-like advice reminiscent of the Karate Kid’s Mr. Miyagi.
In this newest installment of Scary School, six students are selected in an exchange program to attend the scariest school of all: Scream Academy! The only human student to ever survive is Scary School’s own Principal Headcrusher, and the students will need to rely on their wits – and especially each other – to come out unscathed.
Kids will love this book for the same reasons they loved the original two Scary School books: the characters are fantastic and the story-line is fun! Parents will love this book for the same reasons as their kids, but they’ll also find laugh-out-loud passages that carry inside-jokes that only parents of the 80s will get (i.e. Fred Kroger, Jason Borjees, and the spooky aspiring writer, Steven Kingsly). More than that, though, parents will like this book for the lessons that are hidden within. In order for the students of Scary School to survive Scream Academy, they’ll have to learn to work together. There are strong themes of friendship, not judging others by how they look, and – my favorite – not being afraid to stand up for your friends when they’re being teased or bullied.
This is an outstanding book, sure to be loved and read many times over. I strongly recommend it!
Once the Scary School title had popped up for about the fifteenth time, I started to look a little closer at the title and found that it had received rave reviews from hundreds of different reviewers – both kids and adults alike. It didn’t seem to have a bad review, and so I took a leap of faith and ordered the book. The result: It was a complete hit! Not just for my son; but for myself…my husband…my teenage daughter…and eventually the entire 2nd, 3rd and 5th grade classes at my son's school this past May when the school was fortunate enough to receive a personal visit from the author. We just couldn’t get enough! Teachers were reading to their students and enjoying the books; parents were reading to their kids; and kids who had professed a dislike for reading were literally devouring the book. The school library ordered several copies of the first two books and the wait-list to check them out was so long that the media specialist wasn’t sure they’d be able to get through the list even if they’d had another few months of school. The books were that good! After all, who could possibly get enough of a school run by monsters, where just making it to the end of the day without being eaten was considered to be a “good day”?
Scary School is back, now with its third installment: Scary School: The Northern Frights. And oh boy are readers in for a treat!
Fans of the first two Scary School books will see a return of their favorite characters: Charles Nukid, the newest kid at Scary School; Jason Borjees, a hockey fanatic who always wears a hockey mask and just happens to carry around a chainsaw at all times; Fred Kroger, who has razor-sharp fingernails and assumes that all-things-scary must be a dream; Petunia Petals (Yup! We learn her last name in this book!), the purple girl with the endless swarms of bees; Dr. Dragonbreath, a ginormous dragon-teacher at Scary School who is simply biding his time until you break a rule so that he can eat you; and the painfully shy Penny Possum, who becomes so terrified that she plays dead to avoid confrontation. They’re all back, and they’re just as fun and colorful as in previous books.
New in this book is Lattie the Ninja Girl, who is hands-down my favorite character of any of the Scary School books! Lattie was trained by a Ninja Master and is amazing! She’s brave, swift on her feet, and can catch a spitwad from across the room with just two pencils held in her hand like a set of chopsticks. And she’s wise, spouting off Zen-like advice reminiscent of the Karate Kid’s Mr. Miyagi.
In this newest installment of Scary School, six students are selected in an exchange program to attend the scariest school of all: Scream Academy! The only human student to ever survive is Scary School’s own Principal Headcrusher, and the students will need to rely on their wits – and especially each other – to come out unscathed.
Kids will love this book for the same reasons they loved the original two Scary School books: the characters are fantastic and the story-line is fun! Parents will love this book for the same reasons as their kids, but they’ll also find laugh-out-loud passages that carry inside-jokes that only parents of the 80s will get (i.e. Fred Kroger, Jason Borjees, and the spooky aspiring writer, Steven Kingsly). More than that, though, parents will like this book for the lessons that are hidden within. In order for the students of Scary School to survive Scream Academy, they’ll have to learn to work together. There are strong themes of friendship, not judging others by how they look, and – my favorite – not being afraid to stand up for your friends when they’re being teased or bullied.
This is an outstanding book, sure to be loved and read many times over. I strongly recommend it!
July 5, 2013
Derek Kent's spooktacular, awesomely kooky Scary School Trilogy comes to a wildly fun end with the third book, The Northern Frights. This is one of my absolute favorite middle-grade series, and while I'm sad to see this trilogy end, I'm happy to report that it goes out with a frighteningly fantastic finale!
In The Northern Frights Charles “New Kid” Nukid and several of his classmates, including Lattie, a new ninja girl, find themselves at Scream Academy as exchange students. Scream Academy is the scariest, wildest, most terrifying monster school there is. With an abominable snowman for a principle, the Headless Horseman as a teacher, and trolls; ogres; and witches as classmates, the Scary School kids are up to their eyeballs in all things spooky and kooky. And the scariest thing of all is an epic showdown between a huge ice dragon and the Scary School kids. Charles and his friends must defeat the ice dragon or lose their beloved school.
Derek Kent's (aka Derek the Ghost) over-the-top in the best way possible, a laugh and a fun scare a minute Scary School series is the epitome of fun reading! Everything I've come to love about this series- the pitch-perfect MG voice, the spectacular storytelling, the unforgettable characters, the awesome illustrations- is seamlessly and fantastically carried over from each book and really sparkles and shines in The Northern Frights.
Derek Kent knows his audience and “gets” them so well. Younger readers will be charmed by this series' silly humor, thoroughly entertained by the wacky situations the characters find themselves in, and utterly addicted to the world-building, which is equal parts whimsical, eerie, and fascinating. The Northern Frights, like books one and two, has the perfect mix of thrills and chills and humor and adventure, and is always appropriate for its intended audience. The spooks and kooks in this series are scary enough to be exciting, but never nightmare worthy. In book three, we get to explore a whole new setting, Scream Academy. I've said before that Scary School is like a crazier, zanier, but just as unpredictable and enthralling, Hogwarts...well if Hogwarts had an evil, bonkers twin, it would be the too cool Scream Academy. Just like the Scary School exchange students, readers will explore every dark corridor and classroom of Scream Academy with spine-tingling anticipation, and open every door and take every footstep with bated breath, never knowing what might just jump out, fall down, or magically appear.
I just adore the unique, eclectic bunch of characters in this series! Kent has a real knack for creating refreshing characters that are relatable and lovable, even when they may have a frightening appearance (or appetite!). All my faves are back and many new, awesomely unusual faces are introduced in The Northern Frights. I loved meeting the more monstrous students and teachers of Scream Academy, but Lattie the ninja girl is especially cool. But what I love the most about all these characters, are the genuine, surprising friendships and relationships they develop with one another. And as spooktacularly fun as this series is, these books also send young readers a really great message about the power of friendship, acceptance, and courage.
The Northern Frights will keep readers eagerly turning pages, especially when the thrilling and explosive battle with the ice dragon begins, and ends on a really satisfying and happy note (and ends with room for future adventures...I really hope there's more Scary School fun to come!).
MY FINAL THOUGHTS: The Northern Frights is the perfect enthralling and scary fun filled conclusion to this deliciously spooky trilogy. If you're a fan of the series, then you'll love book three. And if you haven't started the series yet, you're in for an awesome surprise. This must read book and series are excellent reads for younger readers (and grown-ups too!). I highly recommend them!
In The Northern Frights Charles “New Kid” Nukid and several of his classmates, including Lattie, a new ninja girl, find themselves at Scream Academy as exchange students. Scream Academy is the scariest, wildest, most terrifying monster school there is. With an abominable snowman for a principle, the Headless Horseman as a teacher, and trolls; ogres; and witches as classmates, the Scary School kids are up to their eyeballs in all things spooky and kooky. And the scariest thing of all is an epic showdown between a huge ice dragon and the Scary School kids. Charles and his friends must defeat the ice dragon or lose their beloved school.
Derek Kent's (aka Derek the Ghost) over-the-top in the best way possible, a laugh and a fun scare a minute Scary School series is the epitome of fun reading! Everything I've come to love about this series- the pitch-perfect MG voice, the spectacular storytelling, the unforgettable characters, the awesome illustrations- is seamlessly and fantastically carried over from each book and really sparkles and shines in The Northern Frights.
Derek Kent knows his audience and “gets” them so well. Younger readers will be charmed by this series' silly humor, thoroughly entertained by the wacky situations the characters find themselves in, and utterly addicted to the world-building, which is equal parts whimsical, eerie, and fascinating. The Northern Frights, like books one and two, has the perfect mix of thrills and chills and humor and adventure, and is always appropriate for its intended audience. The spooks and kooks in this series are scary enough to be exciting, but never nightmare worthy. In book three, we get to explore a whole new setting, Scream Academy. I've said before that Scary School is like a crazier, zanier, but just as unpredictable and enthralling, Hogwarts...well if Hogwarts had an evil, bonkers twin, it would be the too cool Scream Academy. Just like the Scary School exchange students, readers will explore every dark corridor and classroom of Scream Academy with spine-tingling anticipation, and open every door and take every footstep with bated breath, never knowing what might just jump out, fall down, or magically appear.
I just adore the unique, eclectic bunch of characters in this series! Kent has a real knack for creating refreshing characters that are relatable and lovable, even when they may have a frightening appearance (or appetite!). All my faves are back and many new, awesomely unusual faces are introduced in The Northern Frights. I loved meeting the more monstrous students and teachers of Scream Academy, but Lattie the ninja girl is especially cool. But what I love the most about all these characters, are the genuine, surprising friendships and relationships they develop with one another. And as spooktacularly fun as this series is, these books also send young readers a really great message about the power of friendship, acceptance, and courage.
The Northern Frights will keep readers eagerly turning pages, especially when the thrilling and explosive battle with the ice dragon begins, and ends on a really satisfying and happy note (and ends with room for future adventures...I really hope there's more Scary School fun to come!).
MY FINAL THOUGHTS: The Northern Frights is the perfect enthralling and scary fun filled conclusion to this deliciously spooky trilogy. If you're a fan of the series, then you'll love book three. And if you haven't started the series yet, you're in for an awesome surprise. This must read book and series are excellent reads for younger readers (and grown-ups too!). I highly recommend them!
November 12, 2013
The Northern Frights Charles Nukid is back, and this time he's in an even bigger mess than before. For someone who is such a stickler for the rules, poor Charles sure does seem to find himself in some pretty crazy situations! In The Northern Frights our favorite students from Scary School are sent off as exchange students to Scream Academy. They've heard that it's even scarier than their own alma mater! Is that even possible? Oh yes, yes it is.
I was so excited to meet the new characters in this book. Scream Academy is a huge melting pot of monsters and eager readers will get to meet everything from a yeti to a headless horseman teacher! I won't deny that Lattie, the newest Scary School student, was my favorite addition. A girl with ninja stealth, a heart of gold, and a millipede for a pet? How can you go wrong? I couldn't get enough of her and I really hope to see her back in the next book!
The message in The Northern Frights was also one that really spoke to me. I've learned that each one of Derek's books sneaks a life lesson or two. They're there, but cleverly disguised with wit and magic. In this particular book, Charles Nukid and his friends learn that it isn't what's on the outside that counts. You can be brave without being a monster, kind even if you look scary to others who might not know you, and good at something even if you have to do it a bit differently. I loved it.
The absolute only reason I rated this installment a bit lower than the previous two is because it is a little more serious, and a bit slower moving overall. I, for one, had a great time following the students as they survived near death experiences and muddled over ancient prophecies. However there weren't as many giggle worthy moments, and I know as a younger reader I'd definitely miss that. Rest assured, I still loved this book! I'm simply letting you know it's a bit different than the first two.
So, pardon me while I start a slow clap because I am totally blown away by the Scary School series as a whole! Book three, and I'm still totally enamored with every aspect of this adventure. If you haven't started reading yet, what are you waiting for?
I was so excited to meet the new characters in this book. Scream Academy is a huge melting pot of monsters and eager readers will get to meet everything from a yeti to a headless horseman teacher! I won't deny that Lattie, the newest Scary School student, was my favorite addition. A girl with ninja stealth, a heart of gold, and a millipede for a pet? How can you go wrong? I couldn't get enough of her and I really hope to see her back in the next book!
The message in The Northern Frights was also one that really spoke to me. I've learned that each one of Derek's books sneaks a life lesson or two. They're there, but cleverly disguised with wit and magic. In this particular book, Charles Nukid and his friends learn that it isn't what's on the outside that counts. You can be brave without being a monster, kind even if you look scary to others who might not know you, and good at something even if you have to do it a bit differently. I loved it.
The absolute only reason I rated this installment a bit lower than the previous two is because it is a little more serious, and a bit slower moving overall. I, for one, had a great time following the students as they survived near death experiences and muddled over ancient prophecies. However there weren't as many giggle worthy moments, and I know as a younger reader I'd definitely miss that. Rest assured, I still loved this book! I'm simply letting you know it's a bit different than the first two.
So, pardon me while I start a slow clap because I am totally blown away by the Scary School series as a whole! Book three, and I'm still totally enamored with every aspect of this adventure. If you haven't started reading yet, what are you waiting for?
December 23, 2013
There is always drama, excitement, and fear brewing in a scary school. This time, the students learn that six of their own will be chosen to become exchange students to their headmistress's alma mater Scream Academy, where no one expects them to survive. Needless to say, they aren't thrilled about it, and few hope to be chosen to attend.
Trouble brews in paradise as Charles gets off to a bad start this school year and finds himself wondering how he can right things. The poor guy. Though he's such a rule stickler, he always finds himself getting into trouble. In this book, he's going to learn something about the rules he loves so much and find out what matters most to him. The way he defeats the big bad guy is hilarious and says something about how he's grown over the course of the series.
The plot is much more streamlined than the other two books with Charles taking a prominent role in the story as an ancient prophecy comes to pass. With ominous whispers about a looming danger floating around, the story takes a darker turn as well. There are still some light-hearted moments, but they aren't as frequent as in the earlier books in the series. Nevertheless, I was still greatly entertained with the introduction of new monsters and characters, especially Lattie -- an overly serious ninja girl -- and her pet millipede.
As always, I also loved watching the monsters and humans interact. There are great themes in the story for younger readers, such as how it isn't the outside that matters. Every human and monster has potential to realize the scary or greatness within, and seemingly puny weak humans can become popular heroes in a school of monsters. This is a wonderful read for readers of all ages, and I will continue to recommend this series to those who enjoy a good middle-grade read filled with adventure and humor.
P.S. After that ending, there had better be a fourth book. Oh Charles, what is going to happen to you this time?
--
For more of my reviews, visit my blog Imaginary Reads.
Trouble brews in paradise as Charles gets off to a bad start this school year and finds himself wondering how he can right things. The poor guy. Though he's such a rule stickler, he always finds himself getting into trouble. In this book, he's going to learn something about the rules he loves so much and find out what matters most to him. The way he defeats the big bad guy is hilarious and says something about how he's grown over the course of the series.
The plot is much more streamlined than the other two books with Charles taking a prominent role in the story as an ancient prophecy comes to pass. With ominous whispers about a looming danger floating around, the story takes a darker turn as well. There are still some light-hearted moments, but they aren't as frequent as in the earlier books in the series. Nevertheless, I was still greatly entertained with the introduction of new monsters and characters, especially Lattie -- an overly serious ninja girl -- and her pet millipede.
As always, I also loved watching the monsters and humans interact. There are great themes in the story for younger readers, such as how it isn't the outside that matters. Every human and monster has potential to realize the scary or greatness within, and seemingly puny weak humans can become popular heroes in a school of monsters. This is a wonderful read for readers of all ages, and I will continue to recommend this series to those who enjoy a good middle-grade read filled with adventure and humor.
P.S. After that ending, there had better be a fourth book. Oh Charles, what is going to happen to you this time?
--
For more of my reviews, visit my blog Imaginary Reads.
October 11, 2013
My Review: Once again, our humble series narrator ex-student and full-time ghost, Derek is back in the 3 series of Scary School The Northern Frights.
In this series a group of students from Scary School were selected by Principal Meltington to attend Scream Academy as exchange students for a week. Charles and every other student were not happy for it could be their last time on earth. Scream Academy is much scarier and terrifying than Scary School. If Derek the Ghost is scared out of his wits, then you are in for some spectacular frights.
According to Principal Meltington, Scream Academy is where ferocious monsters come to use their brains as well as their claws to learn. Unlike Scary School, there are no human students at the Scream Academy and the monster kids don’t want them there.
When Charles heard that the ice dragon was heading toward the school to destroy it for good, he learns that they must work together with the other students from the Scream Academy to defect the ice dragon in order to survive or lose their school.
The Northern Frights was definitely an entertaining book. And if you’re a fan of the series, then you will love this book. Great pencil work Illustration by Scott M. Fischer which helps bring the story to life.
If you are looking for a book full of fun and adventure for your kids pick up a copy of Scary School books 1 – 3.
Disclaimer: As per FTC guidelines, I received a copy of this book from HarperCollins Publishers and the author in exchange for my honest review. I received no monetary compensation. All opinions expressed here are mine and mine alone.
In this series a group of students from Scary School were selected by Principal Meltington to attend Scream Academy as exchange students for a week. Charles and every other student were not happy for it could be their last time on earth. Scream Academy is much scarier and terrifying than Scary School. If Derek the Ghost is scared out of his wits, then you are in for some spectacular frights.
According to Principal Meltington, Scream Academy is where ferocious monsters come to use their brains as well as their claws to learn. Unlike Scary School, there are no human students at the Scream Academy and the monster kids don’t want them there.
When Charles heard that the ice dragon was heading toward the school to destroy it for good, he learns that they must work together with the other students from the Scream Academy to defect the ice dragon in order to survive or lose their school.
The Northern Frights was definitely an entertaining book. And if you’re a fan of the series, then you will love this book. Great pencil work Illustration by Scott M. Fischer which helps bring the story to life.
If you are looking for a book full of fun and adventure for your kids pick up a copy of Scary School books 1 – 3.
Disclaimer: As per FTC guidelines, I received a copy of this book from HarperCollins Publishers and the author in exchange for my honest review. I received no monetary compensation. All opinions expressed here are mine and mine alone.
June 23, 2013
Scary School is a series I always look forward to. It's fun, it's fresh, and it includes humorous references to Pop Culture that all ages can get. The third novel in the series, The Northern Frights, has a few of the students of Scary School (Charles NuKid, Petunia Petals, Jason Borhees, Fred Kroger, Wendy Krumpkin and new Ninja student Lattie) attending the Scream Academy as part of an exchange student program for the duration of a week. There they encounter new kinds of creatures and characters and must fight to survive (as always) the harsh perils of a student living in this crazy world.
The series is narrated by ex-student turned full-time ghost, Derek, as he chronicles the adventures of his classmates, but it also has brief instances where the thoughts of a character's mind are told. It's a hybrid narrative that merges several different perspectives that takes only a few pages to get used to.
The Northern Frights was definitely entertaining, and a wonderful addition to the series. It's humorous, entertaining, though a tad too abrupt in some aspects, even for a middle-grade novel which should usually be fairly fast paced. The first and second, while short as well, seemed to flow well together and here it seemed to jump too quickly. It didn't quite have much of the "all ages" factor here, and stuck mostly to the market of young readers, which is good because that is the central audience this book is geared for, however the older crowd reading as well may get a little frustrated in the parts where it gets too candid and a craving of depth is wanted.
For young readers this is a great series. There is ample cognitive stimulation for the intended audience, though it could use a tad more in my opinion, and it presents a unique and fun fantasy world of incredible creatures with equally as entertaining stories. While not my absolute favorite of the series it was still highly enjoyable and perfect to pass the time with and leaves me curious of the next one in the series. I love the author's creative mind and the characters and worlds he's conjured up, and am anxious to see if perhaps he has a young adult/new adult story to tell in the near future as well.
Scary School is a great middle-grade series I will continue to recommend and wait for each year! It's cinematic, unique, and has the qualities to make a great film/tv show adaptation as well. With relateable characters acting as great role-models it is definitely one of the best new series for young readers out there! Perfect for those not yet of age for heavier material, or anybody looking for a quick, inspiring read dealing with magic, dragons, and everything in between.
*I received a finished copy of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review*
The series is narrated by ex-student turned full-time ghost, Derek, as he chronicles the adventures of his classmates, but it also has brief instances where the thoughts of a character's mind are told. It's a hybrid narrative that merges several different perspectives that takes only a few pages to get used to.
The Northern Frights was definitely entertaining, and a wonderful addition to the series. It's humorous, entertaining, though a tad too abrupt in some aspects, even for a middle-grade novel which should usually be fairly fast paced. The first and second, while short as well, seemed to flow well together and here it seemed to jump too quickly. It didn't quite have much of the "all ages" factor here, and stuck mostly to the market of young readers, which is good because that is the central audience this book is geared for, however the older crowd reading as well may get a little frustrated in the parts where it gets too candid and a craving of depth is wanted.
For young readers this is a great series. There is ample cognitive stimulation for the intended audience, though it could use a tad more in my opinion, and it presents a unique and fun fantasy world of incredible creatures with equally as entertaining stories. While not my absolute favorite of the series it was still highly enjoyable and perfect to pass the time with and leaves me curious of the next one in the series. I love the author's creative mind and the characters and worlds he's conjured up, and am anxious to see if perhaps he has a young adult/new adult story to tell in the near future as well.
Scary School is a great middle-grade series I will continue to recommend and wait for each year! It's cinematic, unique, and has the qualities to make a great film/tv show adaptation as well. With relateable characters acting as great role-models it is definitely one of the best new series for young readers out there! Perfect for those not yet of age for heavier material, or anybody looking for a quick, inspiring read dealing with magic, dragons, and everything in between.
*I received a finished copy of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review*
July 8, 2013
I have been following the adventures at Scary School for three books now! If you are ever looking for a book to donate to an elementary school teacher/library or the kid in your life you can’t go wrong with any book in this silly series.
In book #3 The Northern Frights our narrator and friend Derek the Ghost once again tells of the adventures at Scary School. This gang takes another adventure even deadlier then before. They are sent to Scream Academy as exchange students for a week (and this has nothing to do with the prophecy about a human kid fighting the scariest monster ever). Unlike Scary School, there are no human children at Scream Academy and the monster kids don’t want them there. The gang has to battle bullies, avoid getting eaten by a yeti and face down a terrible dragon (which has nothing to do with the prophecy about a human kid fighting the scariest monster ever). After all that Charles Nukid must face his biggest fear… asking Penny Possum to the dance. Along the way the Scary School gang makes many new friends, including Lattie, a ninja who talks like a Chinese fortune, and has a quest of her own.
The Northern Frights, as well as the first two books, is action packed and fast moving. There is no chance for kids to get bored while reading, but they might bust a gut laughing. Scott M. Fischer once again provides illustrations of all the scary characters throughout the story.
5 "Noodle-neck" Sheep
http://www.ismellsheep.com/2013/07/bo...
In book #3 The Northern Frights our narrator and friend Derek the Ghost once again tells of the adventures at Scary School. This gang takes another adventure even deadlier then before. They are sent to Scream Academy as exchange students for a week (and this has nothing to do with the prophecy about a human kid fighting the scariest monster ever). Unlike Scary School, there are no human children at Scream Academy and the monster kids don’t want them there. The gang has to battle bullies, avoid getting eaten by a yeti and face down a terrible dragon (which has nothing to do with the prophecy about a human kid fighting the scariest monster ever). After all that Charles Nukid must face his biggest fear… asking Penny Possum to the dance. Along the way the Scary School gang makes many new friends, including Lattie, a ninja who talks like a Chinese fortune, and has a quest of her own.
The Northern Frights, as well as the first two books, is action packed and fast moving. There is no chance for kids to get bored while reading, but they might bust a gut laughing. Scott M. Fischer once again provides illustrations of all the scary characters throughout the story.
5 "Noodle-neck" Sheep
http://www.ismellsheep.com/2013/07/bo...
September 14, 2013
Scary School is a series that not only my kids love, but I do too. In the third installment, some of the kids at Scary School become exchange students with Scream Academy. Scream Academy is much scarier than Scary School. Changing schools is always stressful but even more so with monsters involved! And, of course, nothing is ever easy at Scary School. And this semester there's a new student, Lattie, She's a ninja with a millipede as a companion.
Once again Derek The Ghost tells a wonderful tale about the Scary School kids and their adventure. Poor Charles Nukid. Will he ever catch a break? He always seems to be in the middle of the fray. Lattie adds an interesting twist to the story. She's mysterious and speaks in riddles. I love how the kids of Scary School stick together. They're all different, but they work well together.
Once again, this is a must read for kids as well as adults. I love reading this with my kids. It's a book we all enjoy. And that there says a lot. Especially since we rarely like the same things. This is a great book full of fun and adventure.
Read more at http://www.2readornot2read.com/2013/0...
Once again Derek The Ghost tells a wonderful tale about the Scary School kids and their adventure. Poor Charles Nukid. Will he ever catch a break? He always seems to be in the middle of the fray. Lattie adds an interesting twist to the story. She's mysterious and speaks in riddles. I love how the kids of Scary School stick together. They're all different, but they work well together.
Once again, this is a must read for kids as well as adults. I love reading this with my kids. It's a book we all enjoy. And that there says a lot. Especially since we rarely like the same things. This is a great book full of fun and adventure.
Read more at http://www.2readornot2read.com/2013/0...
October 13, 2013
I seem to be making my way through the Scary School series strictly through the October iteration of the Dewey’s 24 Hour Readathon. This time around, I’ve read the third of the Scary School books: The Northern Frights by ‘Derek The Ghost.’ I will spare you the ghost writing puns this time even though it still kind of cracks me up and just tell you a bit about the book instead. First off, you can definitely read these books out of order and still be able to understand what is going on. I still have not read book one, Scary School. I’ve only read the second and third in the series and feel pretty confident that if you were to randomly pick up one of these books you’d be able to understand what is going on.
Read the rest of my review here
Review will be posted November 21, 2013.
Read the rest of my review here
Review will be posted November 21, 2013.
July 27, 2016
This is a Continuation of the cute story begun in Scary School. It is actually the second one I read, and the third in the series.
I enjoyed it, as it is a light, amusing story of a kid coming to grips with who and what he is.
Two quibbles I had:
In book 1, the ghost states he is stuck at the school, but in book 3 he travels to the far north with other ‘scary kids’.
In this book, the Ice Dragon breathes ice, and fire is its anathema, yet at one point it breathes fire. Yes, most dragons breathe fire, but in this instance that was not a good thing! Ice will melt in the presence of fire, and I can’t help but think it was an error that was overlooked during editing.
I enjoyed it, as it is a light, amusing story of a kid coming to grips with who and what he is.
Two quibbles I had:
In book 1, the ghost states he is stuck at the school, but in book 3 he travels to the far north with other ‘scary kids’.
In this book, the Ice Dragon breathes ice, and fire is its anathema, yet at one point it breathes fire. Yes, most dragons breathe fire, but in this instance that was not a good thing! Ice will melt in the presence of fire, and I can’t help but think it was an error that was overlooked during editing.
July 10, 2014
This is the third book in the series, but they do not have to be read in order. There is an intoduction that gets everybody caught up. Scary School is a series that not only my kids love, but I do too. Derek The Ghost tells a wonderful tale about the Scary School kids and their adventure. Poor Charles Nukid. Will he ever catch a break? He always seems to be in the middle of the fray. Lattie adds an interesting twist to the story. She's mysterious and speaks in riddles. I love how the kids of Scary School stick together. They're all different, but they work well together.
December 20, 2015
I think the author did a awesome job explaining this story, but I was a little confused at the beginning because I did not read the first two books. So you should read the first two so you can understand it more clearly.
To read the rest of the review, and to find out more about the book, simply follow the link: http://www.aleisuremoment.com/2014/02...
January 13, 2014
"Scary School, The Northern Lights" was a very fun book to read. It was interesting to follow Charles and his friends from school on fun journey as exchange students to Scream Academy. They face many obstacles, meet new strange creatures and become better friends. But most of all, Charles Nukid who was not a very brave kid becomes a hero and saves the day. I can't wait for next instolement of the series to come out.
October 2, 2013
This is the 3rd book of Scary School.
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