The Inventor's Secret

Cragbridge Hall #1

by Chad Morris

Imagine a school in the year 2074 where students don't read history, but watch it happen around them; where running in gym class isn't around a track, but up a virtual mountain; and where learning about animals means becoming one through an avatar. Welcome to Cragbridge Hall, the most advanced and prestigious school in the world.

Twins Abby and Derick Cragbridge are excited as new students to use their famed grandfather's inventions that make Cragbridge Hall so incredible. But when their grandfather and parents go missing, the twins must follow a mysterious trail of clues left by their grandfather. They must find out where their family is, learn who they can trust, and discover what secrets are hidden within Cragbridge Hall.

Abby and Derick soon realize they are caught in a race with a fierce adversary to discover their grandfather's greatest secret—a dangerous discovery that could alter both history and reality.

Genres: Fantasy, Middle Grade, Science Fiction, Young Adult, Fiction, Adventure, Time Travel

304 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 5, 2013

About the author

Chad Morris coauthored The Wild Journey of Juniper Berry, Virtually Me, Mustaches for Maddie, Squint, and Willa and the Whale, with his wife, Shelly Brown. He is also the author of the Cragbridge Hall series (The Inventor's Secret, The Avatar Battle, and The Impossible Race). He has won the Utah Book Award, the Buckeye Award, and the Nebraska Book Award, and the Silver Foreword INDIES award for Juvenile fiction. Chad also wrote one of the short stories in True Heroes: A Treasury of Modern-day Fairy Tales Written by Best-selling Authors. His story was based on JP Gibson, an amazing boy who faced cancer with courage, heart, and a basketball dream.

Chad grew up wanting to become a professional basketball player or a rock star. (Inspired by Animal from The Muppets, he has been banging on drums since he was eight years old.) Neither of those plans quite panned out. After high school, he left the Rocky Mountains to live in Brazil for a few years then returned home to write and perform sketch comedy while going to college. He graduated from BYU with a couple of degrees and became a teacher and a curriculum writer.

Reviews

[Chad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, I wrote it, so it isn't really fair. But I couldn't resist. I hope you love it.

[Kevin Hiatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was lucky enough to get my hands on an ARC of Cragbridge Hall, The Inventor's Secret. First off.. loved it, and more importantly, my 9 year old, reading averse, son loved it.

Love books that can combine learning with good storyline/plot, and Chad Morris pulls it off in a big way with this book. Storyline is inventive and not cookie cutter like some MG books tend to be. Characters are not only entertaining, but relatable. My son could name friends at school or in our family that matched up with everyone in the story.. having a book that's relatable is big for a kid that isn't that into reading.

No spoilers from me, but I will add that there were some incredible facts in the book that must have cost the author hours of research time to get right. Impressive in scope and detail.

Nice thing is that despite my son loving it, main character is very strong female character, so girls will love her struggles as boys latch onto action and cool gadgets and brother character.

All in all, a home-run debut for Chad Morris. When we finished the book, my son asked me if we can get an advance copy of the second book already. That should tell you all you need to know!

[Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

While this book is geared towards a younger audience (Middle Grade), it did much more than just keep my attention! The story is filled with historical facts and experiences that transported me as a reader. I found myself amazed by the trials that several people in history faced and left me with the desire to learn more.

In addition, I really enjoyed the characters and the storyline. Very creative and original. Now my two daughters are reading it and love it so far!

[Donna Weaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHAT'S IT ABOUT?
Imagine a school in the year 2074 where students don't read history, but watch it happen around them; where running in gym class isn't around a track, but up a virtual mountain; and where learning about animals means becoming one through an avatar.

Welcome to Cragbridge Hall, the most advanced and prestigious school in the world. Twin siblings Abby and Derick Cragbridge are excited as new students to use their famed grandfather's inventions that make Cragbridge Hall so incredible. But when their grandfather and parents go missing, the twins begin following a trail of clues left by their grandfather. They must find out where their family is, learn who they can trust, and discover what secrets are hidden within Cragbridge Hall.

Abby and Derick soon realize they are caught in a race with a fierce adversary to discover their grandfather's greatest secret--a dangerous discovery that could alter both history and reality.

MY TAKE
This is the best middle grade book I've read in a while. I loved it.

This book has a flavor of Percy Jackson in that the storyline is an interesting (and exciting) way to tease the reader with snippets--but of history rather than mythology. And just like the Percy Jackson books, this made me want to find out more about the historical events and people. The thing that I really found charming was the clever way Morris wove historical events through the tale and then let the things the characters learned from history be part of handling various things that happy to Abby and Derick.

Imagine that. Learning from history!

You don't know who you can trust as you move through the story, and I found it easy to sympathize with the kids as they tried to figure out how to proceed.

And all I can say is Carol rocks.

[Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't even know where to start - I loved this book SO MUCH!
So inventive! (no pun intended!!!)
I truly believe this is going to be one of the best books of 2013! It will rank right up there with Harry Potter! I loved every single chapter and every single page.
I've already ordered some copies to use as prizes for my students at school and I am definitely ordering more. Plus my own copies, of course!

I could read this over and over again and I know my kids will too!
Absolutely brilliant!

[Sheila (sheilasbookreviewer) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cragbridge Hall Book 1: The Inventor's Secret is about a school for intelligent kids in the year 2074. Here they don't just read about history, they live it! There are so many things in this book that made me wish I could teach at a school like this.They truly make learning fun by being able to virtually experience their lessons.

Our twin protagonists, Abby and Derick, are excited to go Cragbridge Hall, because this is their inventor Grandfather's school. There is an adventure around every corner. Soon the fun turns into a race against the clock, as they have to discover their grandfather's hidden secrets. These secrets could save the lives of their parents and grandfather who have been kidnapped by a very dangerous enemy.The coolest thing in the book is "The Bridge". This is what enables someone to experience history firsthand, and even to ultimately travel in time! I have a particular love for time travel books.

Even though this book is written for a middle grade audience, it doesn't feel like it when you read it. Every age can read and love this book! Though there are great lessons for the reader in this book, they are not preachy or jump out at you. I can't wait to get back on track so I can read it out-loud to my 2nd grade class. I know that they will LOVE it! My own kids are vying to see who can grab it first when I'm done writing this review. This book will someday make a very awesome movie! I predict...yes I'm looking into the future...that this series will become very popular and will find it's own place in literary history.

[Kristie]

Did not finish this one. I made it to about 30% with G, but he lost interest. After putting it aside for a while I decided it's not one I'm likely to finish on my own. It's not a bad story, I'm just not the right demographic for it.

[Shannon Symonds · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the Deseret Bookshelf Audiobook with Kirby Heyborn reading it. Initially I put it on for 6-year-old Elliott during a 4-hour drive. The entire car got into the story. I loved the creative inventions which felt like Orson Welles 1984 predictions. The school in the story gave it a Harry Potter feel with a completely original twist. As a writer, I felt it was well done. I had a seven hour ride last week and burned through the next book alone. It is fun for adults.
I would highly recommend it for youth ages 10 to 14 and adults who snuck their kids copies of Harry Potter.

[Kerri · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is written for a very young audience. But even accounting for that, the writing is just bad. The characters are annoying and nothing actually makes sense if you think about it logically. There is nothing about anything that happens in this story that actually makes sense.

I made it a little over halfway and had to call it quits bc I was so angry at it. But there’s three books cleared off my shelves and off my TBR. Good riddance.

[Kim Dennis · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

This book was recommended to me by students and was really fun. I would SO love to teach history the way these students got to learn history. (Heck -- I would love to learn history that way.) Chad Morris included a lot of wonderful little snippets of history in this book. He really did his homework. I was able to work out a lot of what was going to happen ahead of time -- some of it because it was kind of typical of MG fiction (thus the 1/2 star off), although I would not describe the book as formulaic. There were a couple of teachers that I wasn't sure whose side they were on, but for the most part, I figured out people and motives

I look forward to the next book in the series, and I'm kind of sad it's only a trilogy. :)

[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful!! I loved how Morris brought several different historical scenarios to life, from Blackbeard to the Titanic, to mountain men to Ernest Shackleton. I loved the tiny snippets of history, too, that included Florence Nightingale and Joseph Smith. Very creative and intriguing. It was informative without being high-handed. If I hadn't already heard of most of these people, I would be diving into more information about them. The inventions and science fiction aspects were a fun mechanism to tell the story. I'm looking forward to the next in the series.

[Kara · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like books like Fablehaven, Janitors, or Candy Shop Wars then this one will be good. It doesn't have mystical creates, but amazing inventions and good adventure at a school. I also really liked how it brought in historical events. That was great and the kids liked that they knew what it was talking about with some of them.. My kids loved listening to this one.

[Makenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

My whole family loved this book!!

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun middle grade novel about Derick and Abby Cragbridge, attending their famous grandfather’s premier secondary school. They live in 2074 in a futuristic world filled with technology, which they use to find their parents and grandfather when they are kidnapped.

We listened to this on a long car ride, and my 9 year old loved it!

[Jana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very fun read! Thoughtful read as well as a fun story.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 STARS

Cragbridge Hall is a exciting story. It reminds me a little of Harry Potter in the facts that a lot of it is at a boarding school. Teens have to be smart and save the day. It is a action, history, adventure and fantasy story. It is aimed at middle school ages. It is also a clean read.

Abby and Derick Cragbridge are starting at the best middle school in the world. Derick got in because he is a genius. Abby first got a rejection letter than later that week got a letter saying she is in they made a mistake. Abby knows that she got in because of her grandfather got her in. The twins are starting 7th grade.

Before they get dropped off at school they visit their Grandfather Oscar Cragbridge he is a famous inventor but most of his inventions are classified. The twins will find out and be able to use some of them at the school named after him. Grandpa has gifts for Abby and Derick.
something that goes inside their rings that opens his journals for them to see. Also gave them two lockets. He wants them to be kept secret and show no one especially their teachers. They are too look at it every day and if it changed they will be told what to do.

Abby feels like she does not belong at the school. She just feels average not special. Her new roommate is smart, talented has her own clothes line. When she finds out Abby is not super smart and accomplished. She throws Abby out in the hall and all her belongings. Tells the others that she cheated to get in. No one will help her. The school says she is late and will have to sleep in the hall.

Derick fits right in and already starts to make friends. At least she can eat with him and not feel alone. In one class they have a chair in
English lit that one student sits in it reading a book and what they imagine the class sees up on a screen. Abby is the second student in her class and her teacher asks her about secrets and the locket pops up and school rejection letter pops up and Abby quickly stands up and leaves the chair. The first student to sit in it is Carol. Carol talks very fast. She is a kid actor who has starred in some teen internet series.

Carol and Abby because they shared a experience start to be friends. Then when she finds out who Derick is starts to flirt with him at lunch.
Their lockets starts doing something so they go out in the hall and see a message about their grandfather something has happened to him. They rush out to visit him and to see if he is alright. They find out he has been kidnapped and so have their parents. The police come and Abby tells about her locket and key they take it and escort them to school.

They have to solve riddles and clues to find out what has happened to their family. Abby is still getting picked on by her famous first room mate. It teaches a few moments of history in different fun ways, some moral issues with time travel. It is a smart fun adventure series. I hope their are more books to come in the future. I would read more of this series and will look for more books by Chad Morris.

I was given a copy of this book to read and asked to give a honest review of it when finished by Netgalley.
Publisher: Shadow Mountain (March 5, 2013) 256 pages ISBN-10: 1609073266

[Marcos Carmo filho · Rating 2 out of 5]

Took a couple of hours to get hooked on this. All you get for that time is a whiny, stupid protagonist (Abby) that can't stand up for herself and repeatedly acts unreasonably. For two hours, I was listening to a "slice-of-life" in a futuristic high school from the perspective of a character I wound up never caring for. Between that and the uninspired narration, I was about to return this book. After all that time, I still had no reason to care for the story.

Then the book actually started towards its main plot point, and Abby stopped whining as much. From there to the end, I found just enough to keep me reading. There were some fun moments, but those belonged to Rafael, a brazilian teacher's assistant, and Derek, Abby's twin brother.

In the end, I felt the book was too straightforward. In spite of all the odds, the immense stakes and the extremely rich, powerful and influential enemy, the only things that really stood between the characters and the conclusion were about a dozen henchmen with half a brain and Cragbridge's challenges. The only student against them only mattered for a bad night's sleep and a couple of blushing moments at the beginning of the book, then she disappeared. It felt like the villain barely even tried to win, or, more practically speaking, the author was trying to keep his own job of concluding the book simple.

I won't say I regret listening to the book, but I didn't get much out of it. Since I already got through the first book, I might give the sequel a go on account of it supposedly being centered around the avatars, but not anytime soon.

[Susan Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the opportunity to preview this great new book for young adults that comes out this week. So if you're looking for something new to read that's clean, funny, and teaches some great values, this is it! It's science fiction and history all in one book.

This book had all my favorite ingredients – everything from a funny, imaginative, fast paced, exciting mystery to the more thought provoking study of human nature, morals, lessons in history and their application - all without being preachy or judgmental. I love a book that teaches something in the process so that you feel just a little bit smarter and wiser when you’re finished. The author did a fabulous job of weaving tantalizing bits of history into the story that arouses the curiosity to learn more. It makes you wonder what it would be like to learn history first hand? No more guessing whether something is true or not – but to watch heroes in action, who make sacrifices and hard decisions showing how small choices make a BIG difference. I could especially identify with the character, Abby, who has feelings of inadequacy, comparing herself to her talented brother and friends. But she finally learns that not all talent is demonstrable and obvious to the casual observer. She discovers hidden talents that don’t lend themselves to showy displays to impress others. A stimulating read not only for the mind, but also the heart. What makes a true hero? This book has the answer!

[Lisa Swinton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was first introduced to Mr. Morris's writing when I read the third book in this wonderful trilogy. Naturally, I wanted to go back to the beginning to see where and how this marvelous tale started and get to know the characters from the start.

I adore Abby. So many of us are Abbys in a sea of Dericks and Jacquelines. We all feel left out, not good enough, not smart enough, not fast enough, etc. But, as Abby's grandfather (another adorable character) points out, Abby has heart and that often proves more valuable than genius and many other desirable qualities found in the student body at Cragbridge Hall. Her character arc is the greatest.

The adventure/mystery is quite thrilling. Set in the future, it's reminiscent of X-men to me. The Bridge, the avatars, The Chair, all help to create a different reality. There is inventive technology, secrets, and the importance of going through trials on behalf of the ones we love. There are excellent lessons here for children, tweens, teens, and adults. Don't miss them or the excellent retelling of history and portrayal of historical figures.

In fact, I have my own children reading them. Hopefully the lessons sink in along with the adventure. They are tearing through them at rapid speed and thankfully I have all three books at the ready. They can't put them down!

Some violence and use of guns for the parents out there. Nothing they haven't seen in a live action Disney film or Star Wars.

On to the next one!

[Zade Tischner/(black)]

so this book is set in the future year 2074 and the get to got to this amazing school the best in the whole world and their grandpa is like the principal but his grandpa has a secret a thing they use for history called the bridge allows you to look through any part of history in the past just like that. but the first was actually a time machine that can go into the past, anyway his old business partner makes one too but does not have all the pieces so he goes and captures Abby and Derick's grandpa and parents and puts the parents on the titanic and lets his grandpa watch them sink into nothing but then the kids some how rescue them and it is all back to goodness

although Abby and Derick are twins. Derick seems to have it going great for him he is got all As invented his on video game and has a perfect life. Abby is probably the exact opposite of that she has like one A, a ,D couple ,Cs and a ,B she almost might get kicked out of the school she also at the front of the year got kicked out by her assigned roomate but then some one took her place and this gal named carol took her in

i like it, i like the mystery and fantasy it has in it, (i actually couldn't do chores cause i did not want to miss any thing)and i think any body reading this should read this to so you can get out of chores!

[American Mensa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Inventor's Secret is a book set in 2074 about two students of high-tech Cragbridge Hall, Abby and Derick Cragbridge, who try to find their parents and grandfather after they are kidnapped. Luckily, their grandfather, who founded Cragbridge Hall, left clues along the way in order to help the twins find out where they all are. This search is not easy because their grandfather has enemies from the past who are trying to find out their grandfather's secrets.

I think other kids would enjoy it because it may help kids get an idea of what the future of education could hold. It was very suspenseful and I wasn't able to put it down until I was finished with it.

My favorite part was when they used a monkey to escape the school and pursue a clue because it was funny and suspenseful and I didn't know if they would end up in trouble or not. This book was special because I found myself learning about some of the different advanced technological views the school had to offer, and imagining what could happen in the future.

I would give this book 5 stars.

Review by Joey M., age 11, Central New Jersey Mensa

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book The Inventor's Secret in the Cragbridge Hall trilogy written by Chad Morris is an exciting, entertaining, and exceptional read for all ages.
7th graders Abby and Derick Cragbridge go to Cragbridge Hall, a school in the year 2074. Their grandfather, Oscar Cragbridge, is a famous inventor who has made many discoveries in technology. Many of his inventions are used for learning and researching about history, animals, and the brain. But when old enemies with a grudge realize Oscar may have a secret, a secret that could change everything, his relatives and friends are in danger.
Read as Abby and Derick follow a trail of clues to discover the importance of history, while learning about many different events, from pirates to the sinking of the Titanic. From the perspective of a book loving 12-year-old girl, I would highly recommend this futuristic fantasy for all ages as it is funny, clean, and exciting. The personality of the main character is relatable and the story teaches good lessons about learning from ours and others' mistakes.
For parents: there is some use of guns and a little bit of violence.

[Brady · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very fun read. It was very compelling and I finished it in 3 days (it only took that long because work, sleep, and being a responsible husband/father kept getting in the way). I think if I had the chance to go to Cragbridge Hall, I would have enjoyed school a whole lot more! This story was very imaginative and entertaining. Chad Morris also did a great job of choosing some of the less popular historical events. Although this book's target audience is Middle Grade children, I even learned quite a bit about history and I'm in my 20s. In fact, this book compelled me to look up some additional information about certain historical events.

This is such a fun book, especially if you can really imagine what it would be like to see history or be a monkey avatar. This book teaches great lessons to kids, and I think anyone at any age will enjoy this book!

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I loved this book because it was a fun fast read, I was pleasantly suprised by the tidbits of history woven throughout the novel. These insights into the past truly captured not only the imagination, but also taught real and lasting lessons. Though I wasn't planning on it, I loved this book enough to stay up late and finish it in 3 days - not something I've had the pleasure to do for a while. Definitely going to make sure my nieces and nephews get this one on their shelf. I can't wait for the next installment. While I wait for it though, I now want to go read more about the historical charaters I was introduced to in the novel. Great book!

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well done Chad Morris! What a joy it was to read a book written by an old college friend. My husband, Jeff, got a hold of the book first and really enjoyed it. I then delved in and it was a definite quick read with fun history facts, clever characters, and an intriguing plot. Now my 9 year old has been toting it to and from school, reading it every chance she gets. It's a great read for kids; I'd say 8 & older.The characters are junior high age, the language is clean, and the climax exciting. There's no violence or gore, just adventure and fun. Comedy is laced throughout the story as well. I have two copies should anyone want to borrow it.

[Robyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This would be a great book to have in a middle reader classroom because there is a lot of historical information. For me the history parts were so obviously planted and dragged out too long.
I can't even figure out how to describe the book. A grandfather invents a time travel machine and a way to experience history without interrupting. He makes millions of dollars and they build a school around the technology. His grand children start attending and then he gets kidnapped along with the children's parents and the children have to save them all.
No language, Some violence, No sex.

[Sam Lantz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best books I ever read! It is one of my favorite adventure books! I recommend this to people who like to go on adventures and read about them. I am currently reading the second one (The Avatar Battle). I am a writer and this series will change how I write.
This futuristic story will probably change other peoples lives. I wish I could rate it beyond 5 stars!

[Karsyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderfully enjoyable middle grade book. Good characters on a great quest. A fun book with clues they followed and a lot of heart. I enjoyed it tons!

[Micah Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the story and how he weaves in historical facts, and emphasizes how important education and wisdom is throughout the book.

[Owen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great for kids who have ideas of there own. This book has a tiny amount of violence, but is great in many ways. And I hope that we see this kind of technology in the future.