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Samantha Sanderson #1
Samantha Sanderson at the Movies
Sam Sanderson is an independent, resourceful, high-tech cheerleader. She dreams of becoming an award-winning journalist like her mother, and so she’s always looking for articles she can publish in her middle-school paper (where she secretly hopes to become editor). And with a police officer for a father, Sam is in no short supply for writing material.
It seemed like the perfect opportunity.
When an explosive device is found in the local theater, Sam gets the lead on this developing and controversial story—controversial because the movie theater has recently come under attack by a renowned, outspoken atheist for allowing a local church to show Christian movies. Sam’s police-officer father happens to be heading the investigation, and Sam can’t resist doing some sleuthing of her own with the help of her best friend Makayla’s techno-genius. But when Sam’s theories end up being printed in the school paper, she lands in big trouble—and danger!
It seemed like the perfect opportunity.
When an explosive device is found in the local theater, Sam gets the lead on this developing and controversial story—controversial because the movie theater has recently come under attack by a renowned, outspoken atheist for allowing a local church to show Christian movies. Sam’s police-officer father happens to be heading the investigation, and Sam can’t resist doing some sleuthing of her own with the help of her best friend Makayla’s techno-genius. But when Sam’s theories end up being printed in the school paper, she lands in big trouble—and danger!
272 pages, Paperback
First published May 6, 2014
About the author
Robin Caroll
60 books456 followers“I love boxing. I love Hallmark movies. I love fishing. I love scrapbooking. Nope, I've never fit into the boxes people have wanted to put me in.” ~Robin Caroll is definitely a contradiction, but one that beckons you to get to know her better.
Robin’s passion has always been to tell stories to entertain others and come alongside them on their faith journey—aspects Robin weaves into each of her published novels.
Best-selling author of more than twenty-seven novels, ROBIN CAROLL writes Southern stories of mystery and suspense, with a hint of romance to entertain readers. Her books have been recognized in several awards, including the Carol Award, HOLT Medallion, Daphne du Maurier, RT Reviewer’s Choice Award, and more.
When she isn’t writing, Robin spends quality time with her husband of twenty-eight-plus years, her three beautiful daughters and two handsome grandsons, and their character-filled pets at home.
Robin serves the writing community as Executive/Conference Director for ACFW.
Robin’s passion has always been to tell stories to entertain others and come alongside them on their faith journey—aspects Robin weaves into each of her published novels.
Best-selling author of more than twenty-seven novels, ROBIN CAROLL writes Southern stories of mystery and suspense, with a hint of romance to entertain readers. Her books have been recognized in several awards, including the Carol Award, HOLT Medallion, Daphne du Maurier, RT Reviewer’s Choice Award, and more.
When she isn’t writing, Robin spends quality time with her husband of twenty-eight-plus years, her three beautiful daughters and two handsome grandsons, and their character-filled pets at home.
Robin serves the writing community as Executive/Conference Director for ACFW.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
February 25, 2018
Mostly, this was a fun whodunit featuring a likable heroine.
(The only thing I didn't like about it was the oft-repeated expression, "Oh, my gummy bears!" That has to be the worst catchphrase I've heard or read in all my years of consuming entertainment!)
(The only thing I didn't like about it was the oft-repeated expression, "Oh, my gummy bears!" That has to be the worst catchphrase I've heard or read in all my years of consuming entertainment!)
Did Not Finish
May 22, 2026I can't rate this, since I only read 60 pages but I was incredibly anoyed by those. The writing was sloppy, often a word or name was repeated 3 times over in so many sentences. But even from the little I read, I was anoyed by the faith content. The atheists were being dumbed down to angry people mad that Christians existed, but I didn't finish the book to figure out if this continued to the end, so maybe that was fleshed out better.
On a fun note, this was the first book I've ever read that had a character with my name.
On a fun note, this was the first book I've ever read that had a character with my name.
February 23, 2016
About this book:
“Sam Sanderson is an independent, resourceful, high-tech cheerleader. She dreams of becoming an award-winning journalist like her mother, and so she s always looking for articles she can publish in her middle-school paper (where she secretly hopes to become editor). And with a police officer for a father, Sam is in no short supply for writing material. It seemed like the perfect opportunity. When an explosive device is found in the local theater, Sam gets the lead on this developing and controversial story---controversial because the movie theater has recently come under attack by a renowned, outspoken atheist for allowing a local church to show Christian movies. Sam s police-officer father happens to be heading the investigation, and Sam can t resist doing some sleuthing of her own with the help of her best friend Makayla s techno-genius. But when Sam s theories end up being printed in the school paper, she lands in big trouble---and danger!”
Series: Book #1 in the “Samantha Sanderson” series, which is part of the “Faithgirlz” line.
Spiritual Content- 1 Timothy 4:12 is written on Sam’s Youth Group’s wall; Proverbs 22:11 and a few other Scriptures are written; Sam learns how to witness to her friend without forcing her Faith on her; Prayers are said and Sam & Makayla tell each other people they need to pray for; Sam & Makayla go to Youth Group.
Negative Content- Minor Cussing including: a ‘sucker’; There are mentions of drugs, divorce, bombing & hitting people, which all play a role in this book but are not-detailed
Sexual Content- N/A
-Samantha “Sam” Sanderson, age 12
P.O.V. of Sam
254 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- Four Stars
New Teens- Five Stars
Early High School Teens- Four Stars
Older High School Teens- Four Stars
My personal Rating- Four Stars
I truly liked this book! When I first saw the cover I wasn’t so sure about it (You’d think I’d learn not to judge a book by it’s cover by now!)…the girls seemed a bit odd on the front cover but when I read the back cover—what the story was about—I thought it might be like “God’s Not Dead” (a fantastic movie, if you haven’t seen it you need to!). While reading it I relized it really isn’t like “God’s Not Dead” but a great storyline regardless. I knew I had hear of the author, Robin Caroll, after looking on my bookshelf that has some of my Pre & Teen books, I found them! The “Rock Harbor Search and Rescue” series written with Colleen Coble. (Book #1’s, “Rock Harbor Search and Rescue”, review here! Book #2’s I have not posted yet but did read.) I can really see the writing similarities between this series and that series, but I liked this Book #1 in this series more than “Rock Harbor Search and Rescue”, which is book #1 in that series.
I really liked “Samantha Sanderson at the Movies” and can’t wait to read book #2, “Samantha Sanderson on the Scene”.
Link to review:
http://booksforchristiangirls.blogspo...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
*I received this book for free from the Publisher (Zonderkidz) for this review.
“Sam Sanderson is an independent, resourceful, high-tech cheerleader. She dreams of becoming an award-winning journalist like her mother, and so she s always looking for articles she can publish in her middle-school paper (where she secretly hopes to become editor). And with a police officer for a father, Sam is in no short supply for writing material. It seemed like the perfect opportunity. When an explosive device is found in the local theater, Sam gets the lead on this developing and controversial story---controversial because the movie theater has recently come under attack by a renowned, outspoken atheist for allowing a local church to show Christian movies. Sam s police-officer father happens to be heading the investigation, and Sam can t resist doing some sleuthing of her own with the help of her best friend Makayla s techno-genius. But when Sam s theories end up being printed in the school paper, she lands in big trouble---and danger!”
Series: Book #1 in the “Samantha Sanderson” series, which is part of the “Faithgirlz” line.
Spiritual Content- 1 Timothy 4:12 is written on Sam’s Youth Group’s wall; Proverbs 22:11 and a few other Scriptures are written; Sam learns how to witness to her friend without forcing her Faith on her; Prayers are said and Sam & Makayla tell each other people they need to pray for; Sam & Makayla go to Youth Group.
Negative Content- Minor Cussing including: a ‘sucker’; There are mentions of drugs, divorce, bombing & hitting people, which all play a role in this book but are not-detailed
Sexual Content- N/A
-Samantha “Sam” Sanderson, age 12
P.O.V. of Sam
254 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- Four Stars
New Teens- Five Stars
Early High School Teens- Four Stars
Older High School Teens- Four Stars
My personal Rating- Four Stars
I truly liked this book! When I first saw the cover I wasn’t so sure about it (You’d think I’d learn not to judge a book by it’s cover by now!)…the girls seemed a bit odd on the front cover but when I read the back cover—what the story was about—I thought it might be like “God’s Not Dead” (a fantastic movie, if you haven’t seen it you need to!). While reading it I relized it really isn’t like “God’s Not Dead” but a great storyline regardless. I knew I had hear of the author, Robin Caroll, after looking on my bookshelf that has some of my Pre & Teen books, I found them! The “Rock Harbor Search and Rescue” series written with Colleen Coble. (Book #1’s, “Rock Harbor Search and Rescue”, review here! Book #2’s I have not posted yet but did read.) I can really see the writing similarities between this series and that series, but I liked this Book #1 in this series more than “Rock Harbor Search and Rescue”, which is book #1 in that series.
I really liked “Samantha Sanderson at the Movies” and can’t wait to read book #2, “Samantha Sanderson on the Scene”.
Link to review:
http://booksforchristiangirls.blogspo...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
*I received this book for free from the Publisher (Zonderkidz) for this review.
August 2, 2023
This is the first book in a fun series about a middle-school investigative reporter. Samantha longs to follow the career path of her journalist mother while also greatly admiring her detective father. When Sam discovers a bomb at the local movie theater, she jumps at the chance to cover the story for her school’s journalism class blog. While Samantha tries to use the skills and techniques that her mom has taught her over the years, she increasingly makes her dad’s job more difficult.
Sam soon discovers that navigating the challenges of middle school, friendships, cute boys, and tensions at home becomes even more difficult when you’re attempting to prove your journalistic skills and solve an important case. But if anyone can do it, Samantha Sanderson can.
I thoroughly enjoyed the story, the underlying messages, and the supporting characters. I especially loved how Samantha’s strong faith kept her grounded and focused on what was important—at least most of the time.
Sam soon discovers that navigating the challenges of middle school, friendships, cute boys, and tensions at home becomes even more difficult when you’re attempting to prove your journalistic skills and solve an important case. But if anyone can do it, Samantha Sanderson can.
I thoroughly enjoyed the story, the underlying messages, and the supporting characters. I especially loved how Samantha’s strong faith kept her grounded and focused on what was important—at least most of the time.
August 7, 2014
Samantha "Sam" Sanderson dreams of becoming a journalist like her mother. When there is a bomb scare at her local movie theater, Sam finally has the lead on a story for her middle-school newspaper, where she hopes to eventually become chief editor. She thinks this is a story that will help get her there. But the theories and suspicions that Sam writes about of who may have placed the bomb make some people angry and may put Sam in danger. Can Sam solve the mystery?
I really liked “Samantha Sanderson at the Movies”, the first book in the Faithgirlz: Samantha Sanderson series. It is a well written mystery book for girls that had me guessing until the end. Sam learns some good lessons the hard way about how to be a good journalist and about not betraying someone’s trust.
Sam is a Christian in the book. She goes to youth group at her church and she prays at different times in the story. She also witnesses to her friend. 1 Timothy 4:12 and Proverbs 22:11 are quoted in the book.
Sam and her friend Makayla do some questionable things in this book, however, that I think parents and adults should be aware of. While at school, Makayla hacks past the school’s firewall in order for the girls to look up something on the internet. Sam also eavesdrops a few times in the story (although it usually started out as an accident) and she doesn’t always do what her dad tells her to do.
Overall, I really enjoyed the first book in the Samantha Sanderson series and I would recommend it, especially for those who like mysteries. I’m now looking forward to reading book #2 in the series, "Samantha Sanderson On the Scene"!
I really liked “Samantha Sanderson at the Movies”, the first book in the Faithgirlz: Samantha Sanderson series. It is a well written mystery book for girls that had me guessing until the end. Sam learns some good lessons the hard way about how to be a good journalist and about not betraying someone’s trust.
Sam is a Christian in the book. She goes to youth group at her church and she prays at different times in the story. She also witnesses to her friend. 1 Timothy 4:12 and Proverbs 22:11 are quoted in the book.
Sam and her friend Makayla do some questionable things in this book, however, that I think parents and adults should be aware of. While at school, Makayla hacks past the school’s firewall in order for the girls to look up something on the internet. Sam also eavesdrops a few times in the story (although it usually started out as an accident) and she doesn’t always do what her dad tells her to do.
Overall, I really enjoyed the first book in the Samantha Sanderson series and I would recommend it, especially for those who like mysteries. I’m now looking forward to reading book #2 in the series, "Samantha Sanderson On the Scene"!
May 26, 2014
Samantha Sanderson At the Movies by Robin Caroll was provided to me through the BookSneeze program and Zonderkidz Publishers in exchange for an honest review. This book is part of the FaiThGirLz! series but still would be enjoyed by middle school boys as well.
Samantha Sanderson, or Sam, wants to be a journalist like her mom. She writes for the school newspaper but the editor, Aubrey, doesn't want her on the paper staff. However, when Sam finds a hidden bomb at the movie theater, she is sure she has a good enough story to show Aubrey she is deserving of a good roll on the newspaper staff.
What will happen now? Was the bomb planted by an atheist because a church was renting out the theater to show a Christian movie? Can Sam balance all of this detective work and newspaper writing with school and cheerleading? And what happens when Sam publishes "ideas" about the bombing instead of facts? Could this affect her roll on the newspaper? Or her dad's job as police detective? Should she listen to her dad and step down from writing about this story? And what about her friend who isn't a Christian? How can she witness to her without forcing Jesus down her throat?
Excellent book aimed at the middle school population - boys or girls.
Samantha Sanderson, or Sam, wants to be a journalist like her mom. She writes for the school newspaper but the editor, Aubrey, doesn't want her on the paper staff. However, when Sam finds a hidden bomb at the movie theater, she is sure she has a good enough story to show Aubrey she is deserving of a good roll on the newspaper staff.
What will happen now? Was the bomb planted by an atheist because a church was renting out the theater to show a Christian movie? Can Sam balance all of this detective work and newspaper writing with school and cheerleading? And what happens when Sam publishes "ideas" about the bombing instead of facts? Could this affect her roll on the newspaper? Or her dad's job as police detective? Should she listen to her dad and step down from writing about this story? And what about her friend who isn't a Christian? How can she witness to her without forcing Jesus down her throat?
Excellent book aimed at the middle school population - boys or girls.
August 11, 2015
I have loved this series! The books in this series, so far three, are great for Christian girls.
See full review here: http://kaylasnotebook.blogspot.com/20...
See full review here: http://kaylasnotebook.blogspot.com/20...
September 5, 2022
Samantha Sanderson At the Movies by Robin Caroll was provided to me through the BookSneeze program and Zonderkidz Publishers in exchange for an honest review. This book is part of the FaiThGirLz! series but still would be enjoyed by middle school boys as well.
Samantha Sanderson, or Sam, wants to be a journalist like her mom. She writes for the school newspaper but the editor, Aubrey, doesn't want her on the paper staff. However, when Sam finds a hidden bomb at the movie theater, she is sure she has a good enough story to show Aubrey she is deserving of a good roll on the newspaper staff.
What will happen now? Was the bomb planted by an atheist because a church was renting out the theater to show a Christian movie? Can Sam balance all of this detective work and newspaper writing with school and cheerleading? And what happens when Sam publishes "ideas" about the bombing instead of facts? Could this affect her roll on the newspaper? Or her dad's job as police detective? Should she listen to her dad and step down from writing about this story?
And what about her friend who isn't a Christian? How can she witness to her without forcing Jesus down her throat?
Excellent book aimed at the middle school population - boys or girls.
Samantha Sanderson, or Sam, wants to be a journalist like her mom. She writes for the school newspaper but the editor, Aubrey, doesn't want her on the paper staff. However, when Sam finds a hidden bomb at the movie theater, she is sure she has a good enough story to show Aubrey she is deserving of a good roll on the newspaper staff.
What will happen now? Was the bomb planted by an atheist because a church was renting out the theater to show a Christian movie? Can Sam balance all of this detective work and newspaper writing with school and cheerleading? And what happens when Sam publishes "ideas" about the bombing instead of facts? Could this affect her roll on the newspaper? Or her dad's job as police detective? Should she listen to her dad and step down from writing about this story?
And what about her friend who isn't a Christian? How can she witness to her without forcing Jesus down her throat?
Excellent book aimed at the middle school population - boys or girls.
February 19, 2021
This is a great book for middle school girls. The main character, Sam, is trying to become a great journalist, but in her zeal, she offends and hurts people. There is a mystery in the book, and Sam figures it out, though her father, who is the detective on the case, figured it out first.
Besides the mystery and Sam's desire to be a well-respected journalist, there are some great lessons to be learned as various characters in the book have problems and needs that Sam can either hinder or help through Godly wisdom and character. There is very little romance, and what there is happens to be very appropriate for a 7tth grade girl.
Besides the mystery and Sam's desire to be a well-respected journalist, there are some great lessons to be learned as various characters in the book have problems and needs that Sam can either hinder or help through Godly wisdom and character. There is very little romance, and what there is happens to be very appropriate for a 7tth grade girl.
May 24, 2025
Samantha Sanderson is a mystery packed book by Robin Caroll.
Samantha "Sam" Sanderson just finished watching her movie at the theater and found a bomb in the cleaning supply room. Sam alerted her father, who just happens to be a Police Officer, and he called a bomb defusing team. The next day she went to school and, in her journalism club, was given the assignment of writing about the bomb attack. She must find out who planted the bomb there and includes many suspects in her paper.
Samantha "Sam" Sanderson just finished watching her movie at the theater and found a bomb in the cleaning supply room. Sam alerted her father, who just happens to be a Police Officer, and he called a bomb defusing team. The next day she went to school and, in her journalism club, was given the assignment of writing about the bomb attack. She must find out who planted the bomb there and includes many suspects in her paper.
July 30, 2017
A little different than I thought it would be, but very good and intriguing. It made me want to keep reading.
December 3, 2017
I LOVED IT so much fun to read
June 11, 2021
starts off good but is kind of slow in my opinion. I also read this in middle school so I'm not sure I have a great opinion about it to be honest.
July 2, 2014
I’m going to admit it’s hard for me to read and write a review on a book that is geared toward the pre-teen age however I requested this book as I knew my daughters would probably like it and since it’s hard to find Christian fiction books at the libraries we frequent I thought it would be good to request this one. I really thought Sam was a bit annoying (even my 12 year old thought the same thing) constantly eavesdropping in the name of ‘good reporting’ and not respecting other peoples privacy and then when she’d get called on it try to excuse her behavior. I kept waiting for her teacher, her dad and even the Principal to give her some consequence besides removing her article from the school’s newspaper blog – but ultimately it seemed most of the adults looked the other way – and mom is a journalist who seems to be traveling more than being a mom. So that said, the pace of the book was great and the suspense in trying to find who planted the explosive device and why was a great plot line and one that even this adult enjoyed.
The book is typical of what middle school is like in a regular school with talks of crushes and who is cute as well as the constant “she doesn’t like me” and “she doesn’t like her” laments – I get it, I remember my high school and middle school days but it did grow sort of old. There is one mention of homeschooling and how it turns Makayla’s mom into some sort of homework police because a mom who homeschools and has a child in Makayla’s martial arts class made a comment about how public school students score lower on tests. Really? It didn’t add anything to the book and it almost seemed like a dig at homeschoolers – maybe the mom could have been concerned about homework because she wanted her daughter to end middle school on a good note – why blame a homeschool mom?
Even with my two concerns about the book, I didn’t have a problem letting my 12 year old read as well, she is well grounded in what we do and don’t allow and is also secure in the fact she is homeschooled so that being said we both are or did enjoy the book. The plot was great and kept the book going and towards the end I was cheering for Sam’s dad who did tell the Principal that Sam needed removed from the story and the reporting of it, although fellow students lauded her on the blog after the case was solved, here is hoping that Sam learns her lesson about what is ‘good reporting’ and eavesdropping isn’t the way to get a good story in the next book in the series. One really positive thing though is that Sam makes no apologies about her love of Jesus and going to church and she longs to share Him with her classmate who tells her that she isn’t a Christian, so I really appreciated that aspect of the book – the faith theme runs through out the entire book – which is what made it most enjoyable for me.
**I was given an e-copy of this book from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest opinion, no other compensation was given.
The book is typical of what middle school is like in a regular school with talks of crushes and who is cute as well as the constant “she doesn’t like me” and “she doesn’t like her” laments – I get it, I remember my high school and middle school days but it did grow sort of old. There is one mention of homeschooling and how it turns Makayla’s mom into some sort of homework police because a mom who homeschools and has a child in Makayla’s martial arts class made a comment about how public school students score lower on tests. Really? It didn’t add anything to the book and it almost seemed like a dig at homeschoolers – maybe the mom could have been concerned about homework because she wanted her daughter to end middle school on a good note – why blame a homeschool mom?
Even with my two concerns about the book, I didn’t have a problem letting my 12 year old read as well, she is well grounded in what we do and don’t allow and is also secure in the fact she is homeschooled so that being said we both are or did enjoy the book. The plot was great and kept the book going and towards the end I was cheering for Sam’s dad who did tell the Principal that Sam needed removed from the story and the reporting of it, although fellow students lauded her on the blog after the case was solved, here is hoping that Sam learns her lesson about what is ‘good reporting’ and eavesdropping isn’t the way to get a good story in the next book in the series. One really positive thing though is that Sam makes no apologies about her love of Jesus and going to church and she longs to share Him with her classmate who tells her that she isn’t a Christian, so I really appreciated that aspect of the book – the faith theme runs through out the entire book – which is what made it most enjoyable for me.
**I was given an e-copy of this book from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest opinion, no other compensation was given.
May 6, 2014
About the Book:
Sam Sanderson is an independent, resourceful, high-tech cheerleader. She dreams of becoming an award-winning journalist like her mother, and so she s always looking for articles she can publish in her middle-school paper (where she secretly hopes to become editor). And with a police officer for a father, Sam is in no short supply for writing material. It seemed like the perfect opportunity.
When an explosive device is found in the local theater, Sam gets the lead on this developing and controversial story---controversial because the movie theater has recently come under attack by a renowned, outspoken atheist for allowing a local church to show Christian movies. Sam s police-officer father happens to be heading the investigation, and Sam can t resist doing some sleuthing of her own with the help of her best friend Makayla s techno-genius. But when Sam s theories end up being printed in the school paper, she lands in big trouble---and danger!"
About the Author:
Born and raised in Louisiana, Robin is a southerner through and through. Her passion has always been to tell stories to entertain others. Robin's mother, bless her heart, is a genealogist who instilled in Robin the deep love of family and pride of heritage--two aspects Robin weaves into each of her 14 published novels. When she isn't writing, Robin spends time with her husband of twenty years, her three beautiful daughters and two handsome grandsons, and their character-filled pets at home--in the South, where else? She gives back to the writing community by serving as Conference Director for ACFW. Her books have finaled/placed in such contests as the Carol Award, Holt Medallion, RT Reviewer's Choice Award, Bookseller's Best, and Book of the Year.
My Review:
Sam was just watching a new children's based movie and now there is word of a an active bomb in the theater she is attending. The whole time all she can think about is, who would do this? When a rumor surfaces, she must find the truth---she has to because she is reporting the story for the school newspaper.
If this isn't enough, she finds out that her father is sent in to help the bomb unit, to disengage the bomb. She is so afraid for her father but at the same time she must get to the bottom of this whole fiasco. But is this something that can be achieved without Sam getting into hurt or at the very least into trouble by snooping. But soon someone reports her findings to the school paper.
This is the first book in a teen series by Robin Caroll that seems to fit the bill! My daughter loves it and plans to read the next book in the series.
**Disclosure**This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from Book Look.
Sam Sanderson is an independent, resourceful, high-tech cheerleader. She dreams of becoming an award-winning journalist like her mother, and so she s always looking for articles she can publish in her middle-school paper (where she secretly hopes to become editor). And with a police officer for a father, Sam is in no short supply for writing material. It seemed like the perfect opportunity.
When an explosive device is found in the local theater, Sam gets the lead on this developing and controversial story---controversial because the movie theater has recently come under attack by a renowned, outspoken atheist for allowing a local church to show Christian movies. Sam s police-officer father happens to be heading the investigation, and Sam can t resist doing some sleuthing of her own with the help of her best friend Makayla s techno-genius. But when Sam s theories end up being printed in the school paper, she lands in big trouble---and danger!"
About the Author:
Born and raised in Louisiana, Robin is a southerner through and through. Her passion has always been to tell stories to entertain others. Robin's mother, bless her heart, is a genealogist who instilled in Robin the deep love of family and pride of heritage--two aspects Robin weaves into each of her 14 published novels. When she isn't writing, Robin spends time with her husband of twenty years, her three beautiful daughters and two handsome grandsons, and their character-filled pets at home--in the South, where else? She gives back to the writing community by serving as Conference Director for ACFW. Her books have finaled/placed in such contests as the Carol Award, Holt Medallion, RT Reviewer's Choice Award, Bookseller's Best, and Book of the Year.
My Review:
Sam was just watching a new children's based movie and now there is word of a an active bomb in the theater she is attending. The whole time all she can think about is, who would do this? When a rumor surfaces, she must find the truth---she has to because she is reporting the story for the school newspaper.
If this isn't enough, she finds out that her father is sent in to help the bomb unit, to disengage the bomb. She is so afraid for her father but at the same time she must get to the bottom of this whole fiasco. But is this something that can be achieved without Sam getting into hurt or at the very least into trouble by snooping. But soon someone reports her findings to the school paper.
This is the first book in a teen series by Robin Caroll that seems to fit the bill! My daughter loves it and plans to read the next book in the series.
**Disclosure**This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from Book Look.
June 10, 2014
Samantha Sanderson knows that there is only ONE way she can become editor of her school's newspaper and eventually become an international reporting superstar -- just like her mother.
Samantha Sanderson knows that there is only ONE story just juicy enough to capture her young readers, while giving herself adequate practice at the hardcore undercover stuff that will come in handy later....
Someone has left a BOMB at the local movie theatre --- and Samantha is finding clues and suspects everywhere she goes. But while Samantha works hard to carefully word her stories without placing actual blame on any one individual, her father begs Samantha to drop the story -- primarily because *he* is the one who is really in charge of the investigation, and he can't have his daughter getting too close to danger (or jeopardizing his job).
Can Samantha find her big break and deliver a winning news story without losing her father's trust and respect in the process?
SAMANTHA SANDERSON AT THE MOVIES is an adorably cute and fun middle grade novel, geared primarily towards middle school girls who adopt the Christian faith. Samantha learns some wholesome lessons along the way -- like respecting her parents, sharing the message of her faith, and abstaining from harmful gossip, to name a few.
But, beyond the good moral lessons, I think this novel provided a very entertaining plot line that young readers will likely find both entertaining and empowering. Samantha is an awesome role model for young girls, as she demonstrates self-confidence and persistence while working towards her goals, something that parents should appreciate.
I am glad to have received a review copy of SAMANTHA SANDERSON AT THE MOVIES, and I actually do plan on reading the next one in the series next -- so, look for that review, coming soon!
Samantha Sanderson knows that there is only ONE story just juicy enough to capture her young readers, while giving herself adequate practice at the hardcore undercover stuff that will come in handy later....
Someone has left a BOMB at the local movie theatre --- and Samantha is finding clues and suspects everywhere she goes. But while Samantha works hard to carefully word her stories without placing actual blame on any one individual, her father begs Samantha to drop the story -- primarily because *he* is the one who is really in charge of the investigation, and he can't have his daughter getting too close to danger (or jeopardizing his job).
Can Samantha find her big break and deliver a winning news story without losing her father's trust and respect in the process?
SAMANTHA SANDERSON AT THE MOVIES is an adorably cute and fun middle grade novel, geared primarily towards middle school girls who adopt the Christian faith. Samantha learns some wholesome lessons along the way -- like respecting her parents, sharing the message of her faith, and abstaining from harmful gossip, to name a few.
But, beyond the good moral lessons, I think this novel provided a very entertaining plot line that young readers will likely find both entertaining and empowering. Samantha is an awesome role model for young girls, as she demonstrates self-confidence and persistence while working towards her goals, something that parents should appreciate.
I am glad to have received a review copy of SAMANTHA SANDERSON AT THE MOVIES, and I actually do plan on reading the next one in the series next -- so, look for that review, coming soon!
June 9, 2014
This is book aimed at younger readers, I'd say middle school age (the main character is in 7th grade). I think it's a great new series for girls to read about a strong, smart girl who loves God and has good goals for her future. "Sam" wants to be a reporter like her mom when she is older; For now, she writes for the middle school paper and when she and her best friend are at the movies and help discover a bomb, she gets herself assigned to the story. She investigates on her own, writes her conclusions and has to deal with the consequences of her stories, both good and bad. Her dad is the detective in charge of the case, and the story tells of the dynamics between them as well, as she tries to get the scoop for the paper. I love how the mystery is interesting and engaging but there are also other great side stories as well. When one of Sam's friends reveals that she knows about God but doesn't believe in Him, Sam is confused and goes to her sunday school teacher for help on how to reach her friend. Through the story, the readers get great advice on planting seeds and being patient. Sam also has to figure out how to fix her relationship with her dad when he feels she has betrayed his trust by pursuing a story he told her in confidence. I'd wholeheartedly recommend this book for young girls and will definitely be saving this one for my daughter when she's a little older! It was definitely a great well-written book with great teaching about faith.
I recieved a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
I recieved a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
February 27, 2016
Sam is a "scoop" artist. With a father as an investigative detective and the added opportunity for Sam to be the lead "reporter" for the school's blog... well you know that Sam will get herself in and out of some "murderous" situations. Many of which is putting pressure on her father and unnerving some students who would like to see her blog "crash and burn." Sam knows that this blog could get her into the running for being the editor next year, so she convinces her father to let her blog the facts. The challenge for Sam will be stating the truth and not prejudging what she perceives as the truth.
As Sam uncovers the truth, she is faced with an inner truth:
"...that the fear of the Lord that's talked about in Scripture is a reverent fear and awe, not a scared-of-the-boogeyman type of fear."
"Reporter's shouldn't editorialize or sensationalize... just report the facts." Can Sam report just the facts and leave out the investigative truths that are coming together like pieces in a puzzle? As a field reporter, her mother warns her to be very careful "...Even most journalists don't truly have a grasp on freedom of speech."
Sam's reporting steps on toes, creates many headaches for the school's principal, causes her father to make some decisions that he doesn't want to make... and in the end, helps Sam to weigh "how" to report without hurting those she is talking about.
Enjoy, MrsK http://mrskbookstogo.blogspot.com/
As Sam uncovers the truth, she is faced with an inner truth:
"...that the fear of the Lord that's talked about in Scripture is a reverent fear and awe, not a scared-of-the-boogeyman type of fear."
"Reporter's shouldn't editorialize or sensationalize... just report the facts." Can Sam report just the facts and leave out the investigative truths that are coming together like pieces in a puzzle? As a field reporter, her mother warns her to be very careful "...Even most journalists don't truly have a grasp on freedom of speech."
Sam's reporting steps on toes, creates many headaches for the school's principal, causes her father to make some decisions that he doesn't want to make... and in the end, helps Sam to weigh "how" to report without hurting those she is talking about.
Enjoy, MrsK http://mrskbookstogo.blogspot.com/
July 22, 2014
OK so this book I actually got because I thought it would be really neat, seeing as I teach middle school, to have one of my middle school girls read it to see what their thoughts were. So I did. She said that she liked the book but not necessarily for girls her age. She thought that is was written in a way that would probably be more appealing to younger audiences. She thought that maybe a 5th or 6th grader might like it more.
After reading it myself I completely agree with her. I thought because Sam herself is in middle school that it would be geared more for my girls ages (7th or 8th) but it is definitely more suited for 5th or 6th. Only because the way she writes and the words she uses are just on the younger side. So if you have a tween I think this is more up their alley. Now not all tweens and teens are the same so you can make a judgment call on this one based on what your child likes to read and his or her reading level.
I honestly thought it was a really cute and fun book. One of the great aspects of this book is that Sam has no qualms with sharing her faith and I think that it shows girls that they should be sharing Jesus with their friends. That was probably my favorite part. Overall very fun read.
After reading it myself I completely agree with her. I thought because Sam herself is in middle school that it would be geared more for my girls ages (7th or 8th) but it is definitely more suited for 5th or 6th. Only because the way she writes and the words she uses are just on the younger side. So if you have a tween I think this is more up their alley. Now not all tweens and teens are the same so you can make a judgment call on this one based on what your child likes to read and his or her reading level.
I honestly thought it was a really cute and fun book. One of the great aspects of this book is that Sam has no qualms with sharing her faith and I think that it shows girls that they should be sharing Jesus with their friends. That was probably my favorite part. Overall very fun read.
June 10, 2014
It is so rare to find good inspirational fiction for pre-teen girls; thankfully Robin Carroll has started to close the gap with her recently released Samantha Sanderson series. "At the Movies" was filled with light suspense and realistic middle school conversations and scenarios that are sure to attract the young adult audience.
When a local theater is threatened with a bomb, Samantha Sanderson uses her school paper and her local connections to scoop out the case. It doesn't hurt that her mother is a renowned journalist and her father is a local law enforcement officer. But will Samantha's exaggerated curiosity burn too many bridges between her family and friends? Fortunately, this case gets solved through a chance observation and a quick photo on a phone.
It will be fun to see what other adventures await Samantha and her best friends in "On The Scene"!
Thank you to Zonderkidz for a complimentary copy of this book and the chance to let others know about this emerging young adult series.
When a local theater is threatened with a bomb, Samantha Sanderson uses her school paper and her local connections to scoop out the case. It doesn't hurt that her mother is a renowned journalist and her father is a local law enforcement officer. But will Samantha's exaggerated curiosity burn too many bridges between her family and friends? Fortunately, this case gets solved through a chance observation and a quick photo on a phone.
It will be fun to see what other adventures await Samantha and her best friends in "On The Scene"!
Thank you to Zonderkidz for a complimentary copy of this book and the chance to let others know about this emerging young adult series.
August 11, 2016
I absolutely love this book. It’s perfect for tweens and young adults alike. I planned on reading this with my cousin and we’d do a review together, but she had other pressing matters. I got dumped for choir practice and Bible study and I am not mad. However, I did pass the book along to her to read. I just know that she will love it!
Samantha is one cool girl. She wants to be a journalist and what better way to start off than the school paper. She finds a hidden bomb at the movie theater and suddenly she becomes a detective, out to find out who planted the bomb and why. She also plans to show Aubrey, the paper’s editor, that she has what it takes to be on the paper. Can she balance all that she has to do and get the job done?
Aside from tween girls loving this, I think that if you love to read, this book will be enjoyable as well. It never bored me, and I couldn’t put it down until the end. This is part of the FaithGirlz Series and I intend to read the next one soon. A very good book and I’d recommend it to not just young readers, but bookworms all the same.
Samantha is one cool girl. She wants to be a journalist and what better way to start off than the school paper. She finds a hidden bomb at the movie theater and suddenly she becomes a detective, out to find out who planted the bomb and why. She also plans to show Aubrey, the paper’s editor, that she has what it takes to be on the paper. Can she balance all that she has to do and get the job done?
Aside from tween girls loving this, I think that if you love to read, this book will be enjoyable as well. It never bored me, and I couldn’t put it down until the end. This is part of the FaithGirlz Series and I intend to read the next one soon. A very good book and I’d recommend it to not just young readers, but bookworms all the same.
June 21, 2015
This is a great book for young people. I have a home preschool and at nap time I read a chapter from a chapter book each day. We read through At The Movies at the end of the school year. I had several children graduating, five going to kindergarten and one going to first grade. They enjoyed me reading it, but part of it were a bit over their heads. I recommend a little older. My 13 year old was also in the room while we read and she enjoyed the story.
It was very well done. It kept you thinking about different possibilities for who did it. It also went into some basic faith questions that children and preteens might ask themselves and their friends. This book had great answers. I believe it guided the reader to think deeper into what they believe and why.
I loved the relationship between her and her parents. It was one of honestly and respect. They had arguments and didn't agree on everything but they listened to each other and worked it out. I recommend this series to preteen and young teens. Great reading.
It was very well done. It kept you thinking about different possibilities for who did it. It also went into some basic faith questions that children and preteens might ask themselves and their friends. This book had great answers. I believe it guided the reader to think deeper into what they believe and why.
I loved the relationship between her and her parents. It was one of honestly and respect. They had arguments and didn't agree on everything but they listened to each other and worked it out. I recommend this series to preteen and young teens. Great reading.
July 6, 2014
3.5 Stars
I read book 2 first and REALLY enjoyed it much to my surprise, so of course I had to get book 1. This is a middle grade series, but I really enjoy it where usually I don't give middle grade books a chance.
Samantha Sanderson is a 7th grader who is a cheerleader and on the school newspaper (She is an aspiring journalist just like her mom). when she catches whim of a bomb at the local movie theater she knows she has to have this story.
A big reason I enjoy these books is because each one has a moral or lesson that is important for the younger kids and a big plus is that they are christian novels which can be a little bit harder to find for tweens.
**I was given a copy of this book from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest opinion, no other compensation was given.***
I read book 2 first and REALLY enjoyed it much to my surprise, so of course I had to get book 1. This is a middle grade series, but I really enjoy it where usually I don't give middle grade books a chance.
Samantha Sanderson is a 7th grader who is a cheerleader and on the school newspaper (She is an aspiring journalist just like her mom). when she catches whim of a bomb at the local movie theater she knows she has to have this story.
A big reason I enjoy these books is because each one has a moral or lesson that is important for the younger kids and a big plus is that they are christian novels which can be a little bit harder to find for tweens.
**I was given a copy of this book from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest opinion, no other compensation was given.***
March 1, 2015
Robin Caroll may be most well-known by fans of Christian fiction for her books that are tense, fast-paced, and full of mystery. This is a much-toned down version of those novels written for tween girls as part of the FaithGirlz series of books published by Zonderkidz.
Sam Sanderson wants to be an investigative journalist more than anything and she sees the opportunity to make her name a household one when she gets the chance to write a series of articles for her school newspaper. When a bomb is found at the local movie theater while Sam is their with her dad and best friend, she knows immediately she will fight to be the lead reporter on this story.
Read more of my review at:
http://www.examiner.com/review/at-the...
Sam Sanderson wants to be an investigative journalist more than anything and she sees the opportunity to make her name a household one when she gets the chance to write a series of articles for her school newspaper. When a bomb is found at the local movie theater while Sam is their with her dad and best friend, she knows immediately she will fight to be the lead reporter on this story.
Read more of my review at:
http://www.examiner.com/review/at-the...
June 1, 2014
This is a fun, fast read, about a high tech cheerleader and her best friend Makayla, as they solve mysteries and report in the school paper. Sam wants to be an international news reporter like her mother, and with a police officer for a father, Sam's in no short supply of writing material. But when Sam shares her theories on the crime in her school paper, her life is in danger too! Don't miss this excellent series for girls ages 9-12.
April 24, 2014
SAMANTHA SANDERSON AT THE MOVIES is for tweeners so my tween daughter reviewed it. It started slow, but it did get better at the end. Most of the story was about a bomb, and trying to find a suspect. This one guy in the story was getting threats. This was a mystery/suspense for young adult readers and if you like that genre you might like this book.
August 14, 2016
The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book or advanced reading copy through Book Look Bloggers.
As this is the first book in a series I think it is a wonderful start. My children and I enjoyed it immensely. The story is great from start to finish and this author does a wonderful job of expression and presentation.
As this is the first book in a series I think it is a wonderful start. My children and I enjoyed it immensely. The story is great from start to finish and this author does a wonderful job of expression and presentation.
July 12, 2014
I wasn't too pleased with the attitude of the main character. For a book that's for Christian girls, there are some pretty questionable actions including computer hacking. For full review, see here. http://eagleswingsbooks.blogspot.com/...
June 12, 2015
Christian middle school girl who wants to become a reporter like her mom. Samantha is working to uncover the mystery of who placed the bomb at the movie theater. As the town detective, her dad is also working to solve that mystery.
March 22, 2014
Borrowed from NetGalley for an honest review.
This was better than I had expected especially for a middle grade book. However, there were times when it was a bit preachy.
This was better than I had expected especially for a middle grade book. However, there were times when it was a bit preachy.
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