Code 7: Cracking the Code for an Epic Life

by Bryan R. Johnson, Cynthea Liu (Editor)

Age Level: 6 and up | Grade Level: 1 and up

Guided Reading Level: H-M | Lexile® Measure: 500L - 600L

Kid-Tested, Parent and Teacher Approved.

2018 Mom's Choice Award Gold Recipient - Children's Anthologies

2018 Royal Dragonfly Award Winner - Children's Chapter Book

2018 Wishing Shelf Award Winner - Children's Chapter Book

"Code 7 engages kids through entertaining stories that reveal important insights about character, integrity, and social responsibility. This book is an inspiration to children who wish to pursue their passions and bring original ideas into the world." - Adam Grant, NYTBS New York Times bestselling author

 

Life at Flint Hill Elementary School may seem normal, but seven friends find themselves on a path to crack the code for an epic life. Whether they're chasing their dreams on stage, searching for an elusive monster fish, or running a makeshift business out of a tree house, can these heroes find a way to work together to change their community?

Features diverse girl and boy characters with seven short stories that culminate in a clever twist Designed to be read independently for kids age 8-10 (3rd, 4th and 5th grade) Great as a bedtime read-together for kids age 6-8 who are ready to tackle chapter books (1st, 2nd and 3rd grade)  Great for children who are are growing out of picture books and enjoy series books and chapter books with occasional illustrations  Makes a wonderful casual gift or birthday gift for anyone looking for meaningful reading that is not related to video games, TV shows, or movies

Best for kids who ...

adore realistic fiction books told with humor and tall-tale flair enjoy stories about friendship, family, and school life  can identify with characters who love animals like dogs, cats, and cute baby chicks; enjoy singing, drawing, acting, playing sports, the great outdoors, and even running makeshift businesses on the side! can relate to situations like wanting something really badly, but not being able to get it; feeling overshadowed or bullied by other kids at school; struggling with household responsibilities like cleaning one's room; and longing to pursue one's dreams and passions

School Library Journal says ... 

"Readers will enjoy these stories involving a diverse group of likable children who find themselves in funny (and most likely, familiar) situations. Educators and parents will appreciate the life lessons of caring, having a strong work ethic, and embracing teamwork that are so important during a child's formative years."

Genres: Childrens, Middle Grade, Fiction, Spanish Literature, Chapter Books, Kids

130 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 21, 2017

Reviews

[Jenhfor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Code 7 is seven short stories in one, with the final chapter connecting all seven characters. Each chapter features one fifth grade student from Flint Hill Elementary School; Jefferson, Sebastian, Genevieve, Talmage, Samantha, Alec and Kaitlyn. Through each humorous story the reader discovers a new message or lesson that will help them “crack the code for an epic life.” When Jefferson is selected to paint a school mural, the reader learns that while it is important to listen to others, sometimes you need to listen to yourself. Sebastian’s story about running a taffy making business out of his treehouse, imparts the lessons of honesty and work ethic. When Genevieve’s class is tasked with babysitting eggs, she learns about hard work and responsibility. When Talmage goes fishing for a monster a lesson on determination and perseverance unfolds. More lessons are learned when Samantha tries out for a musical and is forced to “get back on the horse,” and when Alec learns the consequences of keeping a dirty room. All the lessons learned come nicely together in the final chapter during “Imagination Week” when students are asked to do a group project about imaging the world as a better place and then making it happen. Each story is fast paced, funny and able to impart a message without preaching or sounding contrite. Readers will be entertained as they read about each character. There are even a handful of fun illustrations, one or two in each chapter, that add nicely to the story.

Code 7 reinforces positive social behaviors and would be a good addition to any library. There is a downloadable discussion guide and activities that parents, educators or librarians could use to promote character building. Found at: https://code7book.com/

Ages 8-12
Awards:
Mom’s Choice Awards – Gold Medal
Independent Author Network Book of the Year Award Finalist

[Charles Chandler · Rating 5 out of 5]

For this book it would be teamwork because they all ,had to work together to accomplish their goal.

[Mehsi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.

So I was a bit surprised when I started this book, I was under the impression that it would be one book about 7 characters, but instead it is a book with 7 characters and their stories. Each story (but the last one, as that one connects everything (including the title)) can be read separately, you don’t need to read them in order. Each story brings a new character, a new message.

I have written a small review for each story. In the end I will post an average rating for the total book.

Story 1: Jefferson: 4 stars. This was a really fun first story. The school is celebrating its anniversary and they need something awesome. I loved the idea of a mural and I also loved that people were so supportive of Jefferson doing it (plus it was cute that he didn’t have a big ego, like so many others like him would have). I loved how he listened to everyone’s ideas, students and teachers, but that, finally, he listened to himself. It was a good message. Yes, you can please everyone, but does that make YOU happy? And is that what YOU want to see for many years to come? The mural, well I was a bit disappointed, but it was a fun idea, and I can see why he picked it.

Story 2: Sebastian: 3.5 stars. Mm, on the one hand I wasn’t happy with Sebastian, on the other hand I applauded his creativity. Plus it wasn’t technically his fault that people got sick/broke out in hives…. it was his brother’s. So I was a bit angry that Sebastian got the brunt of the anger. Of course I was agreeing with his parents: stealing is bad.
But I do sympathise with the kid, I know the feeling of wanting something that everyone else has. Back when I was a kid there were some new things that I couldn’t afford, but almost everyone had. Sadly, even with chores I wouldn’t have been able to buy those things.

Just like Jefferson’s story, this one also has a message. Though I found it a bit too forced and also slightly awkward..

Story 3: Genevieve: 4 stars. Awww, this was just totally adorable! I had a feeling it would be that given the hints at the beginning, and how obsessed Theo was. I wouldn’t have minded seeing her tell the teacher about this though, I wonder what grade she would get considering what happened.

I am also still amazed that this egg thing pops up in so many books, is this really a thing American kids have to do in school? Care for an egg? Get a grade for that? It seems kind of silly, but also quite fun. Though as you can see, most didn’t take it seriously at all.

Still I enjoyed this story, Genevieve was a sweet and kind girl.

Story 4: Talmage: 3 stars. A bit boring (fish, fish, and oh yeah, more fish), plus I didn’t quite like how it ended. Yay, another message, I would rather have seen some action and excitement. But instead it just ended like that. Like all their effort was for naught.

Plus I had hoped for the dad to be a bit more gung-ho about the fish. Now it seemed….

I did like Talmage’s name, I never heard that one before.

Story 5: Samantha: 4 stars. Would have been higher rated, but I really didn’t like Trista, she was just such a dramaqueen and so mean as well. Bleh. I don’t like those type of characters, lording over everyone else, making sure they know they are lesser than them, and of course all the drama. 😐

The musical did seem fun, and I do know I was cheering for Samantha to go out there and sing!

Story 6: Alec: 1 star…. what the hell did I just read for terribleness. This was just horrible. At first I quite liked the idea (go parents), but then it just got too weird (really, the place is a health hazard, rats are coming in and out, yet the parents don’t do anything?). All the other stories were just down to earth, but this one just went into the magical realm, and I feel that it just doesn’t fit this book. It is such a shame, it had potential to be a good story. But Alec is just disgusting, and I think he will never learn.

Story 7: Kaitlyn: 3.5 stars. And so everything comes together. We see all the characters from the previous stories (+often what they learned in their story) + a new girl. This time they have to make a project (which will earn them a pizza party, yum!) and we see how Kaitlyn is struggling with thinking of something, while all along she had something she was good in! I am happy with the ending. Plus the title is now also explained!

The book also has illustrations. They were quite fun, though I wish there were more of them.

All in all, a pretty good book, and I would recommend it!

Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/

[Billy Buttons · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: Code 7: Cracking the Code for an Epic Life
Author: Bryan R. Johnson
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 19
Stats
Editing: 10/10
Writing Style: 10/10
Content: 10/10
Cover: 10/10
Of the 19 readers:
19 would read another book by this author.
19 thought the cover was good or excellent.
19 felt it was easy to follow.
19 would recommend this story to another reader to try.
9 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
10 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the plot’.
19 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
19 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.

Readers’ Comments
‘Such an inspirational book. Tons and tons of pace; kids will love this.’ Primary teacher, aged 43
‘The children in my class enjoyed all seven which was amazing. The characters jump off the page, and the children find them very easy to relate to. The underlying humour also helps to keep the children gripped.’ Primary teacher, aged 65
‘I liked the teamwork that helped the characters to get what they wanted. That was clever.’ Parent of Girl, aged 9
‘The characters possess so many element that we want our children to have including integrity and showing kindness to others. This would be great in any school library and any young child’s bookshelf.’ Parent of boy, aged 7
‘I liked the story about the boy who didn’t want to tidy up his room. Sounds like me. But he did it in the end. I also liked the code you had to crack. That was clever.’ Boy, aged 9

To Sum It Up:
‘A wonderfully written, short chapter book packed full of memorable characters, all of them with a tale to tell. A GOLD MEDAL WINNER and highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

First foray into a short story anthology with my son, Code 7 was a cute, but a little too young-seeming compared to the books we usually read together. Each chapter is about a different student and the stories are all about different values. At times, the book felt a little preachy, and it isn't subtle preachy if my often socially-oblivious newly-11 year old can not only see it, but roll his eyes at it (the chapter about the kid cleaning his room was, in his words, "ridiculous- this is just stupid", but we did like the first story and the story about the Monster fish. 3 stars, as I think the writing was decent, and we were just a bit too old for this one-- Would recommend it for a classroom or parent-child read for kids in grades 3-5.

[Anoushka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Code 7 brings 7 kids from their parties with their own stories and dis advantages to worry about. Each kid has his or her fear or problem that brings them to a state of a very important lesson. Finally, when the 7th kid, a new, smart photography lover takes advantage of her time, she realizes the dream team he has been waiting for is right in front of her. Each picture she takes brings her back to the times her mother told her"Team work is another key to freedom and success"she feels the team spirit in he that drives her to an open door: An epic life. When a project is due, she talks with confidence, and justice. She opens her free wing to her friends and help them find their own ways. They call each other: code 7.

[Sindy Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, I loved this book! The writing was amazing and fast paste. I thought the stories were going to be a bit long, but they weren't and that was perfect. The story that grabbed my attention the most was The Monster. It was sweet and beautiful. All these stories reminded me of my past when I was younger. But what I loved the most was the last story and how well they all tied up together in the end. I read this book so I can buy a set for my elementary classroom for everyone to read together as a group. It is great for Dual language learners. Thank you NetGalley.
Me encanto este libro! Muchas gracias.

[Carmen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read for me and my third grade class during this quarantine. They really took to analyzing each chapter trying to find the theme and overall message. I'm so glad I went into this blindly with them. I'll be reading this with future classes.

[Cheryl Swenson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great ideas, may not hold kids' interest

This book has high ideals, but I didn't think it would hold the attention of a 3rd-5th grade kid. The final chapter waa my favorite. It modeled collaboration really well.

[Adrian V · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a pretty good book. The stories are interesting. The only thing I find weird is the way that everything in the book (for me at least) just happens so quick. But other than that the book was nice, and I enjoyed it. I would mostly recommend this book to kids and people who like books about stories of multiple different characters.

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZINGGG

This book was awesome! I listened with the audible format, and it was more enjoyable! You HAVE to read it!

[Miriam Downey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read my full review here: https://mimi-cyberlibrarian.blogspot....

Just in time for the new school year. Bryan R. Johnson takes on creativity, original thinking, responsibility, bullying, and other elementary school concerns in the middle grade book, Code 7: Cracking the Code for an Epic Life. Jefferson practices his gift of art by painting a mural on the Flint Hill Elementary School wall. Sebastian tries to raise money for a computer game by making taffy—with disastrous results. Alec decides to defy his parents and not clean his room, ever. Samantha covets the part in the school play that Trista has bullied her way to getting.

Johnson identifies common elementary school challenges and helps young readers realize that the problems they face are not unusual and can be solved with creativity and energy. Code 7: Cracking the Code for an Epic Life has an accompanying website with many features to use in the classroom or at home. The author suggests that each child create his/her own code word and share it on the website. There is also a discussion guide and suggestions for classroom activities. The book, website, and activities will be very helpful and inspiring for classroom teachers without being didactic. It seems that the book would work best in 3-5th grade classroom.

The Kirkus review says: “Code 7 is a staple for every school library and a valuable resource for educators who wish to grow motivated and socially responsible citizens in the classroom. Fun, vivid, and easy to read, this book is about understanding your passions, choosing a project that inspires you, and applying that to those who might need a helping hand. How can one possibly go wrong with that?”

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

We loved each story. All 7 characters are likable. Your child will relate to at least one of them. My kids are reluctant readers and we read this one together. Each story presents a story and ends with a solution. My Goddess loved Oh Rats most which which is about Alec who never cleans his room. His parents decide they will let it go until he does it himself but he knows his mom won't be able to let it go for long. He is so confident that he even tosses a banana peel on the floor knowing he will get to it. He is surprised when he comes home from school and the peel is still there. Eventually a movement at school is started and all the other kids decide they also will not clean. Solidarity wins until Public Health Notices go up around the neighborhood. Who will the winner be in this stalemate? You will have to read and find out who.

My Handsome loved The Monster about a father and son who head out to find The Monster that his father swears he saw while fishing. Talmage and his dad don't see it and there is zero proof it even existed. Dad just wants someone to believe him. Talmage seeing the sadness in his dad's eyes decides to calculate and take notes about lures, location, weather and more to determine the best time to find the Monster. Will hist determination pay off? Read and find out.

Each story has an important message and in the end all the students are included in a very important community program to help animals. It is a brilliant way of story telling and I cannot wait to read more from this author.

[Nadia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Code 7 is a realistic fiction book about a group of fifth graders working their way through normal elementary school life finding adventures in the ordinary while bonding as a group and taking social responsibility. The book breaks down each middle graders story in each chapter and brings all the stories together in the last chapter. Because each chapter includes a story promoting community contribution, working well in groups, and entrepreneurship I would include this book in my classroom for these reasons. I personally resonated with Code 7 because of its promotion of finding purpose in everyday life, which I think is a valuable lesson for students. I would use Code 7 in the classroom as a read aloud for grades first and second, and as an independent read for grades fourth, fifth, and sixth.

In my classroom after each chapter, I would have the students complete a mini activity which illustrates the main idea of the chapter. For example, after the chapter focused on community contributions, I would have the students quick write an idea they can pursue to better their community. Another way I would incorporate Code 7 in my classroom is to launch a team building activity. One activity that could be included is having students brainstorm in small groups on how to better work together as peers. Each small group would identify their most valuable ideas and we would record our ideas as a whole class as a general guideline for our responsibilities when doing teamwork.

[Allison Renner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed here: http://www.howifeelaboutbooks.com/201...
I initially thought this was a book of short stories for middle graders... and it kind of is. The chapters can be read as stand alone stories, but the characters all go to the same school, and work together in the last story. It reminds me a lot of Sideways Stories from Wayside School by Louis Sachar - each chapter can be read as a complete short story, but all the characters go to the same school and interact with each other. Like Sachar's book, there is humor is the Code 7 stories, though it is more subtle and tongue-in-cheek than Wayside. These stories have a positive spin, with the students taking action for an idea they're passionate about. This shows the kids reading that they have the power to change the world around them, just like the characters they're meeting in Code 7. Code 7 is a great book for parents and teachers to read aloud to, or read along with, their middle grade kids. These engaging, quick stories are sure to inspire the readers to take action. Disclaimer: I was sent this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Stacie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This upper-elementary/middle-grade novel offers inspiration for kids on what it means to inspire others. Through seven chapters, you are introduced to various students and scenarios at Flint Hill Elementary School. Each chapter involves students solving a problem, inspiring others, or giving back. Through school projects, the students learn how to work together and inspire others to work together not only in their school but in their community.

Even though the setting is the same, Flint Hill Elementary, each chapter stands alone with its own situation and characters with the final chapter bringing everyone together for a final project. I think kids will identify with the characters and appreciate the struggles the characters faced in these daunting situations. This book shows readers that kids can accomplish a lot with a plan and are just as valuable in a community as the adults.

This book would be great for a family to read and be inspired to start a volunteer project or for a classroom or all-school read for inspiration to help others. Kids can go to the Code 7 website and enter their own Code Word and be challenged to start their own project.

[Cindy Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Code 7 by Bryan R. Johnson tells the experiences of seven students at Flint Hill Elementary School as they learn about friendship, responsibility, integrity and how to make a difference in the lives of others. Seven chapters tell seven stories, each focusing on one of the students. Some of the stories take place at home, some at school. Each is interesting in the way it focuses on a single characteristic that can inspire kids to act differently to life situations they face every day.

A note form the author at the beginning tells readers they can crack the code to an epic life when they live by the seven important words that set the theme for each story. It’s an interesting way to introduce values for developing character. Recommended for readers aged 7 to 11.

The publisher provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Gretchen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so simple to read but said so much. I would love to use these stories throughout the school year as "openers" when thinking about different character traits. Further, these would be great as students begin to be more thoughtful and deliberate with goals as they learn about themselves and who they want to be. It would be great to use these as character or event portraits and then let students do research on people and times that are examples for the "code" elicited by each of these stories. You could create a web as to how these work together and find events (like the last chapter) where these people and ideas came together to make a difference. While this is just a good book to read and I would recommend it to a variety of students, using it and revisiting it throughout the year in school could bring so much more value to these short stories.

[Kristen Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dear Bryan,

My class read your book as a lesson for social group this summer! My students and I really enjoyed reading about each character and discussing the decisions they made as we read.

S really like the story about Samantha. S liked that in the end Sam got over her fears. B also liked this story because he can relate to Sam. B performs with the band and sometimes feels stage fright too.

C enjoyed Kaitlyn's story about making friends. He likes that she worked hard and wasn't lonely anymore.

SL thought Genevieve's story was nice because Genevieve is so caring to her friends and their eggs.

I loved them all, but my favorites were definitely Sebastian and Alec. They made a slew of bad decisions but in the end they learned from their mistakes.

This was a great read! We appreciated all your hard work that went in to writing this great book!

-Ms. B and class

[Gmr · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short but sweet collection showcasing the life and times of several youngsters striving to be the change they wish to see in the world...they just don't know it yet. From well-intentioned money-making schemes gone wrong to artistic challenges grown larger than life, and a little bit of everything in between, these kiddos remind us that taking the easy way out has its own set of consequences, and that the big picture really and truly is bigger than us all. While imparting their messages to us, they also learn the power of many versus one to solve a problem, to be selfless with their time to reap the best rewards, and to never back down from a challenge because without those willing to fight the good fight, nothing would ever change.


**copy received for review

[Gillian B. · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book wasn’t horrible but I expected more. I didn’t like in Chapter 3 the principle calls an egg “dairy.”
I didn’t like the way Trista is vilified in Chapter 5. I get that they’re short stories and all the characters are very superficially developed, but if we’re teaching out kids how to be good people through literature we can’t do it with “good guys” and “bad guys” because real life isn’t like that.
And the story with Alec is just weird and gross. I think the author had more fun imagining what could happen with a messy room than actually showing us how or what Alex learned from the experience. Maybe worth discussing as a class but not a good book for an at home reader. 1st grade or adult.

[Carissa Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keeps kids intrigued

My kids 4 & 9 years old loved the books. They couldn't wait for bedtime to come to hear what happened next. The story line keeps the kids introgied and at the end they couldn't believe it was over already.
Being based around a school setting with friends and classmates made it easy for the kids to relate to the book. Teamwork is important in my family so the book really helped show my kids that teamwork reaches far outside of the house and is very important in school also. Heck even I couldn't wait for story time. The book is NOT predictable which helped me be able to read until the kids fell asleep.

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this middle grade novel, seven kids have to come together to brainstorm the key parts of their mural. I enjoyed the short stories throughout and the lessons that they learned along the way. I would be curious to see what the kids perspective on the book would be.

The best part of this book was the characters. I liked that they each had their own ideas on how to approach their lives. I appreciated that very much.

Thank you for the opportunity to review this book.

Disclaimer: I was awarded this book. Though I did not pay for the book, the opinions are strictly my own.

[Gigi · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this book, each chapter is about a different person and how they each learn a valuable lesson. In the last chapter it has all the characters from the previous chapters and how they have to work together. I liked this book, but at some points it got confusing when there was a different person in each chapter. I would give this book a 4 out of 5 stars because I liked the plot of some of the chapters, while others could be boring. I would recommend this book to people who like books that have different people in each chapter. I would also recommend this book to students in grades 5-7.

[Mattison Churchwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great chapter book with each chapter having a short story with a great moral behind it. I enjoyed that the stories were to the point and keep the reader engaged. This would be a great book to suggest to all students for them to learn good moral lessons such as caring, not giving up, and always doing the right thing. I also think students who may be intimidated by chapter books would like this book because each chapter is about a different character so it isn't hard to follow along. Overall a great read with good moral stories throughout.

[Elise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a collection of stories about 7 individuals and how they all fit together and how they are all going to work together to make things work for themselves and the people they are with.

Overall, it seemed a bit disjointed and I wished that the last chapter was a bit longer to really see the interaction and how each of the people that we'd already met worked with each other since the other stories weren't related at all.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seven short, first person narratives on how to overcome your personal obstacle (stage fright, self-doubt) to be your best person possible. The last chapter has them all working together to bring about a positive change in their community. Each chapter is a separate character with a beginning, middle and end. The common denominator is the school they go to. Author sets it up so you think you are joining a club.
Short enough that any student will be able to read it. Could be a read aloud.

[Abby Hoppe]

Genre- Realistic Fiction

Teaching Points-
This book is great for looking at character development, because it focuses on 7 individual characters and their journey to find ways they can impact their community while doing what they love. An activity that would go along with this book is character mapping and documenting details that tell readers, what character are feeling, thinking, and doing and then analyzing what these details tell us about these characters as individuals

[Jaymie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this unrealistic. I could not enjoy the story because I found so many things to be immplausible (a school having students plan and execute a strategy for celebrating a 50th anniversary, parents leaving a new baby in a rat-infested room to make a point to their 5th grader about a problem they themselves caused, etc.).

[Montana · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a cool concept for a book! I love that each kid learned a valuable lesson through a variety of situations. My favorite part of this book is that each of the characters all come together in the end to discover that they have cracked the meaning of life. Code 7 is a short book, but a valuable one. I can see myself using this in my classroom... especially with the extra online resources.