Secret in the Tower

Time Spies #1

by Candice Ransom, Greg Call (Illustrator)

First in an exciting all-new series for children, complete with time travel, adventure, and American history!

In this brand-new series by acclaimed author Candice Ransom, three children meet unsung heroes who shaped America’s history. Follow the children as they hop in and out of various eras, learning important life lessons along the way. Children will enjoy the fun, easy-to-read style, and librarians, educators and parents will appreciate the learning their young readers pick up along the way. Each book ends with a fun, do-it-yourself craft project that encourages readers to delve deeper into the subject of the story.

Genres: Fantasy, Time Travel, Historical Fiction, Mystery, Fiction, Historical, Adventure

128 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2006

Reviews

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

First sentence: Alex Chapman felt like he was entering a strange new land.

Premise/plot: Alex Chapman and his family have moved to an old house in Virginia--a really, really old house, a house that was there during the American Revolution. He's not happy about the move--at least not at first. But after an incredible adventure with his two sisters--involving time travel--he might just be beginning to change his mind. This time travel adventure takes readers to 1781 and they can "meet" George Washington and Thomas Jefferson (among others). Guest appearances by Ellsworth (the stuffed elephant) and Winchester the cat.

My thoughts: I love, love, love, love, love, crazy love Candice Ransom. I'll disclose that from the start. My heart filled with joy when I spotted the Winchester and Ellsworth references. As for the time travel, I can't remember a time when I wasn't fascinated with time travel. I would have LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this series as a kid. I'd have worn the covers off and practically memorized them word for word. But I didn't read them as a child. But I can recommend them to your child.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple but exciting time travel stories for those just entering the "chapter book" world of reading. Definitely hand these to those who are devouring Magic Tree House stories.

[KidsFiction Teton County Library · Rating 3 out of 5]

TCL CALL #: J SHORT CHAPTER RANSOM C
Chris’s Rating: 3 Stars

On the first book of the Time Spies series, Alex and Mattie are joining their family in their new home in Virginia after their parents decided they needed a change and took a gamble converting an old house into an inn. While exploring with their younger sister the siblings find a secret entrance into an old tower which happens to house a magical spyglass which transports them back to the American Revolution. While their stay there is short, the youth learn some facts about history and strive to help save the day.
This is a quick read with similarities to the stories in The Magic Tree House (Osborne) or The Time Warp Trio (Scieszka). Not quite engaging enough for an adult audience (too simplistic and little feel of danger or suspense), it could appeal to younger readers. Also contains some spying/secret information techniques used in the Revolutionary War. Suggested for children who like history, ages 7-10.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a nice premise, and a well executed beginning. Like several other time travel series for young readers it has a didactic element, but the children here are realistically depicted. The three siblings, 9,8 and 5, have just moved to the countryside in Virgina, where their parents are opening an Inn in a historic house. The first guest is a reinactor who introduces them to some historic events, which they then travel back to see through a spyglass they discover in the hidden tower room in the inn. At times the history is a bit heavy handed, but there is some adventure, and the writting is perfectly aimed at early readers. It is a good work to share the reading with young children, as a step between readers and longer chapter books.

[Charlyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This, the first in the "Time Spies" series, introduces siblings Alex, Mattie, and Sophie; the Virginia home their parents have converted to an inn; the hidden room in the tower of the home; and the magic spyglass that takes them back in time. Readers will glean facts about the American Revolution and learn about Jack Jouett, the South's Paul Revere.

Large print and illustrations make this an accessible book for younger readers. The book also features an experiment with invisible ink and a simple code for readers who wish to learn some spying techniques. The edition I read was labeled Teacher's Edition and contained discussion guides and activities for the first four books in the series.

[Alysha DeShaé · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was adorable little tale, but I do think that, based on the ages of the children, some of the things they say are more likely what an adult would say in the same situation. For example, at the very beginning Alex says that moving to a new home might be an adventure. I don't doubt that some children will think so, but it's more likely that an adult would tell a child this in an attempt to ease the transition.

I also enjoyed how educational it was without being boring. I can easily see children reading this book with pleasure.

[Daniel Finnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like to read this book because I find it interesting and easy to read.
I like to read about the different characters and learn about what they are doing and the way that they act towards each other. I also like the fact that this book is a mystery and keeps me guessing what will happen next. My favorite character in the book is Alex.

[Ratforcekids]

This is another series that kids enjoy...Time Spies. It is along the same line as Magic Tree House only it is an old spyglass that transports the characters back in time. This is the first book in the series. Lexile 540.

[Alexandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit like "The Magic Treehouse" books, but I liked it better. A small history lesson delivered in an interesting way.

[Poonguzhali · Rating 5 out of 5]

the three children were going to vigrna with their parents.they were living in a big house where there were lots of mystery were stuffed in.it is a must-buy book for everyone.

[May]

8/16/10

[Tracie · Rating 4 out of 5]

When their parents move to an old colonial era home to run a bed-and-breakfast, three siblings discover a magic telescope that allows them to time travel.

[Todd Holland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed ths one. Will check out or in the series.

[Rhea · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was great. I cannot wait for Book two in this series.