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The Coin Slot Chronicles #2
Arcade and the Golden Travel Guide
In Arcade and the Golden Travel Guide, Arcade, Zoe, and their new friend, Doug, travel from New York to Virginia to stay with cousins and best friends, Derek and Celeste. It’s a chance for Arcade to feel “normal” again and connect with people and places he’s loved all his life.
But nothing is normal as long as the Triple T Token is hanging around his neck. Plus, Derek claims he’s stumbled upon some troubling information, and now a suspicious person is following him. Arcade wonders if the trouble is related to the token—after all, someone has already tried to take it from him once.
Where did this Triple T Token come from? And are all the adventures it provides worth all the trouble it brings?
A trip through the token’s fantastical doors reveals a clue—a hidden box of old notes. As Arcade, Zoe, and their friends start to put the pieces together, the value of the token becomes clear, and the stakes are higher than ever. Can Arcade keep the token for himself? Or will sinister forces steal it from his grasp?
But nothing is normal as long as the Triple T Token is hanging around his neck. Plus, Derek claims he’s stumbled upon some troubling information, and now a suspicious person is following him. Arcade wonders if the trouble is related to the token—after all, someone has already tried to take it from him once.
Where did this Triple T Token come from? And are all the adventures it provides worth all the trouble it brings?
A trip through the token’s fantastical doors reveals a clue—a hidden box of old notes. As Arcade, Zoe, and their friends start to put the pieces together, the value of the token becomes clear, and the stakes are higher than ever. Can Arcade keep the token for himself? Or will sinister forces steal it from his grasp?
240 pages, Hardcover
Published September 10, 2019
11 people are currently reading
56 people want to read
About the author
Rashad Jennings
12 books11 followersNew York Times bestselling author and retired NFL running back Rashad Jennings is an impactful influencer, inspirational speaker, and nationally recognized personality. Throughout his successful eight-year career in the NFL, as well as during his championship-winning Season 24 Dancing with the Stars, Rashad gained the love and support of fans throughout the country. Today, Rashad is driven to make a national impact and lasting legacy through The Rashad Jennings Foundation, established in 2013. This award-winning foundation is dedicated to inspiring youth through the foundation’s Flagship Literacy program which is currently successfully implemented in 12 of the 32 NFL cities, in addition to providing mentorship and promoting health and fitness nationwide. Rashad has also authored The If In Life: How to Get Off Life’s Sidelines and Become Your Best Self. Follow Rashad on Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, and Facebook.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
February 10, 2021
Solidly 4 of 5 stars!
OMG this is definitely gonna be an all-time favorite middle grade series for me! I'd heard about the first one from MsWOCReader (follow her blog! https://womenofcolorreadtoo.blogspot....) last year. This is the 2nd book in the Coin Slot Chronicles that follows a 12 year old boy named Arcade. He goes on adventures via a golden coin he was given by a mysterious old lady who appeared to him deep in the stacks of the library one day. Hoopla was featuring this book and I was scrolling so I picked it up. I read this all via audiobook and started when I left for work this morning. I got a bit in for my break and then listened to the rest on the drive home. Anyway, since this is the second book in the series I really can't say too much about the plot. But I can say that the good Black family rep was still present and stronger in this installment. Arcade's sister, Zoe, was a big part of the story again and we met some of their cousins and an aunt. We also got a taste of what a good, supportive community is like.
If you're participating in Black Prose Club's year long challenge, then this would count for a few of the prompts. You can find that challenge card here: https://www.instagram.com/p/CKRbw5pA2... . If you're participating in Blackathon, both this book and the 1st one in the series would count for team SFF. You can find the graphics for each team here: https://twitter.com/blackathon1/statu... . And lastly, if you're lover of middle grade books with no trauma and all fun & adventure, add this series to your tbr!
OMG this is definitely gonna be an all-time favorite middle grade series for me! I'd heard about the first one from MsWOCReader (follow her blog! https://womenofcolorreadtoo.blogspot....) last year. This is the 2nd book in the Coin Slot Chronicles that follows a 12 year old boy named Arcade. He goes on adventures via a golden coin he was given by a mysterious old lady who appeared to him deep in the stacks of the library one day. Hoopla was featuring this book and I was scrolling so I picked it up. I read this all via audiobook and started when I left for work this morning. I got a bit in for my break and then listened to the rest on the drive home. Anyway, since this is the second book in the series I really can't say too much about the plot. But I can say that the good Black family rep was still present and stronger in this installment. Arcade's sister, Zoe, was a big part of the story again and we met some of their cousins and an aunt. We also got a taste of what a good, supportive community is like.
If you're participating in Black Prose Club's year long challenge, then this would count for a few of the prompts. You can find that challenge card here: https://www.instagram.com/p/CKRbw5pA2... . If you're participating in Blackathon, both this book and the 1st one in the series would count for team SFF. You can find the graphics for each team here: https://twitter.com/blackathon1/statu... . And lastly, if you're lover of middle grade books with no trauma and all fun & adventure, add this series to your tbr!
September 5, 2019
The elements of SciFi and fun amidst the journey quest in this book appeal to so many young readers, and coupled with the messages of morality and faith, I found it the perfect fit for my late elementary kiddos! Thanks for sending us this ARC in exchange for an honest review, Zondervan--it's a win!
February 3, 2020
The Triple T Token is taking Arcade, his sister, his cousins, and his friends on international adventures through time for reasons that are gradually revealed. But Arcade's possession of the token may spell increasing danger in Arcade and the Golden Travel Guide by author Rashad Jennings.
Okay! Now that I'm two books into The Coin Slot Chronicles, I'm getting a better feel for this middle grade ChristFic fantasy series: an ongoing adventure and an unfolding mystery with lessons along the way.
As with the first book, different parts of this one were a bit slow for me, the punctuation coming out of the dialogue is incorrect in a few places, and the italics and ALL CAPS go overboard sometimes. But I love how these young characters use their brains and talents for good, learning to listen to their hearts. The read is funny and ultimately energizing, with messages about generosity, compassion, forgiveness, and more.
And yeah, after a resolution, there's another cliffhanger ending, but I wasn't unprepared for it this time. I'm looking forward to Book Three!
Okay! Now that I'm two books into The Coin Slot Chronicles, I'm getting a better feel for this middle grade ChristFic fantasy series: an ongoing adventure and an unfolding mystery with lessons along the way.
As with the first book, different parts of this one were a bit slow for me, the punctuation coming out of the dialogue is incorrect in a few places, and the italics and ALL CAPS go overboard sometimes. But I love how these young characters use their brains and talents for good, learning to listen to their hearts. The read is funny and ultimately energizing, with messages about generosity, compassion, forgiveness, and more.
And yeah, after a resolution, there's another cliffhanger ending, but I wasn't unprepared for it this time. I'm looking forward to Book Three!
August 3, 2019
This was a cute story although some details are wrong. New York City schools would never get out on May 9, it is always the last week in June, I know that the author tried to match summer vacation with Virginia for the story as most of the action takes place in Arcade's Aunt's town where he was born, but it would not work in the real world, Now this story does not fully take place in the real world as it involves an Arcade Token with time traveling powers. The time traveling helps Arcade and his cousins and friends help fix up a mini golf course. That is one wonderful good dead,
August 18, 2019
“He wants the Triple T Token. He’s not going to get it. It belongs to me,” Arcade emphatically tells his friends in Rashad Jennings’s young adult novel, Arcade and the Golden Travel Guide.
~ What ~
The second in the Coin Slot Chronicles, this two-hundred-and-forty-page paperback targets those who enjoy magical time-traveling mysteries that contain Christian morals. With no profanity, the book is geared toward ages eight and older, especially tweens and preteens. The ending has fifteen discussion questions, acknowledgments, an excerpt from the next book in the series, and advertisements.
In this story based mainly in Virginia, young Arcade continues to time-travel with his sister using the Triple T Token. When they stumble on their parents being young and in love at a mini-golf course, they visit their previous hometown, trying to figure out why the entertaining location has fallen apart. With the help of Arcade’s friends, they travel to Egypt, Holland, India, the Golden Gate Bridge, Niagra Falls, and a hospital as they secretly repair the fun facility and are followed by someone who wants the magic token.
~ Why ~
This is an engaging, entertaining series that many third and fourth graders will enjoy and appreciate. I loved the way the author inconspicuously introduced topics such as choice, control, humility, generosity, and forgiveness without being preachy. The relationship dynamics between the kids are endearing and charming as the siblings watch out for each other and friends pitch in and help solve dilemmas.
~ Why Not ~
Those who do not like books that mention God, Jesus, praying, and the Bible may not like this read. While the book has references to Christianity, it does not offer the simple plan of eternal salvation. Others may find inconsistencies in some of the facts or the concept of time traveling through a glittered elevator unrealistic, but it is innocuous.
~ Wish ~
I thought the writer did a wonderful job connecting to his audience through the “dope” dialogue and interests of the age group targeted, but I was disappointed when he repeatedly used the supposedly cool word “namaste,” perhaps not realizing that its literal translation means “the divine in me bows to the divine in you,” which is based on Hinduism. Vulnerable young readers may now repeat the word, unaware that they are acknowledging false gods, not the One True God. I prefer all pronouns of God capitalized for reverence.
~ Want ~
If you like a series for young tweens and preteens who enjoy adventures, time-travel, and mysteries with an undertone of Christian morals, this would be appreciated by the young adult market, but I have marked it down a full point for possibly misleading others about false gods.
Thanks to Z-Blog Squad for this complimentary book that I am under no obligation to review.
~ What ~
The second in the Coin Slot Chronicles, this two-hundred-and-forty-page paperback targets those who enjoy magical time-traveling mysteries that contain Christian morals. With no profanity, the book is geared toward ages eight and older, especially tweens and preteens. The ending has fifteen discussion questions, acknowledgments, an excerpt from the next book in the series, and advertisements.
In this story based mainly in Virginia, young Arcade continues to time-travel with his sister using the Triple T Token. When they stumble on their parents being young and in love at a mini-golf course, they visit their previous hometown, trying to figure out why the entertaining location has fallen apart. With the help of Arcade’s friends, they travel to Egypt, Holland, India, the Golden Gate Bridge, Niagra Falls, and a hospital as they secretly repair the fun facility and are followed by someone who wants the magic token.
~ Why ~
This is an engaging, entertaining series that many third and fourth graders will enjoy and appreciate. I loved the way the author inconspicuously introduced topics such as choice, control, humility, generosity, and forgiveness without being preachy. The relationship dynamics between the kids are endearing and charming as the siblings watch out for each other and friends pitch in and help solve dilemmas.
~ Why Not ~
Those who do not like books that mention God, Jesus, praying, and the Bible may not like this read. While the book has references to Christianity, it does not offer the simple plan of eternal salvation. Others may find inconsistencies in some of the facts or the concept of time traveling through a glittered elevator unrealistic, but it is innocuous.
~ Wish ~
I thought the writer did a wonderful job connecting to his audience through the “dope” dialogue and interests of the age group targeted, but I was disappointed when he repeatedly used the supposedly cool word “namaste,” perhaps not realizing that its literal translation means “the divine in me bows to the divine in you,” which is based on Hinduism. Vulnerable young readers may now repeat the word, unaware that they are acknowledging false gods, not the One True God. I prefer all pronouns of God capitalized for reverence.
~ Want ~
If you like a series for young tweens and preteens who enjoy adventures, time-travel, and mysteries with an undertone of Christian morals, this would be appreciated by the young adult market, but I have marked it down a full point for possibly misleading others about false gods.
Thanks to Z-Blog Squad for this complimentary book that I am under no obligation to review.
August 22, 2020
My name is Zoe, and I won't leave my brother Arcade alone with the magic token on his new necklace. There's a man trying to get the token from him, so we convinced our parents to send us back to Virginia for a month. The token sends us on unpredictable adventures, and our cousins have now joined us. Arcade says the "Travel Guide", the token, will take us where we need to go, and it's up to us to learn the lesson. He got this message from a little old lady that no one else can see. However, I'm not totally sure why he has such an interest in the rundown putt putt course. The owner is very grouchy and mean, and the whole idea of putt putt makes no sense to me. I think Arcade should pay more attention to the cute girl at the bakery. I can see the sparks, even if he won't admit it.
There is a spirituality to the series that spreads a message of compassion for others. Words from the Bible are sometimes shared, but the story isn't overly religious. The theme of the book is caring for others and doing the right thing. Zoe and Arcade tease each other, but love is at the center of their relationship. As in the previous book, I'm surprised at how easily other characters accept the token. I wasn't expecting it to take the kids so far back in time and so far around the world, since the trips in Arcade and the Triple T Token happened in the present day. The positivity in the book is refreshing, and Arcade's kindness is key. Humbleness, understanding, and forgiveness are critical in resolving the main conflict. The return of the antagonist from book one is complicated by some new information. Some parts of the problem were easy to figure out, but the author saved some details for surprises. Overall, this is a fun, feel-good series, and I recommend you give it a shot.
There is a spirituality to the series that spreads a message of compassion for others. Words from the Bible are sometimes shared, but the story isn't overly religious. The theme of the book is caring for others and doing the right thing. Zoe and Arcade tease each other, but love is at the center of their relationship. As in the previous book, I'm surprised at how easily other characters accept the token. I wasn't expecting it to take the kids so far back in time and so far around the world, since the trips in Arcade and the Triple T Token happened in the present day. The positivity in the book is refreshing, and Arcade's kindness is key. Humbleness, understanding, and forgiveness are critical in resolving the main conflict. The return of the antagonist from book one is complicated by some new information. Some parts of the problem were easy to figure out, but the author saved some details for surprises. Overall, this is a fun, feel-good series, and I recommend you give it a shot.
July 12, 2022
This is the second book in the series, and I enjoyed it just as much as the first. I listened to the audiobook just as did the first. I loved book one so much that I purchased a physical copy for my son, and I will be buying this one, also. In book one, Arcade receives a magical token that allows him to travel to different places using a magical elevator. At the end of book one, the story left us with questions about the origins of the token. Book two answers some of those questions.
The story takes place in Virginia when Arcade and his sister, Zowie, return to their former hometown to visit their cousins Derek and Celeste. Arcade's new friend from New York, Doug, goes with them. There are new adventures for the five children and lessons about humility, generosity, and forgiveness.
As a mother and a Christian, I loved how the author included references to the Bible throughout the book. He did it with a light touch that was not the least preachy and would appeal to kids. When it comes to books that entertain kids and teaches them essential life lessons, you can't get better than this series! Happy reading!
The story takes place in Virginia when Arcade and his sister, Zowie, return to their former hometown to visit their cousins Derek and Celeste. Arcade's new friend from New York, Doug, goes with them. There are new adventures for the five children and lessons about humility, generosity, and forgiveness.
As a mother and a Christian, I loved how the author included references to the Bible throughout the book. He did it with a light touch that was not the least preachy and would appeal to kids. When it comes to books that entertain kids and teaches them essential life lessons, you can't get better than this series! Happy reading!
May 16, 2023
Enjoyed the writing more than the story. I think that we do disservice to youth with all the "crush"-grooming. I feel like it's just not needed in an adventure book for elementary age. It made the story be less enjoyable for me. I am also not sure what I listened to (audio book) because there was little continuity. I felt like I would have enjoyed just a story about building summer friendship, just a story about antagonism, just a story about ingenuity. And like in the last book, include the different adventure themes, but don't have them complete with all of those other elements that end as soon as they are introduced. I give generous amount of three stars for this one because there's no 2.5.
September 10, 2019
This second book in the Coin Slot Chronicles is just as engaging as the first! It continues the story, develops the characters, and introduces us to new and interesting ones. Arcade and his friends use their strengths and resources to work together to figure out one puzzle that leads to a much larger mystery that they try to solve. This book invites young readers use their imaginations, dive into learning about new places and time periods, and teaches the power of helping even the undeserving.
April 11, 2020
I enjoy all the travels of Arcade and Zoe! So many hidden meanings that can lead to lesson for a lifetime. They are like the spiritual Mystery Incorporated, to a degree. Their foundation and purpose is to help others.
June 15, 2020
Great read for my son and I. This is definitely part of a saga. Although we both enjoyed it, he needed a break before the next one, says it slowed down a bit and also became confusing with the missing brothers question left unanswered.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2021
Another exciting adventure. I love how this book had a complete story, yet advanced the overall story and made me even more curious about the source of the token.
Read
March 20, 2023DNF at 25%
Hard to follow when you haven’t read the first book…
Hard to follow when you haven’t read the first book…
August 19, 2019
: Rashad Jennings' new book, ARCADE AND THE GOLDEN TRAVEL GUIDE is second in the series and fans will want to read the first book (Arcade and the Triple T Token) first as this book refers back and I was a bit lost.
I'm not really sure how to write this review. I am not into time travel or fantasy which this book is heavy on. The modern day teens talk in slang from a previous generation (which confused my fourteen year old) and the inner city setting was as far as you could get from the rural area where we reside.
If inner city, black-fiction, fantasy with time travel is your thing, then definitely grab a copy of ARCADE AND THE GOLDEN TRAVEL GUIDE. Available for preorder now. There is definitely suspense in this book for tween reluctant readers.
I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.
I'm not really sure how to write this review. I am not into time travel or fantasy which this book is heavy on. The modern day teens talk in slang from a previous generation (which confused my fourteen year old) and the inner city setting was as far as you could get from the rural area where we reside.
If inner city, black-fiction, fantasy with time travel is your thing, then definitely grab a copy of ARCADE AND THE GOLDEN TRAVEL GUIDE. Available for preorder now. There is definitely suspense in this book for tween reluctant readers.
I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews