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The Trap
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298 pages, Paperback
First published April 7, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
April 9, 2017
Actual Rating: 2.5
I love the cover for this so much.
And I thought the premise was super interesting, but for some reason it was hard to connect with the book. It wasn't that I didn't like it, but I just didn't really feel anything at all.
I did like how the author addressed diversity and immigration, adding a bit realism and history into the mix.
I thought the romance was cute, but it seemed like it was there just for the character arc. I felt a little disconnected from the characters as well. Although development was pretty clear and the main characters had personality, I wanted to know more about their history, about the setting.
The writing style was pretty good, but it was vague. This did contribute to the dreamlike quality of the story, but overall it meant I still had a lot of questions left unanswered.
I love the cover for this so much.
And I thought the premise was super interesting, but for some reason it was hard to connect with the book. It wasn't that I didn't like it, but I just didn't really feel anything at all.
I did like how the author addressed diversity and immigration, adding a bit realism and history into the mix.
I thought the romance was cute, but it seemed like it was there just for the character arc. I felt a little disconnected from the characters as well. Although development was pretty clear and the main characters had personality, I wanted to know more about their history, about the setting.
The writing style was pretty good, but it was vague. This did contribute to the dreamlike quality of the story, but overall it meant I still had a lot of questions left unanswered.
March 23, 2015
I really, really wanted to like this book. Despite the achingly slow start. Yet I was determined to keep reading this book. However my resolve was not that strong and I gave up. I read to chapter ten and in that period there was only one moment where one of the characters had an out of body experience. It was brief. Some of the other readers said the story did get better. So I skimmed the story some and then skipped ahead chapters and still the story moved slowly without seeing a light at the end of the tunnel. Sadly, some books sound better then they turn out to be. This one just was not for me.
May 2, 2015
This was a bit different than what I was first expecting with "dream travel" being key words that jumped out at me initially. It ended up being on the slower side. The fantasy portion of the book takes a backseat to the "life of a 12-13 year old boy during the 1960s" part of the book. I think everyone that goes into the story will like it more going in with that information. The book also discusses racism in various ways, making the historical aspect of this book even greater. Expectations aside, though, this was an enjoyable read, and I hope this ends up being a series.
The story mostly follows Henry, but his twin sister Helen, along with their friends, Alan and Nicki, get a good bit of focus, too. I just wasn't overly fond of Helen. She was just selfish and mean, and I really didn't like the way she talks to her dad at one point in the book. It was a hurtful situation, and she shrugged it off like nothing. I really hope there will be another book to redeem her in my mind, and settle unresolved issues concerning her. On the other hand, I really liked Henry. He seemed to be a responsible young man, and I enjoyed all the cooking he did. He even helped me decide what we were having for supper one night! ;) Most of the story is told from his side of things, so it's probably a good thing I liked him.
The fantasy portion of the story just made me think of vintage science fiction. The characters learn how to "subtle travel" with the help of a stack of science fiction novels they discover(and steal!). (I could have done without the stealing parts!) Again, though, the fantasy portion is really mild! While it took me a little while to settle into the story, it has its sweet moments, and its creepy moments, and definitely its odd moments, but it grew on me. I enjoyed it, and I look forward to reading more from Arntson!
*I was provided an ARC, in exchange for my honest opinion.
The story mostly follows Henry, but his twin sister Helen, along with their friends, Alan and Nicki, get a good bit of focus, too. I just wasn't overly fond of Helen. She was just selfish and mean, and I really didn't like the way she talks to her dad at one point in the book. It was a hurtful situation, and she shrugged it off like nothing. I really hope there will be another book to redeem her in my mind, and settle unresolved issues concerning her. On the other hand, I really liked Henry. He seemed to be a responsible young man, and I enjoyed all the cooking he did. He even helped me decide what we were having for supper one night! ;) Most of the story is told from his side of things, so it's probably a good thing I liked him.
The fantasy portion of the story just made me think of vintage science fiction. The characters learn how to "subtle travel" with the help of a stack of science fiction novels they discover(and steal!). (I could have done without the stealing parts!) Again, though, the fantasy portion is really mild! While it took me a little while to settle into the story, it has its sweet moments, and its creepy moments, and definitely its odd moments, but it grew on me. I enjoyed it, and I look forward to reading more from Arntson!
*I was provided an ARC, in exchange for my honest opinion.
February 1, 2024
IT WAS THE ABSOLUTE BEST BOOK EVER
November 7, 2025
It was amazing and was so unexpected! I wish it was a series and I was so sad when I finished it but happy because I found a book a really loved and would want to explore more books from that genre.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 4, 2016
Overall, I think this book was okay. I mean it did have alot of adventure but, it wasn't that great. I mean the concept of the book was good, just the way that everything was written didn't accompany the concept that well. But, overall it was an okay book.
September 6, 2015
Really fun middle grade sci-fi story with important themes about the value of diversity and kindness.
April 22, 2025
If you're into books with mystery, suspense, and characters that actually feel real, then The Trap might be your next favorite read. It's got a little bit of everything, creepy science experiments, strong family bonds, and a whole lot of questions that keep you turning the pages. Here are five reasons why you should definitely check it out:
(1) It’s super mysterious-
Right from the start, weird stuff starts happening and you’re like, “What is going on?” You’ll want to keep reading just to figure it all out.
(2) It takes place in the 1920s (but it’s still really cool)-
Even though it’s set a long time ago, the story still feels exciting. No cell phones, no internet—just old-school vibes and creepy experiments.
(3) The characters feel real-
Henry and his sister don’t have superpowers or anything—they’re just normal kids who get caught up in something really strange. You’ll totally relate to them.
(4) It’s Short but Powerful-
You don’t need to read 500 pages to get a great story. The Trap is just the right length to grab your attention and keep it until the end.
(5) It’s a quick read, but it sticks with you-
It’s not a huge book, but the story stays with you. You’ll finish it fast, but you’ll be thinking about it afterward.
Honestly, The Trap is one of those books that’s both fun to read and makes you think a little. It’s got creepy science stuff, a cool setting, and characters you actually care about. If you like stories that are a little weird (in a good way), a little deep, and totally different from what you’ve read before, you should give it a try. You might end up really liking it. (I know I did)
(1) It’s super mysterious-
Right from the start, weird stuff starts happening and you’re like, “What is going on?” You’ll want to keep reading just to figure it all out.
(2) It takes place in the 1920s (but it’s still really cool)-
Even though it’s set a long time ago, the story still feels exciting. No cell phones, no internet—just old-school vibes and creepy experiments.
(3) The characters feel real-
Henry and his sister don’t have superpowers or anything—they’re just normal kids who get caught up in something really strange. You’ll totally relate to them.
(4) It’s Short but Powerful-
You don’t need to read 500 pages to get a great story. The Trap is just the right length to grab your attention and keep it until the end.
(5) It’s a quick read, but it sticks with you-
It’s not a huge book, but the story stays with you. You’ll finish it fast, but you’ll be thinking about it afterward.
Honestly, The Trap is one of those books that’s both fun to read and makes you think a little. It’s got creepy science stuff, a cool setting, and characters you actually care about. If you like stories that are a little weird (in a good way), a little deep, and totally different from what you’ve read before, you should give it a try. You might end up really liking it. (I know I did)
April 5, 2019
It starts off in 1963 in Farro, Iowa, where a town of nothing much happens. Until a the infamous school bully, Carl, goes missing. The four friends, Henry and Helen Nilsson, Nicki, and Alan decided to go on an adventure to the "subtle plane" where they are both invincible and invisible. They go through an adventure to seek out the mystery of the creepy man who appears at times and with a mission to find Carl who is Alan's brother. Throughout their adventure, they learn to get over real world situations that are still happening to other children out there today such as how to deal with racism and how to ask their crush out. It is a great mix which in science fiction and romance in my point of view.
This is a complex, but simple book that should be read to pass time. I recommend this to 6th to 9th graders, because around the age where kids are going to learn more about the real world. This book covers topics where the kids around this age can relate to more, and also shows way to resolve those issues. It is a nice choice for kids to read now, because of the time it is set in, where the characters aren't stuck onto their phones or deaking with highshool drama, but a time where kids rode their bicycles to hang out with each other, physically go somewhere to communicate.
I actually would suggest this to most ages, because of the type of issues they go through and how they overncome these.
This is a complex, but simple book that should be read to pass time. I recommend this to 6th to 9th graders, because around the age where kids are going to learn more about the real world. This book covers topics where the kids around this age can relate to more, and also shows way to resolve those issues. It is a nice choice for kids to read now, because of the time it is set in, where the characters aren't stuck onto their phones or deaking with highshool drama, but a time where kids rode their bicycles to hang out with each other, physically go somewhere to communicate.
I actually would suggest this to most ages, because of the type of issues they go through and how they overncome these.
November 2, 2021
There were a lot of things I liked about this book - sort of an intro to sci fi for young readers. The value of friendship and some themes of family and diversity were all positive. And it was pretty original and interesting. Some reviewers have commented that it's slow, but I didn't find it too slow. It's not very long, so it didn't feel like it really dragged.
Unfortunately, I am uncomfortable with some of the representation. The narrator's best friend is partly Indigenous, which is great. The author looks at the issue of racism both when he touches on some of the racism his father experienced as one of the first Indigenous players in Major League Baseball, and in the narrator's parents' attitudes. Exploring such issue is a wonderful part of juvenile fiction. However, the big issue for me is that the best friend's dad drinks too much, and for me, it felt like it was just reinforcing a stereotype of drunk Native man. If he was white, it wouldn't be a big deal - there is so much representation of white fathers in juvenile fiction. But when one of the very few Indigenous fathers in the books on my classroom shelves is shown as being a drunk, it's not ok. Even though we see some positive change at the end, I think I have to pull this off my shelves.
Unfortunately, I am uncomfortable with some of the representation. The narrator's best friend is partly Indigenous, which is great. The author looks at the issue of racism both when he touches on some of the racism his father experienced as one of the first Indigenous players in Major League Baseball, and in the narrator's parents' attitudes. Exploring such issue is a wonderful part of juvenile fiction. However, the big issue for me is that the best friend's dad drinks too much, and for me, it felt like it was just reinforcing a stereotype of drunk Native man. If he was white, it wouldn't be a big deal - there is so much representation of white fathers in juvenile fiction. But when one of the very few Indigenous fathers in the books on my classroom shelves is shown as being a drunk, it's not ok. Even though we see some positive change at the end, I think I have to pull this off my shelves.
December 20, 2016
December; The Trap; Steven Arntson
This book is about a group of kids named Helen, Alan, Nicki, and Henry. It all starts out when Henry tells a story of a bully named, Carl, had beat him up. Also, after that, Carl had been missing for the first few days of school. At that time everyone was worried. Then, Henry and his friends decide to look for him. They wonder out and find a book with random numbers. It also said that you should say them while you are trying to sleep. Henry decided to say the numbers and turned into a little spirit. He could see himself sleeping. That was really how the whole book went, it was really interesting.
The theme of the book is to keep trying and do your best. I think this is the theme because when Carl was missing, Henry still looked for him even though he was a bully. Eventually in his dream he had saw Carl and his crush Nicki standing out in front of his house. Also, when Henry was looking for him, he never stopped looking until he was really tired and his parents wanted him to come inside the house to cook dinner. I think the theme for the book, The Trap, is teaching us to never quite or never not help someone in need.
This book is about a group of kids named Helen, Alan, Nicki, and Henry. It all starts out when Henry tells a story of a bully named, Carl, had beat him up. Also, after that, Carl had been missing for the first few days of school. At that time everyone was worried. Then, Henry and his friends decide to look for him. They wonder out and find a book with random numbers. It also said that you should say them while you are trying to sleep. Henry decided to say the numbers and turned into a little spirit. He could see himself sleeping. That was really how the whole book went, it was really interesting.
The theme of the book is to keep trying and do your best. I think this is the theme because when Carl was missing, Henry still looked for him even though he was a bully. Eventually in his dream he had saw Carl and his crush Nicki standing out in front of his house. Also, when Henry was looking for him, he never stopped looking until he was really tired and his parents wanted him to come inside the house to cook dinner. I think the theme for the book, The Trap, is teaching us to never quite or never not help someone in need.
April 6, 2020
If I'm being honest the only reason I checked this book out was because of its cover and title. On the front of the book it reads "Leaving your body is easy, getting it back is where the trouble starts" "The Trap". If this doesn't catch your attention I do not know what does. Overall the book turned out to be pretty good a group of kids find a book in the woods which tells them how to leave their body during their sleep. The group eventually uses this book to try and find a bully that went missing. The group study a lot about this subtle adventure and eventually learn to go back and forth from the subtle world. Abe Moller who is the author of this book gives signs to henry of events to come in the future. Eventually the group along with Mrs.brody who lives in a mansion turn against Abe Moller who they blame for what was happening between the two worlds. It turns out that carl was Abe Mollers experiment and leads his friends into a trap. The others were saved by the agents but no one knew if carl would be alive in the real life. This science fiction novel contains a little bit of everything different culture, mystery, supernatural.
November 12, 2020
Henry Nilsson, the main character, goes to his friend Alan’s house. From there he and Alan go to Mrs. Joseph’s house. Mrs. Joseph wants to go to her backyard cemetery to pay respects to Mr. Joseph, who is dead but is a ghost. The boys found a book that teaches them how to go into their subtle forms, which means entering a parallel world. Then Alan and Henry return there in their subtle forms, and Henry gets trapped in a bear trap! Henry and Alan remember seeing somebody called McTavish at the graveyard, and they think it’s him who placed the bear traps. They break into McTavish’s house and search for stuff. They find nothing and McTavish discovers them. They give him an explanation, but then they figure out Mctavish’s subtle form was trapped in a bear trap too! They see Carl at the cemetery in his subtle form, but then they see he’s a ghost!They try to return Carl to his normal body, and he comes up from Mr. Joseph’s grave to escape. I think this was an exciting book, and it was more like a mystery book. I would rate this five out of five. I think it was pretty great overall because it was full of exciting moments.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 7, 2022
P 115 ... Sympathy will never do harm. But contempt – contempt is the trap. It holds the mind like iron, and leads men to brutality. when someone is considered less than human… You don’t have to treat them kindly. We can miss use them in the service of getting what you want.
210: bleach: cruelty, the absence of kindness. Ink: understanding.
An interesting flip of the normal light/darkness expectation.
Good, clean book. A little spooky, the interesting idea of separating body from soul.
3.5 stars, bumped up to 4 for thoughts on diversity, inclusion, generous characters. 6th and up
Rated g: totally innocent, but does enter the dating realm, with the 4-some pairing off, undercurrent of crushes throughout.
210: bleach: cruelty, the absence of kindness. Ink: understanding.
An interesting flip of the normal light/darkness expectation.
Good, clean book. A little spooky, the interesting idea of separating body from soul.
3.5 stars, bumped up to 4 for thoughts on diversity, inclusion, generous characters. 6th and up
Rated g: totally innocent, but does enter the dating realm, with the 4-some pairing off, undercurrent of crushes throughout.
June 29, 2017
I really enjoyed this! Sometimes, a great premise fizzles out, but not so in this case ... instead, it keeps building, and the conclusion is very satisfying. I love how the author connects the idea of "aliens," as in outer-space aliens, to immigrants and outsiders. The message of love and acceptance is never preachy, but is woven organically into the storyline and adds to the appeal. The only drawback is that the story does get off to a bit of a slow start--not glacially slow, but the story takes awhile to pick up steam and get to the point where you really want to keep reading. I'll be book-talking and recommending this one to my middle-schoolers.
March 1, 2025
SPOILERS
Enjoyable enough read, and I appreciated the theme of understanding vs prejudice. However, the deus ex machina ruins the climax (Arntson even acknowledges this when he has Alan complain “we didn’t get to see him captured. It’s like a book with a missing chapter.” So like…why did you decide to do something you knew would feel unsatisfying for your reader?) Also the end with the weapon/key being a blank notebook is corny. Overall, this would have been better with a less heavy-handed attempt to be inspirational and by leaving the climax to the kids instead of having the adults appear to save the day.
Enjoyable enough read, and I appreciated the theme of understanding vs prejudice. However, the deus ex machina ruins the climax (Arntson even acknowledges this when he has Alan complain “we didn’t get to see him captured. It’s like a book with a missing chapter.” So like…why did you decide to do something you knew would feel unsatisfying for your reader?) Also the end with the weapon/key being a blank notebook is corny. Overall, this would have been better with a less heavy-handed attempt to be inspirational and by leaving the climax to the kids instead of having the adults appear to save the day.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 2, 2025
What a strange story! I really enjoyed it, though. It drew me in immediately and kept me reading. As someone going through a reading slump, finding a book that did this was the balm I needed. I liked that it told the story straight-up, without a lot of filler, and that the plot moved along. And I liked that it wasn't a "Kissing Book," like so many other books feel they need to be. I'll be thinking about this one for a long time. Maybe dreaming about it too: 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13...
July 29, 2019
Very enjoyable.
Interesting concepts.
An easy read.
The only time I had trouble suspending disbelief was when Henry left his body on the first try, a little more struggle or effort or having to figure out something would have been more interesting and believable and when "Abe" chose Carl to convert as Carl was part Native American and Abe was a white nationalist type.
Interesting concepts.
An easy read.
The only time I had trouble suspending disbelief was when Henry left his body on the first try, a little more struggle or effort or having to figure out something would have been more interesting and believable and when "Abe" chose Carl to convert as Carl was part Native American and Abe was a white nationalist type.
August 12, 2017
This is an interesting concept for a story. It plays on our dreams. It draws similarities between a book I just read written for adults on the power we could hold if we could better control our dreams.
May 26, 2018
I found this book on the shelf at my library. I loved reading it. Felt almost ghost storyish at times and the characters were adorable. I loved the subjects it confronted head on. It was a good book. I enjoyed it alot.
November 6, 2019
This book was very cool, I really liked it because the 4 friends can leave their own body and meet up in the night to find Allan's brother. I like that they find the book author for the book that taught them how to leave their own bodies.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 13, 2024
I read this as an ebook and when I reached the last page I didn't know it was the last page. I was a little taken aback because I couldn't believe it was done. I felt like there was so much more that needed to be said to finish the book. I did enjoy it but still not sure where everyone ended up.
June 12, 2018
Though this book was, most likely, created for the younger population, I genuinely enjoyed the story. It is an easy read (finished in 24 hours) and it was fun and creative.
February 24, 2022
Love the part about the subtle world!
August 5, 2022
Amazing book. Really interesting and suspenseful.
May 26, 2025
I read this book a while ago and it was soooo good!
November 22, 2025
young adult
September 17, 2015
I really like this book. I like books that have a point of view from a twin. If it's from the view of a third party, the twins tend to be grouped as one person; I feel like people do that in real life all the time, too. Having it from one of the two separates them efficiently. I think Henry's a little exagerated with his, "okay, let's sit down and think about this", but it's still funny. Really though, who gets punched in the face and then decides that the first course of action is to sit down and think? And THEN throw up? It just seemed so strange.
I also like this book because it deals with racial problems; they speak of the negro protests and Martin Luther King Jr. Henry mentions at the beginning of an episode of "Dead of Night" that there weren't many racial divided places. Later, however, McTavish has them watch the protest march. I think through Mrs. Brody especially, Henry came to realize that anyone in need deserves help, and just because it's not much of a problem where you live, doesnlt mean you can't still help out. Beyond the black and the white though, we get into prejudice with Native Americans and the Chinese. The Europeans believed that Native Americans were savages because their way of life was so much different than theirs. Does this make them any less human though? No, of course not. With the Chinese, Caucasians felt threatened by their accumulating immigrants because the Chinese simply worked harder or the same amount, but would do it for less money. This didn't mean that they were "stealing jobs", it just meant they had lower standards. I think that after awhile of this prejudice building up, "stealing jobs" became "cheating" and anything else dishonest they could pin on.
Abe Møller is the example of the most privledged. He is the middle aged Caucasian male that gets paid more than anyone else with the same job, he can be less dressed up in summer and at formal dances, and his opinions weigh more than any female or Turkish, Pakistani, Thai, Kenyan, and anyone else that doesn't have that pale skin. Møller, to me, seems to have grown up on prejudice and segregation. He tells Henry that white was the original skin color, and THEN along came red black and yellow. First of all, who even says that? Second of all, that only shows how ignorant he is of the world; there were Africans, Chinese, and Native Americans probably long before there were Europeans; even longer before Americans. He said that the rainbow snowflakes are invaders and that babies start out with all white before the color invades. The idea that babies start out with white is natural since they start their journey alone. But later, as they meet more people and continue to grow and change, they have a rainbow shower now.
My last point refers to something I learned from history. I once read that when the slaves came across the Middle Passage, and then to North America, most families would be separated in the slave auctions. However, all the slaves that worked for one home would form a family of their own, even though they weren't directly related by blood. Maybe they knew they were all connected somehow, maybe they just needed to help each other out, knowing they all needed someone to lean on. In comparison, if someone in the Pilgrim village entrusted their children to another household, unless they were very good friends, it wouldn't be surprising if the adopted children weren't treated as well as their own kids. I feel like the snowflakes are almost a metaphor for that. I couldn't say it for sure, but I know they remind me of one another.
I think, to sum this all up, I like this book so much because it has many good lessons within it and also uses an out of body situation, which I believe can actually happen. I liked this book so much, that I wasn't even bothered that everyone in the friend group ended up going to a dance with someone else in the group. I wasn't even that upset that the book ended with a dance. With all that had gone on, I feel like the dance was a good way to mellow the ending. It could've just ended with a scene in Mrs. Brody's kitchen, but I wouldn't have minded either way. Very cool book.
I also like this book because it deals with racial problems; they speak of the negro protests and Martin Luther King Jr. Henry mentions at the beginning of an episode of "Dead of Night" that there weren't many racial divided places. Later, however, McTavish has them watch the protest march. I think through Mrs. Brody especially, Henry came to realize that anyone in need deserves help, and just because it's not much of a problem where you live, doesnlt mean you can't still help out. Beyond the black and the white though, we get into prejudice with Native Americans and the Chinese. The Europeans believed that Native Americans were savages because their way of life was so much different than theirs. Does this make them any less human though? No, of course not. With the Chinese, Caucasians felt threatened by their accumulating immigrants because the Chinese simply worked harder or the same amount, but would do it for less money. This didn't mean that they were "stealing jobs", it just meant they had lower standards. I think that after awhile of this prejudice building up, "stealing jobs" became "cheating" and anything else dishonest they could pin on.
Abe Møller is the example of the most privledged. He is the middle aged Caucasian male that gets paid more than anyone else with the same job, he can be less dressed up in summer and at formal dances, and his opinions weigh more than any female or Turkish, Pakistani, Thai, Kenyan, and anyone else that doesn't have that pale skin. Møller, to me, seems to have grown up on prejudice and segregation. He tells Henry that white was the original skin color, and THEN along came red black and yellow. First of all, who even says that? Second of all, that only shows how ignorant he is of the world; there were Africans, Chinese, and Native Americans probably long before there were Europeans; even longer before Americans. He said that the rainbow snowflakes are invaders and that babies start out with all white before the color invades. The idea that babies start out with white is natural since they start their journey alone. But later, as they meet more people and continue to grow and change, they have a rainbow shower now.
My last point refers to something I learned from history. I once read that when the slaves came across the Middle Passage, and then to North America, most families would be separated in the slave auctions. However, all the slaves that worked for one home would form a family of their own, even though they weren't directly related by blood. Maybe they knew they were all connected somehow, maybe they just needed to help each other out, knowing they all needed someone to lean on. In comparison, if someone in the Pilgrim village entrusted their children to another household, unless they were very good friends, it wouldn't be surprising if the adopted children weren't treated as well as their own kids. I feel like the snowflakes are almost a metaphor for that. I couldn't say it for sure, but I know they remind me of one another.
I think, to sum this all up, I like this book so much because it has many good lessons within it and also uses an out of body situation, which I believe can actually happen. I liked this book so much, that I wasn't even bothered that everyone in the friend group ended up going to a dance with someone else in the group. I wasn't even that upset that the book ended with a dance. With all that had gone on, I feel like the dance was a good way to mellow the ending. It could've just ended with a scene in Mrs. Brody's kitchen, but I wouldn't have minded either way. Very cool book.
February 21, 2015
Great Characters, Action, Adventure, and Some Very Mellow Writing
Not to sound like a wiseguy, but this is an all-around better, more interesting and more rewarding book than I expected it to be going in. And that's always a good thing.
Right off the bat, the hero's voice and the general tone of the narration were not the usual, although the cast of characters was conventional. Here, our adventurers are twins Helen and Harry, and their best friends Alan and Nicki. The narrator is Henry, younger of the twins by twenty minutes. Where Helen is impulsive and a little bossy, Henry our narrator is more thoughtful and cautious. As we begin they are all wrapping up the last days of summer before moving up to seventh grade.
As I say, Henry is a tremendously engaging narrator. He is articulate and observant and can be cautious to a fault. He is also possessed of a dry and understated style that is deadpan funny in a very subtle way. His story is aimed directly at the reader and has an inviting and intimate feel. Henry may not come across as an "authentic" twelve year old, but he is a wonderful version of a twelve year old. As a consequence he makes an excellent narrator, and even when he's just setting a scene or describing some incidental business his voice is engaging, easygoing and direct. I'm not sure how you get a more entertaining and inviting narrator for a middle grade summer adventure tale, or one better calculated to welcome a younger reader into a story.
The rest of the characters round things out nicely. Henry has a serious crush on Nicki and his gauzy infatuation surrounds his descriptions of her. It's mild stuff and very charming and adds an innocent bit of spice to the group. Helen is a mover and shaker, but never wears out her welcome. Even though she's sort of the spark that keeps the adventure going you don't tire of her and she isn't loaded with quirks or attitude. Alan rounds out the cast as a solid second banana. We also have a bully, but he's central to the story and more complex than your standard issue mean jock type.
The upshot is that by the time the mystery/adventure picks up you are pretty much willing to go along with whatever adventure the author has in store for these young Iowans. NO SPOILERS HERE, but the plot is a dilly, with action, chases, menace, a supernatural angle, a kind of ghosty touch, a criminal villain, and all of the middle grade bells and whistles you would want for a gripping actioner. None of it is over the top or bizarro/weird and so the plot struck me as a perfectly acceptable and very imaginative vehicle. It's also a clearly laid out plot, so your middle grader won't be left scratching his head.
This should go without saying for a published book, but it is worth noting that the book is well edited and formatted. Grammar, syntax, tenses, vocabulary choices, and the like are all top drawer. This is a well-crafted, well-written, and carefully proofread work, with a consistent tone and style. It seems to me that it would work well for a confident younger reader.
I just realized that this author also wrote "The Wrap-Up List", maybe the funniest and cleverest book written for YA's about imminent death in a magically realistic world. Why am I not surprised? I knew this guy was good.
(Please note that I received a free advance ecopy of this book in exchange for a candid review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
Not to sound like a wiseguy, but this is an all-around better, more interesting and more rewarding book than I expected it to be going in. And that's always a good thing.
Right off the bat, the hero's voice and the general tone of the narration were not the usual, although the cast of characters was conventional. Here, our adventurers are twins Helen and Harry, and their best friends Alan and Nicki. The narrator is Henry, younger of the twins by twenty minutes. Where Helen is impulsive and a little bossy, Henry our narrator is more thoughtful and cautious. As we begin they are all wrapping up the last days of summer before moving up to seventh grade.
As I say, Henry is a tremendously engaging narrator. He is articulate and observant and can be cautious to a fault. He is also possessed of a dry and understated style that is deadpan funny in a very subtle way. His story is aimed directly at the reader and has an inviting and intimate feel. Henry may not come across as an "authentic" twelve year old, but he is a wonderful version of a twelve year old. As a consequence he makes an excellent narrator, and even when he's just setting a scene or describing some incidental business his voice is engaging, easygoing and direct. I'm not sure how you get a more entertaining and inviting narrator for a middle grade summer adventure tale, or one better calculated to welcome a younger reader into a story.
The rest of the characters round things out nicely. Henry has a serious crush on Nicki and his gauzy infatuation surrounds his descriptions of her. It's mild stuff and very charming and adds an innocent bit of spice to the group. Helen is a mover and shaker, but never wears out her welcome. Even though she's sort of the spark that keeps the adventure going you don't tire of her and she isn't loaded with quirks or attitude. Alan rounds out the cast as a solid second banana. We also have a bully, but he's central to the story and more complex than your standard issue mean jock type.
The upshot is that by the time the mystery/adventure picks up you are pretty much willing to go along with whatever adventure the author has in store for these young Iowans. NO SPOILERS HERE, but the plot is a dilly, with action, chases, menace, a supernatural angle, a kind of ghosty touch, a criminal villain, and all of the middle grade bells and whistles you would want for a gripping actioner. None of it is over the top or bizarro/weird and so the plot struck me as a perfectly acceptable and very imaginative vehicle. It's also a clearly laid out plot, so your middle grader won't be left scratching his head.
This should go without saying for a published book, but it is worth noting that the book is well edited and formatted. Grammar, syntax, tenses, vocabulary choices, and the like are all top drawer. This is a well-crafted, well-written, and carefully proofread work, with a consistent tone and style. It seems to me that it would work well for a confident younger reader.
I just realized that this author also wrote "The Wrap-Up List", maybe the funniest and cleverest book written for YA's about imminent death in a magically realistic world. Why am I not surprised? I knew this guy was good.
(Please note that I received a free advance ecopy of this book in exchange for a candid review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
April 13, 2015
THE TRAP
Author: Steven Arntson
Type of Book: Paperback ARC
Target Readership: Middle Grade Ages 9-12
Publication Date: April 7,2015
Length: 246 pages
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Books for Young Readers
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
* I received a free ARC (Advance Reader Copy) of this book through the Goodreads Giveaway program.
Set in the small town of Farro, Iowa in the summer of 1963. Henry Nilsson is just starting seventh grade.
Henry is best friends with Alan, but Alan's older brother, Clay is the town bully. When Clay goes missing the day after Henry finds a box of books at his hidden campsite, people start to worry.
In the box Henry finds a strange old book that is a guide to learning the art of 'subtle travel'. Henry is puzzled, but intrigued.
It turns out that 'subtle travel' is a kind of out-of-body experience.
When Carl goes missing, Henry, his twin sister Helen and two of their friends embark on a quest to find him. They find danger and adventure and experience more than they could have ever imagined.
This book is a great read for kids in middle grades. It does contain some ideas that might be a bit advanced for the target readership, but the author does a good job of explaining these concepts.
The pace is relentless and the action is constant and unrelenting. This book is fun and exciting and the characters come across as realistic and relatable. Henry and his friends are ordinary kids thrown into an extraordinary adventure.
FOR PARENTS:
This is a book that explores a time of turbulence in U.S. and world history. Although THE TRAP is a work of fiction it introduces readers to important historical events that every generation should learn about. I recommend that parents also read this book so that they are able to use it as a way to open the lines of communication between their child and themselves. This book offers a chance to instill in the young reader a sense of how history has affected their lives in the present day. It also offers parents a chance to remind their children that it does not matter what color or religion someone is, or what ethnic group they belong to, that we are all just people and that we have more in common then we have differences.
Don't misunderstand me. This book is also a great story and readers will be riveted to the pages to find out what happens next to Henry and his friends. It does not have to be a learning tool, that is just an added bonus.
RATING:
I rate this book as 4 out of 5 stars. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Steven Arntson is a writer, musician, and artist, author of the books The Wrap-Up List (Houghton Mifflin, 2013), The Wikkeling (Running Press, 2012) and The Trap (Houghton Mifflin, 2015).
He taught English and creative writing for ten years at a local art college before switching to writing full time. He lives in Seattle with his wife, the musician Anne Mathews.
To learn more about the author visit http://stevenarntson.com/
To read more of my reviews visit http://amiesbookreviews.wordpress.com
Follow me on Twitter
http://www.twitter.com/Amieroger
Author: Steven Arntson
Type of Book: Paperback ARC
Target Readership: Middle Grade Ages 9-12
Publication Date: April 7,2015
Length: 246 pages
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Books for Young Readers
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
* I received a free ARC (Advance Reader Copy) of this book through the Goodreads Giveaway program.
Set in the small town of Farro, Iowa in the summer of 1963. Henry Nilsson is just starting seventh grade.
Henry is best friends with Alan, but Alan's older brother, Clay is the town bully. When Clay goes missing the day after Henry finds a box of books at his hidden campsite, people start to worry.
In the box Henry finds a strange old book that is a guide to learning the art of 'subtle travel'. Henry is puzzled, but intrigued.
It turns out that 'subtle travel' is a kind of out-of-body experience.
When Carl goes missing, Henry, his twin sister Helen and two of their friends embark on a quest to find him. They find danger and adventure and experience more than they could have ever imagined.
This book is a great read for kids in middle grades. It does contain some ideas that might be a bit advanced for the target readership, but the author does a good job of explaining these concepts.
The pace is relentless and the action is constant and unrelenting. This book is fun and exciting and the characters come across as realistic and relatable. Henry and his friends are ordinary kids thrown into an extraordinary adventure.
FOR PARENTS:
This is a book that explores a time of turbulence in U.S. and world history. Although THE TRAP is a work of fiction it introduces readers to important historical events that every generation should learn about. I recommend that parents also read this book so that they are able to use it as a way to open the lines of communication between their child and themselves. This book offers a chance to instill in the young reader a sense of how history has affected their lives in the present day. It also offers parents a chance to remind their children that it does not matter what color or religion someone is, or what ethnic group they belong to, that we are all just people and that we have more in common then we have differences.
Don't misunderstand me. This book is also a great story and readers will be riveted to the pages to find out what happens next to Henry and his friends. It does not have to be a learning tool, that is just an added bonus.
RATING:
I rate this book as 4 out of 5 stars. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Steven Arntson is a writer, musician, and artist, author of the books The Wrap-Up List (Houghton Mifflin, 2013), The Wikkeling (Running Press, 2012) and The Trap (Houghton Mifflin, 2015).
He taught English and creative writing for ten years at a local art college before switching to writing full time. He lives in Seattle with his wife, the musician Anne Mathews.
To learn more about the author visit http://stevenarntson.com/
To read more of my reviews visit http://amiesbookreviews.wordpress.com
Follow me on Twitter
http://www.twitter.com/Amieroger
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