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MMGM: CAPTURE THE FLAG by Kate Messner

July 16, 2012

Title: CAPTURE THE FLAG
Author: Kate Messner
Publisher: Scholastic
Release Date: July 1, 2012
Number of Pages: 240
Source of Book: ARC from IRA Convention

Three kids get caught up in an adventure of historic proportions!

Anna,
José, and Henry are complete strangers with more in common than they
realize. Snowed in together at a chaotic Washington D.C. airport, they
encounter a mysterious tattooed man, a flamboyant politician, and a
rambunctious poodle named for an ancient king. Even stranger, news
stations everywhere have announced that the famous flag that inspired
“The Star-Spangled Banner” has been stolen! Anna, certain that the
culprits must be snowed in too, recruits Henry and José to help catch
the thieves and bring them to justice.

But when accusations start
flying, they soon realize there’s more than justice at stake. As the
snow starts clearing, Anna, José, and Henry find themselves in a race
against time (and the weather!) to prevent the loss of an American
treasure.

I absolutely adore Kate Messner’s writing. I really enjoyed EYE OF THE STORM and CAPTURE THE FLAG was no disappointment either. One of the things I like most about Kate Messner’s books is that she writes smart, honest, real characters. In this book they read, they write, one is a genius at video games, but they all have many layers to their characters without getting overly emotionally involved as would happen in more young adult books. Her cast of characters is also multicultural allowing more kids to relate to the teens they’re reading about in the books. I also appreciate that although there is a main female character, there
are two male characters in prominent roles also, so there is
gender-neutral appeal to this book.

Another great thing about her books is the cross-curricular connections she makes. Especially in CAPTURE THE FLAG where there are many social studies/history ties to be made. In this book she has written a multilayered story with an intriguing mystery. I figured it out early on, but it is written for 3rd-7th graders, and I think it will appeal to them-especially if they’re fans of heist stories. It’s a fun story as the group is stuck overnight in an airport and as the kids band together to try to find the stolen flag, scene after scene builds up tension and humor as they find their way into all sorts of hidden places within the airport. It also has an exciting secret society aspect to it. I could see this turning into a great series. I know there’s a sequel, but I hope there will be more than just one more book in this series. These could be characters who could solve these National Treasure (the movie) type mysteries in all different kinds of situations and meet other members of the society.

Kate Messner just has great writing. There are wonderful descriptions of things and exciting scenes/action, but still written at a level that middle schoolers will easily understand. CAPTURE THE FLAG has a great title and cover design sure to appeal to the intended audience. If you haven’t read a Kate Messner book yet, and you’re interested in middle grades books, I encourage you to do so soon, and CAPTURE THE FLAG would be a great start!

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Comments

  1. Joanne R. Fritz says

    July 17, 2012 at 8:02 pm

    I just read this too, and I think kids will really enjoy the fast pace and all the action. Like you, I figured out who stole the flag almost from the beginning, but I don't think kids would.

    Kate Messner has also written the Marty McGuire series for younger readers (second and third grade) and they're a lot of fun.

  2. Jill the OWL says

    July 17, 2012 at 1:45 pm

    I had not heard of this one by her!! Sounds fantastic!!!! Thanks for talking about it.

  3. DMS says

    July 16, 2012 at 6:25 pm

    I have not read anything by Kate Messner- but I have added her to my list. This review is excellent and I am very curious about these books now. Thanks for introducing me to a new author.
    ~Jess
    http://thesecretdmsfilesoffairdaymorrow.blogspot.com/

  4. Melanie Conklin says

    July 16, 2012 at 3:54 pm

    I've been eager to read this one, now I really can't wait!

  5. Barbara Watson says

    July 16, 2012 at 2:57 pm

    This is on my to-read list because of a review I read a few weeks ago. Sounds like a great one!

  6. Andrea Mack says

    July 16, 2012 at 11:32 am

    I realy enjoy Kate Messner's books too. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this one!

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