Adventure Kingdom (Adventure Kingdom #1)

Gr 5-7--Two kids learn that there is more going on in Adventure Kingdom, their town's abandoned amusement park, than they ever could have imagined. Local boy Clark meets Karoline, the granddaughter of the park's missing founder, and the two quickly discover that the half-coins they each wear are keys to a whole new world. From a carousel that comes to life to a well that leads to the real Adventure Kingdom, this story is full of fast-paced chase scenes, carnival characters gone bad, and chances for the two tweens to save the day through magic, friendship, and hope. With vibrant, full-color illustrations that make this book feel like an early 2000s animated movie, this is an enjoyable, action-packed fantastical story with classically cast villains. The ominous illustrations feel as though they are aimed at a slightly older audience than the text, but the plot will still engage older readers. Both Clark and Karoline appear to be white. VERDICT Add this to any collection looking to entice readers who like video games.--Aryssa Damron, DC P.L., Washington, DC