Loot

Loot by Jude Watson Mystery Thriller 2014 Booklist gr 4-7; SLJ gr 4-7 Recommended by Barrington Middle School

[|Link] to NHU PAC

Comments:

I liked this one a lot. It's a bit more developed than the 39 Clues series but very much in the same clue-hunting vein. Compared to some of the higher level books we've had on this list (or that we've had to turn away because they were more high school level), Loot felt a bit young, but honestly that didn't bother me. It was a fun read, with very capable 12-13 year old characters taking charge of their destinies in the midst of unreliable adults, predictions and self-doubt and bonding together to redefine "family". No complaints here. Yvette/Merrimack

I read Loot this summer and recommended it to students in our summer discussion group at NHPL. It was fabulous and I do believe it is better suited for the GSF list. However, it is nice to have a book on the Isinglass that is more accessible to the reluctant reader. This highly motivational read would be perfect for that purpose.--Linda Sherouse

I liked this one too. Same thoughts as above - a little young, better suited for GSF, but also a very fun read and a good in-between book for middle grade to middle school. Might appeal to an Ally Carter fan if pitched right, but also boy friendly. What a terrible cover, though. That only amps up the "babyish" factor. Skip the audio version, though. - Liz Merrimack PL

Easy reader, short staccato sentences. Better fit for GSF. Keep only if we need a book for the younger readers. Nancy/former Madbury

I'm thinking this or Devil's Pass for our less than avid readers, but not both. Amy / Barrington MS

I love a good heist/caper book, and this was a nice take on the genre, good characters, cool settings & very cool descriptions- I love the circus! This might make a great series (because everything's a series, right?). I think this is a good add for Isinglass, and as a lower-end read, more appealing than The War That Saved My Life. -Lucia, WML, Stratham