Review: Escape from the Roller-Ghoster by Andres Miedoso

I seem to be in middle grade swing the last days and will continue that for, at least, another day or so. Today's read is on the younger end and is intended for those readers, who have a pretty good grasp on their words but aren't ready for novels quite yet. 

Seriousness is shoved aside, allowing spooky humor, adventure and fun. But take a peek for yourself.

ESCAPE FROM THE ROLLER-GHOSTER

Desmond Cole Ghost Patrol #11

by Andres Miedoso

Illustrated by Victor Rivas

Little Simon

128 pages

ages 6 to 10

Desmond and Andres visit a scary roller-ghoster in this eleventh haunted adventure in the Desmond Cole Ghost Patrol series!

The Kersville Amusement Park is always a good time, but it also gives a new meaning to the term “thrill rides.” That’s because, in addition to being a popular destination for heart-pounding fun, the park is also just a little bit haunted. Join Desmond and Andres as they try to enjoy their day at the amusement park while being chased by ghosts! Warning: You must be this tall to read this book.

With easy-to-read language and illustrations on almost every page, the Desmond Cole Ghost Patrol chapter books are perfect for emerging readers.

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BOOK BLINK

                                               * tons of illustrations

                                               * humor and adventure

                                               * bonds of friendship

                                               * large text and vocabulary just right

MY TIDBITS

This is the eleventh book in the series, and the first one that I've read. But that didn't cause any issues, since these characters are easy to slide right in with...and this book is an adventure all of its own.

Andres and his best friend, Desmond, are off to Kersville Amusement Park for a day of fun. The day starts amazing as a teen suddenly brings Desmond a box of VP wristbands...for no apparent reason. Since they aren't about to say no, the two head off for the most exciting day ever...only to soon discover that something isn't quite right. A ghost mingles and haunts on the rides. When it  approaches them and asks them to follow it somewhere, they realize this isn't going to be a usual ghost adventure.

This book is simply fun and great for those readers, who are just getting a good handle on their word skills. One-hundred and twenty-plus pages sounded like a lot, but this tale flies by with ease. Not only is the text placed in an easy to read font and format, but each page holds fun illustrations, too. It's super simple to sink into the pages and enjoy the adventure from beginning to end. And what an adventure it is!

The story is told from Andres' point of view with Desmond being the true ghost-hunter and brain. It's clear that Andres respects his best friend quite a bit, and the two have each others' backs no matter how ghostly things get. There are more than a few moments of tension, and more than a few unexpected twists. The ghosts definitely keep the two boys on their toes. Add the original way these boys deal with ghosts....it's really not what I expected...and it's also a read with a wholesome message. But mostly just a ton of fun.

And here he is...

Andres Miedoso is still afraid of everything as a grown-up, even after all his adventures with Desmond Cole. He lives in New York City with his family, and he remains best friends with Desmond but returns to Kersville only when he’s needed.