Boys Beware

James Patterson in an effort to encourage boys to read more fiction has created an exciting new series entitled "The Dangerous Days of Daniel X" a science fiction series sure to be a hit!

As a teacher, I have noticed that many boys gravitate towards non-fiction saying that they can't find anything cool to read about. Well now they do!

As I was reading the book all I could think about was Men in Black, one of my all time favorite movies. Okay so Will Smith isn't to bad on the eyes, but really I do like the movie itself. As the inside front cover of the book explains, Daniel X is kind of like "Spiderman meets Men in Black".

The story is about a young boy, Daniel X, who has a superpower unlike any other...the power to create! When he was a toddler his parents were murdered at their home right in front of his eyes. He decides to rely on his unique gifts to hunt down their assassin and armed with "The List" left to him by his parents he is "closing in on the killer." He plans to carry out the mission that killed his parents and take vengeance in the process.

My husband and I both actually read this book. Considering that my husband is one of those "boys" who gravitate towards non-fiction, I was impressed when he picked up the book one evening and finished it that same night. In my opinion, I think that this book would be appropriate for about ages 12 and up and I do mean up because I really enjoyed it. I would be careful going much younger though as Daniel X's parents do get murdered, which may bother some. My husband also thought that some of the "alien" fights were graphic, however I think it may depend on the child's imagination or how many times they have seen Men in Black! The best thing about this book that would entice young readers are the super short chapters...as in 2-3 pages. It is a great page turner book and allows the reader to find easy stopping places while they are reading.

If you have or know of pre-teen boys who are searching for something to read, this would be a perfect gift. This is also just the beginning of a series so they can get hooked now and know they will have more to read soon!

Want to read more about the book? Read what USA Today, NY Times, and the publisher has to say. Or check out this interview with James Patterson. Want your own copy? Amazon has a copy with your name on it!

If you have any questions about the book just shoot me an email and I'll do my best to answer it!