Guest Author - Diana Pederson

Max Elliot Anderson. North Woods Poachers. Tweener Press. 2004.

Parents, have you introduced your middle-school aged children to Max Elliot Anderson’s books? If not, they are missing wonderful adventure books that have a Christian message. May I strongly encourage you to acquire at least one of his books and challenging your child to read it? Even the most reluctant reader is likely to get caught up in these great adventures.

Two families spend each summer camping in the North Woods. This year, Andy, one of two male cousins, is very antagonistic towards the traditional trip. He thinks there would be more exciting things to do. The cousins (Andy and C.J.) find something more exciting when they decide to explore the woods rather than joining the activities of the rest of the family members. You’ll have to read the book to learn about the unusual activities going on near their vacation cabins!

NOTE: Although two boys solving the mystery involved in this story might seem far fetched, it’s all too common for law enforcement officers to find the involved animals even in apartments in the middle of major cities.

Max Elliot Anderson. Legend of the White Wolf. Baker Trittin Press. 2005.

I love nature stories. Anderson managed to combine criminal activity (wolf killers), American Indian legends, and a wild animal into one exciting book. This story is based in Montana, a natural setting for the story involving American Indians, wolf killers, and national forest employees.

Brian Fisher and Tommy Wilson spend their time exploring the nearby forests. Sometimes they have to avoid telling their mother about their experiences. Wouldn’t having a mountain lion attacking you make your mother’s hair curl? The climax comes when they are captured by the wolf killers and rescued by Brian’s father.

Recommendation

Do you have a child that loves action stories? I can guarantee you that most preteens will get lost in these books and willingly spend an afternoon reading instead of playing computer games. Although most characters are boys, one of my friend’s daughters keeps begging me for more of Max Elliot Anderson’s books. If they can keep the attention of a nearly thirteen old preteen, can you imagine how much boys will enjoy them?

These are definitely the Bobbsey Twin books for the Christian family since each book shares Christian beliefs as part of the story. Although my own son is now in his twenties, I LOVE reading these books just before going to sleep. I, too, look forward to more of Anderson’s books.