The Seventh Level

September 27, 2010
Twelve-year-old Travis is desperate to solve the seven puzzles that will allow him to become part of "The Legend," a mysterious school society about which "no one knows anything... except the members always use blue, they put on amazing school events, and they make you pass a test before they let you in." Unfortunately, there are a few things in Travis's way: the assistant principal, who follows his every move after catching him hanging off the school rooftop; his curious friends, who aren't allowed to be in on the secret; his nemesis, Randall; and a teacher who always finds Travis in the wrong place at the wrong time. Despite the setbacks, Travis's boundless energy and inquisitive, mathematical mind allow him to zip through the puzzles until he realizes that something fishy is going on, and winds up confronted by a bigger mystery than he imagined. Feldman's (The Gollywhopper Games) story moves at warp speed, with the momentum of Travis's strong-spirited whims, resulting in a weightless, but nimble mystery with solid middle-grade appeal. Ages 10–up.

July 1, 2010
Goofily clever Travis struggles over puzzles and tasks that may get him into The Legend, a secret school club. Who is actually in The Legend and whether they're initiating him or getting him in trouble are just a couple of the story's intriguing mysteries. This engaging, smart, and funny middle-school adventure is narrated in Travis's authentic-sounding voice.

(Copyright 2010 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

October 1, 2010

Gr 5-8-Travis Raines thinks he is being considered for The Legend, a secret society at his middle school. He receives blue envelopes that are labeled, "For Your Eyes Only." Over a couple of weeks, he is asked to complete seven puzzles and their corresponding tasks, and he must keep everything a secret. He also needs to do what he's been told without getting into trouble, which is tough when people don't take him seriously. Furthermore, some of the tasks have a cruel undertone. Could the messages really be from The Legend, or are they from an impostor group trying to get Travis in trouble? While the idea is exciting, the plot never quite reaches its potential. At times, the story is slow moving and even somewhat confusing. While Travis's characterization is complete, the others lack depth. The book does have strengths, though: the puzzles are fun to solve, the mystery of the envelopes is appealing, and Travis is a likable protagonist.-Sarah K. Allen, Elko Middle School, Sandston, VA

Copyright 2010 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 1, 2010
Grades 5-8 Travis hopes to be inducted into the Legend, a secret society at his middle school. Admittance to membership involves fulfilling tasks and solving puzzles that mysteriously appear in messages contained in blue envelopes. Travis is thrilled when he starts receiving the messages, but the bizarre tasks sometime land him in situations that lead to trouble with the school disciplinarians. Travis finds that the puzzles are more fun, though, and the reader can follow along as Travis tries to piece together the clues and codes. Eventually, he is admitted into the Legend, and he also solves the mystery of who is behind the false Legend clues. It all makes for a Dan Browntype story for kidsright down to the secret, over-the-top Legend induction ceremony at the end. Kids who enjoyed solving the clues in Blue Balliets Chasing Vermeer (2004) may also enjoy this.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2010, American Library Association.)