  | Doldrums and the Helmsley curse (Doldrums) Author: Gannon, Nicholas | |
| Price: $22.58 | ||
Summary:
[Book two] Archer Helmsley's grandparents have finally returned home, but there are rumors they've brought a curse with them.
| Accelerated Reader Information: Interest Level: MG Reading Level: 4.80 Points: 10.0 Quiz: 194167 |
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (09/01/17)
School Library Journal (-) (09/01/17)
Booklist (09/01/17)
Full Text Reviews:
Booklist - 09/01/2017 The memorable characters readers met and fell in love with in The Doldrums (2015) are back to their unrestricted high jinks, finally tackling that apocryphal story about Archer’s grandparents stranded on an iceberg for two years. Eleven-year-old Archer returns home from boarding school for winter break to find that the gossip about his family, the Helmsleys, has only gotten worse since he left. Gannon’s subtle humor and vibrant cartoon illustrations guide this irreverent story about Archer, Adélaïde, Oliver, and their new friend, Kana, who join forces to exonerate Archer’s family, despite myriad rumors and devious adults trying to stand in their way. Expressive spot art and full-color spreads make this irresistible for fans of Brian Selznick’s multimedia stories or Lemony Snicket’s series about similarly clever children outwitting misguided adults. Set in a nonspecific—but decidedly long past—time in England, this stand-alone sequel has the timeless feel of The Penderwicks, and the episodic structure means there’s plenty of potential for more sequels. - Copyright 2017 Booklist.
School Library Journal - 09/01/2017 Gr 5–8—The Doldrums are back with another fast-paced and quirky adventure. Archer Helmsley is elated that his grandparents (once thought dead and floating away on an iceberg) are back safe and sound. The epic story of Ralph and Rachel Helmsley becomes international news, as does the story of how Archer and his friends risked their lives to find them. Not everyone believes their story, however, and their reputation as famous explorers comes into question. Archer teams up once again with his friends to prove that his grandparents are telling the truth. Fans of the previous installment will dive into this volume as many of the same elements are present, including eccentric characters, exciting action, eye-catching spot art, and full-page illustrations throughout. New readers will have no problem following along as sufficient backstory is provided. VERDICT Fans of idiosyncratic fantasies, as well as the first book, will enjoy this treat.—Christopher Lassen, BookOps: The New York Public Library and Brooklyn Public Library - Copyright 2017 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
