About this product

Product Identifiers

PublisherCapstone

ISBN-101434216152

ISBN-139781434216151

eBay Product ID (ePID)72591838

Product Key Features

Book TitleCarnival of Horrors

Number of Pages80 Pages

LanguageEnglish

TopicSocial Themes / Bullying, Paranormal, Occult & Supernatural, Horror, School & Education, General, Family / General (See Also Headings under Social Themes), Social Themes / Emotions & Feelings, Social Themes / Peer Pressure

Publication Year2009

IllustratorYes

GenreJuvenile Fiction

AuthorPhilip Preece

Book SeriesShade Bks.

FormatLibrary Binding

Dimensions

Item Height0.4 in

Item Weight0.5 Oz

Item Length7 in

Item Width5 in

Additional Product Features

Intended AudienceJuvenile Audience

LCCN2009-003783

Dewey Edition22

ReviewsR. L. Stine's influence looms over the Shade Books series of horror stories for middle readers. In this quick-and-dirty yarn, grade-schooler Ben is fleeing a pack of bullies when he stumbles upon a carnival. A sign reading "Dreamland" hangs above a stage on which stands a sinister showman. Ben is picked from the audience and led into a room where his most recent school humiliations are broadcast on monitors. But it doesn't have to be that way: "We can make your secret dreams come true," promises the showman. Indeed, the next day Ben aces his test, beats the bullies, and wins the girl--only to come home to find his dog injured, his grandmother sick, and his dad fired. The Faustian plot mechanics are predictable, and there's nothing close to resembling a real character. Nevertheless, the short paragraphs and low page count make this an enticing offer for reluctant readers. Most useful are Kendall's creepy black-and-white illustrations, which make even happy characters look positively demented., Carnival of Horrors (Shade Books) by Phillip Preece is perfect for those kids who want to read Cirque du Freak but just aren't there yet. They love that the cover of the book looks like a middle school book and not like a baby book. But on the inside, there is plenty of white space and the text is perfect for developing readers. The story isn't that scary, but it's good enough. The illustrations are creepy, though! http://thereadingzone.wordpress.com/2010, This book should be for reluctant readers, age twelve or so, because it is short and easy to read (complete with a small dictionary in the back), because the content is too mature for young children. It begins with a chase at night through a fairground. Ben is running from three bullies who want to pulverize him. He stumbles into a sideshow called Dreamland. Before long he has made the archetypal deal with the devil that he will be a success in exchange for a few minutes of his time every now and then. Ben goes to school the next day and discovers he has the highest grade in math, the girl he desires speaks to him, and he conquers the bullies--all without trying. But when he gets home, he discovers his dog has been hit by a car, his father has lost his job, and his grandmother is in the hospital. He discovers that a lot can happen in a minute, and for every bit of good luck he gets, he pays with a "piece of bad luck." The theme is summed up in the line, "Getting things you hadn't worked for really was cheating." Of course, Ben, through bravery and dedication, turns events around and gets out of his contract; but sees that others will always be willing to sign up for the quick fix. This will engage a young boy's interest for the short period of time "reluctant readers" are willing to give. The black and white illustrations also take up half the book's pages.

Grade FromFifth Grade

Number of Volumes1 vol.

Grade ToNinth Grade

Dewey Decimal[Fic]

SynopsisDreamland promises to grant any wish and fulfill any dream. But after Ben signs the contract, things start to go wrong. When Ben returns to the carnival, it seems that Dreamland was never really there. Can he fix things, or has he made a bargain he can't undo?

LC Classification NumberPZ7.P9118Car 2010