One of my favourite middle grade books is the Rule of Three. This novel is the first in the series and a great read aloud. I was eagerly anticipating a rumored book four in the series. I have to admit I felt a twinge of disappointment not to pick up where we left off in Will to Survive but I quickly got over it and embraced another Eric Walters' hit middle grade book.
Fourth Dimension introduces a new character, 15 year old Emma, along with her mother, a former marine and her brother. After her parents recent separation they have moved to what many will recognize as Toronto. There they are struggling to adapt to city life when the power and all electronics quit one day. The family had already been packed for an upcoming camping trip so they continue on their journey but pick a camping spot on Toronto Island (although not exactly called Toronto Island most from Ontario will recognize it as that) instead. Days turn into weeks and weeks turn into months as Emma's mother does her best to take care of her family and those they meet. Many battles occur and 15 year old Emma proves herself to be a very competitive match in a fight.
Fourth Dimension will make another terrific read aloud to any middle grade class. With the same intensity as Rule of Three Eric Walters' Fourth Dimension is an intense, action story with a strong, female character. I hope the series continues.
I have been very anxious for the sequel to Rule of Three to come out. The wait is over and it was worth the wait but again I'm left wanting more. Rule of Three begins with the main character, Adam, sitting in his high school when the power goes out. All the kids reach for their cell phones and are puzzled when they don't work either. Neither do most cars but Adam's got an old clunker of a car and it still works. Seems nothing with any sort of computer automation works. As the days going on Adam and his neighbours struggle to survive. In Fight for Power the struggle for survival continues. The book is fast paced and action packed. I did find Fight for Power to be a bit more violent then Rule of Three. I am reading Rule of Three as a read aloud to Grade 6, 7 and 8 classes but I don't think I will read Fight for Power out loud. Although I don't think I need to either. The kids are all hooked on it and I know there will be a wait list for kids to start reading it. I've been asked if it's appropriate for grade 7 and 8 since I said it was more violent. I think it is but I will warn kids before they take it. My son is in grade 7 and he loved the first book. There's no way I could stop him from reading the second. The Forest of Reading is holding a contest for readers to place themselves in the story of the Rule of Three. Eric Walters will pick the winner and the prize is to have their name in the third book!! Such a cool prize. I wish I wasn't too old to participate. I know many adults that enjoyed the first book as well. It would make a good pick for father and son book club.
And now the long wait begins for the third and final book in the series.