The Big Debate: Literary Loom by Carolyn Twede Frank-Review

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Sheila's Reviews
Apr 272013
 

 

literary loom tour

 

Literary LoomProduct Details

  • Paperback: 378 pages
  • Publisher: AugustCorp Press (April 24, 2013)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0985251336
  • ISBN-13: 978-0985251338
  • FTC FYI: I received a review e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
  • Reviewed by Sheila

 Book Description:The Big Debate (Literary Loom #1)

A bizarre corpse . . . A strange girl . . . A creepy teacher . . . A cool invention . . . Combine these with an old school and a new student anxious to fit in—and the adventure begins. Fifteen-year-old Josh’s big mouth gets him in trouble at first. But after walking in the shoes of great men of history in the Literary Loom, he uses that mouth to bring down the bad guy and ultimately solve the mystery behind the murder—and the strange girl.

Excerpt:
 Ester climbed up the steps. She was helped to the top of the pile of wood and stood upon it with her back against the stake. Josh gazed up at her, paralyzed. The executioner ascended to her side and wound chains about her frail body, fastening her to the stake. Then he descended to finish his job. There she remained, alone—Joan of Arc, the girl who had so many friends in the days when she was free; the girl who had transformed an army’s hopelessness into courage, along with Josh’s; the girl who had inspired him to follow his heart and not bend to other’s opinions, a heart that now pounded painfully at the speed of light.
 
The mental image of Mr. Ingles in a heap on the floor flashed in Josh’s head. How safe was this contraption, one with artificial intelligence that might not recognize Ester as a traveler? Josh remembered the heat, the cold, the saddle, Louis’s wounds—he felt them all. What would she feel in about one minute? His stomach tensed up at the thought.
 My Review

“But I would like to think that my invention is like a literary loom, weaving a tapestry of images spun by the author but woven into an experience by the reader that delights their mind and warms their soul.” This is what the character, Uncle Reuben, has to say about his invention. I loved this very clever idea found in this new book by Author Carolyn Twede Frank!

The Big Debate is a YA book with a very creative twist on time travel.Having books come to life is the heart of this series. You can actually go experience the book by becoming one of the characters. I really liked the main character, 15 year old Josh. He is trying to fit in at his new school and get’s stuck having to do his report with the “strange” girl Ester. This girl and her uncle open a whole new world to Josh. The students at this school are written realistically with teen personalities that ring true. The mystery in this story is compelling. The action in The Big Debate is exciting and it’s great to have such wonderful Heroes for you and your teens to cheer for. I can’t wait to read more books in this series!

Meet: Author Carolyn Twede Frank

Carolyn has always liked to create. There were always gardens full of beautiful plants in her life, plenty of frilly, homemade dresses for her daughters—and don’t leave out the puppets. Ever since third grade, Carolyn also liked to write. She is the author of Promises, a teen historical fiction novel, and the author/illustrator of two children’s picture books. Carolyn lives in Utah with her husband and teenage daughter, where she runs her puppet-related business in between family time and writing time.