FTC FYI: Received a free Advanced Reading Copy in exchange for an honest review.
Summary (DeseretBook.com)
Spencer knew that from the moment the Founding Witches had returned, the Rebel Janitors had begun disappearing. So many schools were defenseless now, the students’ minds rotting from Toxite breath while the janitors vanished without a trace. Then it became personal.
Although their enemies are powerful, their allies few, Spencer and his ream of Rebels are not giving up! But what chance do a handful of kids and one rescued janitor have against the combined evil of the Founding Witches and the Sweepers? Can the Rebels close the source of all Glop and stop the Toxites once and for all—or is the world doomed to fall under the control of the sinister Bureau of Educational Maintenance? This explosive series finale is a griping ride through conflicted loyalties and daring escapes, unexpected alliances and betrayals, and an ending you’ll never forget!
Review
I remember the first time I met Tyler Whitesides, a few months before his new book, Janitors, was due to be released. He told me about his new book, the first in a series, and I thought it sounded like a fun and unique adventure. Fast forward to today, as I review the last book in the Janitors series, and I can honestly say it has been a lot of fun. A little gross at times for the germaphobic, but always an adventure.
Our characters are in dire circumstances as the story begins, reeling after the loss of mentors and the continuing disappearances of allies. Spencer and Daisy must decide whether to trust former enemies and bear the responsibility of rescuing their Rebel allies. Secrets are uncovered that change everything, and their situation seems impossible.
I sailed through the book, anxious to see what happened from chapter to chapter. Tyler did a great job of keeping the pace going, surprising me and, as usual, making me laugh. He knows how to include the details with enough entertainment to keep young readers (and adults like me) engaged in the story. The creative use of every day janitorial items is clever and I still really want a set of magic squeegees.
Spencer, Daisy, and Dez, while still the same characters we know, have also grown both in experience and friendship. They’ve learned to appreciate each other and make sacrifices. Well, at least Spencer and Daisy have, though Dez surprised me more than once. As the story ends, I believe there is hope for him yet.
I found Heroes of the Dustbin to be a fast moving and satisfying conclusion to the Janitors series, and I think other fans will as well. This series is perfect for engaging the imaginations of young readers. I know many middle grade readers have enjoyed Tyler’s books, and I hope many more discover this series as they explore the possibilities that exist in the world of reading.
**Visit Tyler’s website for information on the book launch and signing events on September 4th and 5th.
FTC FYI: Received a free hardcover in exchange for an honest review
Summary (DeseretBook.com)
The stakes have never been higher, and you’ve never seen squeegees do this before! It is a wild and slightly unsanitary ride as Spencer, Daisy, and the Rebel Janitors find themselves chased by Mr. Clean’s new and terrifying half-breed Toxites—the Sweepers. Time is short. With the fabled Manualis Custodem in hand, Spencer must figure out how to summon the Founding Witches if they ever hope to mop up and save education.
Review
The Janitors series holds its own in the world of middle-grade novels, and this latest release strengthens that position. I read Strike of the Sweepers thinking this was the last book in the series, mainly because the nonstop action and dramatic events made me think we were heading to the big finale. Only at the very end did I realize how wrong I was. There is one more book in the series, and if it’s anything like Strike of the Sweepers, readers will be in for a wild ride.
I think fans of the Janitors series are really going to love Strike of the Sweepers. Tyler knows how to write in a style that appeals to middle grade readers, especially boys, though I know there are a lot of girls who love this series as well. Tyler’s experience in janitorial work at an elementary school adds a dimension to the story that makes the fantastical become possible in the imaginations of young readers.
This might be my favorite book in the series so far. It was fast-paced and held my attention. The descriptions were just right and I could easily picture the settings. I would give examples, but I’m trying to keep things spoiler free. All I will say is dust. You know what part I’m talking about, right, Tyler?
I love the fun and clever little touches that appear throughout the book, from the title of the first chapter (“Pink is not stealthy.”) to character names (Professor Dustin DeFleur), scary bad guys (made out of TP), and awesome defensive capabilities (trash cannon – yeah!).
I admit to being fascinated by Dez as a character. He’s both bad guy and good guy at the same time, annoying yet integral, a bully and selfish yet still somehow a part of the team. In this book, there is a big part of the story where the kids are on their own, dealing with problems and coming up with solutions by working together. I think kids reading Strike of the Sweepers will really enjoy that part of the story. After all, who wouldn’t want to drive a magical garbage truck?
There’s a twist at the end that I did not see coming. All I will say is that it’s going to make the last book very interesting. Also, I wish I had squeegees that worked like that.
Strike of the Sweepers is a fun read and a great addition to the Janitors series. I can easily recommend this book to middle-grade readers who love adventure and magic, and don’t mind a little gross here and there.
FTC FYI: free digital review copy in exchange for an honest review
Summary
A secret society of Janitors with wizard-like powers continue their battle, and now, the stakes are even higher. The Bureau of Educational Maintenance is after Alan Zumbro and this time they mean business – deadly business. Spencer, Daisy, and their little team of rebels must find the source of all magical Glop and destroy it before it can destroy the world as we know it. No small task with the BEM and their monster toxites at their heels. It’s a wild and dangerous ride as they follow the trail of clues all the way to the hiding place of the mysterious aurans: guardians of a secret landfill. What they discover there will change the way Spencer sees himself, not to mention the fate of the rebels.
Shanda’s Review
In the Janitors series, Tyler Whitesides has created a magical, adventure-filled world that middle-grade boys and girls will enjoy visiting again and again. With humor and lots of Glopified action, Spencer and Daisy continue to battle threats to education and learn to use even more magical cleaning supplies as they form new alliances and new enemies.
Germaphobe Spencer must deal with an increased level of gross in order to overcome the new challenges facing him and Daisy as they battle the BEM. From a week at an exclusive school to trekking through an expansive landfill, it seems that Spencer and Daisy will never defeat the BEM and find what they seek. They don’t know who to trust when betrayal follows betrayal.
Though this third book is over 300 pages, it reads quickly. The Janitors series is great for 8-12 year olds who love adventure and magic, but parents might enjoy it just as much. There is a fair amount of disgusting (they deal with a lot of garbage after all), and readers are introduced to a fun character who takes trash-obsession to a whole new level.
Spencer experiences some self-discovery about his abilities, as well as learning what Daisy is capable of beyond her sweet, somewhat gullible personality. Even Dez’s character experiences a little growth. I was concerned that in Book 2 (I have the ARC, so this might be different in the final version), Dez bullies Spencer in front of Spencer’s mother (both emotionally and physically by pinching him) and she says nothing while he and Daisy sit there and take it. I wouldn’t want kids to think that if they are bullied and their parents don’t notice or say anything that they should just accept it. There are times, though, that Spencer does stand up to Dez. In Curse of the Broomstaff, Spencer is learning to stand up to Dez more often, and even shows some maturity when he is concerned for Dez’s welfare without subjecting himself to more bullying.
Fans of the first two Janitors books will enjoy Curse of the Broomstaff. I’m curious about how many books are planned for the series, because the story definitely isn’t finished yet. I suspect many young readers are happy to know that there are more Janitors books to come.
Sheila’s Review
Janitors has become one of my favorite Middle Grade series. As a teacher, I’m often asked by students and parents what books/series I recommend they read. Janitors is one that I highly recommend and often do.
There is so much to love about this third book. (I also strongly advise you read the first two books in the series because it will make your read so much more enjoyable.) The main characters, sixth-graders Spencer and Daisy, have grown into their roles as true heroes and rebel fighters. They prove over and over again how much they have learned, and save the day quite often in this book. They are awesome using their magical weapons/tools: flying brooms, Glopified mops,and plungers. The action escalates in book three and is as messy as ever. (This is in reference to the world’s greatest school cafeteria food fight!)
What is truly funny is the message from the author at the beginning of the book.
“Dear Reader,
Here it is: the third installment in the JANITORS series. And I must admit, this is definitely the trashiest book I’ve ever written. No, literally. This book is full of garbage.
This time, our young heroes must venture deep into an enchanted landfill. They will battle heaps of living garbage and hike through distorted trashscapes as they discover a mysterious group of kids living among the refuse, harboring a centuries-old secret that could save the future of education. As you can see, I take garbage very seriously.”
It is so true! Poor Spencer who hates germs and getting dirty has his hands full. I loved all of the new characters and creatures that were introduced. Tyler really hiked up the intensity of the action and suspense. It was also a plus to see more interaction between Spencer and his father Alan. I think they both learned a lot in this adventure about themselves and each other.
As with the other books, the ending leaves you wanting more with Spencer’s new title and mission. What is that title and new mission? I’m not saying anything, except that you need to read Janitors Book 3: Curse of the Broomstaff to find the answer. With engaging and bright characters, beefed-up energy and action, and written especially for elementary age kids, (even though teens and adults will love the books too!) the Janitors series needs to be put on your children’s to-read list today.
FTC FYI: We each received ARCs from the author that did not affect our reviews.
Shanda’s Review
As soon as I received the Janitors ARC, I knew I wanted to read it aloud to my 10-year-old daughter the first time through. I wanted to experience the events in the book for the first time along with her to get the perspective of the book’s intended audience. We read Janitors in just a few days, with many instances of “Mom, are you busy? When can we read more of Janitors?”
This daughter is my avid reader. I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s read every Goosebumps book in the school library and three of our local libraries. She devoured all of the 39 Clues books and eagerly awaits the new series. She is currently reading Fablehaven 3 and loving it. She reads several books a week from her classroom library during silent reading. During the last school year she started a book club with two of her friends. I would guess she’s one of the more well-read 10-year-olds in her school.
Several times my daughter asked, “So, this is really the author’s first book?” When I confirmed again that it was, she would say the story was so good, it was hard to believe that it was a first book. Considering how many books she’s read, I would consider that high praise.
While older readers might find certain aspects of Janitors too silly, the humor and adventure is just right for 8-12 year olds. Taking place mostly in the elementary school makes the story highly relatable to this age group. Spencer and Daisy are enjoyable characters. Dez is highly annoying, as bullies often are, but also provides comic relief. The supporting characters are believable, with depth and personality.
One thing I love to find in middle grade novels is accountability and consequence. While it’s great to suspend belief to a degree, kids in this age group are learning a lot about consequences to their actions and they notice if the consequences are missing. Almost immediately after we finished the book, my daughter mentioned that Spencer never apologized to his brother, Max, like Daisy told him to earlier in the book. I had completely forgotten about it.
Spencer and Daisy have to face the consequences of their actions throughout the book. I love how the themes of honesty and trust are woven throughout the story. In fact, honesty and trust are integral to the success of Spencer and Daisy’s efforts.
I have included my daughter’s review of Janitors below:
For an author’s first book, it is a really good book. The book is full of adventures. It was really funny. Dez is funny because he is kind of dumb. Daisy is funny because she believes everything everyone says. I like Spencer because he is very clean and hates germs. Alice, Spencer’s mom, is an interesting character because she always likes to do things herself and does a lot at once.
My favorite character is Spencer because he does a lot of weird and funny things. I think the creatures are really gross. My favorite glopified tool is the broom. I like it because you can float in the air. I liked the beginning of the book. It was very funny and entertaining. I would read Janitors again.
I’ve heard it said that we don’t remember facts as much as feelings. While the details of Spencer and Daisy’s adventures will fade with time, I’ll always remember how I felt every time my daughter gasped and giggled as we read. I give Janitors4 stars out of 5 because my daughter and I had such a good time reading it together. Thanks for the fun read, Tyler. Best wishes to you and the Janitors series.
Sheila’s Review
Janitors is the debut novel by Tyler Whitesides. This book is a perfect read for Middle-Grade readers.
Spencer Zumbro, an awkward twelve year old, is having a hard time adjusting to life at Welcher Elementary. Spencer becomes the target of the classroom bully, Dez. With his only friend, Daisy (Gullible) Gates, they find themselves caught up in a mystery residing at Welcher Elementary.
Spencer finds out that the janitors at the school are the ones hiding the mystery. Soon Spencer and Daisy are dragged in to the excitement by the BEM (The Bureau of Educational Maintenance). They learn why so many of the students are distracted and falling asleep in class. There is a magical force working against the students and Spencer and Daisy fight to stop this from happening.
There are so many things that kids are going to love about Janitors. There is plenty of action and many funny moments, including what happens at the school-wide, PTA-sponsored Ice Cream Social. Of course, don’t forget about the magical elements that are found in this story. There is a great surprise at the end of the book for main character Spencer! This leads perfectly into the second book. I can’t wait to have my nine-year-old son read this book. I know that he is going to love it!
Mindy’s Review
Janitors is the very clever and entertaining story of Spencer and Daisy, and how they get mixed up in the world of janitors. Spencer is new in town and has been having trouble focusing in classes. He moved into his aunt’s house while she is out of town with his messy siblings and flighty mom. His room is his sanctuary, it’s the cleanest room in the whole house. Spencer likes things in order. While Spencer has trouble with the class bully, Dez, he’s especially mean to Daisy “Gullible” Gates. She is sweet girl, but too trusting. Spencer and Daisy become fast friends when they are put into a situation that calls for action.
After using a “special soap” in the bathroom, (it not only took away marker, but burned his face) Spencer starts seeing weird looking creatures. He wants to do something about it, but gets a “back-off” vibe from the school janitor. He stays after school to crash a visit from the BEM (Bureau of Educational Maintenance), and that leads him to make decisions he may not be ready for.
I really liked this book. What I liked most were the lessons learned by the characters. Some examples: telling the whole truth (even it’s about monsters), stand up for what you believe, stand up for yourself, and if something doesn’t feel right it probably isn’t. I also enjoyed the very inventive ways of using common household items as powerful weapons.
One of my favorite quotes about lessons was, “I knew she would trust you,” Daisy said. “It makes a difference when tell the whole truth. No one can trust a chameleon.” (Janitors, page 219)
4 out of 5 stars. Very fun. I enjoyed the twists that the story took, and mostly the way Spencer and Daisy grew. Daisy is a great character, too. I love how she is always on Spencer to do the right thing.
Visit Tyler Whiteside’s website to learn more about the Janitors series.
Heroes of the Dustbin (Janitors #5)
