Basically, I've been reading a lot of middle grade and kids books lately because I'm going to be home schooling soon and I want to know what books/series are fun, educational, and useful. Though I'm reading these out of order because this is the first one I've read in the series, I thought it fulfilled all three of those criteria. It's entertaining, but still has some well-researched aspects to it and I would recommend this. I hope to be able to get more of the series later on. I would recommend this book, 4.5 out of 5 stars. ( )