Christopher Cloud

I really enjoyed reading A Boy Called Duct Tape. It is tough to find fun, interesting middle grade stories with a male protagonist, but this one had enough action, excitement and mystery to keep any middle grade reader engaged.
Pablo is teased by other boys at school and called "Duct Tape" because his family is so poor that he has to use duct tape to keep his shoes from falling apart. When Pablo finds a gold coin on the bottom of Harper's Hole while he is on a swimming trip with his sister, Pia, he decides that the coin must be part of a lost treasure supposedly hidden in a cave by the Jesse James Gang. Finding that treasure could solve all of his family's financial problems. Pablo's outspoken cousin, Kiki comes to town, and the three kids buy a "treasure map." They hire an eccentric guide named Monroe and go after the treasure themselves. Pablo doesn't completely trust Monroe, but they go off with him anyway on the adventure of a lifetime.
This story had so much action that it was hard not to remain invested in the story. An excellent read.… (más)

I really enjoyed reading A Boy Called Duct Tape. It is tough to find fun, interesting middle grade stories with a male protagonist, but this one had enough action, excitement and mystery to keep any middle grade reader engaged.
Pablo is teased by other boys at school and called "Duct Tape" because his family is so poor that he has to use duct tape to keep his shoes from falling apart. When Pablo finds a gold coin on the bottom of Harper's Hole while he is on a swimming trip with his sister, Pia, he decides that the coin must be part of a lost treasure supposedly hidden in a cave by the Jesse James Gang. Finding that treasure could solve all of his family's financial problems. Pablo's outspoken cousin, Kiki comes to town, and the three kids buy a "treasure map." They hire an eccentric guide named Monroe and go after the treasure themselves. Pablo doesn't completely trust Monroe, but they go off with him anyway on the adventure of a lifetime.
This story had so much action that it was hard not to remain invested in the story. An excellent read.… (más)

I became a fan of this author after reading his wonderful novel "Adelita's Secret". Although this particular book is supposed to be a children's book, I thought about giving it a shoot, and I am not disappointed at all for giving it an opportunity. The book is well written, and the plot is very intelligent. The author makes our young characters to be the hero/heroines of this story, and that definitely will captivate the attention of our young readers, increasing their will to read more and more. This is the perfect book to give as a gift to any young reader, but even adults will enjoy this very well written book. All the characters are well developed and I particularly loved Charlie Pecos and Pia. The plot develops in a nice pace and there are some twists in the story that you will love. This book will keep the reader entertained for some hours. It took me about six hours to read the whole book.
Kudos to Mr. Christopher, that is proving to be a very versatile writer, producing excellent pieces on different themes. Very impressive!… (más)

Transplant the Famous Five or Secret Seven to New Mexico, and you just might find yourself in Petroglyph Canyon. Christopher Cloud’s middle-grade novel is filled with great characters, enterprising children, overwhelmed adults, serious bad guys, and just the right level of mystery and real-world concerns.

A drought is threatening Uncle Antonio’s ranch. In the present day climate, readers will certainly be interested to learn of its effects. Meanwhile precious artifacts are being stolen. The uncle has no time to intervene, and the kids, Pedro, Pia and Kiki, take it on themselves to solve the mystery and stop the loss.

The author’s writing blends fact and fiction to create a real sense of time and place, from desert canyon to small-town gift-shop and more. Do you know the difference between a gathering and a roundup? Do you know what was happening in world history when the first petroglyphs were made? Do calves feel pain when they’re branded? And what is ESP?

Young readers will find natural questions answered through very natural conversation. Meanwhile they’ll follow the three protagonists into a world that’s as full of convincing detail as it is of mystery. A wise Indian might help. A dangerous rich man might hinder. And bumbling crooks offer the perfect blend of scary danger and classic mis-steps. The Ghosts of Petroglyph Canyon is a fun fast read, perfectly tuned and timed for its middle-grade readers, and my only complaint is I wish the kids on the cover looked more like the kids inside.

Disclosure: I was given a free copy and I offer my honest review.… (más)