Big Rig Rustlers Max Elliott Anderson Baker Trittin Press, P.O. Box 277, Winona Lake, IN  46590 ISBN: 0-9752880-1-6 / $10.95  www.bakertrittinpress.com Ram Subramanian for curled up with a good kid's book   For city slickers Todd and Amanda, the chance to spend a week at their uncle’s ranch in Wyoming is fraught with equal parts excitement and worry. The excitement part comes from the chance to see and live the life of ranchers. The worry part, particularly for ten-year-old Amanda, is having to spend time away from their parents in an unfamiliar place. The children soon get used to living in a rugged cabin surrounded by vast expanses of nothing and enjoy hobnobbing with their cousin Drew.   Max Elliot Anderson sets up the rapidly unfolding plot by means of several action-packed set pieces. The ranch is in the imminent danger of being hit upon by rustlers who have mounted a big-scale operation in the area. Adding to the intrigue is the character of Travis, a young ranch worker with a troubled past who may or may not be helping the rustlers. Anderson maintains the suspense till the very end and offers a very believable and satisfying denouement.   There is an interesting subtext in the story that adds a particular nuance to the book. As twelve-year-old Todd uncovers Travis’ past and attempts to find evidence to link the ranch hand’s involvement with the rustlers, he sees a parallel between his own actions and those of the villains. For Todd is not a pristine child. He has a habit of running with the wrong crowd at school and has broken the law several times, albeit through minor trespasses. He has never been caught but carries the guilt with him to Wyoming. Anderson juxtaposes the motives of the rustlers with that of Todd and allows the young boy to resolve it in a brave and courageous way. Since the book is targeted to young readers, the resolution of a typical dilemma – does one go with the crowd even when the crowd is doing something wrong? – is sure to strike a chord. Anderson’s adventure story goes beyond the mundane by confronting head on basic moral issues faced by children.

Legend of the White Wolf Max Elliot Anderson Baker Trittin Press, P.O. Box 277, Winona Lake, IN  46590 ISBN: 0-9752880-3-2 / $10.95  www.bakertrittinpress.com Reviewed by Kelly Ross. The Romance Readers Connection (TRRC) Brian Fisher lived near the northern gateway to Yellowstone National Park. It was a great place to live because he and his friend Tommy Wilson would fill their days with outdoor exploring during the summer. Tommy always wanted Brian to tell the story about the wolf, but Brian was getting tired of it. It seemed that nobody believe he saved the white wolf’s life. Brian’s dad comes home from work a little distraught. Not only are there reports of a mountain lion, but also reports that wolves were being trapped and killed. Brian was concerned about his wolf. With no concern for the safety of himself and his friend, Brian and Tommy set out to find his wolf. As they approached the higher elevations, snow began to fall fast. It falls so fast the boys are unable to make it back down before the path is covered. If they attempted to go down, they will get lost. LEGEND OF THE WHITE WOLF is great for young readers who love adventure. Brian and Tommy go on many journeys that are dangerous but seem to make it out unharmed. Although they are scared it doesn’t stop them. The story touches a little on having faith in God but is not preachy. It is more about Brian proving to others that his wolf is real and not a phantom.

Mountain Cabin Mystery Max Elliot Anderson Baker Trittin Press, P.O. Box 277, Winona Lake, IN  46590 ISBN: 0-97292560305 / $10.95  www.bakertrittinpress.com Reviewed by Kelli Glesige for Reader Views   Mountain Cabin Mystery is an adventure about Scott, Al and Benji, three young friends who are taking a required wilderness class with the hopes of being accepted on a summer backpacking trip in the Colorado Rockies. After much work and being turned down twice already, the twelve year old boys are selected to be a part of the Wilderness Wanderers group specifically labeled as Timber Wolves.   This story by Max Elliot Anderson is packed with excitement and danger, just what a reluctant reader might take to! The boys do many things right, but they also neglect some of the important rules learned about backpacking in dangerous territory. Brian is one of trail leaders who is also a youth pastor at his church in Denver. The young man promises to share the research he is doing for his Master’s Degree on what he has learned about environmental issues versus Christian issues in dealing with the environment, as this becomes a topic of discussion and concern for Scott. In my opinion, this was a minor subplot, but some may find it a relevant topic.   Anderson deals with some very real and frightening issues in “Mountain Cabin Mystery.” The boys mistakenly find themselves on a restricted military zone where the U.S. Army is conducting mountain training exercises on a search and capture mission. The simulated drills are cancelled when the boys stumble upon terrorists with maps and satellite pictures ready to wipe out important targets around the city of Denver. The boys learn that sleeper cells exist in nearby locations, just waiting for the signal to do as much damage as possible to innocent victims.   The boys ingeniously use a harmless laser pointer and a flash camera to lure the terrorists from hiding. The boys foil the terrorists’ escape. Scott, Al and Benji are eventually awarded by authorities for saving many lives and for doing the right thing in the face of danger. The underlying message of those searching for the young campers brings to mind God’s words, “My lamb was lost and I’d do anything to find you,” says Benji’s father.   This book seemed quite intense, dealing with dangers we unfortunately face on a daily basis. Anderson dedicated this book to the memory of 9/11, and I found this to be a moving gesture. The story will definitely keep you riveted while frantically turning pages to learn the outcome!   Although fiction, I recommend “Mountain Cabin Mystery” to any beginner interested in backpacking in the wilderness. It is filled with good information about safety in the wilderness, what to do in case of emergencies, and what can happen if specific directions are not followed. This would make a great read for a youngster getting ready for camp. I recommend reading this book to all who’ve enjoyed Anderson’s other books, for this is one of his best.

North Woods Poachers Max Elliott Anderson ISBN 0-9729256-8-6 Baker Trittin Press, P.O. Box 277, Winona Lake, IN  46590 ISBN0-9729256-8-6 / $10.95  www.bakertrittinpress.com   Review for http://come.to/bookreviews   The family has been going on the same vacation a long as Andy can recall. Yes, he likes fishing and camping, but EVERY YEAR? He did like hanging out with his computer-wise cousin CJ.   What he doesn't realize is that his desire to explore with his cousin instead of fishing with his family will lead them into danger in the Canadian wilderness where he has to make life and death decisions about right and wrong, family, and faith.   When things go wrong, will the boys find the help they need in time?   A mystery with a lesson that isn't hard to swallow. Never preachy, Anderson takes the reader on a ride that will tempt most "Tweens"-boys and girls--to get on board and hang on. A fun mystery that upholds family and faith as it draws the reader into the lives of the Wasburn families.

Secret of Abbott's Cave Max Elliot Anderson Baker Trittin Press, P.O. Box 277, Winona Lake, IN  46590 ISBN: 0-9752880-0-8 / $10.95  www.bakertrittinpress.com Reviewed for Dancing Words   Eleven-year-old Randy Wilcox and his friends, Stewart, Jeff, and Hal, think that life in New Market, Virginia, is boring. They are hoping that their little town is more exciting than they think it is, so they buy a police scanner. Besides, they want to own their own detective agency someday, so knowing police codes could come in handy.   A class on caves fills a Saturday, and when a teacher assigns a report about different aspects of cave life and safety, the boys decide to camp overnight and explore a cave on Jeff’s uncle’s property. It is private, so the boys should be completely safe. Finally, after much discussion, Randy’s parents agree he can go.   While the boys are getting ready for the camping trip, news comes across the scanner of a bank robbery. The boys decide to continue with their plans for the weekend and continue packing—after all, the bank robbers will be long gone and their trip will be completely uneventful—or will it?   Secret of Abbott’s Cave is an exciting read guaranteed to keep the interest of even the most reluctant reader. It is full of information about caves—so readers who are interested in spelunking will enjoy it too. The boys act like any other eleven-year-old boys – full of life and excitement, ready to take the world on.   I didn’t find anything I disliked about Secret of Abbott’s Cave. It held my interest from page one—and my twelve-year-old son is anxious to get his hand on the book and read it for himself. Police codes are included at the back of the book. Pick up Secret of Abbott’s Cave for your favorite eight- to thirteen-year-old today.

Where Would Cows Hide? D. C. Stewart Baker Trittin Press, P.O. Box 277, Winona Lake, IN  46590 ISBN: 978-0-9787316-7-0 / $10.95  www.bakertrittinpress.com   Reviewed by Jacob Young   I am a twelve-year-old homeschooled boy. My mother assigned me Where Would Cows Hide? for my literature reading, and I could not put it down. My brother and I read it during school and for free reading. It was exciting and funny. Needless to say, I love this book and will hungrily devour it time and time again. I feel sure that I am speaking for many children when I tell you this: thank you for publishing this book!