An Amazon TOP 20 bestseller (Children's Mystery and Spy Stories, Jan. 2013)
Warning: if you enjoy romantic tales about princesses dressed in pink, DO NOT READ THIS BOOK!
Auggie Spinoza is a ten-year-old boy with a secret: he is a special agent who can travel through time. Now, he finds himself locked in a desperate battle against evil forces trying to change the course of history. To defeat them, Auggie must pursue a dangerous quest to find a set of mysterious clues hidden in the past.
With the help of a clever new friend and advice from a cast of famous characters with names like Jefferson, Darwin, and Plato, Auggie fights to fulfill his destiny and save his world from ruin. Along the way, he learns the importance of thinking clearly and shows the awesome power of a code-breaking, book-loving, time-traveling ten-year-old with a talent for being in the right place at the right time (and doing the right thing).
Fans of Rick Riordan, The 39 Clues, and The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel will delight in this action-packed and thought-provoking adventure through history.
Editorial Reviews
Review
"It reminds me of Percy Jackson...a super fun middle grade book."
-The Cheap Reader
"This book can be described in one word: O-r-i-g-i-n-a-l."
-Kindling the Fire
"I love this book!"
-The Bookkeepers Blog
About the Author
Steven Stickler is no rocket scientist. He will never be confused with a professional athlete. He is not (despite widespread rumors) the actor who played Cousin Oliver in The Brady Bunch, nor was he a guest drummer for the Beatles during a brief period in the mid-1960s. He is something completely different: a writer. He began writing when he was five years of age and, perhaps due to an oversight by those in positions of authority, was never told to stop. He lives in the great Pacific Northwest of the United States, where he enjoys exploring the outdoors with his family and, of course, reading at least one book by Dr. Seuss every year. A “stickler” for secrecy, he has never allowed his face to be captured on film and fears that we have already revealed too much in this simple biography.
Product Details
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
By Clare Ashton
Format:Kindle Edition
This young adult book by Steven Stickler has the best beginning to a book that I've read in a long time and I think it would capture the interest of anyone of any age. It starts with a letter that takes the reader into the author's confidence and starts to relate a story that has been kept under wraps - who can resist someone telling them a secret?
This book is very clearly written, funny and has a good pace, ideal for its intended audience and making it a quick enjoyable read for adults. There's some great gentle humour in there with lots of references to things that children can relate to. The tingling Auggie feels when he's near a hole in time is like when Auggie first ate Pop Rocks. Auggie's sister calls him "uggs" like the boots. These very appealing asides add a nice roundness to the hero's character at the beginning, but perhaps hinder the flow of the story later in the novel.
The holes in time are brilliantly introduced. The author's description of Auggie looking into the darkness is as fascinating for the reader as the hole is for Auggie in the novel. I also loved animal-like human villains in the book - the time vultures - and the introduction of historical figures as very human individuals. The crux of the novel was suitably grave and I perhaps found it even more poignant as an adult than if I'd read the book as a child.
There were a few things that did detract: The repetition of phrases might have comic effect but they were overused for me. There were one or two small incongruities with the plot also.
I found The Absolutely Amazing Adventures of Agent Auggie Spinoza a fantastic read though and I hope the ending does leave room for a follow up.
This book is very clearly written, funny and has a good pace, ideal for its intended audience and making it a quick enjoyable read for adults. There's some great gentle humour in there with lots of references to things that children can relate to. The tingling Auggie feels when he's near a hole in time is like when Auggie first ate Pop Rocks. Auggie's sister calls him "uggs" like the boots. These very appealing asides add a nice roundness to the hero's character at the beginning, but perhaps hinder the flow of the story later in the novel.
The holes in time are brilliantly introduced. The author's description of Auggie looking into the darkness is as fascinating for the reader as the hole is for Auggie in the novel. I also loved animal-like human villains in the book - the time vultures - and the introduction of historical figures as very human individuals. The crux of the novel was suitably grave and I perhaps found it even more poignant as an adult than if I'd read the book as a child.
There were a few things that did detract: The repetition of phrases might have comic effect but they were overused for me. There were one or two small incongruities with the plot also.
I found The Absolutely Amazing Adventures of Agent Auggie Spinoza a fantastic read though and I hope the ending does leave room for a follow up.
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
As a middle school teacher, I'm always looking at Young Adult fiction. This story captured me from the very start - the book reminded me of the Encyclopedia Brown series - which was my favorite book series as a child. Detective stories and thrillers are always a top pull for kids, and this book is a mixture of both.
After reading for a while, I discovered an interesting twist in the story. The main evil villain is well-developed, and the storyline has several twists. There is more than one villain in the book, and you'll be surprised by one of them! You'll also get to meet historic characters in this fast-paced, fun-to-read book.
The book has much to recommend it - it has time travel, code breaking, villains, and action. I was hooked from the beginning. It's a fast read for an adult, but seems just about right for a fourth, fifth, or sixth grader. I thought I'd read for a bit and then pick it up again later, but I read it straight through.
I recommend this book for both kids and adults who never grew up.
After reading for a while, I discovered an interesting twist in the story. The main evil villain is well-developed, and the storyline has several twists. There is more than one villain in the book, and you'll be surprised by one of them! You'll also get to meet historic characters in this fast-paced, fun-to-read book.
The book has much to recommend it - it has time travel, code breaking, villains, and action. I was hooked from the beginning. It's a fast read for an adult, but seems just about right for a fourth, fifth, or sixth grader. I thought I'd read for a bit and then pick it up again later, but I read it straight through.
I recommend this book for both kids and adults who never grew up.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By Stefanie O.
Format:Kindle Edition
From the first chapter, I was instantly in love with this book! The writing is solid, and very relatable for children without talking down to them. The concept is original, and adventurous, while encouraging children to use their minds to solve problems instead of violence. The details of history shine through, and the characters are very believable.
I would recommend this book for any child seeking adventure, but adults may enjoy it as well. It would be the perfect story to read together!
I would recommend this book for any child seeking adventure, but adults may enjoy it as well. It would be the perfect story to read together!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
Amazing plot
It was always keeping you on your toes and wondering what would happen next. I hope the next book comes to the Amazon store!!
Published 1 month ago by Mary Becker
5.0 out of 5 stars
My 8 & 10 year old sons loved this book!
I read this book out loud to my sons while they were each playing Roblox on the computer. Yes, that sounds weird I know but for some reason it worked for us. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Melanie West
5.0 out of 5 stars
Four thumbs up!
My son and I have loved reading this book. It was the highlight of bedtime. It is an easy read and appropriate for young kids of all ages. Read more
Published 3 months ago by David Anderson
4.0 out of 5 stars
NOT SURE WHETHER TO GIVE IT A 4 OR A 5...
As a 10-year-old, I would have rated this book at least a 5. As I am in my 30's, I'm a little iffy on holes in the explanation of time travel in the story, and maybe some of the... Read more
Published 3 months ago by Jessica L. Knudson
5.0 out of 5 stars
A wonderful adventure
Was looking for reading entertainment for my young neice when I came on this book. This was an author I was not familiar with, so thought I would read it first. Read more
Published 5 months ago by pixelsmom
5.0 out of 5 stars
discover magic!
The Absolutely Amazing Adventures of Agent Auggie Spinoza is one of the most wonderful adventure books I've read. I have been a fun of these genre because of my daughter. Read more
Published 7 months ago by I_am_Ysabelle
5.0 out of 5 stars
Outstanding Read!
I am a fourth grade teacher putting e-books in an iPad for my students to read. I had downloaded this when it was free and was going to simply read a few pages to make sure it was... Read more
Published 7 months ago by StBarnard
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Action Story!
**NOTE** I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Not every almost-ten-year old gets to be a secret agent. Read more
Not every almost-ten-year old gets to be a secret agent. Read more
Published 8 months ago by This Kid Reviews Books
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fast action adventure book
Review from my daughter: I am nine years old.I loved this book! When a problem occurred, I could not wait to find the solution. Read more
Published 8 months ago by Drew Weaver
5.0 out of 5 stars
The first book my 10 year old boy loves...
Thank you so much for writing an engaging and fun book that grabbed my sons attention so well that he enjoyed reading for the first time. Read more
Published 9 months ago by pepglen
More About the Author
Steven Stickler is no rocket scientist. He will never be confused with a professional athlete. He is not (despite widespread rumors) the actor who played Cousin Oliver in The Brady Bunch, nor was he a guest drummer for the Beatles during a brief period in the mid-1960s.
He is something completely different: a writer. He began writing when he was five years of age and, perhaps due to an oversight by those in positions of authority, was never told to stop. He lives in the great Pacific Northwest of the United States, where he enjoys exploring the outdoors with his family and, of course, reading at least one book by Dr. Seuss every year.
A "stickler" for secrecy, he has never allowed his face to be captured on film and fears that we have already revealed too much in this simple biography. He asks that all his readers, young and old alike, read the following message:
Dear Reader,
I would love to tell you all about myself. Really, I would. Unfortunately, for security reasons, everything that I might tell you about myself is classified, top secret, and known only to a few trusted colleagues.
Curious where I was born? Sorry, that's classified information.
Wondering where I live? Apologies, that information must remain top secret.
Inquisitive about why I like to write? So sorry, but to tell you that would be careless.
Perhaps you would like to know what my job is? I wish I could tell you, but it is simply too dangerous to disclose.
Anxious to probe into my hobbies, interests, education, favorite foods, most-read books, and all the exciting places I have visited? Regretfully, the answers to all these questions must remain shrouded in mystery.
I can't even show you a picture of myself without obscuring my face.
To put it simply: I can't tell you much of anything about myself. But what I CAN do is tell you a little bit about the battle I am fighting. That is why I have written about the adventures of Auggie Spinoza. Everything you need to know is revealed in Auggie's story. Read with care.
Sincerely yours,
Special Agent Steven Stickler
He is something completely different: a writer. He began writing when he was five years of age and, perhaps due to an oversight by those in positions of authority, was never told to stop. He lives in the great Pacific Northwest of the United States, where he enjoys exploring the outdoors with his family and, of course, reading at least one book by Dr. Seuss every year.
A "stickler" for secrecy, he has never allowed his face to be captured on film and fears that we have already revealed too much in this simple biography. He asks that all his readers, young and old alike, read the following message:
Dear Reader,
I would love to tell you all about myself. Really, I would. Unfortunately, for security reasons, everything that I might tell you about myself is classified, top secret, and known only to a few trusted colleagues.
Curious where I was born? Sorry, that's classified information.
Wondering where I live? Apologies, that information must remain top secret.
Inquisitive about why I like to write? So sorry, but to tell you that would be careless.
Perhaps you would like to know what my job is? I wish I could tell you, but it is simply too dangerous to disclose.
Anxious to probe into my hobbies, interests, education, favorite foods, most-read books, and all the exciting places I have visited? Regretfully, the answers to all these questions must remain shrouded in mystery.
I can't even show you a picture of myself without obscuring my face.
To put it simply: I can't tell you much of anything about myself. But what I CAN do is tell you a little bit about the battle I am fighting. That is why I have written about the adventures of Auggie Spinoza. Everything you need to know is revealed in Auggie's story. Read with care.
Sincerely yours,
Special Agent Steven Stickler
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