Alexander Fox and the Amazing Mind Reader [Paperback]

John C. Clayton (Author), Emily Egan (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up

This work is intended for ages 4-8. Alexander Fox is a curious fifth grader who stands apart from his friends because he believes in thinking for himself rather than accepting claims without first exploring the evidence. Like a super sleuth investigator, Alexander sifts for clues, searches for answers, and asks plenty of questions when met with something mysterious or unbelievable, especially when a schoolmate claims to have witnessed the supernatural feats of one Arcady Mystikos. But when he meets the great Mystikos, a man whose powers have astounded the wealthy residents of the town, Alexander realises that he may have met his match, a case that is too tough to crack. Admiration for Mystikos among the town folk causes the youngster to examine his own beliefs: Is Alexander a close-minded person, unwilling to accept the mysteries of the unknown? Or can he show his friends that claims of the paranormal aren't always so mysterious? Young readers will delight in this fascinating tale and cheer Alexander on as he tries to uncover the truth about the powers of Mr Mystikos. "Alexander Fox and the Amazing Mind Reader" will start young minds on their journey toward independent thinking, open-mindedness, sceptical inquiry, and critical awareness.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Paperback: 78 pages
• Publisher: Prometheus Books (July 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1573922218
• ISBN-13: 978-1573922210
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,806,844 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Book for Young Skeptics, January 27, 2004

By 

[e-mail] - See all my reviews

This review is from: Alexander Fox and the Amazing Mind Reader (Paperback)

This short novel introduces Alexander Fox, a sixth grader with obvious natural skepticism and a desire to reach the truth through logic and critical thinking. Although others accuse Alexander of being "the boy who doesn't believe anything," Alexander points out that he always has an open mind but that "unusually strong claims require unusually strong proof."

When Arkady Mystikos comes to town and professes to have psychic abilities, Alexander is determined to figure out the truth. Alexander is an engaging young hero and one with whom young readers will easily identify. Although the didactic nature of this slim volume is apparent, the story is interesting enough to keep young readers involved, and the attractive illustrations complement the text.

This book would make a good choice for young skeptics age 8 and up, as well as all children who enjoy mystery and detective stories. Fans of Encyclopedia Brown will be sure to find this book interesting. Further adventures involving the skeptical Alexander would be most welcome as well!

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An introduction to critical thinking for people of ALL ages., January 11, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Alexander Fox and the Amazing Mind Reader (Paperback)

When Arcady Mystikos comes to town, everyone is bowled over by his psychic powers -- except for 6th grader Alexander Fox.

Fox asks legitimate questions and looks for a more practical explanation of Arcady's feats.

This book is an outstanding introduction to using one's brain.

I am buying additional copies to send to my friends who follow and believe in the popular "psychics" of our day. Mr. Mystikos's name could very easily be replaced with any of those psychic's names.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Something kids need, March 21, 2006

By 

Mrs Bruna (Quebec Canada) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Alexander Fox and the Amazing Mind Reader (Paperback)

This book is an excellent story for encouraging youngsters not to blindly accept everything at face value. Very importantly, it never crosses the line into cynicism as the young hero investigates a mind-reader who seems too good to be true. My 8-year-old daughter liked this book very much and highly recommends it.