The Bridges in London (Going to) [Paperback]

Michele Spirn (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 9 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up | Series: Going To...

There are many mysteries to be solved when Robin Bridge gets to London with her sister Jo and their mom. But none of them stop Robin and Jo from having the time of their lives exploring the fabulous sites and sights of the British Capitol.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 5-7-In Flying Car, Talia has a difficult time adjusting to sixth grade after she and her parents move to Washington, DC. She eventually makes friends with two classmates and her eccentric landlady, an inventor. Most of the characters are lackluster and unconvincing. Talia, for example, spends so much time complaining about her new life that her sudden change of heart at the end seems implausible. The plot is unfocused; a flying car powered by plants gives this realistic school story a sci-fi element, and the unsuccessful tour guide further muddles the author's intent. London is a better book. Two sisters fly to England with their parents and meet the older girl's pen pal, Vic. They become involved in intrigue when they open a suitcase and find a collection of knives, and fear that a vicious killer is stalking them. The girls are also puzzled by Vic's secrecy and by the whereabouts of the sushi chef at the boy's uncle's restaurant. The characters are entertaining and the full-fledged mystery has engaging twists and humorous turns. Each book includes a map and an annotated guide to attractions in its featured city. In the first title, these items seem extraneous and superfluous. In London, however, the sisters visit various landmarks, and the map helps readers visualize the action. British slang adds to the authenticity of the tale. Young mystery buffs and readers who want a taste of London will enjoy Spirn's title.
Laura Santoro, Coventry Library, Cleveland Heights, OH
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Michele Spirn has written over forty books for children of all ages. She first started writing at the age of sixteen when she entered a state essay contest and won first prize—a trip to Washington, DC, to meet the president. When she was in high school, she dreamed of traveling to England and France, which she has done several times. Some of the characters in The Bridges in London are based on her friends in London.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Paperback: 121 pages
• Publisher: Four Corners Publishing (June 15, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1893577007
• ISBN-13: 978-1893577008
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,813,243 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A good pre-trip read, March 29, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The Bridges in London (Going to) (Paperback)

We bought this slender book before taking our 4 kids on a trip to London and wanted reading material that would give them a sense of the place; it's an overview of the major sites loosely tied together with a mystery narrative. It also contains a list of about 20 must-sees described from the point of view of Robin, the fictional narrator; also a glossary of British slang terms. It's not great fiction, but it's a good starting place for kids wanting to know more about modern London. I wish the 2 kids in the story (ages 12 and 14) were more enthusiastic about the places they visited... they give the impression that London is a stodgy place through which their parents drag them... but it all comes out right in the end.

5.0 out of 5 stars Another good one in a series, August 8, 2003

By 

Charles Ogere (Boston, MA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Bridges in London (Going to) (Paperback)

I bought this book as well as the one about Paris for my 2 children before our European trip. We found them to be very helpful to the kids and gave them things to look for and be excited about on our trip besides the ravens at the Tower of London.