From School Library Journal
Grade 5–7—Cam, Shelby, and their friends, all 12, call themselves the Outriders because they like excitement. Cam explains that their "expeditions" around Surf Island often require "scavenging" things—borrowing without permission and hopefully returning them undamaged. In
Blue Cave, the gang wants to observe a display of rare bioluminescent plankton. After a convoluted plot to spring Shelby from summer school, they scavenge a flotilla of boats and set off for the cave. They find a pair of crooks who are hiding an antique golden sextant stolen from rich, eccentric Mr. Thorpe. The kids recover the swag, but before they can return it to the rightful owner, the thieves kidnap Shelby's little sister and demand the return of the stolen merchandise in exchange. In
Willow Key, Mr. Thorpe bankrolls a science-class field trip into the swamp, on the condition that the Outriders also explore
L'Esperanza, a pirate ship sunk 300 years ago. While exploring the wreck, the friends learn that the key is being polluted by chemical dumping. Swept off-course by an underwater current, they run afoul of a gang of backwoods alligator poachers. Like characters in adventure series going back to the Stratemeyer syndicate days, the Outriders operate essentially without adult supervision, even in the most dangerous situations. They encounter—and defeat—grown-up villains through clever inventions and teamwork. The emphasis is on fast action rather than character development and the dialogue blends surfer lingo with middle school banter. While the "scavenging" aspect is, at best, ethically questionable, these titles are worth considering where there is a strong demand for series fiction.—
Elaine E. Knight, Lincoln Elementary Schools, IL Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
About the Author
Ed Decter is a producer, director, and writer. Along with his writing partner John J. Strauss, Ed wrote
There's Something about Mary, The Lizzie McGuire Movie, The Santa Clause 2 and
The Santa Clause 3 as well as many other screenplays. During his years in show business Ed has auditioned, hired, and fired thousands of actors and actresses just like Chloe Gamble. Ed lives in Los Angeles with his family.
Sammy Yuen is the illustrator and designer of the action-packed, fun-filled Outriders series. His award-winning artwork can also be found on many other teen and tween covers or on the Web at www.sammyyuen.com. He lives in New York City, where every day is an adventure.
