Switched! ... a book review

Tyndale House Publisher

Available: 2/2012

$6.99

Switched! is the 5th book of the TJ and the Time Stumblers series from Bill Myers. 

"This six-book series centers around two 23rd century goofballs, Tuna and Herby, who travel back in time to study TJ Finkelstein for their history project. TJ will someday become a great leader who demonstrates honesty, integrity, thoughtfulness, self-sacrifice, respect for others—all traits she hones and grasps through her adventures in this series. Unfortunately, Tuna and Herby get stuck in TJ’s time (modern day), so she has to deal with their schemes while juggling the normal issues of a seventh grader who has moved to a new city, is trying to fit in, and is coping with her mother’s death and her family’s new life. "  Tyndale House

Book description:

As Tuna and Herby try to repair their futuristic gadgets, a little glitch in their Thought Broadcaster Pen lands TJ in the body of her nemesis, Hesper Breakahart-and vice versa! And the plot thickens when Tuna and Herby decide to put TJ's new look and superstar power to use-they decide to have "Hesper" perform a concert as a diversion while they sneak aboard a nuclear submarine and borrow a plutonium power pack (one of the items needed to fuel their time pod and get them out of TJ's life!).

Meanwhile, Tuna and Herby are hounded by their own nemesis, Bruce Bruiseabone, who's having a little trouble with forgiveness . . . a lesson TJ realizes she might also need to learn as she walks a mile in Hesper's shoes-and body!  ~  Christian Book

Check out the video trailer!

watch on tyndale.com

*   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *

This book brings many zany characters to life!  Who wouldn't love to have their very own futuristic friends around to keep life wacky and adventurous?  As a story, I enjoyed the way Bill Myers weaved the zany activities of these characters with life in seventh grade. 

Even though this series may keep a child reading and entertained, as a parent and home school mom, I would not use this in my lesson plans.  I feel the lesson of forgiveness is lost in the crazy story of switching places.  There are many other avenues to reinforce forgiveness such as Bible stories and modeling it in real life.  As home schoolers, we spend many hours with our children and how many times do I - as the parent / teacher - need to ask forgiveness from one or all of my kids.  (I know I'm not alone in this!)  Also, I feel that reading good literature encourages the students to learn good writings skills, spelling, and vocabulary.  Now, if my student wanted to read this as their "pleasure" reading, that would be fine.

Author Bio:

Bill Myers is the author of several best-selling series, including Forbidden Doors, The Incredible Worlds of Wally McDoogle, McGee and Me! He is a writer and director; his work has won over 60 national and international awards and his books and videos have sold nearly 8 million copies. Click HERE for more information on his kids and teens books.

I received a complimentary copy of Switched! from Tyndale House Publisher for my honest opinion.

Blessings,

     Ellen