The whites of their eyes

Clements's third book in the Benjamin Pratt & the Keepers of the School series finds the titular character fighting to prevent his school from being torn down and replaced by an oceanfront amusement park. Accompanied by his good friend Jill, Ben takes on the janitor Lyman, who is secretly working for the corporation interested in demolishing the school. Keith Nobbs, who made his name playing street-wise toughs and cops, may seem an odd choice to narrate this audio edition of a middle-grade novel. However, his handling of Ben's first-person narration is perfect and his performance brings the book's wild plot down to earth, More importantly, Nobbs's rendition of Ben is true to the text and believable. The only weakness in his performance is the voice Nobbs lends to Jill; she simply doesn't sounds like a teenage girl. Ages 7-10. An Atheneum hardcover. (Feb.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

This third volume in the series advances the mystery hidden within the old Oakes School; adds a third, unexpected keeper to Ben and Jill's partnership; further develops the kids' personal story lines; and continues their plot to stop greedy developers from turning the valuable seaside parcel into an amusement park. Stower's retro-looking spot illustrations enhance the fast-moving installment. (c) Copyright 2012. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.