Age recommendations: 7-14
Summary: Lacy is the only survivor of a freak accident. It took her friends, and the use of her legs, and replaced them with terrifying nightmares. And now, though no one will say it to her face, everyone thinks she might have gone a little crazy. But when Lacy, her brother Tommy, their friend Wayne and his sister April are left alone for a night, things get a little crazy. And when April disappears the kids must face what they most fear to get her back. All in a book full of pepperoni pizza, and dragons.
My review: I quite enjoyed this book. It was a thoughtful, fun read, and indeed it is full of pizza and dragons. And siblings. I loved the sibling dynamic, such as at one point when Wayne can’t find April he shouts “April I am going to eat your pizza!” And the struggle as two sets of siblings argue, and then risk their lives to save each other. The family dynamic is so good, and quite a lot better than most families in modern media. The siblings argue, and then still love each other. It is not a fake family, one that never argues, but it is also not the family that we see in movies, a family that is always arguing. The book itself is at times a bit odd, and may be disturbing, however overall it is a good book with good messaging. Lacy also must get over her self pity, and Tommy (her younger brother) has to become more of a smart dragon killing man, than a geeky no exercise nerd. Overall it is an amazing family read aloud, especially if you have a wide range of kids.
Quotes: “We’re eating your pizza.”
Concerns: One cuss word was said in a moment of extreme pressure. There are some disturbing scenes and descriptions, and (spoiler) someone gets kidnaped.
Overall rating: 4 out of 5