Book Review: A Science Fiction Series for Young Readers

By Lori Calabrese

P.J. Hoover has done it again with the second book in The Forgotten Worlds series.

In The Navel of the World (The Forgotten Worlds, Book 2), the reader picks up right where they left off in The Emerald Tablet (The Forgotten Worlds). In the Emerald Tablet, we’re introduced to Benjamin and Andy who are telegens, more advanced life forms than humans who are able to communicate via telepathy. We also learn from an ancient relic that the fate of the world rests on Benjamin’s shoulders. At the end of summer school, Benjamin was given one task–find his missing brothers. In the beginning of The Navel of the World, we learn Benjamin is interning at his father’s office over spring break. While he’s there, he finds a mysterious file written in ancient Lemurian. Even though he’s unable to read it, he is able to decipher that his name is on it! But who would have known about Benjamin that long ago?

As Benjamin is reunited with his friends at school on the hidden continent of Lemuria, the Emerald Tablet alliance searches all over the world to find Benjamin’s missing brothers. Iva uses her telekenetic powers to search for Benjamin’s brothers’ DNA, but when the friends are introduced to time travel, they realize they haven’t been looking in the wrong place, but the wrong time.

Character relationships are expanded upon and Hoover continues to add intrigue with ancient mythology and mystery. I’m amazed that even though these books are science fiction and take place in another world, you’ll feel as though the characters could be your next door neighbors as they face all the challenges a middle-schooler would face.

Read an excerpt at CBAY books.

Additional Information:
Reading level: Ages 10 and up
Hardcover: 312 pages
Publisher: Children’s Brains are Yummy Books (October 12, 2009)
ISBN-10: 1933767146
ISBN-13: 978-1933767147
Source of review copy: author

About the Author:  Lori Calabrese is an award-winning children’s author. To learn more about Lori and her books, please visit www.loricalabrese.com

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