Book Review of Boy Between Worlds: The Novice Collector
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The Children’s Book Review

Written by Cynthia C. Huijgens

Ages 8-12 | 187 Pages

Publisher: Idle Time Press | ISBN-13: 9781732925847

What to Expect: Time travel, antiquities, Egypt, friendship

When Max Mead was twelve he swore he would track down the notorious antiquities thief known as the Lieutenant—and, of course, gain fame and fortune. Now that he’s thirteen and a novice collector, however, he can’t help wondering how he’s ever going to fulfill that promise. He’s far too busy enjoying his time with Grandad, learning the secrets of the magic cabinet that is his inheritance, and exploring Cairo with his new best friend, Youssef. Worse, his family are insisting that he is too young to track down thieves and that he needs to stay in school.

However, his chance comes when the Lieutenant strikes again, leaving Max with the most difficult decision of his life: should he return to England with his family, or stay as his grandfather’s apprentice and finally bring the thief to justice? Building on the fantastic magical world of The Cabinet of Curiosities, this sequel continues Max’s adventures in Egypt.

Blending fast-paced adventure and magic with realistic cultural and historical detail, the story artfully combines learning and fun. Max is a relatable character, whose struggles with family and with his own identity are sure to feel familiar to middle-grade readers. Although the story incorporates magic and fantasy elements, these are blended cleverly with real-world details that help make the story immersive, while the emphasis on the genuine issue of antiquities theft encourages readers to think critically about history, archeology, and cultural property.

Boy Between Worlds: The Novice Collector is an exciting, informative, and highly entertaining read.

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About the Author

Cynthia C. Huijgens writes for children of all ages, including children’s picture books. She holds a BA in Art and Design, Masters in Education, and is a certified K-12 Art Teacher. Cynthia graduated from Simon Fraser University’s The Writer’s Studio.

For more information, visit https://www.idletimepress.com.

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