Book Review: You Have To Stop This By Pseudonymous Bosch
In this fifth (and supposedly final) book of the Secret series
, a class field trip turns bad for Cass and her friends when she breaks a finger off a mummy. By accident, of course.
To pay for their "crime," Cass, Max-Ernest and Yo-Yoji are sent to work for the mummy exhibits curatoronly to be blamed when the mummy vanishes.
As Cass and her friends race to clear their names and discover the Secret, they run into the evil Ms. Mauvais and Dr. Lwho will stop at nothing to get their hands on the Secret before the kids do.
The Good Stuff
Pseudonymous Bosch did it again! You Have to Stop This is a funny, suspenseful story for kids thats hard to put down.
This book is part mystery part coming of age but the main theme that runs through the entire series is friendship. Its rewarding for the reader to see Cass and Max-Ernest start off as loners and end up as close friends who trust and need each other.
Violence
As with the other books in the Secret series, any violence is of the mild sort.
For example:
- The Lord Pharaohs ghost tries to replace the mummys missing finger by cutting off Dr. Ls finger to put in its place. (This is "told" - not "shown.")
- Cass and her friends are grabbed by Lord Pharaohs henchmen. Max-Ernest and Yo-Yoji are tossed outside, but Cass is forcibly locked into a canopic jar a container which was historically used by Egyptians for storing the organs of the dead.
- When rescuing Cass, Yo-Yoji tackles Lord Pharaoh and pins him to the floor.
Magic, Sorcery and Spirituality
You Have to Stop This contains many references to ancient Egypt and its godsThoth, in particular.
For example:
- The Book of Thoth is said to contain all the spells in the universe.
- Cass has the Ring of Thoth in her possessionand it contains magical powers. When placed on the finger of the mummy, the Secret would be revealed.
- If the Lord Pharaoh learns the Secret first, he will become immortal and all-powerful. He would no longer be just a ghost. He would be able to claim any body he desires as his own and walk the earth like a living god.
- When Cass places the Ring of Thoth on the mummys finger, she has some kind of out-of-body type of experience where shes flying over the Nile River.
Sexual Content
None.
Drugs and Alcohol
None.
Foul Language
None.
Other Negative Stuff
As with the other Secret books, Cass and Max-Ernest have to do a considerable amount of lying to their parents in order to have their adventures. And thats not all
Pseudonymous Bosch mentions a private part that supposedly fell of the King Tut mummy. (You might have fun explaining that one to your child!)
Also, a waitress in the casino and some of the dancers in Lord Pharaohs magic show are described as nearly naked and scantily clad.
My Two Cents
You Have to Stop This really is a fun read for kids. The characters are likeable the plot is full of unexpected twists and turns and the illustrations are whimsical. Plus, the extras thrown in by the ever-intrusive narrator add to the books appeal.
Overall, You Have to Stop This is an entertaining, kid-friendly book. Its appropriate for most children ages 9 and up.
by: Deanna Blanchard
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