Thursday, November 12, 2015

Ogres and Turkeys Just in Time for Thanksgiving!

What do ogres and turkeys have in common? In the land of Ogregon, they’re both ginormous next to your smaller-than-usual hero. Milo Speck: Accidental Agent, by Linda Urban, weaves together a unique tale of socks and turkey feathers with a boy who wants to make his father proud.


While I was reading this novel, I was reminded of some of my favorite books and movies when I was younger. So rather than give accolades about the writing or the setting or the characters (all of which are excellent), I want to motivate you to read Milo Speck based on these other works of fiction you might have already enjoyed. 



Linda Urban encourages readers in her endnotes to read some of Dahl’s books and says the BFG inspired her novel. Giants…  ogres…  see the connection?


Another Dahl book I was reminded of was Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator. If you haven’t read this one, it continues the story of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, only this time they go into space!

Now, I don’t want to give too much away, but Linda Urban uses a very unique mode of transportation to get Milo from the “real” world and into Ogregon. 

HINT: It has to do with laundry.

And where do the turkeys come in? First place you’ll see one is on the back of the book jacket.



But I will tell you there is a scene very reminiscent of this one from The Swiss Family Robinson.


Haven't you always wanted to ride an ostrich? What about a giant turkey who can do the chicken dance?

Before I give anything else away...


And, yes! There are spies with strange technology!

So I hope I have made you curious enough to rush out and buy Milo Speck: Accidental Agent. It's a great read for all ages, and especially fun for reluctant readers. If they resist, just show them the pics on this awesome blog post. :)

To read some other amazing MG book reviews, go to www.middlegrademafia.com