The Wooden Mile

The Wooden Mile: Something Wickedly Weird is a delightful book written by Chris Mould for 9 to 12 year olds, but I'm a few years past that and I loved it. It is published by Roaring Brook Press. It is the story of eleven year old Stanley Buggles, an ordinary boy who received a letter informing him that his Great-Uncle Bartholomew (who he's never met) has died and left his estate and and all of his possessions to Stanley. It is decided that Stanley should visit the estate, Candlestick Hall in Crampton Rock. When he arrives, he discovers a strange town where the people stay locked in at night. Stanley solves the mystery only to encounter another one. This book has a fun story line that children will enjoy plus fantastic illustrations. This is the first in the Something Wickedly Weird series.

This book is a really fun read that will appeal to a wide range of readers. It's part Roald Dahl and part Lemony Snicket -- but unlike Snicket, this book will be readable by a wider range of children. The chapters aren't quiet as long and the spacing is done with more room and there are some illustrations- which is terrific for just getting started with chapter books. The hero of the book is likeable and the other characters are well described. There is just enough mystery and adventure to keep the pages turning but without being too frightening. The place is interesting, and I can imagine readers might find themselves day-dreaming about a visit to such an island. This story has a tidy ending but it is open ended enough for the next in the series. I would definitely have this book and the rest in the series in my 4th and 5th grade classroom libraries. This would also be a terrific read-aloud and might even be a fun classroom book club title (if you did leveled books, this could be part of a larger adventure theme).

Eleven-year-old Stanley Buggles just received a mysterious package. Inside was a large, old key and a letter from the Mayoress of Crampton Rock. It seems that Stanley had a long lost great-uncle who just died and left him a house. Now Stanley is off to visit Candlestick Hall for the summer under the watchful eye of Mrs. Carelli, the housekeeper of Candlestick Hall. As he arrives on Crampton Rock, Stanley realizes right away that he's in a strange place. For one thing you can't even set foot on the harbor without showing proof he belongs there. For another the whole town shuts down at dusk and no one ventures outside after dark. As Stanley continues his daily adventures he inadvertently gets caught up with a trio of pirates who are up to no good. Now they have Stanley convinced that there is a real live werewolf loose on Crampton Rock and Stanley is the only one who can save the village from the beast. The Wooden Mile is a great children's book. It has all the elements of a story unique enough to hold a child's interest in reading and have them eager to learn what Stanley is up to next. I really enjoyed this read and I know it will appeal to children who are the recommended reading age of 9-12 and their parents will approve. I can't wait to read Something Wickedly Weird, vol. 2: The Icy Hand.