Travis & Freddy's Adventures in Vegas

Travis and Freddy are best friends. They are actually more like brothers; they were born on the same day and in the same year. Except that they're all different. For instance Travis is the best at every thing he had the game-winning goal, touch down and hit all in the same day. He also has a MILLION dollar smile. Freddy has a ten-cent smile. They go to Vegas and get into a lot of trouble.

Was there ever such a pair as Travis and Freddy? Born on exactly the same day and same year, they seem to be more like brothers than friends. Freddy is the geek --- big into computers, software and the latest high-tech gizmos. Travis is the one with the gift of gab and the most winning smile anywhere. Together they manage to get in and out of trouble, but on this occasion they get in over their heads. It all starts when Travis's dad loses everything in a gambling game. Travis and Freddy put their spiky heads together and decide that they can figure out just what to do --- and do they ever come up with a plan! In a series of most unlikely events, they manage to board a plane and make their way to Las Vegas where they plan to win the money back. With Freddy's brain and trusty tech toys, they are sure they can beat the system, pack the money in a bag and be back home before they will even be missed. Of course, they are not counting on the unhappy presence of one mobster named Johnny Large who happens to sound like the comic book guy on "The Simpsons" or the awful experience of being dangled --- yes dangled --- head down from a tall building. All of this is the result of walking away with too much money and their involvement with an attractive lady taxi driver named Sam and then an unlikely federal agent named Carl. Despite their smart talk and clever antics, Travis and Freddy almost don't make it back home. While there are lot of fun moments and scary ones too, there are several situations of questionable antics by these two mischievous boys. Stealing Travis's dad's credit card, telling lies left and right, hacking into computers and cheating at the casino are just a few of the things that would probably raise the eyebrows of any parent. As good-hearted as their intentions are, there seems to be no indication that they feel they might really get into trouble. With the neat little ending --- as all turns out great --- there is still a question as to whether or not these modern-day Tom Sawyers know they were out of line. TRAVIS & FREDDY'S ADVENTURES IN VEGAS is a fun little read that will probably have great appeal among the elementary school group. Today's kids are likely to read it as a total fantasy adventure and be excited for the return of Travis and Freddy. --- Reviewed by Sally M. Tibbetts

This is an unlikely dynamic duo that will take anyone on a great adventure. From the airport scandal to the Elvis Suite, the fun just keeps going. Boys will love this book, especially middle school aged.