Legends of Funland

Buddy has an older brother, Ryan, and two best friends, Jimmy who is always hungry, and Steph who is excellent with computers. Buddy is tired of being treated like a little kid and being ignored. There is a theme park in his town that people believe is haunted. Buddy convinces his friends that, if they could spend the night in the theme park, everyone would take them more seriously and think they were cool. Steph puts the security system on a loop, and Buddy finds them a place to hide until the park closes and they can hide from the security guards. Their struggle to evade the guards and spend the night in the park has unexpected benefits for Buddy. He learns about himself and what he is capable of doing.

Legends of Funland is an excellent story about friendship, team work, brothers and growing up. There are 20 chapters in this suspenseful novel with a reading level of 2.6. The plot is fast-moving and simple with the book’s themes clearly laid out. The supernatural element adds to the story but is suitable for the intended audience. Legends of Funland would be an excellent read-aloud choice with many opportunities to discuss what the trio is doing and what the reader might do. The language is very suitable for the intended age group.