A Lot or a Little?
What you will—and won't—find in this book.
Incorporates events surrounding Lincoln's life and death and Civil War history. References well-known novels and films. Fact and fiction are blurred -- readers are directed to a website to sort out what's true and what isn't.
Honesty, righteousness, and justice are ongoing themes, drawing from Lincoln's example as president. Authenticity is also central, particularly in relationships: "It's OK if you're not OK," one child assures another. The final words of Lincoln's second inaugural address -- "with malice toward none, with charity for all" -- serve as guiding words, helping an enraged character step back from a taking violent action.
Positive Role Models
Jake is optimistic and resilient, devoted to his small, unconventional family. Lucy is an especially strong female character, assertive and empathetic with her new friends and skilled in martial arts. Older teens and many of the adults around the young heroes are not very admirable, but the adults who do prove themselves trustworthy are confident, considerate, respectful, and strong. The children conceal information from each other but later acknowledge their mistakes and apologize.
Violence & Scariness
Kids are in deadly peril through the novel, pursued by armed soldiers. There are explosions, gunfire, swords, and knives, one-on-one combat, and chases on foot and in vehicles. One kid is given a gun at one point. Kids defend themselves with martial arts, wrestling, and fencing moves.
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Products & Purchases
Passing references to brands, mostly snack foods.
Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that The League and the Lantern is a National Treasure-like action thriller that weaves a fictional conspiracy by the world's powerful elite throughout world history, beginning with the Civil War and the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. There's a lot of violence: Children are in continuous deadly peril, are pursued by aggressive criminals, and encounter a slain security guard. Their trust in the adults around them, including authority figures such as police officers, is badly shaken. The main characters leave scores of classmates behind in a building invaded by deadly thugs and go in search of help, but their decision-making serves the plot more than it serves the children still in the museum. The words and example of Abraham Lincoln are used to help lead the young heroes to brave, thoughtful action (and are used as clues to solving secret-society puzzles). This is the debut novel (and first in a series) by Brian Wells, a TV and film producer.
Is It Any Good?
Conspiracy theorists, history buffs, and action fans will find plenty to enjoy in this fast-paced adventure, which recovers from an awkward start and goes full-tilt right to the cliffhanger ending. Television and movie producer Brian Wells brings his cinematic background to THE LEAGUE AND THE LANTERN. He crams in everything: covert groups manipulating history, hidden identities, secrets hidden in plain sight, high-tech gadgets, cloning, high-octane chases, and more. Several fun set pieces (a fight on a plane in the museum, a wrestling match among three Lincolns and his foes) and gags (TJ's hunger, Lucy's martial arts reflexes) make up for occasionally inconsistent, clumsy writing.
The bad guys are after wealth and power (of course), but the good guys are devoted to freedom and Lincoln's ideals -- the president's words provide moral guidance to several characters. An author's note separating fact from fiction would have been helpful; readers are directed instead to the book's website.
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.