Float (Float, 1)

It pains me to leave a 3 star review on this book because I LOVE this author’s other 2 books; in fact, I find the author herself very likable & relatable through her social media channels. The concept behind the book was brilliant! However, the crude references to French kissing, tongues tangled together, holy crap, the excessive use of the word butt, the family jewels, freaking, “an impressive string of cuss words”, hot girls, and others just aren’t qualities I look for when handing my kids books. High moral character just didn’t really exist in this book; which is fine & totally real world stuff, but it’s not what I look for when presenting my children with material to read & enjoy & shape their little minds. Boys are far more than the sum of being girl crazy & potty humor. I had a hard time with this book & eventually decided not to pass it on to my kids to read.

I am writing this review from the perspective of a mom of an 11-year-old girl and 9-year-old boy. I love to read aloud to my children and after loving Laura Martin's Edge of Extinction series we couldn't wait to read her next book, Float. The story line is wildly creative and each chapter left us wanting to read more however I felt as if there was some content that I would call unnecessary potty humor and crassness. I realize that Laura Martin might be attempting to write to a teen-age boy audience but I felt like the book would have been enjoyed by my nine and eleven year old without the level of crudeness that was included. The story alone would have been captivating and entertaining enough. One of the characters, Hank, who turns invisible is sometimes naked to be completely invisible and turns visible again which leaves his "family jewels" exposed. There are several times in the story when the main group of junior high aged boys talk about french-kissing girls or older boys are mentioned "making out" with their girlfriend . . . "Chad untangled his tongue from Caroline's . . . " (chapter 4). I just don't see why any of this was necessary for the story. I was glad I was reading the book to my kids so I could edit the parts out that I didn't feel were appropriate for the family values that we have in our family. I loved the story of Float but sadly I won't be recommending it to all my friends like I did with Edge of Extinction.

As a teacher and a mother, I am always on the lookout for books to inspire my students and children, especially my boys! I was excited to start this book but quickly became disappointed in the use of the words "butt" and "idiot" and "stupid" so much. It also refrences "making out", running around naked and hiding so close to the other person that his "head was in his butt". While I love the premise of this book and applaud authors who are reaching out to the young male audience, I felt that this one, unfortunately, missed the mark. In fact, I just couldn't get through chapter 4 due to all of the upsetting language and character traits of the protagonist. I appreciate the other reviews and will still check out the author's other books, but with a slight hesitation, unfortunately.

When Emerson first arrives at Camp Outlier, he doesn't want to be there. As a RISK kid, he's been treated as an outsider his whole life, and the steel boots and vest that he has to wear don't help things any. Then he discovers that being at a camp with other kids like him, who have uncontrollable superpowers, isn't so bad, and he fits in better than he could ever have imagined. For the first time in his life, Emerson isn't spending all his time playing video games, and he has friends. But things take a dangerous turn when Emerson discovers that one of his camp mates has a dangerous secret that will change everything. And since the adults can't or won't do anything, it's up to Emerson and his new found friends to save the day.Martin has created a thoroughly entertaining book about some rather unusual children. While the characters all have strange abilities, they are still children who want to belong, and who are tired of being treated differently. The craziness that results when they come together results in some rather amusing events. And yet the themes of friendship and adapting to differences shine through loud and clear. And mixed in with all of that are typical camping experiences involving fires, latrines, and girls. I enjoyed watching Emerson and his friends change over the summer as they become friends as well as cabin mates. In addition to the more serious themes, there is enough silliness (and yes, grossness--roping pigs anyone?) to satisfy most middle grade readers.

There is so much that I loved about this book. First, I loved how authentic the characters felt, and somewhere in the story you'll probably realize that you want to be friends with Emerson, Hank, Murphy, Gary, Zeke, and Anthony. Second, I appreciated the numerous life lessons buried in this book like hidden gems. From learning to really live to learning what it means to be a friend, this book is full of themes that are worth reading and discussing. Simply put- you end the book feeling inspired. Third, I admire that Laura Martin was able to wrap up those likable characters and life lessons into one engaging, fun, and surprising summer. Kids/Students will love the adventures these boys have during their summer camp, and they'll probably hope for a sequel to this book! This is a great read.

I loved the author’s other 2 books, so I was excited to read FLOAT. This book did not disappoint! The plotline with the RISK characters was creative and brilliantly done. And the setting at a summer camp is fun for both kids and adults alike. Several times throughout the book I found myself fondly reflecting on my own summer camp memories as I laughed along with the antics of the boys at camp. But most all I loved how through their differences and pain, the characters created a friendship and brotherhood that was so pivotal and important in their lives, which is great in this day and age for middle grade readers to see modeled for them as they themselves try to figure out who they are and what they are going to become.

My kids live this author. I heard a lot of giggles as they read this book.

Such a fun read! This book got my son reading! Finally, lol. First book that really captivated him. Couldn't wait to read it every night! Definitely recommend.