Pond Punkies Book Review...

Title: Pond Punkies Book One: The Arrival
Author (s): Lisa Riebe and Cynthia Nunn
Publisher: Ravine Publishing
Published: 2009
ISBN: 9780981949338
Pages: 147

I thought this book was superb and feel it will be a quite entertaining science fiction read for middle grade readers. This is the first book in a series. Blaze, is the main character, and is a Pond Punkie from the Larissan Clan. This clan has the power of fire. Blaze’s best friend, Ace, is a Pond Punkie from the Naiadan Clan. Their power is controlling water. Although they are from different clans these boys are best friends. They are attending the Neptune Training Academy. They both go to Earth when a geyser erupts on graduation day. However, they weren’t the only ones blasted to Earth—the evil Tritonan’s went as well.

A bully from the academy, Kroiser, is a Tritonan. The Tritonan’s wreak havoc on Earth and it’s up to Blaze and his friends to conquer them. Blaze and the others use their powers to battle Kroiser and the other Tritonan’s. The battle ensues and the fast paced story taps into one’s imagination. The story is vivid and encourages one to get lost in it. The pictures are an added touch as is the idea that Ace invented hair gel. The idea of the hair gel makes these Pond Punkies like other young boys in their creative pursuits. In addition, there is a great deal of humor in the book making the story complete.

The book is a great read and I know it will evolve into a successful middle grade series. I encourage educators, parents and other adults to buy this book for their young readers. I think these two authors are on to something.