Tyler Whitesides

Delightful! A wonderfully imaginative read that explores the idea of understanding our own value and self worth. Landon splits his time between his dad's house and his mom'e home with her new fiance and his soon to be step-stister Jade. Jade introduces the reluctant Landon to summer school at the School of Garbage. But it's unlike any other school because here the garbage is animated and the students learn about the magic that animates it along with other intricacies about garbage. But when show more Landon is attacked in the normal world by animated garbage it opens up a mystery, for animated garbang cannot leave the Landfill. Landon, Jade, and others from the school race against time to discove how the animated garbage (Thingamajunks) are able to leave the Landfill and try to stop the attacks before the normal world is filled with dangerous trash. The characters are wonderfully developed and the plot is well contrived with a writing style that is engaging and keeps the pages turning. (Note: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review) show less

As with the first two, this one took me a very long time to read. Honestly, there's absolutely nothing wrong with the novels at all. All three in this trilogy are really good.

But good lord, they're all looooooonnnng books, though when you're finished them, you don't feel like there's a lot of filler that was tossed in there. Whitesides has obviously taken care to build his plots carefully, and construct all the magic and cultures and races with care.

And overall, in a trilogy like this, the show more reader expects an epic finish, and the trilogy delivers. And honestly, it went in a weird way that I didn't expect, but quite enjoyed.

It was a good trilogy, and a fun one. But with close to 2000 pages, I am glad it's over, too. show less

I picked up an advanced reading copy of this book at Shadow Mountain's booth at BEA. It just looked fun and creative and I thought it would be a fun read. It was a well-written book that was engaging and fun. I enjoyed it and think the middle grade age set will really think this is a fun book; some adults (like me) will probably enjoy all of the magic, mystery, and fun as well.

Spencer is starting sixth grade at a new school and things aren't going well. At one point he falls asleep and show more someone writes on his face. In a desperate attempt to get the marker off of his face he uses some mysterious pink soap in the boys' bathroom...the soap gets the marker off, but Spencer also starts seeing things. There are little, gross, disgusting monsters all over the school. Spencer finds that the janitors are the ones who keep these little toxic monsters in check; if the monsters are allowed to multiple they feed off of kids' brainwaves making kids stupid and slow. Now it is up to Spencer and his gullible friend Daisy to figure out what is going on and how to save their classmates from a threat only they can see.

This was a fun read. The idea of janitors fighting creepy Toxites to protect students is a creative and fun one. Spencer is a good character and reading about his antics, both in the classroom and with his huge family, is entertaining. Daisy is funny in her gullibility but also very heartfelt at times.

I enjoyed all the interesting magical things the Janitors could do. I also liked that the plot was a bit twisty, turny and kept you guessing. You never knew who the characters should trust. The book was very engaging and pacing was good; it was hard to put down.

The writing style is well done and easy to read. The book ended well, although there could be room for sequels.

The only really weak point to the book was the characters themselves; they don't have as much depth and aren't as engaging as I would have liked. The characters do fit the story well though and the story is more driven by plot and magic anyway.

Overall a fun read about finding magic and mystery in expected places. The plot was twisty turny and the Toxite monsters interesting. The characters were a little weak, but overall I still enjoyed reading this. It was a fun and light read and I think readers of all ages will enjoy this book. show less

Impressive, intricate world building. By Chapter 2 you can see what a great animated movie it would be.