The Adventures of Vin Fiz

From School Library Journal Grade 3-5–Cusslers first childrens book is a tribute to an airplane that crossed the United States in 1911. It is the tale of Casey and Lacey Nicefolk, who receive a gift from a hired hand that allows them to make their toys real and life-sized. First the twins make a tractor for their parents farm, and then they use the magic to create an airplane designed by the Wright brothers that they call Vin Fiz . They decide to fly across the country to New York. On the way, they rescue townspeople who have been turned into gold-mining slaves by an evil man, keep a steamboat from crashing into a barge, stop a runaway train, and rescue two girls from going over Niagara Falls in a boat. Unfortunately, the book suffers from a lack of characterization as well as problems with gender stereotypes. Lacey, the female twin, is never the hero in the adventures. The writing is stilted and the story fails to come to life even though the situations have the potential to be exciting._–Tasha Saecker, Caestecker Public Library, Green Lake, WI_ Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Review Clive Cussler has written a magical tale for children who are just beginning to read chapter books on their own. (Parent Paper) Bestselling adult novelist Clive Cussler conjures up a hypnotic, charmingly nostalgic tale about a pair of ten-year-old twins who get their wish to explore the wide world beyond their parents' California farm. Soaring cross-country through the sky in the enchanted Vin Fiz, Casey?s model of a Wright Brothers biplane. Ten-year-old twins Casey and Lacey fly an enchanted, antique airplane, named the "Vin Fiz," across the United States and have several daring adventures along the way. Includes historical notes on the real "Vin Fiz," the name of the airplane that made the first transcontinental flight in 1911. The mysterious stranger A wondrous thing The magical Vin Fiz The long journey begins The bad guys Escape to Fort Blodgett Across the Great Mississippi River The runaway train Floopy leads the way Over Niagara Falls The fantastic journey ends Home again A happy ending.