Title: Pudge Amazon and the Death Spiral

Author: John Krause

Genre: Middle-grade/Humorous

Publisher:Prairie Lakes Press

Length:202 pages

Reviewed by Kathleen Waldvogel

John Krause’s middle-grade book, Pudge Amazon and the Death Spiral, incorporates a wacky cast of characters sure to intrigue young readers. When one of Pudge’s classmates disappears from a local carnival, Pudge and his other friends are determined to find her. Their search takes them deep into a forest inhabited by individuals, wearing odd masks, who attempt to thwart the friends’ mission. Pudge’s group relies on their wits and trickery to rescue their missing friend and return safely to the carnival.

The author injects humor throughout the story through the dialogue and antics of the various characters.  At times the dialogue felt somewhat forced, but the book is fast-paced and sure to entertain young readers.

Reviewer Kathleen (K.M.) Waldvogel enjoys writing for children. She is the author of a middle-grade book, Spies, Soldiers, Couriers, and Saboteurs: Women of the American Revolution, highlighting little-known women and their role in America’s fight for independence. She also has two picture books Three Little Ghosts, and Whoo, Whoo, Who’s Out There?

Waldvogel is active in the Wisconsin Writers Association, the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, as well as writing groups in Wisconsin and Arizona.

Read more about her at: https://www.kmwaldvogel.com/