So, I have 7 kids anxiously awaiting the start of book club next year so they can find out what the Adventure Scouts are up to next. I know when I took my son to the zoo a couple weeks after reading it, he found all sorts of potentials 'secret zoo' entrances. The concept of the story really intrigued my group. The resolution is intense, but the humor and quick pace keeps it from getting too frightening. The characters bring a lot of humor to the books, especially Ella and Richie. The 4 heroes of book have traits with which every kid can identify. The vivid descriptions get the kids started in the right direction, but then let imagination take over. They were more excited about how she would be found. While some parents may be put off by the 'missing child' in the beginning of the story, we must remember that adult imagination is far more dark than a child's imagination when it comes to that topic - it never occurred to my group that she wouldn't be found, safe and sound.

They stopped me in the halls to discuss what they thought was going to happen next. All 7 kids loved it! I assigned pages each week and they complained every week about having to wait to read on. Our group read The Secret Zoo this winter. I lead a book club with my son's class each year. He brings that sense of adventure and excitement to this story, making it a favorite for home and classroom reading along with such middle grade fantasy favorites as The One and Only Ivan. The author originally had the idea for The Secret Zoo when he was nine and wondered what would happen if zoo exhibits had secret doors that allowed kids to go inside-and the animals to come outside. But once inside, they discover there's much more to the Clarksville City Zoo than they could ever have guessed. Their only choice is to follow a series of clues and sneak into the zoo.

One day Megan disappears, and her brother and their friends realize it's up to them to find her. Megan is the first to notice the puzzling behavior of some of the animals.

Late at night, monkeys are scaling the walls and searching the neighborhood-but what are they looking for? Noah, his sister Megan, and their best friends, Richie and Ella, live next door to the zoo. Something strange is happening at the Clarksville City Zoo. A fast-paced and exciting read for middle grade fantasy, mystery, and animal buffs.

The Secret Zoo by Bryan Chick