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list price: $6.95
edition:Paperback
also available: eBook
category: Children's Fiction
published: May 2015
ISBN:9781459807914
publisher: Orca Book Publishers

X Marks the Spot

by Jeff Szpirglas & Danielle Saint-Onge, illustrated by Dave Whamond

tagged: self-esteem & self-reliance, school & education, friendship
Description

A natural-born explorer, Leo loves to make maps and experiment with new ways of getting around the schoolyard.

But explorers sometimes get sidetracked, which can lead to getting in trouble. When Leo’s teacher, Mr. Chang, announces he’ll be giving out an award for responsibility, Leo is determined to redeem himself. The upcoming class field trip to the woods seems like the perfect opportunity. He’ll get to use his handy compass watch and show Mr. Chang he can be extra-responsible! But when two of Leo’s classmates wander out of bounds, Leo is faced with a tough decision.

The epub edition of this title is fully accessible.

About the Authors

Jeff Szpirglas

In addition to his books in the Countdown to Danger series, JEFF SZPIRGLAS has written several award-nominated non-fiction books and terrifying novels for middle-grade readers, including Tales from the Fringes of Fear and Tales from Beyond the Brain. With his wife, Danielle Saint-Onge, he is the co-author of the Orca Echoes books Something’s Fishy and Messy Miranda. He’s worked at CTV Television and was an editor at Chirp, Chickadee and Owl magazines. He has twin children, two cats (the cats are not twins), and one dog. In his spare time, he teaches elementary school. Visit him online at www.jeffszpirglas.com.


Danielle Saint-Onge is an early reading specialist for young students and also works as an abstract painter. Danielle is the co-author, with Jeff Szpirglas, of the Orca Echoes titles Messy Miranda, X Marks the Spot, Something's Fishy and Shark Bait! She lives with her family in Kitchener, Ontario.


DAVE WHAMOND is a multiple award-winning author, illustrator, and cartoonist. He has illustrated many books, including Robert Munsch’s most recent picture books, and written many as well, including the Oddrey series and Rosie’s Glasses. Dave lives in Calgary, Alberta, and when he hears something go bump in the night, he hopes it’s a ghost—and not a plumbing problem!

Recommended Age, Grade, and Reading Levels
Age:
6 to 8
Grade:
1 to 3
Reading age:
6 to 8
Editorial Reviews

"Responsibility is a theme that runs throughout this story of Leo who loves maps and exploring...While on a field trip to practice map skills, Leo gets a perfect opportunity to show that he is responsible when some of Leo’s classmates get lost and he uses his expertise to get them back on course. This beginning chapter book is an easy read; simple b&w illustrations help bring the characters to life."

— School Library Connection

"Does an excellent job of highlighting the daily challenges children in the early grades of elementary school experience, including learning what it means to be responsible, making tough decisions, working with peers, and cooperating with other children who may not be the easiest people to get along with. Readers will be readily able to identify with the challenges that Leo encounters, particularly his frustration in trying to do the right thing but not always being understood...The characters in the book are quickly and clearly sketched out, resembling the unique personalities of students that make up a class...The pace of each chapter is moderately brisk and leads seamlessly into the next. Readers must remember what happened in the story previously as the chapters do not stand on their own, making it a good selection for readers who are in the final stages of reading early chapter books. The language is clear, sometimes subtly humourous, and will resonate with readers between seven and nine years of age. Highly Recommended."

— CM Magazine

"Leo learns that being responsible sometimes means having to choose between following the rules and doing the right thing. The short chapters and numerous illustrations make this book a good transitional chapter book."

— Resource Links

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