Fearless Joe Dearborne Personal Review :)

About the Book

Title: Fearless Joe Dearborne | Author: Lisa Whitney Mitchell | Publication Date: July 11, 2014 | Publisher: Independent | Pages: 198 | Recommended Ages: 8+

Summary: Some might say he’s courageous, while others would say he’s daring, maybe even a little crazy. But when Joe Dearborne risked his life and ran into a burning building to save a puppy, the local newspaper referred to him as “fearless”—and that’s a pretty big title for a sixth-grader to live up to.

Plus, Joe already has plenty else to worry about. After other daring feats in the past, Joe promised his father he wouldn’t do anything dangerous again, and, alas, he’s just broken that promise.
But whatever trouble he expects to get into with his father, and despite the dangers he’s triumphed over in the past, nothing could prepare Joe for what he’s about to encounter when a cold, bitterness creeps into his home.
A mysterious and peculiar woman named Mrs. Chill has just been hired to care for Joe while his father is away on business. In no time, however, Joe discovers that she’s up to more than cooking and cleaning, and she has plans to destroy his family. Joe’s effort to save them results in perilous, sometimes humorous, encounters, and leads him on a journey through the threatening wilderness where he faces his greatest challenge yet.

The Buzz About the Book

“Young readers…will be captivated by the tightly written, suspenseful story featuring a likable main character and an engaging villain. Mitchell creates scenarios that are exciting, believable and age-appropriate; Joe goes on adventures, such as a night in the woods with a coyote, and experiences a budding romance with an equally courageous girl named Meg Darcy. The mystery of Mrs. Chill’s true motives, along with the story’s apparently paranormal elements, will make it hard for youngsters to stop reading.  A unique, engaging chapter-book adventure.” ~ Kirkus Reviews

“Young and old will root for Joe as he transforms from fearless to brave, and Mitchell should be applauded for an entertaining debut novel.” ~ Foreward Reviews (Five Stars out of Five)

About the Author: Lisa Whitney Mitchell

Lisa Whitney Mitchell lives in Florida with her husband, two sons, and their dog. When she’s not writing, she practices law. Fearless Joe Dearborne is her first novel.

***My Personal Review***

Joe is just an everyday kid who does amazing things and is a true hero.  He rescues animals and helps wherever he sees the need.  Yet all the time he is always thinking about how upset his dad will be if he gets hurt in the process.  Not many 11 year olds would run into a burning building just to rescue a puppy - but he does and the local news calls him "fearless" even though he doesn't see it that way.   And when he gets bitten by a snake and a weird lady named Mrs Chill comes to take care of him while his father is "away" as she says - things get very odd and Joe must really live up to his fearless status in order to save his family.  Because as it turns out, Mrs Chill has a lot more planned than meets the eye!  Joe is a very complex character and we see that even though he is a young man, he is very intelligent and highly capable of finding out the truth.  Mrs Chill plays her part very well as the villain of the story and yet attempting to be the sweet and innocent caretaker.  Joe sees right through her, his instincts are spot-on!  The addition of Meg and Bess to the story really adds a whole new element because Joe is able to show off his skills and help them while still trying to discover the truth.  But will he be able to save his family or will Mrs Chill succeed in her diabolical plan???  Awesome and thrilling book until the very end and good for boys or girls - I think anyone even adults will really enjoy reading this book :)