The Danger Box Paperback – June 1, 2012

What I really enjoyed about this book it the opportunity for kids of all backgrounds to explore the world of a young boy who has some big challenges. Balliett does a good job of helping the reader to "see" the world through Zoomy's eyes, especially the limits and strength of those eyes. Though nowhere does the author state that Zoomy has OCD or Asperger Syndrome, he definitely does demonstrate some characteristics of those challenges. He is also endearing, smart, funny, and typical of all children his age. Zoomy's relationship with his grandparents is another wonderful theme within the book. The story is filled with this family's love without being overly sweet or corny. Friendship, individual strengths, love and the library are all the heroes of this story.The book touches on a lot of serious and import topics such as disability, isolation, racism, and alcoholism and mental illness. Unfortunately, maybe because so many issues are incorporated into the story, none are really addressed in any depth and all seem to be a bit glossed over and solutions over simplified. For example, Zoomy's father, who abandoned the child before his birth, is an alcoholic and seems to have some other mental health issues. Despite a long history of substance abuse and violence, the father is magically transformed by a fire at the family store. The book could have retained its happily-ever-after ending without this magic cure; this was a family that was happy without the father and could have been so with a more realistic ending. I think Balliet missed the opportunity to more seriously and accurately address any one of these topics. The book is a good one for the young reader of about 9 or 10, but I don't think advanced readers will be held captive by this one.

This was my first experience reading a Blue Balliett (Chasing Vermeer) mystery for middle grade readers. It was outstanding, however much of what makes it a special read may be over the heads of younger readers. Zoomy, the almost teen protagonist, is OCD and probably ASD, which explains why he is so tenacious in unraveling the mystery of why his loser bio-dad has suddenly turned up, threatened Zoomy's wonderful grandparents and left behind a very old, very unusual, scientific journal. Younger readers will love trying to solve the mystery along with Zoomy. The mystery reminded me of puzzle-solving mysteries in The Westing Game and When You Reach Me. Older readers will probably figure out the journal puzzle immediately, but will love the family dynamics and Zoomy's first experience with having a best friend. I thought Balliett's themes of family, friendship, community and tolerance were authentic and a touching reminder for all of us of what truly matters.

I have read the other 3 popular titles by Blue Balliett, and enjoyed them. When I heard of this new book, I was worried that I would miss the old characters. Turns out I like this book even better. The other three books, Calder Game...etc., were good, but seemed to have a touch of the unrealistic that put me off a tiny bit. The danger box pulls you in, delivers a great story, and teaches some history/science along the way. The main character is a young boy who has learned to turn his flaws into advantages. The way he shares his world with the reader is tender and enlightening. The mystery itself is engrossing, all the more so for its factual nature. I would not be suprised to see this book up for the Newbery prize.

We read Chasing Vermeer as a battle book for school, and followed it, for our own pleasure, with The Wright 3 and The Calder Game. Naturally, The Danger Box was next. This book had new characters and a new mystery. It also presented a new perspective for seeing the world, Zoomie’s. The story moves fast, making it a quick read.

Granddaughter is reading it.

As a huge fan of this authors books I was very excited to receive this book in the mail.The subject matter is tough, I'm not sure I would recommend this to a pre-teen. There is a lot of glamourization of autism spectrum disorders and this book is no exception.The book could have used an editing and more development of the mystery plot line rather than focusing on the child's problems. Because there was such a focus on the child's disability, by belief never got suspended and I was left desiring more of the story as it related to the mystery.Hope this is helpful.

Good story

Wonderful addition to her series. All new characters and settings, but the same smart kids exploring their world.