Many endangered animals continue to go extinct due to lack knowledge on where they live. But in this book, Ben, a elementary school senior, starts on his unhappy journey in Massachusetts after moving in from Tucson. Ben encounters many awesome adventures as he starts to help his science teacher, Mrs. Tibbets. When Ben finds out that Mrs. Tibbets cousin tries to sell the land to developers, he tries the best he can to stop it from happening. The book Night of the Spadefoot Toads by Bill Harley has many interesting events. I believe this book is a good novel to read because of the adventures packed in this book. I do not believe it deserves a 5-star rating because the book does not contain enough "spark". As i read it, some chapters are not as adventure-packed as others. There were many huge plots but a few of them make no sense. FOr example, in the beginning, it shows Ben's normal school life, but once he meets Mrs. Tibbets, the book shifts from him going to school to missing out on a few days. Until they add a plot where they need to do a project. I would think people who just got into adventure-based books would enjoy these books. If you think nature is cool, this book is right for you. ( )

If you think kids can’t make a difference in saving the earth, read this book! Ben, a fifth grader, is unhappy in Massachusetts; his family moved here from Tucson, where he had a best friend and the desert. that he loved. Here, he has no friends and hates the cold, wet environment. Then he begins to help out his science teacher, Mrs. Tibbets, and learns more about the land and animals around his home. When he finds out that Mrs. Tibbets’ property might be sold to developers, Ben wants to do something to save the threatened spadefoot toads found there. In the process, he discovers Massachusetts isn’t as bad as he thought.

Bill Harley is a great storyteller (check out his CDs!), and now he's written a very good book for middle grade kids. ( )