Save the Lemmings

By: Kai Strand

Narrated by: Stephanie Quinn

Length: 2 hrs and 43 mins

Publisher's summary

Eighth grade inventor Natalie Edwards doesn’t mind that her classmates cringe at her inspirational sayings and monochromatic outfits. Her parent’s love and the support of her three best friends make it easy to ignore the eye rolls and head shakes. But after her invention, the Texty-Talky, goes nationwide, the media considers her the new “IT” girl and it changes everything at school, at home, and with her friends. 

Then a reporter prints a story about Natalie’s unfortunate graffiti incident and even her squeaky clean reputation is shattered. Natalie’s sunny disposition is stretched to the limits when reports surface of her stealing her invention from aliens. She’s desperate to regain control of her life before she loses everything to the media storm. Will she be able to disprove the lies being printed and stay true to who she really is? Or will the pressure prove too much?

©2012, 2018 Kai Strand (P)2018 Kai Strand

Story for Middle Schoolers

I have struggled writing this review. I feel that writing is an art and that not everything is for everyone and this audio book just did not work for me, but it may be just what someone else is looking for in a book. I like the story, for young readers. It teaches a good lesson about how something small can be blown out of proportion in today’s immediate response, 24-hour news at your fingertips world. However, I feel that the story could have been a bit better executed and I don't think I would let my child listen to the narration.

The story revolves around an invention made by the main character. The invention has a silly name that was annoying to me after a while but mostly because it was not explained what it was or how it worked until 3/4ths of the way through the book. Until that point it seemed like the item would be pointless when everyone has a cell phone. It was details like this that I struggled with as an adult, but I'd think the young targeted audience would not care.

My bigger issue is with the narration. Again, something that the targeted audience likely wouldn't notice or mind, but as a mother, I found some of the voices to be whiney. As much as I try to keep my child from whining, I would not want her listening to an audio book where it is perceived to be acceptable. I would recommend that you try it out for yourself as a parent before allowing your child(ren) to listen.

I was provided with a free copy of this audio book for my honest review. The views expressed here are entirely my own.

An Annoyance of Sunshine

Always positive, always upbeat, always has a kind word to say. You probably know someone like this. Maybe you are that person. Natalie is just that very person. She is twelve years old and in the eighth grade. She has good friends, helpful teachers, and hands-on parents. She also has her share of "mean girls".

Natalie is an inventor. She invented the Texty-Talky which her father helped her sell to his company. This becomes an overnight sensation. It changes her life in the snap of her fingers but, as she finds out, sometimes fame isn't all it's cracked up to be. Her friends aren't talking to her and the reporters just want a sensationalized story. In fact, she is quickly linked to drugs and aliens. Natalie is changed a little on the inside but, true to her nature, she faces everything head on and gets through her problems.

Oh yeah, and she wants to save the lemmings.

I would recommend this to 5th graders on up. It is a good story and a quick easy read.

I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Persevering with a Positive Attitude

My 12 year old daughter (6th grader) helped read this book. First, we both agreed the the narrator did a great job with the voices and overall narration but her voice took some getting used to as it was a bit high pitched. The story line was interesting as there were a lot of plots within the story... school, fame, friend issues, bully issues, and saving the lemmings. You see Natalie grow as she is dealing with the different challenges that are thrown her way. Natalie tries to stay true to herself (inspirational quotes, sunshine, rainbows and stars) and becomes more normal and less irritating by still being a happy person but not over the top. It's a good quick read and I think it is geared towards 5th graders and up.

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Adored

This audiobook was beyond cute and I adored the way that the main character was so peppy and full of life. A fantastic children's book that I will enjoy listening to again and again.