I,Q. Book One: Independence Hall by Roland Smith

Smith, R. I, Q: Independence Hall. Chelsea, Mich.: Sleeping Bear Press, 2008. ISBN# 978-1585364688, 302 pgs. $6.82 (from amazon.com).

"I really enjoy Roland Smith's books. This particular one is an exhilarating thriller that will keep you on your toes."

-Jake N., Age 14

This mystery/thriller will keep you on the edge of your seat.  This book, almost 300 pages, leaves you wanting more –and there is a Book Two!  (Washington, D.C.)  In this adventure you will follow “Q” or Quest along with his new step-sister – Angela tagging along with their newly wedded parents.  Their parents are famous singers and the book starts off with a this new family heading west from California for a musical tour.  The parents are a little out of touch because of their new fame - all the interviews, tv shows and concerns are keeping them busy.  The kids are left under the care of “Boone,” an old roadie.  Or, so they thought.  As the plot thickens, you will learn that these two bond over the most serious situation and fast!  Their lives depend on it and they are not only quick-witted, and skilled, but they can and do outwit some of the best secret agents out there.  

I would recommend this book for anyone interested in mystery or suspense!  Think that kids can’t run from the government or understand political motives?  Think again.  If you read this book, you are in for a thrill. 

Here is a you tube trailer created by a class for a project on Book One! 

If you are interested in buying a copy of this book: 

Buy the book on Amazon here!

Here are several other books by Roland Smith you will love: 

Elephant Run

Peak

Cryptid Hunters

Zach’s Lie

Jack’s Run

About the Author: Roland Smith

(from amazon.com: In addition to his action adventure books, Roland is the author of many award-winning books for children including Journey of the Red Wolf; The Captain’s Dog: My Journey with the Lewis and Clark Tribe; and Thunder Cave, which was a 1996 Notable Children’s Trade Book in the field of Social Studies. His books with Sleeping Bear Press include W is for Waves: An Ocean Alphabet; Z is for Zookeeper: A Zoo Alphabet; and N is for our Nation’s Capital: A Washington, DC Alphabet. Roland lives near Portland, Oregon.) 

Also, feel free to visit the website for this series: www.IQtheSeries.com

By the way, Book Two is already in print and here it is: Book Two: Washington, D.C.

Here were some reviews of I,Q, Book One, Independence Hall from the back book cover of the book:

A blend of adventure, suspense, intelligently imagined charactesr and terrific authorial sleight-of-hand will keep readers engaged as the kids solve the mystery in this series opener. –Kirkus Reviews

Roland smith has out-done himself with I.Q. He’s an American Ian Fleming for teens, or any other reader who can’t resist a great suspense story. – Terry Treuman, a Michael L. Printz Award for Excellent in Young Adult Literature Honoree

It was a pleasure to read a book for middle schoolers that is fast-paced, with great characters and dialogue, where the author cleverly restrains the amount of gadgetry, gore, and personal grief, and relies on plot and characters to write a ripping good thriller. – Dara La Porte, Children’s and Teens Department Manager, Politics and Prose Bookstore, Washington, D.C.

Questions to reflect on:

How did Angela and Q’s relationship as step-brother and step-sister develop? Describe the steps.

Who did you have a hard time trusting while reading this book?  

If you were Boone, or Eben, what might you say to your supervisor about the events in Philadelphia?  

Describe the angel and the leopard. 

Are you interested in reviewing the book?  Please write a review!!!!

Want to learn more about Independence Hall? 

Before you visit Independence Hall, check out information on the Independence Visitor Center!