Jackal (The Five Ancestors: Out of the Ashes Book #3) by Jeff Stone –ADVISABLE

Stone, Jeff Jackal (The Five Ancestors: Out of the Ashes Book #3) 192 pgs. Random House Books for Young Readers, 2014. $16.99 Content: Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G Violence: PG13.

Jake really just wants to relax for a bit, the adventures of the prior books having worn him out. But he finds himself BMX racing and even agreeing to go to race bikes in China for a week. The original offer is for a year and Jake and his friends might even become famous if they decide to accept. But when his best friend Hu Die’s mother is in danger of dying, Jake must accomplish a very tricky and dangerous task in order to aid in saving her. Jake has a lot on his plate and must do most of it alone.
I really enjoy this series! Its fast paced, adventurous and incredibly interesting. The characters are authentic and the sports components are very well written. I had tried to talk myself into including this series for upper elementary, but I just can’t justify it. There is a ton of violence and death, so I am recommending middle school and higher.
MS -ADVISABLE Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.