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Sisters Eight #1
Annie's Adventures
A rather large problem has befallen the Huit girls. (Sisters, actually. Octuplets to be exact.) One particular New Year’s Eve, the girls wait for their mommy to bring them hot chocolate and their daddy to return with more wood for the fire. But they don’t. Mommy and Daddy, that is. They’re gone. Poof! Maybe dead—no one knows for sure.
You must see the problem here. Eight little girls on their own, no mommy or daddy to take care of them. This is not a good thing.
So now these little girls, must take care of themselves. Get to school, cook the meals, feed the cats (eight of them, too), and pay the bills. They can’t ask for help, oh no. Any self-respecting adult would surely call in social services, and those well-meaning people would have to split them up. After losing their parents, being split up would be completely unbearable.
At the same time, the question happened to Mommy and Daddy? The Sisters Eight (as they are called, affectionately and otherwise) are determined to find out. Luckily, they do seem to have someone or something helping them. Notes keep appearing behind a loose brick in the fireplace.
It’s a good old-fashioned mystery with missing (or dead) parents, nosy neighbors, talking refrigerators, foul-smelling fruitcake (is there any other kind?), and even a little magic. Eight little girls, eight cats, and one big mystery—let the fun begin!
Annie’s Adventures, wherein the girls’ parents go missing (or die) and the girls learn each one has a power and gift. Annie, being the oldest, is the first to discover hers.
You must see the problem here. Eight little girls on their own, no mommy or daddy to take care of them. This is not a good thing.
So now these little girls, must take care of themselves. Get to school, cook the meals, feed the cats (eight of them, too), and pay the bills. They can’t ask for help, oh no. Any self-respecting adult would surely call in social services, and those well-meaning people would have to split them up. After losing their parents, being split up would be completely unbearable.
At the same time, the question happened to Mommy and Daddy? The Sisters Eight (as they are called, affectionately and otherwise) are determined to find out. Luckily, they do seem to have someone or something helping them. Notes keep appearing behind a loose brick in the fireplace.
It’s a good old-fashioned mystery with missing (or dead) parents, nosy neighbors, talking refrigerators, foul-smelling fruitcake (is there any other kind?), and even a little magic. Eight little girls, eight cats, and one big mystery—let the fun begin!
Annie’s Adventures, wherein the girls’ parents go missing (or die) and the girls learn each one has a power and gift. Annie, being the oldest, is the first to discover hers.
136 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2008
About the author
Lauren Baratz-Logsted
44 books462 followersLauren grew up in Monroe, CT, where her father owned a drugstore at which her mother was the pharmacist. She is a graduate of the University of Connecticut at Storrs, where she majored in psychology. She also has what she calls her “half-Masters” in English from Western Connecticut State University (five courses down, another five to go…someday!).
Throughout college, she worked semester breaks as a doughnut salesperson, a job that she swears gave her white lung disease from all the powdered sugar she breathed.
Upon graduation, she began work at the venerable independent spacebookseller, now sadly defunct as such, Klein’s of Westport. There, she bought and sold for the better part of 11 years.
In November 1994, Lauren left the bookstore to finally take a chance on herself as a writer. Success did not happen over night. Between 1994 and May 2002 – when Red Dress Ink called with an offer to buy THE THIN PINK LINE – Lauren worked as a book reviewer, a freelance editor and writer, and a window washer, making her arguably the only woman in the world who has ever both hosted a book signing party and washed the windows of the late best-selling novelist Robert Ludlum.
Since Red Dress Ink’s call in 2002, Lauren has been kept very busy with writing more novels and checking her Amazon ranking on a daily basis. She still lives in Danbury, with her husband and daughter, where she has lived since 1991.
In addition to writing, Lauren’s daughter keeps her busy, accounting for the rest of her time.
Lauren’s favorite color is green.
Lauren’s favorite non-cat animals are penguins.
Lauren wants you to know that, however you are pronouncing her last name, you are probably pronouncing it wrong.
Throughout college, she worked semester breaks as a doughnut salesperson, a job that she swears gave her white lung disease from all the powdered sugar she breathed.
Upon graduation, she began work at the venerable independent spacebookseller, now sadly defunct as such, Klein’s of Westport. There, she bought and sold for the better part of 11 years.
In November 1994, Lauren left the bookstore to finally take a chance on herself as a writer. Success did not happen over night. Between 1994 and May 2002 – when Red Dress Ink called with an offer to buy THE THIN PINK LINE – Lauren worked as a book reviewer, a freelance editor and writer, and a window washer, making her arguably the only woman in the world who has ever both hosted a book signing party and washed the windows of the late best-selling novelist Robert Ludlum.
Since Red Dress Ink’s call in 2002, Lauren has been kept very busy with writing more novels and checking her Amazon ranking on a daily basis. She still lives in Danbury, with her husband and daughter, where she has lived since 1991.
In addition to writing, Lauren’s daughter keeps her busy, accounting for the rest of her time.
Lauren’s favorite color is green.
Lauren’s favorite non-cat animals are penguins.
Lauren wants you to know that, however you are pronouncing her last name, you are probably pronouncing it wrong.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews
June 26, 2010
This was a great book. Perfect for a wide range of ages. Has just the right mix of humour, mystery, and familiarity that will make readers clamour for the next one!
The Huit Sisters are octuplets who were born on August 8th, 2000. On January 31st, 2007, their parents disappeared. All that remains is a rock above the fireplace that leaves the girls messages that claim that each girl must find her power and her gift if they ever wish to see their parents again. The girls at first are terrified (who wouldn't be???), then elated (now they can do whatever they want!), and then they realize that they must find their parents. Annie, the oldest of the sisters, takes charge and divides everything from homework, to chores, to T.V. time among the girls. Along with their eight cats, purple eco-friendly hummer, nosy neighbours, and kids from school they're off to find their model Dad and their scientist Mom.
This first book follows all the girls, but focuses on Annie finding her power/ability that sets her apart from the others, and discovering her gift.
I really enjoyed this one and I can't wait for future installments.
The Huit Sisters are octuplets who were born on August 8th, 2000. On January 31st, 2007, their parents disappeared. All that remains is a rock above the fireplace that leaves the girls messages that claim that each girl must find her power and her gift if they ever wish to see their parents again. The girls at first are terrified (who wouldn't be???), then elated (now they can do whatever they want!), and then they realize that they must find their parents. Annie, the oldest of the sisters, takes charge and divides everything from homework, to chores, to T.V. time among the girls. Along with their eight cats, purple eco-friendly hummer, nosy neighbours, and kids from school they're off to find their model Dad and their scientist Mom.
This first book follows all the girls, but focuses on Annie finding her power/ability that sets her apart from the others, and discovering her gift.
I really enjoyed this one and I can't wait for future installments.
November 5, 2012
Reviewed by Sarah Bean the Green Bean Teen Queen for TeensReadToo.com
Annie, Durinda, Georgia, Jackie, Marcia, Petal, Rebecca, and Zinnia are octuplets. They were born on August 8th and will be celebrating their 8th birthday and they have eight cats.
On New Year's Eve, Mommy went to get eggnog, and Daddy went to get firewood, but they didn't come back. The Sisters 8 find an anonymous note that says each girl has a power and a gift. Each sister must discover her power and find her gift in order to learn what happened to Mommy and Daddy.
But with no Mommy and Daddy around, the girls have more than a mystery to solve. Who will cook them food? Or drive them to school? And how will they pay the bills?
The adventures for these octuplets are just beginning!
ANNIE'S ADVENTURES is the start to a great new series by authors Lauren Baratz-Logsted and Greg Logsted, along with their daughter, Jackie. The entire family helped write the story and come up with ideas, and there's definitely something in the story for everyone. Each of the Sisters 8 has a unique personality and each one is clever and funny. I can't wait to find out what each of their powers will turn out to be!
THE SISTERS 8 would make a great read-aloud for families to share together. Readers of all ages will enjoy the mystery mixed with humor and will be eagerly waiting to read about the next sister in line. (I know I am!)
Annie, Durinda, Georgia, Jackie, Marcia, Petal, Rebecca, and Zinnia are octuplets. They were born on August 8th and will be celebrating their 8th birthday and they have eight cats.
On New Year's Eve, Mommy went to get eggnog, and Daddy went to get firewood, but they didn't come back. The Sisters 8 find an anonymous note that says each girl has a power and a gift. Each sister must discover her power and find her gift in order to learn what happened to Mommy and Daddy.
But with no Mommy and Daddy around, the girls have more than a mystery to solve. Who will cook them food? Or drive them to school? And how will they pay the bills?
The adventures for these octuplets are just beginning!
ANNIE'S ADVENTURES is the start to a great new series by authors Lauren Baratz-Logsted and Greg Logsted, along with their daughter, Jackie. The entire family helped write the story and come up with ideas, and there's definitely something in the story for everyone. Each of the Sisters 8 has a unique personality and each one is clever and funny. I can't wait to find out what each of their powers will turn out to be!
THE SISTERS 8 would make a great read-aloud for families to share together. Readers of all ages will enjoy the mystery mixed with humor and will be eagerly waiting to read about the next sister in line. (I know I am!)
July 12, 2009
This is the story of eight girls (age almost eight), eight cats, and one big mystery, according to the cover. As so often happens in stories, these eight young girls are left to make it on their own after the disappearance of their parents. This book doesn't have the zing of Lemony Snicket, and I thought some readers might be offended by the use of "God" as an exclamation - "God," she said as she waited for her call to ring through, "I hate those automated voices they use these days."
I also am not sure whether or not I liked the POV - the author wrote as if one of the eight sisters, but never identified which one. So it was 'we did this' and 'we did that' throughout the book, but seemed to include all the sisters, as though all had written it together.
Of course, some of their antics were beyond the scope of belief - dressing as their father and pretending to be a midget to purchase something at a toy store, or driving the family Hummer - but not in a silly, enjoyable way. It all seemed rather forced and contrived rather than flowing well and drawing the reader in.
I also am not sure whether or not I liked the POV - the author wrote as if one of the eight sisters, but never identified which one. So it was 'we did this' and 'we did that' throughout the book, but seemed to include all the sisters, as though all had written it together.
Of course, some of their antics were beyond the scope of belief - dressing as their father and pretending to be a midget to purchase something at a toy store, or driving the family Hummer - but not in a silly, enjoyable way. It all seemed rather forced and contrived rather than flowing well and drawing the reader in.
January 28, 2009
This is a good series book for girls ages 7 to 11 about a set of octuplets. I'm figuring there will be at least 8 books....each book being about a different girl and how she discovers her special powers and gifts. It originally reminded me about the Lemony Snicket books because the girls' parents are mysteriously missing, but that is the only similarity I found. This is a mystery book (for those who like mysteries) with adventure thrown in.
May 2, 2020
i read this series in 2nd grade and was obsessed
January 9, 2013
My book is called, "The Sisters 8" Book 1 Annie's Adventure written by Lauren Baratz-Logsted with Greg Logsted & Jackie Logsted. "The Sisters 8" is a series of 8 books. This book's genres are adventure and mystery. This book is certain to keep you hanging for more. The intended audience for this book is ages 10 to 15 pre-teens and teens. But if adults don't mind kid books then I say go right ahead. This book will certainly not disappoint you at all. My guarantee, I love this book and I re-read it all the time. My opinion is if you have nothing better to do. I would read this book. And don't worry because this book is not only writing. If you are a visual kind of reader, this book is the one for you because it has some pictures. This book is about 8 girls, 8 sisters. They are octuples but the main protagonist is Annie. Their celebrating New Years Eve, and their parents went to get some things. But suddenly it's been so long and they haven't came back. They think something happened to their parents. The sisters team up to find their parents. Their alone and it's dark. Anything or anyone could come and change everything. They find a note, stating that all the girls have a power and a gift. They have to discover their gifts to help find their parents. Will the girls ever find their parents or will it be too late? Time's running out; every moment counts. The writing style in this book is not boring, it is actually very entertaining. For example, this quote in the book: "Oh no! Zinnia cried out. Whatever bad person took Mommy and Daddy turned out the power - something awful is about to happen!". There is a lot of suspense in this novel. My opinion it's really thrilling. The storyline will not be disappointing. This book will keep you glued until it's finished. All the characters in this book have different personalities. But the main character, Annie is my favorite character. I love how she is a leader, brave, smart and very active. In the novel the dialogue maybe confusing at first because their are 8 girls talking and you need to know which of the eight it is. But overall this book is very action-packed. Each chapter will leave you wanting more. The end of the story will not leave you disappointed. This book is exciting because each chapter is dramatic. I love the end, and the entire book. I would rate this book 5/5 stars, because it made me so addicted to it. Every page has suspense and drama. You have to read to find how enjoyable this book can really be. In conclusion "The Sisters 8" Book 1 Annie's adventure was one of the best books I ever read:)
July 14, 2014
2007 Jun 03
delightful
Both my daughters love this new series starring eight eight-year-old sisters, mystery, adventure, and a huge dose of humor. The Huit sisters live in an unusual house, shared with eight unusual cats. In the way of multiples, the sisters find ways to distinguish themselves from one another, and Baratz-Logsted has done a brilliant job of imagining the conflicts and the joys of sisterhood. The set-up allows for each sister to discover a new and unexpected capacity within herself.
And it's so fun! I read these aloud and we hurt ourselves laughing. With eight personalities and new skills, every child will find someone to identify with. Unlike such creations as The Spice Girls, girl power here is found in accomplishment, not in looks.
Without saying a word, Baratz-Logsted also does an amazing job of defying gender norms and invoking feminism.
Highly recommended to fans of The Penderwicks, Nancy Drew, Scooby Doo, and any child who's ever thought about what it would be like without those parents around.
delightful
Both my daughters love this new series starring eight eight-year-old sisters, mystery, adventure, and a huge dose of humor. The Huit sisters live in an unusual house, shared with eight unusual cats. In the way of multiples, the sisters find ways to distinguish themselves from one another, and Baratz-Logsted has done a brilliant job of imagining the conflicts and the joys of sisterhood. The set-up allows for each sister to discover a new and unexpected capacity within herself.
And it's so fun! I read these aloud and we hurt ourselves laughing. With eight personalities and new skills, every child will find someone to identify with. Unlike such creations as The Spice Girls, girl power here is found in accomplishment, not in looks.
Without saying a word, Baratz-Logsted also does an amazing job of defying gender norms and invoking feminism.
Highly recommended to fans of The Penderwicks, Nancy Drew, Scooby Doo, and any child who's ever thought about what it would be like without those parents around.
July 27, 2015
This was a quick, interesting read that I think my students would really like. On the other hand, there were several parts of this book that confused me. Who is the narrator? The narration is written in a way where it appears to be one of the girls, yet they are all described by name throughout the story. There are far too many characters in the story to allow the reader to bond with any of them, especially as they function more as a group than individuals.
April 22, 2018
Hilarious opening to a series about eight sisters whose parents disappear and they need to find them. Great fun, you can see a pattern of how the books will be written, but the actual story drives you along. Quite short, without any padding and simply told, but a lot of fun to be had with this.
January 6, 2019
Ten Year Anniversary Celebration! http://www.unleashingreaders.com/?p=1...
May 7, 2020
AMAZING
It is amazing! It is fun. There are so many adventures in this book! I recommend it.
- Reviewed by an awesome 8-year-old
It is amazing! It is fun. There are so many adventures in this book! I recommend it.
- Reviewed by an awesome 8-year-old
August 10, 2016
The Huit octuplets get a rather disturbing start to the New Year when their parents disappear on New Years Eve. Not wanting to get split up by the authorities, the sisters decide to run the household by themselves and try to solve their parents' disappearance on their own. After all, the note that showed up just after their parents disappeared said the key to finding them would be finding each of their gifts and talents. Annie is the eldest of the girls, and so it falls to her to keep the household together. They manage to keep things mostly secret and running (almost disturbingly so) and rise to the challenge, helping Annie discover her talent and gift in this first installment in the series. There is much more to learn about their unique parents (dad is a model and mom is a scientist) and their disappearance as the series progresses I'm sure.
I picked this up because the elementary librarian at our school had mentioned to me the kids love this series that was just added to the library this year, and they were telling her she had to read it. I decided to see what the hype was about. This is a rather short little book at under 150 pages, so it is a fast read. It is also a bit deceptive because most books of that page range for kids are aimed at the 2nd-3rd grade range, but the vocabulary in this is advanced and makes the book a better fit for readers in the 4th-7th grade range. As an adult reading this, it was a little scary how much these 7 year olds were able to pull off without adults. (Including driving and shopping.) As a kid reading this, I'm sure it would be spectacularly thrilling to hear about kids getting away with this stuff. There's also some interesting philosophizing about how much lying and what kind of lying is ok (the girls decide that anything which is for their and their parents' greater good is ok)...which could be a great conversation starter with younger readers. So I came away with mixed feelings. I can definitely see why the kids love it (it's Home Alone with octuplets!), and I'll probably read more of the series in the future.
Notes on content: No language issues. No sexual content. No violence. There is a fair amount of deception and lying going on, that could potentially cause the girls to end up in danger.
I picked this up because the elementary librarian at our school had mentioned to me the kids love this series that was just added to the library this year, and they were telling her she had to read it. I decided to see what the hype was about. This is a rather short little book at under 150 pages, so it is a fast read. It is also a bit deceptive because most books of that page range for kids are aimed at the 2nd-3rd grade range, but the vocabulary in this is advanced and makes the book a better fit for readers in the 4th-7th grade range. As an adult reading this, it was a little scary how much these 7 year olds were able to pull off without adults. (Including driving and shopping.) As a kid reading this, I'm sure it would be spectacularly thrilling to hear about kids getting away with this stuff. There's also some interesting philosophizing about how much lying and what kind of lying is ok (the girls decide that anything which is for their and their parents' greater good is ok)...which could be a great conversation starter with younger readers. So I came away with mixed feelings. I can definitely see why the kids love it (it's Home Alone with octuplets!), and I'll probably read more of the series in the future.
Notes on content: No language issues. No sexual content. No violence. There is a fair amount of deception and lying going on, that could potentially cause the girls to end up in danger.
May 10, 2018
I loved this very unique and interesting book! I am a very tidy person myself, so I was exhilarated to find that the characters in this book are all arranged so neatly.
The octuplets, Annie, Durinda, Georgia, Jackie, Marcia, Petal, Rebecca, and Zinnia, (do you see how they are in alphabetical order?) were each born a minute apart on August 8, 2000 (what a neat birthdate; also, August is the 8th month of the year). "Each was one inch taller than the next, with Zinnia being the shortest and Annie the tallest." Oh, also, all eight of them have brown eyes and brown hair.
Each of the eight sisters has a cat, whose name begins with the same letter as the girl's own name. Annie's cat is named Anthrax, Durinda's cat is named Dandruff, and then there's Greatorex, Jaguar, Minx, Precious, Rambunctious, and Zither. It's easy to know which cat belongs to which girl.
Their last name: Huit, which is eight in French. See how neatly it's all done?!
Now, when their parents go missing, the girls get a note that informs them that they each possess a power and a gift. In Annie's Adventures, Annie finds her power and her gift. In the 2nd installment of the series, Durinda's Dangers, I'm pretty sure Durinda will find her power and her gift. Each sister has a book, in which she will find her power and her gift, and the titles of those books are also neatly arranged.
I have some ideas as to what the powers for some of the sisters may be. I think Durinda's power is her cooking or housekeeping skills; Rebbeca's is her gymnastic skills, and Zinnia's is her talking-to-animals skill. I guess I'll have to find out if I'm right or not!
I can't wait to read the next books and find out what happened to their Mom and Dad! I think that's one of the symptoms that a reader can experience after entering the world of The Sisters Eight. Ha ha! If you want to know what I'm talking about, you have to read it for yourself!
By the way, I think Pete, the mechanic, has an inkling of what's going on. That's why he gave Annie those two large wooden blocks with giant rubber bands attached to them.
The octuplets, Annie, Durinda, Georgia, Jackie, Marcia, Petal, Rebecca, and Zinnia, (do you see how they are in alphabetical order?) were each born a minute apart on August 8, 2000 (what a neat birthdate; also, August is the 8th month of the year). "Each was one inch taller than the next, with Zinnia being the shortest and Annie the tallest." Oh, also, all eight of them have brown eyes and brown hair.
Each of the eight sisters has a cat, whose name begins with the same letter as the girl's own name. Annie's cat is named Anthrax, Durinda's cat is named Dandruff, and then there's Greatorex, Jaguar, Minx, Precious, Rambunctious, and Zither. It's easy to know which cat belongs to which girl.
Their last name: Huit, which is eight in French. See how neatly it's all done?!
Now, when their parents go missing, the girls get a note that informs them that they each possess a power and a gift. In Annie's Adventures, Annie finds her power and her gift. In the 2nd installment of the series, Durinda's Dangers, I'm pretty sure Durinda will find her power and her gift. Each sister has a book, in which she will find her power and her gift, and the titles of those books are also neatly arranged.
I have some ideas as to what the powers for some of the sisters may be. I think Durinda's power is her cooking or housekeeping skills; Rebbeca's is her gymnastic skills, and Zinnia's is her talking-to-animals skill. I guess I'll have to find out if I'm right or not!
I can't wait to read the next books and find out what happened to their Mom and Dad! I think that's one of the symptoms that a reader can experience after entering the world of The Sisters Eight. Ha ha! If you want to know what I'm talking about, you have to read it for yourself!
By the way, I think Pete, the mechanic, has an inkling of what's going on. That's why he gave Annie those two large wooden blocks with giant rubber bands attached to them.
November 23, 2017
I have read the whole series and I think that out of all of them this one is the worst. It is still amazing! I just don’t like it as much. It’s kinda sappy and doesn’t really get into the story in till the middle of the book or so. I started reading these when I was seven and read them pretty quickly. By the time I was eight I had all the books. I reread the series when I was nine and again when I was ten. I am now giving this series of nine to my ten year cousin for her birthday and Hanukkah! They are great for all ages and parents can enjoy them too. Over this is a great book and the series even better!
June 30, 2013
While young children may like the story, it doesn't offer much. Basically it's just 8 kids trying to hide the fact that their parents have disappeared. The idea of having to find powers and gifts had potential but fell flat as there wasn't any type of quest, they just suddenly knew or it appeared in the mysterious hole in the wall for no reason. The story element introduced near the end of a neighboring spy may add depth to the rest of the series.
July 9, 2017
4.5/5 stars
Sisters Eight is a mystery series.
I loved the first eight books. They were full of suspense and cleverness, and all of the girls had their own personality.
I loved the plot of the series, the mystery and the characters.
I didn't love the end. It was very pointless, and when you're reading it you'll think:
"All of that just for this to happen?"
Overall, it was a great series and I would recommend it to girls who like mysteries and suspense.
Megan:)
Sisters Eight is a mystery series.
I loved the first eight books. They were full of suspense and cleverness, and all of the girls had their own personality.
I loved the plot of the series, the mystery and the characters.
I didn't love the end. It was very pointless, and when you're reading it you'll think:
"All of that just for this to happen?"
Overall, it was a great series and I would recommend it to girls who like mysteries and suspense.
Megan:)
January 28, 2018
I read this when I was so much younger, it brings me such nostalgia to see it again! I don't remember much about the books as a whole, but they're all cute and have great 'happily ever after, so far' vibes from what I can remember. Another thing to note about these books is that they're told from a multiple point of view/narration, and I couldn't help but find the first person plural way of narration to be a charming and intriguing.
I give four stars.
I give four stars.
October 24, 2009
The Huit octuplets find themselves sans parents and receiving mysterious notes that encourage them to each find a power and a gift in order to figure out what's happened to their parents. The gimmicky setup might have appeal with some kids, but the story wasn't funny or compelling enough to encourage me to sift through the conversations of all the interchangeable sisters.
August 13, 2018
3.5 stars. It would be lower if I read on my own, but it’s definitely fun for children. Cute and funny and silly. Not as great as many series we’ve done before, but it definitely captured the attention of both of my children. They are hopeful that the books will get better and will also be more engaging once we are more invested with the characters.
October 26, 2017
This one caught my eye at the library. I've always been fascinated with multiples. I enjoyed this first one, although it was a little slow at times. I might even read all of them! It kind of reminded me of Series of Unfortunate Events, except they took care of themselves when their parents "died."
November 14, 2017
A normal Christmas day for the octuplets turned out to be a terrible case of missing parents and a chance to discover all eight of their hidden talents. Annie, the oldest of them, guides their adventure to find their parents and protects the rest of them from danger.
October 30, 2018
If you are a person who is into fantasy and mystery, this is the right book for you. Ths sisters eight are left alone, their parents have mysteriously disappeared. There is a note left for them, and they have to find their parents with the leftover clue.
April 6, 2009
Extremely thin, plot-wise. 8 to 9 year olds would probably enjoy it, but I won't bother giving it to my 10 year old.
December 9, 2018
Cute! I loved these when I was younger.
Read
September 11, 2017A great childhood book that I enjoyed re-reading. Throughout the book I was shocked at how much I actually remembered. The pot is very twisted and well thought out, and there is definitely suspense.
January 16, 2020
The writing was actually really good. I enjoyed this and the nostalgia was fantastic.
August 3, 2020
Awful. Missing or dead parents, fears of an ax murderer lurking about, and seven-year-olds arming themselves with a spear and knives should be enough to make one question the suitability of this book for its young intended reader/listener. The writing is sloppy (who is the narrator, anyway) and the book never delivers the magic it purports to have. The trivialization of the Jewish culture is gratuitous and nothing less than thinly veiled anti-semitism. Shame on the writers; shame on the editor; shame on the publisher.
p. 34
"We're Jewish," Jackie said simply, lying with ease. "We don't celebrate Christmas because we're Jewish."
"I'm quite certain," the McG said, "you are not. I distinctly remember your parents singing carols louder than anybody at the holiday sing-along. And I remember all of you talking about the gifts you wanted."
"Oh," Annie said, covering for Jackie, " we only did that to make everyone feel better. We didn't want to make everyone else feel as if they had to so something special for us, like sing 'The Dreidel Song.'"
"No, but-" the McG stated to say, but Will cut her off.
"Oh, but they are," Will said. He really was a miraculous boy. "They are very Jewish. I know. I've seen it for myself. I've been to their house."
"What are you talking about, William?" demanded the McG.
He had been to our house, many times, be we wondered too: what was he talking about?
"Their house." Will gave a slight nervous cough. "There are menorahs and like Star of David...everywhere! They even have those mezuzah thingies and they all wear yarmulkes. You can barely move in the place for all the stuff. Honestly, Eights are more Jewish than a rabbi!"
"Shalom," Jackie said for good measure.
"Mazel tov," Petal said.
"Gesundheit," Rebecca said with a sneer
p. 34
"We're Jewish," Jackie said simply, lying with ease. "We don't celebrate Christmas because we're Jewish."
"I'm quite certain," the McG said, "you are not. I distinctly remember your parents singing carols louder than anybody at the holiday sing-along. And I remember all of you talking about the gifts you wanted."
"Oh," Annie said, covering for Jackie, " we only did that to make everyone feel better. We didn't want to make everyone else feel as if they had to so something special for us, like sing 'The Dreidel Song.'"
"No, but-" the McG stated to say, but Will cut her off.
"Oh, but they are," Will said. He really was a miraculous boy. "They are very Jewish. I know. I've seen it for myself. I've been to their house."
"What are you talking about, William?" demanded the McG.
He had been to our house, many times, be we wondered too: what was he talking about?
"Their house." Will gave a slight nervous cough. "There are menorahs and like Star of David...everywhere! They even have those mezuzah thingies and they all wear yarmulkes. You can barely move in the place for all the stuff. Honestly, Eights are more Jewish than a rabbi!"
"Shalom," Jackie said for good measure.
"Mazel tov," Petal said.
"Gesundheit," Rebecca said with a sneer
October 17, 2019
Just different and interesting enough to make me want to continue the series, but nothing incredibly amazing as far as the writing goes. The 8 sisters making it on their own feels like a gimmick, and I’m a little wary that the rest of the books will follow the exact same story arc, but I guess we’ll see. I’m also not overfond of stories where children assume they are smarter than all the adults (except the missing parents), that all adults are untrustworthy, and continually lie in order to keep control of a situation, but the author provides reasonable enough rationale and also a sympathetic adult ally for them to possibly confide in down the road.
April 24, 2021
The first in the new The Sisters 8 series establishes the setting, characters, and plot for this Snicket like adventure. When the girls parents mysteriously disappear on New Year’s Eve, the sisters are too busy keeping us appearances, finding their secret powers and gifts, and solving the mystery to worry about being scared and alone at the age of seven. Baratz-Logsted creates a fantastical tale dotted with humor and occasionally black-and-white sketches. Although at times a a bit far-fetched, young mystery readers who enjoyed the adventures of Violet, Klaus and Sunny.
December 9, 2017
This book is a quick read and girls in particular might enjoy it. There are interesting adventure elements of trying to find out what has happened to the girls' parents. However, there is some of the quirkiness of other books in this genre missing. Altogether as a stand alone book, I thought it was o.k. I will be interested to see if later in the series there is more to give it merit.
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