The FUTURELAND series comes to a close in a satisfying way. First up in 2022 was BATTLE FOR THE PARK followed by THE NIGHTMARE HOUR. No problem if you are jumping into the series for the first time with this finale. THE ARCHITECT GAMES reads fine on its own.

Futureland is a flying amusement park owned by the parents of our young protagonist, Cam Walker. He has a detective type mind that helps solve most problems. The biggest is the family’s continual battle with an evil mob of no-gooders known as The Architects. They want control of Futureland for their own gain and will do anything to make sure that happens.

A final showdown is proposed by the Walkers where the two groups will battle it out in Cairo, Egypt. The government there will create and oversee the competition to ensure a fair result. The winner takes full control of Futureland and Cam will be front and center to make sure the bad guys don’t win.

Cam’s first person narration turned out to be a great way to reveal the plot. Besides traditional text, there are also several cartoon style panels and vlog entries that add even more engagement to the story. Cam’s friends and grandmother (who shows off her jump roping double dutch skills in one of the competitions) all add their own unique personalities that often provide both conflict and tender moments.

Futuristic tech gadgets and Cam’s character arc will appeal to any young readers looking for an adventurous ride. Let’s hope in our own future there are more stories from H.D. Hunter geared toward the middle grade audience.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: NOVEMBER 19, 2024. PAGE COUNT: 336

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Hugh “H. D.” Hunter is a storyteller, teaching artist, and community organizer from Atlanta, Georgia. He’s the author of Torment: A Novella, the Futureland trilogy, and Something Like Right, as well as the winner of several international indie book awards for multicultural fiction.

Hugh is committed to stories about Black kids and their many expansive worlds. Connect with Hugh on Instagram (@hdhunterbooks), or his website: https://hughhdhunter.com 

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

It’s almost time for another Marvelous Middle Grade Monday. Won’t you join us? It’s here I share highlights from other individuals blogging about middle grade books. Many of the posts will have reviews, interviews, and tips on writing. Take a look at PAST MMGM POSTS.

It’s easy to get a spot in the lineup. All you have to do is email me the title of the book or feature and a link to your blog at gpcolo[at]gmail[dot]com

Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and don’t forget to say what you’re featuring) You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening (11 PM Eastern Time) in order to be included in the list of links for the coming Monday.

*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.