Book Review

Book Review: Fossil Frenzy-The Adamson Adventures 3
Author: Sandra Bennett
Cover Design: Nicole Matthews
Genre: Middle-Grade
Publisher: Rosella Ridge Books
Reviewer: Elizabeth Klein
 
This Jurassic Park-sounding story unwraps itself like a multi-layered gift. The first layer grounds the reader in a drought-stricken homestead in Central Queensland where the parched earth of disaster looms across the ruined property that three children want to desperately save. Language is unique as the author draws from Australian fauna, flora and constellations, as well as the Dreamtime aspect to include its first people. 
The second layer unravels in an unexpected storm that somehow opens a portal into the distant past when a rainforest existed there on the property instead of open plains, as well as dinosaurs. The children explore the extraordinary world and everything is huge, dangerous and increasingly scary. 
As dangers and hardships beset the children, more layers unfold to reveal an emotional level where admiration for Claire and concern for Luke’s health bring out the hero in all three as they race to get back to their own time. But it’s Luke’s resourcefulness that, in the end, saves the homestead from ruin. 
This story has enough tension, conflict and excitement to make it an engaging yarn for middle graders and anyone who enjoys dinosaur tales.