Conspiracy 365 Book Reviews
"The Conspiracy 365 series is quite possibly one of the best series books for young adults on the market today. The books are relatively short, and they are very quick reads. This makes it a perfect series for the over-scheduled teens of today who want that instant gratification they can more often find on the computer and in video games. The non-stop action in Conspiracy 365 will grab the reader instantly and not let go until December 31st! Reluctant readers will be inspired to read - and they won't just be inspired for one book, but rather for twelve. This series could easily take a reluctant reader, and by the end of the twelfth book, turn him into an avid reader. It is a series that would be enjoyed by boys and girls alike, and it has characters that continue to grow and deepen in each book." - Book Trends, July 14, 2010
"Readers will be drawn into this series' suspenseful plot and want to keep reading to discover along with Cal what his father had learned before his death."
Oneota Reading Journal (2010)
"Several factors make this book a top choice for reluctant readers, including the nonstop action, the small trim, the short length and the amount of white space on the pages." - Kirkus Reviews (December 1, 2009)
"Lord creates a tense environment.the villains are suitably vile and entertaining, and Cal makes for an affable hero." - Publishers Weekly (December 7, 2009)
"Even the packaging is engaging; there are illustrations and graphics scattered throughout the pages to emphasize discoveries or new puzzles as Cal moves from one dangerous situation to the next. Conspiracy 365: January proves that venturing outside of your usual reading zone can be a good thing. I am looking forward to reading February!" - Manga Maniac Café (May 5, 2010)
"Wow.. that's all I pretty much have to say about this book! .it sure keeps you on the edge of your seat. I definitely think this book is a best seller series in the making, and anyone who likes books with tons of action and a mysterious twist to it will really enjoy Conspiracy 365." - 14-year-old reviewer, Flamingnet.com , Rating 10 (scale of 0-10)
"...it will be a hit with tweens and they'll be racing to get to the end to see what's next for Cal and his family. I love the idea behind this series. I also loved how the page numbers of the book counted down-it added to the suspense of the story and I hope other readers pick up on it. .It's short and fast paced and I would hand this over to reluctant readers in a heartbeat." - GreenBeanTeenQueen
"These eleven books have been the most exciting and entertaining young adult books I've read in a long time. .. As the holidays approach, consider starting your middle school or early high school reader on a quest they will never forget by opening their eyes to January!"
Book Trends (November 30, 2010)
".An edge of your seat thriller you won't be able to put down and will anxiously await the next book in the series!" - Kidsbookshelf.com
".a rip, roarin', action adventure, thriller that had my heart pumping faster as I gobbled up the pages. And when I was done, I wanted the next book . . . desperately. At least the wait will only be a month away, not a year like most books. What an awesome idea this is! So, bring it on Gabrielle Lord. I am definitely ready to find out what happens next." - Reading Reviews (February, 2010)
"Even the packaging is engaging; there are illustrations and graphics scattered throughout the pages to emphasize discoveries or new puzzles as Cal moves from one dangerous situation to the next. Conspiracy 365: January proves that venturing outside of your usual reading zone can be a good thing. I am looking forward to reading February!" - Manga Maniac Café (May 5, 2010)
".Gabrielle Lord has created a fantastic concept that is going to suck you in and not let you go until next December. And they are short, quick reads...again, great for a reluctant reader. Recommended for school and library shelves. I think you'll have a hard time keeping these in." - A Patchwork of Books
"In a world filled with technology where kids can become absorbed so easily in Wii or Xbox, it's comforting to know that there are writers out there who can break the mold and write a book, or even a series, that will have kids putting away the games, shutting off the computers, and absorbing themselves in a book!"
Book Trends (December 15, 2010)
Conspiracy 365 ISBN Numbers:
Conspiracy 365 January - 978-1-935279-49-5
Conspiracy 365 February - 978-1-935279-50-1
Conspiracy 365 March - 978-1-935279-52-5
Conspiracy 365 April - 978-1-935279-53-2
Conspiracy 365 May - 978-1-935279-54-9
Conspiracy 365 - June 978-1-935279-55-6
Conspiracy 365 July - 978-1-935279-56-3
Conspiracy 365 August - 978-1-935279-57-0
Conspiracy 365 September - 978-1-935279-58-7
Conspiracy 365 October - 978-1-935279-59-4
Conspiracy 365 November - 978-1-935279-60-0
Conspiracy 365 December - 978-1-935279-61-7
Conspiracy 365 Discussion and Review Questions
Conspiracy 365: January Questions
1. Conspiracy 365 is written in the style of a journal. In your opinion, what date was a major turning point for Cal? What happened on that date? Why do you think it was pivotal?
2. When Cal wanted to meet up with Boges, he texted a cryptic message that only Boges would understand that said, "meet me at 10 where we found the 20." Compose a text asking your best friend to meet you somewhere, but in a way that only your friend would understand.
3. If you were Cal, would you have gone to Memorial Park to meet Jennifer Smith? Why or why not?
4. Sketch before and after images of Cal. The first should reflect what you think Cal's face looked like at the beginning of the book before he went out on the boat with his uncle, and the second should show how he appeared after he disguised himself so that he was no longer recognizable.
5. Cal's mother seems to believe that Cal was somehow involved in the attacks on Gabbi and Uncle Rafe. Write a short note from Cal to his mother that explains what happened and that convinces her that Cal had nothing to do with the attacks.
6. The Ormond Singularity is referenced many times in the book. Look up the various meanings of the word "singularity." Select the meaning that you think best fits the phrase, and then explain what the Ormond Singularity might signify based upon the meaning you selected.
Conspiracy 365" February
1. Winter, a girl with a mysterious past, enters Cal's life during February. What do you know about Winter's connection to Sligo? What more do you wish you knew about?
2. Boges creates a blog for Cal to tell his side of the story. Pick an event from the book and write a blog entry from Cal's point of view explaining what happened and why it happened.
3. Wanted posters and stickers with Cal's photo and identifying information have been placed all over town. (An image of the wanted poster can be found on page 065.) Choose a different character from the book that you think should be captured and create a wanted poster for that person.
4. Rafe, Cal's uncle, happens to enter a fast food restaurant where Cal and Boges are meeting. Has your opinion of Rafe changed from when you read the January book? If yes, how has it changed and why? If no, why not?
5. During February, Cal discovers more information regarding the Ormond Singularity puzzle. What information do you think was the most important? Why was it important? How do you think it will help Cal in the future?
6. Cal is in a dangerous predicament at the end of the book. How do you think he will escape from the train tracks?
Conspiracy 365 March
1. Repro saved Cal's life in the train tunnel. Name three other ways that Repro helped Cal that were important for his survival and explain why there were important.
2. When Jennifer Smith and Cal finally meet, Jennifer mentions that she has a memory stick from Cal's father with photos of green fields and ruins saved on it. What do you think is the significance of the photos?
3. Boges managed to visit Cal without anyone following him except for Winter. What are some new maneuvers that Boges could do in the future to make sure that no one - not even Winter - would be able to follow him?
4. If you were helping Boges search on the Internet for information, what are the top three phrases you would search? Why did you select those three?
5. Cal is determined to get out of town and visit his Great-uncle Bartholomew in Mount Helicon. Do you think the great-uncle will be able to help Cal or give him any information? Why or why not?
6. Cal faced many dangerous situations in this book, as he did in the previous two. Which month has been the most dangerous for Cal so far? Give three specific examples to support your answer.
Conspiracy 365 April
1. At the beginning of this book, Cal finally has the chance to read the Ormond Riddle and he discovers that he only has six of the original eight lines. Based upon the lines that he does have, what are some of your ideas on what it might mean? Later in the book Winter suggests that the Riddle is somehow connected to the drawings. Do you agree? Why or why not?
2. When Cal stumbled upon the Department of Defense hut, he found new supplies such as night vision goggles, a map and food ration packs. If you could give Cal one more item that might help him in the future, what would it be and why would you give it to him?
3. Winter overheard Kelvin say that Oriana de la Force has a way of always knowing Cal's location. Describe how you think she is able to do this.
4. At the end of this book, Cal has been admitted as a patient in the Leechwood Lodge Asylum under a fake name, and he thinks that Winter has betrayed him and is the person responsible for his situation. Do you agree with Cal? Why or why not?
5. Cal met several new people in this book who helped him in different ways. Who do you think helped Cal the most? Why?
Conspiracy 365 May
1. At the beginning of this book, Cal has been committed to the Leechwood Lodge Asylum under a false name. He tries many times to convince Dr. Snudgeglasser that he is Cal and not someone named Ben Galloway. Why do you think Cal is not able to get Dr. Snudgeglasser to believe him?
2. During their visit to Cal at the asylum, Boges and Winter seem to like and respect each other, which is quite a difference from the last book. What could have caused this change in their attitudes toward each other?
3. Cal is able to escape from the asylum by disguising himself as Winter and walking out the front door with Boges, leaving the real Winter to plan a later exit. Do you think Winter was able to later leave the asylum? If so, how do you think she did it? If not, what do you think might have happened to keep her from leaving?
4. When Cal finally arrives at Kilkenny, his Uncle Bartholomew's home, he learns that his uncle has a reputation for being crazy. Based upon what you read, do you think Uncle Bartholomew is crazy? Why or why not? Give two examples from the book to support your answer.
5. Uncle Bartholomew offers insight into one of the clues that Cal's father left for him. What is the possible explanation that he provides for the picture of a waiter holding a tray of cards?
6. Cal comes across an old newspaper with the headline, "Twin Baby Abduction Nightmare" in Uncle Bartholomew's house. Later, as Uncle Bartholomew lies dying, he whispers that Cal is one of the babies and he should contact a certain lawyer to learn more. What do you think the explanation could be?
|
