Kids loved this book! I read it out loud and they were excited every night to hear more. I was annoyed that any time certain characters were mentioned, the author always wrote the first and last name - we know who they are so you can just say "Garth" or "Walter".

I thought it was pretty good.

This is the story of Spencer and Daisy joining ranks with the pros to protect schools from Toxites that basically fees off of students brains waves. .... That's the best way for.me to explain that. Haha.

Unfortunately there is some heartache near the end, but there is also a surprising twist regarding a certain persons certain parent.

I really can't say more, as it'll spoil it.

Also, Spencer's Mom rules.

Definitely worth a read, and great for the younger kiddos.

- CJ

Janitors was an unexpected find for me while perusing shelves at the library. The main character is 12-year-old Spencer Zumbro. He attends Welcher Elementary School. By unknowingly using a particularly powerful soap with magical properties he begins to see hybrid monster creatures all over the school. Spencer, however, is apparently the only one who can see them. This creates both embarrassing and frustrating situations for him.

Spencer, after convincing his classmate Daisy that he is telling the truth, is approached by Garth Hadley, representative from the Bureau of Educational Maintenance, who asks Spencer to help them apprehend the school’s janitor, John Campbell. Hadley reveals that “John Campbell” is not even the man’s real name and he has apparently stolen some important magical tools from the government agency.

With genuine desire to help repossess these tools for the BEM, Spencer and Daisy embark on a mission of covert actions and destructive diversions involving the school’s Family Ice Cream Social. Successful in their mission, Spencer and Daisy are also in a LOT of trouble with their parents and the Principal. In lieu of suspension, Spencer and Daisy are sentenced to a week of detention…with the janitors.

It is at this point that Spencer discovers he has been tricked by the BEM and things are not as they seemed to be. Is Hadley lying? Oris John Campbell? Now Spencer finds himself in the position of having to repair the damage he and Daisy have done in their misguided attempts to save the school from the Janitor. The future of education itself is at stake.

This is a fun adventure story. It has all kinds of magic instruments, warlocks, witches, mutant monsters who prey on the brain waves of children and a government conspiracy to boot. Interspersed with all of these wonderfully fanciful elements are the real-life struggles of bullies, friendship and fitting in. There are battles and chases and moments of personal insight about truth and friendship and trust.

This is an excellent independent reading selection especially for readers who enjoy magic-tinted adventures.

Sigh.

I was stuck somewhere between giving this a one or a two star review, but truth be told, I did not like it.

The plot, although unique at first, falls flat. The execution is sloppy at best. The characters are not interesting or likable or even relatable. The book tries to impart wisdom and morals with the storytelling, but comes off unnatural and misplaced.

I don't think this book would even interest children (its intended audience).

I thought this book is amazing! I think it's cool that the author lives in Logan, Utah. Janitors was the first novel that he wrote, which is outstanding! It is a book full of magic! I can't wait to read the next ones in the series. However, this book isn't a book for little kids. I highly recommend it!

Not a bad premise but the writing is atrocious.

A silly adventure with magical cleaning equipment, warlock janitors, and an evil corporation ready to overthrow education as we know it. This book doesn't take itself too seriously. It is fun, easy-going, and full of a few chuckles here-and-there. I tried really hard to enjoy the characters, but most of them annoyed me.

I would've liked to see more change and growth from the characters. Spencer had his moments with learning to tell the truth and not be such a chameleon, but what about everyone else? Maybe in the future volumes of this series.

I did enjoy the hopeful, blooming relationship between the young Daisy and Spencer. I would like to see how that develops, their friendship (though, I need to keep in mind that this is not a YA title, haha). I also would like to see how Dez continues to interact with the others. I feel like he will have more of a role in the future.

Overall, worth a read. It was silly, comical, and engaging, but just a little too over-the-top for me. Kids would probably enjoy the light material.

Darling and clever. Some life lessons too. Full review coming to www.ldswbr.com July 7, 2011.