Ezzie and I read this book at about the same time. The writing was clever, and there was definitely a perspective that children could identify with. There were so many characters and organizations that I had trouble keeping everything straight, but the interactions of the children were interesting and not always predictable. ( )

I almost abandoned this book for the best possible reason: It's a children's book that seems to actually be written for children. Many of the middle-grade books I read seem to be written for adults who love children's literature--which is fine with me, since I'm one of those adults. :-) But this one is not like that.

As an adult, I found it silly or boring in spots, but I would have absolutely LOVED it when I was 10 or 11. The Silver Jaguar Society had me rolling my eyes (especially since it was revealed so early in the book), but I think it would have been a great hook for me in fourth grade. It has a diverse cast of characters (although you have to look at the cover art to fully realize that) and an adventure that I'm pretty sure a lot of kids would enjoy and actually be able to see themselves in--I think a lot of MG books with over-the-top adventures really miss the mark on that.

This is only the second book I've read by Kate Messner, and the other one (The Brilliant Fall of Gianna Z) was very good too. I don't know that I'll read any more, but again, it's because she actually writes for children, not for middle-aged women. :-) I would enthusiastically recommend her to kids. ( )

When the original Star Spangled Banner is stolen, seventh-graders Anne, José, and Henry, all descendants of the Silver Jaguar Society, pursue suspects on airport carts and through baggage handling tunnels while stranded at a Washington, D.C., airport during a snowstorm.

I read an amazing book call Capture the Flag by Kate Messner. It is about 3 completely unrelated kids, Anna, José, a.nd Henry.

When Anna, José, and Henry find themselves trapped in a Washington D.C airport for the night, they get news that the original flag was stolen from the Smithsonian Museum. When they are eating and listening to the news about the flag, the owner of the restaurant with a snake tattoo on his arm runs away! They end up calling him Snake-Arm because of his tattoo. They believe that he is the one who stole the flag and is part of a famous gang of people, the Serpentine Princes, who love to steal valuable treasures. At the same time with the news of the stolen flag, there is a presidential campaign between Senator Snickerbottom and the best grandma, both who are making people to vote for them by telling them that they will make the flag come back. Who shall win?

Each of the kids knows his or her family is part of a society called the Silver Jaguar Society. Their parents have pledged that they will protect every single national treasure. Anna, José and Henry do not know each other’s parents are all involved until Anna sees José’s mom wear a symbol of the society.

Although nobody is allowed in to the society until 18, Anna proposes that they have to follow Snake-Arm to protect the national treasure. When they follow Snake-Arm, they see him following Senator Snickerbottom. This makes them think that Snake-Arm has gone mad and is going to murder the Senator.

They follow Snake Arm all the way to the baggage claim. While splitting up to find Snake Arm among the luggage, Anna hears some people right below her ripping the flag. She immediately pulled out her video camera, but she drops it loudly onto the ground.

What will happen between Anna and those people? And most importantly, will the fate of the flag be doomed? Who is the real thief? Senator Snickerbottom or Snake Arm, or someone else?

My favorite character is Senator Snickerbottom because he seems to be very unfriendly and cautious with Anna. In addition, whenever a TV turns on, he’s in a rush without any reason. He is a person who well plans everything to look not suspicious.

After reading this book, the most favorite part of the book is when clever Henry pretends to play a game but was actually taking a video of Senator Snickerbottom! This video becomes an evidence of Senator Snickerbottom’s crime.

I would rate this amazing book 8 out of 10. ( )

Great fun. The star spangled banner is stolen and three unlikely friends try to figure out the thief. A book ghat makes you want to keep reading with shorter chapters and lots of suspense. Great for read aloud. Grades 4 and up. ( )