Jackson Jones and the Curse of the Outlaw Rose

November 1, 2006
Gr 3-5-A well-written, fast-paced adventure for early chapter book readers. Things get a little thorny for Quattlebaums green-thumb hero in this third installment. Jackson Jones, still tending his plot of land at the community garden, is now working for his neighbor, Mr. K. In fact, it is the old bossy man who brings on a new garden of trouble for Jackson and sidekick Reuben when they agree to become rose rustlers. Stealing a clipping of an old rose branch from a cemetery seems to bring on a number of unpleasant incidents, convincing the boys that they are cursed. Is the mysterious rose branch to blame for poison ivy, bee stings, and a broken leg? Can the spooky rose twig be returned? Engaging characters, a unique mystery, and the familiarity of returning cast members (although this book does stand on its own) make this an appealing selection. The book also includes an interesting note about antique roses."Jennifer Cogan, Bucks County Free Library, Doylestown, PA"

Copyright 2006 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2007
In a lively companion to " Jackson Jones and the Puddle of Thorns" (1994), which won the Marguerite de Angeli prize, Jackson, 10, and his friends are continuing to work on their plot in an inner-city community garden. This time, however, things get shivery when Jackson takes a rose twig from an abandoned cemetery. Suddenly bad things begin to happen. Is there a curse on those who rustle rare, old-time roses? Why is a huge bee following the kids? Once again Jackson's wry contemporary narrative packs exciting facts about plants and how they grow into a warm story of friends and neighbors.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2007, American Library Association.)