North Woods Poachers is an exciting adventure book written for tween boys (and girls), ages 8-12. The story follows two cousins (Andy and CJ) and their younger sisters as they set out for their annual family fishing trip in Canada with their parents. Determined to make this year more exciting, they gain permission from their parents to fish less and explore more. Together, they uncover the secret of the mysterious black planes and exactly what is going on at the Lodge.

Max Elliott Anderson was a reluctant reader, so he understands the struggle that many of us face trying to find books that will interest our sons. Max strives to write compelling adventure and mystery books that will fill this gap for tween boys. North Woods Poachers would interest girls as well as boys with its hint of mystery and danger and its modern setting.

North Woods Poachers is a Christian book, but it doesn't preach at the reader. The children in the book do set several negative examples: the boys make secret plans together, they sneak out to explore, they hide the danger of their situation from their parents, and in one of the final scenes they steal a boat. Thankfully, their parents confront them about each of these choices, and appropriate consequences are applied before the story ends. At the beginning of the book, Andy has a bad attitude about the family camping trip, but even that is addressed as his parents talk with him about family traditions and the importance of looking beyond himself.

I wish I could say my 10-year-old son loved this book. I enjoyed it, and I am sure he will when I finally get him to read it. He took it to his room, intending to read it, but never did. (It's summer, and he is too busy to finish a book right now.) I do think that the cover fails to convey the excitement of the story. Unfortunately, many reluctant readers judge a book by its cover. Parents might need to require a set reading period to get their son started in this book, or perhaps read the first few chapters aloud to incite interest. I should have.

Overall, North Woods Poachers is an interesting story for tween boys with a unique setting and plot. Even with its faults, it is far superior to the (often offensive) twaddle lining the library shelves targeting this age range.