In the year 3500, a class of sixth graders are touring the Denver Mint museum, and learning about the ancient culture of money, which is no longer used. Now, people are rewarded for doing good deeds, and get credits for goods based on the deeds they do.

When Penny and Mark get accidentally separated from their class, they overhear the plot of two villains, Jack and Bill, who are planning on robbing the bank of it's money, and then going back in time to a century where money is still useful.

But there plan is foiled when they are followed by Evening Star, a girl from the Anasazi tribe in the year 1150, who helps Mark and Penny escape from certain death.

A great book for young readers, especially those who are interested in the Sci-fi genre. The writing is simple and uses easy words, and is short enough to be a good length for a child's first longer book. This little book would also make a great Christmas stocking stuffer!

The idea for a utopian society, where one is rewarded for doing good deeds, and money is now obsolete. I thought the idea was unique and clever. I also enjoyed the time travel aspect, and how the characters use a sipapu to travel to three different centuries.

Perhaps, my favorite part of the story though was the author's lovely and heart-felt dedication. I'm sure her grandchildren will appreciate the meaningful story she wrote for them and her mother would be proud that she is continuing her legacy of random acts of kindness.

There were a few instances where the writing could have been made more vivid, by 'showing' instead of 'telling', but for the most part I thought the writing was of good quality.

That it is important to remember the power that even a tiny random act of kindness can have. No good deed is to small, and every act has the power to brighten someone's day.

Shirlee Smith randomly brightened my day a few weeks ago, by awarding me with a courage merit badge. Her random generosity reminded me of the joy of giving, and I was drawn to read her book, because of her selfless kindness.

It is a fun read and carries an important message about the power of doing good in the world.

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Created Dec 07, 2010 at 4:24pm • Submit your own review...