Big Rig Rustlers
By Max Elliot Anderson

     Anytime Todd and Amanda's father calls for a family meeting, it is big news. At today's family meeting, the kids learn they are going to Wyoming to Uncle Reid's ranch during spring break to participate in the spring cattle roundup. They are excited by the prospect, but a bit nervous about the whole thing. They fly to Cheyenne, and Uncle Reid is there to meet them with the truck. On the way to the ranch, they nearly run into a bull on the road. Uncle Reid takes that for a clear sign that rustlers have been at work in the area and have cut the fence.

     The bunkhouse where the kids stay is an experience in itself. Each room is decorated in a different, elaborate, western theme. The kids have riding lessons so they can accompany their cousin Drew along with Uncle Reid and the cowboys on the roundup. Travis, one of the Cowboys who has a past felony record certainly acts suspicious, and the kids vow to really watch him.

     Anderson really turns up the heat as the kids explore an old abandoned ranch house, and discover that Travis has been hiding out there. The characters are kids that young readers can really relate to and live the adventure as if they were the characters.

     Max Elliot Anderson's books are designed to encourage your tween-agers to read for pleasure, even if they have had no interest in reading. The book has Christian concepts without being preachy, and subtle moral lessons. The Big Rig Rustlers is an exciting, fast paced story that would make a great gift that you can share and discuss with the kids.

     This is number five in the Reluctant Reader Series, but each book is a story that stands alone, with different characters in each volume. Try one out...your kids will beg for the rest of the books.