Trapped - Book Review

“Trapped,” a captivating middle school mystery, is the impressive creation of a remarkably talented preteen author. Written by Bella Olsen, “Trapped” is not only an entertaining and engaging read but also serves as an inspiring example of what young minds can achieve. The fact that Bella wrote this compelling story before she even turned eleven years old makes the book all the more fascinating and empowering for its readers. Parents and teachers can use this book as a valuable tool to engage reluctant readers, offering it as both a fun and achievable option for independent reading. Additionally, it serves as a powerful reminder to students that age is not necessarily a barrier to pursuing and accomplishing their dreams, encouraging them to explore their own creative potential.

Though penned by a young girl and featuring a female protagonist, this story is designed to captivate all young readers. Boys, in particular, will find themselves drawn into the action-packed plot, which is filled with compelling mysteries and laugh-out-loud humor from its quirky cast of characters. The adventure follows Ava, a protagonist who is at once adventurous, fearless, and remarkably smart. Young readers will easily relate to her earnest desire to be recognized for her scientific inventions and creative thinking, rather than being teased for them. In a brave move, Ava dares to enter a mysterious building where two girls have reportedly gone missing. Inside, she encounters a host of highly imaginative characters, including a classic mad scientist, a majestic flying dragon, a talking chicken endowed with mystical powers, and, eventually, the two missing girls themselves. Bella seamlessly combines her scientific knowledge, storytelling skills, and vivid imagination into an engaging fantasy adventure.

Readers will be captivated as the girls confront sharks, navigate dead-end hallways, and find themselves trapped in cages. Will they escape this unpredictable world, overcome the tangled traps, and make it back home? The book introduces the acronym WITN, which stands for "Weird is the new normal," a central theme of the story. As the characters navigate their strange surroundings, they learn to embrace self-acceptance and find the bravery to be their authentic selves.

This journey of facing their fears will likely encourage young readers to engage in self-examination and reflect on their own identities and anxieties. The story strongly emphasizes the importance of friendship and trust, especially when faced with unpredictable and challenging situations, offering a perfect starting point for classroom discussions. Furthermore, this book could serve as an excellent resource for educational settings, inspiring classroom goals aimed at teaching creative writing skills and exploring the publication process.