Follow Eddie and Molly-Jean on their globe-trotting adventures to discover how common words came into the English language from cultures around the world.
Word Travelers and the Taj Mahal Mystery (Word Travelers #1)
Eddie and Molly-Jean are next-door neighbors and best friends. One Saturday, Eddie’s mom sends him up to the attic to get his great-grandpa’s most prized possession (a book, of course). Eddie and Molly-Jean are suddenly transported to India, where they must use their word knowledge to solve a mystery and help a new friend save his school.
This is such a great concept! What a fun way to learn how different cultures have contributed to the English language.
India was the perfect place to start. I was amazed to learn that words like shampoo and pajama originate from India.
Word Travelers and the Missing
Every Halloween, best friends Eddie and Molly-Jean (who prefers to be called MJ) throw a costume party and have the best time. But this year, they are magically whisked away to Mexico and find themselves in the middle of the Día de Muertos celebrations to discover that a secret mole recipe has been stolen.
Mexico has such a vast and fascinating history. I like how the story mentioned several ancient people of Mexico, including the Mayans, the Aztecs, and the Olmecs.
I loved Eddie’s old-timey detective costume.
I would have appreciated a map like in the first book.
Word Travelers and the Big Chase in Paris (Word Travelers #3)
While on a field trip to an art museum, Eddie and MJ magically travel to France and find themselves at a famous modern art museum in Paris, the Pompidou Center, to discover that an art thief has returned.
While hunting for an art thief, the kids visited France’s top tourist attractions, including the Louvre Museum, the Eiffel Tower, and the Catacombs.
Young children will get a kick from the story’s use of the word “toilet.” I found it odd that the word “toilet” originates from the French word toilette, meaning “cloth,” referring to the clothing you get dressed in. This makes no sense to me.
A map of France is included, but I can’t confirm its geographical accuracy.
I recommend this series to fans of Magic Tree House, Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum, and Time Warp Trio. The kids’ overall adventures are far-fetched, but I don’t think young readers will notice or care. I hope this series will have at least ten books, including countries like China, Japan, Germany, Sweden, Italy, etc.