Monday, February 2, 2026

Have a struggling - reluctant reader, or just one who’d rather play video games than pick up a book?




If you have a struggling - reluctant reader, or just one who would rather play video games than prick up a book and read, what happened with this mother and her son might encourage you to try one of these adventures and mysteries.


One of the most rewarding aspects of publishing books for kids, is when I hear back from a reader, parent, or teacher. Here’s a classic from the parent of a reluctant boy reader. This mother recounted what happened when her son began reading one of my books.


She said, “I was sitting in the family room the other day when my very reluctant reader son came storming into the room. He had been reading your book, LEGEND OF THE WHITE WOLF. He walked up to where I was sitting, and slammed the book onto the coffee table. ‘I know what that guy is trying to do,’ he fumed.”


“Who?”


“The guy who wrote that book,” he pointed in defiance to the book on the table. “I know what he’s doing.”


“What?”


“He’s trying to get me to read the next chapter.”


“What do you mean?”


“’Well look.’ He picked up the book and turned to the end of the chapter he had just finished. ‘Listen.’”


“Then he read the cliffhanger ending to that chapter, slapped the book closed, and said, ‘See, he’s just trying to make me read the next chapter!’ Then he stomped off to his room and did exactly that.”


She went on to tell me that whatever I was doing, to please continue, because it was working with her boy.


My books are fast-paced. They have shorter sentences, and I don’t spend a lot of time on details. The books are filled with humor, suspense, and heart-pounding action. These are reasons why kids tell me that reading one of my books is like being in an exciting or scary movie.


This is a link to my Amazon Author page with lots of information about these books. https://www.amazon.com/stores/Max-Elliot-Anderson/author/B002BLP3EE?ref=ap_rdr&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=14da8dff-d100-4000-afee-7baeeecfe764 

Saturday, November 15, 2025

The Accidental Adventure Series

                     

The Accidental Adventure series is a collection of middle-grade action-adventure novels written by Max Elliot Anderson. Targeted primarily at reluctant readers (especially boys aged 8–13), the fast-paced, cinematic stories emphasize high-stakes excitement, humor, and positive moral themes without graphic violence, romance, or heavy supernatural elements.


  • Core Concept: Each book follows a different set of pre-teen protagonists who stumble into real-world dangers—think espionage, treasure hunts, wilderness survival, or thwarting criminals—turning an ordinary trip into a life-or-death adventure.
  • Style: Short chapters, cliffhanger endings, vivid sensory details, and relatable kid heroes. Anderson, a former film and video producer, writes like a movie script, which keeps pages turning.
  • Themes: Courage, friendship, family, doing the right thing, and trusting God (light Christian worldview woven in naturally).

Titles include: The Cat Burglars, Funny Money Mystery, The Secret of Grandmother’s Grandfather Clock, Summer Camp Trouble, Danger Mountain, and Shadow Of The Fat Man.

  • Reviews: Generally 4–5 stars on Amazon/Goodreads from parents and educators for engaging reluctant readers. The target audience loves the adrenaline.
  • Where to Buy: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, ChristianBook.com,

Fun Fact

Anderson grew up hating to read until adventure comics hooked him. He now writes specifically to “turn the video-game generation into bookworms.”


Preview on Youtube: 

youtube.com/watch?v=XzJP7cvB9KI  

 

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Max-Elliot-Anderson/author/B002BLP3EE?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=82c5d41f-78c0-49c9-a40f-59deda9b7cd8 

Tuesday, November 11, 2025

A reminder this Veterans Day: Freedom is Never Free

A reminder this Veterans Day: Freedom is Never

                                   Free




Wednesday, October 29, 2025

A Special Thank You

In 1967 - 69, when I was drafted and served in the US Army, the Vietnam war raged and it was very unpopular in America. Keep in mind that the Hippy movement was in full swing in the country pushing free love, drugs, and anti-war disguised as a peace movement. Some of those people are now in charge of government, higher education, the courts, and businesses which explains a lot. Anyway, when soldiers came home, as I did from Germany at that time, we were looked down on, hated, and if in uniform, it wasn’t uncommon to be yelled at and even spit upon.


So, this organization got together just to thank ALL service people from that era. I read about it, contacted them, and received my pin.



Saturday, October 25, 2025

Review for Last Chance, a heartfelt, exciting, sports read.




Last Chance, by Max Elliot Anderson, focuses on reluctant readers as evidenced in the fast-paced plot and engaging sports-driven storyline, which keeps the pages turning. The writing is accessible, with short chapters and straightforward prose that make it ideal for its target audience. The football theme is timely and relatable, especially for readers who enjoy sports, though the story’s emotional core—dealing with pressure, identity, and peer dynamics —broadens its appeal.”


Overall, Last Chance is a heartfelt and exciting read that balances action, sports, and meaningful life lessons. It’s a great pick for young readers seeking adventure and parents looking for wholesome, value-driven stories. It’s recommended to anyone searching for a book that entertains while subtly encouraging personal reflection and growth.


Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/Last-Chance-Max-Elliot-Anderson/dp/B0FDWTXNF5/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.jLpmdEZ6AHdBXbTfRgdP9vCmHZWeoFOJ2fkXUqAA0EQ.6KxZPOE0o7TEj2P0kDVKhAkt75GOwOqjETZh-bRSdGE&qid=1761434460&sr=8-1 

Review for action-adventure-mystery, Snake Island


Snake Island
by Max Elliot Anderson is an engaging middle-grade adventure novel that delivers a thrilling, action-packed story tailored for readers aged 8-13, particularly boys who may be reluctant readers.


Anderson, a former reluctant reader himself, writes with accessibility in mind, using short chapters and straightforward language that make Snake Island an excellent choice for young readers who might shy away from denser texts. 


Overall, Snake Island is a delightful, high-energy read that balances fun, mystery, and light moral lessons. It’s perfect for young readers craving adventure or parents seeking wholesome, engaging stories for their kids. 


Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Snake-Island-Max-Elliot-Anderson/dp/1649495994/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.zSFKgadS4C8L8rjZN_g5wPqaATq-37GR_4QnDNWvSLU.fpvnkqm-TmvgUcDFbi-xpj1fon1dPiIdBjWhq6-iyxU&qid=1761433212&sr=8-1

Review for boy-and-his-dog thriller, SHADOW

 



Shadow is a brisk, action-packed middle-grade novel from Max Elliot Anderson, a prolific author known for crafting high-stakes adventures tailored to reluctant readers, especially boys aged 8–12. Drawing from his background in film and video production, Anderson infuses his stories with cinematic flair—think quick cuts, mounting tension, and visual set pieces that make the pages fly by. At around 200 pages, Shadow clocks in as a fast read, blending the timeless "boy and his dog" theme with mystery, danger, and a touch of heart.


Anderson's knack for visual storytelling and emotional payoff makes it a winner for kids craving adventure without the slog. Parents and educators: If you've got a reluctant reader in the house, hand them this—it's proof that books can bark louder than screens.


Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Shadow-Max-Elliot-Anderson/dp/1649494823/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.GH7n5LCsEL4p2nlKEhbzn9zL6W3syyZON8FFpqeU-wg.EEWyWjZmWYeGClJhqzOGpgnuG2oXeWIpQy7EqG5dsko&qid=1761425947&sr=8-1