The World's Greatest Adventure Machine

by Frank L. Cole

An adventure novel about four lucky kids and a mysterious, but thrilling ride for fans of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory or Jurassic Park!
 
    CastleCorp and the famous Castleton brothers are unveiling the World’s Greatest Adventure Machine! The roller coaster is an experience like no other, and four lucky kids have won the chance to be the first to ride it.
    There’s Trevor, whose latest stunt got him in trouble at school again. There’s Devin, whose father is pushing him to be the next Internet sensation. Nika’s wealthy grandfather isn’t too pleased about her participation. And Cameron, he’ll be the first to tell you, is a certified genius.
    The whole world is watching. But as the kids set off on their journey, they begin to realize that there is perhaps more to their fellow contest winners than meets the eye. And the Adventure Machine? It might just have a mind of its own.
    Join the contestants on their wild ride if you dare. Your adventure starts now!

"[The World's Greatest Adventure Machine] made me laugh out loud as I was pulled through the twists and turns until my stomach dropped in suspense or I waved my hands in the air, cheering at the adventure. It will take you on a ride that you won’t soon forget!"-Peggy Eddleman, author of Sky Jumpers

"A deftly written action/adventure novel...[that] will prove to be an enduringly popular addition to both elementary school and community library collections."-Midwest Book Review

Praise for Frank Cole’s The Afterlife Academy:
 
A Whitney Award Nominee
 
“An appealing ghost story without being creepy, this title would be a great read for any reader looking for a mix of adventure and humor.” —School Library Journal
 
“A fun, suspenseful read. . . . Cole’s fast-paced fantasy can be enjoyed by the entire family.” —Deseret News

“The adventure of a lifetime—or after-lifetime.” —OBERT SKYE, author of the Leven Thumps series

“A fast-paced and fun adventure that puts a new twist on the afterlife!” —PLATTE F. CLARK, author of Bad Unicorn

• ISBN10: 0399552820
• ISBN13: 9780399552823
• Publish Date: 8 August 2017
• Publish Status: Out of Stock
• Out of Print: 12 April 2022
• Publish Country: US
• Imprint: Random House Books for Young Readers
• Format: Hardcover
• Pages: 320
• Language: English
• URL: https://penguinrandomhouse.com/books/isbn/9780399552823

Reviews

[sstaley]

I'm a huge fan of Author Frank Cole, especially of his Hashbrown Winters series. The World's Greatest Adventure Machine is another Middle Grade book written for the 8-13 year old crowd. I teach 2nd graders and know the kind of humor they enjoy and Frank Cole has this humor down pat in his writing. My classes in the past have loved his other books and I can't wait to read this one to my new class starting next week.

Some of the things I liked the most about this book was the diversity of the kids that were "chosen" to ride the Adventure machine for the first time. Trevor, Devin, Nika, and Cameron all have secrets about themselves and you soon find out what's going on with them. The kids once on their ride learn that they have to work together and trust each other in order to "survive" their virtual reality adventure. This fast paced book is a non-stop ride for the kids and you the reader. I have a feeling kids won't want to quit reading this book and it will be the "One more chapter...Please" syndrome happening.

As in all stories, there are good guys and bad guys and part of the fun and mystery is figuring out who belongs in which camp. You'll also be wondering what is real and what is Virtual Reality as they weave along on their roller coaster ride. Each child learns some amazing things about themselves which has some good messages for kids. Frank Cole has such a wild imagination, so this story is one fun time for readers of all ages. This book will be a great one for families to read together.