What do you think?
Rate this book
When the Lights Go Out
Peyton Aldrich’s father is an Army colonel, who specializes in Army intelligence. His work is always top secret, which means he can’t even discuss it with his own son. Peyton idolized his father, who believes that after what happened on 9/11, somebody had to help keep the country safe. Now, Peyton, along with his family, find themselves stationed at a new army base, in the middle of nowhere. After his arrival, Peyton finds two friends, Gill and Dave. Together they decide to train like Rangers, and search for some kind of mission to accomplish on their own. Little did they know that a mission was about to put the boys right in the crosshairs of a dangerous terrorist plot, when a secret weapon would be delivered to the base on its way across the country. Will the terrorists find out who is trying to expose their evil plan? Will the boys be able to stop them? And what will happen to Peyton’s father when the general finds out what the boys did? When the Lights Go Out is a story for kids and their parents, so we never forget 9/11.
142 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2011
81 people want to read
About the author
Max Elliot Anderson
37 books26 followersMax Elliot Anderson grew up as a struggling reader. After surveying the market, he sensed the need for action-adventures and mysteries for readers 8 – 13, especially boys.
Using his extensive experience in the production of dramatic motion pictures, videos, and television commercials, Mr. Anderson brings that same visual excitement and heart-pounding action to his stories. Each book has different characters, setting, and plot.
Ten middle grade books are published, ten more are under contract, with several additional manuscripts completed. Young readers have reported that reading one of his books is like actually being in an exciting movie. He is also a short story staff writer for Knowonder,com Magazine.
Books for Boys Blog: http://booksandboys.blogspot.com
Author Web Site: http://www.maxbooks.9k.com/index_1.html
My Youtube Videos http://www.youtube.com/user/Maxbooks1...
Using his extensive experience in the production of dramatic motion pictures, videos, and television commercials, Mr. Anderson brings that same visual excitement and heart-pounding action to his stories. Each book has different characters, setting, and plot.
Ten middle grade books are published, ten more are under contract, with several additional manuscripts completed. Young readers have reported that reading one of his books is like actually being in an exciting movie. He is also a short story staff writer for Knowonder,com Magazine.
Books for Boys Blog: http://booksandboys.blogspot.com
Author Web Site: http://www.maxbooks.9k.com/index_1.html
My Youtube Videos http://www.youtube.com/user/Maxbooks1...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
July 11, 2011
When The Lights Go Out by Max Elliot Anderson published by Comfort Publishing.
This book is about three boy's who's Fathers work on an Army base, each in a different area. Peyton's dad is a colonel, Gill's dad is in the motor pool an Dave's dad is the Chaplin. These three boys some how end up falling into the middle of a terrorist plot, that they can't tell anyone about. Can the boys come up with a plan to save the base and maybe their lives.
I am a 13 year old girl not the target audience for this book but the publisher sent me an advance copy. I found it a little hard to get into it for that reason. What I like about this book was that is used real Army saying and actually seemed like the book was coming to life. I would recommend this book to young boy's because it is all action and adventure. I also realized anyone no matter how small can make a difference and that doing the right thing is not always easy.
This book is about three boy's who's Fathers work on an Army base, each in a different area. Peyton's dad is a colonel, Gill's dad is in the motor pool an Dave's dad is the Chaplin. These three boys some how end up falling into the middle of a terrorist plot, that they can't tell anyone about. Can the boys come up with a plan to save the base and maybe their lives.
I am a 13 year old girl not the target audience for this book but the publisher sent me an advance copy. I found it a little hard to get into it for that reason. What I like about this book was that is used real Army saying and actually seemed like the book was coming to life. I would recommend this book to young boy's because it is all action and adventure. I also realized anyone no matter how small can make a difference and that doing the right thing is not always easy.
July 11, 2011
Do you remember what happened on Sept. 11, 2001? It’s hard for many of us who are older to realize that most middle-school age children were either too young to understand what was occurring on that date or maybe even weren’t born yet! Twelve-year-old Peyton Aldrich has just moved with his parents and younger sister Kelley to a new home where his father, a colonel in the United States army who tells Peyton that he decided to join the army after what happened on 9/11, has been named commander of an old, out-of-the-way army base. As the book opens, Peyton is home alone during a thunderstorm when the electricity goes off. He says, “Man, I really hate it when the lights go out!” Since Col. Aldrich has top secret clearance, Peyton isn’t supposed to know anything about his dad’s activities, but he accidentally overhears his father talking on the phone to a general about a secret weapon coming to the base.
Peyton and his two new friends, Gill Rutledge, son of the base motor pool sergeant, and Dave Miller, son of the base chaplain, decide to use the old obstacle course outside the base for training to become Army Rangers like his dad. To complete their training, they need a mission. Then one day while visiting Gill’s dad, the three boys overhear some civilian workmen in what sounds like a plot to steal the secret weapon that Peyton had overheard his dad talking about. The men plan to cut all the lights on base off and take the weapon under cover of darkness. Now the friends know what their mission is—to do what they can to thwart the plot. They track the plotters to a vacant garage and even intercept some of their messages. Their plan is to use generators to shine lights on the base's back gate. But will the terrorists catch the boys? Or will the three be able to stop the plot? And what will the general do to Peyton’s father when he finds out what the boys have done?
Author Max Elliot Anderson grew up as a struggling, reluctant reader, and uses his extensive experience in the production of motion pictures and videos to bring the same visual excitement and heart-pounding action to his adventure and mystery stories written especially for boys. I especially like the way in which Dave tells his friends that every year on Sept. 11, his dad preaches a sermon saying that the devil is like a terrorist whose one mission is to find out where we’re the weakest and attack that place. Gill makes fun of him, but Peyton says that he and his father might be interested. Dedicated “To the memory of 9/11, and the people who lost their lives that day,” When the Lights Go Out is a story for children and their parents, so we never forget 9/11. Tween boys, especially reluctant readers, and even girls too, who like excitement and suspense can do no better than to read a Max Elliot Anderson novel.
Peyton and his two new friends, Gill Rutledge, son of the base motor pool sergeant, and Dave Miller, son of the base chaplain, decide to use the old obstacle course outside the base for training to become Army Rangers like his dad. To complete their training, they need a mission. Then one day while visiting Gill’s dad, the three boys overhear some civilian workmen in what sounds like a plot to steal the secret weapon that Peyton had overheard his dad talking about. The men plan to cut all the lights on base off and take the weapon under cover of darkness. Now the friends know what their mission is—to do what they can to thwart the plot. They track the plotters to a vacant garage and even intercept some of their messages. Their plan is to use generators to shine lights on the base's back gate. But will the terrorists catch the boys? Or will the three be able to stop the plot? And what will the general do to Peyton’s father when he finds out what the boys have done?
Author Max Elliot Anderson grew up as a struggling, reluctant reader, and uses his extensive experience in the production of motion pictures and videos to bring the same visual excitement and heart-pounding action to his adventure and mystery stories written especially for boys. I especially like the way in which Dave tells his friends that every year on Sept. 11, his dad preaches a sermon saying that the devil is like a terrorist whose one mission is to find out where we’re the weakest and attack that place. Gill makes fun of him, but Peyton says that he and his father might be interested. Dedicated “To the memory of 9/11, and the people who lost their lives that day,” When the Lights Go Out is a story for children and their parents, so we never forget 9/11. Tween boys, especially reluctant readers, and even girls too, who like excitement and suspense can do no better than to read a Max Elliot Anderson novel.
August 7, 2011
Title: WHEN THE LIGHTS GO OUT
Author: Max Elliot Anderson
Publisher: Comfort Publishing
August 2011
ISBN: 978-1-936695-47-8
Genre: Inspirational/tweener
Peyton Aldrich’s father is an Army colonel, specializing in Army intelligence. His work is top-secret, so he can’t even discuss it with his own family. Nevertheless, Peyton idolizes his father and someday wants to be a Ranger, just like his dad.
When Peyton was out wandering around, he met two other boys his age and they agree to pretend to be Rangers in training. Since Peyton knows a little about it, he becomes the leader. But then they overhear some top-secret plans—and they may be forced to go on high alert to save the base, and Peyton’s dad’s job.
WHEN THE LIGHTS GO OUT is the latest in Max Elliot Anderson’s books for reluctant readers and it’s just as exciting as the first. This particular book is commemorating the 10th anniversary of 9-1-1, when terrorists attacked America, killing thousands of people. Children need to remember this event, and remember that they can be instrumental in protecting America from this happening again.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book – and all of Mr. Anderson’s books, as has my son. Thanks to Mr. Anderson, my son went from being a very reluctant reader, but when he read the first book he was hooked, and has read every one of his books to date. He still reads Mr. Anderson’s books, even though he’s now in college. (He also reads Ted Dekker, so that says something about the excitement level of these books!)
If you are looking for a book for your reluctant reader then WHEN THE LIGHTS GO OUT or any of Mr. Anderson’s books will be excellent to pick up. Highly recommended. $13.99. 163 pages.
Author: Max Elliot Anderson
Publisher: Comfort Publishing
August 2011
ISBN: 978-1-936695-47-8
Genre: Inspirational/tweener
Peyton Aldrich’s father is an Army colonel, specializing in Army intelligence. His work is top-secret, so he can’t even discuss it with his own family. Nevertheless, Peyton idolizes his father and someday wants to be a Ranger, just like his dad.
When Peyton was out wandering around, he met two other boys his age and they agree to pretend to be Rangers in training. Since Peyton knows a little about it, he becomes the leader. But then they overhear some top-secret plans—and they may be forced to go on high alert to save the base, and Peyton’s dad’s job.
WHEN THE LIGHTS GO OUT is the latest in Max Elliot Anderson’s books for reluctant readers and it’s just as exciting as the first. This particular book is commemorating the 10th anniversary of 9-1-1, when terrorists attacked America, killing thousands of people. Children need to remember this event, and remember that they can be instrumental in protecting America from this happening again.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book – and all of Mr. Anderson’s books, as has my son. Thanks to Mr. Anderson, my son went from being a very reluctant reader, but when he read the first book he was hooked, and has read every one of his books to date. He still reads Mr. Anderson’s books, even though he’s now in college. (He also reads Ted Dekker, so that says something about the excitement level of these books!)
If you are looking for a book for your reluctant reader then WHEN THE LIGHTS GO OUT or any of Mr. Anderson’s books will be excellent to pick up. Highly recommended. $13.99. 163 pages.
July 19, 2013
Peyton Aldrich, a twelve-year-old army kid, relocates yet again to a base somewhere in the remote US west. His father, Colonel Aldrich has top secret clearance, but why would he command a run down supply base? Peyton accidentally overhears his father’s conversation and discovers this base conceals a top secret weapon. He befriends two other army kids, Gill and Dave, and together they decide to train to become Rangers-in-waiting at an awesome old obstacle course off base. As the boys meld into a unit, they seek a “Ranger” mission. A trip to the base motor pool provides an opportunity as Peyton overhears three suspicious men hatching a plot to steal the secret package. The three boys trail the men and gain additional clues as to when and where these terrorist types intend to strike. Unable to warn his father, Peyton plans a mission to intercept the thieves. Filled with rigorous training, spying, night vision goggles, face paint and a generator, the story’s tension builds as the trio’s plan approaches its climax. But will it succeed?
Anderson gives his readers a good feel for life as a twelve-year-old son of an army officer. While maintaining fast pace and tension, When the Lights Go Out, also demonstrates strong family relationships, courage and responsibility. A secondary character adds an unobtrusive spiritual dimension making this book a strong blend of action-adventure and moral modeling. Max's use of point of view and traditional dialogue tags also facilitates readability for younger middle grade readers. I recommend it for boys age 8 and up with five stars.
Anderson gives his readers a good feel for life as a twelve-year-old son of an army officer. While maintaining fast pace and tension, When the Lights Go Out, also demonstrates strong family relationships, courage and responsibility. A secondary character adds an unobtrusive spiritual dimension making this book a strong blend of action-adventure and moral modeling. Max's use of point of view and traditional dialogue tags also facilitates readability for younger middle grade readers. I recommend it for boys age 8 and up with five stars.
December 21, 2011
Peyton is an army brat who aspires to be like his army ranger father, commander of their current station. Peyton knows that many things his father deals with is top secret. Then he accidently hears that a top secret item is being brought to the base. Worse, he and his friends hear a couple of civilian employees discussing the item and planning to steal it.
Peyton is conflicted. He should never have overheard his father's phone call and fears reprisals if the upper echelon were to discover his knowledge. Yet he cannot countenence the idea of anyone stealing from the Base. Someone has to protect America and her allies.
So, it is up to Peyton and his friends to track the villians and disrupt the threat.
Anderson follows all of the unofficial rules for Young Adult stories. His plot is to the point with out too many spurious red herrings. His characters are well rounded, with bravery interspersed with moments of terror, intelligence interspersed with foolish decisions. Anderson's characters feel real and their dilemma is transferable to many other issues, thereby allowing the reader to empathize with the problems.
This would be an excellent book for teachers to use in their classrooms. I feel that it would encourage slow or problem readers, especially young boys. Although girls would enjoy this, also.
I received this book as part of the Goodreads Firstreads Giveaway.
Peyton is conflicted. He should never have overheard his father's phone call and fears reprisals if the upper echelon were to discover his knowledge. Yet he cannot countenence the idea of anyone stealing from the Base. Someone has to protect America and her allies.
So, it is up to Peyton and his friends to track the villians and disrupt the threat.
Anderson follows all of the unofficial rules for Young Adult stories. His plot is to the point with out too many spurious red herrings. His characters are well rounded, with bravery interspersed with moments of terror, intelligence interspersed with foolish decisions. Anderson's characters feel real and their dilemma is transferable to many other issues, thereby allowing the reader to empathize with the problems.
This would be an excellent book for teachers to use in their classrooms. I feel that it would encourage slow or problem readers, especially young boys. Although girls would enjoy this, also.
I received this book as part of the Goodreads Firstreads Giveaway.
June 25, 2011
Set to be published near the 10th anniversary of 9/11, Max Elliot Anderson's book is meant to convey to young boys (and I think girls, as well as readers of any age) the seriousness of that catastrophic day when 3,000 people died because of a terrorist attack!
Peyton's Dad is a Colonel in the Army. What he does Peyton doesn't know, but he thinks it's something like being a Ranger. So Peyton and his friends decide they will begin their training so that they can become actual Rangers who conduct special missions. One morning while they are hiding, Peyton overhears a telephone conversation between his Dad and someone else about a secret "package" being delivered which must be guarded because of its dangerous contents.
In a second overheard conversation, Peyton and his friends learn that other people are aware of this delivery and are determined to steal it, somehow distracting the soldiers by another means. The plot quickens as the Rangers-in-training try to figure out how to stop this theft from happening without letting Peyton's Dad know about the overheard phone call. The author does a great job in creating the tension, fear, and seriousness of this new and very real mission these boys take on.
The end will surprise you and at the same time make you realize the threat is constant and one's alertness and preparation must be just as vigilant. Great job, Mr. Anderson!!!
Peyton's Dad is a Colonel in the Army. What he does Peyton doesn't know, but he thinks it's something like being a Ranger. So Peyton and his friends decide they will begin their training so that they can become actual Rangers who conduct special missions. One morning while they are hiding, Peyton overhears a telephone conversation between his Dad and someone else about a secret "package" being delivered which must be guarded because of its dangerous contents.
In a second overheard conversation, Peyton and his friends learn that other people are aware of this delivery and are determined to steal it, somehow distracting the soldiers by another means. The plot quickens as the Rangers-in-training try to figure out how to stop this theft from happening without letting Peyton's Dad know about the overheard phone call. The author does a great job in creating the tension, fear, and seriousness of this new and very real mission these boys take on.
The end will surprise you and at the same time make you realize the threat is constant and one's alertness and preparation must be just as vigilant. Great job, Mr. Anderson!!!
November 23, 2012
Peyton Aldrich is proud of his father. His father is an Army Ranger. He wants to grow up to be just like his dad. When his family moves to a new base Peyton makes two new friends named Dave and Gill. Peyton definitely has a lot of influence. He convinces his new friends that they need to train like the Army Rangers. They soon learn how difficult this is. Peyton pushes them to their limit on the workout course. Peyton decides that working out is not enough for them. They need to find a mission to complete just like the real Army Rangers do. What he and his friends don’t count on is finding a mission that can cost his father his job or put the lives of many Americans in danger. He and his friends have uncovered a terrorist plot and their pretend game becomes a real life and death situation. This is a book that takes place right after the events of 9/11. You don’t have to wait until another anniversary of that date rolls around. This is a book that will grab you and hold you until you read the last word.
August 17, 2011
WHEN THE LIGHTS GO OUT by Max Elliot Anderson is an interesting young adult fiction.For ages 12 and up. It is written with depth and details.The characters are interesting and engaging. Peyton Akdrich's father is an Army colonel who specializes in Army Intelligence. He moves his family to a new Army base,Peyton and his friends,Gill and Dave,decide to train like Rangers.They are looking for a mission of their own to train for. What they find is danger, in the sight of dangerous terrorist,adventure and a mission of their own. This is a fast paced story for young adults,especially boys but girls will also enjoy this story of adventure,action,finding a mission and staying alive. A must read. This book was received for the purpose of review from the publisher and author.Details can be found at Comfort Publishing and My Book Addiction Reviews.
September 22, 2011
I must begin by admitting I'm not an experienced Young Adult (YA) reviewer, so I'll comment based on how I felt about the potential of the book for its intended audience - young boys. The story was a simple adventure in the mold of The Hardy Boys and other wholesome books of yesteryear. It contains moral and ethical questions that are resolved during the course of the story, and it ends "happily ever after" as these stories tend to do. If it breaks any new ground, it is due to the cross reference to the 9/11 disaster and an appeal to patriotism and doing what's right. I believe the text would retain the interest of young readers quite easily, and I find no notable flaws or objections. It is a good, clean story, and a good read as a contemporary YA adventure. I found it very well written for its purpose.
A Goodreads First Reads book.
A Goodreads First Reads book.
July 2, 2011
I read this book as well as passing it on to my preteen grandson. We both found it to be thought provoking and exciting. It opened the path for a more detailed talk of America's sacrifices on 9-11 and my grandson having more appreciation for the people in our country that will stand for the American ideals. It is always the sign of an exceptional author to be able to capture the excitement of a young person with the printed word. Great success!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews