James the Adventure Series, Volume I:
Diamond in the Rough
by Marc J. Loranger

    DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH by Marc J. Loranger
    Category:  Action-Adventure
    Age Recommendation:  Grades 6+
    Release Date:  2004
    Publisher:  Skyway Productions
    Reviewed by:  Allison Fraclose
    Rating:  4 Stars


    Eleven-year-old James Miller has developed a major attitude problem over the past two years. Not only did he and
    his mother have to pick up the pieces after casting out his abusive, alcoholic father, but the kids at school have labeled
    James as an egghead loser. Fighting back has already gotten him expelled from one school, and, now that the school
    year is over, James is looking forward to a nice, quiet summer with his TV and hockey cards.

    All of that changes when his mother sends him to a summer camp in Colorado. It’s only for a few weeks, while she
    attends a work-related conference, but James couldn’t be more against the idea. Fighting all the way, James finally
    relents, and begins the summer that changes his life permanently.

    I’m not sure what to think of this book, since some of the situations seemed rather unrealistic to me, and it could have
    used some thorough editing and character development. This is the first book in a series, though, and I’m hoping that
    the second rounds things out a bit more.