Adam Canfield, the main protagonist, is a busy middle school kid who is also a co-editor for the monthly school paper called The Slash. He and his best friend and co-editor Jennifer tries to find the best stories for the October issue. They toss aside and article about the school janitor, written by a third grader. Later, they realize that this article ensues a bigger plot as it involves their school principle and a large donation of a deceased elderly woman. They uncover the secrets of these mysteries and writes one of the best newspaper that everyone wants to read in their school.The most significant relationship in the story are the co-editors and best friends Adam and Jennifer. They obviously have the biggest relationship as they were the main characters of the book. They were a pretty big team as they did write one of the best newspaper in their school. They both fought the conflict together and were ultimately rewarded. They didn't have a lot in common when it comes to writing, as both had their own ideas on what should be on the newspaper.They story was very slow as it is a mystery book in a middle school setting. When the story moved on to the next event, it was felt very slow as the story was stuck on one event of the book for a long time. I felt like the most important conflict of the book was them trying to get a controversial article about their principle in the newspaper. They needed it to get approved by the principle and they were the most anxious about it. The characters were the most worried about this conflict.I would recommend this book to people who love mysteries and books set in a middle school setting. This book was mean't for people who like slow-paced books and didn't like a lot of action in their readingOverall, I thought this was a pretty decent book. It certainly wasn't the best, though. I didn't like how Michael Winerip wrote this book. It felt to simplistic and the actions in the book felt canned. It was certainly a fun read though as I don't read a lot of mystery books. This would be a great book for people getting into a new genre and mystery as well as a middle school setting.
Adam Canfield is a middle schooler who is an over programmed kid who is involved in many clubs such as his school's newspaper. He is the star reporter of the newspaper. His best friend, Jennifer asks Adam to be the co-editor of the Slash(the schools newspaper. He reluctantly accepts. One day they are summoned by the school's principal, Mrs. Marris. She orders them to write a story about a nice women named Minnie Bloch who had recently died and made a donation to the school. When asked what the money would be used for Marris replies it will be used for "general improvements." Jennifer and Adam believe that the money is being used for her personal use such as fancy bathrooms in her office. While they dig up dirt on that story, the Slash enrages their town by informing them that everyones basketball hoops would be coming down because of the town's zoning committee. That is only two major plot points in the story. Will Mrs. Marris be held accountable for misuse of money? Will everybody's basketball hoop's be torn down? Find out the whole scoop in Adam Canfield of the Slash, by Michael Winerip.
Adam Canfield is something of a legend. He's a four-pluser and an all-star reporter for The Slash - the Harris Elementary/Middle School student newspaper. After being convinced by his friend, Jennifer, he finds himself as co-editor of the newspaper. Things start off rocky for Adam, but when third-grade reporter Phoebe accidentally reveals a scandal that will shake the Tremble community...things get interesting.I've never read a book with so many subplots that tie up perfectly in the end. Not even in an adult novel. Michael Winerip managed to keep me glued - somewhat, actually, as it is rather hard to read anything with a newborn around. I wanted to devour this book after things started picking up for Adam. Those of you without newborns rest assured that this book is definitely a page turner.The characters are beautifully crafted, and Winerip leaves the ending open for a sequel - which there is; two, actually. And while he possibly didn't intend to - but I'm an English major, so I'll draw my conclusions - I love how he carefully placed in the caricature of Fox News (Bolandvision!!!) in there.
—Guillermo
The idea behind "Adam Canfield of the Slash" by Michael Winerip is excellent. Winerip's background as a reporter informs the story well and makes it more realistic. The story is full of rich complications. Winerip doesn't sugar coat things for his characters; they struggle with issues of racism, greed, and power struggles. The actual meat of the story is great. The characters semi-believable. The point in which Winerip lost me was simply in the way he wrote. For such a specialized and in some ways unique storyline "Adam Canfield" is dumbed down. The language is simplistic and many of the actions feel canned. And yes this is a book written for middle grade and elementary students; however, other books written for the same level of student do not have these issues. It's a shame because there are so many great things about this book, but the get lost in the simplistic nature of the writing. I'd cautiously recommend people reading this book because as I said the details in the story line are unique.
—Megan
Adam Canfield, co-editor of the Harris Elementary/Middle school newspaper, "The Slash" is determined to get the scoop with fair and honest reporting. With the help of Jennifer, his friend, crush, and co-editor, and Phoebe, the most annoying third-grader ever, he uncovers the plot of the school principal misusing funds donated to the school. A quick and fun read for kids with quirky characters and plenty of action. A great discussion starter on the ethics of the media getting too involved in political antics. A good read for kids who like the Carl Hiassin hits "Hoot" and "Flush".
—Hilary
