Buggy Crenshaw and The Bungler's Paradox: In Search of the Nexus Book One    by R. M. Wilburn Order:  USA  Can Gabby Cat, 2008 (2008) Softcover Read an Excerpt      Reviewed by Ricki Marking-Camuto Buggy Crenshaw and the Bungler's Paradox is one of the best independently published books I have ever read. Author R. M. Wilburn knows how to reach a younger audience but create a story that older readers will love, too. Buggy Crenshaw's dad is an inventor, but he always manages to bungle every experiment. When his latest attempt blows up their garage, they are forced to move to the mysterious Lloyd's Hollow. Buggy immediately realizes that this town is different. For one thing their house, whose previous owner seems to have vanished, almost totally lacks electricity. For another, her new school looks like a prison and has a rat-tailed, bug-eyed principal. From her two new friends, Veronica and Sid, Buggy learns that everyone in the town is a Warrior on the side of the Greater Good, gathered to fight Darkest Evil. It seems that the Appendices of Souls, a writing that will give Darkest Evil great power, has disappeared as its Sentinel lies dying. Now it is up to Buggy and her friends to find the power within themselves to save the world. Buggy Crenshaw is a great heroine for younger readers as she is full of self-esteem. The common parting phrase for Warriors of the Greater God is 'Dream big!' and she does not hesitate to do so. She is not afraid to use her imagination but keeps a level head. Her friends are great characters too. Veronica is headstrong and ambitious, which leads to some humorous situations. Sid is more studious, but less advanced in his magic abilities. These three characters balance each other well and give readers at least one person to whom they can really relate. R. M. Wilburn's Buggy Crenshaw and the Bungler's Paradox is just the start of the In Search of the Nexus series featuring Buggy and her friends fighting for the Greater Good. Though some characteristics seem similar to Harry Potter ones, that helps make it appealing to fans of the popular series. Once kids start reading, they will realize how different this one is, and be hooked. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Kids books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews