Reviewed here: http://www.howifeelaboutbooks.com/2017/08/code-7-cracking-code-for-epic-life.html
I initially thought this was a book of short stories for middle graders... and it kind of is. The chapters can be read as stand alone stories, but the characters all go to the same school, and work together in the last story. It reminds me a lot of Sideways Stories from Wayside School by Louis Sachar - each chapter can be read as a complete short story, but all the characters go to the same school and interact with each other. Like Sachar's book, there is humor is the Code 7 stories, though it is more subtle and tongue-in-cheek than Wayside. These stories have a positive spin, with the students taking action for an idea they're passionate about. This shows the kids reading that they have the power to change the world around them, just like the characters they're meeting in Code 7. Code 7 is a great book for parents and teachers to read aloud to, or read along with, their middle grade kids. These engaging, quick stories are sure to inspire the readers to take action. Disclaimer: I was sent this book in exchange for an honest review.

Code 7 is an amazing 7 part story following the lives of 7 different kids at Flint Hill Elementary School. Each story has a really important message for kids.The book starts out with Jefferson's story, and he has the task of painting a mural that represents his community. Jefferson teaches kids that it's important to have faith in yourself. The next story follows Sebastian and his taffy business that is based on lies. Sebastian learns the true value of building character. Through his trails, Sebastian learns what it means to do good in the world. Next, we follow Genevieve, a hopeful veterinarian, who is tasked with keeping an egg safe and intact for 7 days. Genevieve truly cares about her egg and wants to make sure nothing bad ever happens to it. She teams up with a fellow classmate, Theo, and ends up with a baby chick for her to take care of. She truly represents what it means to be caring. Next up is Alec and the war of messy rooms. Alec is in a fierce battle with his parents because he wants them to clean his room, but his parents want Alec to clean his room. Eventually, Alec learns about responsibility. Talmage is next member in the story. Talmage and his dad are determined to catch the legendary "monster" fish that lives in the lake. His dad has been trying to catch the fish for 20 years and Talmage learns to persevere to help reach his father's dream of catching the monster. Shy singer Samantha is faced with a typical mean girl who uses fear to stop Samantha from auditioning for the school musical. Eventually, Samantha learns what it means to be courageous. Last but not least is Kaitlyn, a novice film maker who learns who she is and what it means to be creative. Code 7 is an extremely inspirational read for children and adults alike. Each character in this novel can inspire anyone to lead an epic life.

I really enjoyed reading this novel. As an older reader, it can sometimes be hard to get into a child mindset and really feel what they're feeling. With Code 7, it was so easy for me to feel for these 7 kids. All 7 really gave me some inspiration in my real life, and they also gave me a nostalgia of what it's like being their age. I also loved how every story had a distinct talent or activity associated with each child. This really showed that while these kids are all different and like different things they can still come together and change their community. Code 7 was a children's book with characters younger than I, but each one inspired me. I loved Code 7.

This is a book with 7 interesting short stories for children. It's worth the read. I loved it!

In this middle grade novel, seven kids have to come together to brainstorm the key parts of their mural. I enjoyed the short stories throughout and the lessons that they learned along the way. I would be curious to see what the kids perspective on the book would be.

The best part of this book was the characters. I liked that they each had their own ideas on how to approach their lives. I appreciated that very much.

Thank you for the opportunity to review this book.

Disclaimer: I was awarded this book. Though I did not pay for the book, the opinions are strictly my own.

I found this unrealistic. I could not enjoy the story because I found so many things to be immplausible (a school having students plan and execute a strategy for celebrating a 50th anniversary, parents leaving a new baby in a rat-infested room to make a point to their 5th grader about a problem they themselves caused, etc.).

My kiddos and I loved this books. Each story was just long enough for our weekly book chats. The stories were fun and relatable. The very last story struck just right chord. We closed out with a great discussion on serving others but most importantly being the most authentic version of yourself. My students are asking for my like this...so I am on the hunt for our next good read.

This book was charming and delightful. My 8 year old son and I read it together. He was eager to talk about the morals of each short story and loved the way it all came together at the end. He said he wants a Code 7 of his own!