“Wonderful . . . Dashner shares with Rowling a nimble use of fancy, delayed revelation, and charm.” — Chicago Sun Times
 
What if every time you made a choice that had a significant consequence, a new, alternate reality was created — the life that would've been had you made the other choice? What if those new realities were in danger? What if it fell to you to save all the realities?
 
Atticus Higginbottom, a.k.a. Tick, is an average thirteen-year-old boy until the day a strange letter arrives in his mailbox. Postmarked from Alaska and cryptically signed with the initials "M.G.," the letter informs Tick that dangerous — perhaps even deadly — events have been set in motion that could result in the destruction of reality itself. M.G. promises to send Tick twelve riddles that will reveal on a certain day, at a certain time, at a certain place, something extraordinary will happen. Will Tick have the courage to follow the twelve clues M.G. sends to him? Will he be able to solve the riddles in time? Will Tick discover the life he was meant to live?
 
The first volume of an outstanding new children's fantasy series, The Journal of Curious Letters is filled with adventure, humor, riddles, and, oh, yes — danger. . . As M.G. warns Tick, Very frightening things are coming your way. Will you join Tick and his friends on an amazing journey through the Realities? What will your choice be?
 
From School Library Journal
Grade 5–8—Atticus Higginbottom (Tick) is relatively happy, even though he wishes that he were a little braver or could make the bullies disappear. Then he gets a mysterious letter that begins a strange adventure into alternate realities. According to the letter, he and hundreds of other young people around the world have a choice: save the world by solving a puzzle or burn the letter and go on with their lives as usual. The 13-year-old is sure that it's a hoax, but once he begins getting the other clues from strange visitors, he is determined to figure out the puzzle. This book had great potential. The beginning of the adventure starts with a bang, but by the middle of the story things begin to drag. The immediacy gets lost in the daily struggle to figure out the riddles and the unending descriptions of Tick's life as he awaits the next one. Suddenly, he receives multiple clues at once and the fight to save the world occurs at bewildering speed. The conclusion is open-ended, indicating a sequel. Stronger choices of books with similar ideas of alternate realities include D. J. MacHale's "Pendragon" series (S & S) or Michael Lawrence's "Withern Rise" trilogy (HarperCollins).—Saleena L. Davidson, South Brunswick Public Library, Monmouth Junction, NJ
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Reviews
 
You'll be hooked!! -- Evelyn

This is a fun story with clues to figure out along the way! Once I started reading it I was hooked. I gave it to my son who is in High School and he enjoyed it as well. It is great for both children and adults! -- Tamra

With a gift for expression and exposition, James Dashner has created unique characters, compelling conflict, and some downright creepy 'bad-guys,' and cool gadgets within this significant story--The Journal of Curious Letters. I won't soon forget 'Tick'--Atticus Higginbottom and his desire to stand up and make a difference or Edgar Higginbottom--finally, a father figure to admire in children's literature. , This story was thoroughly entertaining, and so much more. Within the first few chapters, Tick may not yet have the confidence he'll need to change the world, but I completely believe that James Dashner and The Journal of Curious Letters are headed for just that! -- Margaret

This new series is even more spectacular than his first Jimmy Fincher books. Wow! Grab your hat and hang on because you're taking a ride to a new reality that makes ours ever so much more. James Dashner I feel safe to recommend to today's youth because of the values he promotes and the mind boggling fun and excitement.