Curse of the Ruins took place in New Mexico.  It was mysterious there because they thought they saw an old Indian. Then, someone stole Katie's bag. Also, their dad was missing.  They looked everywhere for him. There is lots of crime there, too.  People steal stuff and some are kidnappers.  Also,they don't have good police.  Finally, it is hot there.  There is no shade and the sun is always out.  Also, its close to the equator, so that's why its so hot.

     Katie is the main character in the book. She has blonde and brown hair with brown eyes.  She is smart because she never gives up the map to the bad guys.  She has good ideas, and she thinks about the clues.  She is also brave because she lies to the bad guys and tries to get away from them. Also, the two guys said they were going to kill her. Last, she was angry because the bad guys took her bag.  Her dad wasn't at the hotel, and the guys went after her.

     The problem of the story was Katie, Sam, and Shala had to find their dad.  First, their dad was lost. Then someone stole Katie’s bag, and she was kidnapped. Katie learned to be independent because she was on her own without her dad.

     The best part about the book is when Katie, Sam, and Shala had to go over the long bridge.  The author did well by describing the setting, but the author needs similes. I would recommend this book to younger children. If you want to read Curse of the Ruins it should be at your local library.
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