Horowitz has created a plot that moves along and keeps the reader hooked. It is fun and entertaining and full of action and adventure. Along with the action is some social responsibility questions of wealth and how we acquire it. Recommended. ( )

This book was based on a great premise, is well-written, and is a great, quick read! It's about a rich, spoiled boy, Tad, who pitches a fit when his parents won't let him go to the newest theme park (it's "dangerous and noisy," say his parents, and he's a "sensitive boy"). Tad falls asleep with the wish that he were someone else - someone whose parents would allow him to do something as dangerous as go on a roller coaster. When Tad wakes up, he thinks he's been kidnapped - he's in a grimy bed (without "crisply laundered Irish sheets"), without his brand-new silk pajamas, and without his Rolex watch. Until, of course, he realizes that he's no longer the same boy...

The book follows Tad on a journey where he realizes that everything that's valuable in life can't be bought. He also learns some very deep, dark secrets about his own family. Forced into a life of crime and poverty, Tad makes some very tough decisions while he's trapped in another boy's body. This is a great read for middle readers.

My only concern about the book is the ending, which is violent, a little sad, and might leave readers with more questions than answers. If the ending had been different - with a more positive twist (like an awakening from a horrible dream?) - then I think the book would have been better. ( )

Horowitz writes perfect stories for 9 or 10 year old boys. This one is highly recommended to that age group.

Two boys with very different backgrounds magically switch places, and the result is a eye opening adventure. ( )

Good suspense ( )

I could hardly believe this was written by one of my favourite authors, but when I checked the date of publication, things made more sense. The story was published in 1986, which is well before he came into his form. This early story is quite disappointing if you're an Alex Rider fan. The Switch is about a spoiled rich boy who wishes, one evening, that he was someone else. He wakes up the next day as Bob Snarby, a very poor boy who lives in a caravan at a carnival with some disgusting parents. Meanwhile, the real Bob Snarby, is in Tad Spencer's house, enjoying life as Tad. Only one of the boys is interested in switching back, and you can bet it isn't the one living in the beautiful house. There are a few places with excellent description, such as the part that describes when Tad wakes up in Bob's bed, but for the most part, the book did not sustain my interest, and I don't think it will be a big hit with school kids, but we'll see. ( )