Having just experienced a life-changing adventure, Crameye skips self-introductions as he needs to get right into sharing his story. Starting off in Helsinki, where he is joined by Neva and her family, Crameye’s talkative self runs head on into the stoic Finn culture. Fortunately, Marco and Matias spice things up by laying out clues for Neva and him to use to find them in a secret location. They figure out that their dads are holed up in a spooky old bookstore, where their very impressed fathers give them an opportunity to take their very first mission. They seize the opportunity, of course.
The two embark on an adventure that takes them way up north to Lapland, within the Arctic Circle. Accompanied by an extremely odd set of triplets (one an emotional wreck, another a gluttonous beauty queen, and the third a blindfolded, bald woman who is all logic), the kids must not only handle them, but also deal with a food vendor bent on thwarting their plans. The illuminating ending and the struggle to get there have a profound effect on Crameye and on his relationship with Neva.
What will kids learn? Finnish culture is at the forefront, particularly the quality of saying only what needs to be said. Finnish history and language are also introduced, as are the Nobel prizes, Finnish education, and the importance of leading with intelligence. Daily Finnish life is also introduced, including the national love of saunas and strange competitions. Northern climates and the Aurora Borealis also feature prominently.
Who is Crameye Junker?
Crameye Junker is a 12-year-old living in Taipei, Taiwan with his family. These books were written by Crameye himself as he shares his family’s adventures around the world. Along with his kid sister, Buster, and his best friend, Neva, Crameye struggles to understand why his family is always traveling, what his father’s mysterious job is, and why he always finds himself in the middle of something amazing. Series One: Initiation follows Crameye on his adventures around the world until the ultimate and life-changing realization of what his family is all about, and the role he must play in his family’s mission. These books are full of intrigue, mystery, and humor, as well as introduce the cultures of the world.
