Code 7: Cracking the Code for an Epic Life

By Bryan Johnson

Life at Flint Hill Elementary School may seem normal, but seven friends find themselves on a path to crack the code for an epic life. Whether they're chasing their dreams on stage, searching for an elusive monster fish, or running a makeshift business out of a treehouse, can these heroes find a way to work together to change their community?
 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Candy Wrapper
• Release date: Mar 3, 2024
• ISBN: 9781940556017

Book preview

Mom's Choice Gold Award Recipient

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Code 7

Cracking the Code for an Epic Life

7 Children. 7 Stories.

Explore the world of seven children who find themselves on a path to crack the code for an epic life! Follow their stories as they chase their dreams on stage, search for an elusive monster fish, or run a makeshift business out of a tree house. Find out how they find a way to work together to change their community.

Educators and parents will appreciate the life lessons of caring, having a strong work ethic, and embracing teamwork that are so important during a child's formative years.

- School Library Journal

Johnson is a purposeful storyteller; and each of his seven tales embodies a different, important characteristic that a successful person should have.

- Kirkus Reviews

Code 7 engages kids through entertaining stories that reveal important insights about character, integrity, and social responsibility. This book is an inspiration to children who wish to pursue their passions and bring original ideas into the world.

- Adam Grant, New York Times bestselling author of Give and Take and Originals

"Code 7 is a staple for every school library and a valuable resource for educators who wish to grow motivated and socially responsible citizens in the classroom

- Charles Best, CEO, DonorsChoose.org

About the Author

Author1

Bryan R. Johnson is a real-life adventurer. When he's not climbing the peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro or flying airplanes, he's exploring the inner-workings of the human brain and investing in breakthrough science. Bryan prefers fist bumps over handshakes, hip hop to jazz, and pizza without crust.

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More Books by Bryan R. Johnson

Código 7: Descifrando el código para una vida épica (La edición en español y inglés): Bilingual English Spanish Chapter Book for Kids, ESL/ELL, and Spanish Language Learners

Codigo-7

Coming Fall 2019

The Proto Project

A Sci-Fi Adventure of the Mind for Kids ages 7-12

The_Proto_Project1

Cracking the Code

for an Epic Life

Bryan R. Johnson

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Candy Wrapper Inc. and the distinctive Candy Wrapper logo

are trademarks of Candy Wrapper Inc.

Text © 2017 Candy Wrapper Inc.

Illustrations © 2017 Candy Wrapper Inc.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without prior written permission from the publisher.

This book is a work of fiction. Any references to historical events, real people, or real locales are used fictitiously. Other names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination, and any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

ISBN: 978-1-940556-01-7

To my Jefferson, Talmage, and Genevieve,

I can’t imagine a world without each of you.

Table of Contents

A World of Possibilities

Smash Mouth Taffy

Handle with Care

The Monster

Break a Leg

Oh Rats!

Code 7

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A World of Possibilities

In the school auditorium, Jefferson sat with his fifth grade class as the students of Flint Hill Elementary filed in. It was near the end of the day, and he was ready to get out of school. He didn’t think much of assemblies—lectures on bullying, school safety ... boring. While he waited, he took a tiny notepad and pencil from his pocket and started to draw. Drawing was something Jefferson loved to do—second only to painting.

Jefferson’s best friend, Darren, was sitting beside him. What are you drawing this time?

The usual, Jefferson said. What I see.

Jefferson sketched a picture of the scene before him. He drew in Principal Cooler, who was standing on stage with a large chalkboard behind her. He worked on her poofy hair and black-rimmed glasses.

Principal Cooler cleared her throat. Students and staff, she began, this year marks an important year for Flint Hill. Our school is celebrating its fiftieth anniversary!

Principal Cooler politely clapped and the audience followed suit.

But the school building is showing its age. It’s time we address that.

A hundred whispers filled the room. Jefferson paused from his drawing, wondering what Principal Cooler had meant.

They’re going to tear this place down! Darren smacked a fist into his palm. Bam!

In your dreams. Jefferson knew that wouldn’t happen. Flint Hill was proud, and the small town was even prouder. Some famous scientist who invented plastic—or something like that—went here. They’d never demolish the school.

Principal Cooler grabbed chalk from the tray. Today I’d like to hear suggestions about how we can make our school look better than ever for our big anniversary celebration. Who has an idea?

Dozens of hands shot into the air. Principal Cooler called on a second grade boy.

Let’s build a roller coaster that starts in the cafeteria and ends at the bus stop, he said.

Roller coaster. Principal Cooler wrote the words on the chalkboard. That might be a bit much, but thank you for your suggestion. She turned to face the audience. Now what else would make the school a real standout?

Jefferson thought about Flint Hill, sitting atop its grassy, manicured slope. The lawn always looked amazing because Mr. Summers, the groundskeeper, had a knack for cutting perfect patterns with the riding mower in the grass. But the building itself was a miserable two-story rectangular shoebox in comparison. It had been painted in white over and over again to make it look new when it clearly wasn’t. Something that will stand out, Jefferson thought.

Then it hit him. A MURAL! he blurted.

Everyone turned to look.

We could paint something cool on the side of the building!

Like graffiti? Darren said. Sweet.

The audience buzzed with excitement.

Isn’t that illegal?

Reviews for Code 7

[grgenius_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

A short but sweet collection showcasing the life and times of several youngsters striving to be the change they wish to see in the world...they just don't know it yet. From well-intentioned money-making schemes gone wrong to artistic challenges grown larger than life, and a little bit of everything in between, these kiddos remind us that taking the easy way out has its own set of consequences, and that the big picture really and truly is bigger than us all. While imparting their messages to us, they also learn the power of many versus one to solve a problem, to be selfless with their time to reap the best rewards, and to never back down from a challenge because without those willing to fight the good fight, nothing would ever change.


**copy received for review

[staciele · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This upper-elementary/middle-grade novel offers inspiration for kids on what it means to inspire others. Through seven chapters, you are introduced to various students and scenarios at Flint Hill Elementary School. Each chapter involves students solving a problem, inspiring others, or giving back. Through school projects, the students learn how to work together and inspire others to work together not only in their school but in their community. Even though the setting is the same, Flint Hill Elementary, each chapter stands alone with its own situation and characters with the final chapter bringing everyone together for a final project. I think kids will identify with the characters and appreciate the struggles the characters faced in these daunting situations. This book shows readers that kids can accomplish a lot with a plan and are just as valuable in a community as the adults. This book would be great for a family to read and be inspired to start a volunteer project or for a classroom or all-school read for inspiration to help others. Kids can go to the Code 7 website and enter their own Code Word and be challenged to start their own project.