How to Survive on the Moon: Lunar Lessons from a Rocket Scientist by Joalda Morancy and Neon Squid

What worked:

At first look, this appears to be a typical kid’s book about traveling to the moon. It has large pages with colorful illustrations that make it eye-catching but young readers will see the difference when they notice the topics covered. It goes beyond the moon’s rocky surface and covers information needed to settle there. Where would people live (in underground tubes), where would they find food (in greenhouses with worms to improve the soil), and what would we use for power? The brief answers to those questions are in underground lava tubes, in greenhouses with worms to improve the soil, and with nuclear and solar power. In addition, who would imagine the potential dangers of moon dust?

The book goes a step further since settling on the moon creates more issues than just surviving. Many people living there will create a society that requires jobs, government, and laws. The people will need to exchange goods and services so what will they use for money? Moon settlers will rely on robots to do dangerous tasks on the surface, such as the construction of buildings and roads. Humanoids can monitor projects and jobs that might be life-threatening for humans. There are a couple of pages dedicated to touring facilities that will be unique to moon life. Psychologists and doctors will study the effects the moon might have on people living there while other sites research new foods, and the moon’s geology, and explore the rest of space using giant telescopes.

What didn’t work as well:

The book is non-fiction so it will most appeal to lovers of space travel. To help young readers, the information is presented in short paragraphs or sentence clusters and it doesn’t try to be overly detailed or comprehensive. It introduces lunar-related topics without getting too complicated for young readers.

The final verdict:

It’s an excellent resource for kids interested in the next step in space exploration. The colorful graphics blend with brief summaries of information about the many issues of settling on the moon. I recommend you give this book a shot.

The Trouble With Heroes by Kate Messner

What worked:

The story is written in verse but the main character’s attitude makes the poetry more palatable for reluctant readers. Finn is an angry 7^th grader and he’s writing different types of poetry to avoid failing his language arts class. He refers to this assignment as his “Stupid Poetry Project”. His early poems are chalked full of sarcasm as he defiantly completes the assignment. He clearly communicates his low self-image and can’t see how anyone would want to be associated with a loser and screw-up. However, readers will notice a subtle change in his tone as he begins to scale different mountain peaks. He even lets the slobbery dog near him.

The novel is written in verse although there isn’t a set pattern. Readers will sometimes recognize haiku because Finn usually points out when he’s using it. He knows this type of poetry has to do with nature so he makes it work to fit the teacher’s assignment. He’s also supposed to use different kinds of figurative language so that will be highlighted too. Most of the narrative is free verse which allows Finn’s character freedom to share his thoughts and feelings. He doesn’t believe in heroes and can find fault with any hero society identifies. His father is considered a hero of 9/11 but Finn’s emotions about him are confused. The truth about his father slowly emerges and Finn tries to reconcile his feelings about his father’s life and death.

The author adds small details to enhance the description of Finn’s quest to scale 46 peaks in the Adirondack Mountains. His problems start when he kicks over the tombstone of Edna Grace Thomas, a legendary amateur climber. Many other climbers wrote to her about their experiences and she replied to every one of their letters. Finn and readers learn later that his father was one of those climbers. Finn’s early disdain for climbing comes through in his automated text reply every time his mom tries to check up on him. “I am not lost in the woods or being stalked by a panther or getting swatted by a bear.” His grandmother owns a chocolate shop and Finn likes to bake cookies after his climbs. He begins to name cookies after his experiences with each peak and his recipes are included. These small details help develop Finn’s character and add a little levity to the story.

What didn’t work as well:

Climbing in the Adirondacks isn’t like being in taller mountain ranges so Finn’s experiences are comparable to strenuous hiking in mountainous areas. There are 46 peaks of similar elevations and terrain so there is some redundancy in his experiences.

The final verdict:

The story is as much about Finn’s emotional journey with grief as it is about scaling all 46 peaks. It’s a heartwarming tale and I recommend you give it a shot.

The Quest for Calinore by Theresa Leyes

What worked:

I like to consider a book’s hook at the beginning and this book’s opening is a little different. Dylan’s twelfth birthday is the age when many characters discover something special about their lives, and he knows what to expect this year. However, while walking to the ice cream shop, he is compelled to change his course and enter an old, dismal-looking shop. Later, his father is drawn to the same shop where he finds an old wooden chest containing an amulet and a small journal with blank pages. While exploring the chest, his birthday present, Dylan experiences the same migraine headache and chest pains that have debilitated his father since he was twelve. To add to the mystery, Dylan and his father are the only ones who can see the strange pitchfork symbol on the forehead of the cranky, old woman living as a house guest. Readers will get a sense of where the plot is headed but the hook will make them curious to read more.

Dylan has visions of a king being killed in a dungeon and discovers they can communicate with each other using the blank journal. Dylan learns he can end the family curse by stopping the evil reign of Mordrid and a sorcerer named Drucilla. The author emphasizes their cruelty by describing Mordrid’s love of torturing and how his lead guard Maggotbreath inflicts ruthless violence on his prisoners. Drucilla secretly plots to get rid of King Mordrid as her evil magic is an overwhelming force. Dylan’s quest is to recover two mystical items, a hidden scepter and Drucilla’s wand, and restore King Paul to the throne.

The supporting cast is a unique blend of characters and personalities. Dylan is aided by an aging witch whose abilities have seen better days and readers won’t know what to expect when she casts spells. The rightful king of Calinore is killed in a prison cell and his soul is now trapped inside the journal with a pirate called Greybeard. King Paul provides helpful advice and motivation for Dylan while Greybeard’s soul is cranky, angry, and has little patience for Dylan. King Paul’s wife and their son have been changed into talking mice and a former assistant to Drucilla now acts as a spying sparrow for the queen. King Mordrid’s prison guards are inept, bumbling buffoons but the head jailer, Maggotbreath, is as malevolent as they come.

What didn’t work as well:

The story shifts settings to focus on various characters but some of these are unnecessary. It’s most important to follow Dylan, Mordrid, and Drucilla as they have the most interesting, conflicting subplots. The end of the book may not be as satisfying as readers would like.

The final verdict:

Young readers will enjoy Dylan’s quest into a magical world of witches, pirates, and even a dragon. There’s a nice blend of drama, humor, and suspense as Dylan tries to end the family curse. I suggest you give this book a shot.

Farther Than the Moon by Lindsay Lackey

What worked:

Character relationships and interactions often create highlights in middle-grade novels. Houston’s guilt for attending camp without his younger brother eats at him. Houston’s pompous roommate, Maverick, annoys everyone he meets and fills the role of bully. Readers later learn his bravado masks untold insecurities. Houston gets butterflies around a pretty crewmate named Tahmina while Freya, a timid girl he meets first, has issues with sensory overload. George adds enthusiasm to the story while Dongjoo produces a popular podcast. The six crewmates must work together for four weeks to pass Challenges and successfully graduate from the JARP.

The plot is an emotional rollercoaster with readers soaring high from successes, plummeting due to conflicts among the team, and sharp twists as unexpected issues arise. Houston’s experience becomes more complicated when he tells the group his grandfather is the famous astronaut, General Carey Broderick. The statement is true but the two characters have never met or spoken to each other. The situation results from a rift between Houston’s grandfather and mom although readers won’t fully understand the details until late in the story. General Broderick makes a surprising appearance at the camp and the truth about his misleading relationship with Houston is revealed. Houston assumes his teammates are angry and no longer trust him which leads to tension and conflict. The crew may be in danger of failing the JARP.

The author includes ample information about astronauts and space travel. Houston has a list of his favorite astronauts and Freya has her top female astronauts printed on a t-shirt. Grandpa tells Houston about Saturn rockets that powered missions into space and shares how his most famous spacewalk was complicated by mishaps. Houston and his crew are constantly reminded their crew comes first as they complete tasks based on space missions. They replicate the near-disaster of Apollo 13 by creating an object from a pile of parts without having any pieces left over. There are opportunities in every chapter for the author to include space trivia.

What didn’t work as well:

There are moments when the narrative becomes informative and some readers may feel it’s too much. However, the author smoothly melds the space facts into the story so it’s not really a problem. It’s natural to share information when first arriving at the facility or while touring areas with historical displays.

The final verdict:

This book is perfect for space lovers, especially those with an interest in astronauts. It’s a sensitive, heart-warming tale of Houston’s love for his brother and how he finds unexpected support from new friends. Overall, this story will appeal to a wide range of readers and I recommend you give it a shot.

The Rise of the Sand Spirits (Paper Dragons 2) by Siobhan McDermott

What worked:

The book’s first half finds Zhi Ging and other Silhouettes trying to pass twelve challenges. Silhouettes are apprentices to the Cyo B’Ahon, or immortals, and the challenges require them to master twelve different disciplines including Perseverance, Recall, Concealment, and Perception. The tasks Zhi Ging and her friends face differ from what readers might expect. The story includes a bully named Iridill but Zhi Ging can’t understand why the girl’s so mean. She goes out of her way to verbally attack Zhi Ging and uses fear to manipulate others. Strange, painted yellow lines begin to appear on the walls and Iridill tries to direct suspicions in Zhi Ging’s direction. Zhi Ging fears it could doom her hopes of passing the twelve challenges and becoming a Cyo B’Ahon.

The author creates a mystical, magical setting under the sea. How many books incorporate a phoenix along with jellyfish of different sizes helping the immortals train the Silhouettes? Jellyfish assist by recording stories, carrying messages, supervising the students, and doing other tasks for the immortals. Early in the book, cut paper birds are animated and protect Zhi Ging. In the previous book, many of the Silhouettes became thralls, minions for the antagonist named Ami, and Zhi Ging now discovers they’ve been frozen into statues. The Silhouettes are protected by Cyo B’Ahon with talents in Prediction and they’re supported by battle cranes. The book’s second half shifts to a more desert-like setting and presents even more imaginative descriptions.

Zhi Ging and her mentors suspect the Matchmakers are doing some shady things. Children have been disappearing but no one is sure why they’re being targeted or where they’ve gone. The Matchmakers aggressively try to force kids to eat buns they’ve made but Zhi Ging discovers grains of sand in the middle. This detail draws Sand Spirits into the plot and opens many new questions. Sand Spirits don’t work with humans so what would make them become allies with the Matchmakers? It seems to have something to do with an upcoming ceremony. Zhi Ging learns something about her past that rocks her world and has her questioning her life. Is she the reason behind the abductions of children?

What didn’t work as well:

This book doesn’t recap the backstory so readers will need to have clear memories of what’s already happened. The setting and language are unique to the story and readers need to have a working knowledge to follow along. It can be challenging at times.

The final verdict:

You should read Paper Dragons: The Fight for the Hidden Realm before reading this book. Blending Chinese folklore into the story creates an imaginative adventure with memorable characters. It’s a gripping tale and I recommend you give it a shot.

Where There Be Monsters (The Outersphere Series 1) by Alby C. Williams

What worked:

Glory dreams of becoming a Spherinaut and searching for and studying magical creatures. Her mom is the greatest Spherinaut today and people across all the lands reference the Brown Books her ancestors have written to navigate an uncertain world. Glory knows something strange is going on with magic as she’s frightened by a small, tree-like creature in the Light Inn’s garden. Most of the monsters she knows are friends to humans but there are level four beasts that are wild and dangerous. There’s clearly a surge of feral monsters happening but this outbreak doesn’t seem to be from natural causes.

All children are born with Moxie which Glory’s parents believe is connected to curiosity. Older people lose their Moxie so readers might infer this means adults are less inquisitive. For some reason, monsters are repelled by Moxie so Glory feels protected from potential dangers she might face in the world. Glory’s mind tends to jump around from thought to thought, her father calls it mazy head, and he often reminds her to slow down. Young readers will admire Glory’s desire to find answers and her determination to explore the Outersphere. Her family’s motto is “Let kindness be your guiding light and knowledge be your shelter”. Glory’s an obedient daughter and is proud that she doesn’t know how to lie but is she willing to disobey her parents and help a person in need? Glory is another young character in a middle-grade book who doesn’t fully appreciate the lethal threats lurking beyond her safe haven.

The story has an underlying plot of mystery and intrigue. The unnatural surge of monsters has everyone worried and trying to understand its cause. Glory’s mother believes it's related to the mining of magical siphonite leaving pockets under the ground. Readers will slowly suspect something suspicious is going on with the siphoning of magic. Gertrude Paxton, former head of the Dominicule of Siphonry, is vying for more power and Glory hears the woman’s name or reads about her everywhere. Then there’s Marcus, the Parliament student Glory is helping. He’s wearing a cursed charm and was told to deliver a secret message but he won’t say who gave it to him. Glory touched the charm once so she’s now cursed too. These events describe a secret conspiracy and Glory finds herself thrown into the middle of it.

What didn’t work as well:

The relationship between Glory and Marcus is puzzling at times. They’re working together to break Marcus’s curse but manage to bicker over comments each other makes. Also, Glory gives him a hard time about the effects of his curse but there’s little talk about the fact that she’s cursed too. Some of their comments are confusing.

The final verdict:

This adventure/mystery will entertain young readers as the characters attempt to discover the cause of the monster surge. Magic is used as an energy source but the characters can’t use it as their own special powers. It’s an interesting twist on magic and a select school for young characters and I recommend you give it a shot.

The Peach Thief by Linda Joan Smith

What worked:

The story will immediately please readers who love underdogs as the book opens with Scilla scaling the walls of the earl’s garden. She’s homeless and spends much of her day trying to ignore, or appease, the burning hunger in her belly. Rather than beg for food, Scilla and her friend have learned to steal it. They’re usually successful enough to settle their stomachs but the book’s opening scenes find Scilla caught trying to steal the earl’s peaches. She also breaks a vine and tree that have been carefully nurtured over the years so she’s in big trouble. Her friend taught her that boys are given more leeway so she says her name is Seth. This begins her adventure as a boy as she tries to stay alive and out of jail.

Much of the plot concerns Scilla’s efforts to not let anyone know she’s a girl. She calls herself Seth Brown and most of the other characters call her Brownie. She stays in a shed on the Earl’s property which allows her to change clothes and have some privacy from everyone else. She must be careful of her higher-pitched voice giving away her secret as well as the physical changes on her chest. Scilla begins to take a liking to a boy named Phin which presents another complication to her life. The story of Scilla’s secret ties the whole book together but her real dream is to find a home with people who care for her.

Two supporting characters contribute to the drama in different ways. Phin acts as a mentor for Scilla as she adapts to life on the estate. He has a talent for charming others that keeps him out of trouble. His charm has a strong effect on Scilla and causes her to make some questionable choices. The caretaker of the earl’s gardens is Mr. Layton and he begins to take a special interest in Scilla. He works with her one-on-one to learn new skills and encourages her to read any gardening books that interest her. However, some of the other boys are disgruntled about the attention she’s getting and she doesn’t want to cause any trouble. Scilla also knows Mr. Layton trusts her so she’s concerned that she might let him down.

What didn’t work as well:

The book opens with Scilla sneaking into the earl’s garden to taste a fresh peach. She’s caught trespassing and spends the rest of the book working with the plants. Some young readers might not be interested in gardening and cultivating all kinds of fruits and vegetables but that’s what’s happening throughout the story. It’s a fitting backdrop for Scilla’s struggles.

The final verdict:

Gardening is a big part of the story so this book won’t appeal to everyone. However, the tale of Scilla trying to find a loving home is captivating and will touch readers’ emotions. Overall, I recommend you give this heartfelt story a shot.