Greetings From Witness Protection by Jake Burt

My name is now Charlotte, although you might remember me as Nicki. I always dreamed my real father would rescue me from foster care after his release from prison, but I now find myself living with the Trevor family in Witness Protection. If I ignore the fact that my "mom's" brother wants her dead, it's a nice experience. My new brother hates me joining the family, but my presence is supposed to help keep them safe. I still get the urge to steal things, but that's usually when I'm nervous. I'm getting good at being Charlotte, although I hate that no one can know the real me. Even my new parents didn't read the file about my past. 

Found this book suggested in a Goodreads reading group, and it was a pleasant surprise. Charlotte reminded me a bit of Gilly in The Great Gilly Hopkins, although Gilly was much more mischievous. Foster kids are often portrayed as sad and angry, but Charlotte didn't cause trouble and was upset after learning she shouldn't try to earn good grades or excel in sports. Most of the story sounded like a common situation where a child joined a new family, even though Charlotte adjusted better than her brother. She was easily accepted into the new school and became good friends with Brit, a seventh-grade outcast. Char's efforts to help this girl were especially endearing and honorable, as she wouldn't abandon Brit. It was a normal middle grade novel. However, the danger of an assassin was put on the back burner until the author slowly dropped hints that the uncle was still plotting revenge against the mom. These reminders created tension in the plot until it became evident the assassin's attack was imminent. It's nice to have books with happy endings, and this one ended as happily as it could. Overall, the story was very entertaining, and I recommend you give it a shot. 

The Sisters Grimm #7: The Everafter War by Michael Buckley

My name is Puck, and I'm getting sick and tired of saving the Grimms from certain death. It's going to ruin my reputation as the Trickster King. The most fun I get is annoying Sabrina, but I think she's given me the puberty virus. How can I be getting older if I've been a boy for thousands of years? Most of the Everafters and the Red Hand have declared war on the Grimms, and we've been forced to leave Granny's house. I'm sure I'll be asked to come to the rescue again, and some of the weapons look pretty cool. That giant catapault and the water cannon are going to be so much fun to use. I wonder if there's some way I can use them to get revenge on Sabrina. However, the spy among us is complicating matters.

The opening pages offer foreshadowing of the Master's identity, leader of the Red Hand. This creates anticipation and suspense, as readers slowly approach this moment in the story. The biggest difference in this book is the awakening of Sabrina and Daphne's parents. The father's presence creates unexpected problems and complicates the girls' past efforts and future plans. It also provides the opportunity for new twists that will carry over to the next book. The variety of fairy tale/folktale characters will make the cast identifiable and help readers make connections. Seeing Snow White as the martial arts instructor is amusing, but she has issues to resolve. An important character is lost, and a new one will be added late in the book. The threat of the Red Hand has been growing throughout the series, and it comes to a head in this book. The Master's identity is revealed and will be a surprise, and the endgame motivating the Red Hand will become known. It feels like this book takes the story to a different level, as the past ones have been leading up to this moment. It will be a lot of reading, but I really suggest you start this series from the beginning. Based on the lack of availability at my local library, I'd say this series is pretty popular.

Ronan Boyle #2 and the Swamp of Certain Death by Thomas Lennon

My name is Ronan, and I don't know why I volunteered for such a dangerous mission. I'm soooo unqualified. I must enter the world of fairie folk to rescue my wonderful captain from being used as a human sacrifice and to capture the Bog Man. I will do anything to stop the weegees from using my mentor's blood to resurrect the sun god. And no, I don't love the captain. I don't care what I've said or done before; I do not love her. I'm lucky to have my good friend Log along on the vendetti (not sure if that's a real word), as she's the strongest, loyalest ally a detective in the Garda Special Unit of the Tir Na Nog could ever have. I'll probably die during this mission, but I must try to save the captain (I don't love her!) and stop the mummy my parents released.

You should probably read the first book, but it's not necessary. My biggest warning for the series and book is that you must have a high tolerance for silliness. One of Ronan's "dangers" is becoming the assistant for a unicorn's daily performances. One of his colleagues randomly changes appearance without any control. The colleague becomes a naked human, a pig, and a hedgehog with all of them wearing his familiar hat. The plot of a quest to rescue someone is common, but I found the frequent descriptions of Ronan's insecurities distracting. There were already enough funny and entertaining elements to the story without cluttering them by adding an over-abundance of sidebars and anxiety-ridden thoughts. Overall, I found the book funny with many creative ideas. I must admit that I skipped some paragraphs that diverted my attention from the quest, but I can recommend the book, if you're not put off by goofiness.

The Tribe #3: The Foretelling of Georgie Spider by Ambelin Kwaymullina

 

My name is Ash, and I'm hopeful for the future of us Illegals. It's possible the Primes will vote to give Exemptions to some Illegals, which might lead to the end of the Accords. The current laws display a distrust of people like me, so some of the Primes want to meet with me as leader of the Tribe. However, I'm sure Terence will find some way to undermine our efforts. I kind of understand his feelings, but he's willing to use rogue Illegals to hurt others. Hurting and killing repulse me, but I'm starting to learn there may be times when these are necessary for survival. I know my survival is essential to the future of my Tribe and other Illegals, but I'd rather give up my life than see someone else harmed because of me. 

You really need to start reading this series from the beginning. Illegals have special abilities, and Ash is able to Sleepwalk. While asleep, she can do almost anything to manipulate her dreams and have them affect the real world. However, she doesn't always understand what's happening in the dreams, much like her friend Georgie. Georgie is able to see the future but gets confused by the many possibilities, to the point where she's not always able to tell when she's back to reality. Georgie's confusing visions and Ash's confusing dreams make the early part of the book a little confusing to read. Also, the main conflict didn't emerge until the book was about a third of the way into the plot. While the specific problem changes with each book, the mistreatment and prejudice against Illegals is the recurring theme. This book also focuses on choices people make and how their decisions can shape the future. The most important lesson is that all living things are connected, and that knowledge is the key to the survival of our planet.

Winterfrost by Michelle Houts

My name is Klakke, and as a nisse, I've enjoyed my assignment to look after my humans and their farm. All nisses ask in return is a bowl of rice pudding at the time of the Christmas holiday. I'm not sure why the family forgot this year; maybe it had something to do with the mother and father leaving so suddenly. Forgetting the rice pudding upset me, so I decided to do a few pranks in the barn for revenge. Nothing bad, just enough to make me feel better. However, I then did something very unexpected and took the human baby. I wasn't really thinking and didn't have a plan, so maybe it was because of the Winterfrost. Now, the problem has gotten even bigger, and Gammel thinks it's because "He" has returned.

Authors don't often write Danish tales, so this setting presents a new take on an old storyline. A human child is taken by tiny forest creatures, and the sibling must find some way to get it back. In this book, the antagonist who created the conflict becomes an ally to the human protagonist, Bettina, to resolve it. That's an uncommon twist. It's a nice change to some of the books I read where the characters and problems are more intense and evil. The nisse are generally kind and generous, and the conflicts in the plot are the result of misunderstandings and stubbornness. Bettina learns to appreciate the balance in nature, as she finds herself at the center of a nisse family dispute. She possesses her grandfather's compassion for others and his willingness to forgive. These attributes are the keys to resolving all of the problems. Overall, this is a feel-good book with a stress-free story. I recommend you give it a shot. 

The Sisters Grimm #6: Tales From the Hood by Michael Buckley

My name is Sabrina, and I'm amazed that no one else is worried about the growing threat of the Wolf. Grandma is doing all she can to save Mr. Canis from the mockery of a murder trial, but she can't see the Wolf has almost totally taken him over now. There's a secret weapon locked in bank deposit box that will stop him, but my younger sister Daphne has the key. She doesn't think we need it yet. I've got to figure out some way to get it before it's too late. I appreciate that my uncle is trying to find some way to awaken my parents, but that problem is stressing me out too. He's trying to locate Goldilocks, the only Everafter to escape the town, but she's very elusive. I know I'm making some questionable choices, but do I really need to listen to mature advice from the Trickster King, Puck?

You'll need to read the previous five books to fully understand all that's going on. There are underlying issues to the characters and conflicts. The Grimms have never been the most popular citizens due to their family's history, but the hatred is more widespread and nasty now. The Grimms frustration with the lack of justice and fairness is communicated well by the author having Robin Hood as the defense lawyer is ironic. I mean, he's not exactly known for being a law-abiding citizen. As mentioned above, Sabrina is going through an intense internal conflict related to Canis. The man has been a loyal, dependable defender of the family, but his Wolf personality has been slowly taking control in the past couple of books. Consequently, she views Canis as a growing danger, while the rest of the family still sees him as a dear friend. The key factor in his trial boils down to different variations of the Red Riding Hood fairy tale and trying to discover the truth about what really happened. The Mad Hatter is the presiding judge, and his craziness and wacky rulings will require your patience and understanding. The book's resolution leads right into its sequel, The Everafter War, as the Grimms continue to combat the Red Hand organization.

The Midnight War of Mateo Sanchez by Robin Yardi

My name is Mateo, and I watched two skunks steal my little sister's trike (which is really mine) in the middle of the night. I knew my parents would never believe that story, but I never thought they'd actually think I could be responsible for the neighborhood thefts. I staked out the yard a couple days later and spotted the skunks again. They could talk! My sister saw them too, so now I have to include her in my quest to catch them. I can't tell my old best friend about them, and I need to avoid the grumpy neighbor down the street. I've got to figure out some way to clear my name and get that trike back.

I'm always amazed at the maturity range in my searches for "middle grade" novels. I recently stopped reading one that was clearly appropriate for high school, while this book is clearly for elementary. The main characters are in fourth grade, and much of the story takes place in the classroom, during lunch, or during recess. Other than the skunks, the problems in the plot might be faced by elementary students. Mateo is dealing with changing friendships, growing up, and a pesky little sister. The trike issue even boils down to a conflict over the playground monkey bars. While not overly concerning to typical middle grade readers, the plot should appeal to intermediate students. Overall, the story will be a fun adventure for readers looking to escape serious, stress-filled books. It may be worth your while.

The Coin Slot Chronicles #3 and the Fiery Metal Tester by Rashad Jennings

My name is Doug, and my best friend Arcade has this awesome magical necklace. I'm hoping he can use it to help me with my problems. I've been living with my great-grandmother for years, but now she's been placed in an assisted living facility. Of course, I can't live by myself, and I don't know any relatives around here that might take me in. The brownstone is going on the market, but the realtor will have trouble showing it to potential buyers. I'm keeping Arcade's flamingo in the bathroom, and it's making quite a mess. Well, the flamingo actually came from the Beijing Zoo, but that's because of Arcade's necklace. It takes him on adventures to unbelievable places. But, like I said, I just hope he can use it now to help me find a new home.

I recommend you read the first two books in the series to fully understand the story's progression. The second book introduced the possibility that the token could transport Arcade to the past or future, and this book sees him learning to control it. The token's history is explored, and it's testing Arcade to see if he's worthy of being its owner. The book has a spiritual quality and promotes positive messages. Arcade's parents include Bible quotations in their notes and include prayer in dealing with difficult times and decisions. Despite some minor teasing, Arcade and his older sister have a special bond. Zoe always supports her brother and helps him stay safe physically and mentally. It's refreshing to read a series that focuses on good things in the world without accentuating the bad. A subplot involves the disappearance of the family dog that adds an amusing twist to the book. It's like playing hide and seek with the hider moving around somewhere, and sometime, in history. Overall, I can easily recommend this book, and series, for your enjoyment. 

The Sisters Grimm #5: Magic and Other Misdemeanors by Michael Buckley

My name is Sabrina, and someone's been stealing magical objects from witches. Also, the new mayor, The Queen of Hearts, has levied new property taxes that will force most humans to leave the town, and the former mayor, Prince Charming, has disappeared. I don't see how Grandma will ever raise enough money to save our house, and I have mixed emotions about Charming's absence. And to make matters worse, Canis is finding it harder and harder to keep the Wolf inside. However, Grimms have been solving mysteries for centuries, and that's what Daphne and I need to do now. We're afraid the three stolen objects might be used together, but we can't predict the consequences.

As with the other books, there is a main conflict, the theft of magical items in this case, blended with the lesser conflicts. The new mayor and sheriff have upped the tensions with their hatred of humans, another example of a novel addressing prejudices. I wasn't crazy about the introduction of time travel into the series. Over the previous four books, the series set guidelines and limits for magic, so time travel was an unexpected twist that broke the rules the author had already established. I felt like the author could have developed a more "realistic" conflict (based on the past books) instead of taking an easier path with time travel. With all that being said, I still enjoyed the book. Sabrina and Daphne were a bit rebellious and got themselves into sticky situations. Puck has always been an amusing character in the stories, and seeing him in the future added a new twist. Overall, this was another entertaining book, and I recommend you give the series a shot.