Wizkit: An Adventure Overdue by Tanya J. Scott

What worked:

Having a talking book as a character is very strange but it offers a stark contrast to the main character named Wizkit. Book is ever optimistic and cheerful, and makes friends easily. Wizkit is lazy, unmotivated, and thinks leaving his home is stupid. The quest to return overdue Book to the library leads to unlikely adventures that will transform Wizkit into a kinder and more curious wizard’s apprentice, perhaps even a friend. She encounters a river without water, a three-headed bird that can’t make any decisions, and rocks that are annoyed by terrible, little turnips. All of these meetings teach Wizkit some type of lesson that is reviewed and highlighted when she returns home to her wizard.

The pages feature abundant, colorful illustrations that combine with plain text to tell the story of Wizkit’s reluctant adventure. The background isn’t overly detailed in order to feature the unusual characters and happenings. Wizkit’s red outfit contrasts with all of the other colors in the book to make her stand out in every picture where she appears. The author adds several pages at the end of the book showing early sketches of the characters and the development of scenes. It shows young artists what they can do with their simple drawings to create fun stories.

What didn’t work as well:

The book may not appeal to a wide range of middle-grade readers. The plot is simple and easy to follow and doesn’t develop any uncertainties or suspense. There’s never any doubt the characters will succeed in their quest. It feels like a primary-grade plot written for a little bit older audience.

The Final Verdict:

The readability of this book is probably most appropriate for students around the third grade. It’s wonderful to see Wizkit change throughout the story until he sees the value in adventures and friendship. Overall, it’s a fun story with colorful illustrations that should appeal to young readers.

Tucker’s Lost Gold (The Pollywog Adventures) by Jill Thomas

What worked:

The humble, rural life depicted in the story may feel like a fantasy for elementary readers growing up in a modern, urban setting. The first focus of Polly and her two friends, Joey and Henry, is to build a treehouse on a scary neighbor’s property, without his knowledge. How often these days do you see kids using vacation time to do something like that? Polly gets aggravated with her parents when they make her wear a dress or when they expect her to help bake pies in the kitchen. She’d much rather be helping her father build a new stand for the fair and is very resistant to any typical stereotypes of women. The kids walk everywhere and all of the neighbors and business owners know each other. The sheriff is even aware of Polly’s overactive imagination. The narrative itself reflects these simple times as it doesn’t get overly complicated.

There are suggestions of a mystery as the main conflict slowly develops. The neighbor’s daughter died in an accident ten years ago and there are some questions surrounding her death. Polly notices some strangers lurking around town but it’s not totally unusual with the Fourth of July fair coming up. One of these people turns out to be the new town minister but Polly immediately suspects he’s keeping secrets. She decides to keep her eye on him and enlists the reluctant help of Joey and Henry.

What didn’t work as well:

The synopsis overhypes the drama and suspense of the book. The mystery of the lost gold doesn’t enter the plot until two-thirds of the way through the book. Polly suspects the new pastor isn’t who he says but he remains in the background while the kids go about their business. The uncomplicated story may not appeal to some readers but it fits the reading ability of elementary students.

The Final Verdict:

This is a book for young readers that has no violence, profanity, or sexual references. It’s a wholesome story of an adventurous young girl and her friends as they enjoy summer and try to stop some nefarious plans. Overall, it’s an entertaining elementary-level book and I recommend you give it a shot.

Nayra and the Djinn by Iasmin Omar Ata

What worked:

The Muslim faith is at the center of the conflict as Nayra faces various issues. She is celebrating the Ramadan holiday which requires her to fast during daylight hours. Consequently, she feels weak and has trouble focusing in school. Gym class is especially a problem since she can’t perform while the class plays volleyball. A classmate bullies Nayra and isn’t understanding or tolerant of her faith. People can be really mean. Nayra’s mother only tells her to be tougher so every day at school presents overwhelming challenges while home life doesn’t provide an emotionally safe haven.

A djinn named Marjan escapes problems in the djinn-world by pleading for help and bonding with Nayra. Marjan and a djinn-friend made a pact regarding a gem but Marjan breaks the promise and needs to flee. The majority of magic in the book arises when Marjan shares visions of her past so the story doesn’t get complicated by impossible events. The djinn offers advice as Nayra struggles with the bully, her best friend Rami, and other social interactions. However, Nayra doesn’t always listen to the djinn’s suggestions so her friendship with Marjan faces challenges of its own.

Nayra’s problems begin to carry over into their relationship with Rami. The pair have an isolated location where they feel safe and can discuss religion and life at school. Rami always offers support but she feels ignored at times when Nayra becomes self-absorbed in her problems. These feelings make sense since Rami is unaware that Nayra has started confiding in her djinn. Nayra doesn’t realize what’s happening so the unspoken conflict simmers throughout the plot.

What didn’t work as well:

I’m not an art expert so my comments come from my role as a reader. Some parts of the graphic novel cause me to pause with unclear scene transitions, abstract drawings, and panels of text that don’t always add to the story. The concepts in the narrative are still intriguing.

The Final Verdict:

The book highlights a young girl’s struggles to practice her Muslim faith despite conflicts arising at school, at home, and with her friends. The abundant colorful pictures with text help the narrative flow although it feels like there needs to be more development. Give the book a shot!

The Chaos Monster (Secrets of the Sky #1) by Sayantani DasGupta

What worked:

Kinjal and Kiya are twins who frequently bicker as siblings tend to do. Kiya is seriously into science and is reluctant to believe anything she hasn’t seen or proven to exist. Kinjal is more imaginative and trusts his gut and inner voice more than his sister does. These personalities provide an interesting, amusing contrast when their dog disappears and flying horses show up. Kinjal learns that maybe he should pause and use his head before jumping to conclusions while Kiya learns that she may need to start trusting her brother’s instincts a bit more.

The twins’ parents are obviously keeping secrets so readers will wonder what they’re hiding. An old book hidden in the basement is full of old stories of fantastic creatures which provides a strong hint of what’s to come. However, mysteries surrounding their parents’ past go way beyond powerful beasts and untold stories as the twins slowly learn about their own hidden histories. Kinjal and Kiya are slow to accept strange abilities they seem to possess as it’s easier to believe something or someone else must be causing things to happen. The surprising incidents will have readers anxiously anticipating how things will turn out once the kids finally figure out the truth.

The plot has an environmental twist that is applicable to a real-world crisis. Bees are dying at an alarming rate and the consequences can be catastrophic. Plants need the insects for pollination and the pakkhiraj and other creatures in this book will eventually die without honey. The cause of dwindling bee populations isn’t always easy to figure out but the culprit in this plot is pretty clear. However, the characters at the root of the problem won’t willingly change their ways and the reasons behind their actions are a mystery. Kinjai and Kiya are on a quest to save the bees but nefarious characters are lurking that will complicate their efforts.

What didn’t work as well:

The transition from realistic to speculative fiction happens quickly which affects the “believability” of the backstory. The kids aren’t shocked by talking horses and Kinjal is the one who suggests they accompany the pakkhiraj back to their dimension. The sudden acceptance of the situation is too easy especially with Kiya not believing in magic!

The Final Verdict:

The overall plot is an innovative take on a familiar story template with the twins discovering their inner powers and family secrets. The focus on the importance of bees within nature is a new angle for middle-grade novels. The story lacks some detail and development so the pace should please young readers. It should appeal to nature and animal lovers and I recommend you give it a shot.

Monster Camp by Sarah Henning

What worked:

The synopsis effectively summarizes what’s going on as Sylvie finds herself in a camp for monsters. All of the activities have monster campers in mind that includes an important program every morning called HURT. This acronym stands for Human Understanding and Resource Training and the daily activities are intended to help monsters live safely among humans. Sylvie is the odd camper out since she’s part of the human race that threatens the monster population. However, Sylvie actually received an invitation to the camp, and the director and his raven pay special attention to her so she, along with readers, will wonder if they already know her secret. Why would she be invited to a camp full of monsters that already don’t like humans?

Werewolves, ghosts, witches, a goblin, and other monsters are among the participants so Sylvie’s disguise as a vampire fits right in. However, there’s only one other vampire at the camp (although she’s half-human) and they share the same cabin. How is Sylvie supposed to hide her humanness when sharing the same space with Vera, an actual monster? How is Sylvie supposed to hide the fact that she doesn’t drink blood for meals, sunshine doesn’t bother her, and she can’t change into a bat? Readers will realize Sylvie will eventually be discovered but they have no way of knowing when or how this will happen. The anticipation creates tension and suspense since Sylvie has no idea how the monsters will react when they discover a human is living among them.

Vera is an intriguing character as she has her own internal conflicts overwhelming her mind. Being half-human makes her stand out from the other monsters and she’s constantly reminded of her differences. A werewolf bully takes every opportunity to torment Vera and Sylvie often feels the need to step in and defend her. Vera tends to clam up when she’s attacked and overcome with anxiety so readers are left to wonder what’s going on in her mind. Most of the story deals with prejudice and conflict between monsters and humans in general but Vera’s troubles are more personal. Sylvie shares some of the same issues as Vera so will Sylvie ever fully open up to her cabinmate?

What didn’t work as well:

There are sections of the story where the counselors explain human/monster relationships that come across as classroom lessons. They may not be as interesting as other parts although they serve a purpose. It’s an easier, quicker way to communicate important ideas that might be applicable to the monsters’ “real world” and to the lives of young readers.

The Final Verdict:

This book is much more than readers might expect as it presents monsters as the victims and the persecuted throughout history. Early clues may enable readers to foresee the climax but the author saves a huge surprise that they won’t see coming. Overall, this is a creative twist involving human and monster interactions and I recommend you give it a shot.

Penny Draws a Best Friend by Sara Shepard

What worked:

A major focus of the story is Penny’s struggle with anxiety, and the author indicates some of the events come from her own experiences. Penny frequently lets her mind run wild until it spins into the worst possible scenarios. The fifth-grader overly worries about a visit to Target, her mom being a few minutes late to pick her up, visiting a kids’ party restaurant, and even sharpening her pencil. Her emotions are such a problem that she sees a Feelings Teacher at school named Mrs. Hines. The whole book is written like a diary, similar to the author’s real-life journal, in which Penny writes to her dog Cosmo about her feelings. It’s a great way to share the endless thoughts and emotions racing through her mind that fit into the context of the book.

The complications of friendship are additional conflicts overwhelming young Penny. As the synopsis mentions, she’s looking forward to seeing Violet again until she realizes something has drastically changed in their relationship. Of course, Penny starts to imagine the problem must be something she’s done, said, or even worse, that there’s something wrong with her. Penny meets other students through Mrs. Hines, the classroom, and the lunchroom. She discovers the misconceptions and assumptions she has about them and her character slowly transforms with new experiences.

This aspect will probably be unique to me but I find the inclusion of Rocco Roman very interesting. Rocco is much larger than any other classmate and most of the kids fear him due to some anger outbursts in previous grades. Other students keep their distance but Penny discovers she has a couple of things in common with Rocco. Every time he makes an appearance in the story provides an opportunity for Penny and readers to learn a little bit more about this minor character. We slowly discover we don’t know much about his past or what he might be dealing with so we learn a little more every time his character makes an appearance. Rocco reinforces the fact that we should be kind to everyone because we may not understand the issues affecting them.

What didn’t work as well:

The book title seems to be explained early in the book as Penny draws a picture of Violet that highlights her friend’s best qualities. Stories often develop until their titles are explained or become evident so sharing Penny’s drawing right away feels strange. On the other hand, sharing the most important qualities of friendship in the picture may get readers wondering about their own thoughts regarding what it means to be a friend.  

The Final Verdict:

Many young readers will be able to connect with Penny’s experiences with changing friendships and stress, although their emotional struggles probably won’t be as severe. Penny’s methods for handling her problems offer useful suggestions while they provide entertainment. Overall, this book should appeal to most middle-grade readers and I recommend you give it a shot. 

Henry Halifax and the Tutori’s Cloak by Atlas Swift

What worked:

The opening is shocking for a middle-grade book but it’s successful in piquing interest. Shark fishermen rescue a person drifting in an inflatable zodiac boat, thirty kilometers offshore, which is a kind, humanitarian thing to do. However, the individual they rescue turns on them by causing their boat to sink in shark-infested waters. Their grisly situation isn’t described in detail but the Frenchman remains nearby to taunt them and attracts great white sharks by adding chum to the water. These actions are the disturbing part and they present the antagonist’s identity as an evil, malevolent character.

The story opens along the eastern coast of Canada and then proceeds to take readers across the world to France and Norway. The main vehicle for transportation is a huge sailing ship that also happens to be the headquarters for the APA, the Animal Protection Agency. The book is mostly realistic fiction but it also has some elements for speculative fiction. Elevators don’t simply go up and down and Henry often receives assistance from two playful otters who always know the correct buttons to push. New suits appear in Henry’s closet amazingly quickly and hot meals always await him when he returns to his room.

The plot morphs into a mystery of sorts as Henry tries to stop the Frenchman from stealing polar bear cubs from the local zoo. He notices a suspicious character coming ashore in a small zodiac and suspects it might be the infamous Frenchman. The Frenchman’s reputation as a mischief-maker and kidnapper of small animals is known around the world. The next couple of chapters feel like they’re building to a plot’s climax even though the book has barely started. After the dramatic opening at sea, this action-packed pursuit of the Frenchman almost guarantees reader’s interest will be captured until the end. It kind of feels like a Wily Coyote chase when the Roadrunner always manages to stay one step ahead. Henry is accompanied by his best friend Penny, a wirehaired dachshund, and they’re determined to capture the Frenchman and return the polar bear cubs back to the Kodiak Bay Zoo.

What didn’t work as well:

Henry accompanies an APA agent named Barnaby on his quest to stop the Frenchman. Barnaby displays annoyance with this relationship and doesn’t hide his efforts to get Henry to quit. The troubling part is some of Barnaby’s actions are mean-spirited and downright dangerous and he laughs them off as pranks done for fun. It casts him in a very negative light but there’s more going on than meets the eye.

The Final Verdict:

The climax resolves the conflict in a VERY unexpected way that should still satisfy most readers. The non-stop pursuit of the Frenchman is full of action and miraculous escapes with the well-being of animals always at the forefront. The overall book should enthrall most young readers and I recommend you give it a shot.

Clarice Bean, Scram by Lauren Child

What worked:

The font is surprisingly entertaining as the author blends different styles, sizes, shades, and positioning to tell the story. This technique is sometimes used to display strong feelings or to stress meanings. Larger, bold-faced fonts are used to emphasize Marcie’s anger toward Clarice or when their neighbor is furious over a soccer ball in her birdbath. The playful letters can be found on virtually every page and remind me a bit of some poetic formats. The author is also the illustrator and the abundant color and black-and-white illustrations work beautifully with the amusing narrative.

This book presents a wonderful story for upper-elementary readers. Clarice’s problems are common as she angers her older sister, gets bored during summer vacation, and feels a little jealous when the neighbor boy gets a temporary rabbit. Her parents go out of town for a couple of days which offers the opportunity for all kinds of mischief. The stray dog following her home becomes the focus of the plot as Clarice tries to figure out what to do with it. She can’t let it suffer in the summer heat, can she?

The plot is simple and uncomplicated so it fits the target audience and developing readers. All of Clarice’s attention and efforts are focused on the dog and what to do about it. Other things happen but the narrative doesn’t deviate from the dog once it enters the story. Clarice knows she must keep it a secret from her family while resolving the situation before her parents return. All of the events are realistic and believable including purchasing spaghetti with the green label, digging through collected coins to make necessary purchases at the corner store, and the puppy chewing things it shouldn’t.

What didn’t work as well:

While the playfulness of the text is unexpected and fun, it’s not always clear why the author manipulates certain phrases and words. It sometimes feels overdone and loses the impact it might have had if it had been used more prudently.

The Final Verdict:

This book is the ninth in a series but it can easily be read independently. It tells a delightful tale of a young girl dealing with realistic problems arising from one stray dog. It should appeal to elementary-age students and I recommend you give it a shot. 

The Hunt for the Hollower by Callie C. Miller

What worked:

Will the Septimum Genus be the minutes-older Merlynda or her younger, more talented twin brother Percy? Merlynda’s spells always go wrong and she can hear the magic laughing at her. Percy always arrives to clean up her messes until a portal opens up and whisks her brother away. Merlynda’s unpredictable abilities provide uncertainty throughout the rest of the book as she goes on a quest with her best friend Neci to rescue Percy from the Hollower. Bedtime stories about the Hollower are told to scare young children but readers are left to imagine and anticipate the terror when Merlynda and Neci finally face it.

The narrative is a wonderful blend of description, action, and levity that creates an entertaining quest. A familiar appears from the aether in the form of a small, wormlike creature she calls Iggy. Iggy views himself as a “fierce wyvern” but his small stature and a never-ending desire for more food undermine that image. Merlynda and Neci find their quest sidetracked many times as they face different obstacles. They confront bands of marauding raiders with starkly different outcomes. Another race of creatures offers friendship and training whether they want it or not. Merlynda and Neci know they have seven months to rescue Percy but an unexpectedly quick passage of time means they now only have days left. All of these events create constant action and drama to engage young readers.

Each character is dealing with some type of internal issue. Merlynda struggles with self-confidence since she can’t perform the simplest spells and her brother is the wizard admired by all. Neci wants to escape her parents’ expectations of becoming a root vegetable farmer. She dreams of becoming a royal knight and all of her efforts are with the hope of proving herself. Neci’s help with Merlynda’s rescue mission will help her accumulate quest points to improve her application toward becoming a knight in training. The two friends rescue a young minstrel named Batu who has trouble interacting with other people. It’s unclear why his attempts to say “Thank you” and express kindness manage to make the girls dislike him even more. His past is unknown so readers will wonder what terrible secrets he might be hiding.

What didn’t work as well:

The narrator is omniscient but sudden leaps into characters’ minds to describe their thoughts and feelings can take a moment to process. Most of the moments are brief, maybe lasting only a paragraph, but they’re a contrast to most of the narrative describing events. It’s not a huge issue but it’s noticeable.

The Final Verdict:

The book is highly engaging as Merlynda battles doubts within her mind and relentlessly strives to save her twin brother. The resolution might be foreseeable but the author still drives the plot to an exciting, emotional climax. Overall, I recommend you give this book a shot.

Batu and the Search for the Golden Cup by Zira Nauryzbai & Lilya Kalaus

What worked:

The first unique aspect of the book is that it’s based on the culture of Kazakhstan.  Kazakh vocabulary is introduced early on with Batu referring to his grandmother as his azhe, salemtsiz be is a Kazakh greeting, and bauyrsaq is a fried dough. Batu sits on the threshold of his apartment during the Kazakh new year called Nauryz which opens a doorway between worlds. That’s how he meets Aspara who’s been dead for over two thousand years and wants his help in finding the Golden Cup. Additional Kazakh folklore and history are a large part of the story that includes Kazakhstan’s past conflicts with Russia.

Batu is an interesting character as he struggles with self-confidence. A bully is extorting money from him and Batu is terrified to stand up for himself. Then, Aspara shows up and says Batu is a brave warrior. Batu lies when Aspara asks about his abilities while silently concealing his cowardice. This internal conflict lingers throughout the plot and is never far from Batu’s thoughts. Batu respects his elders and the traditions of his culture and these qualities, along with the bravery buried inside, will help him become an honorable warrior.

The plot offers unexpected twists to add new levels of complications. The bully pops up at school and at Batu’s apartment and he uses a large classmate as his muscle. It turns out there’s more to the bully’s efforts than what’s first seen and his henchman becomes a bigger part of the story than anticipated. In addition, Batu’s mother is in the hospital giving birth to a baby sister in what seems to be an unimportant side story. However, this event turns out to be more significant as Batu is forced to make some difficult decisions.

What didn’t work as well:

Batu’s character displays some conflicting behaviors that don’t always make sense. He’s transforming into a brave, honorable warrior in search of the Golden Cup but he then gloats and taunts a bully and later has angry, insulting outbursts toward his friends. Also, based on the book’s title, the ending will probably leave readers unsatisfied and confused.

The Final Verdict:

Using Kazakhstan as the setting and its culture as the basis for the story provides freshness in the middle-grade genre. The use of Kazakh folklore creates a familiar format to the plot with unique details sprinkled in. Despite the questionable ending, the overall book is entertaining and I recommend you give it a shot.

Haru, Zombie Dog Hero by Ellen Oh

What worked:

The majority of the plot follows Luke and stresses the tight bond he has with his dog, Haru. The pair do everything together, along with the Cole brothers, and Haru even saves the boys from a rabid raccoon. Some chapters focus on Haru where the dog is able to communicate with other animals. Readers will learn that most cats and dogs have little faith in humans and these animals try to convince Haru that his humans will eventually turn on him. This information creates a subplot as Haru hopes he can always rely on Luke and his family, especially when he’s dognapped.

The plot tells a story of big business versus society. Sinclair Inc. is the biggest employer in the county but it’s also the biggest polluter. The owner and his family own much of the property and media in the town so they’re able to control any citizen complaints and investigations. The lake contains so much hazardous waste that no one can use it for recreation anymore and much of the wildlife has been driven away. The company pays fines but it never really does anything about cleaning up its mess. These images will resonate with young readers as real stories like these have been happening in the world for decades. Most people feel they have no power against the money and influence wielded by big businesses so this book tells the story of characters who won’t be stopped.

Based on the title, readers may be surprised by the actual story. Haru is a normal, living dog for most of the story as he’s Luke’s loyal companion and protector. He enjoys the outdoors and eating sandwiches with the boys and they find ways to occupy their time during the remaining days of summer vacation. A wild cat named Penny is the first character to provide a hint of what’s to come as the last third of the book is in stark contrast to the earlier pages. The topic of zombies arises but not in the way readers might expect. The plot veers into a totally new direction with a large increase in action and tension. It will be a surprise if a sequel’s not in the future as issues are left unresolved.

What didn’t work as well:

The story is written quite literally so readers don’t need to infer much of what’s happening. The positive twist to this style is that it will appeal to younger middle-grade readers hoping to enjoy a simple story of a boy and his dog.

The Final Verdict:

The first half of the book may not immediately grab readers because it doesn’t seem to match the title. The second half makes up for it, although readers may want more finality in the conclusion. Overall, I recommend you give this book a shot.

Talia’s Codebook for Mathletes by Marissa Moss

What worked:

The book’s synopsis talks about Talia creating an all-girl mathlete team but that doesn’t happen until the midpoint of the book. The main focus that will resonate with young readers is trying to survive the social expectations of middle school. Dash’s wish to not associate with her at school is a result of his fear of being teased about having a girlfriend. The early pages share her observations about how elementary school differs from sixth grade. Math is harder now (but more fun) but navigating classmates is even more challenging. Talia develops an overwhelming interest in codes and puzzles and wants to encourage others to explore them too. She can’t understand why the mathlete team doesn’t want to use them, they’re great practice for logical thinking and building teamwork, so she begins to imagine other ways to spread the word about coding.

The story is enriched with illustrations, charts, or diagrams on every page. The premise of the book is that it’s Talia’s journal of her experiences in middle school and the pictures depict her love for drawing and codes. Comic drawings with speech bubbles can be found on most pages to reflect Talia’s interactions with Dash, her classmates, and activities at home and in school. The pages often share Talia’s observations and deductions that range from the “Where You Sit at Lunch Code”, to “Tomorrow can be the best word or the worst word”, to “Little Brothers Aren’t as Dumb as They Seem”. Other sections present different types of codes with examples that young readers will probably try with their own friends. The blend of story and pictures will make this book very approachable and entertaining for kids.

Friendship is a major part of the plot and Talia learns some valuable lessons. The common thread throughout the book is Talia’s drive to have Dash display their friendship at school. This shows the conflicted feelings of middle-grade students as they explore a new school culture of adolescents and the complicated world of boy-girl relationships. Talia has two close girlfriends who are very supportive even though they don’t have a passion for math. They give her honest opinions even when Talia doesn’t want to hear them because they’re things Talia needs to hear. They offer encouraging and motivating words when Talia needs them and help her form the all-girls mathlete team.

What didn’t work as well:

Readers who don’t like to think will probably find this book challenging. Math, problem-solving, and codes dominate the plot as Talia deals with common middle-grade issues. However, the illustrations and explanations of those topics make everything easier to understand so readers can focus more on Talia’s friendships and determination to bring positive change.

The Final Verdict:

This book addresses the cultural biases that keep girls from pursuing interests in math and competition. It should motivate young girls to follow Talia’s example and refuse to let anyone stop them from following their dreams. Overall, the writing style and pictures make this book very enjoyable and I recommend you give it a shot.

The Eagle, the Cave, and the Footbridge (Hamelin Stoop #1) by Robert B. Sloan

What worked:

Infant Hamelin’s parents drop him off at an orphanage to avoid capture by trackers. His father even pretends to kill Hamelin to throw the hunters off his trail. The book annually follows Hamelin’s life growing up at the orphanage and how most of the children and adults he meets display kindness, except for a bully at school. Readers will feel empathy for Hamelin due to his gentle nature and how he suffers when wondering what’s missing from his life. In addition, his closest friends at the orphanage slowly leave until he feels like he needs to do something. Adults have told him there are wonderful things coming in his future so readers will anticipate and ponder the many possibilities.

The subplot of Hamelin’s parents, Johnnie and Simon, is intriguing since an evil ruler named Ren’dal has plans for the couple. Johnnie possesses an unexpected ability but her child is the valuable object Ren’dal wants. The actual scheme is unknown but Ren’dal’s father, Chimera, thinks he can use Johnnie’s son to gain more power. This presents a huge conflict as Johnnie and Simon don’t want their child to be used by these evil men. They know their son (Hamelin) is better off surviving away from them and they fear what might happen if they have another. However, what will happen if they disappoint Ren’dal?

It seems as though many of the characters have secrets or pay special attention to Hamelin. These moments will make readers wonder about their motives and what they may be hiding. Owners and workers at the orphanage are often watching Hamelin but what are they thinking? Are they just feeling sorry for this kind little boy or is there something about their pasts we don’t know about? Hamelin’s most loved friends, Bryan and Layla, are hiding something about their pasts. The brother and sister remain part of Hamelin’s life even after leaving the orphanage and they believe his incredible stories about the eagle and the cave. However, this may be because they aren’t telling Hamelin everything they know.

What didn’t work as well:

The early chapters of the book alternate between Hamelin being left at an orphanage as an infant and his parents’ capture. Readers know they’re related but they feel like two separate plots. Then, halfway into the book, there’s a chapter about a princess named Carissa. It’s unclear how everything goes together until the conclusion begins to focus everything in one direction.

The Final Verdict:

The story feels unfinished, and I guess that’s true, as the conclusion leads right into the sequel rather than actually resolving a problem. However, this may make the next book clearer from the start since the scenario and background story will have already been established. Overall, this book may appeal to teenage readers who enjoy blending the real world with their imaginations.