The Memory Thieves by Dhonielle Clayton

What worked:

If you haven’t read “The Marvellers”, you should know that conjurors like Ella evoke a wide range of emotions from the other characters. It’s safe to say they make most of the citizens uncomfortable while others fear and/or detest them. The way their abilities work isn’t generally known and conjuring’s connection to death is disconcerting. The fact that Ella saved everyone from public enemy number one in the first book makes her a hero and celebrity but another point of view says it’s all part of a conjuror plot. Prejudice against conjurors runs rampant and is still a major issue in the book. Many in the conjuror community themselves aren’t happy to see Ella attending the Arcanum nor her godmother teaching Marveller students conjuror secrets. Some of the problems are relatable to real-world debates concerning immigration and segregation. Ella found original blueprints for the Arcanum in the first book and she’s determined this time to uncover secrets about the importance of conjurors in founding the institute.

The author does a marvelous (pun intended) job of providing complicated relationships and school drama. The other students have mixed feelings about Emma and she really wants to be accepted. Readers will wonder if friendly gestures toward her are sincere or conceal devious intentions. One new student clearly detests Emma and does little to conceal her disdain. She’s an obvious antagonist but she’s also conducting some sneaky business within the walls of the school. In addition, something is affecting the health of some students as they’re suffering from headaches and nosebleeds and their powers aren’t working properly. Gia (kind of like this book’s Voldemort) is back and has some kind of master plan brewing that is sure to bring the world of Marvellers down to its knees. The fact that she’s the mother of Emma’s roommate only complicates matters more.

Each chapter ends with news articles, letters, or messages that address events and thoughts from behind the scenes. There’s an upcoming election in the Marveller world so some stories address the issues and candidates and try to get Marvellers riled up. Ella and her friends send notes back and forth but Ella also receives anonymous messages that she’s being watched. Letters to Ella’s parents from the Arcanum and the conjuror government inform readers of additional complications developing inside and outside the school. The articles and messages at the ends of the chapters educate readers about subplots and conflicts without wasting pages of narrative that might distract readers from the main story.

What didn’t work as well:

I hate to say this but there are a lot of things going on and it can be challenging to not lose focus on the major storylines. For example, the first line in the synopsis talks about Marvel Combat but it’s really not important in the overall plot. The book already has the mystery of the Arcanum architect, politics and the election, Gia’s nefarious plans, and problems with Ella’s friends, non-friends, and family to name a few plots and subplots. It can be too much.

The Final Verdict:

Overall, this book offers a fantasy world, fantasy creatures, and characters with mystical powers. Ella discovers new conjuror abilities that open up new possibilities. I recommend you read “The Marvellers” before moving on to this book but most young lovers of speculative fiction will surely enjoy them both.

The Puppets of Spelhorst by Kate DiCamillo

What worked:

It’s creative to tell the story through the eyes of puppets. The puppets are able to talk to each other but the humans they encounter can’t hear them. The puppet characters can’t move on their own so their actions are dependent on human manipulation. Their comments and thoughts are based on the positions they happen to be in when other characters put them down. The owl can’t see much at one point when she’s dropped face down on the floor. The girl puppet describes the beauty of the moon because the others are stuck in a trunk. They’d never seen the sun or trees before because their view from the toy store was of a brick wall on the other side of the alley.

The relationships between the characters are unique and transformative. The characters are mostly focused on themselves in the early chapters with each having dreams of what they want to do. The king wants everyone to listen to him, the owl wants to fly, and the boy believes one day he’ll do something important. The wolf constantly reminds the others, “My teeth are razor sharp”. They all realize they’re part of a future story but events result in all of the characters being separated. The conflict becomes how will they be reunited to achieve their destined story.

The fairy-tale-like narrative is written in a simple voice but the characters will make readers think. The first sentence “There was once an old sea captain…” sets the tone and sounds like a tale being read to children. The puppets’ thoughts are mostly based on things they can see although their minds begin to wonder about possibilities. Their individual dreams differentiate the characters and display a range of personalities. The king and wolf are more one-dimensional, the boy and girl have more imagination, and the owl is the philosopher in the group. Despite their differences, they slowly realize all of their lives are connected.

What didn’t work as well:

Readers may wonder about the housekeeper’s actions at the end of the book. On the one hand, her decision makes perfect sense but on the other readers may wonder why the puppets are included. It provides food for thought after the final pages are read.

The Final Verdict:

This book can be read quickly or slowly depending on how much thinking you want to do. The innocent, naïve characters are loveable and the way their lives are affected by humans will make them even more endearing. Overall, this is a charming, fun story and I recommend you give it a shot.

Odwar vs. the Shadow Queen by Shiko Nguru

What worked:

I’ve not read the previous book but I still feel like this book can be read independently. The four main characters manifested abilities in that book and Odwar draws power from his shadow. However, he hopes that finding his Entasim will increase his control and strength enough to combat the terrible nightmares he’s been having. Readers will know they’re more than bad dreams when Odwar awakens with deep scratches on his arms, as the Shadow Queen has targeted him. You can immediately see a huge problem as the source of his power is connected to the realm of his new enemy.

The plot offers contrasting problems for Odwar. The men in his family are cold and unsupportive toward Odwar and it greatly bothers him. His older brother resents that Odwar inherits the family power and becomes an Intasimi Warrior instead of him. His father and uncle are obsessed with their own dominance in society and do anything to maintain control over others. On the other hand, Odwar’s mother and grandmother are warm and understanding as they know the males in the family are overly demanding. Odwar’s father is upset that Odwar hasn’t found his Entasim yet so the pressure building on Odwar pushes him to make some rash decisions. In addition, there’s a tale that finding one’s Entasim can change their personality drawing power from the person’s positive or negative thoughts. This can be a problem for an emotional, middle-grade superhero.

The story is set in Kenya so African culture is featured. The story says Odwar’s ancestor is Lwanda Magere and is based on a legendary warrior in Kenyan folklore. Lwanda had the strength of ten men and led his people to freedom and he drew power from his shadow. Odwar’s family lives in Nairobi and other geographical and political features are mentioned as characters move about the country. Various meals are eaten throughout the story that include porridge and tea and a feast features roast meat called nyama choma. Odwar’s grandmother wears a boldly-patterned, ankle-length dress with a matching headwrap. These cultural details create authenticity and realism in the book to help readers believe it actually takes place in Kenya.

What didn’t work as well:

Odwar becomes upset when he perceives his friends and family don’t believe in him. He becomes resentful and snappy when others question him about problems that arise and he thinks he just needs to get stronger. The problem is his behavior is predictable every time other characters talk to him. It’s understandable in the context of the story but his actions become redundant.

The Final Verdict:

The Kenyan culture makes this story unique and the author saves some surprises for the latter parts. It’s nice to see the transformation in several of the characters. Odwar’s relationship with the other warriors becomes strained and his mentor develops an issue that will probably drive the plot in the sequel. Overall, the author presents an emotional, entertaining adventure and I recommend you give it a shot.

Scarewaves by Trevor Henderson

What worked:

The author spends the first fourth of the book developing a creepy, scary atmosphere. A young girl named Beverly is grabbed by a bony hand in the first chapter and she’s dragged into the dark, ominous forest. Several unrelated characters are introduced who will be the focus of the rest of the story. Byron, Beverly’s best friend, realizes the disappearances have now affected him personally especially when a ghoulish man with a wide-brimmed hat and trench coat appears in his room. Lucas has always been creeped out by the scarecrow in his father’s cornfield but he can’t believe it might actually be moving on its own. Then there’s Mary whose family just arrived in this small town. She’s looking for a little excitement before Beacon Point bores her to death but little does she know what’s lurking in her new home. The author uses descriptions that affect several of the readers’ senses. There are shadowy images of eerie creatures lurking beyond the light, scratching and whispered voices just out of sight, and branches seem to grab characters causing their spines to tingle.

Readers are left to their own imaginations as they try to understand what’s going on in Beacon Point. The current incidents seem to have nothing in common and occur in different parts of town. Different characters encounter a bony hand, a scarecrow, deerlike beasts, and a crow-headed witch. Beverly is almost home from soccer practice, Lucas is in the cornfield by his farmhouse, and Byron is inside his own bedroom late at night. Why are these eerie things happening to these specific characters? Adults and children have been taken in the past but is there something they have in common? Why are kids disappearing now? The characters all know nothing good happens after sundown.

A radio station sits alone atop a hill just outside of Beacon Point. The transcripts of a radio broadcast are presented every few chapters to fill in the gaps of what’s happening. However, the characters begin to wonder if the voice is warning them of potential dangers or if it’s actually part of the threat. Radio static suddenly sounds from televisions and telephones and adds to the unnerving mood. The radio broadcast shares the background history of the area around Beacon Point and describes disappearances that have been going on for a couple of hundred years. These past incidents bear striking similarities to the attacks happening now which lets readers know the evil has been on the prowl for hundreds of years.

What didn’t work as well:

Too many characters pop up throughout the book and are then snagged by different creatures. Readers try to figure out their importance as they’re introduced but then they’re gone. Each one feels like a false alarm, kind of like the little boy who cried wolf.

The Final Verdict:

This book shares a spine-tingling story that young readers will love. The vivid, graphic language will overload readers’ senses and keep them engrossed until the exciting conclusion. Overall, it’s a very entertaining tale and I recommend you give it a shot.

Falling out of Time by Margaret Peterson Haddix

What worked:

This book bears similarities to its partner “Running Out of Time” so previous readers should be able to anticipate what’s happening. Zola finds a book in her Insta-Closet about Jessie Keyser who happens to be the main character from “Running Out of Time”. In that book, Jessie thought she was living in the 1800’s only to discover she was actually in an experimental, closed community in the modern world. The author’s perception of the future world in this book displays technology to remove stress, fear, and pain from human lives. Zola tells her Insta-Closet what she wants to wear and the outfit appears minutes later. Characters interact verbally with technology to fulfill their needs and Zola “attends” school through virtual reality. There’s no reason to leave her home with all of her necessities provided.

The book may get some readers wondering about the meanings of real and true. Characters believe what they are told and what they see but what if someone is manipulating their surroundings? Past and present history are what they’ve been taught and learned but what if those things aren’t totally true? All of these things create a reality in the characters’ minds that is hard to change when they encounter evidence that’s inconsistent with it. “Trusted” sources aren’t automatically believable anymore and other new characters speaking the truth are treated with skepticism.

I’ll try to be vague so as not to reveal any spoilers. The author develops contrasting worlds from different times in history as the settings in the first book and this one are four hundred years apart. The pioneer world featured cooperation and manual labor while this book emphasizes a reliance on technology. A concept often repeated this time is that people must choose which future they want and take action today to achieve it. Words to live by. The author includes details from the first book but it’s not necessary to have read it. While the stories from both books overlap a bit, some revelations and surprises are saved for the end.

What didn’t work as well:

The plot lacked the urgency needed to build tension and suspense. There isn’t a deadline or identified, imminent threat to explain why Zola needs to do something right away. However, her actions eventually create problems that lead to an exciting conclusion.

The Final Verdict:

I’m not sure how many of today’s young people have read the first book from the mid-1990s but it might be better if it’s not read first. The plot is fairly predictable although the exact details will need to be discovered. Overall, this book should entertain lovers of alternative realities and history and I recommend you give it a shot. 

ChupaCarter and the Haunted Pinata by George Lopez and Ryan Calejo

What worked:

The main conflict involves the legend of a rich boy humiliated by his classmates who dies in a fire on his birthday. Supposedly, he reappears every six years as a haunted pinata and sets green fires around town. The idea of a ghostly pinata sounds far-fetched but perhaps not since Jorge’s closest friend is an actual chupacabra named Carter. The fiery destruction around town hits close to home for Jorge and his friends when the butcher shop owned by Liza’s father is burned to the ground. The plot becomes a mystery that has no shortage of suspects. However, every time the kids think the clues lead them to the arsonist something pops up to show them that they must be wrong.

Jorge’s small group of friends presents an interesting contrast of characters. Liza is the logical, scientific one who only believes in what can be proven or what she’s actually seen. She obviously scoffs at the idea of a ghostly pinata setting fires so she drives the investigation into the legend. Ernie is an anxious friend who’s ready to believe anything that might scare him. He’s constantly frightened by every rumor or incident even as Liza collects evidence to debunk the tale. Carter reappears from Mexico and the chupacabra is determined to utilize his beastly skills to assist his friends. It’s nice to have a hairy, seven-foot-tall, blood-sucking monster working with you!

As in the series’ first book, the authors infuse the narrative with bits of Spanish. Non-Spanish speakers probably won’t know all of the terms but they’re usually able to use the context of the sentences to easily figure them out. The phrases are often repeated in English which makes it very simple to understand. These words are normally included in the characters’ dialogue or as mild exclamations so they sound natural when they’re used. The inclusion of bits of Spanish enhances the setting and atmosphere of the story since it takes place in the Southwest region of the United States.

What didn’t work as well:

The kids quickly jump to conclusions when they uncover new evidence and it’s bothersome how frequently they accuse and dismiss different suspects. They run through four or five different characters and always seem to end up back at square one. It especially feels out of character for Liza since she’s supposed to be the brainiac in the group.

The Final Verdict:

This book shares a humorous, fun mystery that should appeal to readers with a love for quirky characters. Jorge’s friends know all about Carter in this second book so he’s treated more like one of the gang than a shocking, fearsome mythical creature. Overall, it’s an enjoyable, amusing adventure with frequent twists and turns and I recommend you give it a shot.

No One Leaves the Castle by Christopher Healy

What worked:

The story has a humorous angle to it that will make readers smile, or perhaps groan. A novice bard follows the exploits of the young heroine named the Lilac and creates a song about her along the way. The lyrics aren’t always flattering, some situations shouldn’t be immortalized, and trying to find words that rhyme with Gribbinshood Flornt is a challenge. The ogre guarding the front gate of a baron’s castle always shows up late and his ineptitude becomes expected. The baron’s daughter is obsessed with etiquette but that attitude is in stark contrast to her tutor’s unexpected appearance and demeanor. Many characters share sarcastic comments and hidden secrets that contribute additional absurdity to the proceedings.

The Lilac is an unexpected hero as she’s a young girl trying to make her name as a bounty hunter. It’s not clear in the beginning, but she’s hiding an important secret that will be revealed later in the plot. The Lilac is commissioned by a wizard to hunt down and capture whoever stole a baron’s emerald axe that surprisingly reappears in its display case shortly after she arrives. Lilac’s role changes to detective in order to clear a wizard’s name but then evolves even further into discovering a murderer in their midst. Investigating a killing is a huge step up for a girl with less than one bounty hunt experience to her name but she’s willing to accept the challenge. Lilac must battle her own insecurities along the way and she encounters constantly changing stories in order to reveal the many secrets being masked by all of the characters.

This type of mystery is captivating since all of the suspects are trapped within the walls of the castle. The guilty individual can’t escape so the veiled motivations make him/her an unpredictable, dangerous character. Readers won’t know which characters to trust, doubt, and suspect until the truth eventually comes out. The Lilac considers each character a suspect and their different motives are uncovered as the plot moves along. Baron Agbar hates magic and is a very disagreeable man so stealing his own axe and killing isn’t beyond the realm of possibility. He hates that his son is training to become a wizard so there’s a natural conflict between the two men. The baron’s wife is the children’s stepmother and little is shared about her past but she seems concerned about maintaining the respected family name. Valuable objects continue to disappear around the castle and Lilac discovers several blackmail notes, although it isn’t clear which character, or characters, is being blackmailed.

What didn’t work as well:

Literally, every character in the story, including the protagonist, is guarding a secret which causes the scenarios to constantly change. Readers can usually trust the main characters for stability but that’s missing in this plot. However, the multitude of undisclosed truths and clandestine efforts create the mystery and humor readers will enjoy.

The Final Verdict:

This book tells a very entertaining story that young readers will love. Every character is a suspect in the murder mystery and new subplots will be revealed until the very end. I can heartily recommend you give this book a shot!

Rieden Reece and the Broken Moon (Rieden Reece #1) by Matt Guzman

What worked:

This book requires readers to think. Rieden is super-smart and he believes his intelligence allows him to predict the future. It doesn’t explain how he fails to foresee the moon splitting and an alien named Rozul climbing through his bedroom window. There’s a problem between the two characters as Rozul says the English language limits humans’ abilities to express what they actually mean. Ri is told he must find something he’s lost but he has no idea what that might be. Rozul isn’t much help and his misunderstanding of Rieden’s questions and figurative language doesn’t make things better. Their interactions frequently include elements of humor. Rozul has apparently come from Ri’s future and Quantum physics is involved. Some complicated dialogue ensues so readers will need to use their brains to understand what’s happening just like Rieden.

The characters are very peculiar and add to readers’ curiosities. When the moon splits, the heads of all adults are replaced by dark orbs that appear to contain black holes. This even affects Rieden’s mom so he’s determined to save her from this fate. His teachers and a bartender communicate by pointing and the librarian turns out to be a GI, a Guardian Inspector. A silver secret agent toting a laser cannon pursues Ri and Rozul and readers will never know when it might show up. Rieden begins to have memories of an unknown boy who’s making shady deals with a giant rat named Belez. This name concerns Rozul but readers won’t learn why until later.

Rieden is a complicated character. You know how most books have an endearing main character who is kind and compassionate so you just have to root for them? That isn’t Rieden. He knows how smart he is and doesn’t have patience for stupid people. Even though Rozul has come to this dimension to help, Rieden has little tolerance for uncertainty or mistakes and constantly insults the “amnesic clown”. However, despite his attitude, Ri wants to rescue his mom, repair the moon, and save all of the humans on Earth. He displays bravery in life-threatening situations so I guess you need to cut him a little slack. You still need to applaud the guy for doing his best to save the world and he eventually transforms to become a bit “warmer”.

What didn’t work as well:

We know Rieden is trying to recover his memories and save the moon but it’s not clear exactly what he needs to do. He’s helping Rozul save his sister and the thought is the siblings will be able to combine their powers to save the day. The only problem is they have no idea where the sister is being held captive.

The Final Verdict:

I have mixed thoughts about this book. The first half is a little hard to follow as the characters try to figure out where they need to go and what they need to do. The second half events bring some clarity and the author saves a huge surprise for the end. Overall, this book may not appeal to everyone but I still recommend you give it a shot and find out for yourself.

The Eyes & the Impossible by Dave Eggers

What worked:

The best part of the book is the descriptive, lyrical narrative. The story isn’t written poetically but many parts of the narrative have rhythm and use expressive language. A verse repeated throughout the story is “God is the Sun. Clouds are her messengers. Rain is only rain.” The stars are “siblings to our Sun” and Johannes, the main character, says “my dreams had no interpreter.” The expressive writing is enhanced by colorful illustrations of forest scenes created by artists from around the world. A note at the end of the book shares that the illustrator adds pictures of Johannes to the nature scenes to connect them with the story.

The animals have a close comradery and they always work together to benefit others and keep them all safe. Three old Bison live in a pen and they act as Keepers of the Equilibrium to maintain balance between nature and all creatures living within the park. Johannes acts as their eyes as he uses his speed to monitor all activity. He’s aided by his Assistant Eyes which include his best friend Bertrand the seagull, a one-eyed squirrel named Sonja, Yolanda the pelican, and a chubby raccoon named Angus. These characters are perfect examples of loyal friends as they are selfless and will do anything to help others in need. All of the animals in the park are reliable, friendly creatures except for the ducks. Ducks are stupid.

The animals face different obstacles that present various levels of drama. Johannes is a free animal and he roams the park scouting for new developments that might affect the Equilibrium. He manages to avoid humans most of the time but a couple of his decisions make the Control-the-Animals people take notice. Johannes has an unusual love for art that gets him into sticky situations. He realizes the Bison are always confined to their pen so he’s compelled to find a way to set them free. This complicated problem will take time to figure out and the coordinated efforts of all the animals. The introduction of the goats to the plot adds revelations and more difficulties to the problem and develops a sense of urgency.

What didn’t work as well:

Johannes exaggerates a lot which muddles the rules underlying his world. Johanne can run fast but perhaps not as fast as light. The park is probably not ten thousand miles long and three thousand miles wide and I’m sure the bison haven’t lived for thousands of years. The common animals live in a realistic public park so the hyperbole is confusing and unnecessary.

The Final Verdict:

This story is a wonderful example of cooperation and allegiance between friends as they’re always looking out for the welfare of others. The flowery language may take getting used to but it’s actually a highlight of the book. Overall, this book should appeal to nature and animal lovers and I recommend you give it a shot.

The Umbrella Maker's Son by Katrina Leno

What worked:

A setting of never-ending rain is very unique and Oscar is the only character who doesn’t mind getting wet. The author introduces forty-seven different types of rain and it feels like the narrative includes every one of them! The opening pages describe a looming blanderwheel, like a monsoon, but the narrator teases that its deadly force won’t become part of the story until later in the book. A wall separates the Toe from the wealthier parts of the city and the constant rain inexplicably falls only on the Toe. The buildings in Oscar’s apartment complex are given bird names, he lives in Dove, and his father’s workshop is located in the Alley too. The Gray Lighthouse was built offshore to warn of dangerous waters but it now sits vacant and unused. Ships no longer dare to sail the Gray Sea.

Saige is Oscar’s best friend even though her cousin is a neighborhood bully. Saige is confined to a wheelchair but it rarely seems to be a handicap for her. Oscar says Saige is the smartest person in the world and the inventions she creates and things she pulls from her backpack reinforce his thinking. The two devoted friends meet every night in Fort Cleverbuckle, their hideout atop Saige’s apartment building, to support each other through tough times. Saige learns that her family is moving to the other side of the wall. Oscar is told that he’ll need to leave school and become his father’s apprentice even though his true love is carving wooden figures.

Footnotes can be found on almost every page to explain the abundant vocabulary distinct to this book. Some of the footnotes act as aside comments to readers that often add amusing touches to the narrative. The book includes a glossary at the end with descriptions of all the different types of rain, food, and geography found in the story. Random chapters are titled Blanderwheel (Part 1), Blanderwheel (Part 2), and so forth to remind readers that a huge storm can strike the characters at any moment. The whole story is written like the narrator is speaking directly to readers and the informal style makes it approachable to a younger audience.

What didn’t work as well:

For a place that’s seen non-stop rain for ten years, it’s amazing the citizens aren’t wading through water every day.  The rain doesn’t seem like much of a problem except that everyone except for Oscar carries an umbrella wherever they go. It’s not a big deal but it’s something that bugs me.

The Final Verdict:

Oscar’s kindness and loyalty will endear him to young readers and the author’s writing method blends levity with Oscar and Saige’s adventure. The setting and conflict are innovative and the author’s use of sentence structure develops suspense as the plot nears its climax. Overall, I highly recommend you give this book a shot.

The Phantom Firefighter by J.W. Jarvis

What worked:

Noah finds a book in an inconspicuous, small-town bookstore that’s about the life of a firefighter. The next thing you know, Noah thinks he’s dreaming about being inside the firefighter’s story and leading his team into a burning building. However, Noah’s unaware that his father believes he’s dreaming about observing the same experience. It’s an innovative twist to have a father and son unknowingly go through the same events in dream-like states. As the synopsis shares, other characters are drawn into the story later.

Most of the story happens inside the fireman’s diary so readers accompany the characters on various fire emergencies. The story shares different aspects of firefighting that might be new to young readers. The calls range from a house fire rescue to a raging forest inferno, to an oil tanker truck engulfed in flames. The narrative describes strategies used by firefighters in different situations to save victims and to keep themselves safe. What should firefighters do if they’re trapped in the middle of a forest fire with no route to escape? The book highlights fireman Zach’s promotions up the leadership ladder until he becomes the captain of a firehouse.

What didn’t work as well:

The narrative explains everything about the characters and what’s happening so it requires very little inferencing. Readers don’t need to use their imaginations as much which limits them from becoming more personally connected with the characters and story. Also, the book’s synopsis reveals way more about the plot than it should so there are no surprises until Noah returns the diary.

The Final Verdict:

The book presents a creative way to share what it’s like to be a fireman in life-threatening situations. Noah’s story is motivating but it would be even better if the author had left more to the imagination. Overall, I recommend this book to readers looking for a quick-read adventure.

Stinetinglers 2: 10 MORE New Stories From the Master of Scary Tales by R.L. Stine

What worked:

This book provides short samples of R.L. Stine’s style of writing. All of the chapters have eerie angles to their stories based on different interpretations of the author’s life as a young boy. Each chapter opens with one page referencing a life experience along with a hint as to how it influences the story. One chapter mentions Stine’s brother’s lucky hat that becomes an unfortunate adventure of good luck gone bad. Another chapter draws inspiration from being lost at the Columbus Zoo and becomes an encounter with unexpected, endangered creatures. Young children will often tell adults, “You’re not the boss of me,” and that’s transformed into how it might look if that were twisted into reality.

I like to look for patterns in order to predict where various stories are headed but Stine manages to keep me guessing. The first couple of chapters seem to turn out better than expected for the main characters but that trend doesn’t continue for every story. Some characters learn the hard way that with great power comes great responsibility. Other lessons might be that people should be careful what they wish for or they should treat others with more kindness and compassion.

In general, the book doesn’t include the strange and dangerous creatures or characters found in many of Stine’s “Fear Steet” and “Goosebumps” books. Much of this book reminds me of old “Twilight Zone” television episodes (you can find them on YouTube kids) that depict strange twists in human nature. Most of the chapters are probably born from the question of “What if?” However, that’s not to say the book doesn’t involve any creepy critters at all as some of the stories are darker than others. A bit of evil is bound to work its way into the details when characters are dealing with embarrassment, anger, and revenge.

What didn’t work as well:

The short stories may have readers wanting more. Many of them end with dramatic reveals so readers are left wondering, “Now what?” In one story, a character unveils his hidden secret and terrifies his classmates and he hints that things will get worse. Readers are left to wonder how bad it might get although using our imaginations to make predictions can be enjoyable too. Sometimes.

The Final Verdict:

I was skeptical about how well Stine would be able to transfer his style to short stories but he’s amazingly successful. He’s able to generate intrigue and suspense through his strange views of the world and I highly recommend you give this book a chance.

Jett Jamison & the Secret Storm by Kimberly Behre Kenna

What worked:

Jett struggles with social interactions and anxiety and she’s especially sensitive to noise. Jett’s safe place is the solitude found in libraries but two girls playing chess even upsets her. The sound of jets flying overhead really overwhelms her but the reason why is a mystery. She hears a little voice in her head and gets periodic headaches. Jett’s parents have an unconventional view of the world so she’s reluctant to speak with them about her problems. Jett’s hope for a peaceful, organized life is at the crux of the plot’s conflict and morphs into a story about censorship and healing.

The topic of censorship begins when a nun suggests a specific book might help Jett deal with her internal conflicts. Jett finds a copy in the library but black marker makes most of the sentences illegible and sections of pages have been torn out. She’s told many people living in the town don’t approve of what the book says. This makes Jett especially curious since she has no idea what the book’s actually about. She has some deep conversations with the nun about religion and what it means to be religious.

It's clear Jett is battling a horrible internal conflict and its source is suggested in the censored book’s subject matter. Suppressing the memories and emotions is causing her physical and mental issues while other characters are unaware of her issues. Most of the other students simply view her as odd and make fun of her behavior. Unfortunately, Jett’s problems are more common than they should be and the book gives girls hope and paths to recovery. The censored book from the narrative includes blank pages for characters to add their own stories and begin their healing. The author informs readers at the end of her book that she experienced the same trauma and encourages others to seek help.

What didn’t work as well:

Jett has a disagreement with her two friends about white lies and honesty. Readers might expect Jett to be the one devoted to honesty since the need for organization and planning are so important to her. She demands truth from the librarian and a nun so it seems inconsistent when she doesn’t have a problem telling white lies.

The Final Verdict:

I was expecting a book about censorship but the story goes far beyond that. Jett’s problems highlight the conflict as the book shares a powerful message of strength and healing. Overall, I recommend this book to middle-grade readers.

The Horrible Bag of Terrible Things #1 (The Horrible Series) by Rob Renzetti

What worked:

The narrative is told in mostly short chapters which should appeal to young readers. The horrible bag makes its entrance in the very first sentence and the author grabs readers’ attention by taking the time to describe its creepiness. It makes groaning noises, is slouched, and has very bad posture. The outside is patched with different types of animal skin such as finished leather, bristled hair, and reptilian skin. Haphazard stitches hold them together along with a tarnished brass clasp that resembles the thorns and flowers of a rosebush. The descriptions make the bag seem like a living thing but the real excitement and adventure are found in the bag’s murky mystery.

The author blends strange, absurd humor into Zenith’s mission to rescue his sister Apogee from the horrible bag. An entire bizarre world is found inside it and Zenith has no useful skills or knowledge to navigate and survive the plants and creatures found there. Three holes negotiate for his blood and promise to take him where he needs to go. Tree roots grab his sister, water tosses him out, and rocks move to block his way. A tiny gargoyle named Kreeble offers to help in exchange for five minutes of feasting on Zenith’s ear wax and he becomes Zenith’s main companion. You might be disgusted with the story if Kreeble’s eating habits bother you. The story’s text plays with literal versus figurative language and creates funny interactions between the characters. Unexpectedly weird characters and situations arise at every turn which makes it difficult to predict what will happen next.

Zenith’s relationship with Apogee creates an internal struggle throughout the adventure. He misses how things used to be and resents that she acts more like another parent than his sister. The narrative includes some of Zenith’s memories but one in particular eats away at him. He’s preparing to score the winning goal in a hockey game when his sister yells out to him. As a result, he’s knocked over by a bully and nearly drowns in the pond. He can’t understand why she’d stop him and he gets angry whenever he thinks about it. However, he’s still determined to save her from the Holey Wurm despite the numerous dangers he encounters.

What didn’t work as well:

As with some other books I’ve reviewed, this book requires a high tolerance for zaniness and strange ideas. I happen to appreciate these types of books although this one may not appeal to everybody. It’s often hard to tell if this book is meant to be a funny adventure story or an adventurous funny story.

The Final Verdict:

The second half of the book has less wackiness and the build-up to the climax is exciting with an action-packed chase at the end. The resolution is a bit of a surprise but it leaves the door open for the sequel. Overall, I recommend this book for readers with imaginations who enjoy the unusual.

Alebrijes by Donna Barba Higuera

What worked:

The author skillfully takes the time to describe the oppressive, despondent dystopian setting in the early parts of the book. Leandro and his little sister Gabi harvest potatoes all day in the hot sun only to be paid with a couple of potatoes for themselves. They share a tent-like hut with a frail, old woman but she takes most of their payment for herself and threatens them into submission. Anyone caught stealing or not obeying the rules of Pocatel is taken into custody by the Patrol and banished into the barren Outlands. The wyrms and spores that become active at night almost guarantee the exiles won’t live to see the sunrise. Leo is determined to escape with Gabi and find a safer place to live.

The Old-World refers to Earth as it used to be. Leo and Gabi wonder if the unbelievable tales of abundant wildlife and plants are actually true and they dream of someday living in a place like that. Readers will try to make mental connections between the world we know and the general descriptions of a world long gone. Some familiar technology and building structures are mentioned along with geographical locations and occupations. The term alebrije refers to mythical creatures but in this book, they’re simply animals the characters haven’t seen before. Leo speaks Spanish at times and I confess that I don’t know exactly what he’s saying. Readers can get the gist of the meanings for these phrases and the language enhances the cultural aspect of the story.

The essence of the conflict is based on the governing structure of Pocatel. The Pocatelans lived independently and took care of their own until the Cascabels arrived years ago. The Cascabels are used to ensure the survival of Pocatel but it’s clear the city’s citizens are more valued than the immigrants. The Cascabels living in the Pox are afraid of banishment and probable death so they don’t complain and silently perform the harsh tasks assigned to them. However, the story later reveals there’s more going on behind the scenes than anyone knows. The Directors are planning to take drastic, heartless actions that go well beyond anything done before. The real problem is the Imperator leading all of Pocatel. The repressive, cruel atmosphere has conditioned most of the citizens to have the same attitudes since speaking out against the leaders can lead to Pocatelans being banished too.

What didn’t work as well:

The book’s synopsis tells readers where the plot is headed but it takes a while to get there. There’s a great deal of description. However, the story takes a drastic turn about a fourth of the way into the book when Leo goes through an extreme transformation, and his consciousness is joined with a hummingbird drone.

The Final Verdict:

The book shares an innovative view of a dystopian culture living under a repressive, strict government. The interest level kicks up once Leo is banished as the plot opens up to a new setting, new characters, and significant revelations. Overall, this is a highly entertaining book and I highly recommend you give it a shot.

The Great Texas Dragon Race by Kacy Ritter

What worked:

The plot is interesting as it’s related to a couple of current, real-world issues. The story is set in West Texas on a farm dedicated to protecting abused and lost animals. Okay, the animals in question are dragons but the focus on rescuing creatures from deplorable conditions and death is similar to actual dog shelters today. The nation’s largest oil company, FireCorp, is the main violator of dragon mistreatment and their attitude is that they can do whatever they want and solve any problems with money. FireCorp wants to buy the dragon sanctuary property in order to build another refinery. Big business versus the common man is a universal conflict in many novels.

The opening pages display pictures and brief descriptions of dragons appearing in the story. It’s not overly critical to memorize them but they’re nice to reference if readers desire. Cassidy rides a Polychromatic Dragon called Ranga that she rescued when he was quite little. He’s fast but unpredictable due to what I’ll call PTSD at the hands of FireCorp. The author blends real descriptions of the desolate, dangerous Texas desert with the make-believe world of dragons that will make readers feel like their part of the race. Water and food are scarce and wild dragons are an ever-present danger so the dragon race is also a survival test. Riders are required to perform dragon-ranching skills along the way as they receive hologram clues from past race winners telling them various destinations. However, the riders must be wary of dirty tricks and sabotage from their competitors.

Cassidy wants to win the race to help with her family’s money problems but other issues make the plot more intriguing. FireCorp has dominated the winners in past dragon races and this year’s team of riders continues to intimidate everyone else. However, their sabotage and shady tactics frequently target Cassidy more than others and they’re determined to keep her from winning. Is it because her deceased mother was a former champion, because they want to get her family’s dragon ranch, or is it because of another unknown reason? Cassidy has a bad experience with one of the FireCorp riders but he apologizes afterward and says that wasn’t really him. Cassidy is well aware that ALL of the dragon riders only care about themselves and winning so she’s very reluctant to trust any of the competitors.

What didn’t work as well:

This is pretty petty but the words used to describe dragon sounds are generic and don’t work. I’m looking for onomatopoeia or additional descriptions to really help readers experience the noises.

The Final Verdict:

The story is about a fun, deadly adventure in the Texas desert where problem-solving, survival skills, and perseverance are requirements to reach the finish line. Cassidy learns valuable lessons about teamwork, friendship, and what’s important and the author wraps up the conflict in an unexpected way. I recommend you give this book a shot.

White House Clubhouse by Sean O'Brien

What worked:

The kids of all presidents in history have formed a club using a secret room in the White House as their base. Marissa and her younger sister Clara accidentally find the room and discover it has many different doors to choose from. The one they select transports them back to the presidency of Teddy Roosevelt and they learn they can’t return to the present until they complete some type of quest. Marissa realizes it must involve a two-thousand-year-old giant sequoia tree in California that will soon be cut down. The girls set out on a cross-country adventure to save Steeple Giant and possibly convince President Roosevelt that it's important to preserve nature for future generations.

Passenger jets hadn’t been invented yet so most of the story takes place on the president’s private train as it travels from Washington to California. Two of Roosevelt’s kids help Marissa and Clara sneak aboard so avoiding discovery by the security team is a constant challenge. They find themselves hiding or investigating all over the train including the caboose, dining car, press car, and even the steam engine. The train makes stops at cities all across the country where the president makes quick speeches to patriotic citizens. The reporters don’t pay much attention since he says the same thing every time. However, Roosevelt starts adding new phrases at some stops and the newspapermen want to find out why. Marissa and Clara may have something to do with that but they know time is running out to save Steeple Giant.

The author incorporates historical elements into the plot that will help young readers experience the way the United States used to be. At the end of the book, the author shares which parts of the story are based on actual events. He includes quotations from Roosevelt’s speeches in the story’s dialogue and the president’s love of nature is featured. He’s responsible for many national parks, forests, and preserves throughout the states with some of them mentioned in the narrative. Apparently, it wasn’t unusual to see a pony, badger, and guinea pigs inside the White House since his children shared his adventurous, mischievous spirit. On the other hand, the book points out how lobbyists constantly try to influence the president’s policies and the ongoing conflict between business and nature.

What didn’t work as well:

The plot features many chase scenes with the kids fleeing in, on, and around the train. Their daring escapes sometimes feel impossible and seem to require superpowers or superior athletic abilities. These scenes are exciting but don’t fit in a historically-accurate story from 1903.

The Final Verdict:

The book takes readers in unexpected directions as Marissa and her sister navigate the world of politics and adventure. Saving Steeple Giant is the focus but unexpected characters arise to add twists to the story. Overall, this book is thought-provoking and entertaining and I recommend you give it a shot.