Montgomery and the Case of the Golden Key by Tracy Occomy Crowder

What worked:

The book has an old, small-town feeling despite being set in 2008 Chicago. The author creates a world around Monty’s apartment where most of his neighbors are older, retired men and women. Monty likes to spend much of his time playing in the backyard next to an alley although his parents don’t trust him enough to leave this area unsupervised. He’s just turning ten so their concern is understandable, especially when some of his impulsive decisions put him in potential danger.

The author uses old stories told by the characters to create nostalgia and a tight feeling in the community. Monty is forced to make money during the summer and he’s trying to learn more about the golden key he finds. He visits with his elderly neighbors and asks if the key might belong to them. It doesn’t but it helps them remember stories from their childhoods during simpler times. One lady relates a moment in her life as the daughter of an ice man while another neighbor tells of a trip aboard a train and meeting a Pullman porter. This sense of history becomes a major factor in resolving a simmering problem that emerges as the plot moves along. The book also highlights science as Monty frequently uses the scientific method to resolve questions. It’s nothing too serious or educational that might dissuade young readers.

There are underlying plots about Obama’s campaign to become president and Chicago’s bid for the Summer Olympics. Having the Olympics in their community sounds like a great thing but some characters question how it will affect their lives. In addition, Monty learns a lot about different relationships as he tries to navigate his unexpectedly, eventful summer. His best friend is sent to New Orleans so Monty is left with another boy who likes to tease him. There are neighbors with reputations that frighten Monty but he learns to understand and appreciate them. Old Mrs. Jenkins is the most intimidating character and he does his best to avoid talking to her or even letting her see him. Perhaps Monty’s biggest issue is understanding how to balance what he wants to do with his parents’ expectations.

What didn’t work as well:

This narrative and vocabulary are straightforward without excessive description or fancy language. This style is contrary to most of the books I read but it fits the tone of the setting and characters. The problems and characters are realistic and simple so they don’t require needless details or complications.

The final verdict:

This book may not wow young readers but it’s an unassuming treat. Most young readers can identify with Monty’s normalness and the mystery of the gold key will keep them wondering. The plot comes to a very happy, satisfying conclusion. Overall, I recommend you give this book a shot.

Tidemagic: The Many Faces of Ista Flit by Clare Harlow

What worked:

It seems like characters who can change their physical appearances are usually bad guys but Ista breaks that mold. The Tide is the source of magic and all of the characters, except for Nat, have abilities. It’s expected in this society. Ista is at the mercy of a notorious thief, Alexo, so readers will root for her as she tries to reacquire her missing father’s last possession. Ista feels there must be a little bit of good inside of Alexo but readers may doubt that. Their relationship is not mutually beneficial as readers will sense Alexo can’t be trusted. The uncertainty of their relationship creates an interesting conflict to follow. However, Ista never suspects what Alexo is really up to.

An unexpected mystery is introduced when Ista crosses paths with Nat. Nat’s mother is a newspaper reporter and her magical talent is getting hunches that are never wrong. She suspects someone is controlling the grilks that are being blamed for disappearances across the city, possibly including Ista’s own father. The grilks are so feared that citizens are afraid to even say that word out loud. No one has ever escaped a grilk encounter before but Ista has now done it twice. Ista and her friends follow leads, investigate suspects, and are still stumped by confusing evidence. The victims of the grilk attacks must have something in common, but what? The author manages to conceal the truth for much of the story and even then, surprising twists and turns await.

The Tide sometimes feels like more than a natural occurrence depending on the setting. Its power comes and goes each day much like the tides found in large bodies of water. There are times during the story when Ista must feel for the magic or moments when the Tide is upset that she’s using it. The author artfully describes this relationship and the narrative as evidenced by this sentence later in the book. “The Tide was rising, its magic nosing at Ista like a puppy seeking attention…” Besides displaying the appearances of others, Ista can manifest their magical powers. The Tide doesn’t like her doing this and she can’t use the abilities for long.

What didn’t work as well:

There are many moving parts to the plot that some young readers might not appreciate. However, most readers will like the uncertainty and creative writing of the story.

The final verdict:

The author has crafted an imaginative, suspenseful adventure that will captivate young readers. Ista’s determination to locate her father and the other missing citizens makes her character admirable and appealing. I highly recommend you give this book a shot.

Meo and Be by Doan Phuong Nguyen

What worked:

The setting is unusual for a middle-grade novel as it takes place in 1962 Vietnam. It’s seven years into the Vietnam War and the threat of a Viet Cong attack is always in the background. It’s normal to see armed soldiers patrolling the streets. The author includes many cultural details of that time including the possibility of a father having two wives. A glossary is provided at the front of the book to help readers understand any unfamiliar vocabulary they can’t figure out when using the context. The author says she wants to present South Vietnam before American soldiers arrived and the plot doesn’t directly describe the war with North Vietnam. Most books about this region of the world include America’s role in the conflict so it’s appropriate for this book to focus on the people who lived there.

Thuong is the epitome of an underdog character. She learns that her father has a second family and she’s forced to move with her mother into his other home. Thuong’s stepmother has a reputation in the village for being an angry, loud woman and Thuong immediately learns that first-hand. The woman demands Thuong change her name and forbids her youngest son from playing with Be. Be finds comfort from her grandmother but soon loses that support when her grandmother dies. Things go downhill from there and readers will hope that Be can find even the smallest positive moments in her life. It’s disturbing to note that many of the traumatic events described are based on stories the author heard from her family members.

The author tenderly develops a wide range of emotions although many of them are not happy. Her stepmother causes most of Be’s sadness due to her repulsion and anger toward her husband’s second family. Be tries to avoid the woman as best she can and she stays close to possible protectors when near her stepmother. Be’s sadness turns to misery following her mother’s absence and her father’s illness and then the author chooses to make things even worse. Be no longer speaks and she’s sold into slavery by her stepmother. Glimmers of hope and glee are provided throughout the book with Be’s youngest stepbrother being the first. However, the relationship has ups and downs. Be’s most loyal friend is a kitten named Meo and he never leaves Be’s side. Finally, Be meets another prisoner about her age and it seems as though their friendship is the only thing allowing them to survive.

What didn’t work as well:

The upbeat moments in the book are few and far between so it creates a depressing tone for readers. However, it’s based on reality and this was not a feel-good time in South Vietnam’s history. It’s an appropriate tone for the subject matter.

The final verdict:

Readers will root for Be during her journey to find happiness and they’ll become emotionally invested in her struggles. I recommend you give this book a shot.

Explorer Academy Vela: The Sailor Cipher (Book 1) by Trudi Trueit

What worked:

This book is a spin-off of the original Explorer Academy series but this time it features Sailor, a young girl from Australia. The previous books focused on Cruz and he’s still part of the narrative along with most of the other students readers have come to know. A curious twist is Sailor’s secret ability to read the minds of animals she encounters. She doesn’t know if the animals can read her mind too but her grandmother warned Sailor not to use this ability. She doesn’t know the reasons behind her grandmother’s warning but she won’t tell her friends or her other family members. Reader interest will be tickled by Sailor’s hidden ability as they anticipate its possible development. The author also adds two opposing secret organizations to the book for an ongoing conflict, similar to what was found in the original Explorer Academy series.

Science fiction lovers will enjoy the book because of the multitude of cool inventions. The book opens with Sailor and Cruz testing a new communication device that allows people to listen and talk to bottle-nosed dolphins. Students head to the CAVE where they learn from virtual, real-life scenarios from anywhere in the world. All students wear academy uniforms with various abilities including camouflage. Cruz still has his robotic bee that is used for surveillance and other tasks while Sailor is gifted with a similar robotic butterfly. Emmett still wears the glasses he invented so other characters and readers will have a sense of his thoughts and feelings when the colors change. New technology is constantly popping up on the Vela and readers will need to remind themselves that it’s all found on this ship. Pages at the end of the book connect actual people and technology to references in the book.

The purpose of the academy remains dedicated to animals and the environment so readers will learn about and appreciate the importance and wonder of nature. The academy’s big project for this school year is tagging monarch butterflies to track their migratory patterns. It doesn’t sound overly exciting but the author adds a twist later in the book to spice things up. The student teams travel to the Caribbean Sea where they’ll create their own independent studies. Readers will learn about the fascinating history and ecosystem found within the Great Blue, a deep hole that formed after melting following the Ice Age. The characters will use revolutionary diving suits and will be transported to the bottom aboard the academy’s newest, most advanced submersible. Information about flora, fauna, and geography is seamlessly woven into the plot without making the story feel educational.

What didn’t work as well:

The are a few pages depicting Sailor’s journal entries but they’re not necessary. They don’t add much more to what’s already been said so the story can easily be enjoyed without them. However, they’re shown in full color which brightens the book along with all of the other vibrant illustrations.

The final verdict:

The characters will be familiar to fans of the original Explorers Academy and the focus on Sailor adds a wonderful twist. Overall, I highly recommend this to lovers of science and the environment. 

Insectorama: The Marvelous World of Insects by Lisa Voisard

What worked:

Obviously, this book is about insects and the author indicates there are over 1.3 million of them around the world. The book is divided into four main sections by habitat: Cities and towns, countryside, wetlands, and forests. Each of these sections is formatted similarly. They begin with large pictures, a one-page general description including reproduction, and then two pages with more details. Other pages show the metamorphosis of each insect, the food they eat, and insects they might be mistaken for. The final page of each section displays a labeled drawing of the insect and highlights the wings, antenna, thorax, and eyes. These body parts are keys to identifying the various insects.

The author is also the illustrator and she’s drawn colorful illustrations to fill almost every page. In addition to the sketches mentioned in the previous paragraph, the author illustrates other areas of interest. Most of the insects will be fairly recognizable to young readers but the book includes more unusual examples. A Hercules Beetle is around seven inches long, other insects give off odors or are toxic, and some insects resemble other animals. Several pages toward the end offer suggestions for identifying insects and less common information about select examples. There are different kinds of metamorphosis, ways to communicate, methods of camouflage, and adaptations for self-defense.

What didn’t work as well:

The repetitive format makes the book easy to navigate but it can become more tedious if reading the book straight through. It might be better to use the book as a handbook or reference guide to make the best use of the large amount of information.

The final verdict:

The book doesn’t overwhelm readers with overly detailed information so it’s easily accessible. The abundant illustrations add to the appeal as readers encounter a blend of familiar and uncommon insects. Overall, I recommend you give this book a shot.

Riding Wild by Michelle L. Brown

What worked:

The most unique thing about this book is how it highlights popular rodeo events like bull-riding and barrel racing. Vic is one of the top barrel-racers around and the relationship with her horse feels natural. However, she wants to learn how to ride bulls so the author includes the instruction she receives from her neighbor, Remmy. Vic’s had practice riding bucking horses but getting atop a two-thousand-pound bull is a whole new danger. She is taught how to hold the rope, wave her opposite arm, and spur the bull to jump more. Riders must stay on a bull for eight seconds to get a score but their points are also dependent on the challenge presented by the animal. Riders prod the bulls to jump, twist, and buck, making their rides more difficult.

It's clear Vic wants to feel a deeper connection to her deceased father and she’s willing to take risks to achieve it. This pursuit creates a conflict with her grandfather, Pops, and her mother. Vic’s mother doesn’t want her daughter near bulls and Pops has promised to support the mother’s wishes. Pops becomes increasingly upset when he catches Vic riding bulls on multiple occasions and it’s nice to hear him say her “word” doesn’t make her trustworthy. Vic’s recklessness and poor decisions increase the drama but it seems clear that she’ll eventually be able to compete in bull-riding, one way or another. A bull called El Loco is mentioned multiple times and appears to be the ultimate test. A couple of subplots concern gender expectations and Vic’s encounters with bullying.

What didn’t work as well:

The story lacks any in-depth description and some of it is evident. Vic’s emotions don’t always match what’s happened for example getting mad at her grandfather after she’s just put herself in danger. The attention to bull riding is interesting but readers may want to know more about the characters beyond that. The oversimplification of problems with rapid transformations will appeal to reluctant or emerging readers but more experienced readers will not be satisfied.

The final verdict:

The uncommon setting and problem may draw in young readers and Vic’s determination to prove herself and connect with the memory of her father is inspiring. Overall, this book is a quick, entertaining read and I recommend you give it a shot.

The Longest Night in Egypt (The Shadow Prince 2) by David Anthony Durham

What worked:

Ash became Prince Khufu’s shadow, his bodyguard, in the previous book and he faces new challenges in this new story. The prince’s parents reveal a prophecy to Ash and swear him to secrecy. This information adds more pressure to his role as the prince’s shadow especially since he can’t tell Khufu. The news of Lord Ra’s disappearance forces Ash to take action and travel to the underworld where he’ll most likely never return. Of course, the prince insists on accompanying Ash so his other friends agree to go too.

Prince Khufu’s personality makes him an interesting character. He’s a thrill-seeker as shown by the book’s opening scene. The prince has two new sunwing suits made of suncloth so he thinks it will be exciting to jump off a tower and soar around the city. I picture it as base jumping while wearing a solar-powered suit. The prince’s parents adore him so the consequences for his poor, unsafe decisions aren’t too severe, hardly enough to curb his behavior. The prince’s questionable choices make him a wild card since readers will never know what to expect from him.

Most of the narrative follows Ash and his adventures in the Duat and these chapters are told from his point of view. The characters face a variety of fierce demons that present a wide range of dangers. Ash and his friends encounter physical threats from small and large creatures as well as mental challenges to pass through underworld gates. Ash receives a bag of memories before entering the Duat and some paragraphs describe these past events. Ash doesn’t think this gift is very important as the memories don’t seem special or significant. He discovers they’re more useful than he thought. In addition, some chapters switch to Lord Set so readers will be aware of his revolt against the other gods and the release of demons into the world. These chapters help to understand his anger toward humans and the other gods and his clever plot for revenge. Khufu’s brother is caught up in Set’s plans and this problem will continue into the sequel.

What didn’t work as well:

For the most part, the author shares a suspenseful quest to rescue Lord Ra but some elements of the plot add confusing levity. Light moments between characters are understandable as their relationships are developed. Some of the demons are cute or seemingly innocent only to become malevolent dangers to the characters. There’s nothing inherently wrong in these scenes but readers’ feelings may become muddled due to inconsistent information. The monsters can be left fearsome but maybe leave the humor to the characters.

The final verdict:

This exciting, dramatic adventure will appeal to many middle-grade readers, especially those interested in mythology and Egypt. Set’s plans are clever and present a tricky conflict to solve. Overall, this book is entertaining and I recommend you give it a shot.

Clara Poole and the Wrong Way Up by Taylor Tyng

What worked:

There are immediate changes and strange occurrences to signal a mystery is brewing. The new students arriving at the Air Academy discover they haven’t been accepted yet and Clara is informed she’s only an alternate. She won’t be a student unless someone else drops out. Students and teachers have been seriously injured due to broken bridges and faulty equipment found in the airborne school. The headmaster’s opening address to students is confusing as he’s forgetful and loses his train of thought. He also suffers from sleep-flying and must be retrieved when he drifts off into the sky. Clara finds cryptic messages and clues so readers will try to figure out what’s happening behind the scenes. A surprising twist awaits when the plot reaches its climax.

As with the previous book, the author includes many characters to either act as Clara’s friends or fill the role of antagonists. Short, little Hatsu has been looking forward to being Clara’s roommate since last year’s great balloon race which proves she’s Clara’s most enthusiastic supporter. Until she’s not. Ophelia still detests Clara although Clara begins to view the girl differently after overhearing a conversation. Their relationship changes. Clara and the academy’s biggest problem might be the assistant headmaster. He divides the new recruits into two groups and the Peregrines are clearly the favored team. He also treats Clara with disdain and puts her in unwinnable situations. A former enemy becomes an ally but Clara’s team is dysfunctional with constant internal drama.

A highlight of the book is how the cast of characters changes as the plot moves along. Students from the past have been injured or traumatized enough to leave the academy and that trend continues. Readers won’t always know if characters are gone for good or if they’ll eventually turn up again. A teacher, assumed to be dead, returns unexpectedly and becomes a mentor to Clara. She raises the concept of gender bias and readers are frequently made aware of her conflicted past with the acting headmaster. The actual headmaster finally disappears from the academy but Clara is almost certain it isn’t an accident. The popular safety director vanishes with him and readers will presume they may be gone forever. A fellow student named Binder loves to joke around and create havoc so he keeps everyone on their toes.

What didn’t work as well:

The main conflict is difficult to identify as the characters are worried about being accepted to the academy when they’re not clashing with each other. The bigger issue is what’s happening behind the scenes and the author provides red herrings, misdirection, and vague observations. The clues Clara finds are often found by accident and they’re then put on the back burner due to some other problem.

The final verdict:

This book is quite different from the previous one as it’s a new, exciting adventure in the skies. Clara encounters animosity, doubt, and jealousy from other characters but readers will admire her efforts to do the right thing. I highly recommend you give this book a shot and I look forward to its sequel. 

Penny Draws a Secret Adventure by Sara Shepard

What worked:

The format of this book is easy to read and should appeal to reluctant readers. The narrative is written as if Penny is talking to her dog Cosmo and almost every page has some type of drawing. Many of the illustrations are written as comic strips or with voice bubbles to fill in parts of the story not written in paragraph form. The chapters are fairly short so young readers can quickly finish them and feel frequent success.

A big internal conflict affecting Penny is an overactive brain when it comes to worrying. It’s not as bad as in the previous books but it still magnifies concerns that come up. Luckily, she still has a feelings teacher at school who helps her adjust to the new twin babies who’ve just joined the family. Two new babies in the house almost guarantee one of them will be crying at any time. Another major problem for Penny is that two of her friends are practicing for a spelling bee without her. Penny doesn’t like spelling and she doesn’t think she minds them getting together but she’s afraid she might be losing her importance as a friend. She previously lost her friend Violet to another girl so Penny fears it might be happening again.

The secret adventure arises when Penny finds a treasure map in a box, located in the back of her garage. The map shows locations around town but it was created decades ago. It references places inside her house, at school, and in the neighborhood so Penny wonders how the person knew about them back then. Readers will follow Penny and her friends as they solve the clues left at each location in order to locate the treasure. Penny also learns about the special relationships in her life and the true meaning of friendship. The treasure map takes Penny and readers to places they’d never expect.

What didn’t work as well:

The secret adventure feels more like a neighborhood scavenger hunt than an actual adventure. The biggest drama in the narrative comes from Penny’s lack of self-confidence so some readers may want more.

The final verdict:

This book is best for readers in elementary school due to the writing style and format of the book. The casual tone will be appealing to young readers and Penny is easy to root for. Overall, the book tells a fun tale of friendship and I recommend you give it a shot.

The Owl Prowl Mystery by Diana Renn

What worked:

The book focuses on a group of nature-conscious kids who call themselves the Backyard Rangers. The story is told through the eyes of Miles and his attitude seems more relatable than the other characters, especially Pia. Pia is gung-ho to save the local owls as she tells Miles that some of his Halloween decorations might endanger the birds living in the neighborhood. Readers will follow these kids as they learn more about owls and try to inform citizens about the best ways to keep them safe. The author includes a couple of subplots involving Miles and a fellow ranger named Delaney. Miles gets caught up in a class competition and lies about something he’s seen. Delaney has a secret of her own that she shares with Miles in confidence. Their relationship will be put to the test when emotions begin to boil over.

The narrative includes many references to animal facts that will educate and interest young readers. The Rangers are very conscious of owl safety so much of the information focuses on it. Readers will learn where they like to live, what they like to eat, and they’re feeding habits. Miles finds many pellets near his home that contain undigestible material owls have eaten. His class learns what was eaten by examining these pellets. His town has a woman who is dedicated to rescuing injured owls and introducing them back into nature. The Rangers learn that humans sometimes do things to help owls that may be harmful to them.

The plot’s mystery involves protecting owls although the actual danger isn’t clear. The biggest concern is generated when the class discovers unnatural materials in some owl pellets that might indicate someone is baiting the owls. Netting hidden in the woods and a pile of feathers add to the mystery and may signal owls are experiencing more serious threats. The Backyard Rangers act like detectives and generate lists of suspects, motives, and opportunities to commit the suspected infractions. Motive is the most puzzling ingredient. What does a suspect gain by baiting or potentially harming the owls?

What didn’t work as well:

The characters sometimes refer to themselves as bird nerds which doesn’t make them immediately attractive to young readers. Nerd isn’t a positive label to them. In addition, the main conflict of the story lacks clarity and urgency which might create tension and suspense for readers. In fact, the “crime” being investigated might not even be illegal.

The final verdict:

Nature lovers should enjoy this book since it focuses on owls and the environment. The Backyard Rangers are an enthusiastic team but the actual conflict doesn’t generate the drama readers might expect. It’s still an entertaining, informative story so give it a shot!

Spindleheart: Trail of Shadow and Spool by T.I. Avens

What worked:

The book follows two stories told in alternating chapters of two larks, creatures that can talk, with separate journeys to travel. Wynn is a swivel-ear who has quested herself to retrieve an artifact that once protected her people. She is a guardian of it but a moment of cowardice resulted in its theft. The other story involves a magical lark named Calla who is worried about passing her tests to become a caster. This is Calla’s primary focus, especially after she breaks her staff until soldiers show up with a summons to appear before the Keepers of Runnelloom. Readers must wait until the book nears its end for the separate journeys of Wynn and Calla to finally merge.

Young readers will enjoy the variety of wilders especially Calla’s three pet twig-trots. Pye, Mischief, and Thimble look like small bushes but their behavior is reminiscent of three cats, each with its own personality. Other wilders come in a wide range of shapes and sizes that lead to curious encounters. A dead wisteria winged-moose is Calla’s first inkling that something is seriously wrong in the forests. Later, Calla is forced to eat web-tailed toads. She bravely faces a dangerous dande-boar while Wynn is forced to flee from a pack of badger-pines. The author adds horns, wings, sharp claws, and pointy teeth to familiar animals which makes them recognizable and frightening.

The two main characters are motivated to prove themselves due to past disappointments. As mentioned, Wynn is tasked with protecting an artifact but she’s distracted from her duties and cowers instead of stopping the thief. She doesn’t share details of the artifact when speaking to others and she’s determined to locate and stop a powerful caster named Blume. Calla takes a personal interest in discovering the reason wilders are dying across the lands. It seems it might involve magic but she feels insufficient with her casting after breaking her staff. Later, Calla is reunited with an older sister which creates a need to prove herself. However, Calla’s impulsiveness sometimes leads to unwanted consequences and causes old issues to return.

What didn’t work as well:

Each chapter begins with an illustration which is nothing new. However, they’re repeated in a pattern and often have nothing to do with the events in those parts of the plot. Pictures at the start of chapters in other books often give visual previews of what’s to come so the illustrations in this book are confusing.

The final verdict:

The author tenderly develops empathy for Calla and Wynn as they try to prove themselves. Readers should be prepared to read the sequel as the plot isn’t resolved and will carry over into the next book. Overall, the blend of strange characters and mysterious story is entertaining and I recommend you give this book a shot.

ChupaCarter and the Screaming Sombrero by George Lopez and Ryan Calejo

What worked:

A chupacabra named Carter is obviously what makes this book different from others. His favorite food is goat so a talking sombrero made from goat hide gets his mouth watering. Other characters are startled or frightened when they first meet Carter due to the large fangs sticking out of his mouth. However, he’s able to control his thirst for blood and he pretends to be a pet dog when in public with his best friend, Jorge. Carter often adds humor to the story as he’s impulsive and usually misunderstands figures of speech. However, he sometimes offers unexpected useful suggestions.

Jorge is the leader of a trio of friends although the other two characters have more useful knowledge. Ernie is an expert on El Dorado (a mythical lost city of gold) and a die-hard superfan of Star Trek. Star Trek doesn’t play a big part in the story but references to it still manage to pop up. Ernie’s father has been obsessed with El Dorado so he’s an easy suspect when artifacts go missing from a famous exhibit. Liza is book-smart and shares facts and information to help the characters navigate the obstacles they encounter. She’s often the voice of reason when Jorge or Carter, or the sombrero, come up with risky ideas. The three characters have been friends since the first book in the series but Jorge and Ernie face a challenge that will eventually reveal the true meanings of trust, friendship, and treasure.

As with the previous two books, the authors infuse Spanish vocabulary and culture into the narrative. Jorge is the main character and he’s living with his Mexican grandparents in New Mexico. Exclamations and short phrases are used to add authenticity to the dialogue and they should be easily understood by young readers. It’s great practice with using context clues and understanding the meanings won’t inhibit following the plot. A la bruja (witch) casts a spell on El Dorado and the kids must locate three ancient artifacts to locate the lost treasure. They’ll need to vamonos quickly to outsmart three unknown thieves and keep Ernie’s father out of jail.

What didn’t work as well:

The identity of the three thieves isn’t revealed until the narrative nears the end and they’re history is very unusual. Their past is unique enough that some readers might want to know more.

The final verdict:

The authors have created an entertaining adventure with unforgettable characters and a good dose of humor. Carter and Enrique, the talking sombrero, make an unusual team that often steals the show. Overall, this a fun, light-hearted story and I recommend you give it a shot.

The Art of Running Away by Sabrina Kleckner

What worked:

Maisie’s family is full of drama although she’s not aware of all of it. Her love of art will resonate with many young readers as will the motivation of some parents to give their kids well-rounded upbringings, whether their kids want it or not. Maisie’s brother left home abruptly six years earlier which leaves her with mixed emotions. What is the real reason he left home and why hasn’t he tried to contact her? This makes her feel angry and confused and she wants answers to her questions. Most of the story deals with Maisie trying to connect with Calum but he’s reluctant to talk about his past. Add frustration to Maisie’s myriad of feelings.

The author allows readers into Maisie’s mind which reveals her thoughts and plans to deal with her emotions. She decides to “run away” from her aunt in Edinburgh, Scotland, to spend most of the summer with Calum in London, England. Her initial idea is to convince him to help save their family’s art studio but she discovers there are complications. It’s hard for Maisie and Calum to understand each other when both of them aren’t being fully honest. Maisie’s best friend back in New York is trying to be supportive but trying to maintain communication from different sides of the Atlantic Ocean is challenging. Maisie sometimes overreacts to new information about her brother and parents which leads to some well-intentioned, bad decisions. She begins to learn what it means to be an ally.

The story dips into the world of art and technology which may interest readers. Maisie’s talent is with realistic sketches that her father then enhances to create oil portraits. She’s stumped when asked why she likes working for the family studio and it causes her to consider her values. She’s later introduced to graphic sketches which act as inspiration for discovering her personal style. Maisie is surprised to learn Calum is an anonymous graphic artist and he also helps his boyfriend tag blank walls around London. Calum’s roommates are students at college but they have creative abilities of their own. Together, these characters explore different artistic mediums.

What didn’t work as well:

The book’s title may not project an idea that adults want to see but the plot reveals a budding frustration between Maisie and her parents. The Amazon post indicates this book is for readers age 8 and above but it’s more appropriate for at least ten-year-olds. Other than Maisie, the main characters in the book are all adults. Most of the subject matter covered while Maisie is in London seems pretty mature and probably won’t be appreciated by younger readers.

The final verdict:

The author shares an emotional story of a dysfunctional family that’s trying to forgive and heal old wounds. It’s mostly set in London so some elements of British culture are included. Despite the setting and the topic of art, the basis of the issues is universal and I recommend you give this book a shot.

Lemon Drop Falls by Heather Clark

What worked:

Grief is a major topic as Morgan struggles to fill the role of her deceased mother. Morgan feels it’s her responsibility to keep the family safe and happy and she is very concerned about adding stress to her father’s life. Her mother always created ABC plans to keep homelife organized and Morgan tries to maintain that level of structure. Hiding her true feelings inside puts her under tremendous pressure but she can’t let anyone, especially her father, think she’s having problems.

The author shares past events and the present by using the mother’s death as an anchor point. Some chapters are labeled “Before” while others are labeled “After” to differentiate their focuses. The author uses an interesting technique to connect them by starting many chapters with phrases or words that are repeated from the last sentences of the preceding chapters. The flashbacks show how Morgan’s mother holds the family and friends together so her loss is especially devastating. Clues are dropped that indicate all is not well with her and there are other vague references to events preceding her death. Something happens between Morgan and her mother but readers must speculate about the details until much later in the book.

The story takes place as Morgan is preparing to start middle school and seventh grade. Her mother’s death complicates the transition but relationships with Morgan’s two closest friends are changing too. Morgan isn’t happy with how a new girl is influencing her BFF, Keilani, as their interactions become more strained. Also, Hrishi might be liking Morgan as more than just a friend and she isn’t sure how she feels about that. Her mother’s not there to counsel her on natural “girl” things, like buying a proper bra, and her dad seems too overwhelmed to notice. Many middle-grade female readers should be able to find connections with Morgan’s character.

What didn’t work as well:

The author has written a tale full of feelings as Morgan struggles to make sense of the changes in her life. There are pleasant memories from the past until she remembers her mom is dead. This results in a melancholy tone throughout much of the book until Morgan realizes Plan B doesn’t need to last forever.

The final verdict:

The author tenderly deals with Morgan’s emotional trauma as readers accompany her on the trials of moving forward in life. Lemon drops and the battle with anxiety are drawn from the author’s life experiences and her range of feelings are clearly incorporated into the story. She compassionately addresses sensitive topics and I recommend you give this book a shot.

Ace Adler and the Pendulum of Doom by John H. Matthews

What worked:

The author allows readers to become accustomed to Ace’s time travel by having him go back minutes in time early on. His needs begin simple enough as Ace needs to finish two questions on his math test and he forgets something on his shopping list at the store. Readers will wonder how Ace transports himself but the incidents are insignificant enough that there’s no urgency to know. He’s doing things any reader might do on a normal day but how does he gain the ability and why now? More information is revealed as the plot moves along but the author still leaves room for readers to wonder.

Ace sees a man wearing a white suit zoom past during his initial quick jaunts into the past. The lack of information about the man and his brief appearance immediately generates curiosity and anticipation. Is he a friend or a foe and how does he know Ace’s real name is Horace? Once they finally meet, the man shares some life-changing information that will force Ace to reevaluate the world and the people in his life. This character also introduces the problem with the giant pendulum clock that becomes the basis for the plot’s conflict.

The topic of time travel always creates interesting possibilities so it’s fun to see how authors handle them. The big issue usually involves characters going back and doing something to alter future events. This book doesn’t really address that until it nears the end. For the most part, Ace is able to relive moments in his life without any collateral effects. This book introduces three planes of existence: the past, the present, and an in-between world between them called the Slip.

What didn’t work as well:

The main conflict isn’t introduced until the midway point of the plot and it’s not a very long book. This doesn’t leave much room to develop the story and build up to a climax. The author accomplishes the feat but the book actually sets the stage for a sequel. A longer book would allow more time to develop the action, with complications

The final verdict:

This book offers a creative take on time travel along with Ace’s life without a mother. The pace of the book picks up during the second half and concludes with additional questions for a sequel. I can recommend you give this book a shot.

The Traitor of Nubis (Umbra Tales 2) by Janelle McCurdy

What worked:

Mia has horrible dreams involving her family members where shadows pour from their bodies. A strange woman’s voice speaks to Mia in her dreams and she starts having visions even while she’s awake. The troubling thoughts seem to be a sign that the Reaper King isn’t gone forever and at least one of his Elite is still roaming free to cause trouble. Mia can’t believe it might be her former best friend, Miles. For readers, it’s unclear if Mia’s imaginings are twisted variations of her experiences, premonitions of what’s to come, or messages from the Reaper King. The woman’s voice speaks to Mia in a time of need so maybe the voice is trying to help her. Or, maybe it’s trying to manipulate her.

Mia’s parents continually stress the importance of Mia learning to control her Lightcaster powers. Standing up to the Reaper King and his minions last summer doesn’t mean she knows how she did it. Her power often builds up when she feels strong emotions, like stress and anger, until it erupts from her hands. That’s not a useful way to use such a strong ability. Mia’s parents provide lessons but they’re not Lightcasters and they get their knowledge from incomplete text from a Lightcaster book. She’s frustrated with her lack of progress especially when her little brother, also a Lightcaster, has some success. However, she eventually feels a new sense of purpose and determination with the hopes of helping her grandparents and preparing for the secret plans of the Elite.

As the title indicates, a traitor is lurking in the story. Readers will be suspicious of every character and question their actions. New characters who were once aligned with the Elite enter Nubis so readers will immediately be leery of their motives. The Reaper King is still able to influence his Elite followers even though he’s not physically present. Consequently, readers will anticipate his return even though they won’t know when or how he’ll do it. He hopes to capture a Lightcaster which puts Mia and Lucas in imminent danger. Mia finds cryptic messages from an unknown person that influence her decisions but is the person trying to help Mia or are the messages leading her into a trap?

What didn’t work as well:

I know it’s a way to develop drama but Mia repeatedly disobeys her parents to go on her secret missions. It gets a little redundant when Mia repeatedly goes off on her own, fearful of what her parents may think, but receives little consequence for putting herself in danger. It seems like her parents should be more protective of her safety but Mia repeatedly puts herself in danger. This adds tension to the plot but readers may expect the parents to try harder to keep their daughter safe. I was.

The final verdict:

This book continues Mia’s quest to stop the Reaper King even though this time the antagonists aren’t clearly defined. The suspects aren’t easily identified which helps to build suspense. Overall, this is an exciting continuation of the series and I recommend you give it a shot.

Nightmares in Paradise (Ring of Solomon 2) by Aden Polydoros

What worked:

The book presents a familiar, middle-grade format as Zach must battle huge malevolent monsters to rescue his sister and save the world. He travels through the original Garden of Eden which has gone downhill through centuries of change. Dangers lurk around every turn and it seems that every threat is worse than the previous ones. Zach, Sandra, and Ash must reach the Tree of Life and an old “friend” of Ash decides to make it into a contest. There aren’t many unexpected twists so the plot is easy to follow. The author includes references to the Jewish religion which provides a different slant to some biblical details incorporated into the story.

Zach is forced to hide his true self from others and it’s taking a mental toll on him. He can’t tell anyone about the powerful demons and Knights of the Apocalypse he defeated last summer and his parents are concerned that he’s putting disturbing thoughts in his younger sister’s head. Her talk of battling monsters and Zach’s flaming sword convince them that he’s the reason Naomi runs away. Zach’s also hiding the secret that he’s gay and he feels more stress when his father tells Zach that he wishes he’d be a normal boy. How does Zach share his feelings with his parents after his father says that?

The demon king called Ash may be the most interesting character. He usually appears when Zach calls although Ash compares the requests to an annoying noise that he can ignore. He steps up to defend Zach against other creatures and provides advice and guidance when they enter Eden. However, Ash is a demon and he can be a terrifying beast when he chooses to morph. He warns Zach and Sandra to look away when he battles Uriel because his appearance will permanently harm them too. The school bullies who’ve been harassing Zach for years learn that the hard way. Ash is a valuable ally and friend to Zach but he can quickly change into a devastating, horrifying demon who unleashes his wrath onto formidable foes. Ash’s wide range of changes leaves readers wondering which character will appear throughout the plot.

What didn’t work as well:

The early pages mention events from the first book so readers won’t feel totally lost. However, characters reappear later in the story and readers may want to know more about them. Naomi’s character was surely developed more in the previous book but new readers, like me, don’t get a full grasp of her relationship with Zach.

The final verdict:

This book will appeal to lovers of monsters and adventure as Zach follows a dangerous path through Eden to save his little sister. The banter between Zach and Ash offers some humor. Overall, this is a fun story for young readers and I recommend you give it a shot.

The Observologist: A Handbook for Mounting Very Small Scientific Expeditions by Giselle Clarkson

What worked:

The author speaks directly to young readers in a light-hearted voice as she shares facts about tiny, common creatures. This technique helps to create a connection between the book and young readers. They’ll like that the book suggests they look down by their feet (maybe even lie on the ground), be curious and patient, and flip over rocks and wet logs. The topics are organized into four groups based on where they can be found. Kids can look in Damp Corners (slugs, fungi, and lice), around Pavement (ants, lichen, and worms), in Weedy Patches (bees, caterpillars, and wasps), and Behind the Curtains (cockroaches, moths, and spiders). Other random information is described that readers might not think about. They can learn how to safely move a spider, how to save a moth from drowning, or how to recognize insects by their sounds. The final pages include an index where readers can locate specific topics.

Color sketches, comics, and diagrams help young readers visualize the information being shared. An illustration of a fruit fly shows its “striking red eyes” and “handsomely tiger striped abdomen” as the fly says its elderly granny is “twenty days old”. Other diagrams point out body parts found on ants and earthworms. Kids can also see how millipedes and centipedes differ and how to tell apart common wasps and honey bees. A short comic strip depicts how a spider traps its prey. Many young readers like gross things so how about including drawings of different bird poop to tell which birds made them? One page displays the droppings from worms, roaches, and spiders while a variety of tiny eggs are shown on another. Everyone knows spiders have eight eyes but readers can see different possibilities of their pattern. The “hand-written” captions accompanying every illustration are very informative without being overly serious.

What didn’t work as well:

Some readers might not appreciate all of the topics or the more serious information but it’s better to be thorough than leave interesting things out. If you don’t like reading about slimy, creepy things then my recommendation is to deal with it! This is a fun book to read.

The final verdict:

I just realized this could be a good book for bathroom reading in addition to an entertaining resource for school. The casual voice of the narrator makes the information easy to read and enjoyable. Overall, I highly recommend you give this book a shot!

Cloudlanders by Christopher Mackie

What worked:

Magical lightstone lifts the land of Bastion up into the skies and the leaking magic reveals creatures and characters of all kinds. This prepares readers for the appearance of many strange, unexpected things. The seven-foot mushroom called Kurt, the fairy made of gemstone named Flicker, an invisible boy named Boy, and a magical Auger are only a few of the magical beings. A giant, talking wolf named Lycan can morph into any kind of creature, including a human, and he becomes a prominent character. All technology has been banished from the kingdom so the appearance of a crashing aeroplane raises quite a stir. All of these imaginative qualities help to build an entertaining plot.

While the characters are trying to survive their various predicaments, some questions are raised that create a mystery to solve. Bastion was forced to escape into the atmosphere because of the Wavewrecker down on the planet and it will never forget that this piece of land escaped it. Its agents have infiltrated Bastion and they’re trying to undermine the citizens and release the lightstone. One of these Tidekins is covertly introduced as an innocent character so readers will need to figure out which one is up to no good. A strange boy crashes onto Bastion and his emergence from nowhere is full of intrigue. He can’t talk and has mechanical body parts which makes his arrival unexplainable and concerning. It seems there’s an imminent, catastrophic threat to the kingdom that the characters and readers will need to figure out before it’s too late. Palatin Flint is married to the queen but citizens are leery and fearful when he comes to their towns. No one knows about a terrible thing he did in the past but the issue resurfaces in the later parts of the book.

The author focuses on different characters in alternating chapters which allows the story to jump between settings. These chapters mainly follow Aliana and her brother Garrett. Aliana is an adventurous risk-taker and she joins the story as a bounty hunter searching for Lycan. The exchanges between these two characters add a touch of humor to the story as they become partners in rescuing a young girl. Garrett is a thinker who loves to research and discover new artifacts from society before the Lift. While Aliana is out exploring different areas across Bastion, Garrett’s chapters are located in the city of Floatania. Other chapters follow Kurt as he tries to keep the aeroplane pilot safe from Paladin Flint.

What didn’t work as well:

Flicker is a main part of the story early on but then she inexplicably leaves Kurt in a time of need. Readers are left to wonder why for most of the book until she returns with a compelling revelation. Also, leaving the settings after some chapters break the momentum developed at those points in the story. The changes help build anticipation but they stop the flow of emotions that were being created.

The final verdict:

I wouldn’t describe this book as “laugh-out-loud” as the synopsis says. The author has created innovative conflicts with memorable characters and that is always a model for successful books. Overall, this book will be enjoyed by lovers of speculative fiction and I recommend you give it a shot.

The Climate Diaries (The Academy 1) by Aaron Arsenault

What worked:

The topic focuses on climate change and the opposing views that are debating the issue. Jax is the main character and he’s recruited by CAT, a secret world organization combating the causes and effects of climate change. Short chapters mixed in share the view that any atmospheric changes are natural and humans are overreacting to normal weather patterns. Efforts to improve pollution and global warming will cost trillions of dollars and people will lose jobs that are dependent on fossil fuels. Their attitude is that we shouldn’t thank businesses that have given us everyday fuel sources and plastics by forcing them to close due to environmental concerns. The book blends information about climate change throughout the plot so readers will learn something while being entertained. The mid-term project for the recruits is to find a way to decrease methane emissions in cow farts!

The introduction of CAT, the Climate Action Taskforce, to the story makes it sound like a CIA operation. Agents dressed in black suits and dark glasses arrive at Jax’s home and present him with a choice between going to juvenile detention or attending the Academy. He’ll be trained there to become a CAT agent. The agents show up in a solar-powered, bulletproof, amphibious car with an exoskeleton made from tungsten. Academy candidates are flown in a windowless drone to an unidentified location, somewhere in the world. The secrecy and high tech of CAT are reminiscent of a covert government agency. There are clues provided about the Academy director that will make readers think he’s a shady character.

Jax is an intriguing character due to his diverse attitudes toward saving the environment and intolerance for bullies. He’s a genius but he doesn’t play well with others! Another recruit named Grace may be more interesting though. She has a superior, condescending attitude and immediately begins calling Jax, August, and Kylie nerds because of their knowledge and excitement about the environment. Grace says she attended the Academy the previous year but it’s clear she didn’t stay for the whole thing. She interrupts the counselor whenever he mentions her past participation so Jax realizes she’s hiding something. It doesn’t help that Grace is chosen captain over him so Jax is determined to prove himself superior to her at any cost. Their ongoing feud will keep readers wondering how bad it will get.

What didn’t work as well:

Jax is a difficult protagonist to root for. He’s arrogant and self-centered, and he doesn’t like being shown up by anyone else. He gets pleasure from antagonizing the people he targets. Jax doesn’t do well with rules and limits and he quickly gets offended or annoyed by authority. While his behavior and attitude make him difficult to like, these qualities help the plot’s conflict grow and increase the tension. Hopefully, the events at the end of the book will cause Jax to change his combative ways in the sequel.

The final verdict:

The cow fart methane problem is real; there was a story about it on my local news program this morning! The author skillfully includes facts about the climate crisis without making it annoying or overwhelming for readers. Jax’s personality is hard to tolerate but it certainly helps keep readers interested. I highly recommend you give it a shot! Can’t wait for the sequel.

The Spider's Lair (Stitch Head 4) by Guy Bass

What worked:

Stick Head is the main character and his greatest quality is helping others. The mismatched creatures living together in a castle care for and support one another as a family of oddities. Stitch Head cleans up all of the messes that result from the doctor’s other creations so he automatically decides to help a human named Arabella escape from an orphanage. Stick Head realizes he doesn’t look completely human so he must maintain a disguise while going undercover. Ivo, a small, slender creature with one arm, will be even more difficult to hide so he pretends to be a doll. Pox, a monkey-bat, and the Creature, a huge three-armed monstrosity, want to help but hiding their appearances is impossible. The gothic illustrations accompanying the narrative artfully help readers visualize the various, unique characters.

Arabella is a curious character as she’s quite contrary and doesn’t need a reason to give someone a quick kick. She even has kicking shoes! While she’s the character who needs to be rescued, she’s not a big part of the action once the plot moves to the orphanage. Initially, Stick Head can’t find her anywhere. The behavior of the other orphans is unexpected as the plot transitions to a sort of mystery with Stitch Head trying to find an explanation. Stitch Head suspects the creepy, watchful professor can see through his disguise but the woman running the place is constantly singing a song about the wonderfulness of being an orphan. Hidden passages are found behind the orphanage walls with one of them leading to the lair of a giant spider!

Not surprisingly, the story includes levity arising from the creations, dialogue, and events. The Creature calls the orphanage the AWFULAGE with some of his loudly spoken words printed in all capital letters. Many of the chapters begin with Mad Musings from crazy Professor Erasmus Erasmus like “Science without madness is like a castle without monsters.” The song Madame Venin repeatedly sings is titled “It’s Not So Awful Being an Orphan” with lines describing a father being a bother and a mother being a nag.

What didn’t work as well:

It would be nice to know more about the creations and their origins, especially Stitch Head. The line between creations and humans isn’t clear except that the creations were made, not born. Stitch Head doesn’t need to eat, but he does in this story, and a couple of comments bring up the question of creation life spans. Stitch Head gets banged around a bit and takes some tumbles but it doesn’t seem to hurt him too badly. I may be the only one with these questions and perhaps more clarity can be gained by reading the previous three books in the series.

The final verdict:

This book is the fourth in the Stitch Head series but it can be read independently. It’s a charming story of friendship with a creative quest to bring everything together. Overall, it’s a fun read and I recommend you give it a shot.

The Day I Fell Into a Fairy Tale by Ben Miller

What worked:

The book’s cover shows Lana smiling as she tumbles through a portal but it’s not a happy experience in the book. The story is darker than that as Lana is pushed into the portal by a creepy little man at Grimm’s supermarket. Fairy tales are fun to read but many of them are filled with dark, evil characters doing dark, evil things. The witch wanting to eat Hansel and Gretel and another witch wanting to kill Snow White are two examples. This book centers on the tale of Sleeping Beauty, with references to a couple of more, as Lana finds herself dropped into a castle where everyone has fallen asleep for 100 years. The little man at Grimm’s warns Lana that the stories in a book are scarier than she might expect which ensures she’ll read it. Everything is going as the little man plans.

The plot touches on the inevitable transition from childhood to becoming an adult. Lana misses playing with her older brother as he’s always in his bedroom studying something. Harrison understands the importance of being successful in school so he doesn’t have time for childish games. Perhaps this also mutes a youthful imagination as he scoffs at Lana’s tales of traveling through a portal into a fairy tale. Lana doesn’t understand why her brother is becoming more serious and she wants them to go back to their times of playing in the backyard. Middle-grade years are a time of change that can be difficult for young boys and girls and for their siblings too.

The book includes occasional chapters that share a version of the Sleeping Beauty fairy tale. These sections are written with a different font that notifies readers the story has been interrupted by the fairy tale. This information prepares readers for what’s about to occur or to provide the setting characters are about to enter. Later on, the fairy tale takes a twist as Sleeping Beauty and the prince have twins that they name Hansel and Gretel. The portal that transitions the story into the make-believe world is found in various candy displays around Grimm’s. It’s presented as a tunnel slide into the fairy tale that characters can climb back up to return home. All kids can relate to tumbling down a slide!

What didn’t work as well:

The appearance of Grimm’s supermarket happens overnight and the town readily accepts this magical event. It’s unclear if the citizens have been enchanted by the little man but their obsession with the “bargains” they find inside seems to have a mystical angle. Do the townspeople know the store is a result of magic?

The final verdict:

This book will appeal to lovers of fairy tales and adventures in a new world. The relationship between Lana and Harrison is enjoyable as they try to rediscover the close bond they once had. Overall, the story is entertaining and I recommend you give it a shot.

The Taste of Storm and Brine (A Talisman Series Novella Vol. 5.5) by Brett Salter

What worked:

The story revisits ocean dragons that were first introduced earlier in the Talisman Series. The characters this time are four scouts who guard the waters north, south, east, and west of the Den from unwanted visitors or invaders. The opening pages find Starboard chasing down an elusive Garm until he realizes he’s now outnumbered. The action scene is reminiscent of battles found in previous books. Much of the plot involves the impending Garm invasion and the mixed feelings among the ocean dragons about humans. Some dragons don’t want anything to do with them since humans can’t be trusted. Others have visions of humans and dragons reuniting to fight the Garms as they once did long ago.

Humor is incorporated throughout the book, mostly from the dragons’ personalities. Starboard likes to talk like a pirate as he says, “Tis a situation most foul, indeed.” Driftwood likes surfers so he likes to say “dude”, says humans were “flaking” on dragons, and dreams of surfing “gnarly bangers” and “ten-foot curlers”. Tampa uses incorrect names for the other dragons but Starboard’s not sure if it’s intentional or if she simply doesn’t care. Bismark is a self-centered braggart who annoys the other scouts. The narrator also adds some amusing aside comments directed to readers.

What didn’t work as well:

Driftwood comes across a fishing boat leaking oil everywhere and it’s farther from shore than he’s ever seen humans before. Even the humans on board are anxious about their excursion into these waters. Later in the book, the dragons encounter the humans again but there aren’t any concerns about the oil spill or questions about why the ship was in the waters over Oceania. Readers are left to wonder why Driftwood is no longer alarmed and why the boat showed up in the first place.

The final verdict:

The plot moves swiftly and the book can be completed in one sitting if a motivated reader chooses to. For readers who’ve not read any of the other books, this one offers an excellent taste of the author’s writing style and the tense relationships between dragons, Garms, and humans. I recommend you give this book a shot.

Nemesis and the Vault of Lost Time by PJ Davis

What worked:

The author adds a creative twist to an apocalyptic plot by making a connection to familiar human experiences. Everyone zones out at times or gets a sense of déjà vu. Sneezing and yawns happen every day. The plot suggests these common events are evidence of time (life force) being stolen from individuals. Boggarts collect the stolen time and deposit it into a vault, hidden in the dimension of Nemesis; Nemesis is a place, not a person. Once enough life force has been accumulated, Abaddon will lead an army of goblins, trolls, and all kinds of other monsters in an invasion of Earth and start an Armageddon.

Max is the main character and he’s an awkward seventh grader who’s often picked on for his unusual habits of daydreaming, dozing, and drooling in class. He’s the one who has a personal connection to the plot and decides he needs to destroy the vault. Max is able to manifest a special ability by calming his mind and seeing his surroundings in new ways. He has two close friends to support him. Derek adds levity to the narrative as he’s impulsive, always hungry, and he’s often complaining about the danger they’re putting themselves in. Max calls Sam the group’s voice of reason as she’s very intelligent and excels at analyzing tricky situations. Together, they form a trio of fun, relatable characters that are commonly found in middle-grade novels.

The plot includes a bit of mystery as the characters and readers don’t fully understand everything that’s happening. Max finds a book written in Latin and he’ll need to decode the dead language to unlock secrets about the strange feelings he’s been having. There aren’t any instructions on how to enter another dimension and scholarly adults have failed to uncover the way. How are three kids supposed to succeed? In addition, Max’s father supposedly died in an explosion but hints are dropped that this may not be the truth. Max’s main motivation to take on the quest is to pursue the possibility that his father may still be alive.

What didn’t work as well:

The story references science theories that may have some basis in reality. I have no idea. The references to theta waves and calculus equations will surely sail over the heads of most young readers. Mentioning Benedictine monks and the Renaissance will not have any meaning to them. However, most readers should be able get the gist of why the author includes these descriptions and still fully enjoy the story.

The final verdict:

The basic format of the story will be familiar to lovers of middle-grade books although it’s unique to find a main character who taps into his abilities by calming his mind and emotions. Overall, it’s an exciting, action-packed adventure and I recommend you give it a shot.