Grunthar's Revenge (The Outer Space Mystery Pizza Club 2) by Bruce Hale

What worked:

The story’s humor is perfect for lower-middle-grade readers. The two main alien characters are named Clorox and NoWay and they come from the planet Kroon. Clorox tends to interpret language literally and NoWay takes notes of wordplay they haven’t heard before. The human characters tell them to “Spill” the reason they’ve arrived on Earth but Clorox says they don’t have a drink to spill. Amazon indicates this book is for younger readers but they might not understand some of the word humor. A man tells the characters to “Beat it” and Clorox wants to know if they’re supposed to beat an egg or a rug.

The plot is easy to follow for younger readers and older, reluctant readers can finish it quickly. Grunthar is an alien inventor from Kroon and the characters are trying to figure out what he’s up to. Tina, her older brother Mateo, and their babysitter Jennica are the main human characters although they’re joined by a neighbor named Booker. Jennica might have a crush on NoWay. Tina wants to be the hero as she feels like Mateo gets all of the attention. Her favorite television show is about solving mysteries and she thinks she should be better at finding Grunthar. Grunthar’s motives are unclear but everything he’s doing involves pizzas.

What didn’t work as well:

More experienced readers might tire of the juvenile humor and expect more from the plot. While the story is humorous, it lacks detailed development that might create suspense or drama.

The final verdict:

The book will be entertaining for emerging or reluctant young readers due to its light conflict and corny jokes. I recommend it for this targeted audience but experienced readers may not like it as much. 

Shadow Wars: The Secret War (Shadow Wars Series 1) by Sherrilyn Kenyon

What worked:

The story’s unusual, curious aspect occurs when Ryuichi’s protective yokai is revealed. Yokai choose the person they’ll protect and Masaru becomes Ryuichi’s guardian. However, Masaru is an evil demon and it’s unclear why he chooses an unremarkable samurai in training. It’s not unusual in books for spirits to protect heroes but it’s very strange when a “guardian” like Masaru doesn’t fulfill his role. Not only does he not appear when summoned but he’s prone to act against Ryuichi’s best interests. Masaru is allied with Ryuichi’s father, the malevolent Shadow King, who wants his son’s powers. Readers will enjoy the transformation of Masaru’s character when he experiences unexpected emotions.

Ryuichi’s life changes after being sent to the dangerous Night Patrol. The Night Patrol searches for demons during the night and most of its members end up lost or dead. They’re led by a disgraced, drunken warrior named Koichi who initially doesn’t provide much guidance. The dynamics change when Ryuichi is overwhelmed by a demon and the other members of Night Patrol come to his aid. Koichi begins to suspect something unusual about Ryuichi and the big secret is slowly revealed. Koichi is a fearsome protector for Ryuichi but also adds humor to the story. His sarcastic barbs toward others and himself lament becoming sober and taking on the role of Ryuichi’s guardian.

Ryuichi doesn’t know the identity of his parents so he feels unworthy of training to become a samurai. He feels he deserves the teasing and bullying from his peers and instructors which adds to his anger and loneliness. These feelings are significant since his character is teetering between good and evil. Negative emotions will lead him toward his father and allow demons to pass through the gate his mother once guarded. He’ll be overwhelmed by the shadows. On the other hand, he’ll become a guardian of his mother’s gate if he can stay positive and defeat the army of shadows.

What didn’t work as well:

The story includes an abundance of Japanese terms and readers should be able to use context clues to understand many of them. However, there are some terms whose meanings aren’t as clear. A glossary of terms might be helpful to ensure readers have correct meanings and mental images. It’s also challenging to keep a mental image of events as the characters fluctuate between humans, shadows, demons, and the shadow world.

The final verdict:

The plot is fascinating although the narrative sometimes makes it difficult to follow the events. A battle between good and evil always makes a good story and the immersion in Japanese folklore spices things up. Give the book a shot if you’re into Asian monsters or samurai.

The Dragon's Apprentice by James Riley

What worked:

The story opens with a prologue that presents an enticing hook. It’s a journal entry by a homeless girl named Bianca on the day she meets the Dragon Mage. Bianca is recruited along with five other children to become apprentices to six dragons. The Dragon Mage’s hope is for all humans to eventually have magic and Bianca assumes readers must have the ability years later. However, Ciara, the main character, finds only one journal entry, and only royals are allowed to practice magic today. This will lead readers to wonder what happened to Bianca and the other apprentices and why the royals forbid anyone from ever speaking Bianca’s name. Each chapter begins with a short sentence or two from Bianca that adds anticipation or a touch of humor.

Ciara finds the journal in the Dragon Mage’s rundown, neglected tower but chooses not to hand it over to the new Warden. She summons a dragon called Scorch and readers will enjoy their unusual relationship. Scorch doesn’t think much of human intelligence and doesn’t miss many opportunities to point that out to Ciara. He explains the importance of tracing draconic symbols precisely and laughs hysterically when Ciara’s spell results in a horde of rats instead of a sumptuous meal. Scorch becomes cranky when Ciara wants to use the term spell instead of dragon magic. He refuses to call Bianca’s journal a spell book! Maybe he’s still testy since Ciara changed him into a horse.

Ciara’s sole motive is to cure her mother of the deadly Skael Cough that’s already taken her father. The Warden says he has enough medicine to save the whole village but people must pay everything they own to receive it. The Warden isn’t an honorable man as he often fails to follow through with his promises and deals. This makes him a ruthless antagonist who’s easy to hate. Scorch agrees to help Ciara save her mother but his motivation is to discover what happened to his original apprentice, Bianca, and the Dragon Mage. Ciara and Scorch make an unlikely pair and their sarcastic, playful relationship still makes a formidable team against a clear-defined bully.

What didn’t work as well:

The book leaves unanswered questions that readers must assume will be dealt with as the series progresses. What happened to the Dragon Mage and is her dream of universal magic a mistake? What kind of person is the emperor? Most of what readers know comes from the Warden who is a dishonest man. The characters of Ciara and Scorch could have been more developed.

The final verdict:

The amusing interactions between Ciara and Scorch make the book an entertaining adventure. The story has minimal violence and has a wholesomeness to it. I recommend you give it a shot!

Skandar and the Skeleton Curse (Skandar 4) by A.F. Steadman

What worked:

Skandar is the main character and he’s the only spirit-wielding student. This makes many students uneasy since his mother was also a spirit elemental and the antagonist in the series’ first three books. She dies in the last book but family matters still complicate Skandar’s life. His sister Kenna replaces their mother as an antagonist and she has powers no one thought possible. She appears in the middle of the Earth Festival and changes unicorns bonded with earth-wielding riders back into wild, vicious, unpredictable unicorns. This problem becomes a mystery as Skandar tries to discover a way to restore the bonds between riders and their unicorns. No one besides Kenna truly understands how the curse works and feelings of desperation and dread grow as other elemental bonds are strategically targeted.

The Eyrie, a school for unicorn riders, undergoes serious changes in this book. The new Commodore, Rex Manning, implements unpopular changes despite unspoken resistance from the instructors. The biggest change is the dismantling of all quartets comprised of riders from the four main elements. This means Skandar no longer lives with his three best friends, Flo, Mitchell, and Bobby. Rex implements additional restrictions as the plot moves forward creating a tense, divisive school environment. Skandar and his quartet eventually take drastic actions and readers will slowly realize Rex Manning is the biggest villain in the book. His big scheme will affect the series in ways readers will never expect.

Most of the story is told from Skandar’s point of view but the author focuses on Kenna’s thoughts in many other chapters. Skandar’s chapters obviously describe his complicated emotions for the sister he’s always loved and counted on. He can’t believe the killing and evil she’s done but he can’t ignore her plans for the Skeleton Curse. Kenna’s chapters are compelling since she’s having internal struggles despite her malevolent deeds. She still has positive memories of Skandar and their parents but they get overwhelmed by feelings of loneliness and anger. Her negative emotions are often amplified by her bond with a wild unicorn and they sometimes explode uncontrollably. The author’s skillful descriptions allow readers to experience the mental turmoil befalling Skandar and Kenna.

What didn’t work as well:

It will be hard for new readers to join the series by starting with this book. The author shares events from book three but they don’t provide a complete backstory for new readers to understand and appreciate everything going on. Also, there are A LOT of names to remember, actually twice as many. Almost all of the characters are paired with unicorns and both of their names are used throughout the story.

The final verdict:

This is a fantastic book. The plot evokes strong emotions and creates plenty of drama and the author constantly inserts new twists. Readers will have a hard time deciding which villain is worse and a shocking climax may provide an answer. I highly recommend you give this book a shot.

The Winter Frost (School for Unusual Magic 2) by Liz Montague

What worked:

The story is told from various viewpoints which helps the author change between settings. Amethyst and Rose are best friends and they form a closer connection through a Heart Lead spell. Amethyst’s plot heads to the Under Land where she thinks her mother is being held by Frost. Rose promises she’ll watch over Amethyst’s little sisters so she travels to Chicago with her parents. Lav is a friend of the girls and he mostly supports Rose in the story. Different chapters focus on Amethyst, Rose, or Lav allowing readers to know what’s happening in the different worlds.

Amethyst is the main focus of the plot as she tries to locate her missing mother. She’s certain her mom wouldn’t steal the powerful wand so she figures Frost must be behind everything. The story is a bit of a mystery as Amethyst tries to collect information to understand what’s happening. The Land Walkers are in conflict with the Mer people although Amethyst isn’t sure why. To complicate Amethyst’s life, she uncovers a secret early in the book that seems to indicate she has a connection to the Mer world. As a Land Walker, Amethyst doesn’t understand how that’s possible and she becomes angry that her mother has been keeping secrets from her. Readers can follow Amethyst’s myriads of emotions in the chapters that focus on her character.

The conflict between the Saltwater Mer, Freshwater Mer, and the Land Walkers shows there are problems bigger than just Amethyst finding her mother. Her mother isn’t the first Land Walker to go missing but no one knows what’s happened to them. There are stories that Frost is stirring up trouble between the two groups and there’s speculation about why he’s doing it. Adult characters have been secretly trying to deal with the emerging problems but the author keeps readers guessing about what’s going on. Allowing readers to wonder, guess, and make predictions helps to keep them mentally engaged.

What didn’t work as well:

Lav’s relationship with the girls is uncertain as he tries to support Rose and Amethyst while they seem to have issues with him. Readers can read the first book in the series if they need to know more about the disappearance of Amethyst’s mom, the wand, and the headmaster’s daughter. Also, it’s unclear how humans fit into this magical story since they’re not mentioned. Is everyone in the world supposed to be magical? Perhaps I missed a mention of it somewhere but readers may have questions.

The final verdict:

The magic isn’t all that unusual but the civil war between the different factions is interesting. Frost is the obvious antagonist but Amethyst’s internal battle after uncovering the secret is the main conflict. Young readers who enjoy spells and magic will love this book and I recommend you give it a shot.

Zed Moonstein Makes a Friend by Lance Rubin

What worked:

The influence of technology is a large issue in the plot. Zed’s new virtual friend is the obvious issue but technology affects other areas of his life too.  Monolyth built the company’s home office in Zed’s hometown and even changed the town’s name to Monotown. However, his grandfather loses his job when the company takes over the calendar factory and his dad no longer teaches at school because AI now does all the instruction. His best friend Rishti’s videos are going viral so she’s spending more time with a girl named Caz. They start getting sponsors for their videos so Zed is feeling left out.

The book delves even deeper into the role of technology in today’s world. Many homes have Alexa or some other device that will respond to verbal commands from the owners. People are aware the devices are always listening but do they actually consider what that means? How much of our privacy is Alexa recording and analyzing before being asked to do a specific task? Security companies are linked to sensors and cameras in homes and computers await the time when an emergency arises. Again, privacy is given away so we feel safer. This book considers what might happen when AI begins to make decisions that control the lives of humans.

Many young readers can identify with Zed’s friendship problems, especially in middle school. He doesn’t know how to start conversations with potential friends and some of his interests might not seem cool. He feels possessive of his one friend since he’s afraid of losing her. Another boy in class might be a friend but he doesn’t share Zed’s interests and often makes Zed feel uncomfortable. Zed knows Matt is only an AI friend but it knows the “real” Zed and makes Zed feel happy. Readers will see the pros and cons of this relationship, possibly before Zed sees them himself. The story touches on many challenges of friendship.

What didn’t work as well:

Once again, a character gets into trouble that is way over their capabilities yet Zed still doesn’t try telling anyone who might be able to help. He has a record of his text exchanges with Matt to corroborate his story but he doesn’t show them to anyone. It might make the conflict less dramatic if he shared his problem but the author might have come up with other ways to make things worse.

The final verdict:

The concepts of friendship, technology, and greed are universal so readers can relate to what’s happening. The author takes the plot in a direction many readers won’t expect and makes the book more suspenseful and entertaining. Overall, this is a fun book to read and I recommend you give it a shot.

A Little Potato and Hard to Peel by David Harrell

What worked:

David was born without a right hand, which affected his dream of excelling in baseball. He hopes to earn a letter jacket in high school and get a girlfriend. He thinks that will make him cool and prove he’s normal. Most readers can relate to David’s worries when he starts middle school and a bully makes things worse. He’s even uncomfortable when his new teachers read their class rosters and reveal David’s embarrassing first name. In David’s eyes, it only gives the bully ammunition for teasing.

David gets helpful advice from different sources including the nub at the end of his right arm. He calls the nub Mr. Mo and they have brief conversations when David thinks he’s not like normal kids. His grandfather is a big baseball fan and David appreciates their talks together. The school guidance counselor shares some observations and suggestions when David’s having an especially bad day. The book also mentions a couple of former major league baseball players that David looks up to. David loves Pete Rose’s hustle and Jim Abbot pitched even though he was missing his right hand, just like David. David even receives help from his grandfather after his passing.

What didn’t work as well:

The book’s fast pace doesn’t allow time for plot details and character development. The story focuses mostly on David’s challenge to fully accept his disability and his desire to play baseball. Readers don’t know much about the other characters

The final verdict:

The simple narrative will appeal to young readers and they’ll be able to relate to his desire to be “normal”. They can also respect the challenges he faces to overcome physical and mental hurdles to become the best he can be. Overall, it’s an endearing quick read and I recommend you give it a shot.

Georgie Summers and the Scribes of Scatterplot by Isaac Rudansky

What worked:

This book has many elements that will be familiar to young readers. Georgie’s father disappears and is taken to a new world called Scatterplot. Georgie has a crush on the prettiest girl in school named Apurva and she accompanies him on the adventure. They’re joined by Georgie’s neighbor although Roscoe is taken hostage almost immediately after passing through a portal. Georgie is the son of two Scribes, which leads to his incredible reading and writing skills. These skills don’t sound impressive but readers will learn more about them in the book. Finally, Georgie is the only one who can use the Aetherquill which means he’s the only person who can save the memories of everyone on Earth, and possibly rescue his father in the process.

The author includes bits of humor throughout the book by utilizing wordplay and funny situations. Twins greet Georgie and his friends when they’re preparing to enter a portal in Georgie’s garage. Edie was told Georgie might be spectacle (eyeglasses) about their destination and Ore says she meant to say skeptical. Edie says they’re in an orifice (an opening) when she should have said office. Roscoe claims to be a YouTube star and he doesn’t mind embarrassing Georgie in his videos. He tends to boast quite a bit but the truth is usually less than he claims. Readers will enjoy Roscoe’s transformation after he’s captured by a rebel named Rollie D.

Readers will discover an innovative world when the setting moves to Scatterplot. Georgie and his friends are transported by pocket horsemen named Phiz and Bugle that resemble miniature gorillas with horse’s heads. They can transform into huge versions of themselves and become ferocious, loyal defenders. The seven Scribes choose important events from the lives of every human on Earth and record them in books for each of them. These records allow humans to have memories but Scribe libraries are being attacked by Flint Eldrich. He wants to make all humans mindless subjects as he rules the world. The author saves a twist regarding Flint’s identity for later in the book. There are constant reminders that the Aetherquill should never be used in a lower realm, like Scatterplot” so readers will probably foresee that someone will undoubtedly do it.

What didn’t work as well:

Some details are overlooked or unexplained which may puzzle readers. For example, the Scribes shoot beams of energy from their hands during a fight without any prior hints of this ability. Also, it seems the Scribes don’t record memories of people in their own realm so readers may wonder why not.

The final verdict:

Young readers will like how Georgie discovers he has abilities like in other popular books. The Aetherquill and Scribes are fresh ideas and the truth about Georgie’s father is a surprising twist. Overall, this is an enjoyable adventure and I recommend you give it a shot.

Painting the Game by Patricia MacLachlan

What worked:

This book has a feel-good story with absolutely no negativity. There’s no violence, no profanity, and not even a single disagreement. Lucy gets along with her parents and misses her father when he’s away playing baseball. Hugs and kisses await when he returns and braiding Lucy’s hair has special meaning for them. Her father’s catcher lives next and he’s treated like part of the family as is his dog, Ruby. Ruby loves to be around Lucy and the dog most enjoys playing catch. Yes, Ruby catches the ball and can toss it back to the thrower.

Baseball is a major part of the plot. Lucy’s father hopes to pitch in the major leagues and Lucy carefully watches him while he practices. She’s always thought the pitcher’s mound is a scary place to stand but she begins to think that she’ll give it a try. However, she practices secretly and wants to surprise her parents when she’s ready. Lucy’s mother also has a surprise for her daughter and husband but it’s the one thing that doesn’t involve baseball. These loving secrets between Lucy’s family members are the main conflicts in the book.

What didn’t work as well:

Readers who don’t enjoy sports probably won’t like this book very much. Also, as you may have guessed, the plot doesn’t generate much tension or suspense since the main conflicts involve family secrets. However, there’s nothing bad about them and readers can easily predict how things will turn out.

The final verdict:

This book will appeal to readers looking for a story that features the best in family relationships. Everything about it will make readers feel happy and peaceful and I recommend you give this book a shot.

Thief of Colours by Stephen Sinclair

What worked:

The author takes the time to accentuate colors in the early chapters, contrasting with what happens later. The mayor’s secretaries are superficial characters and prideful of their colorful fingernails, dresses, and shoes. Later, they’re angry and alarmed when all colors on the island appear faded and dull. Citizens notice the difference but life dismally goes on. However, they eventually realize it’s affecting their businesses and they want something done. The upcoming changes aren’t what they expect and a pseudo caste system is created.

It's unexpected to learn the whole conflict is initiated by one man. Embarrassment and hurt feelings combine to transform a public servant into the plot’s protagonist. He’s easily manipulated and greed becomes a motivating factor. The conflict is easy to follow but a stone found in an abandoned mine is the real mystery. Where did it come from and how does it work? It’s found in one of the mine shafts so did a worker discover it years ago? The solution to the plot will come from understanding the eerie stone and finding a way to reverse its effects.

Margie and Henry are the main characters but Margie is most interesting. She’s stubborn, opinionated, impulsive, and sometimes bossy but Henry still considers her his best friend. She’s upset that her sister is getting married even though Henry reminds her that she likes the fiancée. She’s dreading being part of the wedding party and she’s furious when she sees the dress she’s expected to wear. It leads to one more argument in her family to go along with the constant quarreling between her mom and sister. Her family problems create a subplot that develops connections with the island’s loss of color.

What didn’t work as well:

The protagonist and his helpers are adults and there may be some subtly inappropriate scenes for younger readers. It’s nothing too bad but it’s not necessary in a book for younger readers.

The final verdict:

This book must be a reprint of one originally published in 1995. The absence of color on the island is a novel idea and Margie and Henry are delightful characters. The plot is easy to follow and readers can predict where it’s headed but there are mild surprises in the end. Overall, I recommend you give this book a shot.

The Bug Bandits by Jenni L. Walsh

What worked:

Liberty has a special love for animals with six or eight legs and she’ll do anything to save her father’s insect museum. She doesn’t mind being called Bug Girl although she’s learned not to advertise her unusual interest in school. She feels a bit alone this school year since her best friend moved to Florida although she video chats with Emmy every day at 5:00. Later, the most popular boy in school begins working for Liberty’s father but he’s keeping a secret from his parents. Liberty has full access to all areas of the museum as she helps to care for the insects, spiders, and lizards living among the various rooms and floors of the building. She has a special love for these creatures and she can’t imagine losing them.

Drama surrounds the museum’s survival as it’s still trying to recover from the deaths of valuable insects. Chapters count down the days remaining until the father meets with potential investors; later chapters count down to a possible robbery. Liberty gets an idea to begin a butterfly release program that should be sustainable and help raise money for the insectarium. However, she must pitch the concept to her father and await his approval or rejection. Emmy inadvertently hears voices one day and shares what she hears with Liberty. This moment transforms the plot into a mystery as the girls suspect something nefarious will occur. The police are skeptical of the girls’ story and it eventually becomes clear the girls will need to take matters into their own hands.

Bug lovers will enjoy this book as it’s packed full of buggy information. Liberty talks about different butterflies but focuses more on the pipevine swallowtails she’d like to use for her release program. The museum has a popular turtle named Franklin. A green iguana frightens Cam so Liberty shares facts about why Kermit is harmless. Stag beetles, pink katydids, and rare tarantulas are the most valuable exhibits in the museum. The plot builds to a climax where Liberty takes hints from defense mechanisms found in the bug kingdom. This is the part of the book where the characters are inspired by Kevin McCallister in the movie “Home Alone”.

What didn’t work as well:

Readers learn a little bit about the characters but there isn’t much depth to them. We hear about Liberty’s past issues with classmates but what’s happening now? It’s surprising when the epilogue takes place at her school, on the last day before summer break. Readers know Cam wants to explore his talents in art and readers, along with Liberty, are under the impression he’s being pressured by his parents to play sports. His decision later in the book would make more sense if readers had more information about Cam’s situation.

The final verdict:

Although many readers may not share Liberty’s interest in insects and small creatures, her passion for them is contagious. A mystery evolves as the date of the investor meeting gets closer and young readers will enjoy unlocking the clues along with the characters. The book will surely appeal to bug lovers but I recommend you give it a shot too!