Brainchild by Ivor Baddiel and Jonny Zucker

What worked:

Isobel and Carl are brilliant twins who live alone after their father’s death. Their father’s assistance becomes their guardian, but she ends up moving out to live with her boyfriend. Carl’s mind can create amazing inventions, including a gadget to help free a classmate from the school bully. Carl has no tolerance for bullies. Isobel is more sensible and is the voice of reason. As the synopsis says, an evil half-brain is stolen and implanted into a teenage boy. The twins do something not often seen in middle-grade novels; they enlist help from adults and the authorities. They immediately go to the prime minister of England and share the story of the evil brain.

The story obviously pits good versus evil. The teen with the evil brain, Rufus, kills random people, but there must be a purpose behind his violence. The twins convince the prime minister of their father’s experiments and become integral parts of the reaction plan. The plot evolves into a mystery, as they uncover how the half-brain was stolen and the future's further evil plans. The author provides significant twists and surprises when Isobel and Carl learn about an unseen, devious scheme unfolding. Readers may be surprised to learn there will be a sequel.

A decision is made to implant the good half-brain into a teenager, Spike, but it’s four years earlier than the father recommended. The good and evil brains stimulate other abilities that are unforeseen. Super intelligence is not a surprise, but enhanced speed and strength emerge too. Spike becomes a main character, so readers will experience more of his abilities as the need arises. Some chapters periodically share Rufus’s evil actions, but they usually involve smashing things or killing someone. Readers discover that other anonymous characters are working with him, and their identities and motives are added to the mystery.

What didn’t work as well:

The hardest things to accept are the characters’ superior physical abilities. There’s no mention of them being part of the brain experiments, and the author doesn’t offer much of an explanation. Implanting the two half-brains four years early may be a reason, but there’s no scientific basis for it.

The final verdict:

The evil brother’s violence makes this book more appropriate for more mature middle-grade readers. The conflict’s seriousness and the mystery behind it create a suspenseful, exciting story. I recommend you give this book a shot.

The Mystery of the Lost Avenger by Linda Maria Frank

What worked:

The characters try to unravel a mystery from over seventy years prior, which makes collecting clues more challenging. The first question is why a love letter written by Charlotte is in the wreckage of a Navy warplane called an Avenger. Secondly, why are there a series of numbers written along the border of the letter? Annie and her boyfriend Ty question a 94-year-old man who worked with the production of Avengers, but they wonder why he suddenly cuts the interview short. Their efforts are aided by Annie’s mom, although she hasn’t had much contact with Annie due to her substance abuse. The research includes trips to the mom’s childhood home, where Charlotte’s old possessions are stored. On separate occasions, mother and daughter each spot a mysterious woman wearing a flowered dress whom they presume is Charlotte’s ghost. Why is she making an appearance now?

The book presents chapters written in italics that share flashbacks from Charlotte’s time as a WASP and builder of the Avengers. All of the book’s chapters are fairly short, which will appeal to younger readers. Charlotte’s first flashback is in chapter ten, and readers watch as she discovers a malfunction in an Avenger deemed ready for service. Other flashbacks reveal her suspicions about other malfunctions, but she’s not sure what to do with the information. Readers will piece together present-day clues with events from the flashbacks to solve the mystery of a young pilot’s death. Historical facts are mixed into the plot, so readers will also learn World War II information, especially about the WASPs.

What didn’t work as well:

Annie and Ty are college students, and all of the other characters are adults. It’s unusual for a middle-grade book to not have any characters of a similar age to the target audience. The narrative can easily be read by middle-grade readers, but the lives of older characters aren’t as relatable to a younger audience.

The final verdict:

The mystery is realistic without any strange twists, and it shares historical information that may be new to today’s young readers. It doesn’t have a dramatic climax, but what do you expect when the plot is based on events from decades earlier? Mystery and World War II lovers should give this book a shot.

Rieden Reece and the Final Flower (Rieden Reece 2) by Matt Guzman

What worked:

The most striking thing is how Rieden’s character has changed since the first book. His superior attitude toward everyone else made him very obnoxious and unlikeable, but his twin brother is even more condescending. Rob’s been missing for a month but reconnects with Ri using a futuristic “watch”. In that short amount of time, Rob has become an important figure across universes and has access to incredible technology. Ri notices his brother seems a little different from when they were last together. Rob informs Ri that he must save Earth from an alien invasion and destruction, although the details aren’t clear. The friction between Ri and Rob continues throughout most of the plot until it reaches a climactic moment.

This book will challenge readers’ creativity. Using technology, Ri can communicate with any living thing, including plants! He’s initially startled when weeds complain about being stepped on, but a patch of dahlias shares great wisdom and a peek at the future. His physical size shrinks to the size of a bug to escape the attack of laser-shooting drones. Rob’s image is projected as a blue hologram that only Ri can see, and he monitors Ri’s surroundings using his equipment. He also projects tentacles that help to protect Ri from various dangers. Ri finds himself projected across universes later in the book, even though he has no idea how he gets there. Some humans become “zombie” field workers, and Ri’s teachers may be aliens in disguise. Ri must track down the Plague Doctor in charge, but readers will discover later that there is someone else who may be more dangerous than him.

What didn’t work as well:

Readers must have a tolerance for wackiness along with an openness for unusual ideas. On the other hand, the story also dips into abstract concepts and gets a little philosophical. This book is not for passive readers, as it requires them to think critically. There’s so much going on that some parts are confusing.

The final verdict:

The frequent transitions between action, philosophy, and Ri’s reflecting will take getting used to. Some readers may find it disrupts the flow of the plot, but everything builds to an exciting climax. I recommend you try this book for yourself.

Ice Apprentices by Jacob North

What worked:

Placing the story in a land of ice is very unusual. Tundra has two seasons, the Freeze and the Thaw. There is no food production during the Freeze, so hunger will follow. The book opens at the beginning of the Thaw, but all of the ice and snow make it hard to tell. Most of the story is set at the Corridor, an academy for apprentices learning to become useful to Tundra. A wall of ice sits right next to the dormitories, and no one has ever returned after entering the Teeth That Snatch. Creatures roam the icy wasteland, and they haven’t entered Corridor grounds in ten years, until now. Living in this environment is difficult and dangerous, which adds a level of wonder and uncertainty to the story.

Oswin is the main character, and his unique qualities make him appealing. His curiosity is insatiable, and readers will be amused when it irritates other characters. He constantly asks questions of other apprentices and teachers until they eventually tell him to stop. Oswin’s super-sensitive hearing allows him to detect sounds others can’t hear, and he can recall the smallest details of things he sees. He doesn’t remember being taught to read or write, yet he unexpectedly reads a book and scribes class notes. Oswin has an unexplained fear of heights, even climbing a ladder, and any kind of fire, even a candle. He doesn’t remember anything about his early life, but still views himself as an undeserving stray.

Oswin’s various classmates have distinct relationships with him. Maury comes the closest to being a friend, but Oswin’s low self-image keeps him from letting it grow. Cathy detests Oswin for being a stray and makes it her mission to put him in his place or get him kicked out of the Corridor. Ennastasia may be the most interesting character. Her last name is Barkmoth, and she wields it like a weapon. Teachers and other apprentices treat her reverently and do their best not to offend her. However, she also seems upset when she’s not treated like others. Oswin doesn’t know why her last name is special, so he asks her questions endlessly and doesn’t go out of his way to impress her. Their rapport may seem contentious, but friendship develops (very slowly!) as their paths constantly cross.

What didn’t work as well:

The book’s opening pages provide a map of the Tundra, but it would help to have a map of the Corridor. Characters move to different locations, but it’s challenging to create mental images when guessing how they’re situated with each other. Almost the entire book takes place at the academy, so the Tundra map doesn’t serve a purpose.

The final verdict:

Oswin’s low self-image, insatiable curiosity, and strange qualities make this a charming book. Young readers will root for him to succeed, as he battles dangers and the shadow of his disgraced and dangerous uncle. His relationship with Ennastasia is a highlight. Overall, I highly recommend you give this book a shot.

The Forest Yet To Come by Sam Thompson

What worked:

The book is reminiscent of folktales, as Reynard is a trickster, fooling villagers with his silver tongue. He’s actually a fox in disguise and an expert at manipulating others with his words. He entertains young ones with tales that are embedded with truth. Listeners think they’re amusing stories without knowing he’s revealing hints about his personality and intentions. One story talks of a lazy fox conning the other animals into building a huge house, while another tells of a lion trying to challenge the fox’s control over the animals. The plot evolves into a blend of reflection, exploration, and discovery.

Sally and her brother Faolan emerged from the forest ten years earlier without remembering their pasts.  Villagers call Faolan wolf-boy, and Sally becomes wolf-boy’s sister. Sally is troubled by not knowing of her past, which makes her desperate enough to be tricked by Reynard. Shadow people are summoned when the villagers need help, and Reynard wants to know how they do it. This decision results in problems for Sally and Faolan, as they’re exiled from the village. However, their paths will not be what readers expect, and surprise revelations are to come.

Reynard is the most intriguing character, as readers won’t know what to expect. He can be described as devious in the previous two books, so can readers trust that he’s looking out for the children’s best interests? He seems sincere and curious around the villagers, but it’s clear he has untold plans on his mind. He often responds to Sally’s questions with questions of his own or ambiguous answers. Readers are aware of his past trickery, so it’s almost impossible not to expect the same this time around.

What didn’t work as well:

The story evokes deep thoughts, and young readers may not be ready for this type of thinking. The children reach a cave of dreams, which will cause readers to interpret and rationalize the events they see. Some young readers may not be prepared for this type of critical thinking.

The final verdict:

Readers loyal to the series may be surprised by the tone of this book. The plots in earlier books were easier to understand, but this one is still interesting and thought-provoking. I recommend you check this book out for yourself.

Famous Anonymous by Morgan Baden

What worked:

The story is told from the points of view of two pairs of siblings. Sophie and her younger brother Gus live next door to Luke and his younger sister Harper. Each character presents a unique personality with different points of view that are shared in alternating chapters. Luke is neurodivergent and doesn’t like being the focus of attention. In contrast, Harper is obsessed with acting, and her impulsiveness creates the plot’s conflict. Gus spends all of his time with soccer practice, but he wants to explore other interests; he wins a sixth-grade creative writing award that comes with a summer workshop. Finally, Sophie is a cautious character, most concerned about getting in trouble and losing her parents' trust.

One of Luke and Harper’s mothers is very protective, and the book opens with a list of her rules for the kids staying home alone. Harper already has a secret social media account, and it’s her idea to make a video. All of the kids are worried about viewers identifying them (they have over a million hits), but for different reasons. Luke and Sophie’s reasons are obvious, and Gus and Harper don’t want the complications that fame will bring. They wear costumes and cover their faces in the videos, so they hope that’s enough to remain anonymous. However, readers know a problem will eventually arise when an online viewer says, “Is it just me or is there something SO familiar about this video?”

What didn’t work as well:

The conflict is not especially gripping, as the characters deal with friendship issues. They work well together in the beginning, but the pressure of topping their previous posts affects their priorities.

The final verdict:

The focus on social media will appeal to today’s young readers. Telling the story from distinctly different points of view will also allow them to connect with the characters. I recommend you give this book a shot.

Emily Windsnap and the Crystal Caves (Emily Windsnap 10) by Liz Kessler

What worked:

Humans and merfolk live together, and Emily is the daughter of a merman father and a human mother. The author resolves the logistics of living together by making their home on a boat. Emily has a human best friend named Mandy, and they attend high school together. Her mermaid best friend is Shona, and they attend Shiprock School with other merkids. She has remained friends with Aaron, an ex-boyfriend, and he joins Emily and Shona on their adventure to the ocean floor. The story is told in Emily’s first-person point of view.

Early on, the plot moves at a quick pace, which will appeal to young readers. Emily finds the bangle in chapter one and is already traveling to Halflight Castle by chapter three. The kids discover several improbable characters later, and the story slows down. However, these characters provide valuable information about past events, adding urgency and suspense. The plot’s tempo picks up again as Emily and her friends try to stop an impending disaster that can only be resolved through the cooperation of Neptune and Thor. How do they change the minds of two greedy gods?

The author may be sharing an opinion about environmental issues caused by humans. The crystal on Emily’s bangle comes from lava after a volcanic eruption in the ocean. Neptune orders his merfolk to mine the crystals as fast as they can, but his greed gets out of control. He always wants more wealth and extravagance, which also applies to the Norse god Thor. The prologue describes the war waged between these two gods and the far-reaching effects of their insatiable need to possess more. The crystals have a way to rebel against the abuse, but there may be a way to appease the Earth. The crystals seem to have a mind or spirit that reacts to the actions of humans and the gods.

What didn’t work as well:

The problem with a quick-moving plot is that it doesn’t go into great detail or description. Characters aren’t fully developed, although readers can learn more about them by reading the whole series.

The final verdict:

This book is the tenth in the series, but readers can still enjoy it independently. They’ll like the teamwork shown by the four friends, which is necessary to force cooperation on two greedy, stubborn gods. I recommend you give this book and the series a shot.

Hidden Strings (Harbor Set 4) by K.J. Mist

What worked:

Liza tells short, eerie stories throughout the book, even though Tessa’s grandmother never would have allowed them at the campground. The tales are typically two or three pages in length and end with a missing or frightened child. They provide hints about events that have already happened and others that may happen later. The stories allow readers to wonder how and why kids are disappearing and how Liza might be stopped. Young readers can quickly finish the short chapters, and motivated readers can complete the whole book in one or two sittings.

Readers immediately know Liza is an evil character, as she tells Tessa that she doesn’t like children. Liza says she never lies, so readers should consider her words carefully. Tessa gets an uneasy feeling when the woman looks at her, and adults get a glazed look in their eyes. A couple of kids go missing, but police and parents quickly forget about pursuing suspects. This situation creates a dramatic problem and gives a taste of the malevolent magic going on. The children listening to Liza’s nightly tales should be frightened, but it’s clear all of the characters’ minds have been addled.

What didn’t work as well:

The plot isn’t overly descriptive, and it’s predictable. The author is still able to skillfully evoke strong emotions of fear. More mature middle-grade readers might want a more intense problem, but it’s fine for its target audience.

The final verdict:

This book will appeal to young readers who enjoy spooky stories. The listing on Amazon indicates it’s appropriate for ages seven and up, but it may be too much for seven-year-olds. Overall, I recommend you give this book a shot.

Ellie Ment and the Material Matter (Elle Ment 1) by Bertie Stephens

What worked:

Ellie loves science and often sees the world through that lens. She’s very observant and applies her knowledge to understand situations and solve problems. Early on, readers watch her collect dirt samples in the forest to determine if different chemicals and elements seep into the soil during the various seasons. She’d much rather apply science to the real world than sit in a classroom completing a test or pop quiz. Her science smarts and keen observation skills interest one of her teachers, who ends up giving her a pair of Bracers. These bracelets allow her to summon elements in her body, although she must learn to control this new “superpower”.

The narrator’s voice is a highlight, as it speaks directly to readers. This strategy is helpful, since some scientific knowledge needs to be explained. The voice is reminiscent of a commentator talking about and reflecting on what’s happening. The narrator briefly shares information about the elements Ellie is summoning and the positives and negatives of each. The voice lets readers know how terribly things can go wrong. Other aside comments provide insight about the conflicting thoughts of Material Matter leaders when they disagree about Ellie’s Bracers.

After receiving the Bracers, Ellie experiments with them over the next week, but she isn’t given much instruction about how to do it. She tries to complete household chores by trial and error, and there’s more error than she wants. Suffice it to say she must redo the chores properly the next day. Readers will enjoy the unexpected outcomes as Ellie summons different elements. She’s very excited when she realizes she can create compounds, although Michael, her best friend, has a different reaction. In addition, Michael meets a boy in the Material Matter headquarters who can create time echoes. This opens new possibilities that can lead the story into new directions. Ellie does something later in the book that makes the members of Material Matter fear her.

What didn’t work as well:

Halfway into the book, it’s still unclear where the plot is headed. The strong focus on science, especially chemistry, may narrow the potential audience. However, the narrator helps to clarify the concepts and helps make personal connections with readers.

The final verdict:

Readers with a strong interest in science will most enjoy this book. Ellie’s passion for understanding her surroundings is inspirational, as is her dedication to protecting the environment. Readers may see Ellie as a new type of superhero, so I suggest you try the book for yourself.

The Hat of Great Importance (Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody 2) by Patrick Ness

What worked:

This book is nice for emerging or reluctant readers. They can experience reading success by completing the short chapters, and the amusing illustrations encourage engagement. The main characters are three monitor lizards, and the principal assigns them jobs as the only school hall monitors. The story includes funny puns like this, although the narrator tells readers it shouldn’t be blamed for them. Many pages include footnotes where the narrator explains things mentioned. Although it's already light-hearted, they often add more levity to the story.

Even though the plot tells an innocent story of good friends, it still includes issues that might be found in typical classrooms. The lizards have a conflict with a bully, although he happens to be the son of the town’s arch villain and wants to follow in her footsteps. A new student arrives, and she’s an exchange student from a fish school (no pun intended). Alicia spends more time with the student, helping her adjust to the change. Daniel is excited that his new, pink (salmon-colored?) hat is noticed by other classmates. As a result, Zeke feels left out and a little jealous of the attention his friends are receiving. This makes Zeke feel angry, but he doesn’t know how to deal with it appropriately. Another friend, a blind falcon, has trouble handling his feelings of anxiety.

What didn’t work as well:

The country of France is on Zeke’s knee, which is pretty strange. It’s not a tattoo but the actual country. France acts like another character, but it doesn’t add much to the plot.

The final verdict:

The book presents an unusual story of friendship, anxiety, and anger. Young readers can learn a little about these topics from the characters' successes and mistakes. The book won’t appeal to everyone, but you should give it a chance.

Magicalia by Jennifer Bell

What worked:

A Magicalia once belonged to Bitsy’s mother, but Bitsy doesn’t find out until after her father is kidnapped. The Magicalia reveals the world of magicores and offers brief bits of information about them. Bitsy’s copy of the book includes her mother’s notes, but they can only be read by three people. Bitsy and her best friend Kosh discover hidden portals to different areas of the world and follow clues to rescue her father. However, a ransom note warns them not to tell anyone else, so they’re left to fully discover the world on magicores mostly on their own. A new antagonist arises in the middle of the book, who will become the source of future problems in the series.

The various magicores are aligned with specific emotions, so conjurers must visualize past experiences that elicit those feelings. The creatures have different strengths that range from alpha to omega. Beginners like Bitsy and Kosh summon simple magicores, while it takes six conjurers working together to summon an omega. The characters can only conjure one magicore at a time, so they must think carefully about which one to choose. Sometimes, Bitsy and Kosh aren’t sure exactly what their magicores can do, so they offer surprises, too. It’s curious to witness Bitsy’s memories, as she tries to find the right emotion to conjure. Kosh’s motivations usually include a moment from watching his favorite soccer team.

The conjurers divide themselves into guilds that work together to form the Alliance. However, one guild called the Hunters wanted to use magicores to rule humans, so the Alliance banished them from the conservatoire. Now, these guilds still oppose each other, which has allowed a new group to grow in power. This small collection of conjurers is committed to creating chaos and dissension between the Alliance and the Hunters. One character can change appearances, so no one, including readers, knows when this person might pop up. Gilander Arkwright is the original conjurer, and the plot’s conflict centers on a search for his gyrowheel. The finder will hold a powerful artifact that will change the world as they know it.

What didn’t work as well:

It’s hard to believe Bitsy and Kosh can select memories with just the right emotions to conjure appropriate magicores. They’re often needed immediately, and they never make a mistake. That’s not to say their choices are always perfect, but it seems like they should have some kind of learning curve.

The final verdict:

The author creates a creative, exciting story with an abundance of unexpected turns. Summoning strange creatures using emotional memories is fascinating, and young readers will become engrossed in the search for the gyrowheel. Overall, I recommend you give this book a shot.

The Incorruptibles 1 by Lauren Magaziner

What worked:

This imaginary world finds sorcerers controlling the world and humans oppressed. Sorcerers can do anything they want to humans with no fear of retaliation. Humans have their homes and property stolen, and they’ll likely be killed if they challenge the sorcerers. The Incorruptibles, or Incs, are an organized group of human resistance fighters who create the plot’s conflict. The sorcerers have specific abilities, such as teleportation, physical transformation, and hands of fire or knives. The Radiance are the top sorcerers, and the most dangerous of them kills anyone he touches. It’s difficult for readers to imagine how non-magical humans can stop a world run by sorcerers.

Fiora doesn’t have any special powers, but she unexpectedly ends up at an academy that trains future Incorruptibles. She’s immediately resented by almost every student there, especially one of her teammates. Mel seems angry with everyone, but she’s especially antagonistic toward Fiora. Onyx and Cameron are more open to Fiora’s presence, and Quinn, the team leader, is the one who broke regulations and brought her to the academy. Fiora and the others are dealing with grief and other trauma that are still affecting their lives. Fiora is given sixty days, not a minute more, to prove herself or be thrown out of the academy. And Mel seems to be making it her mission to make sure Fiora fails.

The author adds mystery to the plot by creating mystery at the academy. Things start going wrong even as Quinn is transporting Fiora and her uncle away from a Radiance attack. Then, “safe” missions result in injuries and surprise attacks from sorcerers who aren’t supposed to be there. The Incs decide there must be a spy inside the academy, so everyone, along with readers, begins to suss out suspects. Fiora is an immediate target, since she doesn't arrive in the usual way. She makes it her mission to find the mole and save other students from further injuries. Clues point to various characters, and the author saves some twists for later in the story. The plot’s resolution is unexpected, but it steers the sequel into new possibilities.

What didn’t work as well:

Maybe I missed something, but there’s no explanation behind the name Incorruptibles. It makes sense that the name derives from humans unwilling to be corrupted by the sorcerers’ promise of power, but readers are left to make that assumption. It’s not a big deal, but it’s something.

The final verdict:

The war between sorcerers and humans will grab readers' interests, and they’ll root for Fiora’s success. The mystery of the spy adds intrigue, and an eventual confrontation with the Radiance is looming. I recommend you give this series a shot.

Miro Chronicles by Emily Arons

What worked:

Protecting the environment is the main focus, even though the setting is on another planet in the future. Jimmy’s father moved to Miro when their previous planet became uninhabitable due to human mistakes. Jimmy and his friends are Ameti apprentices, and their primary duty is caring for Miro’s creatures. The main power source is Orro, as energy is derived from crystals of different colors and strengths. The setting in the book’s first half is arctic, but the students still look forward to the 2401 Aster Middle School Adventure Race. In the second half, the story shifts to a jungle setting.

Readers can double the number of characters to expect, since everyone has an animal companion. The characters are given a device that allows them to talk to their partners, so many conversations between them are included. Jimmy is connected to an Otter called Otto, and he’s as playful, curious, energetic, and hungry as readers might expect. Getting animals’ perspectives helps humans better understand the environment, especially since different species can freely communicate with each other. Readers may sense humans on Miro are becoming more dependent on Orrogems, which might result in future environmental abuse.

The academy presents Jimmy with various complications. His great-grandfather was a leader in bringing humans to Miro, and he was the founder of the school. His last name, and Jimmy’s too, is displayed almost everywhere. Jimmy’s grandfather and father were also leaders on Miro, so Jimmy feels the pressure of living up to the family name. The story includes a nemesis, as Anders is more of a teaser than an actual bully. He’s also a teammate and friend of Tala, who happens to be Jimmy’s best friend. The school is run by Head Eldna, although the students only refer to her as Eldooma. Eldooma resents Jimmy’s heritage and seems determined to award him demerits. Jimmy’s one demerit away from serious consequences, so Eldooma’s threat hovers whenever he does anything sneaky. Jimmy’s uncle makes an appearance, but readers may share a suspicion that the man is up to something questionable.

What didn’t work as well:

The book doesn’t have much character development, and the scenes don’t go into descriptive detail. This strategy is great for less-advanced readers, but those with more experience might want more. The story references the environmentally destroyed planet Zinda, which sounds like it could have been Earth. It would have made more sense to call it Earth, with all of the animals, landforms, and climates mentioned in the story being the same as Earth.

The final verdict:

The narrative isn’t complicated and is easy to follow, so it’s very approachable for middle-grade readers. It provides a message about being respectful of the environment and the importance of protecting its future. The book’s second half introduces more drama, so readers will want to read the sequel. I recommend you check this book out for yourself.

River of Spirits (The Underwild 1) by Shana Targosz

What worked:

Many books have been written based on Greek mythology, but it’s nice to see novels that feature minor gods or immortals. Charon is charged with transporting the newly deceased across a river from the living world to the Under-After. Senka lives with him and hopes to become the Ferryer’s assistant. However, whenever she asks to begin training, Charon replies simply with the word, “Soon”. This makes Senka anxious to do something, anything, creating a situation where she’ll make a bad decision. It leads to her falling in the river with Poppy, a human girl, and they’re swept away. They’ll end up in the Underwild, where they’ll encounter many dangerous mythical creatures and characters.

Readers will soon develop an inkling that there are untold truths about Senka’s character. She wears a bracelet with one charm, and Charon tells her it’s for protection. Then, fearsome monsters, a chimera, lurk in the river, but Charon and Sendek know this has never happened before. It’s even stranger when Sendek reveals the chimera are the same ones she’s been seeing in her nightmares. As the plot progresses, it’s clear Senka is unaware of the mystery surrounding her character, and readers will notice clues before her. The real question is, why doesn’t she know about her past?

Charon tells Sendek she must avoid specific areas of the Underworld, so of course, she ends up going to all of them. She also breaks most of the Rules Charon has given her. The giant chimera from early in the book seems to follow Sendek everywhere, and she doesn’t know how to escape it. However, the mormoes terrify Sendek and Poppy the most, and they encounter them almost everywhere they go. These creatures morph from living humans who spend too much time on the death side of the river. They’ve lost all of their memories, but they “feed” off the memories of others. Poppy is searching for her younger brother, but what good is that if she can’t remember him?

What didn’t work as well:

It’s strange when Poppy often takes the lead, even though she should be overwhelmed and uncertain about her situation. Senka has lived in the Underworld for as long as she can remember, so she should be the character in charge. The real drama surrounds Senka’s past, and it’s surprisingly more interesting than trying to survive the dangers in the Underwild.

The final verdict:

This book is a blend of emotions and confusing thoughts. Poppy is grieving for her dead brother, and Senka is trying to understand how she fits into the world. Predicting the sequel's plot is unclear based on how this book ends. This book is a curious start to a new series, and you should try it for yourself.

Hypergifted by Gordan Korman

What worked:

The story is told from multiple points of view, allowing readers inside several characters' minds. This strategy is important because these characters have different motivations for attending an elite college during the summer. Noah has an IQ of 206, and he’s just graduated from middle school and high school, too! He’s starting college as a freshman, but he’s asked his best friend Donovan to spend the summer in the dorms to help him get acclimated. These two characters are the focus of the plot. Readers also read chapters about Raina, a new summer camp counselor, a fraternity member, and other characters from the college.

Noah and Donovan can be described as an odd couple, since they’re starkly different people. Noah is super smart and has difficulty thinking like “normal” kids. He wishes he weren’t judged by his high IQ and all of the expectations that come with it. Others might be surprised that his favorite activity is watching YouTube videos. He comes up with an idea for an AI program that will impress his co-ed crush and his computer science professor. Donovan plans to lie on the couch all summer watching endless television shows until his parents say he’ll be rooming with Noah instead. Donovan is given a job as a CIT (counselor in training), and his style is much different from Raina's. The major conflict in the plot arises from Noah’s Elderberry plant and the college's pig mascot, Porquette.

The author adds a bit of mystery with a secret group on the college campus called the Society of the Gavel. No one knows the identity of the members (until they’ve died), and no one knows what the group does. Members are secretly notified of their selection into the society, so no one knows what it takes to become a member. Noah thinks secrets are meant to be discovered, so he makes it his mission to become invited into the Society of the Gavel. This motivates him to create the AI program, but it also leads to some ill-advised decisions. He eventually decides to create the Fibonacci Society, but no one understands, and his plans go awry.

What didn’t work as well:

I have a pet peeve against using too many points of view, and there are a couple of characters who didn’t need to be included. The strategy breaks the plot into many smaller pieces, which can be a distraction. On the other hand, the use of multiple points of view in this book causes readers to become more mentally engaged, as they piece the events into one cohesive story.

The final verdict:

This book is classic Gordon Korman with its blend of humor, a wayward plot, and featuring multiple voices. Much of the plot is predictable, but the author saves a few surprises for the end. Korman’s style is always appealing to middle-grade readers, and I recommend you give it a shot.