The Arrival by Shaun Tan

What worked:

The lack of any words will appeal to emerging readers, but it requires them to have skills with artistic interpretation. The detailed illustrations use shades of black, white, and gray to tell the character’s immigration story. Some sets of pictures show his problems communicating with various citizens, while others depict the passage of time. They come in various sizes with a dozen pictures filling some pages, while other two-page spreads display one large scene. The author is clearly a master artist, and readers can appreciate his skill and versatility.  

The plot follows a man leaving his wife and daughter in search of a better life across an ocean. Other people and families are displayed in the pictures, as they’re hoping to fulfill similar dreams. The first illustrations of the destination city are the clearest evidence that this story does not take place on the planet Earth. Most of the scenes are generally realistic, but the architecture, animals, and technology are not familiar. This blend helps readers make connections with the story while allowing them to use their imaginations. Minor characters share personal stories from their past, and several of them are willing to help the man with food, work, and lodging.

What didn’t work as well:

Readers can get the gist of the plot from inferences, but specifics are harder to understand. They’ll develop an interpretation of the story, but there’s no way to determine what they might have missed. However, perhaps that’s not important as long as they grasp the main character’s struggles after immigrating to a new country.

The final verdict:

This book is a paperback reprint of a 2007 title. The listing on Amazon indicates it’s for ages 7 and up, but the skills required by readers probably make it more appropriate for older kids. The book’s picture format will be attractive to young readers, but they must be very observant and use inferencing abilities. Overall, it’s an interesting book that will please the curious middle-grade readers.

Dragonborn by Struan Murray

What worked:

From the synopsis, readers know Alex will become a dragon, but it’s fun to watch her slowly come to that realization. It may be the most captivating part of the whole story. Some readers may relate to Alex’s lack of freedom, as her mom strictly controls her life. Alex secretly sneaks into the forest to release her frustration and anger, but she also visits a favorite spot where she cherishes memories of her father. She still grieves for him, but she’ll learn later that she doesn’t know the full story of his death. Strange dreams and meeting a Skarren-Har named Oliphos precede her revelations about dragons. Dr. Archibald P. Puppinsworth provides the book’s introduction and periodic comments throughout the book and warns readers that dragons are “going to destroy humanity”.

Oliphos is an interesting character, as he’s been alive for generations. He’s extremely polite and understanding, even while imposing on others. The story takes a turn when Alex arrives home to find an uninvited Oliphos cooking a meal in her kitchen. He guides Alex to the dragon school, but other instructors aren’t as patient and understanding as Oliphos. Rannock has a tough-love philosophy and doesn’t coddle the dragons. Alex struggles to transform into her dragon form, but Rannock still puts her into the Rompus where she faces other dragons in one-on-one training battles. Luckily, Alex has a good friend named Kaida who offers moral support.

An underlying conflict concerns a legendary dragon named Drak Midna. He’s the only dragon larger than Oliphos, but he hasn’t been seen in years. Many of the greatest world disasters, like the sinking of the Titanic, were at the hands of this dragon. Drak Midna wants to eliminate all humans on Earth, and he has many secret followers among the dragons. Early in the story, Alex is the only one able to hear the voice of a dragon skull warning that Drak Midna is close to finding the Phylactery, a box that will allow him to destroy humans. Hearing the voice tells readers two big things. Alex has a rare dragon power, and it's a hint that she’s more important than it seems.

What didn’t work as well:

The author teases readers throughout most of the story before Alex finally transforms. It will require much patience from readers, but it’s well worth it.

The final verdict:

Dragon lovers will surely enjoy this book, as it emphasizes Alex’s struggle to become one. The author saves several surprises and revelations for later in the plot that refresh its intensity and suspense. I highly recommend you give the book a shot!

Dragonborn by Struan Murray

What worked:

From the synopsis, readers know Alex will become a dragon, but it’s fun to watch her slowly come to that realization. It may be the most captivating part of the whole story. Some readers may relate to Alex’s lack of freedom, as her mom strictly controls her life. Alex secretly sneaks into the forest to release her frustration and anger, but she also visits a favorite spot where she cherishes memories of her father. She still grieves for him, but she’ll learn later that she doesn’t know the full story of his death. Strange dreams and meeting a Skarren-Har named Oliphos precede her revelations about dragons. Dr. Archibald P. Puppinsworth provides the book’s introduction and periodic comments throughout the book and warns readers that dragons are “going to destroy humanity”.

Oliphos is an interesting character, as he’s been alive for generations. He’s extremely polite and understanding, even while imposing on others. The story takes a turn when Alex arrives home to find an uninvited Oliphos cooking a meal in her kitchen. He guides Alex to the dragon school, but other instructors aren’t as patient and understanding as Oliphos. Rannock has a tough-love philosophy and doesn’t coddle the dragons. Alex struggles to transform into her dragon form, but Rannock still puts her into the Rompus where she faces other dragons in one-on-one training battles. Luckily, Alex has a good friend named Kaida, who offers moral support.

An underlying conflict concerns a legendary dragon named Drak Midna. He’s the only dragon larger than Oliphos, but he hasn’t been seen in years. Many of the greatest world disasters, like the sinking of the Titanic, were at the hands of this dragon. Drak Midna wants to eliminate all humans on Earth, and he has many secret followers among the dragons. Early in the story, Alex is the only one able to hear the voice of a dragon skull warning that Drak Midna is close to finding the Phylactery, a box that will allow him to destroy humans. Hearing the voice tells readers two big things. Alex has a rare dragon power, and it's a hint that she’s more important than it seems.

What didn’t work as well:

The author teases readers throughout most of the story before Alex finally transforms. It will require much patience from readers, but it’s well worth it.

The final verdict:

Dragon lovers will surely enjoy this book, as it emphasizes Alex’s struggle to become one. The author saves several surprises and revelations for later in the plot that refresh its intensity and suspense. I highly recommend you give the book a shot!

Scepter of Memories (Witchlings 4) Claribel A. Ortega

What worked:

Seven is the main character, and she’s accompanied by her two best friends, Valley and Thorn. The three of them are known as the Witchlings. Seven has a very rare monstruo magic, but it’s also associated with wild, dangerous beasts. Most people fear monstruos, so Seven must keep her abilities secret. Her friends are aware, but Ambert, the main antagonist, convinces everyone else that she’s a danger. Consequently, Seven and her friends must flee to the Grim, a land full of monstruo creatures. The author adds a budding subplot when Valley and Thorn are reluctant to admit a fond attraction is growing between them.

I have not read the previous three books, but much of this one is placed in a new setting. This benefits new readers because the surroundings will also be unfamiliar to loyal readers of the series. Seven still has many questions about her monstruo power, and she begins to find answers from a reclusive ally during the adventure. Readers will learn about Seven’s abilities alongside her, which helps those new to the series. Seven can feel her power struggling to erupt, but she’s warned to quiet the internal voice trying to be heard. Consequently, readers will anticipate the moment Seven succumbs to the pressure.

The characters in the Twelve Towns live where witch clans are important parts of the society, but this results in the separation of classes. Ambert tries to eliminate the Witchlings clan and casts a dark spell to make everyone forget about history and truth. Ambert has killed another witch, but witnesses at his trial can’t remember what they saw. The Witchlings travel beyond the Grim and enter the city of Joor. They’re told the clans are unimportant there, although there are hints indicating that may not be totally true. The sheriff is a tyrant, and his character adds another subplot and obstacle for Seven, Valley, and Thorn to overcome. All the while, Ambert’s son and two accomplices are tracking the Witchings to capture them, although those plans only worsen.

What didn’t work as well:

The book’s first quarter is challenging for readers new to the series since many new characters refer to prior events. The vocabulary is unique to this series, and meanings aren’t always clearly understood. However, leaving the Twelve Towns helps, since the entire scenario is new to everyone.

The final verdict:

This book will have new readers wishing they hadn’t missed reading the previous three books! Monstruo magic makes this story unique, and it’s exciting to watch Seven’s full potential emerge. Overall, I recommend you give this book a shot, but you should start the series from the beginning. 

Twisting in Time (Misfit's Magic 3) by Fred Gracely

What worked:

Bones, a character made of bones, fiddles with a magical object and sends Goff and his friends disappearing into a new story. Bones and Maxim can observe what happens to Goff, and the author occasionally inserts their observations. Putting characters into unfamiliar situations probably makes it easier for readers who haven’t read the previous two books in the series. The new characters bear strong resemblances to earlier books with similar names and personalities. Goff becomes Goffren, but he can still communicate with nature. Halstrom is now Halstrohm, and he’s still a know-it-all who takes everything literally. Halstrohm and Lydianna have constant, humorous banter over his misunderstandings of her figures of speech and her confusion when he uses big words.

Goffren is a Verlokken, so he’s afraid to become close to anyone else. The lines in a minstrel song from the book’s opening warn that if a Verlokken stays with a person too long, “Forever your life… Will treacherous… And complicated be.” His self-image as a Verlokken creates a large mental hurdle when it comes to accepting assistance. He helps Lydianna with two bullies, but he’s surprised when she calls him “Friend”. Halstrohm rescues Goffren from captivity, but he’s still reluctant to acknowledge Halstrohm’s friendship. Goffren is eventually forced to recognize he has two new companions, whether he likes it or not. The author periodically has Goff/Goffren keep a mental journal where he reflects on events, thoughts, and feelings. Readers may develop deeper connections with characters when Goffren has them share their innermost fears and worries.

Goffren suspects someone is using dark, illegal magic. Goffren is accused of murdering a baron after the man is turned to stone, and that must be a sign of dark magic. Goffren witnesses a wizard using illegal magic to open a hidden door, and he later learns a sorceress is using it to create horrible creatures. Halstrohm is apprenticing as a wizard, and he’s reluctant to believe Goffren’s observations. Children are also disappearing around the realm, and readers will wonder how everything fits together. Do the murders and missing kids have anything to do with what Goffren and his friends find on a frightening island? The king and queen seem incompetent, and the head of the guards wants to have Goffren executed, so it’s unclear whom the characters can trust.

What didn’t work as well:

There are many characters to remember, especially those living in the castle. Goffren moves back and forth through the kingdom, and it might have helped to include a map somewhere in the book.

The final verdict:

With the cast of characters transported to a setting in the past, readers new to the series can jump in without missing a beat. Previous relationships are reintroduced, and backstories are recreated. This series is highly entertaining, and I recommend giving all the books a shot.

The Freedom Seeker by Ruchira Gupta

What worked:

The book has a jolting opening that will pique reader interest. Simi’s having a wonderful start to her school day, since the teacher announces she’s the middle-school field hockey captain and they’re going to play in the capital city of Delhi, India. However, she then receives a note from a bully saying, “Go back where you belong, Paki.” Paki refers to Pakistan. Later at home, a brick is thrown through the front window by a group fighting to ban marriages between different religions. This is a stark reminder that prejudice and racism aren’t limited to the United States, and it introduces an emotional conflict. Simi’s family is forced to flee the country, which becomes the plot of the book’s second half.

The changes to Simi’s character will evoke compassionate feelings from readers. Early on, she’s portrayed as a loving, kind, intelligent girl who does well in school. Being named the captain of her co-ed field hockey team is a strong indicator of the respect she’s earned from her coach and the other players. She tries to understand her racist tormentors and manages to persuade one boy to reconsider his actions. Readers will see the unfairness her family endures, and they may be angered when they’re forced to leave India. All of the positive energy found in the beginning will be in stark contrast to when Simi finds herself stranded in the desert. Things don’t improve once she’s “rescued” and finds herself in the custody of immigration officers.

The most unique thing about this book may be the focus on immigration into the United States. The last pages of the book even have a glossary of terms related to the topic. Simi learns her family must get visas before they’ll be allowed to enter the U.S., and her father receives one and travels ahead. Simi and her mother aren’t approved, so they’re forced to enter the country illegally. This introduces the role of coyotes, smugglers who guide immigrants across the border. Readers learn that these people charge large sums of money and can’t always be trusted. The book shares information about the conditions in detention centers and the additional struggles faced by the immigrants. The end of the book has discussion, ways to gather more information, and a word from the author.

What didn’t work as well:

Simi wants to know everything, so the author has characters define or explain many concepts related to the prejudice in India and immigration into the U.S. Context might be used for many of the terms, so the explanations seem unnecessary.

The final verdict:

This is a story of hope and perseverance, as Simi’s family overcomes prejudice and physical and emotional hardships to stay together. It’s enlightening for readers seeking to gain a deeper understanding of immigration from a different perspective. Overall, I recommend you give this book a chance. 

Ivy Newt and the Time Thief (Ivy Newt in Miracula 2) by Derek Keilty

What worked:

The witchcraft in this book is stereotypical without any spooky evilness. Ivy is a kind-hearted character who is still learning to become a Sand Witch. Witches are often accompanied by familiars, and Ivy’s familiar is a grey wolf named Tom Wolf. However, Tom is transformed into a boy for most of the book. Ivy flies a broomstick and performs spells she’s learned in witch school. The sorcerer in the story casts an awful spell, trapping another witch inside a haunted house for ten years. The author resolves the plot peacefully, leaving everyone living happily ever after.

The vocabulary and sentence structure are appropriate for emerging or reluctant young readers. Black-and-white illustrations add rough images of the characters with additional details in the setting and help make the narrative approachable. Ivy shares a lesson in kindness by helping someone in need. The resolution also shows the importance of clear communication and the danger of drawing assumptions about others.

What didn’t work as well:

The plot probably isn’t for most middle-grade readers. Its simplicity and innocence are a stark contrast to most of the other literature written for this age group. However, it’s perfect for those middle-grade readers still learning to master the skills needed to attempt more developed and thought-provoking texts.

The final verdict:

This book is for emerging or younger middle-grade readers. The story makes references to the first book, but this one can still be read independently. Overall, this book is wonderful for its target audience.

Graciela in the Abyss by Meg Medina

What worked:

The author creates a remarkable world beneath the sea after Graciela dies in the prologue. The narrator sounds like an old storyteller speaking to the readers. People who die in the ocean become spirits and choose a specific job they’ll do. Immediately after dying, Graciela meets Amina, a Spirit Guide who’s chosen to help new spirits adjust to their eternal roles. Spirits make the world more bearable for the living by keeping the sea in a “delicate balance”. Everything has a counterpart. Some spirits control the fogs, others maintain the sea currents to guide ships, while other spirits ease minds. However, spirits can also cause terrible storms, whirlpools, and other dangers. Needlers are mischievous, and other spirits tend to avoid them. One Needler and his crew become the main antagonists.

Graciela’s character is mischievous and daring, but she’s also insecure. She chooses to become a Glazier and loves to transform pieces of glass into art. Her beautiful creations are left near shore where humans will discover and enjoy them. Graciela searches for bits of glass on the sea bottom and sometimes ventures into risky waters. She still has brief memories of life on land and misses being with her older sister. These remembrances create a subtle, internal struggle. Instead of being paired with a new spirit guardian after her death, Graciela stays with Amina, and they become close, like sisters. This brings Graciela comfort, but she fears the day Amina will be called away to join the Almas and lead all of the spirits. This fear leads Graciela to make a story-altering decision.

The story follows the paths of two characters, Graciela and Jorge. Alternating chapters describe Graciela’s life under the sea and Jorge’s difficult life as the son of a malicious blacksmith and his wife. Jorge is the opposite of his despicable parents, but his kind heart endures. All of the characters, spirits and humans, know the story of the harpoon that can kill spirits. Jorge discovers its hiding place and knows right away that it’s something evil. He tries to destroy it but is forced to conceal it where it will never be found. However, that decision leads to a fateful night at sea.

What didn’t work as well:

Other than Jorge and Graciela, the characters aren’t fully developed and simply serve their purposes. Readers may have trouble connecting with Graciela, as her personality isn’t as defined and positive as Jorge’s. Many of Graciela’s decisions only serve her self-interests, although she eventually learns to care about the entire world under the sea.

The final verdict:

Young readers may be captivated by the undersea world and characters. The mission to destroy the malevolent harpoon builds to a dramatic climax and a satisfying resolution. I recommend you try it out for yourself. 

Giant by Judith McQuoid

What worked:

Davy and his mother become the primary moneymakers for their family, since the father can no longer work in the steel mill. Mother works for the Lewis family, and she expects Davy to work hard too. She isn’t pleased when Mrs. Lewis offers to pay Davy if he’ll play with her son, Jack. Davy is torn between the expectations of the two women. He enjoys playing with Jack but knows he’s not doing more laborious chores. Davy and Jack come from two very different backgrounds, so their days of friendship may be numbered. People in public make disparaging comments when the boys are together, and Davy’s mother tells him their future friendship can’t last.

Jack (the future author C.S. Lewis) is an avid reader with an energetic spirit. His imagination is contagious, and Davy discovers his own creativity is waiting to burst out. Young readers will enjoy the inventive stories they share in Jack’s playroom and the adventures they act out on a day trip. They might duel with swords during an enemy invasion, chase a phoenix, or create mental images of giants roaming the countryside or seashore. Both boys are gifted storytellers, but Davy realizes he has a special talent for drawing. He’s shocked when Jack says some artists make big money from the pictures they create. The contrast between the boys’ worlds produces a conflict throughout the book.

Jack has always loved stories, and Davy discovers he loves them too. The author includes references to classic literature, drawing on the books on Jack’s shelf and selections from the local bookstore. This exposes young readers to titles they might not know and reminds other readers that you can’t beat the classics. The story includes historical references from the early 1900s. The most notable topic is the Titanic, as it’s being built in Davy’s shipyard.

What didn’t work as well:

This book emphasizes relationships over high drama or action. The plot’s not complicated, so readers will need to be prepared for emotions and feelings rather than suspense. This strategy isn’t bad, but it may require mental adjustments by young readers.

The final verdict:

This heart-warming book finds two young boys bonding over a mutual love for stories and illustrations. While it’s inspired by the early life of C.S. Lewis, Davy is the main focus, as he struggles to overcome expectations from his mother and society. Overall, I recommend you give it a shot.

Junius Leak and the Spiraling Vortex of Doom by Allan Wolf

What worked:

Junius is a curious character, as he has a love for all kinds of waterbodies (not bodies of water) but fears being in them. He has a self-made notebook full of information about every waterbody he knows, but he dreads being in any body of water other than a bathtub or a pool. He has trouble reading facial expressions and emotions, but tries to remember advice given by his mom and stepdad. They send Junius to live with Uncle Spot in Louisiana for a couple of weeks while they work on their marriage. Baby Junius and his mother lived in Uncle Spot’s house, and Junius wants to learn why she left and has never returned. Everyone Junius meets has heard how he died (he didn’t, he’s only allergic to shellfish), but he manages to make friends with a couple of local girls. However, Aunt Boudreaux is definitely not one of them!

The book is narrated by Lake Peigneur, the book’s setting, with some chapters written from the lake’s first-person point of view. The lake is an appropriate narrator, since it has witnessed all of the past (1800s) and present (1980) history. Its chapters act as flashbacks to explain the origins of a curse and one-hundred-year-old events, and how they affect the life of the current Junius Leak. Most chapters are written from Junius’s point of view. Environmental issues are addressed, as salt mining and oil drilling are affecting the area. Victoria Vandee is Junius’s new friend, and she’s the only resident actively protesting the misuse of the lake. Many residents don’t appreciate her efforts, since those businesses provide sorely needed jobs.

An air of the supernatural underlies the story. Beginning in the flashbacks, the Siren’s Flute sits inside a rectangular, wooden box. Does it contain a valuable treasure, or will the flute lead to someone’s death? An ominous verse accompanies the Siren’s Flute. Along with it, two unsuspecting boys become nannies to the first Junius Leak, as do their ancestors. It’s never clear if a curse actually follows the Siren’s Flute, but generations of characters fear it is real. Two characters die with it in the salt mines, only to have it discovered a century later. On top of that, the pirate Lafitte’s treasure is buried somewhere along the lake, and an unassuming map emerges that shows its location. A century of nature has changed the scenery around the treasure, so will the characters be able to locate it by deciphering the ambiguous map?

What didn’t work as well:

The plot can be slow-developing, which may not appeal to many young readers. The flashbacks double the number of characters and subplots, which requires an extra amount of description and development. However, the climax and resolution focus on the real-life disaster and are dramatic and suspenseful.

The final verdict:

The book doesn’t prepare readers for the disaster, but the author has written other books on the subject. Junius’s story is captivating, but a lot is going on overall. Readers will be engrossed by the climax, and I recommend you give this book a shot.

Roll for Danger: The Cursed Catacombs by Nick Eliopulos

What worked:

This book is a choose-your-own adventure, so readers must be active participants in the story. They’re asked to make decisions that will guide the story in different directions. The author adds a twist to this concept by incorporating elements of interactive board games, such as Dungeons & Dragons. Some decisions are based on the roll of a die, so they bring in degrees of chance. Also, readers assign point values for the main character’s physical ability, cleverness, and social skills. Readers are asked to keep track of Seth’s strengths and weaknesses on a Character Sheet as the story progresses. These values may go up or down as a result of the readers’ decisions and will affect the character’s chances of having a successful quest. This kind of book is meant to be read multiple times, since different choices will create different stories.

The basic plot is that Seth must collect a specific flower from the catacombs under a cemetery. Seth encounters a variety of creatures and obstacles as he navigates the ancient tunnels. The wizard traps an imp inside a glass globe and sends it along with Seth on the mission. However, imps are mischievous things, and this one tries to engage Seth in conversation. The imp makes suggestions about what Seth should do, and they will affect his and the readers ' decisions. It sounds like the imp may be trying to help in sticky situations, but there’s always doubt about its trustworthiness. It makes some revelations that will impact the overall quest, but will readers heed its advice?

What didn’t work as well:

The character and plot development are limited, since segments of the story are skipped based on decisions. Readers are asked to use a six-sided die and Character Sheet, so they'll need to acquire these items before starting the book.

The final verdict:

The book’s format may be new to young readers, which should make it appealing to them. Rereading the book will lead to a variety of adventures and outcomes, with different ways to enjoy it. I recommend you try this book for yourself. 

The Curse of La Llorona (Chupacarter 4) by George Lopez and Ryan Calejo

What worked:

Jorge is the main character, and the narrative is told from his point of view. He joins his two friends and chupacabra pal to solve a mystery of disappearing movie workers. Ernie is obsessed with Star Trek, and he tends to be the most skittish. Liza is the brains of the group, as she creates a plan to sneak off to Los Angeles. Carter is a seven-foot-tall, hairy creature, and he sometimes forgets to hide his identity from other humans. He was separated from his family in the first book of the series, and Jorge is now his best friend. Carter is the wild card in the story, since his impulsive actions are hard to anticipate.

The gang travels to Los Angeles to help save the natural home of a large group of chupacabras (no relation to Carter). Their land will be bulldozed to build new stores if a producer’s movie, The Curse of La Llorona, isn’t successful. Jorge and his friends suspect someone is trying to sabotage the movie’s production by kidnapping different workers. One of the missing people will be Jorge’s dad. Jorge is still angry that the man abandoned him and his mom, and he doesn’t have any fond memories of his father. Jorge has dormant feelings deep, deep inside. This creates a nice little subplot for readers.

Carter has a bigger role than in the previous two books, and that’s a big plus. He accompanies Jorge as his support animal, although Carter frequently slips out of character by speaking or walking on two legs. However, an unexpected exchange with an agent will open new possibilities. Chupacabras come from Mexican folklore, so the author includes Spanish phrases in the narrative. These terms aren’t defined, but readers can use the context to understand most of them. Illustrations will help visualize the characters, and these pictures often replace paragraphs to keep the story moving.

What didn’t work as well:

The narrative is fairly straightforward, and the villain is predictable. Even though it’s a mystery, the plot doesn’t require much mental energy. However, the author saves a couple of surprises for the climax.

The final verdict:

Young people looking for a fun, humorous ghost story will be pleased with this book. Jorge’s character is forced to deal with a range of emotions, and it’s nice to see Carter become a star. I don’t know if more books are planned for the series, but it can easily end with this one. I recommend you give the book a shot.

The Aquamarine Prophecy (Alessia in Atlantis 3) by Nathalie Laine

What worked:

Alessia’s mother is majorly evil, and Alessia does all she can to not follow in her mother’s footsteps. Alessia took Cariesa’s powers, but she’s frightened to use her mind-control ability. She’ll become obsessed with it if she uses it too much, and controlling others is immoral and wicked. The author complicates the problem throughout the book by having the Sensate power speak to Alessia in her mind. The italicized lines constantly try to convince Alessia to use her ability, because it thinks she’s the Sensate Supreme, ruler of land and sea. It takes all of her willpower to win these mental battles and keep herself from becoming malevolent. And her empathic Sensate constantly bombards her with the emotions of others.

The cast of supporting characters offers several different subplots. Vulcor is the new emperor after he succeeded his evil father, and he may be more than a friend to Alessia (boyfriend?). Only six people in the world are Sensates, and Vulcor has a telekinesis ability. He also hears an internal voice telling him to use his power, and he uses it more often than Alessia. She fears Vulcor is succumbing to the Sensate voice, which will make him as bad as his father. Herior and Kella are two of Alessia’s friends, and they’re tiptoeing through budding emotions for each other. Herior is still dealing with fallout from a previous breakup, but Kella is excited when he asks her to the school dance. Things don’t go smoothly after that. Rak is a new character who happens to be a crab. Crabs have a reputation as sneaky spies who supported Vulcor’s father, but Alessia trusts Rak with a huge secret. Her other friends aren’t as quick to accept him.

Cariesa is the primary antagonist when the book opens, but the author adds plenty of twists. Alessia is reluctant to harm any of her mother’s followers, since her mother tricked them into helping her. This handicaps Alessia and her friends when they try to thwart Cariesa’s plans. In addition, Cariesa usually speaks to her daughter with motherly love, though the other characters question her sincerity. Other character relationships go through dramatic changes that alter the plot’s path. Friends become foes, foes become possible allies, and a character makes a surprising reappearance. The role reversals of friends and enemies will keep readers guessing.

What didn’t work as well:

This book concludes the series. It can be read independently, but I recommend you read the previous books first. Understanding the background relationships helps to fully grasp and appreciate the challenges in this book. Readers will miss the nuances of the characters if they don't fully know the backstories.

The final verdict:

The author inserts significant twists to keep readers thinking and to create an exciting climax. All of the characters’ issues and problems that have been building throughout the series are resolved. This book will appeal to readers who love characters with special abilities, and I recommend you give the whole series a shot.

The Mean Girl Mission (Confessions of a Junior Spy 2) by Rosaria Munda

What worked:

The most entertaining part of the book is Bea living among adult spies. Everyone in the world has a Knack, and Bea has a special talent with knives. Her father has the same Knack, and he uses it as the chef at the Pangean Hotel. Her mother’s Knack is with guns, and she’s frequently off somewhere in the world on a secret spy mission. Bea wants to become a spy too, but her parents don’t like the idea. Bea receives training to master her knives and learn other spy skills, but her parents would like her to attend a public, non-spy school. This gives Bea the perfect opportunity to infiltrate her friend’s school and catch an evil spy with a people Knack.

Much of the humor comes from Bea’s lack of knowledge about the world of Normals, non-spy people. While registering on her first day of school, she’s asked to place anything distracting, such as a cellphone, into a bag. Bea surprises the administrator by removing several knives that are hidden under her clothes. Answering questions in class is an adventure, since all of her knowledge revolves around spies and the history of spying. She must bite her tongue to reveal the truth about the history being taught in the school. You can imagine how Bea behaves during her first sleepover. The story is told from Bea’s first-person point of view, so readers will fully appreciate

The story shares a perspective on the issues of bullying and friendship. Bea suspects Mabel has a people Knack and is trying to control the minds of her classmates. She bullies and picks on Bea’s friend Chantal and another girl named Dodie. Bea decides she must get closer to Mabel, but doesn’t foresee the consequences. How will Chantal react to Bea hanging out with the girl bullying her? Tommy is Bea’s best friend, and he offers mission support from the Pangean. However, there are moments of embarrassment when the two friends struggle with their maturing emotions.

What didn’t work as well:

Bea tries to confirm the identity of the person with the people Knack, and all of her observations are tainted with a preconceived notion of guilt. Readers will realize Bea’s mistake and recognize the enemy agent well before she does.

The final verdict:

This fun, fast-moving mission will appeal to young readers. Bea’s character is the highlight, as her love for the Life (the spy world) and her lack of knowledge about the Normal world make for an entertaining story. This book can be read independently of the first book in the series, and I recommend giving both a try.

The Dark Times of Nimble Nottingham by Ryan James Black

What worked:

Nimble Nottingham has been alone for as long as he can remember. Even when surrounded by other kids at the orphanage, he’d rather perch on the roof by himself than be teased and bullied. Now, he only cares for himself and his partner Winnie, a scraggly, one-eyed dog he found. Gangs of other homeless kids don’t want him, and that suits him just fine. He’s “not very good at people”, although he tolerates a tag-along kid named Mouse. Nim doesn’t want help from anyone, but he slowly learns that he doesn’t need to live that way. However, it also means there are more lives for him to worry about. Nim’s character narrates his first-person account of the incredible events.

The author is a master of description, and readers are immersed in creepy 1940s London. The countdown to October 31 is a fortunate coincidence. The book opens with Nim preparing to enter the “gloom at Gravenhurst Manor”. “… darkness waited… Even moonlight knew better than to linger.” Hidden doors pop up in different buildings, and Nim knows hidden doors “always-always- led to treasure.” He unlocks a secret safe and the “reek whooshed out”, and he finds a “greasy, flickering black candle”. Nim’s first descriptions of the shadow monster “splatting like wet meat” are like “a lump of liquefying tar… a bubbling inky puddle”. Young readers will be unnerved as it lurks in the darkness, waiting to pounce on its next victim.

Some books have satisfying resolutions, while others don’t fully resolve all of the issues. This book teases readers, as Nim is ready to stop the shadow monster, only to have something unexpected happen to keep the threat going. The problem isn’t solved even after the creature is captured. Then, a conflict arises when characters disagree over what should be done with the shadow monster. Pieces of information are slowly shared, and Nim is frustratingly angry when he realizes he’s not getting the whole picture. However, his haste to stop the creature blinds him to the full truth when he should have his eyes wide open.

What didn’t work as well:

The shadow monster’s demise is predictable, as Nim immediately realizes its sensitivity to light. However, the details of its defeat aren’t known until the end, when the author builds to an inevitable showdown.

The final verdict:

Young readers enjoy scary stories, so they should love this book. The author’s skillful ability to evoke emotions and mental images will captivate all readers, and I highly recommend you give this book a shot!