The Big Book of Pi: The Famous Number You Can Never Know by Jean-Baptiste Aubin and Anita Lehmann

What worked:

All middle-grade readers have heard of Pi, but the only thing they probably know is that it equals 3.14. This book takes readers back to the creation of the concept and describes its evolution over the years. Why is it called Pi and not something else? Mathematicians throughout history have tried to understand Pi and calculate its value as exactly as possible. The fact that its value is infinite and non-repeating means no one can ever find an exact number. The book shares different strategies used by ancient Egyptians and Babylonians, Archimedes, and other people around the world. Some pages apply the concept to calculate values related to curved objects and solve mathematical questions.

The book is loaded with colorful illustrations and diagrams to help readers understand Pi. The diagrams are helpful when explaining strategies and applying them to solve problems. Definitions of mathematical terms are found at the bottom of the pages where they’re used and at the back of the book. “Fun facts” and other interesting information can also be found at the bottom of some pages. Did you know Pi Day is celebrated on March 14 (3/14)? A couple of pages share a Pi-related “magic” trick and Pi-related jokes. The official creatures of Pi Day are octopi.

What didn’t work as well:

Describing the methods people used to calculate the value of Pi becomes redundant. It’s interesting, but there’s a limit to the attention span of young readers. A redeeming factor is that the authors have a sense of humor, so the narrative is light-hearted and fun.

The final verdict:

This book is most appropriate for upper middle-grade readers. It won’t appeal to the general audience, but I recommend it to readers with a love for math. Dare I say math nerds?

Sneaks by Amy Tern

What worked:

The alliance between Valory and Rook is unlikely due to their diverse family situations. Rook’s family is wealthy, and everyone in it has musical talent. Rook is a piano prodigy, but he doesn’t like how it makes his mother overly protective. Valory’s mother cleans the home for Rook’s family, and the book’s opening finds Valory helping her mother. She hates that she’s accused of stealing an ancient coin, mostly because she’s guilty. Rook is surprised when he lies to cover Valory’s crime, and that begins their partnership. Rook needs help investigating a possible crime, and Valory is equally intrigued about the problem he describes.

Alternating chapters focus on Valory or Rook, allowing readers to see inside their minds. Valory’s mother is dating a policeman, which is ironic considering Valory isn’t an upstanding, honest student or girl. She can get good grades at school, but she doesn’t always follow the rules. Valory doesn’t like her mother’s new boyfriend, and it creates a conflict for her. Rook is the opposite of Valory, and she’s amused by his need to be perfect. Rook can’t believe Valory rides the bus by herself, but admires her ability to go out into public. He loves to play the piano, but he doesn’t always get to play the songs he wants. Rook’s relationship with his mother is conflicted and will need to be resolved in the end. Valory’s trying to behave better to earn the trust of others, and Rook takes chances he’s never taken before. Their alliance to solve a crime is complicated when their parents forbid them from seeing each other.

The clues of the kidnapped girl are circumstantial, so the mystery isn’t easily solved. Rook thinks he sees a young girl in the apartment across the alley, but she’s never seen outside. He assumes something’s wrong and begins to notice other things. A woman leaves the apartment building at the same time every day, and she certainly behaves oddly. Valory helps Rook investigate, but they still make many assumptions. Readers won’t know the real story until the plot reaches its climax.

What didn’t work as well:

Valory and Rook’s characters aren’t developed as much as readers might like. There are some explanations for their behaviors, but it still feels like more is needed. They’re complex characters.

The final verdict:

The author develops a plot that seems to have a clear direction, but some clues don’t make sense. That’s because the story isn’t as clear as anticipated. I suggest you try it for yourself.

The Aftermyth #1 by Tracy Wolff

What worked:

The book’s opening pages foretell the creative adventure awaiting the characters. Penelope and her twin brother, Paris, head to Anaximander’s to develop their powers, but they must first eat a doughnut hole before crossing the bridge that leads to the school. Penelope is attacked by snakes and faces other obstacles, but Paris doesn’t have any trouble and doesn’t understand why it takes her thirty minutes to cross the bridge. Is something happening to her, or is it her imagination? The new students must locate a coin to identify the house they will join, but Penelope’s coin is much more elusive than the others. She shakes hands with a hologram and rides a waterfall as it flows up, not down. The way her experience differsfrom anyone else’s is puzzling, but it continues throughout the plot and adds mystique to the story.

Students are told that they’re assigned to the house they need, and Penelope is placed with Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty. This creates a huge internal conflict, since she’s dead-set on joining other Athenas in their house of logic and wisdom. Imagine the embarrassment of having to tell her parents the disappointing news. Readers will follow her transformation from an intense, super-serious student into an emotional, caring person. Penelope is forced to reflect on her situation and modify her view of the school and its students. She finds herself in many confusing, strange circumstances, and Penelope and readers will wonder what’s going on and why she’s singled out. There’s clearly something special about her character, but she also has remarkable abilities that will slowly emerge.

Penelope’s roommate is an unexpected treat. Fifi is enthusiastic and impulsive, two qualities lacking in Penelope. Fifi immediately says Penelope’s name will be Ellie, and it’s easier to go along with it than to fight it. Fifi is flamboyant and has knowledge about Anaximander’s that Penelope needs. Fifi has strong emotions, and she’s quick to share them, whether they result from kindness or anger. The roommates are joined by Arjun, a boy who has good thinking skills and is often able to understand Penelope’s strange ideas. Fifi and Arjun don’t dismiss Penelope when she claims to see and hear things others cannot. The trio forms the core group of characters that will guide the plot.

What didn’t work as well:

It takes Penelope until the book’s second half to finally wonder why strange things are only happening to her. Readers will wonder about that when she first crosses the bridge, and that question keeps readers mentally engaged throughout the story. The plot is more about what’s happening than Penelope’s school experience.

The final verdict:

Unexpectedly, one major god has been forgotten, and it seems to be Penelope’s job to correct the myths being told. I highly recommend this book for mystery, magic, and Greek myth lovers.

Rebellion 1776 by Laurie Halse Anderson

What worked:

The book offers young readers a glimpse into the country’s conditions as it struggles for independence from England. Many people don’t support the rebellion, as they’re Loyalists, loyal to the King of England. The story opens with the British controlling Boston and the colonists firing their cannons into the city. Elsbeth, the main character, is hired by Mister Pike, who once spied on the British army. Loyalists hate him for working against the king, while colonists dislike that he worked with the enemy army and lost his fortune in the process. Missus Pike is livid that she can’t associate with the wealthy class, and the family’s financial issues put a hardship on the entire family. However, readers get a perspective of the range in standards of living, as the family’s wealth fluctuates. They’re also caring for Hannah, a young girl due to inherit money, as her guardian is away.

Details regarding the smallpox epidemic will have readers appreciating the marvels of modern medicine. Most people fear the disease and avoid traveling to Boston, where the more dense population makes it easier to catch. Inoculations for smallpox have recently been developed, but many people fear them. Receiving the inoculation is more painful than modern medicine’s simple shots. Sanitation is important, but advancements in this field are limited. Access to doctors is not widespread, as many of the trained physicians work for the military. Many readers will be shocked by the primitive methods of treating serious medical conditions.

Elsbeth narrates her story as she struggles to locate her father and become a seamstress. The status and role of women during this time period are addressed, and their opportunities and freedom are limited. She accepts the work and abuse in her position as a maid to remain in a stable living situation. Women are subservient to men, and most are expected to become wives. It’s inappropriate for single women to be seen in the company of men without a chaperone present. Hannah takes Elsbeth as her personal assistant, and the pair finds their alliance equally beneficial. The way Hannah is treated by her guardian and the Pikes may be even more disturbing than Elsbeth’s situation. Elsbeth has a special friend, but being a homeless orphan forces him to make questionable choices.

What didn’t work as well:

The plot is not fast-paced, as Elsbeth deals with many challenges. There isn’t a clear climax, although Hannah’s illness creates suspense. The final chapter brings resolution to any unanswered questions. It might have been more entertaining to make them part of the plot.

The final verdict:

While it takes place during the Revolutionary War, the story deals more with the role of women, social perceptions, greed, and surviving the smallpox epidemic. I recommend this book for older, middle-grade readers. 

The Second Life of Snap by Erin Entrada Kelly

What worked:

The author creates a dynamic relationship between Zuzu and Snap. Zuzu hates robots, especially when her teacher tells the class they’ll eventually take over the world. Her father brings one home after losing his job and says it will become Zuzu’s guardian. That means it will go everywhere she goes and tell her father when she wants to go to the salvage yard, or the Sal. It cannot lie. However, something happens to it, and it protects Zuzu by not telling the truth. Zuzu starts calling it Snap, and she becomes more protective of the robot. Zuzu and her three friends call themselves Valley Cats, and they enjoy visiting the Sal. Snap comes along to help collect and carry trashed items, and he wants to learn more about being human. He competes in a storytelling game and asks about the taste of pears. Snap is naïve about life, but his blunt statements and questions help Zuzu navigate her issues.

The author makes a clear distinction between the society’s haves and have-nots. The wealthy citizens reside in Bountiful where they are shielded from harsh weather elements and enjoy a life of leisure. The have-nots live in Barren where the dusties’ flimsy, tin homes do little to keep out the Texas heat and dust. The whole story is set in Barren, so the only information about Bountiful is learned from the characters. Drones monitor citizens’ behaviors and zoom in to notify them when they’ve violated a rule or law. The one Barren doctor is punished for visiting patients in their homes. Speaking against the government is prohibited, with Dusty settlements widely separated and no way to communicate. Society is organized to keep the Dusties oppressed and suppressed. However, Zuzu hears rumors about something coming soon that will change everything.

What didn’t work as well:

The “climax” and resolution are not satisfying. The plot is building toward a major event to change society, but it never happens. It skips that part and ends six months later.

The final verdict:

The dynamic relationship between Zuzu and Snap is heartwarming, and readers will feel a sense of sadness as Snap’s battery runs down. However, the end of the book will have many readers feeling cheated, since the result is anticlimactic. Readers are left to fill in the blanks themselves.

Relic Hamilton, Genie Hunter by Joseph Coelho

What worked:

What an imaginative story! The prologue sets the stage, warning readers of the overlooked dangers of genies. Evil genies are imprisoned in lamps, and rules must be followed when they’re summoned. Wishes have consequences. The book relies on the familiarity of three genie wishes, but adds a twist to how they get power. Relic encounters a powerful genie named Ravenna in the second chapter, and his grandfather takes the brunt of its energy. This leads Relic to discover the Hermitic Sodality of Genie Hunters. Somehow, Relic connects with six smaller lamps containing sprites, and they make him this generation’s most powerful warrior. However, he doesn’t know how to uncover his full potential, and the genie sends him 350 years into the past!

It turns out the genie inadvertently released by Relic may be the worst one possible. Ravenna can manipulate wishes to accomplish his own goals. An unsuspecting wisher will be slowly drained of hope and willpower, and the genie will become even more formidable. A 7^th grader named Taya is that person, but the genie hunters don’t know her identity. The author periodically includes chapters featuring Taya that show her slowly losing control as Ravenna’s strength grows. The genie can’t force her to make wishes, but his growing influence is difficult to fight. Their connection is an important complication to the plot’s conflict, as Relic doesn’t want to harm Taya.

The plot is fast-paced, as Relic is thrust into the world of genies. Accidentally releasing Ravenna is the first thing that happens, and his goal is to release all genies in the world and rule over humans. Relic’s first priority is to save his grandfather, but recapturing Ravenna is a close second. Action lovers will enjoy the fight scenes while Relic learns to master his new abilities. The six lamps orbiting his waist hold a different spirit, and each of them wields a unique power. Gamber is the guardian of the lamps, Lakshmi is blue, translucent, and brandishes swords in each of his four arms, and Bubbledon protects Relic from magical attacks. The author slips in moments of humor, including a talking, high-tech bicycle. The illustrations are sketch-like and create mystery and intrigue while depicting key moments in the plot.

What didn’t work as well:

Each chapter begins with the narrative in verse, but the reason for this is unclear. Most of them can be read as part of the narrative, so they’re only a minor distraction.

The final verdict:

The plot has elements that will be familiar to young readers, but Relic’s abilities come through his connection to six sprites. The story moves at a quick pace, and there is a wonderful blend of action, levity, and suspense. I recommend this book to middle-grade readers who enjoy characters discovering new superpowers.  

The Spirits of '76 by T.W. Fitzhugh

What worked:

Emmeline has developed a pessimistic attitude toward the world, as others often seem to take advantage of her ability. An abusive man purchased her, and he only cared about making money from her ability to see into the future. During her escape, she learns that a seemingly kind and friendly crew member would jump at the chance to turn her over to British loyalists, for a price. Emmeline is leery of people’s motives when they offer help, but she can’t reunite with her sister by herself. She flees to a schoolhouse in a small, faraway town and uses the name Roo for most of the book. She’s joined by an impulsive girl named Izzy, a runaway slave named River, and the schoolmaster named Imason.

The story maintains a level of tension as Roo tries to keep her ability secret. Most people are skeptical when they first find out, so she’s reluctant to talk about it. The real threat comes from a man named Chitwood. He purchased Emmeline to make money from her ability, and he forced her to dress as a boy and beat or starve her if she disobeyed. He’s furious when Emmeline runs away, and he won’t stop searching until he retrieves her. Readers will be surprised when they learn he’s accompanied by a bounty hunter named Doon who takes pleasure in hurting others. Readers won’t know when Chitwood or Doon will reappear, but they’ll know it will eventually happen.

Historical information from the Revolutionary War is embedded in the plot, and it may be new to young readers. It’s set in the time period just before war breaks out, and characters are on edge about the coming conflict. Young readers may be surprised that some colonists are loyal to the King of England, and it’s almost impossible to identify spies working for the colonies or the British. Some boroughs in New York will be familiar, but it’s the site of the first major battle igniting the Revolutionary War. Imason copies the Declaration of Independence because he loves the sound and meaning behind the words. The townspeople skirmish with British warships, and Emmeline foresees that the battle in New York won’t happen until these two ships arrive.

What didn’t work as well:

The story includes a ghost, but it doesn’t have a major impact. It primarily affects one minor character’s wish to speak with her deceased mother, but it’s not necessary to the overall plot. Perhaps the ghost will be more significant in the sequel.

The final verdict:

This exciting adventure, based on historical facts, will pique the interest of young readers. The danger supplied by Chitwood and Doon, along with the impending Revolutionary War, creates suspense throughout the entire book. I recommend you give it a shot! 

Butterfly Girl by Sarah Floyd

What worked:

The opening sounds like a normal, realistic fiction book, with Meghan wishing she could fly. It quickly changes when Meghan learns her ancestors used to be born with wings. Her mother ran away to join a circus six years ago, and Meghan doesn’t understand how she could abandon her daughter. Meghan hasn’t spoken to her mom since she left, which creates a family conflict. Many young readers can identify with missing a divorced or separated parent, although running away is an uncommon reason. Her mother eventually returns and explains why she left. Middle-grade readers will likely identify with Meghan's experience of being bullied by a former friend and her crush on a cute boy.

Living with differences is a major issue, and Meghan’s grandfather tries to warn her about revealing her wings. She wants to show off her wings immediately, but her grandfather wants her to wait until he comes up with a plan and a story to explain them. She may be ready to tell the world, but her grandfather is not. He knows newspeople and scientists will swarm their home, but Meghan doesn’t foresee problems at school. She’s still the same seventh-grader she’s always been, but people think of wings when they see her. A media feeding frenzy ensues after Meghan reveals her wings. This conflict takes over the plot, as Meghan’s family can’t go anywhere without being mobbed by reporters.

What didn’t work as well:

The grandfather is a kind, supportive man, but his tolerance for Meghan’s lack of foresight feels unrealistic. He’s not overly upset when she goes against his wishes, and he shares more family secrets even after she breaks his trust. Aside from the media attention, which eventually subsides, society accepts the family’s wings much too easily.

The final verdict:

So many things happen (wings, mother’s issues, grandfather, bully/former friend, boys, media) that the plot becomes muddled. Other readers may have a different reaction, because it’s an interesting story. Overall, it’s an entertaining twist on a middle-grade novel, and I suggest readers try it for themselves.

The School for Thieves by Peter Burns

What worked:

Young readers are curious about things they’re not supposed to do, so a book about thieves should pique their interest. Tom is recruited to join the school, but his motivation is to rescue his friends from a workhouse. He was born in one, so he knows about the violence and hopelessness found there. Learning to become a criminal may sound immoral, but Tom’s recruiter, Corsair, explains the rationale behind the school and the Shadow League. Their role is to maintain balance between the three ruling superpowers, and that often requires the talents of trained thieves, spies, and assassins. That may sound wrong, but Corsair makes the Shadow League’s purpose palatable. Tom enrolls in the school midterm, and he knows he lacks background knowledge compared to other students. However, Tom has street smarts and life experience that will more than make up for the school knowledge he’s missed. Plus, Tom’s willing to work hard and do anything to rescue his gang.

Tom was rescued from the workhouse when he was seven, and he owes his freedom to Morris. Morris calls himself a magician who traveled the world before his death, following his arrest. Tom learns many skills from him that are useful in surviving the streets, but Tom doesn’t know where Morris learned them. Tom learns to pick pockets and run cons, but identifying snatchers may be most important. Morris tells him many entertaining stories, and Tom assumes they’re fictional. Little does Tom know, but the School for Thieves is real. The book’s second half is set at the school, and Tom learns more about the Shadow League, too. There is dissent within the league, as some members believe they should be running the world rather than the ruling groups. This conflict is similar to books where characters with super abilities think they should be ruling humans.

The school is reminiscent of books where kids head off to learn specialized skills that “normal” people don’t know about. Tom has his own room for the first time in his life, and he becomes friends with other first-year students. He’s bullied by a legacy student until he lets the boy and his cronies know he won’t be a victim. The school instructors are masters of their craft, and their instructional materials are based on “real” events. There are textbooks, projects, and tests just like readers will have experienced in their own schools. A teacher might reference a seemingly impossible crime they’ve committed and ask the students how they would do it. The story includes a competition between the different houses at the school, and a final challenge where winners from different schools complete a real mission.

What didn’t work as well:

It feels wrong to glorify characters who are criminals, but the book isn’t more violent or unseemly than most other middle-grade novels. It’s comparable to books involving spies or characters who do things that are against the rules.

The final verdict:

This book is most appropriate for upper-middle-grade readers due to the content and maturity of the text. There’s nothing inappropriate or profane, but reading about assassins, criminals, and political espionage isn’t suitable for elementary-age students. Overall, I highly recommend the book to a more experienced, developed middle-grade audience.