Ocean Chase (Dungeon Runners 3) by Kieran Larwood

What worked:

This book continues the adventure of Kit, Sandy, and Thorn, as their team, called Triple Trouble, competes in the Dungeon Runners tournament. The short chapters will appeal to reluctant and emerging readers, helping the plot move quickly. Black-and-white illustrations help create mental images of the characters and setting as the story progresses through an underwater cavern. Various creatures and other dangers await the competitors, with a giant Narghoul, a huge, undead, sword-wielding monster, waiting at the end. To add drama, Kit’s nemesis and school bully is on another team, and Kit’s convinced Rook Blackheart and the Roost Raiders have been cheating in the past two competitions.

Kit is the main character, but he’s an unlikely warrior and hero. He now possesses a formidable weapon called Featherblade, but it tends to have a mind of its own. It’s just as apt to send Kit flying away as it is to help him during combat. Kit has a fear of water; he can’t swim, which is an issue when competing at the bottom of the ocean. He’s forced to wear inflatable buoys on his arms, and that doesn’t make him look any more heroic. Not to mention, one of Thorn’s healing potions turns Kit’s skin orange. However, Kit’s strategic mind comes in handy, and he displays bravery to protect others. He has a strong sense of sportsmanship, which is a rare attribute among the Dungeon Runners. Young readers will find his character charming and a very likable underdog.

What didn’t work as well:

Because of the story’s fast pace, it doesn’t go into any detail, and challenges are rapidly solved. More capable readers will find the book is finished when it feels like it should be just ramping up. The character development is happening throughout the series, so readers will need to begin with the first book to understand the characters.

The final verdict:

Readers don’t need to start from the first book in the series, but choosing to read all three episodes won’t take long. Kit and his friends are entertaining characters, and I recommend you try the series for yourself. 

A Spoonful of Spying (Alice Eclair, Spy Extraordinaire 2) by Sarah Todd Taylor

What worked:

Many young readers enjoy cooking and baking, and those skills are featured in the story. Alice proved she’s one of France’s top bakers in the first book, and this cover story for her spy persona continues. Once again, she comes up with a creative pastry to gain access to a restricted area at the World Fair. She also enlists the help of a non-spy named Eva, and she becomes an invaluable ally. Eva is modeling new dresses at the World Fair, so readers with an interest in fashion design will enjoy scenes set during the shows. Readers with a taste for history will appreciate references to the Nazi’s rise to power in Germany just a decade before World War II.

The first chapter immediately jumps into the adventure, as Alice conducts surveillance on a luxury liner. She’s teamed with an adult agent named Claude, and he offers helpful advice and support. It’s unexpected when he says she should sacrifice an objective if she needs to rescue someone. The plot breaks down into two missions; two agents have been kidnapped, and someone is trying to steal the plans for a special airplane called Daedalus. Alice is told to find leads about the missing agents, but she should ignore any thoughts of investigating Daedalus.

Alice is a precocious character, as her talents far exceed her age. She whips up all kinds of cakes, pastries, and chocolates that amaze all of the other characters. In this book, she ices chocolates to look just like the fancy designs of dresses that she’s only seen moments before. Alice is extremely confident in her baking and spying abilities, and she resents feeling disrespected. Others have low expectations of her because she’s a kid, but that only infuriates her to prove herself. Two of Alice’s strongest spy skills are observation and creativity. She notices small details others might miss, and she can quickly assess her surroundings to find unexpected ways out of sticky situations.

What didn’t work as well:

It’s surprising how unimportant the story makes Alice’s mother. Alice runs off to do her spy things with no evidence that her mother ever becomes worried. Rather than calling her Alice’s mom, the story often refers to her as Madame Éclair. She’s not a big part of the book, but the woman’s main focus is her business, not her daughter.

The final verdict:

You should read the previous book first, since it establishes Alice’s backstory as a baker. Young readers will enjoy this toned-down spy mystery, as it has limited violence and lacks the edginess of some other middle-grade spy books. Overall, I recommend you give this book and the series a try for yourself.

Alice with a Why by Anna James

What worked:

The story requires mental engagement and may remind readers of The Phantom Tollbooth. Numerous examples of wordplay fill the story as Alyce is introduced to the characters of Wonderland. Readers’ first taste of puzzlement happens when she falls into a tea party. “… Alyce with a Y.” “A why?... Do you have where or who?” There is a definite breakdown in communication, as Alyce tries to explain that she’s not the Alice who visited before. The narrator helps to form connections with the text by speaking directly to readers. These connections might, or might not, help with understanding the language and story. However, readers are often left on their own.

The major difference from Alice in Wonderland is the introduction of two conflicting characters. The Sun King and Queen of the Moon are fighting over a stolen hour, which results in sudden changes between daylight and nighttime. Characters don’t know when to sleep, because sunshine may return at any moment. Alyce is forced into the role of peacekeeper even though she struggles to navigate this strange world. She’s joined by Fox for much of her adventure, and he helps by offering moral support and suggestions. They’re told to find the Time Being, as he might have ideas for resolving the conflict.

Middle-graders who’ve read or seen the movie of Alice in Wonderland will recognize many of the characters. The Mad Hatter, Dormouse, and the Hare greet Alyce at a tea party. The Cheshire Cat offers her confusing directions. The smoking Caterpillar is busy eating pages of poetry, but he still provides Alyce with suggestions. The Three Men in a Tub help Alyce and Fox sail across water, and White Rabbit makes a brief appearance, telling Alyce she’s late.

What didn’t work as well:

Young readers might tire of the wordplay, as it’s never-ending. The playful language contributes humor, but it also creates confusion. The climax is anti-climactic, as the suspense never builds to a dramatic, defining moment. Alyce’s quest to find the Time Being doesn’t turn out as expected.

The final verdict:

Although it’s not necessary, it will be helpful if readers are familiar with Alice in Wonderland. They’ll miss the many references to the original story with that knowledge. The fairy tale format is universally engaging, and I suggest you try it out.

This Way to Happy by Alison Green Myers

What worked:

The entire Rhoades family is still feeling grief following the grandfather’s death. The death was sudden and unexpected, and Reilly has constant, painful reminders as she moves about the fairgrounds. The grandparents have run the campground and fair for fifty years, and the family has been pitching in to keep things going. The grandmother is dedicated to honoring her husband, as highlighted by the painstaking care she takes while making handmade caramel apples. Her future happiness develops into an issue. Reilly’s mother works hard to support the grandmother’s efforts, but it creates feelings of animosity.

Reilly and Nic are cousins, and they’re almost inseparable. Readers are inside Reilly’s mind, as she’s taking her grandfather’s death especially hard. Nic encourages Reilly to help her cope with hard times, especially when their mothers begin feuding. However, Alex’s introduction infuses much-needed energy into the story. His character is a whirlwind of emotions and activity, and many of the other characters find it difficult to keep up. He inspires Reilly to overcome her fears and pursue her dreams, including one last project to honor her grandfather, “The next big thing”. “Stinking thinking” is a frequently used term for complaints and small ideas.

Alex also contributes humor and additional, serious emotions to the story. His parents are divorced, and he’s spending two weeks at the campground with his mom, her boyfriend, and a new baby sister. Alex complains about his sister’s stink and crying, and he becomes angry when the boyfriend acts like a dad. Alex resents that he can’t spend more time with his real dad, as they apparently have very similar personalities. His dad used to be in a band, and Alex frequently thinks of new band names as things happen in the story. He comes up with Epic Boredom and the Pooping Baby and then breaks into air guitar. Readers never know what to expect from him. He’s self-described as “Alex. Age twelve. Male. Older brother. Cat lover. S’mores hater… I talk a lot…”

What didn’t work as well:

The conflict between Reilly’s mom and her Aunt Caroline escalates very quickly. Her grandmother’s medical emergency ignites it, but readers may not be prepared for its intensity. Readers might expect Nic to have a larger role in the story, but she leaves early on with her mom.

The final verdict:

Emotions and feelings are significant elements in the plot, as characters navigate grief, anger, and uncertainty. Alex’s infusion of energy and humor balances the seriousness of the story. Overall, I recommend you try the book for yourself.

The Door to Oldenworld (The Oldenworld Odyssey 1) by Jack Dublin

What worked:

Ace, Jack, and Macy’s grandfather will entertain readers with his quirkiness. The twins have never met him, and they’re surprised when their mother says they need to go with this motorcycle-driving man. He lives in a huge manor, located in a remote forest, and he seems to have an obsession with clocks. One room is wall-to-wall clocks! The twins aren’t sure if he has multiple locks on the basement door to keep people out or to keep something else in. The author develops a sense of mystery, as Ace doesn’t tell the twins everything he’s thinking. Readers will wonder what could cause Ace to take his grandkids into a new world full of intrigue and danger.

Jack’s character adds more mystery through his dreams. Readers aren’t quite sure if they’re images of things that happened, things that will happen, or things that are happening somewhere else. A girl in his first dream walks across the nighttime lawn and enters the surrounding woods. He might have seen a dragon sitting among the trees, and the next day, the characters find footprints in the snow and an area of flattened trees. Jack later dreams of a bone dragon, and the vision is repeated while he travels to Oldenworld. Voices in his dreams speak to Jack and use his name, and the voices seem to be encouraging him to explore further. Is he dreaming, or is someone trying to control Jack?

The twins discover their grandfather is famous in Oldenworld, although he’s been gone for fourteen years. Ace has friends there, including the king. However, the king has changed, and Ace doesn’t understand what’s happened to him. This character creates uncertainty, since no one, including readers, knows his capabilities and deviousness. However, his vanity provides a hint, plus he’s prone to being manipulated. The developments in Oldenworld mean Ace should expect old relationships to change, and it’s unclear who might be an ally. A minor character named Jasper enters the story, and it will be interesting to see how his role changes in the future.

What didn’t work as well:

There’s a scene when the twins are entering Oldenworld, and they’re attacked by flying creatures that are obsessed with feet. This strange fetish is out of place in the overall book. Readers might want more clarity regarding the twins’ father, but that will need to wait for future sequels.

The final verdict:

The early part of the book feels a little “hokie”, but it becomes a fascinating adventure once the setting switches to Oldenworld. The twins’ reaction in the new world is a blend of awe, courage, creativity, and naiveté, and they become more important as the plot progresses. Overall, I recommend you give this book and series a shot. I’m looking forward to the sequel!

A Skeleton in the Closet (The Mizzy Mysteries 1) by Claire Hatcher-Smith

What worked:

Mizzy views herself as a detective, even though she often comes to the wrong conclusions. Initially, the plot takes on a little-boy-who-cried-wolf vibe, as other family members know how she tends to exaggerate. However, Mizzy notices things that others might miss, and she’s very curious. She’s constantly looking for mysteries to solve, which means she’s ready for clues hidden in a locked wardrobe. Readers know Mizzy has Down syndrome, but they may forget that fact as the story unfolds. Down syndrome causes her poor spelling, but she still follows the process of identifying suspects, collecting clues, and considering suspects’ motives. The story is told from Mizzy’s point of view, so readers understand that she feels underappreciated and wants to prove herself to her family.

Great Aunt Jane’s death might, or might not, be an actual mystery, as everyone seems to agree she died in her sleep. Her diary says she had important news to reveal at a family gathering, but she never got the chance. The last diary entry, torn from the book, says she might have been poisoned, but there’s still a possibility Mizzy is jumping to conclusions, again. Clues are hard to find since Great Aunt Jane passed away in 1973. The only suspects are family members, but why would any of them want to commit murder?

What didn’t work as well:

The mystery is restricted due to the age of the case, the few suspects, and the limited motives. Mizzy doesn’t have any special detective training, and she makes investigative mistakes along the way. Her persistence and determination are key character traits, but readers may think she lucks into solving the mystery.

The final verdict:

There aren’t many books featuring characters with Down syndrome, and Mizzy highlights her independence and capabilities. The last fourth of the story is full of developments, as new information is revealed. The story may be more about family relationships than mystery, but I suggest you try it out for yourself. 

Tinker Bell: An Enchanters Tale (The Enchanters 2) by Jen Calonita

What worked:

Readers should know Never Land is much different from stories about Peter Pan and Captain Hook. The mystery surrounding Never Land’s diminishing magic becomes the main conflict. This book is an origin story for Peter Pan, since readers will notice references to familiar elements. A pirate ship is anchored off the Never Land coast with Smee being its first mate; Captain Hook is not in the story. Tinker Bell is the main character, which is different from the Peter Pan book and movie. Peter lives in an orphanage where he’s the leader of younger orphans whose families have died or abandoned them. They call themselves the Lost Orphan Boys.

The prologue introduces Tinker Bell, and readers learn she’s a feisty, strong-willed fairy. We slowly discover that Tink is feeling guilty for visiting the Mainland, since bad things begin happening when she returns from Never Land. She is a member of a small band of characters calling themselves the Wanderers, because they believe they can explore anywhere without restrictions, free to do what they want, when they want. Ash is another fairy who’d like to be more than Tink’s friend. Blair is a mermaid, and she often projects a superior air, though she complains that traveling by water around the island is much slower than cutting across on foot. Mimic is a shapeshifter who can transform into any shape he wants, and he usually appears as a human, teasing Blair whenever he can. The Wanderers are joined by Tiger Lily, an indigenous person, and Caiman, probably the most unpirate-like pirate there could be.

Trees are dying from the inside out, food is becoming scarce, the song of Prism Falls is out of key, and creatures are fleeing the Never Sea. Saving his mother’s plants is the most important thing to Caiman, but he says a flower found in a forbidden area may be the key to saving the island. However, something happens to him, and shadow creatures begin to appear. Tink fears he’s dying, so she makes a rash decision that may, or may not, make things better. She knows Mainlanders aren’t supposed to enter Never Lan, especially since the presence of the pirates has disrupted the peace. Lives are at stake, and she makes another risky choice that affects future events.

What didn’t work as well:

Readers know little about the Wanderers, even though the book opens by featuring them. They almost feel like strangers when Tink reunites with them later on. Also, the infatuation between Tink and James, an orderly at the orphanage, seems strange. This aspect of the book must be why Amazon suggests it’s for young adults, not middle grade. There’s a small amount of violence, which is not graphic.

The final verdict:

There’s no reason upper middle-graders can’t enjoy this book, despite Amazon indicating it’s for ages twelve and older. It’s an entertaining version of the Peter Pan story, with the focus being on Tinker Bell. I recommend you check this book out for yourself.