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 introduces a budding subplot as Valley and Thorn are reluctant to admit that 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 in a world where witch clans are an important part of society, but this results in class separation. 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 of the 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.