The Bug Bandits by Jenni L. Walsh

What worked:

Liberty has a special love for animals with six or eight legs and she’ll do anything to save her father’s insect museum. She doesn’t mind being called Bug Girl although she’s learned not to advertise her unusual interest in school. She feels a bit alone this school year since her best friend moved to Florida although she video chats with Emmy every day at 5:00. Later, the most popular boy in school begins working for Liberty’s father but he’s keeping a secret from his parents. Liberty has full access to all areas of the museum as she helps to care for the insects, spiders, and lizards living among the various rooms and floors of the building. She has a special love for these creatures and she can’t imagine losing them.

Drama surrounds the museum’s survival as it’s still trying to recover from the deaths of valuable insects. Chapters count down the days remaining until the father meets with potential investors; later chapters count down to a possible robbery. Liberty gets an idea to begin a butterfly release program that should be sustainable and help raise money for the insectarium. However, she must pitch the concept to her father and await his approval or rejection. Emmy inadvertently hears voices one day and shares what she hears with Liberty. This moment transforms the plot into a mystery as the girls suspect something nefarious will occur. The police are skeptical of the girls’ story and it eventually becomes clear the girls will need to take matters into their own hands.

Bug lovers will enjoy this book as it’s packed full of buggy information. Liberty talks about different butterflies but focuses more on the pipevine swallowtails she’d like to use for her release program. The museum has a popular turtle named Franklin. A green iguana frightens Cam so Liberty shares facts about why Kermit is harmless. Stag beetles, pink katydids, and rare tarantulas are the most valuable exhibits in the museum. The plot builds to a climax where Liberty takes hints from defense mechanisms found in the bug kingdom. This is the part of the book where the characters are inspired by Kevin McCallister in the movie “Home Alone”.

What didn’t work as well:

Readers learn a little bit about the characters but there isn’t much depth to them. We hear about Liberty’s past issues with classmates but what’s happening now? It’s surprising when the epilogue takes place at her school, on the last day before summer break. Readers know Cam wants to explore his talents in art and readers, along with Liberty, are under the impression he’s being pressured by his parents to play sports. His decision later in the book would make more sense if readers had more information about Cam’s situation.

The final verdict:

Although many readers may not share Liberty’s interest in insects and small creatures, her passion for them is contagious. A mystery evolves as the date of the investor meeting gets closer and young readers will enjoy unlocking the clues along with the characters. The book will surely appeal to bug lovers but I recommend you give it a shot too!

Airi Sano, Prankmaster General: International Menace by Zoe Tokushige

What worked:

This book will appeal to readers interested in the Japanese culture. Airi’s father is in the U.S. military and he met her mother while stationed there. The family takes a trip to see Airi’s grandparents and she shares information about the culture with her friends. The author includes footnotes to explain words and phrases used and there are a few sections that explain specific information, like the Japanese alphabet. The father and kids need to practice speaking which provides opportunities for the author to describe the language. Airi’s grandfather is learning calligraphy and explains this form of writing to her. Every page covering the trip to Japan will shed light on what it’s like to live in that country.

As the title says, Airi considers herself a prankmaster and constantly dreams up ways to trick others. She does it for laughs and tries not to embarrass others or put them in danger. For example, she sews her younger brother’s packed clothes together and secretly gives origami dragons to other passengers on the airplane. Her parents are surprisingly okay with her pranks and give her kudos for imaginative ones. Even her sixth-grade teacher is okay with her pranks. As a matter of fact, Airi challenges her teacher to see who can come up with the funniest prank during the sixth-grade graduation ceremony!

The story highlights the various personalities and relationships in Airi’s life. Her family moves a lot due to her father’s role in the military so she hasn’t had any close friends. However, she has developed close friendships in Hawaii but is still insecure about maintaining them from Japan. Airi likes to feel close to her brother and kids around with him but she’s unaware of the subtle cues revealing E.J.’s true feelings. Airi spends time with her Japanese cousins and discovers Haru has a low self-image. She decides training E.J. and Haru as her pranking apprentices will help them feel better. Airi also enjoys getting closer to her grandfather and comes to a realization about the relationship between her mother and grandmother.

What didn’t work as well:

Different types of writing are included throughout the book which sometimes distract from the main plot. Airi writes structured action reports before and after some events. Many of the footnotes are more than a sentence or two so they require consideration. Airi and her friends create group texts sharing things that have happened in their lives. Summer email exchanges between Airi and her sixth-grade teacher are included. All of these different writings are woven into the story and require their own attention. It’s probably a matter of reader taste but it feels like more than enough supplemental writing.

The final verdict:

This book tells a heartwarming story of family, friends, and pranking. A family reunion in Japan and Airi’s antics provide the backdrop for a reflection on feelings and relationships. I recommend you give it a shot.

in a Glass Grimly (A Tale Dark and Grimm) by Adam Gidwitz

This book is a sequel to A Tale Dark & Grimm, and I gave it a rating of five out of five. Jack and Jill have problems at their homes and decide to go on a quest with a three-legged frog. They must find the Seeing Glass, a powerful mirror for which kings would give up their kingdoms to possess. The children survive the challenges of the giants at the top of the beanstalk, the evil mermaids in the sea, dangerous goblins under the ground, and a fire-breathing salamander. Jack and Jill are brave adventurers, but their brains are their most valuable weapons. However, the children risk their lives against many foes but may never discover the power of the Seeing Glass. The key is finding the end of their con-fusion.

I enjoy unexpected and strange humor, so this book was right up my alley. I liked how the kids solved their challenges through cleverness, and the adventures had unusual twists. The book begins with a couple of familiar fairy tales, but the narrator tells the reader the "true" endings to the stories. The description is a little gross and crude at times, but it's something most teen readers will enjoy. You can find my review of A Tale Dark & Grimm by typing the title in the search box at the top-left corner of the screen.

Unraveled (Keeper of the Lost Cities 9.5) by Shannon Messenger

What worked:

Keefe travels to the Humanland as he tries to figure out his new abilities. He’s always been an empath which means he can detect the emotions of others and he can understand any language he hears. He’s overwhelmed by the multitude of mixed feelings generated in streets crowded by humans and he struggles to find a place of solace. Keefe has also developed new powers although he doesn’t yet know what they can do. The great effort required to handle his empath ability in a strange world, and fears of his untapped powers, allow readers to connect with his plight. The uncertainty of his future creates mystery and speculation about what’s to come. He eventually lands in London where he tries to uncover the truth about his role in a past tragedy.

Keefe’s mom is the main antagonist although she’s not a physical part of the story. She’s experimented on her son in the past and she’s convinced that he’ll someday join her Neverseen. Their relationship complicates Keefe’s interactions with his father who surprisingly offers help navigating Humanland. The second half of the book is more interesting when Keefe encounters a character who he thought was dead. This boy was a Neverseen and took orders from Keefe’s mother so it will be very difficult for Keefe to trust him. However, the boy may offer a path to Keefe’s contentment as he has useful ideas to help Keefe master his new powers. The boy also his inside information about the tragedy haunting Keefe’s memories.

Keefe’s lack of experience with humans will amuse readers since he knows nothing about how Humanland works. He has no idea about cell phones and the idea of money is new to him. He’s confused that different cities in the world have different languages, clothes, and customs. And how can humans be so infatuated by an amusement park featuring a giant talking mouse? Keefe’s pleasantly surprised to discover bags of Cheetos although the flaming hots are a bit spicy. He grudgingly admits that his father is right about the deliciousness of churros and room service is a wonderful human invention. The double-decker London busses can be intimidating and librarians are treasures when doing research. However, Keefe must figure out ways to answer simple questions like where he’s from or why he’s never heard of the internet.

What didn’t work as well:

As with earlier books, this one has an overabundance of description, making the plot move slowly. Keefe is the only character loyal readers will recognize in the first fourth of the book as he tries to adapt to life among humans. It’s unclear where the story is headed while Keefe jumps from city to city around the world. In the end, this book doesn’t add much to the overall series plot as it’s a side story of what was happening during the ninth book.

The final verdict:

This book will interest loyal readers of the series with a special interest in Keefe. The plot moves slowly as it highlights Keefe’s journey toward mastering his new powers and discovering memories that were shattered from his mind. Don’t read this book if you haven’t previously read any other books in the series.

Skyboy: A Sci-Fi Action Adventure Novel by Adam Aresty

This book was listed on Net Galley with middle-grade releases even though Amazon indicates it’s for ages fifteen and above. Although the main characters are in high school, the story doesn’t contain anything inappropriate or too complicated that middle-graders can’t enjoy it.

What worked:

The book is relevant to some current and past health and social issues. Konstant (short for Konstantine) is the main character and he carries the MX-13 virus that has killed people around the world, including his mother. The pandemic forces those showing symptoms to be confined in guarded areas while Konstant wears a pin showing he has the virus without showing any signs of it. An inoculation exists to stop the disease but only the wealthy can afford it. Konstant’s uncle and sister carry MX-13 so his uncle is forced to work in a mine and his sister attends a technical school instead of college. The rich make money from new discoveries while workers struggle to make ends meet.

The owner of Metronome Logistics holds a national contest to discover creative solutions for the world’s problems. Konstant is inspired by one of his mother’s ideas but must break the law to make it work. Unfortunately, he’s been bullied by a classmate named Marcos for years and this kid reveals Konstant’s secret. Being expelled from school eliminates him from the competition until he gets help from an anonymous source. These events heighten the conflict between Konstant and the bully so readers know there will be sparks when they’re forced to work together. The finalists are invited to Metronome Logistics headquarters in New York City but Konstant learns a spy is likely among them. Konstant is asked to watch for the spy and his immediate suspicions are directed at Marcos. Readers will wonder if that’s too obvious to be true.

Konstant’s difficulties working with others are due to his MX-13 diagnosis and his mother’s opinions about teamwork. The red pin he’s required to wear makes people keep their distance from him and non-carriers aren’t allowed to work with him in school. He’s used to working alone. He’s proud of his heritage from an East-European country but his mother carried bitterness from working with others there. Rose, the daughter of the Metronome owner, is about Konstant’s age and has a mind of her own. She’s doing things behind the scenes to protect her father and the company but she’s unaware of his huge covert project. Rose and Konstant will eventually team up to defeat an enemy hiding within the company.

What didn’t work as well:

The winner of the contest will be announced on May 6, 2036. It’s clear the story takes place in the future but the advancements in technology aren’t believable to readers. It’s hard to imagine these significant changes can happen within twelve years of the book being published.

The final verdict:

The first half of the book describes Konstant’s efforts to enter the Metronome competition but the second half is an exciting, action-packed adventure. The author saves a shocking revelation for later as the story builds to a dramatic climax. I highly recommend you give it a shot.

The Heroic Misadventures of Maci and Roland by M.L. Florez

What worked:

Roland is Maci’s loyal dog but the author’s creative writing elevates him to an important character. Roland can’t talk but the narrator presents his thoughts as though he can communicate. Maci speaks to Roland as though he can understand human speech and his actions give the impression that she’s correct. He has a stubborn streak and tends to negotiate for things he wants. Maci enters him into the town’s hero competition which requires him to complete several difficult tasks; pie eating is not one of the hard ones. Roland gets frustrated or distracted at times and won’t get focused again until Maci offers him rewards. It’s not hard to imagine that Roland is smart enough to manipulate Maci into handing out more rewards.

Maci enjoys dark, gloomy things and she’s happiest being alone. Or is she? She begins to realize she’d like to have a friend (other than Roland) but her love for gothic things makes it more challenging. She learns that baking cookies is harder than she thought and the cheer she writes for cheerleading tryouts isn’t well-received. Maci’s character is forced to reflect on the person she’s becoming and decide if she needs to change. Living in a colorful town with joyful, positive citizens presents challenges for Maci’s happiness. Luckily, she has an open mind and is willing to make changes in her life. However, she eventually learns that she must be true to herself.

What didn’t work as well:

The story moves at a good pace so readers can’t finish it fairly quickly. However, it also means that character and plot development aren’t as detailed as they might be. Readers may miss learning more about Maci’s new friendships and the changes she undergoes.

The final verdict:

This is an emotional tale of a young, gothic girl trying to fit in. Roland is the most entertaining character as he supports Maci’s transformation. Overall, this book will appeal to dog lovers and young readers trying to find their ways and I recommend you give it a shot.

Keeper of the Rend by Lisa Maxwell

What worked:

Although not the most glamorous conflict, Xavier’s relationship with his family is strained. His father loses his job so the family is forced to live with his aunt in the country. Xavier has mixed emotions when his father wants to start spending time with him. Xavier likes the surprising attention but he’s unsure how to navigate these uncharted waters. The activities his father suggests always include his older brother, which is a problem. Xavier’s brother is a bully and harasses Xavier whenever he gets the chance. His parents aren’t helpful or supportive so Xavier is forced to deal with his brother alone. His mother is always busy working on the computer and she’s not happy to be disturbed.

Xavier is a bird LOVER but his family doesn’t understand his obsession with them. Many chapters begin with words written by Milton Von Wipple II, Xavier’s naturalist hero. These words sometimes hint at what’s to come although some parts disparage children. The ensuing chapters begin with humorous apologies and explanations for what Von Wipple says. Xavier soon meets Clem, a girl living on the farm next door, and he likes that she gets him. However, she can be abrasive and Xavier is annoyed that she always calls him Fletch; she says he looks more like a Fletch than a Xavier. Clem informs him about the Rend, a tear in the sky between two worlds, and Carriers that bring Crumbs into the world. The Carriers must be stopped immediately or the Crumbs will eventually allow dark and cold from the Nether to take over the world. The Nether will suck the warmth and life out of every living thing.

The Carriers are most intriguing because they appear to be normal birds. This fits perfectly with Xavier’s passion for birds although he doesn’t notice the difference right away. Actually, he stops Clem from killing a Carrier he thinks is a bird and inadvertently escalates the problem. Xavier and Milton Von Wipple inform readers about birds and nature in general while Clem shares her knowledge of Carriers. The peacefulness of the countryside and the beautiful innocence of birds contrast sharply with the impending gloom and danger of the Carriers. Xavier is averse to killing things and Clem’s slingshot has its limits. How are these two kids going to stop the Nether from invading through the Rend?

What didn’t work as well:

The book doesn’t have a great hook. Also, some parts of the story are repetitive and become noticeable. Clem describes how the world is in danger and the Carriers are becoming a bigger problem than she’s ever seen. In response, Xavier constantly asks if it’s time to notify her father but Clem always quashes those ideas.

The final verdict:

The wonderfully written book shares the complicated issues of family life, friendship, and saving the world. The climactic ending helps the characters grow into more understanding people. I recommend you give this book a shot.