Forbidden Mountain (Guardians 1) by Brandon Mull

What worked:

The opening prologue introduces the most malevolent, feared antagonist in the book. The Matriarch traps a man who claims to have successfully transported an infant to safety. The Matriarch says his actions have been manipulated and then ruthlessly slays him. The story leaps ahead in time, so readers are left to wonder when The Matriarch will reappear. Characters with special aptitudes bond with spirits, guardians that augment those abilities. Advocates are special guardians with even greater power, while the Accused are evil spirits. All Anorans take an oath that they won’t bond with an Accursed, and violating this oath is punishable by death. Mako is one of the main characters, and he predictably, though not without an internal struggle, chooses to bond with one.

Mako is the infant mentioned above. He wants to become a warrior, but his talent is in musical tones; his ability with a sling is uncanny, too. However, music and slings aren’t the skills of a warrior, so Mako’s prospects for becoming a warrior apprentice are slim. In contrast, his brother has superior fighting skills and beats all challengers during their sparring matches. There is no animosity between the brothers, but the divergence of their destinies is clear. Mako is obsessed with becoming a warrior, which clouds his judgment. He has three guaranteed opportunities to bond with a spirit, but declining those chances does not guarantee a fourth choice. A smooth-tongued Accursed named Narrix and Mako’s desperation will lead to an ill-advised alliance. Readers will foresee the potential for conflict, confrontation, and tragedy.

Arden is the other main character, and she’s desperate to locate a friend who’s joined a street gang. Arden is so worried that she joins the Cat’s Paw gang, too. However, Arden can sense if others are being honest, and the gang’s leaders want to exploit her ability. She discovers the criminal enterprise is more widespread than she thinks, and there’s more danger than she expects. Arden is forced to make a hard decision; does she stay until she finds her friend, or does she leave before she’s asked to kill someone? The criminals are very protective of their secrets, so getting away from them will be the greatest risk she’s ever faced; the risk continues throughout the book.

What didn’t work as well:

The Amazon listing indicates this book is for ages 8 and older, but it’s more appropriate for upper middle-grade readers. Abstract thought is required, and the story is full of intrigue, conspiracy, and deceit. The book uses alternating chapters to follow Mako and Arden, which forces readers to remember details from one story after switching to the other. It can be frustrating when more significant things start to happen in the separate plots. The two stories eventually merge, which makes it much easier to follow.

The final verdict:

The dual plots become page-turners, but for different reasons. Arden’s suspense comes from the treacherous situation she’s gotten herself into, but her role expands beyond what she imagines. Mako’s Accursed elevates his talents, but it creates new levels of questions. Mako’s guilt and internal struggles are always on his mind. I highly recommend upper middle-grade readers give this book a chance.

The Wonderful Adventures of Nils by Selma Lagerlof

What worked:

The book’s main focus is on the transformation of Nils’ character into a tiny gnome. As the story opens, Nils is a lazy, self-centered jerk who enjoys misbehaving and causing harm to others. After he shrinks in size, the farm animals remember his cruel tricks and have no empathy for his predicament. Nils is pulled aboard a white gander named Martin, and his adventure begins. Martin’s kindness toward Nils becomes a catalyst, as they promise to stay together. The pair join a group of geese traveling north to Lapland, and Nils begins to help other creatures they meet. Initially, this behavior doesn’t seem possible for him, but he slowly develops a positive reputation across the wildlife. Nils finds ways to protect other creatures from predators and humans, and his compassion is rewarded in unexpected ways.

The adventure carries readers across the country of Sweden, so they can learn a bit along the way. A map at the front of the book can be used to trace the route. Nils and the geese migrate north, and their ultimate destination is Lapland. They encounter other birds, some migrating too, and most of them are friendly and helpful. Animals on the ground aren’t always as nice, and a fox persistently threatens the flock until Nils finds a solution. Nils zig-zags across Sweden, but one final problem remains: what must he do to return to his former size and life? The answer will require Nils to betray a friend.

What didn’t work as well:

Although the plot has subtle changes in settings and characters, there’s a sameness to the events. The flock faces various obstacles, and Nils helps them out. Or, Nils gets in trouble, and animals assist him. However, the real treasure is watching Nils develop empathy for others and become a character to admire.

The final verdict:

This Swedish story is symbolic of most folktales and fairy tales, where the main characters learn valuable life lessons. I recommend middle-grade readers try this book for themselves.

No One Slept by Rafael Sica and Bruna Dantas Lobato (Translator)

What worked:

The illustrations are the highlight, even though they are drawn in shades of black, white, and gray. They depict a ghost’s haunting to keep the household awake, and young Kooky’s efforts to help all of her relatives fall asleep. Somehow, the pictures communicate a descriptive story without being too detailed. Some of them use negative space to represent trees in the outdoor setting. The specter is drawn more simply than the living characters, but that helps to display its mystique. The narrative, translated from Portuguese, describes the ghostly problem, and then Kooky’s idea to tell bedtime stories. The simple plot is perfect for young, emerging readers.

What didn’t work as well:

Amazon lists this book for ages eight and above, with the suggested grade levels being 1^st and 2^nd grades. It’s for a younger audience, since able readers can complete it in under five minutes. The book doesn’t share any of Kooky’s “enchanting tales”, which might have made the book more appropriate for middle grade.

The final verdict:

The book isn’t as effective as a middle-grade story, but it works well for a younger audience. I suggest the emerging readers give it a try. 

Phenomenal Moments: Revealing the Hidden Science Around Us by Felice Frankel

What worked:

The Amazon listing indicates that this book is for ages thirteen and older, but there’s no reason younger readers can’t enjoy it. Most of the concepts aren’t overly complex, so ages ten and above should be able to understand them. The book’s format encourages mental engagement by the readers. The author/photographer presents a photographic image and asks readers to guess what they’re seeing. Turning the page tells them the photo’s origin, and it’s followed by a paragraph explaining the science behind the various effects. The subjects change with every turn of a page, so the book moves at a swift pace. This facet of the book will appeal to readers at the younger end of the reading range.

Most of the illustrations are relatable to young readers. The first picture shows a close-up of overlapping fabrics accompanied by an explanation of how textile patterns were once produced. Other photographs show the effects of sunlight striking the surface of lakes or pools. Zooming in on the surface of a strawberry leads to information about pineberries and the definition of fruits. One picture displays a large drop of water, while other ones show condensation on glass or the effervescence of bubbles from a soft drink. There’s even a photo of the myriad of colors resulting from oil dripping onto a driveway. Young readers will be amazed when they discover the photographic wonder found in everyday experiences.

What didn’t work as well:

The information isn’t comprehensive enough for research, but it serves as a nice catalyst for further study. Some of the vocabulary is more advanced, such as hydrophobic, venation, and hydraulic jump, but the overall book is approachable to the ages mentioned earlier.

The final verdict:

The book’s format makes it entertaining for readers of all ages, and the scientific explanations aren’t intimidating. The brevity of the explanations creates a comfortable pace for reading, and the photographic images can be found around most neighborhoods. I recommend upper middle-grade readers give this book a shot.

A Recipe for Robbery (Mystery at the Biltmore 3) by Colleen Nelson

What worked:

This is the third book in the series, and it has the same format as the previous two books. Elodie is the main character, and she’s solved two other mysteries at the Biltmore Hotel. She has learned sleuthing skills from her parents, world-famous art detectives, and follows a logical process to solve crimes. She examines the five W’s: who, what, when, where, and why. She identifies suspects using her method and eliminates those who don’t fit the W’s. She tries her best not to make assumptions that might lead her in the wrong direction. She’s always accompanied by her cute little terrier, which will appeal to young readers.

Oscar also lives at the Biltmore, and he’s helped Elodie since the beginning. His dream is to become a Hollywood stuntman, and he constantly practices his skills during the investigation. His antics add levity to the story, but he’s helpful this time in solving the mystery. Even Elodie is surprised at some of his insights. Oscar is broadening his stuntman ability by wearing a disguise and using a foreign accent. This new talent comes in handy during the plot’s climax. His appearance is shown in colorful illustrations, and additional pictures help young readers visualize the characters.

What didn’t work as well:

While the story is fine for young readers, older middle-grade readers may find it too simple. It lacks tension, as the crime lacks danger or dramatic suspense. The solution makes sense, and astute readers can figure it out.

The final verdict:

This book is wonderful for emerging readers, especially those with an interest in solving mysteries. The plot isn’t overly complicated, and Elodie clearly explains her detecting methods. I highly recommend younger readers give this book a shot!

Holding on for Dear Life by Dusti Bowling

What worked:

Bull riding is the backdrop for the plot. Readers will know something about the sport, but a whole book dedicated to it should pique their interest. Readers will learn that riders can only use one hand to stay on the 1,000-pound bucky bulls, and there’s a science to holding the rope. Riders falling off before eight seconds have elapsed do not receive scores. For those who stay on for the full time, judges score them based on their performances and the activity of their bulls. It is almost impossible to earn a high score riding a bull that won’t buck or twist. Readers learn about different bulls, and Canyon shares a brief story about his choice for the greatest bull of all time. The book tries to describe the whole bull riding culture.

Canyon is the main character, and his life presents several conflicts. He loves bull riding, but he’s been seriously hurt many times. Other characters joke that he falls on his head more times than he lands on his feet. However, Canyon doesn’t reveal the truth to anyone; he constantly suffers excruciating headaches and has recurring dizzy spells. His love for bull riding is a means to impress his father and perhaps help the man find a way to fix his life. The father is an alcoholic, and he often neglects the care and supervision of Canyon and his little sister, Josie. Canyon is left to fill the void of his father’s emotional absence, and Canyon’s anger and frustration are building inside of him. He loves playing his fiddle, and it’s the only thing that brings him peace. Canyon is so good with the fiddle that his music teacher suggests he send an audition video to a television talent show. Readers will be able to predict the scheduling conflict that ensues.

Female characters have important roles in this book. Canyon’s grandmother keeps a watchful eye on the children’s welfare and expresses anger when she feels the father is falling short. She takes Canyon and Josie to her home when she sees they’re being neglected or if they’re in danger. Josie appears to be an innocent little sister, but her spunk blossoms as the plot progresses. She loves to have Canyon play his fiddle at bedtime, and these moments offer him solace, too. Finally, Dakota is a close friend, and she shares caring, kind, and playful comments with Canyon. She provides a balance to the bull riding obsession of characters, and Canyon slowly comes to appreciate her company more and more.

What didn’t work as well:

Bull riding and rodeos may not appeal to urban and suburban middle-graders in general. It’s a foreign culture to their lives, so will they want to read a whole book about it? However, Canyon’s issues with his father and the loss of his mother are universal problems, and Josie is an adorable character.

The final verdict:

Canyon’s complicated life creates an emotional, heartfelt story. Bull riding may not be familiar to most middle-school readers, but his family issues and desire to please his father are relatable. I recommend you check this book out for yourself.

Follow the Water: The Unbelievable True Story of a Teenager's Survival in the Amazon by Ellen Cochrane

What worked:

The story is told using present-tense verbs, so readers will feel like the events are happening right then. The book opens with background information describing Julianne’s formative years. This section is important as it shows where she acquired most of her survival knowledge. “Normal” teenagers would probably perish in the Amazon jungle. Julianne’s parents study Amazonian flora and fauna, and they built a home in the jungle to support their work.  Julianne spends most of her formative years in the Amazon, and her father teaches her about plants she can eat and dangers she should avoid. Following the water is an important survival skill he shares, since moving water will eventually lead to humans.

Sidebars are found in each chapter, and they present information relevant to Julianne’s situation. The first question readers will have is how a girl can still be alive after falling into a dense jungle from two miles in the sky. The book shares a scientific explanation. Hungry predators are a constant danger, so the book offers information about piranhas, jaguars, caimans, giant spiders, and various insects, including the screwworm fly. There’s even a part about the harmful effects of eating too much after starving for days. Julianne suffers from many severe injuries, and readers might wonder why she doesn’t succumb to the pain. The book provides information on how the human body responds to severe trauma and stressful situations. Some of the effects aren’t felt until several years pass. Pages at the end of the book share additional material related to the Amazon and how to become a scientist.

What didn’t work as well:

For the most part, middle-grade readers can appreciate Julianne’s ordeals. Some of the descriptions are graphic, especially when screwworm flies lay eggs in her open wounds. Julianne faces harrowing dangers in the jungle, but there’s not a moment when readers will feel her death is imminent. That’s probably due to her superior knowledge of survival.

The final verdict:

The book augments Julianne’s dramatic adventure with facts to describe jungle hazards and the science of her survival. The tale is even more amazing when readers understand that everything described happened to a real, living teenager. I recommend you try the book for yourself.