The Cassette Tape Secret by Danielle Herzog

What worked:

Alex and Ida May form an unusual, contrasting pair of characters. Alex likes everything neat and orderly, and he always follows the rules. His obsession with sterilizing surfaces he might touch makes him an easy target for middle-school classmates. Readers’ introduction to Ida May arises when she confronts the school bully and makes him back down. Alex immediately knows she’s not someone to mess with, so he’s stunned and leery when she asks a teacher to put them in the same group. She asks him to fix her cassette player, but Alex resists, saying those are not the directions for the activity. Alex’s therapist wants him to try new things, so readers know that Alex should prepare for uncomfortable challenges ahead.

Alex’s battle with OCD is more compelling than solving the cassette tape mystery. He’s embarrassed to be around other people, and he’s well aware of his strange habits. He must do things in fours (turning doorknobs, etc.), and he sterilizes anything he needs to touch. Don’t expect him to sit in a chair that can’t be wiped down first. His therapist’s weekly challenges force him out of his comfort zone, and Ida May’s constant support gives him a needed push. Alex describes his anxiety as a combination of nervousness and fear, and the author does an excellent job of describing the physical and mental pressure he endures.

Ida May has her own issues, since her mother didn’t make the move with the family. Ida May often tells Alex her mom will be coming soon, but something comes up to keep that from happening. Ida May’s anguish is evident, and she quickly hides her feelings when tears start to form. Alex is aware of his “friend’s” pain and offers supportive words of “that sucks.” Alex doesn’t know if Ida May is his friend, because he’s never cared about anyone else like this before. What does friendship feel like? Ida May and Alex are good for each other, and their characters transform as they investigate the cassette tape.

What didn’t work as well:

The message on the tape may not create the anticipated suspense, since readers don’t know when it was recorded. It seems like years ago, which doesn’t make the message feel urgent. The characters treat it more as a curiosity than a mystery that must be solved.

The final verdict:

This mystery focuses more on emotions and feelings, as Alex must learn to handle new situations. I recommend you try this book for yourself.

Building 903 by Lois Lowry

What worked:

The author is a master of writing dystopian novels for middle-grade readers. In this setting, the government controls everything, and citizens are afraid to say anything against the president. He has ruled for decades, and no one opposes him during elections. Animals have been eliminated from the planet, and Tessa’s pet “dog” is robotic. No religions are allowed, so the characters don’t know the meanings of prayers or the bible. All books have been banned because they spread dangerous ideas. Anyhow, fiction books are untrue, so why would anyone want to read about lies? Possessing books is against the law, and their presence in Tessa’s house creates drama.

Tessa was born a twin, but her brother Theo isn’t around anymore. Readers will wonder what’s happened to him, and investigators don’t know why he went missing. The government doesn’t like leaving Theo’s disappearance unsolved, so they’ve erased all records that he ever existed. The family doesn’t speak about him, but Tessa constantly keeps his memory in her thoughts. However, passages from Theo’s point of view pop up in the narrative, so readers know he still exists somewhere. The first passages describe him on a sailing ship, but readers will be puzzled by this new information. What happened to Theo, and what does their former neighbor know about it?

What didn’t work as well:

The book is mostly dystopian science fiction, but the absence of Theo inexplicably shifts it into the genre of speculative fiction. Tessa’s father tries to explain Theo’s disappearance, and it makes scientific sense up to a point. The moment Theo vanishes takes the story into speculative fiction because it lacks a logical, scientific basis.

The final verdict:

It’s always fun to see how authors foresee possible futures for the world, and this book takes current societal issues and makes them obsolete. It will have readers comparing and contrasting their lives with events in the story. Overall, I recommend you give this book a shot!

Joey the Good by Erin Fry

What worked:

The story deals with death and grief, as Joey still struggles with the loss of his grandfather two years earlier. The author hints at the cause of Nonno’s death, and Joey feels guilt for having caused it. Joey loved Nonno more than anyone, and the first-person narrative shares Joey’s constant memories. Joey won’t talk about Nonno’s death, and he’s angered when others ask about his feelings. Joey and Leo were there when Nonno died at the lake cabin, so Leo’s presence this summer magnifies painful thoughts. Joey’s battle with his emotions is a major internal conflict.

Leo’s presence reminds Joey of that fateful day, and Leo often tells Joey that Nonno had wanted them to hike together. The comments add to Joey’s guilt and stir up difficult feelings. The relationship between Joey and Leo is the main focus of the plot, as Joey struggles to adapt. Joey’s lazy routine is disrupted, and he whines about the frequent early morning hikes. Leo is super personable and looks like he’s in excellent physical shape, and Joey is neither of those things. Initially, Joey doesn’t know about Leo’s MS diagnosis, so he doesn’t understand why Leo wants to hike with him. How can Joey the Good keep up with Leo the Great? How will they climb Mt. McKinley when Leo’s condition is worsening, and Joey is a long way from being a competent hiker? It takes Joey a while to consider that they might need each other.

Joey’s relationship with other characters his own age is important in the story. He has a crush on a classmate named Desiree, but Joey’s poor self-image keeps him from seeing that she likes hanging out with him. Joey and Leo join a hiking group to help with their training, and a girl named Maya gravitates to the back of the group with Leo. She’s not warm and fuzzy, but they still learn to get along. Dante follows right behind Joey on their hikes, but Dante doesn’t ever say a single word. Joey doesn’t pay him much attention, but his Nonna says that people who don’t talk may have the most to say. Maybe Joey needs to listen harder.

What didn’t work as well:

Readers may want to know more about some of the minor characters, since they influence Joey’s life, specifically Desiree, Maya, and Dante. Dante is especially curious. The story shares a little about the silent Dante’s home life, but the information still generates more questions.

The final verdict:

This book tells an emotional story as Leo and Joey deal with the MS diagnosis. Misunderstandings, along with family and friend issues, complicate the story and stir up mixed feelings. I recommend you try this book for yourself. 

Into the Shadows (Anomalies 53) by Angela Cervantes

What worked:

The mixed bag of supernatural creatures will amuse young readers. The prologue describes a newly caught wyvern that can mentally communicate with the main characters, Ollie and Gerin. Their parents study elves, goblins, and other creatures, and Ollie’s father has made discoveries that help the world. He’s currently working on the severe lightning storms worsening outside. A golem named Henry has been granted freedom to roam the facility in exchange for assisting Anomalies 53’s security. A manticore cub arrives and causes a major disruption, sending the plot in an unexpected direction. Most of the story happens outside Area 53 after the anomalies escape. Ollie and Gerin are sucked through a portal and end up in the Shadowlands. All anomalies live safely there, but readers learn that problems happening around Area 53 are connected to problems in the Shadowlands.

Gerin and Ollie are best friends, but that may be because they’re the only kids. Gerin is two years older and enjoys challenging Ollie to tasks that he can never win. She’s starting to display heightened physical skills and even beat a mermaid’s swimming record. Ollie is most confused about her ability to pass through all of the facility’s security measures. Passcodes are changed every six hours, but somehow, she still knows how to open locked doors. He also notices something strange about her freckles, and readers will eventually learn the truth about what’s happening, or has already happened.

What didn’t work as well:

There’s not much character development, but that’s to be expected in fast-paced plots. Readers may wonder what the rest of the world is doing while the lightning storms are raging. Readers learn these tempests may destroy the planet, so it’s reasonable to wonder what else is happening.

The final verdict:

This book will appeal to a wide range of middle-grade readers, especially those readers interested in mythical creatures. The story moves quickly, and the author saves surprises as it nears the climax. I recommend you give it a shot.

Race for Midgard: The Marleau Twins 1 by Maya Y. Lefèvre

What worked:

The book opens with a quest adventure for Kate, Jack, and Stefan. These three characters have grown up together, and they pass through a portal into another world. The king gives them the option of rescuing his daughter or spending time in the dungeons, so the friends opt to rescue the princess. Stephen, Jack, and Kate are taught battle skills before they are ready to embark on their quest. The journey takes them through forests and over a mountain before arriving at the castle that’s holding the princess. Readers will enjoy the fight scenes with guards and mythical creatures, but they’ll be surprised by what the characters discover when they reach the princess. It turns out that her rescue is merely the introduction to the actual conflict.

The book is divided into three parts, each with a complete plot. The first part is summarized above, and its resolution leads into the next story. The Marleau twins and Kate must find a way to unseat a mysterious, cloaked man who’s claimed the title of king. This conflict will lead the kids across the world and into other moments in time. Stefan and Jack also learn that one of them will become the next guardian of Migard. The Norse gods will force them into a contest against each other, the winner becoming the guardian and the loser being forgotten. This story is part of the book’s third part, along with their efforts to return Princess Annabeth to the throne.

Kate is a very interesting character, and it sometimes seems she should be highlighted equally with the Marleau twins. She becomes accomplished with the bow and arrows, and she’s the first to act when the king is poisoned. Kate is separated from the others in the book’s second section, and she’s featured in this critical part of the group’s plans. Readers learn that common folk can’t see portals leading to other realms, and they’re only visible “in the presence of people with significant ties to the nine worlds.” The twins are connected through their father’s bloodline, but why is Kate able to activate the first portal? What is her connection to the realms?

What didn’t work as well:

The story skips the yearlong training to become warriors, which leaves readers feeling like they’ve missed quite a bit. In one chapter, the characters are normal teens with no fighting talents, and in the next chapter, they’re experts with the sword, spear, and bow. Some parts of the story abruptly change settings, while other parts are double-spaced or are formally separated.

The final verdict:

The plot can be enjoyed by all upper middle-grade readers, although the main characters are 15-16 years old. There’s a good deal of adventure and action, and the epilogue introduces an interesting twist for the sequel. I recommend young readers give this book a shot!

Airrelle of the Maroon Witches by Sumayyah Beck

What worked:

Obviously, identifying witches in the title means there will be magic, and the author adds new twists. The witches live in hidden settlements around the world, and the setting for this story is Missen Dessalin. The witches work together to create an invisible shield that conceals the settlement. Airrelle must collect four patrons; her first is a crane, to become a full witch. Patrons select their witches and offer advice and assistance. Witches are expected to fly, so Airrelle’s first rite of passage is the soljourney. Witties, witches in training, must survive in the wild in their astral forms until they learn how to fly. Airrelle is most excited about the prospect of flying, so she can travel beyond the barrier and into the Overside.

The story includes subtle commentary about the real world. Airrelle’s first venture into Overside with her mother reveals many disturbing sights. They find perfectly good food tossed into the trash, even though hungry people are living on the streets. Cars pollute the air, and buildings replace nature. Airrelle’s mother says concrete is the most abundant substance in Overside. Related to this, the witches have a close connection to nature. Their patrons are plants or animals, and patrons are often attracted to the witches’ songs. Witches must show them respect, since nature decides who is worthy of help. Witches often thank elements of nature and appreciate the beauty and wonder. Young readers may develop admiration and gratitude for natural things they take for granted.

Rabiah is a character who brings mystery and uncertainty to the story. She’s from the Overside, but Airrelle wants her to train to become a witch at Missen Dessalin. She’s not a clear candidate, so there are mixed opinions about whether this is a good idea. A scry indicates she has the potential to become a powerful witch, but the settlement will have problems if her family searches for her. The weakening shield may allow Oversiders to see into the settlement. Airrelle agrees that Rabiah should be returned to Overside if she fails to pass her trials, with her memory erased. However, Airrelle is determined that Rabiah will succeed; what will she do if things don’t work out? It gets complicated.

What didn’t work as well:

Halfway into the book, it’s still unclear where the plot is headed. Several things are happening: the father is away and in trouble, there’s something wrong with the mother, and Airrelle is trying to get her maroon cloak and befriending a non-magical girl. Many readers prefer having a more focused objective in the plot.

The final verdict:

This book feels like it’s establishing the backstory for future books. There’s a focus on the world of Maroon Witches, along with some of their issues and problems. It’s a creative view of witchcraft that features many interesting characters. Overall, you check out this book and decide for yourself.

Girl of Lore by Melanie Dale

What worked:

Mina is the main character, and she has a variety of issues. Her psychiatrist says it’s unlikely that she’ll ever act on her thoughts of stabbing people, and her OCD is how her body maintains control. She doesn’t know how to get along with people, and she’s not sure why popular, pretty Jackie is still her friend. Mina needs Jackie’s support, but what does Mina have to offer? She hides her sketches of gory scenes, and visiting the graveyard is her favorite activity. Mina feels disturbed and confused when she “hears” a book telling her to “release me”.

Readers immediately know this will be a strange story when Mina dreams of possessing a body. The body is in a car that crashes into a sinkhole, while three shadowy figures watch from above. The next day, Mina learns that a car crashed into a sinkhole near her home. Coincidence? Animals seem to attack her, which is confusing when, later, she calms some dogs and a horse with her mind. Most people in London, Georgia, are skeptical about creatures of the night, but Mina sees evidence and hears stories that make her think something dangerous is going on. A woman wrote a book about local lore, but Mina later finds her dead, with bite marks on her neck. These events will interest readers interested in the paranormal.

The author uses a familiar point of view about vampires, making them easy to understand. These vampires don’t like sunlight and anything related to God. They can control the amount of blood they take, meaning victims can be killed or turned into vampires. Victims can be saved from turning if the vampire is killed before the victim dies. Vampires grow fangs and have heightened senses. An additional danger is added to this story when readers learn that something powerful is beginning to rise in London, and it is capable of killing all humans on earth.

What didn’t work as well:

Different sources indicate this book is for middle grade, but it’s for tweens and young adults. The characters are high school age, and the scary emotions generated by the author’s writing can get pretty intense. The book has a dark tone, especially when the topic of vampires arises.

The final verdict:

Again, this book is not for most middle-grade readers due to strong, dark emotions. However, the overall story is captivating, and I recommend that mature readers try it for themselves. It looks like a sequel will follow.