Mr. Lemoncello's Fantabulous Finale by Chris Grabenstein

What worked:

The story is reminiscent of Willy Wonka as thirteen-year-olds from around the country vie for titanium tickets to take over Mr. Lemoncello’s empire. One family has been banned from entering the contest due to past nefarious actions but they’ve found a way around the rules. This adds a bit of mystery to the main plot of characters trying to win the competition. The characters receive packages from an anonymous person which will make readers further wonder exactly what is going on. The characters will face challenges all around New York City but readers may be surprised when some of the kids give up their opportunities before reaching the finish. Kyle is the main character although some chapters feature the other contestants. There are many references to past children’s novels and authors that most middle-grade readers will recognize.

The flamboyance of Mr. Lemoncello will amaze young readers as much as it astounds the characters. It’s hard to imagine how the author might add any additional extravagant, outlandish details to the story. Lemoncello’s bright, flashy clothing is designed by Kyle’s grandmother and the man loves riddles, puzzles, and surprises. Readers should expect challenges at unexpected times since Mr. Lemoncello and his assistants are constantly watching everything the kids do. Kyle especially enjoys thinking games so he's happy when the contestants encounter rebus puzzles or when they’re given riddles to complete a scavenger hunt. However, the author saves twists for later in the plot which will make readers second guess what they think they know.

Kyle already knows half of his competitors but there are an equal number of new faces. Most of the kids have relevant qualifications but Mr. Lemoncello still has his people randomly choose one contestant. Each child is motivated by something different which causes readers to speculate about what they might do if they win the competition. Their interests include games, puzzles, building things, books and libraries, making money, and producing a popular podcast. The variety of personalities not only creates some awkward clashes but some unexpected positive relationships too.

What didn’t work as well:

Mr. Leomoncello’s wackiness may not appeal to everyone but humor is usually universally pleasing. The characters are interesting but any depth to them is dependent on having read the previous books. There are a lot of kids vying to win the contest so it’s impossible to fully develop them all without significantly lengthening the book.

The final verdict:

The thing to remember is once you think you know what’s going on you must realize you don’t. Mr. Lemoncello loves puzzles and games and that’s what continues throughout the book. The author creates a fantabulous, zany adventure and I recommend you give it a shot!

Cream Buns and Crime: Tips, Tricks, and Tales from the Detective Society (A Murder Most Unladylike Mysteries) by Robin Stevens

What worked:

The opening pages of the book find Daisy explaining how young readers can start their own detective agencies. The tone of the book reflects Daisy’s pompous arrogance as she insists that she’s always right and her way of doing things is the best. Hazel is Daisy’s assistant in the series and Daisy reluctantly allows Hazel to add a few thoughts. Some of Daisy’s ideas are relevant to solving cases while others (like choosing an agency name) are light-hearted, extraneous suggestions. It may surprise readers when other characters from the series and the author narrate different portions of the book.

The book includes thoughts related to history, solving and writing mysteries, and other topics related to the series. It shares how the author gets started with writing mysteries and where she finds inspiration. Interestingly, she says the first real-life mystery detective didn’t appear in history until the early 1800s and the 1930s were the golden age of mystery writing. Readers will recognize references to authors like Agatha Christie, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and Edgar Allen Poe as well as fictional detectives like Hercule Poirot, Miss Jane Marple, and Sherlock Holmes (Daisy’s favorite). There’s a section talking about famous spies around the world and another part shares several unsolved cases like Jack the Ripper.

Readers will find short stories mixed in throughout the book about shorter and less intense cases than the murders typically found in the series. There’s the first case solved by Daisy and Hazel concerning who stole a classmate’s tie. Alexander, a good friend of Hazel, talks about a case where he works with George to find out who attacked the mailman and why they were searching for a specific letter. The last case is told by another classmate about someone stealing food from the kitchen. These cases help break up the informational sections of the book and make it more entertaining.

What didn’t work as well:

The book jumps around covering a wide range of topics that may be hard to follow for readers new to the series. The pages dedicated to bakery recipes seem out of place although they have a small relevance to the books.

The final verdict:

This book is a more light-hearted addition to the Detective Society series, touching on historical and literary connections to mysteries. The short sections on various topics will appeal to young readers since they don’t need to stay focused for long. It’s perfect for reading for short periods of time and the overall book moves quickly. It’s an enjoyable book to read and I recommend you give it a shot.

The Reality Code: Trapped In VR by S.J. Fern

What worked:

Many books have been written about characters visiting fantasy worlds and this book ventures into virtual reality. Icky is an expert coder and he decides to add an “expansion pack” to the virtual reality program his father uses with his patients. Icky is the target of the class bully so he escapes into the virtual world he’s created. The author adds a couple of twists to make things more interesting. Before starting, Icky ignores an error message about his code and his program allows others to join him. This results in several characters entering the father’s fear experience without a clear way of getting out. Saving Icky becomes the conflict rather than Icky being the main character and hero. Icky’s grief following his mother’s death is a major factor.

The father’s program is designed to help patients overcome their fears so that becomes the main topic in the plot. Icky’s two best friends and his sister enter the virtual world to save him but they must overcome their greatest fears first. These phobias involve sharks, heights, and closed spaces which will be common connections for readers. The characters are allowed to help each other navigate their fears but each individual is forced to pass one final challenge alone before they can help Icky. Some of the trials can kill the virtual characters and allow them to repeatedly face their debilitating terrors. The chapters alternately focus on each character which allows readers to fully experience their panic.

What didn’t work as well:

The plot doesn’t fully develop the characters as it highlights their experiences in virtual reality. This helps the story move at a steady, action-filled pace but readers aren’t able to fully connect with the characters.

The final verdict:

The clever venture into a virtual world combines modern technology with universal emotional issues. Addressing each character’s biggest fear divides the book into four unique adventures but Icky’s situation will be much different from what readers expect. Overall, I recommend you give this book a shot.

Death Valley Summer (Wilder Boys 4) by Brandon Wallace

What worked:

This book is a refreshing change from newly-discovered superpowers, impending doom, bullies, and fragile adolescent relationships. Brothers Jake and Taylor attend a three-week wilderness camp that culminates with a five-day, forty-mile hike to the edge of Death Valley. The story will connect with readers who have experienced camping through scout troops or family vacations. The campers take every challenge as a competition and Jake’s cabin wants to win them all. However, an all-girl team is equally as good, perhaps better, so the boys have their hands full.

The cast of characters is a highlight as it presents a range of camping experiences. Jake has survived serious dangers in the previous books so he accepts the role of assistant counselor, despite being the same age as the oldest campers. Nico thinks he has all the answers since he’s attending his third wilderness camp. Taylor has a similar personality which causes friction between the boys throughout most of the book. Kaito has no camping experience and is afraid of heights but he loves to read and knows a lot about things found in nature; he also adds humor through his non-stop, corny riddles. Juan has been sent to camp to get him away from electronic devices so he arrives with a negative attitude. Jake knows a lot about survival but can he get this ragtag group of campers to work as a team?

The entire story is set in the wilderness so it may seem like a fantasy world for readers living in urban environments. Juan becomes an expert with navigation (map and compass skills he learned in a video game) which is crucial when venturing into thick forests concealing steep, treacherous cliffs. Taylor carries a sketchbook where he draws pictures of different birds he encounters. Readers will learn techniques for building fires, catching rabbits, and erecting safe shelters using things found in the wild. First aid techniques are also shared as Jake’s group encounters a wide variety of dangers. Even rain can be life-threatening when hiking in the mountains.

What didn’t work as well:

The synopsis shares way too much information. Much of what’s described doesn’t happen until the last fourth of the book so nothing is left to readers’ imaginations. It doesn’t make sense why publishers reveal the whole story.

The final verdict:

The straightforward, suspenseful adventure can be enjoyed by a wide range of young readers. Some of the most exciting expeditions are based on reality since readers know they can happen to real people. This book is fast-paced and entertaining and I recommend you give it a shot.

Death Sets Sail by Robin Stevens

What worked:

The book stars Hazel and Daisy as students/detectives spending the holidays in Egypt. The first chapter has a mysterious hook as Hazel ends the chapter with, “Perhaps that way I can bring Daisy back to life.” Readers are told that one of the two main characters is going to die and they’ll speculate about how and when this will happen. The girls encounter a group of English citizens who proclaim they’re the reincarnation of various Egyptian rulers. It’s clear early on that they’ll play a prominent role in the plot. They’re led by Theodora Miller who believes she’s the re-embodiment of the pharaoh Hatshepsut, daughter of Amun Ra, “a god on earth”. Readers will enjoy hating this loud, pompous woman as she berates everyone she encounters until she is murdered.

Several characters join Hazel and Daisy in this murder investigation. Hazel’s father flies in with her younger sisters and May’s small size provides unexpected help. Her father is surprisingly supportive and trusts that his daughter knows what she’s doing. May is only six years old but her enthusiastic, mischievous personality finds her literally popping up when characters least expect. Repeatedly sneaking out of her room drives her father crazy and adds light humor to the plot. The girls are also joined by Amina, a classmate from Egypt, and it becomes evident she has more than a friendly interest in Daisy. George and Alexander join the cast of characters and Alexander and Hazel awkwardly navigate their relationship.

Obviously, the story concerns a mystery and the characters methodically investigate the murder. The book takes the form of Hazel’s records and summary and readers can consider clues and theories as they arise. There are pages listing potential suspects that include motives and relevant evidence. These pages are edited as Daisy and Hazel collect more information and the girls identify the next steps they’ll follow in their investigation. The girls must combat adult skepticism and interference and they dismiss any potential danger, especially Daisy. Murderers tend to kill again when they feel threatened.

What didn’t work as well:

There are a lot of characters to follow as the mystery unfolds. Six characters are investigating the crime, the members of the Breath of Life society are suspects, and there are other minor characters to consider. Daisy is still bossy and headstrong although George resists her efforts to control him.

The final verdict:

This book is most appropriate for upper middle-grade readers due to the subject matter. Hinting at the death of a main character in the opening pages is a highly effective way to capture interest. Readers interested in solving mysteries should enjoy the analysis of clues and suspects until Daisy and Hazel eventually identify the murderer. Overall, it’s an intriguing case with plenty of surprises and I recommend you give it a shot.

Wildfire (The Talisman Series Novella 3.5) by Brett Salter

What worked:

This novella features Camela, a Synergist Knight, who’s bonded for life with Krysta, an ice dragon. Camela has taken the concept of brave warrior to heart and her brash, confident demeanor and need for adventure often control her decisions. She speaks with overly formal words and incorrectly tries to use figurative language, adding humor to the story and showing that she’s still a young girl. Krysta is able to conceal her identity and usually appears as Camela’s human friend. The two girls can communicate mentally and Camela’s ice talisman transforms them into a formidable team. Krysta is often the voice of reason for readers although she usually defers to Camela’s judgments. That is not always a good thing.

The book offers plenty of action to keep readers engrossed and wondering what Camela will do next. She’s keeping guard over an extremely dangerous Nocturn so she jumps at the chance to find something more exciting to do. Carmela and Krysta encounter a Minotaur but the author adds a twist by having this monster behave differently than other Darkbrands. It’s like the Energizer Rabbit and just keeps going. Carmela impulsively explores an eerie village and discovers an old, powerful relic that can either help her or lead to the end of all mankind. Readers will question her choices and wonder if she’s gotten herself and Krysta into a situation they won’t be able to escape.

What didn’t work as well:

There are moments in the story when the author describes background information that breaks the momentum of the events. For example, explaining the abilities of a Minotaur/Pyrotaur as it prepares to attack is useful but perhaps the information could have been worked into the action. There’s also a brief switch to a story involving Moon Orchid that may not make sense to readers new to the series.

The final verdict:

This novella can be read as an introduction to the other Talisman books or it can be appreciated as a reminder of characters readers have liked in the past. The book will appeal to dragon lovers and those who enjoy adventure and action. I recommend you give it a shot along with the rest of the series.

The School for Wicked Witches by Will Taylor

What worked:

Ava is a sympathetic character following her epic failure when trying to enter the West Oz Witch Academy, or WOW. Her magic affects water and plants but performing her magic near her home in the desert is drastically different from the abundant water found in the school. She’s overwhelmed during her trial performance which the teachers interpret as evil magic. Readers will root for Ava after she’s dumped into the Wicked Wagon and sent to the School for Wicked Witches (the secret name is Swickwit). Ava has mixed feelings upon her arrival but she’s determined to prove her goodness and return to WOW.

Swickwit is not at all what Ava expects or what the synopsis implies. Most witches perceive the school as a punishment with severe, strict rules for the wicked witches to follow. However, Swickwit views them as misunderstood and the teachers try to help the “wicked” witches master their unique, special abilities. Ava begins to feel more comfortable with her powers and she even learns to perform other kinds of magic. Because the school for evil witches is not what the rest of the world expects, all students are confined to the school grounds until they can be trusted to keep the secret. This typically takes about seven years so some readers might think Swickwit sounds like a prison.

Ava is caught in a difficult situation when she first meets her new roommate. Tinabella insists her trial to attend the North Oz Witch Academy was sabotaged and she’ll stop at nothing to get back and punish the responsible people. Ava quickly agrees to team up with her but it always feels like she’s following Tinabella’s lead. The other Swickwit students look down on Ava because she’s from the West so she’s not able to make any other friends. There’s one excluded boy who’s repeating his first year at Swickwit for the third time and readers will probably predict that Ava will eventually join up with him.

What didn’t work as well:

Ava is determined to get back to WOW even though Swickwit is a better fit for her. She doesn’t share much thought as to how she plans to get accepted into the school for good witches even if she can find some way to get there. Her resolve makes sense early on but the thinking is less logical as the story moves along. This character is forced to think about the bigger picture when the plot arrives at the climax.

The final verdict:

Swickwit is a curious setting due to its secrets and methods for handling “evil” witches. It creates unexpected problems for the characters and their unique abilities are both useful and potentially terrifying. Overall, the book should appeal to amusing witch lovers and I recommend you give it a shot.