Ameti Rising (Miro Chronicles 2) by Emily Arons

What worked:

Two aspects of this book differ from those of others. The setting is on a planet called Miro, and the humans harvest power from rocks called Orra. Humans had mismanaged natural resources on their former planet, so survivors fled to Miro. Conservation of nature is a primary focus, as the characters try to protect the climate, Orra, and all living things. Orro comes in different colors, and each one has unique powers and qualities. The second different thing about this book is that the characters can communicate with their partner animals. This is accomplished through collars the animals wear and their humans’ orbs. The orbs also connect the humans to AI partners that provide knowledge and guidance. One unexpected event arises in the first quarter of the book when Jimmy, the main character, is reunited with his loyal, brave, and always hungry otter, Otto.

Des, Jimmy’s uncle, was the antagonist in the first book, and the characters are well aware that he’s still lurking somewhere on the planet. He wants to control all of the Orra and become the most powerful person on Miro. Des is causing changes to landforms and the environment, and he’s begun controlling powerful packs of wild animals that threaten the natural balance. Complicating matters, Jimmy feels pressure to live up to his family’s legacy, continues to verbally spar with a rival, and he fears he might have similar characteristics to his uncle. Readers know that Jimmy and his friends, Derek and Tala, will stop Des’s latest plans before the book ends.

The plot moves quickly, which should appeal to most middle-grade readers, even reluctant ones. The chapters are fairly short, which works well for young readers with short attention spans. The story includes periodic reminders of what’s already happened, along with emphasis on what’s at stake. The setting is reminiscent of Earth with similar climates, familiar animals, and people mining for oil. The book teaches messages on conservation of nature and resources that apply to readers’ lives on Earth.

What didn’t work as well:

The downside to a story moving at a fast pace is that there tends to be a lack of description and details. There are parts where there’s a retelling of action rather than a description of what’s happening. There are jumps in time, and readers sometimes need to make assumptions and connections about missing information.

The final verdict:

This book is a wonderful example of speculative fiction that can be enjoyed by a wide range of middle-grade readers. It contains action, humor, drama, and character relationships that make the story appealing. I suggest you give this book a shot. 

Lessons from Harlow (The Adventures of Raini #3) by Licia Chenoweth

What worked:

Honesty and trust remain key issues, as Raini struggles with her father, Gerry. He recently entered her life, and she’s constantly challenging his patience. Raini has lied quite a bit in the first two books, so Gerry is reluctant to give her the benefit of the doubt. This time, Raini runs into trouble trying to perform a good deed when she finds a cellphone in the subway. She manages to find out where the owner will be, but complications arise when Raini shows up. The phone may be more important than anyone thinks, and Raini attracts danger once again. The story is told from Raini’s point of view, so readers can fully understand her different fears, emotions, and motivations. This plot is more adventurous than in the previous two books, and readers will empathize with Raini as events spiral out of control.

The author adds two new characters to the series, and there’s a stark contrast in their contributions. Gerry hires a woman named Phobe to help Raini become a more responsible, respectable girl. However, Raini detests the woman, so her character becomes a source of conflict. Phoebe is condescending and irritated with Raini, and she even tries Gerry’s patience sometimes. Harlow is Raini’s new classmate, and their characters have similarities and differences. Their mothers aren’t present in their lives, although for different reasons. Harlow lives with an elderly, rich aunt and says Raini is lucky to have a father who cares. Harlow is allowed total independence, so she helps Raini navigate life in New York City. Cecilio is still a dependable friend, but Raini isn’t sure how she feels about his relationship with Harlow

What didn’t work as well:

In the previous two books, readers might have tired of Raini’s constant lying, even though her father was trying to protect her. She still has trouble being totally honest, but readers will appreciate that she’s trying to change. Her dishonesty is more palatable since Harlow and Cecilio are aware of her situation.

The final verdict:

Readers should finish the previous two books first to appreciate Raini’s complex relationship with her father fully. This time, Raini’s predicament isn’t totally her fault, which makes her character more vulnerable. I strongly recommend you try this book for yourself. 

Finding Lila (The Adventures of Raini 2) by Licia Chenoweth

What worked:

A mysterious man tells Raini that she can see her mother if she doesn’t say anything to her father. Raini was a baby when her mother left, so she jumps at the chance. However, the effect of this misadventure is that the setting shifts to New York City, miles away from her grandfather, Mo. Gerry, her father, thinks someone is trying to kidnap her by using her mother as bait, so he restricts her privileges and has an adult stay with her while he’s at work. Finding her mother becomes an obsession for Raini and steers the plot for the rest of the book. She sneaks around, looking for clues, until Gerry finds out and threatens to send her to Scotland, again. Detectives are investigating the possible kidnapping, and Gerry’s deathly afraid for his daughter’s safety.

Raini meets a delivery boy from the deli across the street, and she thinks he’s her only friend. However, Cecilio is forbidden from seeing her anymore after her photograph gets posted in the New York Times. Gerry is livid because the picture may expose her to more danger. Cecilio displays flowers of different colors, and Raini looks forward to seeing them each day. Gerry forbids any further contact between them, which creates underlying tension from that point on. Raini’s behavior causes Gerry’s distrust, but Raini is angered that Gerry is keeping secrets about her mother. Gerry frequently tells Raini she must trust him on this, but their communication breakdown creates further conflict and unease.

What didn’t work as well:

Raini often disobeys her dad, and the behavior has been consistent in the first two books. It seems like she wants to be a loving daughter, so it’s hard to believe how quickly she can misbehave behind Gerry’s back. She apologizes to him every time she’s caught, but then quickly goes against his wishes. It’s hard to sympathize with her character when she constantly deceives her father and rarely considers how her behavior affects Gerry’s feelings.

The final verdict:

This book is more dramatic than the first one, as the conflict surrounding Raini’s mother is more serious. I suggest you start with book one to fully understand relationships and backstories. I recommend you check this book out yourself. 

The Boy with the Living Shadow (MIriwan Academy 1) by Anas Hakeem

What worked:

Adam’s character will generate sympathy, as he’s remained unadopted for ten years. He’s bullied by the “tall boy”, insulted and singled out by the nasty director, and is forced to live alone in the orphanage’s dismal attic. Then, a gnome transports him into a new life of magic. He’s adopted by a woman who once knew his mother, but no one knows anything about his father. Readers will anticipate that his father’s identity will become significant sometime in the future. Also, Adam displays unusual abilities with his new power, after he infuses some of his energy into a non-living companion he creates and calls Jumperjeans. Not to mention, his shadow seems to have a mind of its own when Adam feels strong emotions. This adds unpredictability to the story.

The book uses vocabulary that probably won’t be familiar to most readers. The story opens in Algiers, so the author incorporates words that reflect the culture and religion there. In addition, he creates words that are necessary to describe the magic in the story. Young readers should be able to understand the meaning by using the context in the story and sentences. Adam and others with magic are called Gushmars, and the magic itself is called Gushoolah. Adam’s adopted brother, Daniel, manifests his Feranimus on his Sunderday. Most of the Gushmar students at Miriwan Academy have already welcomed their animal companions, but readers must wait for Adam Feranimus to emerge. The Gushoolah in some students will never be strong enough to celebrate a Sunderday. Adam’s lack of a Feranimus will have readers wondering what animal he will have, or if he will ever get one.

The author incorporates aspects of fictional and real schools to keep the setting familiar, but adds his own twists. Adam attends a school for magic, but the Gushmars’ powers boil down to three areas. They can manipulate objects and perform telekinesis, they can create illusions, and they can make objects and themselves invisible. Adam’s shadow tends to do things without his control, and this can be frustrating, confusing, and sometimes helpful. Some magic is conjured with concoctions, but most of the magic in the story comes from the Gushmars exerting their powers. An underlying conflict with sundering and feranimi is brewing throughout the plot and eventually comes to a head in the climax.

What didn’t work as well:

There are quite a few characters with uncommon English names, so readers may mentally double-check their memories when the characters pop up. This is not a huge concern, but it’s something young readers might experience as they read.

The final verdict:

The author presents some innovative ideas about magic, but keeps everything familiar enough for young readers. Adam’s kindness and empathy for others are admirable qualities, and he’s determined to uncover secrets and save all Gushmars. I recommend you try this book for yourself!

My Thousand Treasures (The Adventures of Raini 1) by Licia Chenoweth

What worked:

The story breaks down into two main parts. The opening chapters describe Raini taking a gold coin that thieves left on the beach and fleeing the beach patrol. She reluctantly tells her cousin, Ian, what she’s done, and they form a shaky alliance to keep it a secret. The tension amps up when one of the thieves lurks outside their home, and Ian becomes especially distressed. The situation becomes more complicated when a couple of things happen. A professor tells Raini that the coin may be very valuable, which means she’s in a bigger mess than she thought. Also, the plight of an old, widowed woman is connected to the coin, and time is running out to save her home from destruction. Readers will become engrossed in Raini’s thrilling adventure as she tries to evade danger and trouble while trying to make things right.

The second main part involves Raini’s relationship with her father, Gerry. Raini feels no love for him, since he only recently entered her life. Gerry didn’t know Raini existed before that, so readers will need to decide how they feel about the situation. Gerry is trying hard to connect with his daughter, but she’s doing all she can to push away. Some of that is due to her strained feelings, while some of it is due to the time-sensitive adventure mentioned above. The pair tries to navigate Raini’s disrespect and impulsiveness, and Gerry’s family plans to help them grow closer. About halfway into the book, Raini learns their bond is even more confusing when her father texts that he knows about the coin.

What didn’t work as well:

Gerry and Raini’s great aunt are Scottish, and Ian has just returned from living there. The author tries to use alternate spellings to reflect their Scottish accents, but that strategy isn’t overly successful. Most young readers won’t be familiar enough with the variation in dialect, so they won’t appreciate the author’s efforts.

The final verdict:

Raini is a headstrong young girl who should connect with many middle-grade readers. Her mother left when she was a baby, and the book’s resolution revisits the topic. It seems likely that it will become part of the sequel. Overall, I recommend you give this book a shot.

Theft of the Ruby Lotus by Sayantani Dasgupta

What worked:

Ria has a complicated relationship with her mother. Her mother works for the Metropolitan Museum, but she spends much of her time trying to get relics returned to the countries from which they were stolen. The book opens with the mother announcing that Ria and her grandmother will be moving to Germany with her. The mother is not present for much of the story. Ria doesn’t understand why her mother suddenly left the museum, or was fired, so Ria is left to make up answers when problems and questions arise. A news article reports that robbers attempted to steal a legendary sword from India, but they were only able to pry a large, red ruby from it. Then, Ria finds the ruby and a cryptic message in an envelope mailed to her mother. Did her mother help steal it? Who mailed it?

The plot is the mystery surrounding the sword and the stolen ruby. Who stole the Ruby, and why was it mailed to Ria’s mother? Who is the cute boy Ria meets outside the museum? He keeps showing up, but Ria’s friends don’t trust him. Who are the two women they keep seeing, and are they part of the Lotus Society, a radical group started in the early 1970s? Is the Lotus Society still active, and are they the thieves targeting the sword and ruby? How much trouble are Ria and her friends in for attempting to return the ruby to the museum?

Each chapter is titled with “In Which…” and three comments that hint at events to come. For example, one chapter is titled “In Which We Make a Discovery in a Bathroom Stall, Concoct a Concept of a Plan, and Get Spied On.” Another says, “In Which We Are Suspects on the Run, Hide Behind Some Gods, and Do a Little Bit More Stealing.” The titles prepare readers for the chapter, and some of them add a little humor. A section after the plot’s resolution provides information about some concepts in the story. Repatriation is at the heart of the conflict, holograms become important, and ideas about the Indian queen and sword are based on real history.

What didn’t work as well:

Ria, Annie, and Miracle come from three different cultures, but it doesn’t work as well in this book. Ria has some Indian in her; the narrative is told in her first -person voice, and the sword comes from India. Her culture is well-represented, but details about the other ones are somewhat lost amid the adventure and descriptions of the Indian culture. Perhaps the other cultures will be more important in the future, but they didn’t work as well as they might have.

The final verdict:

The mystery offers twists and turns, as Ria and her friends try to identify their opponents and repatriate the sword and ruby to India. Young readers will learn a bit about Indian culture as the characters avoid trouble and danger all around New York City. I recommend you try this book for yourself. 

Relic of Thieves (The Underwild 2) by Shana Targosz

What worked:

Anya has emotional concerns that sometimes overwhelm her. She’s tormented by her parents and older brother, which is more than sibling rivalry. He thinks life was better before Anya joined the family, and she frequently suffers his threats and physical abuse. Anya also suffers from panic attacks and finds her best defense is to avoid any attention. Lizzie is her best friend and understands most of Anya’s problems. Lizzie knows how to calm Anya’s emotions, but Lizzie is still not fully aware of her best friend’s home situation. Despite her self-doubts, Anya undergoes a dramatic transformation, always wanting to assist anyone in need. She must battle self-doubt and low self-esteem to discover the power she holds.

Using the magical keys incorrectly sets off unseen alarms, and the three mythical furies are sent to track down Anya. These creatures are relentless and won’t stop until they find her, and they aren’t averse to using violence during their pursuit. This creates perpetual danger for Anya and constant suspense for readers. Other characters are more sympathetic to Anya’s plight, and Senka becomes an invaluable new friend. Different characters from Greek mythology are part of the story, including Dionysus, Ariadne, and Charon, and Zeus is the unforgiving, powerful ruler of everything godly. Dionysus and Ariadne don’t agree with Zeus’s overbearing, intolerant position, and they set Anya a quest. Her ultimate goal is to find three mythological witches who might provide an answer to her predicament.

An interesting twist to the story comes from a creative retelling of Persephone’s myth. The myth says Persephone ate six pomegranate seeds while in Hades. Consequently, she’s forced to spend six months in Hades, creating fall and winter, while spring and summer arise when she returns to her mother, Demeter, for the rest of the year. However, the author changes the relationship between Hades and Persephone into a tragic love story. Persephone’s story involves the magical keys and the curse that Zeus places upon them. This curse explains Anya’s ill-fortune, but other characters she meets aren’t happy with Zeus’s bullying and strict punishments. This results in Anya encountering many unexpected allies, especially when they’re most needed.

What didn’t work as well:

This is a long story that requires endurance. However, it’s worth the effort and ends with a surprising, satisfying trial.

The final verdict:

This book can be read independently, though the first book will provide more backstory about Senka and the Underwild. Young readers will enjoy Anya’s loyalty to others and cheer for her to overcome her insecurities. I highly recommend you read this book yourself!