The Charlatan’s Boy by Jonathan Rogers

What worked:

Readers will immediately feel empathy and sympathy for Grady, the main character. He doesn’t know his parents, and his “guardian”, Floyd, has different explanations about his past. In summary, no one wanted him, and Floyd is stuck with him. Grady is constantly told that he’s extremely ugly, and one of Floyd’s schemes advertises Grady as the ugliest boy in the world. Their most successful con features Grady as a wild feechie. They travel from town to town playing their roles in deceiving skits, but Grady wonders what it would be like to live in one place with friendly neighbors. Grady wants to know his parents and to feel like he belongs and is cared for.

Readers can learn a great deal about the colorful, adventurous lives of traveling charlatans. Floyd thinks up wild schemes to cheat people, but it creates danger for Grady and himself. They must be careful not to appear twice in the same villages, so the citizens won’t recognize them from a previous crime. Grady creates feechie clues in the middle of the night, and he must watch out for hunters. He’s mistaken for a large coon or panther in one chapter and barely avoids being shot full of arrows. Grady and Floyd are “perfessionals”, and they’re annoyed by subpar performances by their competitors. This conflict comes to a head during the height of the feechiefolk scare, the story’s climax. The author includes a section at the back of the book that shows Floyd’s script for a magnet scam, along with suggestions about how to react to hecklers.

What didn’t work as well:

The story’s premise may bother some readers, as Floyd and Grady deceive people out of their money. They profit from the fear and naivety of others. The plot feels redundant at times, but the ending is worth the wait.

The final verdict:

The resolution is a huge surprise, and most readers won’t foresee it as a possibility. The author weaves language and creative ideas into an emotional, innovative tale. I highly recommend you try it for yourself.

Keep the Ghost Light On by Kate Messner

What worked:

Ghost lights in theaters stay on overnight or between performances, but they create an eerie setting for the story. Superstitions say they’re used to appease spirits, and an unsettled ghost is at the center of this plot. The author skillfully lets the conflict unfold slowly, with some chapters told from the ghost’s point of view. These chapters are written as play scripts because the ghost was once a stage performer in the early 1900s. She can’t communicate with the living in a normal manner, but she can make noises and move objects. The characters struggle to understand what’s happening, building suspense as the ghost becomes more desperate.

The story revolves around a play written by Luna based on the journal of a famous playwright, Clifton Henderson. However, the plot focuses on her friend, Daphne, since the ghost targets her for communication. Daphne had a humiliating moment with an eighth-grader, and she’s now battling self-doubt and embarrassment. This vulnerability creates an opening for the ghost, making Daphne the first one to realize its existence. Many books would have other characters doubt someone seeing ghosts, but this time, Daphne’s friends immediately support her. Most of the plot describes the efforts of Daphne, Luna, and Felix as they try to understand what the ghost wants. They figure out the ghost wants them to uncover the truth, but they don’t know what that means. Daphne assumes the performer was murdered, but she eventually realizes her talents and fame were stolen.

 What didn’t work as well:

The ghost’s abilities differ for some reason later in the book. She becomes visible and can talk when the plot reaches its climax. It seems the book leaves unanswered questions for other performers, so readers may feel there is unfinished business. It would be nice for an epilogue to mention the resolution.

 The final verdict:

This book will appeal to young readers with a love for ghost stories. Daphne and the ghost are vulnerable characters who are victims of mistreatment and ridicule. I recommend you give it a shot.

 

The Pelican and His Blimp (Chronicles of Lizard Nobody #3) by Patrick Ness

What worked:

The story explores common, stressful situations that many young readers face. Alicia is unusually quiet, and her friends don’t know what to do. Should they try to get her to talk, leave her alone, or quietly support her? Alicia’s divorced father wants to see her again, but she has mixed feelings about it. She wants to see him, but she’s afraid of what will happen. The series bully, son of two supervillains, is also anxious and excited about his father’s annual visit. Pelicarnassus feels like a disappointment to his father, and he needs help to do something impressive. Zeke’s father died several years ago, so he watches other families with mixed feelings. Daniel has two moms, so he’s never felt bad about not having a father.

The book’s humor arises from unusual situations and language. A blimp levitates school buses and buildings, as Pelicarnassus targets his archenemy, Zeke. A goldfish in a fish tank on wheels is one of his friends, as is a blind falcon who speaks very loudly. The narrator uses numerous amusing footnotes to explain, or add to, events in the plot. Who knew that pandas like heavy metal and sitting under the lunchroom table? The black-and-white illustrations help young and emerging readers visualize the story's strange characters and situations. The short chapters will help them quickly progress through the pages.

What didn’t work as well:

Readers may still wonder why the author includes France in the story. The country lives on Zeke’s knee, inherited when his father passed away. France tells Zeke about his father, but it doesn’t have a significant impact on the plot.

The final verdict:

The story is fast-paced and will entertain young and emerging readers. It’s simple and strange, but it addresses real feelings that will resonate with the audience. More accomplished readers may not get into it, but I recommend you try it for yourself.

Island of Skulls (The School for Thieves Book 2) by Peter Burns

What worked:

For readers new to the series, the characters are either students or members of the Guild of Thieves. The students are learning to become thieves, forgers, assassins, and to perform other criminal activities. They’ll eventually become members of the guild. The Guild of Thieves’ purpose is to maintain balance between the three main world superpowers. The guild stops one faction from dominating the others. The main, underlying conflict deals with Chevaliers, a branch group of former Guild of Thieves members with a goal to rule the world, not maintain balance. 

Tom is the main character, and he’s the least experienced student. In the first book, he’s rescued from life on the streets to study at Bradbury, the School for Thieves. Another conflict pits Tom against another student named Cassidy. Cassidy has strong, negative feelings toward Tom, but he doesn’t know why. Their mutual dislike continues throughout the story. Tom’s survival instincts, manifested while homeless and avoiding the workhouse, have been invaluable, and the other students often look to him for ideas. His closest friend is Maxine, but he’s developed a crush on Connie, an older student.

Most of the book is set on the island where the characters initially think they’re being quarantined from a deadly disease at the school. They learn that they’re actually searching for treasure and a secret weapon, even though they don’t have specific details. The author increases the suspense when readers learn that teams of experienced agents have already searched the island, with many of them dying from hidden explosives. The students encounter numerous secret boobytraps, exploring the island without any guidance. Later in the plot, they face deadly, experienced agents, looking for the same treasures and a weapon that will change the world.

What didn’t work as well:

Some readers may have problems with future criminals being featured in a book, but the kids behave like young characters in other books about secret schools. Tom cares about others and has a strong sense of doing what’s right. His feud with Cassidy is tiring, even after he learns the cause. 

The final verdict:

I highly recommend you read this series starting with book one. It’s an exciting adventure, full of non-stop action, mystery, and surprises. 

The Key to Avalon (The Joseph Affenham series Book 1) by H J Bumbleton

What worked:

The book has an effective introductory hook when Joseph is thrust into the middle of “incompetence” at the zoo. He saves the day by capturing a huge King Cobra, even though the zookeepers take all of the credit. Readers learn that Joseph has unmatched talent and knowledge of animals, just like his missing and presumed dead father. His mother has been dead for several years, but he still remembers pieces of advice she gave him. The author uses italics to mark these memories, and Joseph uses them to navigate difficult situations.

The plot takes an amusing turn when a hobgoblin joins the cast. Hobgoblins are known for being tricky and mischievous, and they possess a small amount of magic. It won’t reveal its real name, so Joseph and Ricky call it Redsocks, for obvious reasons. Ricky and Redsocks clash immediately, so readers will enjoy their playful banter and challenges. Redsocks is easily offended, and characters will be targets for his embarrassing spells. Joseph and Ricky are surprisingly joined by a classmate named Daisy, and she comes with mixed contributions. She tends to overreact to situations and has a huge fear of most animals. On the other hand, her knowledge of mythical stories helps the group survive numerous dangers and terrifying beasts.

The antagonist is a hunter who captures and kills creatures for sport. Redsocks enters the story when Joseph and Ricky rescue him from the hunter’s cage. The boys foil the hunter several times, along with his gang of armed henchmen. However, the hunter is relentless, and he continuously reappears at critical moments. Readers will assume he wants to bag magical creatures, but he’s really searching for a magical artifact found in Avalon.

What didn’t work as well:

The dialogue can be challenging to understand. The exact meanings when Ricky and Redsocks speak are especially difficult, although readers should be able to capture the gist of their speech. Also, readers may wonder how Joseph and Ricky come upon a variety of mythical creatures without passing into a magical world. There haven’t been any news stories or rumors about them.

The final verdict:

The plot is an entertaining mixture of adventure, humor, and heart. Joseph discovers his destiny to follow in his father’s footsteps, and he’s surprised by secrets about his parents. I recommend you check out this book for yourself. 

Astra Fox and the Rise of the Wonderworkers by Isaac Fitzsimons

What worked:

Astra is a sympathetic character, as she’s treated poorly at the orphanage. She’s frequently and severely punished and is separated from other orphans. Her hope is that someone will claim her when they discover her wonderwork ability. Those who wield wonderwork are called gilders. Astra creates amazing illusions, but many people hate all wonderworks and think it shouldn’t exist. That means gilders like Astra shouldn’t exist. Another underlying problem is that Astra doesn’t know where her sister lives, but her ultimate hope is to be reunited. Some chapters begin with letters from her sister, always sounding hopeful that they’ll be together again. 

Astra is claimed by a wealthy benefactor, and she’s taken to Bellamore Hall in Empire City. There, she discovers two large problems. First, prejudice against gilders is ever-present, as evidenced when Astra isn’t allowed in a store without an escort. Secondly, she finds parts of the city without wonderworks, where dark, dirty buildings seem like they can fall at any moment. Astra realizes Bellamore Hall’s appearance is an illusion after she discovers a dark, moldy, crumbling room. She eventually ends up in the Bellamore Factory and is thrust into the middle of the wonderworks conflict. The working conditions are deplorable, and gilders are getting hurt or dying. Astra is torn between helping the other workers while avoiding the wrath of Mr. Bellamore. Non-gilders enjoy the fruits of wonderwork, but they don’t want gilders to have any rights. The situation is reminiscent of slavery.

The author creates vivid mental images with a masterful gift for words and language. Descriptions of wonderwork creations are colorful and eloquent, enabling readers to “see” the gorgeous scenes. “Sprawling ivy… leaves ablaze in hues of crimson, amber, and gold.” A “grand marble staircase” led to the manor’s front door, and “towering columns stretched skyward…they brushed the clouds.” Readers learn about Astra’s personality when the author says, “But Astra’s greatest talent was outrunning her better judgment.” 

What didn’t work as well:

Wonderworks create illusions, but they don’t change the essence of reality. Gilders can make food look and taste better, but it can’t make moldy food more nutritious or rickety buildings more stable. These inconsistencies may bother some readers, although the story eventually addresses them. 

The final verdict:

The story deals with civil rights for a discriminated group of gilders. Astra’s emotional rollercoaster will lead readers on a troubling adventure that pits the existence of wonderworks against the rich and powerful. I recommend you give this book a shot. 

Transylvania County by Jenny Howard

What worked:

Dig’s father hopes Dig’s behavior will improve after spending time with his cousin, Elliot. Elliot is a model student who follows all the rules, so his parents hope that he’ll be a better role model for Dig. However, Dig knows he doesn’t do bad things because of his friends; Dig is the bad influence on others. He is impulsive and rebellious, but he also cares about other people. He’s angry when his grandfather is the target of a prank and later loses his job for something he didn’t do. Dig is repulsed by the new P.E. teacher, Coach Renfield, who tries to get the students to stop caring about each other. Dig protects his cousin during dodgeball and is furious when Elliot is hit in the nose. Dig’s behavior can seem delinquent at times, but readers will begin to understand that he has good intentions. 

The story quickly confirms the scary rumors surrounding Transylvania County when Dig runs across an eight-foot, hairy Boojum with yellow eyes. The adults think he’s making up stories for attention. Dig can’t call the police, since his uncle, the county sheriff, is the first person to say he’s lying. Dig’s encounter with the Boojum adds credibility to tales of Dracula being entombed somewhere in the surrounding forest. This mystery becomes the plot’s focus when Dig and Elliot suspect someone of trying to locate Dracula. They’re convinced it has something to do with their grandfather, and their main suspect is Coach Renfield.

It looks like each book in the series will feature a different monster. Dracula and the Boojum are highlighted this time, while it appears werewolves will be the stars in the sequel. Elliot has ample general knowledge, but researching specific information is his superpower. He knows the local legends surrounding Dracula, has read Bram Stoker’s novel, and his knowledge of Latin comes in handy. The author adds to the mysterious ambiance through her descriptions of the setting. The town is located amid remote, forested terrain, and rainy skies and dark nights add to the gloom. Plenty of shadows can be found where surprises are hidden.

What didn’t work as well:

Readers will wonder about Dig’s mother, since she’s not in the story. Dig talks about what his parents will think or do, but his mother isn't present. Also, it takes a while for the promise of monsters to be fulfilled. Dracula's appearance is as expected, while the Boojum is a surprise.

The final verdict:

Dig is the highlight, as readers will be impressed by his daring (even though he has a crippling fear of bats) and willingness to help others in need. The climax will please monster lovers. I recommend you try this book for yourself.