A Dash of Daring (Alice Eclair Spy Extraordinaire 4) by Sarah Todd Taylor

What worked:

Alice now has a reputation as one of the most skilled bakers in France, and she once again creates amazing, impressive cakes. She’s joined by Sophie, a young, gifted engineer who also appeared in the previous book. These two characters developed a close rapport, and Sophie is working as an unofficial spy. Alice’s Uncle Robert reappears to cause trouble, as Sophie knows he’s working for the Germans. He was Alice’s mentor until she discovered that he’s a traitor to France. The book’s setting is pre-World War II, and the French fear Germany may be preparing for another war. The missing inventor’s encoding machine will be a game-changer for whichever country possesses it. 

Alice’s baking talents project a compelling cover identity, allowing her to move freely around the training camp. Adele is an aspiring Olympic cyclist, and she’s receiving threatening letters that instruct her to drop out. There’s no apparent reason to target her, and Adele isn’t going to let the messages stop her from competing. The letters sound very similar, so Alice suspects there’s more to them than may appear. Young readers who enjoy mysteries and puzzles will like being inside Alice’s head as she tries to uncover the suspicious messages and threats. 

Alice is joined by a team of unique characters, each one assisting in some way. Adele’s brother, Hugo, is a gifted artist, but he’s forced to use a wheelchair for long periods of walking. Adele and Hugo’s knowledge of their father is invaluable in solving coded letters. Hugo is training a pigeon to deliver messages, and it helps the characters communicate in difficult situations. Even a cat named Casper helps rescue Alice, although it usually causes trouble by sneaking into the kitchen.

What didn’t work as well:

Alice’s ability to create “masterpieces” of pastry and cake is hard to swallow at times. She always manages to come up with amazing recipes and designs even though she has limited time and uses different baking mediums. On the other hand, it makes her seem like a super girl, Alice Éclair, Spy Extraordinaire!

The final verdict:

It’s unclear if there will be a fifth book, but this one wraps up all of the past subplots and problems. This book can be enjoyed on its own, but I recommend you start from the beginning. 

Adventure in the City of Stories (Cousins in the Time of Magic 2) by Emma Otheguy

What worked:

Each book in the series is set in a different time in history. This time, the cousins travel back to the United States in 1930, trying to return a “stolen” book from a present-day New York library. The book creatively describes life during the Great Depression, as the kids navigate the city. There’s an emphasis on racial prejudice, specifically against Puerto Ricans. A wealthy white woman tries to exaggerate her influence by focusing on any negative news stories that involve Puerto Ricans. She wants Puerto Ricans living in New York to become more “American”, although she’s reminded that Puerto Ricans are, in fact, already Americans. Some prejudicial thoughts are eerily similar to those the cousins have experienced in the modern world. The end of the book includes the author's words explaining factual historical information related to elements of the book. 

The cousins, Jorge, Camila, and Siggy, are the main characters, and they each have important roles in the story. Tia Xia is the dependable savior for the cousins during the adventure. The kids know she can always resolve their problems, although they’re all separated in this story. Tia Xia has experience with time travel, and she always seems to know people from previous trips into the past. One Harlem archive owner is aware of her time-traveling and is an invaluable asset in solving the conflict. Tia Xia also seems aware of how situations will work out, creating calmness and confidence in the other characters. An obnoxious, rich bully in the present has a surprisingly helpful part in resolving the conflict in 1930. 

What didn’t work as well:

The characters from the past are too carefree about the cousins traveling through time. They’re more curious and excited about the possibility than alarmed or disbelieving. Also, the mechanics of time travel aren’t clear. The characters hop into small boats and are carried to where and when in history they need to go. 

The final verdict:

You can still enjoy this book without having read the previous one. The plot is fast-paced, and it provides fun information about United States history. I recommend you try it for yourself.

Quetzal's Labyrinth by Karla Arenas Valenti

What worked:

The plot will sound familiar to young readers, as the main character, Diego, learns he is the new gatekeeper charged with saving humanity. He’s a normal thirteen-year-old kid thrust into a battle of gods and evil spirits. The author grabs readers’ interest by opening with a wolf-bear-wild boar sending Diego, Violeta, and a talking dog running for their lives. The setting then goes back two days, but readers know that the book will eventually return to Diego running for his life. The first few chapters are very short, which creates a feeling that the action is moving rapidly. They let readers know that the story will be full of strange creatures and lively action.

The author blends drama and humor, as Diego’s team strives to complete his quest. Throughout the book, Diego is tracked by a creature with five hands, including one on the tip of its tail. It will always be in the back of readers’ minds, and they’ll wonder when it will finally confront Diego. Diego enters the magical world of the gods and finds many characters are willing to help. However, skeptics will consider the possibility that some of them may not be allies. The rubber chicken helps Diego reach the labyrinth and adds levity to the story. The author uses sentence structure and description to develop suspense as the plot nears the climax.

The story is based on Mexican folklore and culture. Quetzal and Tezca are godly brothers who have taken turns wiping out mankind. Tezca will do it once again if he escapes the labyrinth, since Quetzal hasn’t been seen in years. Diego encounters many mythical personalities and creatures, and he’s surprised by some modes of transportation. His abuelo has taught him the history of the myths, and Diego is in disbelief that he’s now a part of it. However, he doesn’t fully realize the closeness of his connection until the plot nears the climax.

What didn’t work as well:

There are short sections when the author uses random creatures to describe what they see. It’s a unique strategy helping explain the story, but it sometimes makes readers pause to understand what’s happening. It’s more effective early in the book when evil minions take control of various animals, for example, a mouse.

The final verdict:

Experienced middle-grade readers will easily follow the story, as Diego is the reluctant hero, facing dangers he’s not ready for. Overall, it’s an entertaining version of Mexican folklore, and I recommend you give it a shot.

Monster and Apprentice by Jessica Khoury

What worked:

The initial description of the Arcanist is creepy and creates mysterious expectations. He’s concealed under a hooded cloak, and a glimpse of his face reveals a dark beard and scarred skin. All of the duke’s guards are afraid to be near the man, as tales of his viciousness are rampant. It’s said that he eats the corpses of slain Cryptids and absorbs their powers. A captain of the guard warns Rolan that ten years in prison will be safer than becoming the Arcanist’s apprentice. However, Rolan figures he can go with the Arcanist and run away at his first opportunity.

The Arcanist is named Luc, and Rolan may be testing his mettle more than Cryptids. Luc offers shelter and steady meals, but he knows that Luc wants to leave. Rolan snoops into places he shouldn’t, and he doesn’t always follow directions. He resists taking a bath but eventually finds himself in a trough full of water. The turning point in their relationship may be when Rolan foolishly tries to follow Luc into the forest but finds himself face to face with a large Cryptid. Rolan is resistant to learning how to read (How does reading help fight Cryptids?), but he eventually agrees if Luc will teach him to fight. Their connection is tested due to Rolan’s lack of discipline and Luc’s secrets.

The plot takes an unexpected turn around its midpoint. Rolan is separated from Luc and returns to the town he left earlier. Cryptids grow from secrets, and the town is full of them. Secrets are the foundation of the story, and readers know that a huge secret will be revealed at some point. An enormous Cryptid is haunting the forest, and Rolan notices that the Arcanist is worried about it. To complicate matters, the people fear the Arcanist because they think he learns about their secrets from slain Cryptids. Rolan can’t believe the townspeople hate and fear Luc when he’s the person protecting them from Cryptid attacks. Even though he may not be ready, Rolan feels he needs to help the Arcanist and prove himself.

What didn’t work as well:

Rolan often has thoughts about his father, but their past relationship is hazy. Rolan thinks about joining his father’s gang, but there’s no evidence the man has any fondness for him. This situation may confuse readers, but it displays Rolan’s strong desire to be wanted.

The final verdict:

Readers may be drawn to this book by the monsters, but the story has heart. Rolan’s stubborn, self-centered attitude is amusing, but the subtle tenderness between Luc and him is the true highlight. I highly recommend you try this book for yourself.

Jazzy the Witch in Friend Fiasco 2 (Jazzy the Witch 2) by Jessixa Bagley

What worked:

All of the characters are witches, but their issues are universal. All young readers will have encountered new students in their schools, and they’ve probably resented showoffs or braggarts. Jazzy and Aggie are best friends, and they’re each top at something in school. Jazzy thinks she’s the best bike rider, while Aggie has been the top student. However, Estrella uses her expensive bike to taunt Jazzy, and Aggie is annoyed when Estrella answers all of the teacher’s questions. Their conflict escalates, and readers will sense their miscommunication or misunderstanding. Young readers will enjoy Jazzy’s familiar, as Fiona the bat enjoys telling corny jokes. Fiona and Aggie’s familiar, Cassie the cat, have an amusing rivalry throughout the book.

The color illustrations clearly communicate the story without being overly detailed. The author uses different font colors and sizes in the captions to convey emotions and tone of voice. The chapters are of reasonable length, providing readers with breaks and allowing emerging readers to feel accomplished. Bonus pages are found at the back of the book, after the plot has been resolved. A Witch-tionary shares information about witches throughout history; most “witches” were healers and midwives. Other pages explain witchy-sounding ingredients or how to moon bathe.

What didn’t work as well:

As with many graphic novels, the story lacks plot and character development. The plot is easy to follow, and readers will probably have some idea about how the conflict will be resolved.

The final verdict:

This book is perfect for young middle-grade or emerging readers. The simple plot and colorful pictures make the book easy to follow, and it shares a valuable lesson about understanding others. I recommend you give this book a shot.

A Most Mysterious Monster (Kevin the Vampire) by Matt Brown

What worked:

The author has created a humorous tale about a carnival of friendly monsters. Kevin is the main character, and he’s a good vampire, so regular expectations don’t apply to him. He’s surrounded by many different kinds of creatures with “normal” personalities and behaviors. He has a pet… something that’s not a dog, but he calls it Dog. Dog behaves much like “normal” pets, but one of his jobs is to be the carnival’s garbage disposal. The last page of many chapters displays interesting “facts” about the various monsters. For example, Dog’s page suggested you don’t let him lick your face. Some chapters follow Susie, who lives with her two aunts. The aunts are humorous characters, as their desire to control Susie is over the top. Susie’s daily to-do list begins with “Sleep”, “Wake up, lazy”, “Sweep floors now!”, and “Make us breakfast.”

The author builds anticipation by referring to the monster in the mountain as the You-Know-What. This ambiguous name doesn’t provide any clues regarding what kind of dangers it might bring. The people don’t provide any clues about what it’s done in the past or why it’s so terrible. Readers will assume it must be really frightening, since all of the townspeople are terrified that it might return. It’s also the reason the town won’t welcome any monsters at all. The mayor is happy that the town is quiet and boring, since it kept You-Know-What from attacking for over seventy years. However, there’s no evidence that the town can protect itself from any dangers.

What didn’t work as well:

The book requires a tolerance for silliness. There are “serious” scenes in the story, but then something silly will be added. For example, hiding from a monster and then falling into its toilet. Also, the book doesn’t spend much time on character development.

The final verdict:

The plot has a clear storyline, and it even gives readers things to think about, namely tolerance for those who are different. It’s probably not for upper middle-grade readers, but I suggest you try it for yourself.

The Haunting of Old Splinter by Jack Mackay

What worked:

The author allows the plot to develop slowly, with the mystery of the wishing claw and the family’s issues always on Peter and Adrian's minds. Adrian loves scary stories, even though they frighten him, and Peter does his best to allay his brother’s fears. Peter finds the corpse of a missing magician in Old Splinter, making the town’s folklore more real. This discovery allows readers to anticipate the moment the brothers will find the hand and unleash the magic.

The wishing claw is comparable to a genie’s lamp, since it takes effect only after a wish is made. Adrian even assumes they’ll only get three wishes, because that’s what he’s read in his stories. On the plus side, the characters have no idea what will happen, so they’re responsible enough to choose their wish words very carefully. After two wishes, they understand the hand has unpredictable consequences and decide to stop. Of course, that doesn’t last long. The consequences seem to become more serious with bigger wishes, and the author moves the plot in a very eerie direction. It becomes reminiscent of ghastly, frightening ghost stories with a peaceful resolution difficult to foresee.

Family relationships are a big factor in the story. Peter and Adrian are half-brothers, but that doesn’t stop them from loving each other. George has married Peter’s mother, but he struggles to call him Dad. Peter’s birth father shows up at times, but that usually stirs up confusing thoughts and feelings. The most difficult exchanges are between George and his brother Lawrence. They’re supposed to be fixing up Old Splinter together, but Lawrence is usually overseas for business. When he shows up, he spoils the boys, especially Adrian, and infuriates George with his carefree attitude. Their brotherly love/hate relationship is a constant thread throughout the book.

What didn’t work as well:

Readers will expect Old Splinter to be a focal point of the story, but it takes a backseat to the wishing claw. The characters frequently enter the house early in the book, but the setting moves elsewhere after the magician’s corpse is found. The claw is haunted, not the house. The book’s title seems misleading.

The final verdict:

The author slowly develops the conflict and suspense, but the book’s second half will get readers’ hearts pounding. I recommend you check it out for yourself.