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.

Shadow Wars: Son of Shadows (The Shadow Wars Series 2) by Sherrilyn Kenyon, Hinako Hishinuma, Madaug Hishinuma

What worked:

The story is based on Japanese mythology, as humans, deities, and monsters interact. Ryuichi is the main character, and his father, Ryucage, is a powerful, feared god in the spirit world. His mother once guarded the gate between the worlds, but that job now falls upon Ryuichi. He doesn’t understand how to use his powers, so he’ll never stand a chance against Orochi. His parents weakened and imprisoned the “World Eater”, so Orochi is focused on gaining revenge. Ryuichi’s mother is gone, Ryucage is missing, so Orochi’s fury and growing power are now aimed at Ryuichi. Ryuichi and his friends think their only desperate hope is to seek help from his violent, malevolent father.

Ryuichi’s team is a highlight of the book. The most unusual character is Ryuichi’s shadow, which has separated from his body. Ryuichi-kage has a mind and spirit of his own, and he enjoys fighting and killing. He reveals something later in the book that adds a countdown clock to the importance of reuniting with Ryuichi. Haruki is a goddess, incessantly insulting and antagonizing the others, often reminding them that they’ll probably die soon. Koichi is Ryuichi’s fighting teacher, but he’s constantly trying to get his hands on sake to drink. Masaru has vowed to protect Ryuichi, and he can enter Ryuichi’s body to make him a formidable warrior. He also likes to banter with Haruki and takes verbal jabs at Koichi. Ryuichi is joined by other colorful characters along the way that create additional entertaining exchanges.

What didn’t work as well:

Readers unfamiliar with Japanese culture may struggle with the language, names, and terms. Also, Ryuichi defeated Ryucage in the first book, but many of the characters that are helping Ryuichi are still loyal to his father. It’s puzzling why demons following Ryucage are helping the character who defeated Ryucage.

The final verdict:

I strongly recommend that you read the first book in the series. Without reading it, readers will feel they're lacking the depth of knowledge needed to fully understand the backstory and current conflict. I recommend you give the series a shot, starting with The Secret War.

Secrets at Sparhawk Point by Anna Rose Johnson

What worked:

The story focuses on two pairs of siblings, neighbors in a remote town in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The girls are the daughters of the town’s pastor, which adds a layer of moral expectations. The boys know money is tight, so they want to help their mother in any way. The kids make inferences about their parents’ intentions, and readers will sense the desperation about the prospect of moving. The kids are responsible, well-behaved, and respectful of others, and they’re motivated to help their families. Readers will follow their efforts to make a difference, some of them successful while others are not.

The story is connected by the mystery of the lake monster. People speculate about what it might be, and stories about previous sightings arise. Other newspapers build on what’s reported locally, and that’s when complications emerge. Some people wonder if the sightings are related to secret German war efforts. Even though the war is overseas, the author shares its everyday effects on lives in the United States. Metal is used to make army vehicles and supplies, and there are food shortages. The kids help by collecting scraps around town, and many women work at the local factory.

What didn’t work as well:

The plot evolves slowly, as it follows the description found in the synopsis. The main nugget of interest is the fact that the children see an unidentified object in Lake Superior. A UFO, an unidentified floating object? Readers may expect a surprising secret, but it’s nothing earth-shattering.

The final verdict:

This is a wholesome story from a small, laid-back town during the Second World War. The citizens are good people, and readers can relate to their secrets. You should check it out for yourself.