Montgomery and the Case of the Golden Key by Tracy Occomy Crowder

What worked:

The book has an old, small-town feeling despite being set in 2008 Chicago. The author creates a world around Monty’s apartment where most of his neighbors are older, retired men and women. Monty likes to spend much of his time playing in the backyard next to an alley although his parents don’t trust him enough to leave this area unsupervised. He’s just turning ten so their concern is understandable, especially when some of his impulsive decisions put him in potential danger.

The author uses old stories told by the characters to create nostalgia and a tight feeling in the community. Monty is forced to make money during the summer and he’s trying to learn more about the golden key he finds. He visits with his elderly neighbors and asks if the key might belong to them. It doesn’t but it helps them remember stories from their childhoods during simpler times. One lady relates a moment in her life as the daughter of an ice man while another neighbor tells of a trip aboard a train and meeting a Pullman porter. This sense of history becomes a major factor in resolving a simmering problem that emerges as the plot moves along. The book also highlights science as Monty frequently uses the scientific method to resolve questions. It’s nothing too serious or educational that might dissuade young readers.

There are underlying plots about Obama’s campaign to become president and Chicago’s bid for the Summer Olympics. Having the Olympics in their community sounds like a great thing but some characters question how it will affect their lives. In addition, Monty learns a lot about different relationships as he tries to navigate his unexpectedly, eventful summer. His best friend is sent to New Orleans so Monty is left with another boy who likes to tease him. There are neighbors with reputations that frighten Monty but he learns to understand and appreciate them. Old Mrs. Jenkins is the most intimidating character and he does his best to avoid talking to her or even letting her see him. Perhaps Monty’s biggest issue is understanding how to balance what he wants to do with his parents’ expectations.

What didn’t work as well:

This narrative and vocabulary are straightforward without excessive description or fancy language. This style is contrary to most of the books I read but it fits the tone of the setting and characters. The problems and characters are realistic and simple so they don’t require needless details or complications.

The final verdict:

This book may not wow young readers but it’s an unassuming treat. Most young readers can identify with Monty’s normalness and the mystery of the gold key will keep them wondering. The plot comes to a very happy, satisfying conclusion. Overall, I recommend you give this book a shot.

Tidemagic: The Many Faces of Ista Flit by Clare Harlow

What worked:

It seems like characters who can change their physical appearances are usually bad guys but Ista breaks that mold. The Tide is the source of magic and all of the characters, except for Nat, have abilities. It’s expected in this society. Ista is at the mercy of a notorious thief, Alexo, so readers will root for her as she tries to reacquire her missing father’s last possession. Ista feels there must be a little bit of good inside of Alexo but readers may doubt that. Their relationship is not mutually beneficial as readers will sense Alexo can’t be trusted. The uncertainty of their relationship creates an interesting conflict to follow. However, Ista never suspects what Alexo is really up to.

An unexpected mystery is introduced when Ista crosses paths with Nat. Nat’s mother is a newspaper reporter and her magical talent is getting hunches that are never wrong. She suspects someone is controlling the grilks that are being blamed for disappearances across the city, possibly including Ista’s own father. The grilks are so feared that citizens are afraid to even say that word out loud. No one has ever escaped a grilk encounter before but Ista has now done it twice. Ista and her friends follow leads, investigate suspects, and are still stumped by confusing evidence. The victims of the grilk attacks must have something in common, but what? The author manages to conceal the truth for much of the story and even then, surprising twists and turns await.

The Tide sometimes feels like more than a natural occurrence depending on the setting. Its power comes and goes each day much like the tides found in large bodies of water. There are times during the story when Ista must feel for the magic or moments when the Tide is upset that she’s using it. The author artfully describes this relationship and the narrative as evidenced by this sentence later in the book. “The Tide was rising, its magic nosing at Ista like a puppy seeking attention…” Besides displaying the appearances of others, Ista can manifest their magical powers. The Tide doesn’t like her doing this and she can’t use the abilities for long.

What didn’t work as well:

There are many moving parts to the plot that some young readers might not appreciate. However, most readers will like the uncertainty and creative writing of the story.

The final verdict:

The author has crafted an imaginative, suspenseful adventure that will captivate young readers. Ista’s determination to locate her father and the other missing citizens makes her character admirable and appealing. I highly recommend you give this book a shot.

Meo and Be by Doan Phuong Nguyen

What worked:

The setting is unusual for a middle-grade novel as it takes place in 1962 Vietnam. It’s seven years into the Vietnam War and the threat of a Viet Cong attack is always in the background. It’s normal to see armed soldiers patrolling the streets. The author includes many cultural details of that time including the possibility of a father having two wives. A glossary is provided at the front of the book to help readers understand any unfamiliar vocabulary they can’t figure out when using the context. The author says she wants to present South Vietnam before American soldiers arrived and the plot doesn’t directly describe the war with North Vietnam. Most books about this region of the world include America’s role in the conflict so it’s appropriate for this book to focus on the people who lived there.

Thuong is the epitome of an underdog character. She learns that her father has a second family and she’s forced to move with her mother into his other home. Thuong’s stepmother has a reputation in the village for being an angry, loud woman and Thuong immediately learns that first-hand. The woman demands Thuong change her name and forbids her youngest son from playing with Be. Be finds comfort from her grandmother but soon loses that support when her grandmother dies. Things go downhill from there and readers will hope that Be can find even the smallest positive moments in her life. It’s disturbing to note that many of the traumatic events described are based on stories the author heard from her family members.

The author tenderly develops a wide range of emotions although many of them are not happy. Her stepmother causes most of Be’s sadness due to her repulsion and anger toward her husband’s second family. Be tries to avoid the woman as best she can and she stays close to possible protectors when near her stepmother. Be’s sadness turns to misery following her mother’s absence and her father’s illness and then the author chooses to make things even worse. Be no longer speaks and she’s sold into slavery by her stepmother. Glimmers of hope and glee are provided throughout the book with Be’s youngest stepbrother being the first. However, the relationship has ups and downs. Be’s most loyal friend is a kitten named Meo and he never leaves Be’s side. Finally, Be meets another prisoner about her age and it seems as though their friendship is the only thing allowing them to survive.

What didn’t work as well:

The upbeat moments in the book are few and far between so it creates a depressing tone for readers. However, it’s based on reality and this was not a feel-good time in South Vietnam’s history. It’s an appropriate tone for the subject matter.

The final verdict:

Readers will root for Be during her journey to find happiness and they’ll become emotionally invested in her struggles. I recommend you give this book a shot.

Explorer Academy Vela: The Sailor Cipher (Book 1) by Trudi Trueit

What worked:

This book is a spin-off of the original Explorer Academy series but this time it features Sailor, a young girl from Australia. The previous books focused on Cruz and he’s still part of the narrative along with most of the other students readers have come to know. A curious twist is Sailor’s secret ability to read the minds of animals she encounters. She doesn’t know if the animals can read her mind too but her grandmother warned Sailor not to use this ability. She doesn’t know the reasons behind her grandmother’s warning but she won’t tell her friends or her other family members. Reader interest will be tickled by Sailor’s hidden ability as they anticipate its possible development. The author also adds two opposing secret organizations to the book for an ongoing conflict, similar to what was found in the original Explorer Academy series.

Science fiction lovers will enjoy the book because of the multitude of cool inventions. The book opens with Sailor and Cruz testing a new communication device that allows people to listen and talk to bottle-nosed dolphins. Students head to the CAVE where they learn from virtual, real-life scenarios from anywhere in the world. All students wear academy uniforms with various abilities including camouflage. Cruz still has his robotic bee that is used for surveillance and other tasks while Sailor is gifted with a similar robotic butterfly. Emmett still wears the glasses he invented so other characters and readers will have a sense of his thoughts and feelings when the colors change. New technology is constantly popping up on the Vela and readers will need to remind themselves that it’s all found on this ship. Pages at the end of the book connect actual people and technology to references in the book.

The purpose of the academy remains dedicated to animals and the environment so readers will learn about and appreciate the importance and wonder of nature. The academy’s big project for this school year is tagging monarch butterflies to track their migratory patterns. It doesn’t sound overly exciting but the author adds a twist later in the book to spice things up. The student teams travel to the Caribbean Sea where they’ll create their own independent studies. Readers will learn about the fascinating history and ecosystem found within the Great Blue, a deep hole that formed after melting following the Ice Age. The characters will use revolutionary diving suits and will be transported to the bottom aboard the academy’s newest, most advanced submersible. Information about flora, fauna, and geography is seamlessly woven into the plot without making the story feel educational.

What didn’t work as well:

The are a few pages depicting Sailor’s journal entries but they’re not necessary. They don’t add much more to what’s already been said so the story can easily be enjoyed without them. However, they’re shown in full color which brightens the book along with all of the other vibrant illustrations.

The final verdict:

The characters will be familiar to fans of the original Explorers Academy and the focus on Sailor adds a wonderful twist. Overall, I highly recommend this to lovers of science and the environment. 

Insectorama: The Marvelous World of Insects by Lisa Voisard

What worked:

Obviously, this book is about insects and the author indicates there are over 1.3 million of them around the world. The book is divided into four main sections by habitat: Cities and towns, countryside, wetlands, and forests. Each of these sections is formatted similarly. They begin with large pictures, a one-page general description including reproduction, and then two pages with more details. Other pages show the metamorphosis of each insect, the food they eat, and insects they might be mistaken for. The final page of each section displays a labeled drawing of the insect and highlights the wings, antenna, thorax, and eyes. These body parts are keys to identifying the various insects.

The author is also the illustrator and she’s drawn colorful illustrations to fill almost every page. In addition to the sketches mentioned in the previous paragraph, the author illustrates other areas of interest. Most of the insects will be fairly recognizable to young readers but the book includes more unusual examples. A Hercules Beetle is around seven inches long, other insects give off odors or are toxic, and some insects resemble other animals. Several pages toward the end offer suggestions for identifying insects and less common information about select examples. There are different kinds of metamorphosis, ways to communicate, methods of camouflage, and adaptations for self-defense.

What didn’t work as well:

The repetitive format makes the book easy to navigate but it can become more tedious if reading the book straight through. It might be better to use the book as a handbook or reference guide to make the best use of the large amount of information.

The final verdict:

The book doesn’t overwhelm readers with overly detailed information so it’s easily accessible. The abundant illustrations add to the appeal as readers encounter a blend of familiar and uncommon insects. Overall, I recommend you give this book a shot.

Riding Wild by Michelle L. Brown

What worked:

The most unique thing about this book is how it highlights popular rodeo events like bull-riding and barrel racing. Vic is one of the top barrel-racers around and the relationship with her horse feels natural. However, she wants to learn how to ride bulls so the author includes the instruction she receives from her neighbor, Remmy. Vic’s had practice riding bucking horses but getting atop a two-thousand-pound bull is a whole new danger. She is taught how to hold the rope, wave her opposite arm, and spur the bull to jump more. Riders must stay on a bull for eight seconds to get a score but their points are also dependent on the challenge presented by the animal. Riders prod the bulls to jump, twist, and buck, making their rides more difficult.

It's clear Vic wants to feel a deeper connection to her deceased father and she’s willing to take risks to achieve it. This pursuit creates a conflict with her grandfather, Pops, and her mother. Vic’s mother doesn’t want her daughter near bulls and Pops has promised to support the mother’s wishes. Pops becomes increasingly upset when he catches Vic riding bulls on multiple occasions and it’s nice to hear him say her “word” doesn’t make her trustworthy. Vic’s recklessness and poor decisions increase the drama but it seems clear that she’ll eventually be able to compete in bull-riding, one way or another. A bull called El Loco is mentioned multiple times and appears to be the ultimate test. A couple of subplots concern gender expectations and Vic’s encounters with bullying.

What didn’t work as well:

The story lacks any in-depth description and some of it is evident. Vic’s emotions don’t always match what’s happened for example getting mad at her grandfather after she’s just put herself in danger. The attention to bull riding is interesting but readers may want to know more about the characters beyond that. The oversimplification of problems with rapid transformations will appeal to reluctant or emerging readers but more experienced readers will not be satisfied.

The final verdict:

The uncommon setting and problem may draw in young readers and Vic’s determination to prove herself and connect with the memory of her father is inspiring. Overall, this book is a quick, entertaining read and I recommend you give it a shot.

The Longest Night in Egypt (The Shadow Prince 2) by David Anthony Durham

What worked:

Ash became Prince Khufu’s shadow, his bodyguard, in the previous book and he faces new challenges in this new story. The prince’s parents reveal a prophecy to Ash and swear him to secrecy. This information adds more pressure to his role as the prince’s shadow especially since he can’t tell Khufu. The news of Lord Ra’s disappearance forces Ash to take action and travel to the underworld where he’ll most likely never return. Of course, the prince insists on accompanying Ash so his other friends agree to go too.

Prince Khufu’s personality makes him an interesting character. He’s a thrill-seeker as shown by the book’s opening scene. The prince has two new sunwing suits made of suncloth so he thinks it will be exciting to jump off a tower and soar around the city. I picture it as base jumping while wearing a solar-powered suit. The prince’s parents adore him so the consequences for his poor, unsafe decisions aren’t too severe, hardly enough to curb his behavior. The prince’s questionable choices make him a wild card since readers will never know what to expect from him.

Most of the narrative follows Ash and his adventures in the Duat and these chapters are told from his point of view. The characters face a variety of fierce demons that present a wide range of dangers. Ash and his friends encounter physical threats from small and large creatures as well as mental challenges to pass through underworld gates. Ash receives a bag of memories before entering the Duat and some paragraphs describe these past events. Ash doesn’t think this gift is very important as the memories don’t seem special or significant. He discovers they’re more useful than he thought. In addition, some chapters switch to Lord Set so readers will be aware of his revolt against the other gods and the release of demons into the world. These chapters help to understand his anger toward humans and the other gods and his clever plot for revenge. Khufu’s brother is caught up in Set’s plans and this problem will continue into the sequel.

What didn’t work as well:

For the most part, the author shares a suspenseful quest to rescue Lord Ra but some elements of the plot add confusing levity. Light moments between characters are understandable as their relationships are developed. Some of the demons are cute or seemingly innocent only to become malevolent dangers to the characters. There’s nothing inherently wrong in these scenes but readers’ feelings may become muddled due to inconsistent information. The monsters can be left fearsome but maybe leave the humor to the characters.

The final verdict:

This exciting, dramatic adventure will appeal to many middle-grade readers, especially those interested in mythology and Egypt. Set’s plans are clever and present a tricky conflict to solve. Overall, this book is entertaining and I recommend you give it a shot.