Alex Rider #7: Snakehead by Anthony Horowitz

My name is Alex Rider, and I've once again been sucked into another life-threatening mission. This time, it's the Australian version of MI6, and they've given me the chance to find out about my parents. I'll be meeting my godfather for the first time, and we'll work together to bring down a human trafficking ring run by the Snakehead. All I have to do is pretend to be his son. Simple. My missions are never simple, and this one becomes more than expected, again. Things are not adding up, beginning with me fighting for my life in a caged fighting ring. It's like someone's always one step ahead of us, knowing exactly what we plan to do next. Even my secret gadgets aren't all working the way they're supposed to. How was I to know that Scorpia would reenter my life, determined to get revenge by killing me?

This book actually has Alex kind of working with a partner for the first time. I say kind of, because his godfather disappears for a good amount of time, leaving Alex to figure out how to escape the dire situations. The human trafficking takes up much of the plot, but the prologue lets you know the real conflict involves a giant bomb. The Snakehead, a powerful, worldwide criminal organization, plans to destroy an island where some influential personalities are going to meet. Alex stopped Scorpia in book five, and the Snakehead leaders have a personal vendetta against him. Just like stereotypical villain movies, the bad guys don't want to kill the protagonist right away which allows him to stop the evil plot. You will learn a little about Alex's parents, as the godfather slowly relates stories of their marriage and deaths. He's cryptic about some details, but that information will be revealed in the end. The timing and heroic feats are hard to believe, but Alex chalks those up to the luck of his bloodline. Overall, the story is entertaining and contains a lot of action. Alex spends less time sneaking around a more time actually fighting bad guys. You'll enjoy this book and the whole series if you can tolerate a teenager outthinking and outfighting mercenaries, professional assassins, and demented criminals.

Tales From the Chocolate Heart #3: The Princess Who Flew With Dragons by Stephanie Burgis

My name is Princess Sofia, and I wish my sister would leave me alone. I love reading my books on philosophy, but she expects me do more to help her rule the kingdom. I sometimes wish I wasn't a princess, especially when my sister sends me 400 miles away to meet with rulers from other kingdoms. Flying by dragon makes my stomach very queasy, and the king of Villene has forced me to stay far away from the palace. The good thing is I've disguised myself as a philosophy student and met some new friends. People from my kingdom never make friends with goblins and kobalds, but I love hanging out with them. Their tales of ice giants are unbelievable, especially when they say a giant can easily defeat a dragon. However, the stories became reality when the sleeping troll awoke with a warning.

This book was a nominee for a 2020 Cybils Award in middle grade speculative fiction. The main focus of the story was Sofia's struggle to live up to the expectations of a princess. She felt like she was constantly making mistakes that would harm the citizens of Drachenheim, and her older sister would trick her into political situations for which she was not prepared. Meeting the goblins and kobald allowed Sofia to live as a "normal" human, but it also created new issues. The kobald was clearly keeping a secret, and she didn't warm up to Sofia as much as the goblins. Omitting truths to deceive others was the same as telling a lie. This philosophical thinking continued throughout the book, especially when Sofia's dragon-friend entered the plot. He liked to quote philosophy while telling Sofia why she was wrong. Assumptions about what others were thinking led to problems, so a lesson on the value of communication could be learned. The characters could have learned about each other's feelings just by talking. The battle with ice giants was the tangible conflict, but the clashes between characters were the backbone of the story. Overall, this story felt much different than other books, and I enjoyed it very much. I recommend you give it a shot. 

Alex Rider #4: Eagle Strike by Anthony Horowitz

What were the odds I'd spot the assassin who killed my uncle while staying in the south of France? Alex, why couldn't you let it go? The vacation house was destroyed by a bomb, and Sabina's father was almost killed. I discovered the bombing had nothing to do with me, but I couldn't understand why had the assassin had been speaking to Sir Damian Cray hours earlier. Why would the world's most popular singer want to talk to a hired killer? The guy raises millions of dollars every year to help the needy and make the world a better place. MI6 didn't want to investigate him, but I wasn't willing to let it go. So, I now find myself facing another lunatic who wants to save the world. However, no one else knows what I'm doing, and no one will be coming the save me when things go wrong.

The facet of the stories that bugs me the most in the series is that Alex doesn't have any close relationships with other characters. I thought Sabina might fill that role, and she has a slightly bigger presence in this plot. However, she's still not as close of a friend as she could be, and Alex does most everything on his own. A scientist gives him the experimental gadgets we've come to expect that provide him unusual ways to protect himself. He faces more life-threatening situations, although this time they're more imaginative than in the past. They'd make exciting episodes on television or in a movie. The antagonist in this book is a bit different too. His heart is in the right place even though he plans to kill millions of people. His end-goal isn't to rule the world or to control different countries; he wants to force a change to save millions. A noble cause? Sacrifice millions to save millions? Overall, this book was entertaining with the spyish elements found in the rest of the series. It had a different feel to it, since Alex wasn't engaged in a sanctioned MI6 mission. If you've enjoyed the other books in the series, you'll like this one too. 

The Book of Uriel by Elyse Hoffman

My name is Uwe, and I hate my role as an interpreter for the German Order Police. I've witnessed the torture of prisoners and the murder of Jewish women and children at the direction of Major Brandt. I know the major is getting angry with me, since I've spoken against these atrocities right in front of his soldiers. I don't want to be a part of this war, but I'd like to help the Jews and Poles hiding in this area. It would help if the two groups could work together, but the Poles hate the Jews almost as much as the Germans do. I fear Major Brandt will discover the mute Jewish boy named Uriel hiding in his house, but I'll do all I can to protect him. Not that Uriel needs much help, since he's always sneaking into the woods in search of something. It's like he's invisible to the guards outside the house, but I still wonder what he's looking for. 

This book is due to be released in early 2021, and there was much more to it than I anticipated. It had the most religious focus that I've seen in a middle grade book, and many of the topics were pretty mature and intense. Uriel wrote a collection of stories that often sounded like they came from a holy book, and his main conflict was trying to free Michael, the Jewish guardian angel, from the Angel of Death. He could only accomplish this quest by completing five challenges put forth by the former Arch Angel, so these tasks took up most of his pages. Uwe's efforts seemed to be on a separate path, and he was totally unaware of what Uriel was up to. He questioned his own job with the German army and reinforced the notion that not all Germans totally supported Hitler's philosophies. However, people like Uwe were considered traitors if they spoke up. Uwe and Uriel's stories converged in the end, and Uriel had some divine assistance. The climax and resolution were unexpected but still brought the book to a satisfying conclusion. This book will appeal to lovers of historical fiction, the Jewish faith, and fantasy. I'm not used to reading a book so based in a real-life religion, so that's a primary reason for my three-star rating. It didn't grab me. The book was well-written and interesting, so I recommend you give it a shot.

Alex Rider #3: Skeleton Key by Anthony Horowitz

I miss the excitement of working with MI6, but I wish they'd leave me alone. They always say the missions will be safe, and all I need to do is keep my eyes open while visiting Point Blank in the Alps or attending Wimbledon. Ha! I always find myself fighting to save my life? So, when they told me all I needed to do was enjoy the Cuban beaches while pretending to be the son of CIA agents, let's say I was skeptical. I knew I wasn't being told the whole story when my "mom" got nervous as the customs officer examined the Game Boy she'd given me. The agents plan to sneak into the estate of a former Russian general to figure out what he plans to do with the uranium he bought. You don't need to be a genius to realize the general is building a nuclear bomb.

This book followed the same format as the previous books, and it's not necessary to read them in order. The adventure of Alex being thrown into another dangerous mission provided the greatest entertainment. He didn't do much that a "normal" teenage boy couldn't do, and being a kid often gave him an advantage. He also had a few spy gadgets in his pocket, so it was fun to anticipate when he might decide to use them. The thing I most disliked about the first three books was the fact that Alex didn't have any close friends, teammates, or colleagues. He flew solo. I enjoy the development of character relationships in books, and I missed that in the series. A glimmer of hope is that Alex met a girl early in this book, and she reappeared in the resolution of the story to spend some time with him. Having the girl's parents willing to fly her to find Alex, a boy she'd only known for a few days, seemed unusual to me, so I'll need to wait and see what develops in the book's sequel. Overall, you'll enjoy this book if you're looking for a spy adventure with a twist. Of course, the safety of the world is always at stake. I recommend you give this book a shot. 

The Trials of Apollo #5: The Tower or Nero by Rick Riordan

I am the god Apollo, although most people these past few months know me as Lester, a weak, acne-ravaged teenager. Meg and I are headed to New York City where we'll face Nero, Meg's evil, minor-god stepfather. He'll destroy the city if we don't show up, but it will also probably lead to my death and the return of Meg's abusive relationship with Nero. It would be nice if my godly powers came back (You hear me dad?), but Zeus isn't done punishing me. We need to find some way to weaken the immortal Nero, but he's gotten even stronger with the death of his partners in the Triumverate. Then there's Python lurking deep underground. He's slowly taking control of the oracles, so I'll need to sacrifice my life again after defeating Nero. I don't suppose I can actually die twice, right?

This book concluded the series and was also chosen 2020 Goodreads Book of the Year for middle grade readers. You should read all five books to fully appreciate Apollo's transformation toward humanity. His character is the highlight of the series. It took a couple of books for him to more or less accept the loss of his powers and stature as a god of Olympus. This book highlighted his compassion for others and his willingness to sacrifice himself for humanity. His relationship with Meg also evolved, as he came a long way from being her slave, forced to follow her orders. They developed a deep connection that still included some funny conversations. Riordan's writing style typically included humor, and Apollo's dialogue frequently made me smile. The humor popped up even when Apollo was struggling to stay alive or getting divine advice from the oracle arrow kept in his quiver. Overall, I recommend you give this book and the series a shot, especially if you enjoy mythology, adventure, and wit.

Dragon Keeper's Chronicles #5: Dragonlight by Donita K. Paul

My name is Kale, and I'm constantly worried about Bardon's health. I can't believe a children's disease can lead to such chronic pain in an adult. Our latest quest finds us accompanying Regidor and Gilda, as they search for a lost meech dragon colony. Gilda doesn't want her egg anywhere near the lower races! The female meech drives me crazy, but she's Regidor's wife. A bigger concern is a new group called the Followers. They claim to quote the words of Paladin, but their ideas conflict with Wulder's view of the world. However, they're very persuasive, and their numbers are growing daily. What are they hiding? I'll need all my strength to face these challenges, but I seem to be more tired and crankier every day. What's happening to me?

This book concludes the series. You should at least start reading at book three if you don't want to read the whole series. There's a big jump in time between the second and third books, and this fifth book finds Kale and Bardon very different from when the series began. The series is based in religion, and the new cult claiming to worship Wulder is an antagonist. They're similar to fringe religions in today's world that seem to promote God but may have hidden messages not readily accepted by the masses. The underlying conflict between Gilda and Kale adds a bit of tension to the plot, as Gilda is against anything that isn't meech. Kale frequently needs to bite her tongue, but she's also jealous that Gilda is going to have a child. Kale's minor dragons are entertaining as usual, as they flit around causing mischief. However, they serve specific purposes, like healing, direction, and knowledge, that come in very handy. A new protector dragon creates some confusion. Some readers are turned off by the religious focus of the series, so you'll need to be tolerant of that. It's very much spotlighted in this book. Overall, this has been an entertaining series, and I recommend you give it a shot. 

The Language of Ghosts by Heather Fawcett

My name is Noa, and my brother Julian should have been the one promoted to become the new king. He's able to speak all nine languages to create the most powerful dark magic in the kingdom, but Xavier was able to turn many other mages against him. Now, we find ourselves sailing across the seas, slowly retaking islands from Xavier's rule. I'm concerned about some of Julian's decisions, and I fear he'll become the evil mage Xavier's been talking about. I wish he'd listen to more of my ideas and think things through before acting. Maybe he would if I was also a mage. He prefers to attack his problems with magic without worrying about anyone he might hurt. Xavier has sent his mages and navy to find us on our floating island, and it's only a matter of time before we're found. I'm afraid for what will happen when that day comes. 

I kept waiting for the ghosts promised in the book's title, and they finally arrived toward the middle of the plot. I expected ghosts to be the main part of the story, but death might be a better word in the book's title. As expected, Noa had an unknown magical ability that opened up new ways for her to get into trouble. It really bugged her when she thought only her brother and little sister had abilities. Julian was the most interesting character, as it was never quite clear if he was an evil, heartless mage. He easily executed some characters, but Noa was doing her best to nurture some humanity in him. Julian said she gave good advice, but she was frustrated that he continued to make impulsive decisions. It was funny that she also made rash decisions, because she thought she knew what was best. Her little sister Mite, and a sea monster guarding the island were entertaining additions to the story. Mite was frustrated about being ignored or forgotten, and her magical powers were unpredictable. She could blow things up at any time. The sea monster was controlled by Julian, and she didn't like it one bit. She enjoyed attacking and eating invaders, but she would equally savor the taste of Julian or his followers. Overall, I recommend you give this book a shot, as it's also a nominee for a 2020 Cybils Award.

Ghost Squad by Claribel A. Ortega

My name is Lucely, and my dad needs to come up with more money or we'll lose our home and our ancestors. I enjoy visiting with their ghosts every day, although no one else can actually see them. My father and best friend Syd see them as fireflies, but something is happening to Mama. Her glow is dimming, and she seems to be losing her energy. The ghosts are very worried about an evil force invading St. Augustine on Halloween and that will destroy living and non-living being. I think Syd and I actually made a huge mistake when we tried to cast a spell to help Mama. Our only hope is to find the missing pages from the spell book, but it's hard sneaking around Syd's grandmother. I suspect she's a powerful witch and a whole lot scary, but we may still need to ask for her help.

This book shared an entertaining adventure based on the Spanish culture. Spanish vocabulary was mixed in, and I must admit that I didn't always understand the meanings. However, it didn't have a negative effect on the plot. The Latino culture respects the memories of its ancestors, but this book took it a step farther. Lucely's ancestors ate breakfast with her every morning, and she was able to actually touch them. Everyone else only saw fireflies that lived among the branches of the giant tree in her yard. Each ghost had a unique personality, and Lucely was able to use them to help her defend St. Augustine, the oldest European community in the country. Lucely's father owned a ghost tour business, and I found it ironic that he wouldn't use the family ghosts to help. Instead, he asked Lucely to fake ghostly sounds to enhance the tour. Lucely and Syd were typically impulsive kids and were reluctant to ask for adult help to correct their mistakes. It was clear all along that Syd's grandmother would eventually be called upon to help resolve a centuries-old conflict. Overall, this book will appeal to lovers of ghost characters, not necessarily ghost stories, and lovers of magic. It develops a strong sense of family and friendship. Give it a shot.

The Magician's Elephant by Kate DiCamillo

My name is Peter, and meeting with the fortuneteller changed my life. I knew my parents had died, but she told me an elephant could lead me to my little sister. Vilna Lutz said my sister died at childbirth, so how could this be true? There were no elephants anywhere near Baltese, but then I heard rumors about one magically falling through the ceiling of the opera house. Vilna Lutz cared for me since my parents died, but could he have been lying about my baby sister? I've got to find some way to see the elephant, because I feel deep down that it's the only way I'll discover the truth. However, the fortuneteller said the truth is forever changing. What if?

I wasn't expecting anything special when I opened this book, since it wasn't the kind I normally read. However, I was in for a pleasant surprise. The narration sounded like the sharing of a fairy tale and felt almost poetic. While Peter was the main character, the story touched on the lives of several seemingly unrelated characters. There was a policeman downstairs, the imprisoned magician, a countess, and a beggar on the streets, and it was clear from the beginning that something magically cosmic was happening. Their lives were slowly being led toward a memorable climax. There was not an antagonist in the plot, as Peter strove to reunite with a sister he hadn't seen in six years. There was a wonderful feeling of caring about others that remained constant throughout the story. The book is a pretty quick-read and moves along smoothly. Overall, I recommend you give this book a shot, especially if you're in the mood for a feel-good story. 

Here in the Real World by Sara Pennypacker

My name is Ware, and I wish Big Deal didn't fall, and I wish she didn't get new hips, and I wish she didn't go to a rehab center, and I wish I could still stay with her. I hate going to the Rec Center instead, but my parents think I'm strange, anti-social, and too spacy to stay home by myself. I guess I see the world differently from other people, and I sometimes wish I could be reborn and change myself into a normal kid. Then, maybe my parents wouldn't try to control my life. The abandoned church by the Rec Center may be the key, as Jolene and I are working together to transform it. However, as important as the church is to me, it seems to be even more important to Jolene. I've pledged that I'll protect it from harm, but things beyond my control may be happening. It's not fair. Welcome to the real world. 

This book was nominated for a 2020 Cybils Award in Speculative Fiction, but I'm not sure why it was placed in that category. Those kinds of books typically couldn't occur in today's world, and this story was realistic fiction. Sure, Ware had an active imagination and a unique view of the world, but nothing impossible or unlikely happened. Many young readers can appreciate Ware's anger at his parents' decisions to delay his independence while still trying to show them respect. He lives by the rules of Knighthood and does his best to look out for others. While the book is entertaining, the conflict lacks tension that might evoke emotional reactions. Jolene is a great character due to her determined, surly personality. For much of the story, it's unclear why her garden is so important, and the day of reckoning is vaguely sometime in the future. Conflicts with a specific deadline develop more suspense as the time ticks down. For me, this was missing from the book. Overall, I recommend you give it a shot if you're looking for characters who are working together against a seemingly overwhelming opponent. 

Alex Rider #2: Point Blank by Anthony Horowitz

My name is Alex Rider, and I missed the adventure and excitement of going on a mission for MI6. However, I didn't miss people trying to kill me. Blunt sent me to a private school for troubled kids in the Alps to see if it had any connection to a couple of assassinations from around the world. I pretended to be the son of a billionaire, like all of the other boys, but most of them were behaving very strangely. They moved and sounded like robots, even when they were just playing ping pong. I thought it was impossible for the director to miraculously change bad behavior in a few weeks, so I wondered how he did it. I did some snooping around and was shocked by what I found. The truth could affect the entire world. 

I've read random volumes from the Alex Rider series, so I decided I'd try to cover the ones I missed in a more orderly fashion. Season one of the NetFlix television series is based on this book, although the show was surprisingly more detailed. The plot is believingly unbelievable, as Alex investigates a doctor determined to redo the world. One of the doctor's heroes is Hitler, so that should give you a clue to his craziness. Alex doesn't do anything super-spylike, but he's given a couple of gadgets to use. The story moves along pretty quickly which is good and bad. You're never waiting for the next thing to happen, but it feels like some details are missing. There's no depth to the characters, especially the other boys at the school. It would have been nice if another character had meaningful interactions with Alex, so he didn't feel so alone. Even his support team from MI6 wasn't very supportive. Overall, the series is very popular among middle grade students and should appeal to lovers of spy stories and adventure. Give it a shot. 

City of the Plague God by Sarwat Chadda

My name is Sik, and I can't believe all those tales and myths I grew up hearing are actually true. It started when I checked out a noise in the alley and was soon introduced to Nergal, god of disease and plague. Now, my parents are in the hospital with an unknown illness, and I'm staying with Ishtar, Mesopotamian goddess of love and war, and her goddaughter Belet. Belet used her ninja skills to rescue me from an attack at school, but Ishtar seems to think I can be a great warrior. The legendary sword Kasusu disagrees and won't even try to help with training me. I miss my brother Mo, and I can't help speaking to him in my mind. It helps me think about my problems. I don't understand why I've been thrown into the middle of this godly war, but I will do everything I can to save my parents.

This book had a Percy Jackson feel to it, but the backdrop was based on the Iraqi culture. There was a great deal of vocabulary and culture that was unknown to me, so it took a little while to connect with the story. The gods, myths, traditions, and foods were unfamiliar, although most of them could be understood using the story's context. The plot included some mystery, since Sik had no idea what Nergal wanted from him. This allowed me to wonder and search for clues about what was driving the conflict. Belet's character had a common personality found in middle grade books, since she was rather unfriendly and enjoyed fighting. She was similar to Annabeth from Percy Jackson books, although Belet was more insecure. The story touched on immortality and the moral, social issues of living forever. It also presented an interesting take on how a character's immortality might not be permanent. What? Overall, this book shared an introduction to a unique culture and its mythology. While it took me a few chapters to get fully into the story, I'm now very interested in reading a sequel. I recommend you give it a shot. 

A Tale of Magic #1 by Chris Colfer

My name is Brystal, and I never understood why girls were forbidden to read and were raised to become subservient wives and mothers. I knew it was dangerous to privately read the books my brother gave me, since my father was one of the most powerful Justices in the Southern Kingdom. I could serve life in prison or even be executed if I'd been discovered. Luckily, I was able to secretly get a job at the library where I read everything I could get my hands on. Unfortunately, my curiosity got the better of me. I knew I shouldn't read the books in the hidden room, but wouldn't you want to learn what was in the banned texts? I never imagined I'd discover my magical ability or that I'd be moments from my death. I'm thankful Madame Weatherberry rescued me, but I suspect it will be a bigger adventure than I could ever dream.

I've enjoyed other Chris Colfer books and quickly added this one to my must-read list. The major no-nos in the plot focus on banning magic and discouraging women thinking. The author shares an interesting view of magic. Magic is not inherently bad, and fairies use it to help others. However, witches use it for bad reasons, so that's considered witchcraft, not magic. This distinction is the key to Madame Weatherberry's efforts to make magic acceptable to humans. The whole story has a positive air to it, as acceptance and kindness are promoted to combat anger and prejudice. The students are taught that they must see value in themselves before they can ask others to appreciate them. We all have internal battles of right and wrong, and we must constantly remember the positive goals that motivate us. The misfit cast of characters is engaging, and Brystal's specialty is unknown for most of the plot, unlike the others. The one thing that bugs my brain a little is how easily the students learn magic, although Brystal discovers she has a learning disability. They learn by practice and are celebrated for succeeding in their own ways. Overall, this book is very entertaining and inspiring, and I recommend you give it a shot. 

Dragon Keeper's Chronicles #4: Dragonfire by Donita K. Paul

My name is Kale, and I wish Bardon was with me on this quest. We have a special connection that would be very helpful, as I try to convince the dragons to help us in the war. My father is a powerful wizard, like me, but I really don't know him very well. He's only recently awakened from Risto's sleep spell, but I still don't understand why he won't help me with some of the spells. I must trust that it's all part of Wulder's plans and that He knows everything I do not. However, how is losing my talent part of his plan? How can it help us battle Pretender, his evil wizards, and all the vicious, abominable monsters he's released into the world? I hope my husband is faring better with his own quest, although I sense he's having problems too. Wulder, please watch over Bardon and keep him safe until we're together again.

The third and fourth books could probably be read separately from the first two, since there were major changes at the beginning of both. I wouldn't recommend this, since you'd miss the characters' backstories. The series began with Kale learning to handle her role as a Dragon Keeper, but the start of book three skipped three years and presented her as a trained wizard. Book four skipped more time and revealed Bardon and Kale were now husband and wife. I didn't like how the author skipped these huge changes to the characters in the plots. These momentous events just happened and should have made exciting stories themselves. The book was still enjoyable and included the six brave and amusing minor dragons. Their different abilities (healing, light, morale) meshed effectively, and Kale added several more unhatched eggs to her cape. The battles resulted in deaths, including several that were especially devastating to Kale. Overall, I've enjoyed the series and recommend you give it a shot. It has a strong religious focus, as most of the characters pray to Wulder. 

The Problim Children #2: Carnival Catastrophe by Natalie Lloyd

My name is Mona, and some people  say I'm cruel. I only say what I think and don't care how they feel about it, but is that cruel? My father tells me to look for the good in everyone, but I can't find anything good about Carly-Rue. The Problims have been feuding with her family for years, and her mom is trying to break up my family. I've got to find my mom as quickly as possible. She hasn't returned from searching for the treasure, and my visions tell me she's in danger. We will have a way to find her if we can locate the last of the seven twigs. Meanwhile, I'm thinking of another way to annoy Carly-Rue. I know she's the defending carnival queen, but how would she feel about some unexpected competition?

This book was nominated for a 2020 Cybils Award, but I didn't read the first book. I felt like I was missing something early in the plot, but I was able to enjoy things as the story moved along. Each of the seven Problim children had a connection to a day of the week and something in nature, as Mona associated with Monday and the moon gave her some abilities. She was the main character, and much of the story found her learning to deal with others. She loved to play pranks and speak her mind, but she didn't understand why her behavior hurt other characters. The town carnival's pageant provided the best opportunity for her transformation, and many things about her character and the Problim family changed. Imagine a mischievous girl participating in a competition with dress-up, Q&A, and a talent show. I didn't fully understand why the community seemed leery of the Problims but then cheered and supported them. Maybe the first book shed some light on that. The overall plot was driven by the search for a fountain of youth, and that brought up some philosophical ideas about living forever. A long-term conflict was resolved in the end, but a new conflict emerged that will be the focus of the book's sequel. I must mention the youngest Problim child, because it could offend some readers. He communicated through farts, and the author included footnotes to explain the different meanings. I assume it was done for humor, but it didn't bother me. Overall, give the book a shot. 

Kevin Martinez and the Crimson Knights #1: A Game of Mirrors by M. A. Torres

My name is Kevin, and I was transported through a mirror to a medieval world of Derathiel along with our school bully. Zander was anxious to go home, but I was willing to stay and help Ser Jey defend the queen against Raven and his growing army. Jey said Raven has already sent lieutenants through the mirror, so our world is also in danger. I'm clearly a nerd, but people from our world might actually have special abilities here. Jey has a flaming sword; I wonder what weapon might choose me. After returning home, I'm now going back to Derathiel with two of my best friends, Matthew and Jake. It's hard to believe we'll make a difference in the war, but we're determined to try.

I chose this book from a Net Galley email based on the book's description. Much of the plot was fairly predictable which made the events easy to follow. A prophecy spoke of a warrior from another world coming to save everyone, and this character's identity wasn't revealed until the end. It wasn't a surprise. Kevin's quick willingness to join a battle, in a world he never knew existed, was unexpected, since the alternative was to return to the safety of his own world. I also didn't anticipate characters coming and going through the portal so frequently. Kevin needed to balance saving Derathiel with spending more time with his own family; mom's orders. The plot included the bully, but I was trying to figure out how he fit into future events. He had no interest in returning to Derathiel, so I wasn't sure why the author had him make the trip in the first place. Kevin tried being nice to him, so it's unclear if the kindness will have any effect. We'll see if the sequel sheds more light on this character. Overall, I recommend you give this book a shot, as I await the arrival of book two.

Dragon Keeper's Chronicles #3: Dragonknight by Donita K. Paul

My name is Bardon, and I've decided to help three women free a father, a son, once captured by Risto. Even though the evil wizard is gone, the man and other knights are still under Risto's spell. His death means the spell can't be renewed this year which could lead to their deaths. I wonder if Kale's father could be one of them. I've had to put my sabbatical on hold, and Greer makes fun of my ragtag team. The dragon is my loyal companion, and he's saved my life on many occasions. I don't understand why Wulder thinks I should lead this quest, but I trust that He knows best. I don't know if He could have predicted where our adventure would go. Did He know that we'd face the Pretender or that so many lives would be changed?

This book differs from the previous two books mostly with its cast of characters. Bardon is accompanied by three females; a mother, her daughter, and a protector. The tiny protector is a rare creature and is the most interesting character. She spends much of her time inside a basket carried by the young girl. References are made to Kale, her dragons, and the wizards previously seen in the series, but they aren't directly involved in this book until the last third of the plot. Three years have passed since the previous book, so even familiar characters have changed. Bardon is the focus of the plot, and he's an uncomfortable leader. He was supposed to take a year off to decide if he wanted to devote his life to Paladin but finds himself thrust into this adventure. All of the books in the series have a religious focus to them, as the characters follow the guidance of their god, Wulder. There are doubters, just like in real life, and this book is preachier than the others. It's not a problem for me, but it has bothered some other readers in the previous books. Overall, I'm still enjoying the series and foresee a showdown with the Pretender fast approaching.

In the Red by Christopher Swiedler

My name is Lilith, and I was only trying to help Michael get over his suit anxiety. I didn't expect us to go racing across the surface of Mars with a giant solar flare threatening the planet. I mean, Michael just wanted to show his dad that he's not helpless, but now we find ourselves stranded with no help in sight. No one even knows we left the city. Michael is the smartest kid I know, so I'm thankful that I'm stuck out here with him. However, being lost on Mars is very dangerous. We could run out of air, die from the cold, or slowly lose our lives from radiation poisoning. The solar flares make travel during the day impossible, and the icy glaciers make the land unpredictable. I hope Michael can find a way to save us, even if he can't figure out that I have a crush on him.

Having anxiety and panic attacks as major factors in the plot are pretty unusual in books. Michael's efforts to control his attacks create the conflict and tension that drive the story. Lilith only wants to help, but her suggestions unintentionally make things worse. Michael is oblivious to Lilith's feelings toward him, and it's fun to see how she teases him about normal middle grade emotions. The author uses science and math as foundations to explain life on Mars, how humans are able to survive, and how Michael can quickly come up with solutions to problems. You won't like this book if you don't like those two school subjects. I enjoy how the plot moves steadily and how the author constantly tosses in new twists to complicate matters. Just when the characters feel like they may be out of danger, a quake, radiation, or damaged materials reminds that death may be imminent. Overall, lovers of space travel and adventure should enjoy this book. I recommend you give this nominee for a 2020 Cybils Award a shot. 

Scritch Scratch by Lindsay Currie

My name is Claire, and my father quit his job to start a ghost tour business. I hate graveyards and the paranormal, and my dad's job can be very embarrassing for a middle grade girl. Then everything changed when I had to help with one of his tours. I saw a little boy dressed in white, felt chilly and wet, and the number 396 was on a little piece of paper. After unexplainable things happened at home, I'm forced to admit that I'm being haunted. I don't know what I'm supposed to do about the ghost, but I've been hiding in my closet to sleep at night. I can't tell my dad about it, because I bet he'll just add our house to his ghost tour. I've got to do something, since I'm starting to see the ghost at school too. I wish I could talk to my best friend, but I'm not sure if she still likes me. What can I do?

This book is a historical ghost story, as it's based on an actual, tragic event in Chicago. I've heard of it, so that made the story even more interesting for me. Claire is a typical middle grade character, complete with the relationship drama. Her problem is that she assumes she knows what other characters are thinking, so she makes decisions based on flawed logic. She also has an ironic fear of things related to death, since her father's business is associated with the dead. She has the common middle grade character issue of believing she can't ask adults to help with her problems. Adults don't understand kid problems, even though all adults were once kids. The plot isn't overly scary, although it has its moments of tension. It includes a redeeming message about friendship and not evaluating people based on your own prejudices. Overall, this was an eerie and entertaining book, and I recommend you give it a shot. 

The Misewa Saga #1: The Barren Grounds by David Robertson

My name is Morgan, and I was feeling protective of the other foster kid named Eli. He was having trouble adjusting to the new school, just like me, and he had weird explanations of his drawings. I mean, he had awesome pictures of strange creatures, but he said they were from his home. I showed him my thinking place up in the attic, and he liked practicing his artwork there. However, I put one of his pictures on the wall, and snow and wind started blowing into the room. The next thing I knew, I was following him into a portal where we discovered we were not the first people to make this journey. Now, Eli and I find ourselves in the middle of a quest to save the animals living in Misewa. We must find the Man who traveled before us in order to return Green Time to these lands.

This book was nominated for a 2020 Cybils Award, and it tells a creative story based on the Misewa culture of Winnipeg, Manitoba. Morgan is a dynamic character, as she transforms her self-centered ways. The feelings of self-preservation and remaining isolated aren't unique for a foster child from unpleasant prior homes. She just wants to belong and be part of a family, but it's hard to care for others when you might soon be leaving. She takes Eli under her wing, but he has clear memories and feelings about the native culture. Language, food, and other aspects of the Misewa culture are included in the story, as Morgan slowly learns about her heritage. The underlying conflict is Man vs. Nature. All of the animal characters view humans as bad, since a human left them in perpetual winter. Humans are gluttonous and always take more than they need, and nature pays the price. The whole plot reads like a folktale with a bit of reality mixed in. Overall, I can recommend this book if you're interested in learning about a Canadian native tribe. The relationship between Morgan and Eli is heart-warming.

DragonKeeper Chronicles #2: Dragonquest by Donita Paul

My name is Toopka, and I'm thankful that Kale has agreed to be my guardian. It's exciting to leave my life on the streets to go on a real adventure. Kale is the Dragon Keeper, and she's become the Wizard Fenworth's "princess", or is it apprentice? We've traveled to The Bog, so Kale can tame Regidor, the new meech dragon. We narrowly escaped an attack by giant spiders, and Fenworth wants us to go on a quest to understand the evil Wizard Risto's plans. We've been joined by two of Paladin's other followers, and they say we need to rescue one of Risto's prisoners first. Can it really be Kale's mother? Although I've loved being part of Kale's quest, none of us imagined we'd find ourselves in the middle of an all-out war. And how can our little force stand up to an army of dragons?

You can probably read this book without reading book one, but you'll miss the back stories. The meech dragon was different from dragons found in other books. Regidor was five weeks old with a tail and scaly skin, but he walked, talked, and dressed like a regular character. He provided unexpected surprises as the book moved along, and the conflict focused on finding a second meech dragon. Religion was at the core of the book, as the characters put their trust in Wulder, their god. Kale often doubted her own abilities and worth, but she was reminded that Wulder had put his faith in her. Her misgivings conflicted with Wulder's judgement and plan. Kale's interactions with Bardon were the most entertaining, as they hadn't gotten along well back at The Hall. He was not accepted into knight training, so he was more bitter from the start. However, he began to display new abilities and developed a close connection to Kale. Kale didn't understand it either and felt uncomfortable. This led to awkward and funny situations. Toopka was another wonderful character, as her enthusiasm to help created mixed emotions from Kale. Overall, some readers find the religious focus of the plot hard to accept, but I haven't found it to be a problem. The adventure includes some fighting and killing, but it's not overly described. There's no goriness. I recommend you give the book a shot. 

When You Trap a Tiger by Tae Keller

My name is Lily, and my halmoni says tigers are evil creatures and can't be trusted. She stole stories from them when she was little, and the tigers now want the stories back. I don't fully understand how this is possible, but a giant, female tiger has been visiting me in the middle of the night. Halmoni has been getting sicker, and the tiger says it can help make her feel better. All I have to do is return the dangerous stories Halmoni stole. If tigers can't be trusted, should I do what it asks? But I don't want my halmoni to die. Time is running out, and I don't know what to do.

This book was nominated by a reader for a 2020 Cybils Award. It was based on Korean folklore and described a situation where fiction became reality for Lily. Or did it? The author did a great job of keeping the book mystical, as it was never clear if the tiger or Halmoni's stories were real. Halmoni was supposedly experiencing hallucinations, and her memories were inconsistent. Lily was sure of her own experiences, but then she had doubts. Were the tiger stories from Halmoni's past, or were they a metaphor for her life? The Korean culture was at the center of the plot, and the family members displayed conflicting attitudes toward it. Halmoni's behaviors were often traditional, but they were also seen as eccentric. The stolen stories described how decisions could lead to unexpected consequences, and there were different ways for things to be dangerous. Overall, the book was pretty cerebral and made me think about relationships and life. Give it a shot if folklore and Asian culture interest you. 

Restart by Gordan Korman

My name is Shoshonna, and I can't believe Chase is actually back at school. The rumor is that he has amnesia and can't remember anything about his life before falling off his roof. That's convenient. He was a horrendous bully and tormented my twin brother right out of town and into a private school that he hates. The world would be better off if he'd never recovered from the fall. I must admit he seems to be different, but it's got to be an act. No one that despicable can become nice just by falling on their head. I haven't told my brother everything about Chase, especially that Chase has replaced him in the video club. I can't believe how the others think Chase is so great now, since they were all once victims of his torturing. He makes a great suggestion to help with my contest video, but how can I listen to him? I'd be a traitor to my brother.

Korman always adds humorous twists to common situations, so this book was a little different for him. I also think it was one of his best. Chase forgot about all of the awful things he'd done as the worst bully in school, but all of the other students, teachers, and adults remembered him quite well. Most people reflect on their past decisions, and this book presents an opportunity for a character to make up for terrible mistakes. However, these efforts were difficult even with good intentions. Korman did a great job of describing Chase's battles with his inner demons; the realization that he'd treated others so badly was eating him up inside. His former bully buddies didn't understand him, and his new friends didn't understand him. No one else could fully comprehend his issues, and his father unknowingly made things worse. Readers will easily feel empathy for Chase despite being burdened with his past behaviors. That was a different Chase. Overall, I really loved this book and highly recommend it for your reading pleasure. It will appeal to almost all middle grade students.

 

Skyhunter #1 by Marie Lu

My name is Talin, and most of the other Strikers doubted that a refugee like me belonged with this elite fighting force, especially when I was forced to kill my partner, my Shield. Injuries from a Federation attack when I was a child have left me unable to speak, and that only adds to my feeling of isolation. Later, I sensed a prisoner wanted to die while being questioned, and I dared to challenge our Firstblade in front of all the Strikers. As punishment, he embarrassed me by making the prisoner, Red, my new Shield! However, Red and I have mentally bonded and can communicate with our minds, and I've discovered secrets about him. This boy may be Mara's greatest weapon, but he could just as easily destroy us all. 

The audience for this book is a bit older than middle grade, although young teens can enjoy it. Kale and Red's relationship will clearly mature as the series moves along. Violence is a big part of the plot, as Talin's whole life is focused on protecting the country of Mara from the Ghosts and a Federation invasion. Ghosts are mutated humans and can only be killed by slitting their throats. This leads to some gross and bloody moments. Despite her heroic efforts, Talin's situation brings up the question of patriotism among immigrants. Can immigrants be as loyal as the country's natives? Why would an immigrant want to protect a country that doesn't treat her people as equals? As with most plots involving politics, this book has its share of conspiracies and power plays. Characters need to be cautious about who they befriend and who they offend. The Federation is a juggernaut that seemingly can't be stopped by the small forces guarding Mara, and the plot later reveals that there's something more important about this doomed city. Overall, the story is interesting, albeit violent, and the sequel should be even more compelling. The resolution reveals a series-changing decision made by Kale.

DragonKeeper Chronicles #1: Dragonspell by Donita K. Paul

My name is Kale, and my life as a slave girl has changed dramatically in the past few days. On my way to The Hall, I've learned of my ability to locate dragon eggs and have joined a quest with Dar and Leetu to locate a meech egg stolen by the evil wizard Risto. I'm not sure how much help I'll be, and I can't believe Paladin actually believes in me. However, the first egg I found has hatched, and I'm now able to help Gymn heal others. It’s still funny how the little dragon faints when he gets scared. My companions tell me Risto is jealous of my ability with dragons, so we're constantly on the lookout for his minions and creatures hiding in the wild. We've just entered The Bogs in our search for Fenworth. Dar says having this great wizard along will lead to disaster, but Leetu says it's best to wait and see. Maybe it's best if I leave and return to my journey toward The Hall.

This book is the first in a five-book series. I really enjoyed the story and was surprised the average score on Goodreads wasn't a little higher. There was a strong religious aspect to the book that apparently bothered some readers. Characters were constantly reminded to trust Wulder's plan and that he would know anything they did not. I'm not overly spiritual, and I didn't find the story preachy at all. It was nice to read a book full of characters with positive thoughts and a common purpose. The adventure included fighting and killing, but the author didn't dwell on details of the battles. The descriptions weren't gory and bloody. There was clearly something special about Kale that surpassed her ability to locate dragon eggs. Things happened during the story that were credited to her, even though she had no awareness of doing anything. This created a wonder about her true talents, and helped to keep my mind working. Overall, I recommend you give this book a shot, and I've already checked out its sequel DragonQuest. Lovers of dragons and adventures should enjoy it.

The Gideon Trilogy #2: The Time Thief by Linda Buckley-Archer

My name is Kate, and I had promised Peter that I would never leave him alone in 1763. Now, I find myself back to the future, without Peter, and the Tar Man roaming somewhere in London. Heaven help anyone who gets in the way of this vicious cutthroat. I can't believe my dad is seriously considering destroying the time machine and leaving Peter in the past. I can't accept that thinking even though I know Gideon is probably taking care of Peter. I need some help to carry out my plan, and there's only one person I can think of to ask. If I can get back to 1763, I can rescue Peter and keep the time machine safe too. However, my dad thinks there may be unforeseen consequences of time travel; what if he's right? I'll just have to take that chance to save my best friend. 

You should read the first book before reading this one. I'm often leery of reading about time travel due to the potential for paradoxes and the need to establish ground rules. What if a character goes back in time and causes the death of a parent so the character was never born? This book adds an interesting twist when the time-traveling characters blur at random times, causing them to appear ghostly to others. One character chalked up Kate's blurring to witchcraft. The uncertainty of side affects of time travel added unpredictable blips to the story. Did time travel actually create parallel universes? The interaction of unique personalities made for interesting conversations, although the ease with which characters accepted time travel was unrealistic. How many people would be willing to take a trip into the future or past only hours after hearing about the idea? The subplot followed  the Tar Man and his efforts to gain power through violence and intimidation. My biggest issue with the plots was that they didn't have a sense of urgency, so the tension never got very high. Problems occurred, but there wasn't really a deadline where the events built up to a climax. It felt like the events in this book just connected the happenings in books one and three. Overall, the book was good, but not great. You may enjoy it more than I, so give it a shot if it sounds interesting.

Mo & Dale Mysteries #1: Three Times Lucky by Sheila Turnage

My name is Mo, and I knew the town was in for trouble when the detective came to town. He said he was investigating a murder that happened in another town, but I didn't know why he came to Tupelo Landing. The Colonel lied to the detective about his new car, but I suppose it has something to do with not trusting the police or lawyers. However, the whole town was surprised when Jesse turned up dead, and I'm afraid the detective thinks my friend Dale did it. The Colonel always says the best defense is a good offense, so I figure Dale and I will need find the murderer ourselves.

The charm of this Newbery Honor Book comes from the down-home, rural setting where all of the citizens know each other's business. They distrust outsiders and bond together in times of need. A bank robbery from a decade earlier becomes the main focus of the story, and it has connections to the recent murder of Jesse. The author does a great job of presenting ambiguous clues to present a myriad of suspects. Who's the murderer? Who robbed the bank? Why is the Colonel acting weird and what is the truth about his past? Can the cops be trusted? Mo and Dale make a delightful pair of "detectives". Dale is timider, probably thanks to his abusive father, but he has moments where he speaks his mind. Mo is more assertive, probably due to the influence of living with the Colonel, and isn't afraid to get herself into sticky situations. She also dreams of finding her "upstream mother" after having floated into town as a baby. The author includes many subplots and manages to infuse subtle humor throughout the book. This includes Miss Lana, as she changes the theme of her restaurant every day and enjoys dressing in costume. Overall, this book begins a series set in Tupelo Landing, North Carolina, and I recommend you give it a shot.

Greystone Secrets #2: The Deceivers by Margaret Peterson Haddix

 

My name is Natalie, and Emma figured out a way to get us back to the alternate world to save her mother. She guessed we could use the lever again even though the old portal was gone, and she was right. However, we didn't know what to do once we arrived in the basement of my house in the alternate world. I came face-to-face with my Other-Mother, the Judge in charge of the trial for Emma's mother, but I was able to trick her into thinking I was home sick from school. I'm not sure what I'll do if the Other-Natalie actually shows up. We tried doing an internet search for Emma's mom, but nothing came up. That's impossible. Her trial was all over the news just a couple weeks ago. We've secretly spied on many people in this house, and we now know one of them is an ally. The question is, which one?

You must read Greystone Secrets #1 before reading this book. The plot gets a bit confusing, as there are duplicate forms of a few main characters. Even the characters themselves must be reminded of the identities of people with whom they are speaking. While each of the four kids perform their roles in the plot, Natalie comes to the forefront this time. Since much of the story takes place in the alternate-world version of her house, several family members are included, although the family dynamics are quite different. Secrets abound in the household. The overall theme in this world is distrust, with a couple of characters dreaming of a time when they might be able to assume other people spoke the truth. The emotions of family love and friendship are strong in the main characters, as they strive to save their parents. The uncertainty of characters' identities and motivations create tension and complicate the children's plans. Overall, like in the first book, I still felt the plot moved too slowly for me. The kids kept trying to move on but made little progress. It felt like they kept spinning their wheels. My post for the first book said I didn't intend to read the sequel, but I obviously did. Perhaps I'll be reading the third book in the series, The Messengers, sometime soon. 

Greetings From Witness Protection by Jake Burt

My name is now Charlotte, although you might remember me as Nicki. I always dreamed my real father would rescue me from foster care after his release from prison, but I now find myself living with the Trevor family in Witness Protection. If I ignore the fact that my "mom's" brother wants her dead, it's a nice experience. My new brother hates me joining the family, but my presence is supposed to help keep them safe. I still get the urge to steal things, but that's usually when I'm nervous. I'm getting good at being Charlotte, although I hate that no one can know the real me. Even my new parents didn't read the file about my past. 

Found this book suggested in a Goodreads reading group, and it was a pleasant surprise. Charlotte reminded me a bit of Gilly in The Great Gilly Hopkins, although Gilly was much more mischievous. Foster kids are often portrayed as sad and angry, but Charlotte didn't cause trouble and was upset after learning she shouldn't try to earn good grades or excel in sports. Most of the story sounded like a common situation where a child joined a new family, even though Charlotte adjusted better than her brother. She was easily accepted into the new school and became good friends with Brit, a seventh-grade outcast. Char's efforts to help this girl were especially endearing and honorable, as she wouldn't abandon Brit. It was a normal middle grade novel. However, the danger of an assassin was put on the back burner until the author slowly dropped hints that the uncle was still plotting revenge against the mom. These reminders created tension in the plot until it became evident the assassin's attack was imminent. It's nice to have books with happy endings, and this one ended as happily as it could. Overall, the story was very entertaining, and I recommend you give it a shot. 

The Sisters Grimm #7: The Everafter War by Michael Buckley

My name is Puck, and I'm getting sick and tired of saving the Grimms from certain death. It's going to ruin my reputation as the Trickster King. The most fun I get is annoying Sabrina, but I think she's given me the puberty virus. How can I be getting older if I've been a boy for thousands of years? Most of the Everafters and the Red Hand have declared war on the Grimms, and we've been forced to leave Granny's house. I'm sure I'll be asked to come to the rescue again, and some of the weapons look pretty cool. That giant catapault and the water cannon are going to be so much fun to use. I wonder if there's some way I can use them to get revenge on Sabrina. However, the spy among us is complicating matters.

The opening pages offer foreshadowing of the Master's identity, leader of the Red Hand. This creates anticipation and suspense, as readers slowly approach this moment in the story. The biggest difference in this book is the awakening of Sabrina and Daphne's parents. The father's presence creates unexpected problems and complicates the girls' past efforts and future plans. It also provides the opportunity for new twists that will carry over to the next book. The variety of fairy tale/folktale characters will make the cast identifiable and help readers make connections. Seeing Snow White as the martial arts instructor is amusing, but she has issues to resolve. An important character is lost, and a new one will be added late in the book. The threat of the Red Hand has been growing throughout the series, and it comes to a head in this book. The Master's identity is revealed and will be a surprise, and the endgame motivating the Red Hand will become known. It feels like this book takes the story to a different level, as the past ones have been leading up to this moment. It will be a lot of reading, but I really suggest you start this series from the beginning. Based on the lack of availability at my local library, I'd say this series is pretty popular.

Ronan Boyle #2 and the Swamp of Certain Death by Thomas Lennon

My name is Ronan, and I don't know why I volunteered for such a dangerous mission. I'm soooo unqualified. I must enter the world of fairie folk to rescue my wonderful captain from being used as a human sacrifice and to capture the Bog Man. I will do anything to stop the weegees from using my mentor's blood to resurrect the sun god. And no, I don't love the captain. I don't care what I've said or done before; I do not love her. I'm lucky to have my good friend Log along on the vendetti (not sure if that's a real word), as she's the strongest, loyalest ally a detective in the Garda Special Unit of the Tir Na Nog could ever have. I'll probably die during this mission, but I must try to save the captain (I don't love her!) and stop the mummy my parents released.

You should probably read the first book, but it's not necessary. My biggest warning for the series and book is that you must have a high tolerance for silliness. One of Ronan's "dangers" is becoming the assistant for a unicorn's daily performances. One of his colleagues randomly changes appearance without any control. The colleague becomes a naked human, a pig, and a hedgehog with all of them wearing his familiar hat. The plot of a quest to rescue someone is common, but I found the frequent descriptions of Ronan's insecurities distracting. There were already enough funny and entertaining elements to the story without cluttering them by adding an over-abundance of sidebars and anxiety-ridden thoughts. Overall, I found the book funny with many creative ideas. I must admit that I skipped some paragraphs that diverted my attention from the quest, but I can recommend the book, if you're not put off by goofiness.

The Tribe #3: The Foretelling of Georgie Spider by Ambelin Kwaymullina

 

My name is Ash, and I'm hopeful for the future of us Illegals. It's possible the Primes will vote to give Exemptions to some Illegals, which might lead to the end of the Accords. The current laws display a distrust of people like me, so some of the Primes want to meet with me as leader of the Tribe. However, I'm sure Terence will find some way to undermine our efforts. I kind of understand his feelings, but he's willing to use rogue Illegals to hurt others. Hurting and killing repulse me, but I'm starting to learn there may be times when these are necessary for survival. I know my survival is essential to the future of my Tribe and other Illegals, but I'd rather give up my life than see someone else harmed because of me. 

You really need to start reading this series from the beginning. Illegals have special abilities, and Ash is able to Sleepwalk. While asleep, she can do almost anything to manipulate her dreams and have them affect the real world. However, she doesn't always understand what's happening in the dreams, much like her friend Georgie. Georgie is able to see the future but gets confused by the many possibilities, to the point where she's not always able to tell when she's back to reality. Georgie's confusing visions and Ash's confusing dreams make the early part of the book a little confusing to read. Also, the main conflict didn't emerge until the book was about a third of the way into the plot. While the specific problem changes with each book, the mistreatment and prejudice against Illegals is the recurring theme. This book also focuses on choices people make and how their decisions can shape the future. The most important lesson is that all living things are connected, and that knowledge is the key to the survival of our planet.

Winterfrost by Michelle Houts

My name is Klakke, and as a nisse, I've enjoyed my assignment to look after my humans and their farm. All nisses ask in return is a bowl of rice pudding at the time of the Christmas holiday. I'm not sure why the family forgot this year; maybe it had something to do with the mother and father leaving so suddenly. Forgetting the rice pudding upset me, so I decided to do a few pranks in the barn for revenge. Nothing bad, just enough to make me feel better. However, I then did something very unexpected and took the human baby. I wasn't really thinking and didn't have a plan, so maybe it was because of the Winterfrost. Now, the problem has gotten even bigger, and Gammel thinks it's because "He" has returned.

Authors don't often write Danish tales, so this setting presents a new take on an old storyline. A human child is taken by tiny forest creatures, and the sibling must find some way to get it back. In this book, the antagonist who created the conflict becomes an ally to the human protagonist, Bettina, to resolve it. That's an uncommon twist. It's a nice change to some of the books I read where the characters and problems are more intense and evil. The nisse are generally kind and generous, and the conflicts in the plot are the result of misunderstandings and stubbornness. Bettina learns to appreciate the balance in nature, as she finds herself at the center of a nisse family dispute. She possesses her grandfather's compassion for others and his willingness to forgive. These attributes are the keys to resolving all of the problems. Overall, this is a feel-good book with a stress-free story. I recommend you give it a shot. 

The Sisters Grimm #6: Tales From the Hood by Michael Buckley

My name is Sabrina, and I'm amazed that no one else is worried about the growing threat of the Wolf. Grandma is doing all she can to save Mr. Canis from the mockery of a murder trial, but she can't see the Wolf has almost totally taken him over now. There's a secret weapon locked in bank deposit box that will stop him, but my younger sister Daphne has the key. She doesn't think we need it yet. I've got to figure out some way to get it before it's too late. I appreciate that my uncle is trying to find some way to awaken my parents, but that problem is stressing me out too. He's trying to locate Goldilocks, the only Everafter to escape the town, but she's very elusive. I know I'm making some questionable choices, but do I really need to listen to mature advice from the Trickster King, Puck?

You'll need to read the previous five books to fully understand all that's going on. There are underlying issues to the characters and conflicts. The Grimms have never been the most popular citizens due to their family's history, but the hatred is more widespread and nasty now. The Grimms frustration with the lack of justice and fairness is communicated well by the author having Robin Hood as the defense lawyer is ironic. I mean, he's not exactly known for being a law-abiding citizen. As mentioned above, Sabrina is going through an intense internal conflict related to Canis. The man has been a loyal, dependable defender of the family, but his Wolf personality has been slowly taking control in the past couple of books. Consequently, she views Canis as a growing danger, while the rest of the family still sees him as a dear friend. The key factor in his trial boils down to different variations of the Red Riding Hood fairy tale and trying to discover the truth about what really happened. The Mad Hatter is the presiding judge, and his craziness and wacky rulings will require your patience and understanding. The book's resolution leads right into its sequel, The Everafter War, as the Grimms continue to combat the Red Hand organization.

The Midnight War of Mateo Sanchez by Robin Yardi

My name is Mateo, and I watched two skunks steal my little sister's trike (which is really mine) in the middle of the night. I knew my parents would never believe that story, but I never thought they'd actually think I could be responsible for the neighborhood thefts. I staked out the yard a couple days later and spotted the skunks again. They could talk! My sister saw them too, so now I have to include her in my quest to catch them. I can't tell my old best friend about them, and I need to avoid the grumpy neighbor down the street. I've got to figure out some way to clear my name and get that trike back.

I'm always amazed at the maturity range in my searches for "middle grade" novels. I recently stopped reading one that was clearly appropriate for high school, while this book is clearly for elementary. The main characters are in fourth grade, and much of the story takes place in the classroom, during lunch, or during recess. Other than the skunks, the problems in the plot might be faced by elementary students. Mateo is dealing with changing friendships, growing up, and a pesky little sister. The trike issue even boils down to a conflict over the playground monkey bars. While not overly concerning to typical middle grade readers, the plot should appeal to intermediate students. Overall, the story will be a fun adventure for readers looking to escape serious, stress-filled books. It may be worth your while.