Unikorn by Don Handfield

What worked:

Many young readers love horses, and unicorns are even better! The spelling in the book’s title refers to unicorns that have lost their horns, and that creates the backdrop of the story. Mae’s mom had a veterinary practice on an old farm, and Mae now helps tend the animals for the farm owner. The animals have quirks, Percy the horse only eats goat food, so readers know there’s something unusual about this place. The stump on Percy’s forehead foreshadows his true identity.

The story deals with grieving and friendship. Mae’s father is having a very hard time mourning his wife’s death, and he displays a wide range of emotions common to the grieving process. There’s even a scene where the book labels the various feelings he’s experiencing. With her father not always thinking clearly, Mae relies on her friends and solicits help from two other classmates. The friends are skeptical when Mae shares what’s going on, but they stick by her and provide support.

This graphic novel is full of colorful, informative illustrations. The pictures show the facial expressions of Mae and her father as they battle emotions for the dead mother, and they help readers visualize the physical transformations of a couple of characters. The visuals replace words during the chase scenes, and they’re very effective through the fast-paced action. The illustrations provide detail to the setting without using words that might slow down the plot.

What didn’t work as well:

The graphic novel doesn’t fully develop characters, since the artwork replaces descriptive words that might have been used. Readers can’t thoroughly interpret underlying details by interpreting pictures. However, the author is able to communicate a great deal about Mae, the main character, since the plot is told from her point of view. The description of Mae and her feelings is enough to carry the story.

The Final Verdict:

The innocent must be protected from evil.  The authors deftly blend words and illustrations to share this emotional story of loss and discovery. The colorful pictures and exciting story will appeal to young readers, and I highly recommend you give it a shot.

The Forgotten Memories of Vera Glass by Anna Priemaza

What worked:

The plot creates mystery from the beginning to get readers thinking and wondering. Vera’s brother disappears while helping her make dinner, but the mysterious part is no one realizes he’s gone. No one remembers he even existed, although Vera has a nagging feeling that something’s missing in her life. Shortly after, a boy in her small group of friends disappears and she gets that same unexplainable sense that something’s amiss. None of her friends, teachers, or parents remember the boy ever existed. The unease gets to the point where Vera decides to figure out what’s going on, and that leads into the meat of the story.

The story is told from Vera’s point of view, which helps since she’s the one character readers know won’t disappear. It’s important to know what she’s thinking and feeling, since these hunches are the backbone of the story. It’s nice that Vera’s not interested in sex and drinking like many other novels focusing on high school students. The interesting twist to the plot is Vera’s investigation of the problem. It’s difficult to research a problem when she can’t identify the problem itself. She’s the first character to feel like something’s missing in her life, and she’s the most motivated to uncover why she has these feelings. The author does a masterful job of slowly revealing the answer to that question, and she hides the revelation until the plot nears its climax.

Every character, actually every person, has one magical ability. Vera is able to open any lock, although she thinks it’s only useful if she chooses a life as a robber. Her best friend Riven’s magical talent deals with manipulating light, and her mother has intuition magic. Vera’s parents work at a research facility, and scientists there are studying a possible link between magical abilities and dark matter. Her parents constantly say they can’t talk about any projects, and Vera wonders what’s actually going on at the facility. She wonders if the nothingness she feels is being caused by someone’s ability, or maybe there are different dimensions of life. Faith in God is addressed in the story, although the plot isn’t overly religious.

What didn’t work as well:

The resolution of the problem is satisfying, although it leaves some unanswered questions. Namely, we discover why the characters disappear, but we don’t know where they disappear to. This may sound like a big problem for readers, but the overall story is very entertaining and enjoyable.

The Final Verdict:

How do you find something you don’t know is missing? The author creates an imaginative mystery that will keep readers riveted to their seats. Characters slowly disappear and leave voids in the lives of families and friends. I highly recommend you give this book a shot; you won’t be disappointed.

The Lurking Lima Bean (Night Frights #2) by Joe McGee

 

What worked:

The book is modestly spooky, so it’s a good introduction to ghost stories. The concept of lima beans being able to change people into mindless, slobbering zombies is silly, but the author is still able to create an air of eeriness. The problem begins on page one when Madeline refuses to eat the vegetables at dinnertime. It’s not clear if the dark and stormy night is a factor, but it adds a ghostly touch to the setting. The power goes out, grandma gets possessed, and then Madeline can’t find anyone else who hasn’t been infected. Most of the book finds her running from the zombies, trying to figure out how to stop them, and how to warn the rest of the town.

The plot moves very quickly and isn’t overly complicated. Motivated readers can finish it in one sitting. Lima-bean possessed zombies take over the school and Madeline’s neighborhood, and she constantly evades them to find a cure. The zombies all tell her to “Eat. Your. Lima. Beans.” which shows that Margaret is the target of their sole obsession. Figuring out how this all started isn’t important; maybe the lima beans are upset by Madeline’s rejection. She finally finds a couple of allies, as they frantically try to avoid the zombies. The solution to the problem is clever, but as in Night Frights #1, the author leaves the resolution less than clear. Is the problem actually gone forever?

What didn’t work as well:

The story doesn’t go into great depth or description, so experienced readers will find it difficult to make an emotional investment. It’s hard to make personal connections to the characters and events when there’s minimal detail about them. However, the story is simply entertaining and amusing. The format of the book is very similar to The Haunted Mustache, the first book in the Night Frights collection. Both books have a fun-factor value, and they will appeal to their target audience. Each book can be read as a stand-alone.

The Final Verdict:

Revenge of the vegetables! The fast-paced, simple, spooky story will appeal to a wide range of young readers. It will result in eerie satisfaction, and I recommend you give it a shot!

Room to Dream (Front Desk #3) by Kelly Yang

What worked:

The author includes a good deal of information about the Chinese culture, especially when the family returns there for a vacation. Food is the most common cultural topic, but homes, jobs, and language are blended in with the story too. Mia contrasts how things have changed since her family moved to America five years ago, but her relatives want to compare/contrast how Chinese life differs from California. Hank’s twist on hamburgers is a huge hit with the Chinese people in the neighborhood, but Mia misses the small stores and restaurants that closed with China’s modernization. There’s a similar problem in America when the family returns, and it becomes the major conflict in the plot. A large chain motel has moved in next to their small one, and the battle between big business and independent locals moves to the forefront of the story.

Mia has many issues to sort out in her mind. Her good friend Jason kissed her, so she’s trying to figure out how she should behave around him. He’s her good friend, but she’d already told him she doesn’t want to go any farther than that. The author explores the onset of boy/girl attraction, as Mia tries to navigate the school year. In addition, Mia wants to become a writer, so she starts writing columns about her American experiences for a kids magazine in China. She shares honest feelings about her life and friends and uses their real names. She assumes it’s okay because they’ll never learn what she’s done, but experienced readers will know it’s only a matter of time before it blows up in her face.

Mia is very dependent on her few friends since she’s not readily accepted by classmates. This is a problem since Jason wants to be her boyfriend. Her best friend is Lupe, but she’s working hard to excel in school and has little free time for a social life. She experiences racial prejudice too and knows she needs to prove herself twice as much to stand out from other students. This creates a conflict for Mia, who is in desperate need for her best friend. Assumptions are made, and neither one of them realizes how much they need understanding from their friend.

What didn’t work as well:

The time of the setting isn’t clear, as there could have been more clues for readers. It’s significant because there is racial unrest going on, and the characters experience different levels of prejudice. Some of the details seem unusual unless readers are aware the story takes place in the past. There is a reference to the OJ Simpson trial just ending, and most young readers probably won’t have any idea that it was in 1995. Racial injustice was rampant, and China was undergoing significant social change. My suggestion is to read Front Desk, the first book in the series, before reading the sequels.

The Final Verdict:

Friendship can survive the hard times. Mia faces common problems for middle-grade readers, so the book should appeal to that audience. The variety of characters and cultures offer additional insight into the battle against racism. Give the book a shot!

The Dark Beast by Dave Mazeriski

What worked:

The concept of the Dark Beast is intriguing, as a boy is overcome by embarrassment and anger to become a dangerously magical fiend. The transformation of his personality is rather abrupt and hard to believe, but the beast he becomes is ruthless. The beast is a contradiction of thoughts, as he wants to be accepted by others but punishes them for the slightest hint of criticism. His internal conflicts and growing magical power make the Dark Beast the most interesting character in the book.

The trio of heroes is a team that’s dedicated to its loyalty to the king. They persevere in their quest to locate the Dark Beast, although their roles in the group are less clear. Ravai and Raven are introduced while causing mischief in a memorial hall dedicated to knights of the past. Their playfulness doesn’t continue during the mission, so the purpose of the first chapter is confusing. Romda joins them at the start of Chapter 2 without any further information about her character before she whips out a potion to help defend the trio. How does she know about potions, and what is her relationship to the other two boys?

Minor characters along the way share stories about the Dark Beast, and they help to understand its history. The tales about the beast make it the most well-understood character in the book. It seems all of the characters have heard details from the same tales, since they’re able to pick up the story where others left off. The stories begin when the Dark Beast is a little boy and take readers through his transformation and growth into the vindictive monster currently terrorizing villagers.

What didn’t work as well:

The book doesn’t take the time to develop characters, so it’s difficult to make personal connections with them. All three main characters are flat and lack distinct, memorable personalities. The story is told in the present tense, but the narrator is not one of the characters. It sounds strange to have someone describe what’s happening at that moment when they’re not even present. It might be more effective to have the story told first-person by one of the main characters.

The Final Verdict:

Birth of a vengeful monster. The concept of a monster arising from an offended young boy creates conflict and tension, and his character is intriguing. The story can entertain readers, although it could be more engaging with additional description and detail.

Marco Swift and the Mirror of Souls: A Middle-Grade Fantasy Adventure by D.E. Cunningham

What worked:

The author manages to create subtle doubt as the plot develops. Readers use clues to determine which characters are good and which ones are bad, and this book doesn’t make things obvious. Marco’s mom needs medical help, and he’s feeling tremendous guilt for her condition and his father’s death. He jumps at the chance to heal her when he passes through a mirror to meet the Illustra, Queen of Souls, and she asks him to retrieve a powerful sword called Straya. Dark is traditionally evil in novels, and Illustra is surrounded by shadows and ill-tempered creatures. However, she says Marco’s father helped defend the realm of Mortem before his death, and she has the golden armor he left for his son. Is this queen good or evil?

The plot has familiar elements that make it easy to follow. Marco’s sole focus is on protecting his mother and little sister, so it’s easy to manipulate his feelings. He discovers new abilities with the crystals, but his overconfidence puts him in situations he’s unprepared for. He’s given a quest to retrieve three pieces of a key that will lead him to his father’s hidden sword. The queen says Straya’s power will enable her to restore glory to Mortem and save Marco’s mother. Clues hint that there’s more to Marco’s character than it appears, and other characters allude to underlying events that will be revealed later.

While there are familiar elements to the plot, the cast of characters keeps the story uncertain. The queen tells three other kids to train Marco in using his crystals, but one of them openly detests him. The other two are helpful, but their motivations and alliances aren’t clear. A tiny dragon called Elune, with the appearance of a small cat, helps Marco along the way, but it enjoys teasing him about being a weak human and doesn’t always jump in to help. El says it has trouble remembering previous people and events, so there are questions about what it’s done in the past. The characters create an atmosphere of suspicion and distrust, as they express little empathy for Marco. The truth about everyone’s identity will eventually be uncovered.

What didn’t work as well:

Marco’s power in the mirror world comes from different-colored crystals on his armor. Twisting each of four colors presents a different ability such as strength, speed, or wielding a sword. The combat scenes feel like video games, as Marco quickly adjusts the different crystals to overcome the dangers. The crystals lose power fairly quickly, so there’s always a question of when they’ll run out and leave him in peril. While manipulating crystals in a fast-paced battle is strange, it results in more tension as the outcomes of the conflicts are less predictable.

The final verdict:

There is more bravery in us than we imagine. The author creates a puzzling world of uncertainty that pits good versus evil. Hidden identities cast light on the problems, and also the solutions. The book is recommended for lovers of fantasy worlds, mystery, and family. Give it a shot!

Whispering Alaska by Brendan Jones

What worked:

The Covid-19 pandemic has hit the whole world, and this book addresses it head-on. The mother of middle-grade twins, Nicky and Josie, dies from the virus, so the father moves them to live with relatives in Alaska. The family falls into the middle of a contentious debate that will impact the future of the tiny, remote lumber and fishing village. The town economy has been devastated by the virus, even though no one has been infected, so the debate of commercial development versus preserving nature will end in a critical vote for the town’s survival.

Most of the story sounds like realistic fiction, but a speculative fiction angle is infused into it. Nicky’s cousin Clete informs her that the trees predicted she would arrive and save them. Talking trees? Nicky slowly accepts the fact that she’s able to make a connection with them and sense their thoughts. It’s not like they have a conversation, but she becomes aware of ideas that eventually help her resolve the problem. The author comes up with a very unexpected, creative resolution that makes almost everyone happy.

Despite being mirror twins, a conflict between Nicky and Josie has developed since their mother died. Josie has become bitter and angry, and her focus is on saving the Alaskan wilderness from deforestation. She’s a zealous advocate for nature and doesn’t have much of a filter for her thoughts. She lets her feelings control her voice and manages to offend almost everyone she meets. Some of her most hurtful comments are directed at her father. Nicky misses the twin who was also her best friend, and her attempts to reconnect with Josie don’t go well. However, Nicky must eventually embrace some of her twin’s personality in order to get things done.

What didn’t work as well:

After a while, Josie’s negativity gets tiresome. Nothing makes her happy, and she never stops talking long enough to consider anyone else’s thoughts or feelings. However, her character performs an important role in the plot, as her passion toward the problem evokes equally passionate feelings from other characters.

The Final Verdict:

Save the trees or save the town? The book presents the real-life, emotional conflict between nature and people trying to survive. Characters from both sides of the issue are represented, and the result is a gripping story that can be enjoyed by all, especially lovers of wildlife.

The Fowl Twins Get What They Deserve by Eoin Colfer

What worked:

The format is very similar to Artemis Fowl books, so fans of that series should readily enjoy this book too. The intelligence of Myles rivals his older brother, and he frequently informs readers that he’s actually the smartest Fowl. His twin brother Beckett is more physically gifted and likes to trust his instincts, so the pair make a formidable team. As in the Artemis Fowl books, the twins work with an officer from the LEP, but she’s off dealing with her own problems and has a less visible role with the Fowls. Her subplot may become more prominent in a future book.

The author consistently puts the twins in impossible situations and lets them escape through ingenious/lucky events. Myles accepts an impossible challenge from ghosts in order to keep his head attached to his body. Most of the time, Myles is able to think through situations and come up with “logical” plans to resolve them. Beckett has an innate ability to quickly calculate angles and time in order to react at just the right moment. Together, they make an amusing pair and add funny banter with other characters.

As the title implies, the major conflict centers on Lord Teddy’s diabolical plans to get revenge against Beckett and especially Myles. Myles admits that Teddy’s plans are truly devious and match what he might have devised himself. Lord Teddy shares needless antagonist banter that allows Myles time to figure out a solution. Adding humor to the scenes, Lord Teddy is aware he’s giving Teddy an opportunity to escape, and the characters make fun of this flawed tradition among bad guys. Their relationship might be compared to classic enemies in old cartoons, like Daffy Duck and Elmer Fudd.

What didn’t work as well:

As mentioned above, LEP officer Lazuli spends much of the plot dealing with her separate story. She seems impossibly lost and near death in a totally different part of the world, so it’s challenging to keep her character connected with the twins. The assumption is that she’ll eventually reappear to save the day, but this thought drags on. Rest assured, the characters are reunited, but you’ll need to imagine the circumstances until you read the book.

The final verdict:

The final confrontation between archrivals. The Fowl twins are creative, resourceful, and humorous, and they create a wildly entertaining adventure. This book is the third in the series, but it can be read independently. Readers who have enjoyed Artemis Fowl will surely love The Fowl Twins Get What They Deserve too.

Ronan Boyle and the Strangeplace (Ronan Boyle #3) by Thomas Lennon

What worked:

Ronan is a human detective, but he investigates crimes related to faerie creatures. The first third of the plot finds him transporting rogue leprechauns imprisoned in a magical purse to a leprechaun king who will administer their punishment. This trip takes place below ground where Ronan encounters many other strange characters and beasts. However, the real story begins after the prisoners are delivered, as Ronan and a ladyship of female colleagues set out to capture Ronan’s nemesis, Lord Desmond Dooley. Dooley has enlisted the help of a world-famous entertainer who is bankrolling their evil deeds, and he always seems to be one step ahead of Ronan.

Ronan has a crush (or is he in love?) with his superior officer, and these feelings have been growing throughout the series. In a previous book, Ronan impulsively told her he loved her, so now he struggles to figure out if they might actually become a couple. Other characters notice which adds to the humor of the book. The thoughts pop up in Ronan’s mind more than necessary, but their relationship gains some clarity later in the plot.

This book is meant to be humorous, and it succeeds using bizarre mental images and wordplay. Picture a piece of cheese being the mayor of a town, Ronan wearing a pink wig during the adventure, and a villain having magical dancing feet as his superpower. Imagine a delegation of characters including the ghost of a toad wearing kabuki makeup, a Scottish cat wearing a soccer jersey, and a buff mythological Hawaiian dwarf wearing a grass skirt and lei of flowers. Ronan suggests his group should be called a ladyship, not a fellowship since most of the participants are female. They are captured in a tricky replica of a castle, and their escape requires a very unusual strategy.

What didn’t work as well:

This book requires a tolerance for silliness and crude humor, but thankfully, many middle-grade readers love these same qualities. The biggest issue is overly-descriptive details that are used to emphasize the humor. While funny, these descriptions slow down the plot and create distractions from what’s actually happening. The playfulness of the narrative is often strange, so readers need to balance their experiences with absurdity and the “seriousness” of the plot. The over-description is less noticeable during the mission to find Dooley.

The Final Verdict:

A hilarious adventure into the faerie world. The book will definitely be fun for readers with patience for the absurd. The descriptions and humor can be distracting, but the underlying story of the hero hunting down a notorious villain is easy to follow.

Explorer Academy #6: The Dragon's Blood By Trudi Trueitt

What worked:

Cruz is focused on figuring out a cryptic message left by his deceased mother that will lead him to the seventh piece of a stone cipher. The completed cipher will reveal the recipe for a serum that will change the future of medicine and health all over the world. Cruz’s mother had an accident while she was pregnant, and the serum has given him amazing healing powers; he may be immortal. Nebula is determined to stop Cruz from finding the cipher, and it’s willing to go to any lengths to stop him. Cruz tries to make wise and just decisions, but maneuvering through confusion and suspicions is difficult. Plus, he has feelings for Bryndis, and everyone else on the ship knows they’re a couple. His various friendships in the Explorer Academy are complicated by the fact that he doesn’t know who to trust.

The plot includes a number of mysteries and uncertainties to keep readers wondering. Obviously, the clues to finding pieces of the cipher are cryptic, so the explorers are never totally certain they’re on the right track to finding them. The most interesting problem concerns Nebula’s spies within the academy and aboard the Orion, the ship acting as a mobile school for the students. Cruz and his friends know two spies are on board, code-named Zebra and Jaguar, but that only makes them suspicious of everyone not in their group. Cruz even suspects his own aunt might be Zebra. Every few chapters, the setting focuses on Nebula, so readers gain some insight into their plans. These pages also reveal distrust and sabotage among the antagonists, as the players position for power.

Each book in the series focuses on an ecological mission, and this one deals with finding a marsupial scientists assume is extinct. However, a video surfaced one year ago that seems to show a thylacine wandering through the forests in Tasmania. This book includes information about other rare animals, along with colorful photographs, as well as geographical and historical facts regarding Borneo, China, and Tasmania. Specifically in China, the book displays knowledge of the thousands of statues in the Terra-Cotta Army, the Xi’an City Wall, and the lantern festival. The facts shared throughout the plot don’t interrupt the flow of the story, and some of it’s important to how events progress.

What didn’t work as well:

This book is the sixth in the series, and a lot has happened. References are made to past events, but many holes are left for readers to figure out. Nebula is the evil organization trying to locate pieces of a cipher, while Cruz and his friends follow the clues left by his mother to find them first. Details surrounding Nebula and the Explorer Academy are missing, but reading the previous books will solve those problems. Readers probably won’t miss the information, but it’s helpful in understanding the overall situation.

The Final Verdict:

The search for the cipher nears its end. It’s recommended readers begin with the first book in the series, The Nebula Secret, to appreciate the full story. The science-based adventure is full of mystery and intrigue, as Cruz tries to fulfill his mother’s quest. The Dragon’s Blood should appeal to all middle-grade readers, especially lovers of nature, ecology, and science fiction.

Oliver Blue and the School for Seers #3: The Obsidians by Morgan Rice

My name is Oliver, and I must travel through a dangerous portal in time to have any chance of saving Esther's life. The key to finishing the recipe of the Elixir can be found somewhere in Rome around the time of the Renaissance. However, Esther is quickly nearing death, and my brother Chris has shown up with other Obsidians to kill me.

What worked:
Oliver has been having issues with his brother Chris since the series began. Chris loved to bully Oliver at every opportunity, but his anger and fury have increased with every page. The second book saw Chris recruited by the Obsidians, a school using dark magic to upset history, and he was sent on a mission to kill Oliver. His failure has put Chris into an uncontrollable rage, and this book sees him traveling back in time to end Oliver’s life. Plus, Chris now has received training with his dark powers, so he rivals Oliver’s abilities and is even more formidable than before.
Each book in the series finds Oliver traveling back in time to maintain the integrity of historical events. This time, he goes back to meet Leonardo Da Vinci and Michelangelo in order to finish the recipe for a magical Elixir, although his motivation is saving Esther from dying due to time-travel sickness. It just so happens that creating the Elixir and saving her life will also save history and the future existence of everyone on earth.
Oliver is always helped by other seers and minor characters from the past. Every moment in time has a school for seers, and they’re always stepping up to help Oliver uncover clues for his mission. The story reveals another famous person in history who was secretly a seer. Additionally, the author introduces the possibility that a seer might have been corrupted and is working with the Obsidians. Obviously, this adds another layer of conflict and doubt to Oliver’s quest, as he questions the motivations of some allies. By the way, the truth about Oliver’s parents is finally revealed.
What didn’t work as well:
This book is the third in the series, and you should read the previous two books first. They explain the seer powers and how things have evolved to this point. Many sequels in other series recap previous events from earlier books, but The Obsidians assumes readers already have important knowledge from the past.
The Final Verdict:
The search for an Elixir to save mankind. Readers should read the series from the beginning, as this book continues the tale. Lovers of history, science, and magic should enjoy this book.

Ocean Planet: Animals of the Sea and Shore by Ben Rothery

What worked:

The book presents fascinating creatures that live in or around oceans from across the planet. They range from microscopic organisms to gigantic whales and sharks, and the chapters organize them by species, habitat, and the unusual. Oceans are separated by climate, as animals living around tropical, temperate, and frozen lands vary greatly. There’s a huge difference between living things found at the bottom of the ocean, those near the surface, and those found along shorelines.

The illustrations are colorful and spectacular! A world map and an ocean diagram help readers understand climate zones and ocean habitats, the locations millions of creatures call home. The book is a full fifteen inches tall, so the vibrant pictures of swimming, flying, and crawling creatures are eye-catching and detailed. The realistic illustrations enable readers to note specific characteristics of the flamboyant cuttlefish, the yellow seahorse, and the dragon moray eel.

The book is not meant to have all the information possible about all of the animals living near the oceans. It will make a wonderful introduction for readers interested in learning about things living in these parts of the planet. Each chapter presents some general information and then shares paragraphs and pictures with interesting facts regarding specific familiar and obscure species of animals. There are pilot fish living near blue sharks in the open oceans, deep-sea angler fish located near the bottoms, and sea otters found in kelp forests along the earth’s coastlines.

What didn’t work as well:

There are some science words used in the text that are not defined. Young readers might need to have definitions included in the sentences or available in a glossary. For example, the terms estuaries and cold-blooded are used when describing saltwater crocodiles. Many adults might not know the definition for estuaries, while most young readers might have an idea of the meaning for cold-blooded. However, cold-blooded is a very important term when describing sea creatures, so providing a clear meaning is equally important. In general, the author effectively provides meanings and context clues for most terms, so this issue isn’t a major drawback.

The Final Verdict:

A big, beautiful book to mesmerize young readers. The skillfully crafted, colorful illustrations provide interest and entertainment, while the text full of fascinating information isn’t overwhelming. This book is highly recommended for lovers of sea life and nature, both young and old.

The Dreamweavers by G.Z. Schmidt

What worked:

The main conflict involves a curse from seventy years ago. A gifted writer named Lotus spurns the advances from a Noble General, and the general doesn’t take the rejection kindly. He frames Lotus’s husband for treason and has him executed by morning. With the help of magic from the Jade Rabbit, Lotus’s emotions get out of control and bring a curse upon the City of Blossoms. Its new name is the City of Ashes and no one from the city has been seen since that day. However, somehow the curse has started to spread to the surrounding area which includes the village where the main characters named Mei and Yun live.

The book allows readers to learn about the Chinese culture, as folklore is the backdrop of the plot. Many stories have been written about the Jade Rabbit, and his relationship with the characters expresses some Chinese beliefs. The story depicts the cultural distance between royalty and peasants, as villagers feel powerless against the emperor, his family, and the military. The book also shows the secret issues and injustices in the palace history, as the characters try to make things right. They learn to be judged by their own actions and not by the actions of their ancestors.

The twins embark on a quest to break the curse haunting their village, but their true motivations are to clear their grandfather from being wrongfully arrested and to locate their parents. Their mother and father haven’t been seen since visiting the City of Ashes years before. The author skillfully weaves the different conflicts together to create an engaging adventure mystery. The twins are aware of the truth, but proving it to people in power is a monumental challenge.

The contrast between the personalities of Mei and Yun causes clashes until they’re able to appreciate their differences. Mei typically takes action without planning, while Yun uses his knowledge and logic to analyze situations. Mei’s emotions might get them into trouble, but too much thinking by Yun might lead to nothing getting done. They’re separated once they arrive in the emperor’s palace, but their unique differences allow them to forge new friendships and allies.

What didn’t work as well:

The concept of dreamweaving is abstract and takes a while to understand. Even the twins have trouble comprehending the ability, and they’re the ones able to do it. Inferences can be made, but fully grasping the concept takes most of the book. The entertaining aspect is watching the twins learn by experience and putting the pieces together along with them.

The final verdict:

Dreams have power to change the future. Once the backstory of the curse is established, the personalities of Mei and Yun are highlighted. Their struggles to right past wrongs will entertain lovers of folklore and the Chinese culture. 

Crazy Horse and Custer-Born Enemies by S.D. Nelson

What worked:

The book tells the histories of the two title characters in alternating chapters. This format allows readers to compare and contrast their lives, and there are more similarities than most people might think. Custer’s father teaches him to see non-whites as savages and lesser-humans than himself, and this attitude lasted throughout Custer’s life. Crazy Horse despised whites for trespassing into Lakota lands, killing buffalo, and forcing his tribe to move. Both leaders were energized by battle, so they thrived in times of war. Custer preferred fighting in close combat with his sword, while Crazy Horse led the Lakota on horseback to engage the enemy with his bow and arrows. Their personalities made them natural leaders, however, they each had lapses in judgment that undermined their efforts.

Other historical events are shared to let readers know what is happening across the United States during these years. The Civil War is happening, and the battles give Custer many opportunities to make a name for himself. The government encourages settlers to move west, invading Indian lands, so Crazy Horse is motivated to discourage those efforts. He continues attacks on wagons and settlements even as other Indian leaders sign peace agreements. However, the government continually changes these pacts and stokes the frustrations and anger of the Indians.

The book is full of photographs, illustrations, and quotations to add clarity and credibility to the information. Fellow Indians, soldiers, and other personalities provide their own words to describe Custer and Crazy Horse in detail. Using exact words from the actual people is more impactful than an author paraphrasing those same words. Photographs show Custer at various stages of his life, and they show other soldiers and Indians that impact the story. Crazy Horse never allows himself to be photographed, and the many illustrations represent other people and events that were never recorded on film. Maps, battles, villages, and settlements are depicted in these pictures to help readers fully grasp the stories.

What didn’t work as well:

The book is nonfiction, so it’s meant to inform readers without necessarily developing an entertaining story. The story of Little Big Horn has its own built-in drama to create interest. The aspect of the book that doesn’t work as well is how the author uses different names for the two main characters. George Armstrong Custer is called Autie as a boy, but he is usually referred to as Custer in the book. However, it is momentarily confusing when one of the other names randomly pops up instead of common pronouns. He's referred to as Armstrong on one page. Similarly, Crazy Horse has multiple names, but it’s unnecessary to switch back and forth between all of them and create temporary distractions.

The final verdict:

The countdown to a brutally tragic confrontation. The story moves quickly through the lives of Custer and Crazy Horse and doesn’t get bogged down with unnecessary details. Readers gain an appreciation for the mindset of the times, as well as the motivations of both men. This book is sure to interest lovers of American history and those wanting to know the truth behind Custer’s last battle at The Little Big Horn.

Thunderpaws and the Tower of London by Ben Housden

My name is Teufel, and I wasn't prepared for my move to the Tower of London, the most haunted place in the world. I'm slowly realizing the birds and mice are different around here, and I've met some strange ghosts. They don't seem to understand how special I am, but I'll be sure to remind them constantly. It's not like I'm some silly human! The ghosts say trouble is coming, and I'm the only cat that can save England. I'm sure to become famous if I can only figure out who to trust and what I'm supposed to do.

What worked:

The highlight of the book is Teufel’s personality. He’s a church cat and just wants to hunt and kill mice and birds. He’s snooty and independent like most cats, but it’s fun reading his thoughts. He’s slow to adapt to life in the Tower of London, seeing as he’s surrounded by ghosts from England’s history and he’s attacked by ravens all over the grounds. Throughout it all, he maintains his cocky disposition full of snarky comments. Phrases unique to the English culture make some conversations tricky to understand, but they’re always colorful and enjoyable.

The book shares information regarding England’s long history. The Tower of London is an infamous penitentiary and the imprisoned home and execution site for many of England’s past rulers and personalities. King Richard, Queen Anne, Sir Walter Raleigh, and other English ghosts are characters in the story, and British folklore has an important impact on the events. The Tower is protected by ravens, and magical lions will be summoned when Big Ben’s bells toll thirteen times.

Once the overall conflict is sorted out, the second half of the book is quite entertaining. Evil ghouls are on the verge of escaping, and Teufel is coerced into helping this happen. He thinks he’s outsmarted his foes, but things don’t go as planned. He’s forced into unexpected alliances and teams up with a “traitor”. The conflict has a countdown, so the suspense grows as that moment draws near.

What didn’t work as well:

Unraveling the main conflict of the plot takes more effort than many books. Teufel is frequently told by ghosts and ghostly creatures that there’s a prophecy implying he’s the cat that will save the world. On the other hand, another group of ghosts tells him most of the things he’s heard are lies, and he should help them with their plot. Readers are left in the middle trying to figure out what’s really going on, but that’s what makes the story engaging.

The final verdict:

An eerie clash of ghosts in one of England’s oldest landmarks. The early parts of the book are a bit confusing, as the direction of the plot is unclear. There’s certainly a problem, but defining it and knowing which characters to believe is tricky. Overall, the build-up to the climax is exciting, and the resolution elevates Teufel to new levels. 

Furious Legacy #2: Dungeon of Hades by Meadoe Hora

My name is Erin, and my brother Cass and I must venture down to Tartarus to free our mother and our aunt from their imprisonment. Our grandfather Apollo has offered to help, but he can't be trusted. I wish Cass and our father could see that, but they both seem enchanted by him. I'm sure some of my own decisions and alliances are flawed, but my anger, fueled from growing up without parents, steels my determination. No one can believe we want to go to Tartarus, but it's something we need to do.

What worked:

The book is heavily based on Greek mythology and the shaky relationships between the gods and goddesses. The underlying conflict driving the whole book is Apollo’s obsession to defeat Zeus in order to rule everyone and everything. The complication with the main characters, Erin and Cass, arises from the fact that Apollo is their grandfather. Apollo is good at manipulating others, so it’s safe to say he can’t be trusted whenever he speaks. This lack of trust spills over to other characters since readers are never sure if they’re secretly working for Apollo. In addition, there are other hidden disputes that result in surprise consequences.

The major plotline follows Erin and Cass as they venture down to Hades to free their mother. She’s been captive for years, but now two of the twins’ aunts are prisoners too. The quest leads to Tartarus, and the twins are frequently reminded that no one ever wants to go there. It’s a land of misery and doom where spirits are trapped for eternity. The twins haven’t seen their mother in years, Cass has never even met her, so the suspense surrounding their reunion creates anticipation for that moment in the story. The abilities of the twins are uncertain since there’s never been offspring with the blood of a Fury and a god. Of course, readers will eventually discover what makes the twins special.

The book has plenty of battles between the characters and mythical monsters. Hades is full of creatures and spirits that are looking for ways to release their anger and anguish. Then, there are other monsters tasked with keeping the spirits imprisoned, but they're equally likely to attack two kids trespassing where they don't belong. There are also Furies involved, and their whole purpose for existing is to punish others for their sins. 

What didn't work as well:

This book is the second in the series, and it's important for readers to understand what's happened so far. This book doesn't share many details about past events, so it's imperative that book one is read first. The events stories of the Furies, the twins’ parents, and Apollo are pretty important to know. Clues can be picked up along the way, but there will still be gaps in the backstory that readers may miss. The easiest solution? Read Curse of the Furies first!

The Final Verdict:

The early part of the book is a little slow, but the action and suspense amp up once the kids head down to Hades. The setting and characters create a mysterious atmosphere that will captivate readers. A surprise twist is presented near the book’s conclusion that will have a huge impact on the next book in the series.

Danny Chung Sums It Up by Maisie Chan

My name is Danny, and I was so happy when my parents said I'd be getting a new bunk bed! I could now have my best friend over for sleepovers! However, I then found out I'd be sharing my room with my grandmother from China, and she couldn't even speak English. My life was ruined and was going to get enough worse.

What worked:

The book provides a glance at aspects of the Chinese culture, as Danny experiences conflicts with his American upbringing. The first incident occurs when he suggests doing nothing on a Saturday, like his other classmates. Danny’s father goes into another lecture about how they never take days off, and they expect Danny to have a better life than slaving away in the family restaurant. Danny is often given a talk about the Chinese Way and how he should work hard, respect his elders, and be grateful for his life. His grandmother’s appearance exhibits the diversity of Chinese culture, as her dialect of the language isn’t understood by Chinese from other regions of the country.

The book touches on different types and levels of prejudice. Despite the different Chinese dialects, Danny’s teacher can’t understand why Danny can’t communicate with his grandmother, Nai Nai. A classmate’s parents inform him that all Asians are good at math, while Danny clearly doesn’t fit that stereotype. This classmate doesn’t miss a chance to embarrass Danny, although he displays a suspicious kindness midway through the plot. Some Bingo players are upset that Danny’s grandmother is taking a seat even though she can’t speak English. Danny’s aunt thinks Bingo players are trashy, and Nai Nai should be lawn bowling with more cultured people. The aunt is very conscious of social status and doesn’t hesitate to share her thoughts with Danny and his parents.

Several characters undergo transformations, as they either reevaluate their prejudices or they finally get the guts to change their actions. Danny’s feelings about his grandmother, parents, cousin, math, and friendship change as he faces new experiences with each of them. That’s a lot of mind-changing, but it’s all for the positive. Danny’s parents slowly realize the Chinese Way might need some tweaking once they fully understand the relationship between Danny and his grandmother. Even Danny’s cousin changes her behavior once she finally rebels against her overbearing mother.

What didn’t work as well:

Danny’s bad feelings keep piling on during the first half of the book, and authors usually include some positives to provide balance to the character. Danny loves to draw, but even that takes a couple of negative turns from home and school. Danny must share a bunkbed with a Chinese-speaking grandmother he’s never met, he’s subtly demeaned by his aunt and cousin, and he’s teased at school. His parents tell him he should be grateful for his life, and his teachers aren’t overly sympathetic either. Even though characters in other books have been treated much worse, these events create empathy for Danny. This moment in the middle-grade boy’s life is a bummer, but it’s the starting point for his transformation.

The final verdict:

Love can bond generations. Danny’s struggles make the book’s opening pages less entertaining, as his life seems taken out of his control. However, his experiences with Nai Nai are humorous and heart-warming, and their connection grows. This book is highly recommended for lovers of friends, family, and growing relationships with grandparents.

Night Frights #1: The Haunted Mustache by Joe McGee

What worked:

If you like STRANGE mysteries, this book is for you. As the title says, this small town is being haunted by a mustache, and the people tremble in fear every October 19. Men grow mustaches, and women and children tape on facial hair for protection against the curse. It seems a man’s factory exploded and the only thing they found of him was his top lip and mustache. The ghostly bristles attack bare faces that are foolish enough to leave their homes on the fateful date. Legend says the mustache has killed before.

Lucas and Parker have formed The Midnight Owl Detective Agency. Their class is told the true history of October 19, and they don’t react in fear like most of the citizens. The plot unfolds into a mystery for the kids to solve, as they try to break the curse that’s plagued the town for decades. They have the enthusiasm to get it done, but they lack the essential knowledge needed to get the job done. A know-it-all girl from class has the information, so the boys reluctantly allow her to join their team. Presumably, other Night Frights books in the series will find the kids solving new mysteries in the small town of Wolver Hollow.

The plot contains all of the common elements readers might expect in a ghost story. It has a malicious ghost, a spooky graveyard, a creepy haunted house, and it takes place on a dark and stormy night. The kids use familiar defenses against creatures of the night, such as salt, moving water, and light. The mustache has unexpected abilities readers will not believe, and its evilness is combined with a bit of playfulness, much like a cat toying with a mouse.

What didn’t work as well:

The ending of the book was a bit confusing. Without trying to give away too much information, the conflict was resolved, kind of. Several times during the plot, a character states that ghosts may seek revenge, and they have long memories. The idea of the haunted mustache targeting the kids and returning in the future is offered as a possibility throughout the story, but the epilogue then muddles things up. The purpose of the epilogue is clear, but it adds more confusion to the resolution than anything else.

The final verdict:

Menacing facial hair may be stalking you! This book will appeal to young readers, as it presents an unusual, threatening “monster”. The action moves quickly through a free-wheeling encounter with the spirit that generates enough suspense and fear to entertain kids.

Game On! (Star Striker) by Mary Amato

My name is Albert, and my life changed the day I was cut from my school soccer team. I was abducted by aliens who wanted me to join their team of Zeenods in a huge johka tournament. I don't know why they wanted me, and I tried to quit several times. However, the Zeenods needed my help to overcome their horrible lives under the Tev's rule, and I started enjoying my teammates. I'm now starting to have more confidence, but I still have doubts that take over my mind. Maybe the Zeenods will be better off without me.

What worked:

Albert is recruited to play in a popular johka, a sport similar to soccer, tournament on a far-off planet called Zeeno, but the more serious conflict involves the Tevs and Zeenods. The rest of the universe is unaware the Tevs have taken over the planet and have been suppressing the freedom of Zeenods for decades. It takes Albert quite a while to fully appreciate the plight of his Zeenod teammates, but he finally understands how critical this tournament is to the original inhabitants of the planet. It may be the answer to years and years of oppression.

The story has a spiritual aspect to it, as Albert learns to overcome his fears and learns how to mesh with his teammates. The brain has great power. Albert feels fear, anger, and anxiety but lets his emotions take over his thoughts and actions. He fails to make the school soccer team and is jealous of his neighbor’s popularity as the school’s best player. This feeling becomes anger that is directed at his neighbor and at himself. He gradually understands he needs to accept his emotions are natural and okay, but his reactions to them need to become more positive. Fear and anger can be debilitating, but the energy from emotions can be used to help yourself and others.

Several different points of view are shared throughout, and in other books, this sometimes results in confusing and disjointed stories. However, the inclusion of a disgruntled scientist adds danger, mystery, and tension to the events. A botmaker named Mehk is determined to force Albert into quitting the tournament, so his robot can replace Albert on the team. It’s unclear why this is so important to the scientist, but Mehk attempts strategy after strategy to get it done. He’s actually a brilliant man even though he’s mentally unstable. The author adds a complication to Mehk’s plans when an unknown person also tries to stop Albert from competing, although this person’s plans involve killing the young boy. The dog living next door to Albert also shares a point of view to the story, although its impact in the whole book isn’t clear until later.

What didn’t work as well:

Early in the book, chapters from the neighbor dog’s point of view seem rather unusual and unimportant. Tackle barks and jumps a lot when Albert is around, so Albert becomes scared and the dog gets into trouble. Tackle is actually trying to warn Albert about a spybot squirrel hiding in the tree, but the boy doesn’t understand. Albert is usually at school or traveling to the planet Zeeno for johka practice. However, Tackle’s role in the overall plot becomes more crucial as the story moves along, and his chapters are some of the most entertaining. The relationship between Albert and Tackle evolves into something special.

The final verdict:

An emotion-filled adventure of danger and secret plots. This book will appeal to lovers of aliens, soccer, and friendship. While the johka tournament is the backdrop for the book, the real story is about Albert’s transformation to help the Zeenods overcome their oppression. The action, mystery, and danger make this book a recommended read for middle-grade students.

Bradley's Dragons by Patrick Matthews

My name is Bradley, and I'm an Egg. It's still weird to say that, but I really hope I'll change into a dragon soon. I'm being stalked by hunters, so they can steal the gallu draig that will transform me and give me power. Once I've changed, I'll be able to protect myself. I have this "condition" that makes me deathly afraid of strangers, but my parents think I'm overreacting about the old man who moved into our trailer park. Why would any wealthy person choose to live next to a swamp, in a trailer?

What worked:

Bradley has a “condition” that makes him deathly afraid of all strangers. He can’t look them in the eye, let alone speak to them. There’s no explanation offering a reason, and his parents accept it as something he needs to deal with. His parents reveal that he’s an Egg, and he’ll be able to become a dragon once he’s able to control the gallu draig power inside him. It’s quite a contrast to envision a terrifying dragon that’s afraid of strangers.

The author skillfully builds anticipation and suspense with Bradley’s character. The first pages of the book share a time when he’s attacked by a hunter, although he’s forgotten about the incident. However, these pages demonstrate the danger of hunters toward dragons, so readers immediately start preparing for the next attack. The author does not relieve the expectations for quite a while. Then, Bradley discovers he’s an Egg, and he’s vulnerable to the hunters until he transforms into a dragon. He desperately tries to initiate the transformation, since it’s the only way he can truly be protected. He’s given a book to help him understand the process, but it usually provides cryptic messages that he doesn’t understand. Bradley begins showing a variety of abilities that make predicting his type of dragon difficult. If the book is like many other middle-grade books, his character will become a rare, super-amazing dragon. Readers will get to interpret the same clues as Bradley and imagine what will eventually happen to Bradley, and when.

The conflict of hunters stalking dragon Eggs is straightforward, but the author includes many complications and subtle clues to keep things interesting. The hunters usually look like humans, but an unexpected enemy appears that makes things immensely more difficult. Bradley’s dad is a powerful swamp dragon, while his mom is a sky dragon with impressive mind-control and illusions. However, the extended dragon family has issues, and they may not have a defense against the hunters’ new strategy. A couple of characters are keeping secrets about their feelings or past, so readers are left wondering if they’ll lead to unexpected trouble. Most dragons view humans as inferior species, so their relationship is uncertain. Bradley thinks his mother’s mind control is wrong, and he has simmering anger that she erased one of his memories. Internal conflicts about his mother, hunters, and transforming abound.

What didn’t work as well:

Bradley provides a clue early in the story that unnecessarily gets repeated several times. He asks if humans ever work with hunters when searching for dragons. The response is that it’s unlikely, but not impossible. Once the question has been asked and answered, asking the same question again becomes redundant. The first question plants the idea in readers’ minds since the whole book is about hunters hoping to capture and kill dragon Eggs. Additional questions about humans helping hunters start to get annoying. The underlying secrets being held by some characters help to make up for any annoyance.

The final verdict:

The perilous birth of a dragon. Following the process of a human becoming a dragon, while being targeted by hunters, creates an exciting adventure. The highlight of the book is the anticipation of when Bradley will transform and what type of dragon he’ll become. The whole conflict with the hunters is dependent on Bradley’s ability to change. Overall, this book is highly recommended and will appeal to lovers of dragons.

Supernatural Investigations #1: Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston

My name is Amari, and I didn't know what I was going to do when I lost my scholarship to the academy. Then, a message from my missing brother arrived, and I found myself accepted to the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs. However during the opening ceremony, I was given the rare moonstone badge, and I nearly destroyed the Crystal Ball when it announced I was an illegal magician! Everyone says humans aren't meant to have so much magic, and apparently, I have more than anyone ever. Chief Crowe is letting me stay, for now, and I've been accepted as a trainee for Supernatural Investigations. It's what my brother did before he disappeared, as he became a hero among the supernaturals. I'll do all I can to rescue my brother from wherever he's being held even if everyone at the Bureau either hates or fears me. I just hope my magic doesn't make me evil like they all expect.

The book has similar qualities to other successful middle-grade series. Amari has unmatched powers that others have never seen before, but she could potentially be seduced into becoming evil. She has few friends at the Bureau and is scorned by most of the people due to fears of what she might become. Add to this, Amari has been demeaned for years due to her upbringing in the poor, seedy part of town. Her skin color makes her a target for ridicule. All of these factors make the book a fantastic underdog story. The Crystal Ball enhances the strongest talent of each trainee, so the characters might be described as personalized superheroes. Amari's roommate is a weredragon, and her creativity is enhanced to make her a super inventor. Amari's complication is the fact that magic is illegal in humans, so she's not allowed to develop her special talent. She gets help from an anonymous magician to learn some basic spells. The author includes hidden secrets, as Amari strives to find her brother while struggling to survive the training to become a Bureau Investigator. The story deftly utilizes misdirection to create a surprising climax. Actually, it won't shock readers who are able to notice clues from early in the book. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend you give it a shot. I'm looking forward to the sequel, Amari and the Great Game.

Barb: The Last Berzerker #1 by Dan Abdo and Jason Patterson

My name is Barb, and I was tired of being excluded from battling alongside the other Berzerkers. Everything changed when I got my hands on the Shadow Blade. It gave me incredible strength in battle, but now I must use it to rescue my friends. Porkchop and I are venturing to get help from the Northern Zerks, but we never could have expected how our fortunes would turn.

What worked:

Berzerkers are from Norse mythology, and they were said to go into a wild, killing frenzy during battles. Contrast that description with Barb, a smallish girl wanting to become a brave warrior. The prologue finds her friends captured by Witch Head, while Barb retrieves the legendary Shadow Blade. Barb is able to summon its powers and transform into a Berserker, although she becomes exhausted after the energy wears off. The rest of the book describes her quest to locate the Northern Zerks, so they can help with rescuing her friends. Barb has several mini-adventures along the way, and she shares the tale of how she met her sidekick, Porkchop the blue yeti. The plot offers twists, turns, and surprises that keep the whole book entertaining.

Barb’s character is brave, virtuous, and loyal, and she is an admirable main character. Berzerkers are meant to fight and kill monsters, but that’s not in her nature. Sure, she battles them when it’s called for, but she has empathy for many of her enemies. She tries to understand them and show them compassion, and her character finds some of her foes aren’t that bad. Just like humans, not all monsters are evil, and some of them can become friends and allies.

The book is full of humor and gross descriptions that might offend some readers. Young readers will surely love it! Barb and Porkchop face vampire goats, mergoblins, snot goblins, and the grub of death. Porkchop is constantly hungry, although he often lets out loud burps and sometimes can’t keep food in his stomach. Barb first meets Porkchop after he steals all of the sausages, even the kielbasa, from a peddler. They later have a pillow fight before their first night sleeping in actual beds. The dialogue includes witty comments from characters that add to the amusement. When Barb speaks directly to readers, she wonders when she started talking to herself.

What didn’t work as well:

The graphic novel doesn’t provide detailed storytelling and relies on pictures to fill in some of the gaps. The dialogue offers a general description of the plot, but it doesn’t have time to include specifics of the events or to fully develop character relationships. An underlying story with Barb’s mother adds some depth to the story. An exciting adventure enhanced by colorful illustrations and characters is the charm that attracts lovers of graphic novels.

The final verdict:

Great heroes come in different sizes. Overall, Barb’s character and her quest to save others create a delightful and perilous story. The illustrations creatively contribute to an eventful journey that will entertain young readers. It’s highly recommended that you read this first book in an exciting new series.

Avalina Jones and the Eye of the Storm by Lori Adams

My name is Avalina, and I recently learned I'm an Heir in the magical world of pirates. However, I may, or may not, have a curse, and the ghost of a ruthless pirate has sworn to kill all of the ancestors of Davy Jones. I am the last ancestor. Then there are the struggles to pass my Pog classes, being bullied by the Renegades, and being accused of a terrible crime that may get me thrown back to the orphanage and Landlubbers. Other than that, I'm loving my life as a Pirate Heir.

What worked:

Avalina’s been living in an orphanage since the age of four but later discovers she’s the daughter of magical pirates. Both parents have died, and now Avalina is retrieved and taken into the world of pirate Heirs. Magical pirates may sound strange, but their world is similar to most stories with unusual and amazing events and characters. The pirates don’t go around casting spells, although some have unique abilities, life on the pirate ship school is full of magic. Below the deck, readers will find a world of caves, beaches, and classrooms that are magically enhanced to reflect the mood and needs of the ship. The setting underneath the ship’s deck is clearly larger than the size of the ship itself.

Avalina lived most of her life as a Landlubber, so she’s not readily accepted by many of the other pirate students and Heirs. Plus, she may, or may not, have the family curse, and she’s rejected by the bullying Renegades, the house of pirates she was assigned to. Luckily, she’s accepted by her new friends in the Buccaneers. She has a natural connection to water (she can breathe underwater), so she wonders if it might be evidence of the curse. In addition, the ghost of a treacherous, dead pirate captain has sworn to kill every last relative of Davy Jones, and Avalina is the last one still living. The threat of his attack looms throughout the entire book.

Rather than writing two separate books, the author divided the book into two parts. The first half deals with Avalina’s efforts to graduate from Pog to Shellback, and problems and characters complicate things for her. She’s blamed for everything that goes wrong due to thoughts about her curse, and she’s charged with a serious crime that could expel her from living among the pirate Heirs. Avalina recognizes one teacher is not as nice as she seems, and this teacher seems out to get Avalina. She’s the one who accuses Avalina of the crime. The second half of the book sees the crew in a contest with three other pirate ship schools to decode a treasure map and retrieve the long-lost booty. Avalina is a key member of a select group trying to figure out the clues, even though the prejudices against her continue. Mysteries thrive as the plot progresses, and several surprises spring up as the events near their climax.

What didn’t work as well:

The Renegades are presented as antagonists in Avalina’s life, but they come off as more annoying than actual threats. They tease her whenever possible, and some skirmishes arise during the course of events. They especially enjoy when the teacher mentioned earlier punishes Avalina, usually unfairly. The Renegades aren’t as evil as they could have been, but maybe that’s due to a pirate code of loyalty. Treating other pirates dishonorably is something most of the characters avoid, lest they be kicked off the ship.

The final verdict:

Magical adventure on the high seas! The story can be compared to other books where characters discover an unknown world of magic or fantasy. The addition of pirates creates some interesting and unique twists, and the story feels fresh despite its similarities to other middle-grade books. Overall, lovers of speculative fiction will enjoy this book and will anxiously yearn for the sequel once it's published.

Prodigy Quest by Verlin Darrow

My name is Tris, and I can't help that I'm so much smarter than everyone else. My psychiatrist surprised me with his intelligence at our first session, and he shared that he's experienced memories of past lives too. He agreed to help me locate a book of wisdom that was written by past hosts of my own soul. I was supposed to get it published and released to the world, but we didn't have any idea where to start looking. Once we got started on the right track, we didn't expect to be misled and threatened by cult groups along the way. However, the most amazing thing about the adventure was the knowledge gained by me, the smartest kid in the world. I never imagined the changes I'd experience.

What worked:

The story is based on the concept of reincarnation, as Tris has a dream message from his soul’s former host, a woman named Susan Granger. His soul was also hosted by Merriweather Lewis, of the famous Lewis and Clark expedition, and Tris experiences memories from past moments in history. The memories and guidance from these past hosts create a mystery adventure to resolve.

The focus of the quest is to find and publish a book that will bring wisdom to the entire world. That’s all the description given, so the details surrounding the book remain unknown. What are the actual contents of the book, and what makes this book different from other attempts to spread knowledge? The plot focuses on locating the book, but the book’s potential impact and influence on the world remain uncertain. As the story moves along, secret cult groups appear that try to find the book first, and one of the groups is willing to resort to violence. The hunt for the book and the threatening mysterious cults create the two main conflicts in the book. The author utilizes some trickery and misdirection to present complications. Rest assured, Prodigy Quest includes an appendix at the end with a synopsis of the book of wisdom.

Marc is Tris’s psychiatrist and guardian during the adventure, and he presents a steadying influence. Tris lacks social skills due to his absence of empathy, and Marc’s influence helps Tris transform into a more “normal” human. Tris learns to reflect on his own behaviors and emotions, as he analyzes himself and practices interacting with others. He dramatically transforms into an emotional young boy and grows to appreciate people for who they are, not who he wants them to be. He’s still the smartest kid in the world, but he discovers there’s more to being smart than having answers to all of the questions.

What didn’t work as well:

Tris is arrogant and has little tolerance for others who don’t meet his high standards, so he’s not a very likable main character. His personality makes it difficult to make connections with his character, so making an emotional commitment to the story is more challenging. Tris’s fame from a popular quiz show labels him as the smartest kid in the world. He’s often recognized in public, and these interactions create amusing moments in the story as well as useful tools to gain information toward the quest. Tris’s self-reflection throughout the story smooths some rough edges around his character. It becomes easier to have feelings for Tris, and readers may even learn to like him.

The final verdict:

The book of wisdom doesn’t have all the answers. The early chapters don’t construct an easily engaging story, as the dialogue is fairly objective and unemotional due to Tris’s character. However, the adventure slowly becomes more intriguing and exciting, as the characters collect clues. Overall, this book offers a thought-provoking drama for young adult readers.