River: Warriors: A Starless Clan #1

What worked:

The author skillfully creates the drama that accompanies a culture going through drastic changes. I had not read any of the other Warriors books, and I know there are many, and it seems the cat clans haven’t always gotten along. This book sees them trying to unite and change some rules governing leadership and switching clans. It’s abundantly clear that it’s easier to change the laws than it is to change minds in the community, as many of cats have not forgotten their borders. Despite being “united”, the cats’ loyalties lie within their own clans.

The book focuses on three different clans in alternating chapters. Frostpaw’s story is most intriguing, as her character faces serious challenges. She’s an apprentice to become a medicine cat for RiverClan, but that’s not her biggest concern. She’s one of the few cats able to speak to StarClan, the spirits of cats who have passed on, and all cats seek guidance and approval from these ancestors. That puts great pressure on her character, especially when leadership concerns develop. Without presenting spoilers, Frostpaw and her fellow cats become wary and guarded when they realize other clans may see them as vulnerable.

It's admirable how the author is able to weave feline attributes into the characters and still tell a compelling story. Words, like purred and meowed, are used when the characters talk, and they sometimes enjoy basking in the sun’s warm rays. Becoming a warrior is a high honor among the cats, and one of their most important jobs is to hunt for mice, squirrels, and birds to keep the clans fed. Readers can easily envision their pets mimicking the characters as they hide, stalk, and pounce on their prey. 

What didn’t work as well:

There are a lot of cat names, and some of them are very similar. The characters are divided into five clans, and it can be a challenge to remember characters day to day. It may be easier if the book is read in larger chunks. It took me some time to figure out whose stories to follow, but I’ll share that Sunbeam, Flamepaw, and Frostpaw are the main characters. Their stories are compelling, but the ending feels like an unresolved lead-in to the next book in the series.

The Final Verdict:

Changing laws is easier than changing minds. I’m certain fans of the author’s other Warrior series will love this book. "River" presents several intriguing conflicts to entertain readers, and I recommend you give this book and ensuing sequels a shot.

The Tiltersmith by Amy Herrick

What worked:

The book immediately draws interest, as the characters question if winter will ever end. Edward’s aunt produces pancakes for breakfast by ringing a bell at the moment of the spring solstice, so an element of magic is introduced. Edward and Feenix are the first characters to notice something is off, as they constantly forget objects they’ve found. Edward collects a cigar-shaped cocoon but doesn’t remember putting it in a terrarium on his top bookshelf. Feenix finds two ball-shaped objects in the park but doesn’t recall them or the strange boy with green hair. Memories pop up at times, but then Edward and Feenix can’t remember them later. Two other friends also have the huge problem of unexplained forgetfulness.

The backdrop of the plot is global warming and climate change. The science teacher is forced to discuss the causes when Feenix continually asks what will happen if spring never arrives. He shares information about the earth’s tilting axis and how pollution is putting holes in the polar vortexes. However, it’s clear the causes go beyond scientific explanations, and the group of four friends will need to do something about them. The story speaks to how humans need to change their ways if we ever hope to save the planet.

The Tiltersmith is the antagonist, and the author makes his character secretive and mystical. He seems pleasant enough, but he obviously has some kind of hidden agenda. He pops up at the most inopportune times, and the four main characters realize he’s spying on them. He wants something from them, but their lapses in memory complicate the situation. Feenix can’t remember what she did with the balls, and the kids forget the Tiltersmith’s strange “attacks” moments after they’ve occurred. The end result is readers will root for the students while not fully understanding the Tiltersmith’s plans. The only clear thing is he has something to do with the lingering winter season.

What didn’t work as well:

Magical and mysterious things are happening, but it’s not clear how or why they’re happening. The objects have special powers, but is there a reason why these four kids were chosen to find them? Why does the green-haired boy say the girls will remember better if they kiss him, and then they turn him down? Edward has a theory about his aunt’s identity, but it’s never confirmed. The questions don’t have an impact on the story, but they’re a little annoying.

The Final Verdict:

A twist on the myth of Persephone. The author crafts an intriguing tale of our environmental crisis by blending science, storytelling, and engaging characters. The book shares an important message regarding our future, and I recommend you give it a shot.

The Dream Spies (The Nightmare Thief #2) by Nicole Lesperance

What worked:

The author introduces a world where dreams are valued and enjoyed by the public. Maren and Hallie are learning to create mental fantasies with their grandmother that are sold at her dream shop. The ingredients are unusual, but business is good. A dream camp finds sleepers experiencing battles inside video games, crawling around like very hungry caterpillars, and bowling with fairies. It’s not surprising to find magic in this book, but the magic is confined to dream-making.

The camp is the setting for the main problem, as the kids and counselors experience increasingly troubling reactions to the dream concoctions. The girls and their grandmother are concerned about an advertisement for the camp, so they’re undercover trying to solve the mystery. Gran-Gran has an idea about the identity of the mastermind, but the author offers many characters for readers to suspect. The more puzzling matter is trying to figure out why the dreams are being manipulated. Why are so many campers singing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” and why are they hungry for turkey sandwiches all at the same time? Readers should be able to make predictions based on the clues provided by Gran-Gran and her granddaughters.

Colorful characters can enhance stories, and Henri the pet parrot literally adds color to the book. He belongs to Gran-Gran and plays the part of messenger between the main characters. He can follow instructions and repeat what he hears, but the twist is that he speaks in short phrases using multiple languages. The result is confusing and humorous conversations between the girls and the bird that sometimes end with Henri dropping poop and flying away. Henri is obnoxious with an attitude, but that makes him whimsical and fun.

What didn’t work as well:

This book is the second one in the series, and there are frequent references to past events. Hallie apparently was in a coma due to an accident, and Maren had been kidnapped. However, the family isn’t too worried about the girls working undercover despite the girls’ past problems. The first book can be read first to answer any nagging questions, but they aren’t an issue as the plot moves along. It’s still strange to see the girls going undercover without much of an argument from the parents.

The Final Verdict:

Remember to look at your wristwatch as a reality check. The creative plot is more entertaining than I expected, as the author develops a well-conceived mystery. The motive behind the wayward dreams is unknown, but there are plenty of characters to suspect. Overall, I recommend you give this book a shot.

Escape From Falaise (Ranger’s Apprentice: The Royal Ranger #5) by John Flanagan

What worked:

Will Treaty is the original Ranger’s Apprentice, and this series brings him back as the mentor for Maddie, the Araluen princess hoping to become a Ranger. Rangers are King Duncan’s special force of warriors who are typically used for top-secret missions or spying. Halt, Will’s former mentor, and Horace, Will’s best friend and Maddie’s father make up the supporting cast. The unique dynamics of the characters make their interactions more personal and original than other middle-grade books. Will and Maddie work in sync due to their close training, and Horace exhibits fatherly instincts to keep his daughter safe. Halt takes on the role of a grandfatherly character, although he’s still a very capable Ranger.

This tense adventure is a pleasant change from society’s dependency on technology and fantasy characters relying on magic or superpowers. Rangers are highly trained in using crossbows and knives, strategy in combat, and moving with stealth. Even their horses are physically superior and more intelligent than other animals, and they behave as additional characters. The setting takes place in medieval times with fictional fiefdoms and realms. Electricity doesn’t exist, so the plans to rescue a kidnapped prince rely on the Rangers’ intelligence and physical skills. There’s even a scene where Maddie challenges an arrogant, sexist warrior to a joust where he’s fully armored with a four-meter lance and she’s only carrying her longbow and knife.

A tyrannical baron has kidnapped a prince and has his eyes set on overthrowing his king and then invading Araluen. Will and Maddie were captured during their rescue mission in the previous book, as an unknown traitor warned the Baron before they arrived. Their first task is freeing themselves from captivity, while the identity of this traitor remains an unanswered question. The whole story requires active thinking by readers in order to follow the Baron’s schemes, Will and Maddie’s plans for freedom, Halt and Horace’s efforts to aid their friends, and finally rescuing the prince. Careful, thoughtful planning is a key component of everything the Rangers do.

What didn’t work as well:

You’ll want to at least read the fourth book in the series before reading this one. The story picks up immediately where the previous book ended, and there aren’t many clues about what’s already happened. You’ll need to have a familiarity with the Rangers and the main characters. However, readers should easily grasp the gist of the plot, and the intriguing story will take over from there.

The Final Verdict:

Don’t underestimate the Rangers. This book will appeal to lovers of medieval adventures, but the previous book should be read first. I’ve enjoyed reading all of the Ranger’s Apprentice books from the original series, so motivated readers might enjoy starting with The Ranger’s Apprentice #1. I highly recommend you give this book a shot!

 

The View From the Very Best House in Town by Meera Trehan

What worked:

The story is told from three points of view. Sam and Asha are the two main characters, and they’ve both been diagnosed with autism. They’ve been tight friends growing up, but now Sam’s been accepted into an elite school, leaving Asha to fend for herself. Strangely, Donnybrooke shares a third point of view even though it’s the most magnificent mansion in Coreville. Can a house be vain? The various points of view explore issues of friendship, privilege/social status, and autism, and the author shares characters’ feelings with sensitivity and insight.

Prestyn is the daughter of the family living in Donnybrooke, and her character poses a puzzle to solve. She’s the snooty rich girl readers might expect, but she takes an interest in befriending Sam, if befriend is the correct word to use. She invites him to Donnybrooke to work on a school project, but it’s clear she does it to antagonize her mother. She displays hurt feelings at times and invites Sam over to her house every Thursday, but the underlying question is why she’s doing it. It’s crystal clear that she detests Asha, and the source of her ill-temper is eventually revealed.

While Sam is the character attending the more prestigious school with more opportunities, Asha is the one better at handling her difficulties. Sam’s problems begin on Day 1 when the head of the school singles him out during a school assembly. She thinks calling him “Miracle Boy” is a compliment, but it makes him a target for other students. Assumptions are made about his abilities, and he finds his interest in space being stifled. Making friends has never been more difficult. Asha has an older brother in college, and he offers her support and advice along the way. She gets frustrated with his cryptic thoughts, but he encourages her to be herself. Young readers can also learn a thing or two.

What didn’t work as well:

While the main characters interact, it’s hard early on to see where the story’s headed since there isn’t a clear conflict that needs to be resolved. Asha and Sam have similar, but different, problems that eventually come together. The course of events feels very realistic without the author manipulating them into a literary happy ending. The story plays out in a natural, satisfying way.

The Final Verdict:

Friendship can be hard. The author sensitively shares the thoughts and emotions of two young friends just trying to be accepted. The unfair treatment they receive throughout the story is frustrating, but young readers should appreciate how the characters persevere. I recommend you give it a shot.

The Ogress and the Orphans by Kelly Barnhill

 

What worked:

The author says she needed a way to heal her soul after the nastiness and cruelty that grew from a recent presidency. This book tells the story of how simple acts of kindness can spread, as others pass good feelings on to their neighbors. However, in order to share that lesson, the author needs to create a problem of meanness and prejudice. Young readers might not notice references to actual events, but many of the awful comments from characters are eerily disturbing. It’s hard to imagine formerly kind neighbors treating each other with suspicion and selfishness, and it’s all caused by the efforts of one character.

The author helps readers empathize with the Ogress, as she’s a wonderfully kind creature. She loves helping others anonymously, out of the kindness of her heart, so the villagers of Stone-in-the-Glen are unaware of her generosity. She constantly tells herself, “The more I give, the more I have.” She takes a special interest in the orphans, as they suffer from the lack of community support. The Ogress brings them extra food and steps in to help when other problems arise. The orphans receive strange dreams about what’s actually happening in the village, but it’s hard to trust thoughts that arise from touching books, wood, and stone. It’s fitting to note the characters’ realization that many solutions to problems can be found in books.

The author’s voice is descriptive and philosophical, and it’s shared in the manner of a storyteller. An interview with the author reveals this book began as a shorter fairy tale, but it developed a life of its own and became a novel. The whole tale sounds like the narrator is speaking directly to readers, and there are hints that the narrator is one of the characters. It’s fun to consider comments and evidence throughout the book and imagine the narrator’s identity. The narrator is omniscient at is aware of all events and thoughts. Readers are able to contrast the mayor’s greedy thoughts, words, and actions and contrast them the ogress’s benevolence toward animals, plants, and the villagers.

The final verdict:

How can good people be cruel to others? It’s refreshing to see the kindness of the Ogress, and the perseverance of the orphans defeat the discord created by the mayor. I can’t think of any negatives about this book, and readers of all ages will love it.

The Girl From Deja Vu: (The Nightmare Brigade #1) by Franck Thillez and Yomgui Dumont

What worked:

Using dreams as the setting for a story opens up all kinds of possibilities. The book’s exposition introduces an institute designed to help people get rid of their nightmares. Somehow, two teenagers are implanted into the patient’s dreams with materials and a mission to stop the bad thoughts. Tristan and Esteban don’t join mentally, they physically enter the dreams and are subject to whatever dangers they might encounter. On the positive side, Tristan is able to leave his wheelchair while in the dream, Esteban can walk through walls, but the boys face the real possibility that they might fall victim to injury or death.

Tristan’s dad, Professor Angus, runs the clinic, but things get mysterious from there. Esteban can’t remember anything about his past that happened prior to three years ago, and Tristan’s dad clearly knows what happened. Also, the patient at the clinic has the same amnesia, and Professor Angus forbids the boys from meeting her while she’s awake. The questions surrounding Professor Angus, the clinic, and Esteban’s past create an air of uncertainty about the whole situation.

Clues about Esteban’s past are revealed on the final pages, and the professor’s motivations are uncovered through the course of events. The clinic’s ability to treat nightmares provides opportunities for future stories that should also see Esteban and the professor using them to pursue their needs. The author also uses the stories to share worries that can cause serious emotional distress. Tristan and Esteban need to uncover the causes of various nightmares, so the professor can help patients resolve their problems once they’re awake. The stories might provide some comfort to readers with similar problems.

What didn’t work as well:

A graphic novel has fewer words than other books, so there’s less description of the characters and story. However, the lack of detail allows readers to use their imaginations to fill in the gaps to create more personal connections. The concept of the clinic, its purpose, and its dangers is extraordinary and unique.

The Final Verdict:

Where dreams come alive. This graphic novel describes a captivating story of frightful dreams, mysterious adventures, and underlying, suspicious motivations. The quick pace will appeal to most young readers, and I highly recommend you give it a shot.

Love: The Mastiff (Love #5) by Frederic Brremaud and Federeico Bertolucci

What worked:

This is a picture book without words, but it’s more appropriate for middle-grade readers. The suggested reading level on Amazon is 10-14 years old. The dog’s owner is killed in the Australian Outback, and the mastiff is forced to find its own way home. Despite the lack of words, readers will find themselves mentally narrating a story of survival. The mastiff finds itself lost and fighting against constant dangers lurking in the wild.

The illustrations are amazingly able to develop a personality for the mastiff without the use of descriptive words. It's loyal and brave, as it faces a pack of wild dogs called dingoes that attack its owner. Later, the mastiff displays a sense of righteousness when it realizes other animals might be unable to defend themselves against predators. Animals in nature are either searching for food or trying to not be eaten by larger beasts, and this book constantly drives that point home. The mastiff displays comradery and appreciation when other creatures offer it assistance.

The authors use colorful pictures to represent the unusual and wondrous wildlife found in Australia. A platypus tends to its eggs, while adult kangaroos protect their joeys. Birds of prey search for food from the skies, while deadly snakes slither among the bushes and grass. Wombats, koalas, and emus find their lives in peril and are forced to defend themselves. The illustrations don’t always omit the bloodshed of nature, as some animals aren’t able to escape the violence. This is truly a graphic novel.

What didn’t work as well:

I miss words. However, it’s surprising how effectively the authors depict a story and characters using only pictures. Readers can grasp the conflicts, challenges, and complications faced by the mastiff, and they should be able to make connections with the dog. It’s a rough adventure.

The Final Verdict:

Pictures tell the story. This book is much more than I expected, as the authors did a phenomenal job of composing an exciting adventure with illustrations. The graphic depictions of life in the wild make it more appropriate for older readers, but I recommend you give it a shot.

Drew LeClair Gets a Clue by Katryn Bury

What worked:

The topic of cyberbullying is at the center of the conflict, so the book echoes one of society’s major issues. A hacker publishes shady photos and videos about Drew and some of her classmates that are very humiliating and hurtful. The bully knows the students by name and targets all kinds of personalities. Attacking anonymously via the internet makes the culprit hard to find and gives them the freedom to be especially malicious. Drew’s life is complicated when her mother leaves town with Drew’s counselor, and an embarrassing picture is posted that makes her one of the victims.

The book’s plot involves Drew’s efforts to solve the mystery and discover the identity of the cyberbully. Drew’s named after Nancy Drew, and her hero is a famous author and criminal profiler. The book shares many techniques used in profiling, as Drew has been practicing the skills for years. She even creates a crime board with all of the evidence she’s collected which she uses to analyze suspects’ personalities, motives, and abilities to commit cybercrimes. Readers will read the same evidence as Drew and make predictions about the offender’s identity.

Friendship is an issue since Drew isn’t very good at it. She has one best friend, Shrey, but their relationship’s gotten weird since he tried to kiss her. Trissa is a new girl and seems almost too good to be true. She’s smart and kind, but she’s another one of the cyberbully’s victims. Drew’s unemotional approach is useful when solving crimes, but it’s can be disastrous when dealing with friends. Her analytical mind even starts to wonder if the bully might be someone helping her with the investigation.

What didn’t work as well:

Drew seems to suspect everyone at some point during the story, even herself! Readers may find this overkill, as books normally introduce a more manageable number of suspects to consider. Halfway through the story, Drew actually finds more suspects, not less, although this also leads to solving the crime. Her methods are systematic and scientific, so some readers may not enjoy this style quite as much. However, that’s her personality and what makes her memorable.

The Final Verdict:

While the main conflict is catching a cyberbully, the real story involves Drew’s struggles with being a friend while trying to handle her mother’s absence. The book reads like a popular children’s mystery, but Drew’s character will make this book entertaining for all readers. I recommend you give it a shot.

The Natural Genius of Ants by Betty Culley

What worked:

Grief is a major issue, although Harvard’s father is responsible for the death of an infant. Harvard and his younger brother Roger spend the summer in their father’s remote, small hometown. The hope is that his father will be able to forgive himself for a fatal mistake and finally return to his job as a pediatric doctor. The plot follows Harvard, as he tries to protect his father from sadness that includes the drama found inside an ant farm. It’s not a child’s job to save an adult, but the slow-moving lifestyle of Kettle Hole is a big help.

The serious aspect of the plot is tempered by the humor of Harvard and Roger. Harvard has a quick wit and can’t stop himself from cracking jokes and making funny comments. Wondering if terms are compound words or two separate words is an ongoing question throughout the book. Roger is the real treat, as his innocence and excitement result in amusing moments. Harvard soon realizes he needs to watch what he shares about the ant farm when Roger imitates ants by donning a bike helmet with antennas, crawling around on the floor, searching for food. Roger also believes a young girl named Nevaeh can control the weather, and he’s amazed when she makes it “snow”. His character adds cuteness to the plot.

Nevaeh becomes Harvard’s best friend, and her positive attitude amid a challenging life is admirable. She recently lost her mother to cancer, she suffers from asthma without medication, her father is struggling with money issues, and they’re living in a barn while Harvard’s family rents their house. She has a special talent for writing poetry that creatively expresses her feelings about events and people in her life. She helps Harvard care for the ant farm, and he ends up saving her family in a big way. Together, Harvard and Nevaeh make a charming, entertaining pair of loyal friends.

What didn’t work as well:

The thread holding the story together is the ant farm, and while interesting, it doesn’t exactly create anticipation of a captivating story. However, you can’t judge a book by its cover! I especially enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of the story, and the grieving doesn’t take it in a depressing direction. The overall story is charming, amusing, and entertaining.

The Final Verdict:

A story of healing, family, and love. This book may surprise readers, but it’s truly captivating and inspiring. It doesn’t have any unusual twists or complications and simply shares an emotional, realistic story about two families with serious problems. I highly recommend you give it a shot!

Those Kids From Fawn Creek by Erin Entrada Kelly

What worked:

The author shares common social drama found among seventh-grade students with tenderness and understanding. Bullying and self-awareness are the main topics, and the stories are told through the eyes of the different characters. The class is composed of thirteen students, which makes the cast of school characters more manageable for readers, and different chapters step within the minds of each student. The new girl, Orchid, is the catalyst that sets the feelings, gossip, and relationships into turmoil, and eventually clarity. The kids of Fawn Creek are content to keep things as they’ve always been until Orchid indirectly causes most everyone to reevaluate the people they’re becoming.

The author makes Orchid a pleasant, enjoyable, and mysterious addition to the small community in Louisiana. She’s pretty and kind to everyone, and she shares wonderful stories of her life in amazing places across the world. She doesn’t speak badly of anyone, even when she’s provoked, and she shows remarkable compassion when she sees others dealing with problems. Is she too good to be real? Rumors say she might be a witch or in witness protection, and no one knows where she lives? Classmates see her walk off into the woods, but there aren’t any homes out there. Who is Orchid?

The main characters, Greyson and Dorothy, have been tight friends for years, and they’re the glue holding the story together. They both dream of leaving “Yawn” Creek and are ready to make changes. Dorothy likes Orchid’s idea of calling herself Didi, and she imagines what her first kiss will be like. She’s infatuated with Orchid, and the new girl motivates her to get out of her comfort zone. Greyson has no interest in hunting and “manly” things like his father and older brother, but he’s afraid to tell anyone that he secretly likes to design clothes. It’s not clear if he’s going through a sexual revelation, but it’s extremely risky to broadcast his interest in fashion.

What didn’t work as well:

I’ve never been a huge fan of middle-school melodrama that I’ve witnessed and read about, so the plot isn’t overly captivating for me. However, most young readers will be able to identify with at least one of the characters and relate to their experiences. Many readers are experiencing the same issues. As Orchid says later in the book, Fawn Creek students represent all of the groups you might find in any small town.

The Final Verdict:

Who am I? The book tenderly explores the confusing culture of middle school, as all of the main characters go through meaningful transformations. No one knows what will happen in the future, but the kids are setting themselves up to live out their dreams. The story deserves your attention, and I recommend you give it a shot.