The Silk Road (Lucy and Dee #1) by Kirsten Marion

What worked:

Lucy and Dee are best friends with differing views of the world. Lucy is adventurous and dreams of exploring. Dee puts all of his faith in science and likes to observe and analyze all new discoveries. He wants to learn alchemy so he can create gold from lead, sell it for money, and then venture out to find his missing, archaeologist parents. Dee doesn’t believe in magic, Lucy does, but his beliefs are challenged when the pair meet a talking rock called Lord Petram. The pair enter a whole new world where they’re called barbarians, strange creatures might be helpful or deadly, and a sorceress is becoming more powerful.

An interesting conflict is created when Lucy and Dee are tasked with protecting a young emperor. They have no idea of the emperor’s identity or why he might be in danger. Who might want to hurt him? Lucy and Dee wonder about the emperor himself and what kind of person he might be. He apparently has no friends, but how is it possible that no one likes him? What if the emperor is a jerk, and now Lucy and Dee are supposed to protect him? Whatever the case, Lucy and Dee accept the quest with the hope that it will help them find Dee’s parents.

The plot is straightforward and easy to follow and boils down to a good versus evil situation. Protecting Emperor Yidi is a challenge for various reasons, with one of them being the pompous ruler himself. He hasn’t been allowed to leave the castle and now must flee with Lucy and Dee into a country where unknown discoveries await. Somehow, dangers find them wherever they go, but Yidi is finally exposed to the injustices that have befallen the citizens. His character eventually transforms, and these changes will become important as the series moves on. The last part of the book introduces new characters and settings that lead right into a sequel.

What didn’t work as well:

There are several instances when the kids escape dangerous situations with some unexpected magic or surprise characters. A fortuitous event is okay, but I prefer when characters resolve problems using their own wits, talents, and available resources. That being said, some of the magic foretells a character’s transformation, so it fits the plot.

The Final Verdict:

Helping good battle evil. The most enjoyable part of the book is following the changes in Yidi’s character, as he breaks out of his arrogant mold and begins to display empathy for others. The overall story feels familiar, but I still recommend you give it a shot.

The Prince of Nowhere by Rochelle Hassan

What worked:

The Mist creates a dangerous and mysterious air to the opening pages. The frigid, frosty barrier surrounds the cities, protecting them from deadly monsters in the wild, but it hinders communication and isolates them from their neighbors. This icy boundary also makes Rona dream about leaving her city to explore other lands, hoping to experience the same adventures as her aunt. Her wishes come true, but they are initiated when she must find a way to help her poisoned mother. Unexpected twists upon entering the mist escalate her problems, and the whole story brings up issues of time travel.

Rona receives letters from Anonymous foretelling future events, but they create uncertainty and questions about what’s actually going on. Her adventure becomes a quest to discover the identity of the unknown person and find a way to save her mother. She’s accompanied by a boy named Ignis who’s able to transform into a crow. He’s not totally honest with Rona and his behavior is unpredictable, so he presents another mystery to be solved.

The plot evolves into the topic of time travel, and it’s interesting to see how authors handle to various paradoxes it might present. What happens if someone goes back in time and causes the death of a parent? How could the person go back in time if they were never born? If someone has the power to change past or future events, should they? What are the ripple effects of changing history? Changing happenings that have already occurred might cause unexpected consequences that are worse than the true accounts. Time travel questions become the focus of the conflict.

What didn’t work as well:

The journey into the mist sometimes gets confusing and hard to follow. That can happen when traveling through an imaginary world, but it’s easily tolerated in this book. The important thing to remember is what’s happening in the moment while how the characters get there is not. Don’t overthink how things are happening and simply enjoy what you’re reading.

The Final Verdict:

Changing the future with friendship. The Mist makes this adventure of time travel and friendship feel different, and Rona’s kind heart gives her the power to face the magic and overwhelming odds working against her. I recommend you give this entertaining book a shot.

The Art of Magic by Hannah Voskuil

What worked:

Zuzu and Andrew finish third grade, and that summer they discover magical art supplies in an old, haunted house. The drawing tools seem innocent enough until the creatures they draw come to life. The drawings collapse on the floor when trying to leave the paper until the kids learn how to make them more solid. The creatures come in unusual shapes and sizes and add an amusing touch to the events. Clawson is the first beast created by Zuzu, and he behaves like a pet/guardian/character for Zuzu, her brother, and Andrew. Clawson’s a ferocious fighter when protection is needed, but he’s a cute friend to Zuzu’s brother when they’re playing on the floor of his bedroom. Andrew suffers from Crohn’s Disease early in the book, and the author includes information about symptoms and treatment of this fairly common ailment.

The main conflict pits two spirits against each other, brother and sister when they were alive. Chester has a right to be upset since he was bullied as a kid, but he cast a spell while alive that will exact revenge against all of the friends and relatives of his tormentors. The innocent victims weren’t even alive when Chester was bullied. Martha, his sister, teams up with the kids when they display an aptitude for magic, and the plot progresses toward an anticipated showdown. The adventure includes fighting scenes between the visitons and aptitudes created by the main characters.

The magic of fine arts makes an intriguing twist on a common power. Characters with sensitivity to magic are able to use artistic abilities to create living things. Zuzu’s paintings are guided by her thoughts and feelings during their construction, and she discovers that her intentions are key. She also learns that two magic-sensitive characters working together generate a lot more power. This relationship results in an important partnership with Andrew, but it forces Chester to find a living accomplice.

What didn’t work as well:

The author could have come up with more imaginative names for the creations, since visitons and auditions are very neutral, blah terms. Also, it’s hard to envision 9 year-olds displaying the bravery, independence, and ingenuity seen in the story. They’re readily willing to face the uncertainty and dangers, and they mostly move around town freely. They’ve also just finished third grade. Nevertheless, the plot is creative, exciting, and fast-moving as the kids try to thwart Chester’s evil plans.

The Final Verdict:

The intent is what’s important. The whole idea of magical fine arts is original, and the conflict is easy to understand. Chester’s pain from being bullied is even justifiable, although his revenge against ancestors isn’t. Overall, this book is quite entertaining, and I recommend young lovers of magic give it a shot.

Blood Ties: The King’s Chosen #1 by L. Waithman

What worked:
Lucas has special abilities that may make him a pawn between good and evil, but he also possesses admirable character traits. He’s respectful of his elders and isn’t afraid to work hard for what he wants. He can become angry and stubborn, but he learns humility and is willing to admit when he’s wrong. His father was a respected blacksmith, but the vagueness of his parents’ heritage makes his future unpredictable. He’s targeted and singled out which creates conflict with others and endangers his life. There’s an underlying mystery about his true identity and a couple of unknown factions are secretly monitoring his life.
With the deaths of his parents, Lucas searches for guidance and parental figures. He first finds a monk who is almost certain there are people in the world who will be searching for Lucas and his skills. Lucas has a vision of becoming a warrior for the king and only wants to pursue activities that he perceives will help him toward that end. He balks at some of the tasks required of him, but he eventually appreciates the discipline and wisdom he’s gaining. He later meets characters that treat him like a friend and family member, although he must discover how to detect honesty and good intentions from others. Nevertheless, there are enough empathetic characters to keep Lucas from being killed or dying from other causes.
Lucas’s quest to become a warrior creates its own conflict. His upbringing as a virtuous character seems an ideal fit to become a defender of the king and his realm. However, the king doesn’t possess those same virtues, and his leadership style is a large contrast to his predecessors. Farmers and townspeople are overtaxed, and their concerns and complaints are ignored. The king’s word is law, and citizens discover his dissenters languish in prison or are never seen again. Elite warriors are identified by their bloodlines, while the Chosen are identified or nominated at the age of ten and then brought to the castle to pass the Test. Both groups present formidable warriors, and it’s unclear where Lucas might fit in, or if he even belongs with the king’s army at all.
What didn’t work as well:
A plot about an orphan destined for greatness isn’t unique, so that affects perceptions of the book’s creativity. However, there’s a reason so many books follow the format, so is it right to question when authors use it? This book features a praiseworthy, likable young boy who is conflicted by his experiences with the world. The story chronicles his challenges and struggles, but the main attraction is the uncertainty of his past and his destiny.
The Final Verdict:
Listen to your heart. The book seems to offer another story of a child prodigy, but it goes far beyond that. The author's debut novel is able to describe Lucas’s emotional journey which will allow readers to experience his joy and despair. I’m looking forward to the sequel, and I highly recommend you give it a shot.

Freddie vs. The Family Curse by Tracy Badua

What worked:

As the title indicates, Freddie’s family has been cursed with bad luck for generations. Most of the bad luck is simply annoying, as he runs out of glue while completing a last-minute project, breaks a printer, arrives late to class, and trips and falls flat on his face. Freddie thinks his luck may change when he finds an amulet hidden away in the garage, but the opposite is true. He activates a family curse and now has thirteen days before he dies unless he can figure out a way to stop the countdown. The story will keep readers guessing since bad luck can pop up at any time.

The amulet contains the spirit of Freddie’s great-granduncle, Ramon, and he behaves like many friendly ghosts found in other stories. He died during WW II in the Philippines and hasn’t interacted with the living for many years. He understands enough of the modern world to misinterpret situations and add humor to the book. He spends much of his time teasing Freddie before switching around to instill him with hope. Freddie’s unfortunate accidents beg the question of is this bad luck, or is it the ups and downs of everybody’s lives?

The plot becomes a mystery, as Freddie and his cousin Sharkey try to figure out a way to end the curse. Ramon is able to share some Filipino history and culture, and he finally reveals a secret that will be very helpful in Freddie’s search. Sharkey is a star on a competitive dance team, and it seems to be an unimportant side story. However, a regional tournament is coming up, and it becomes a catalyst for resolving the family jinx. It’s an unexpected twist to a middle-grade ghost mystery.

What didn’t work as well:

The imminence of Freddie’s death creates tension as the thirteen days go by, but not knowing the cause of his death leaves the foreshadowing vague. The evil spirits aren’t characters in the story, so it’s more difficult to see them as threats. Of course, it’s impossible to guess future bad luck, but having a tangible danger to consider might increase the suspense.

The Final Verdict:

Life is full of good and bad. The blend of Filipino culture, ghosts, and humor make this a very entertaining book. The countdown of the curse makes the story suspenseful while the climax brings the events to a happy ending. I recommend you give this book a shot.

The Game Master: Mansion Mystery by Matt & Rebecca Zamolo

What worked:

This book is the sequel to Game Master: Summer Schooled, and the Game Master series is based on a popular YouTube show by the same name. References are made to the previous book, but Mansion Mystery can be read as a standalone book. Six children are targeted by an unknown antagonist, as they were locked in the school in the first book. This time, the Game Master pet-naps Miguel’s hamster and snake, and he expects the group of friends to follow the crumbs of clues he leaves them. The first clue leads them to a haunted house, so an air of eeriness is immediately established. Somehow, the Game Master knows details about each character, and the clues force them to face their greatest fears.

This book will appeal to young readers learning to enjoy mysteries. The whole plot is focused on locating Miguel’s missing pets, as the characters are forced to figure out cryptic messages left by the Game Master. They explain information they already know and explore the possible meanings of the new evidence they uncover. They then spell out any understandings gained from new discoveries, so young readers can learn how to solve mysteries along with the characters.

The characters make a diverse and supportive team, as they provide encouragement for each other to face their private terrors. Their horrors include spiders, heights, and clowns, so many readers will experience similar emotions. Becca Zamolo is the leader, and her best friend is Matt. You may notice these names are the same as the authors, but an interesting twist is the characters did not get along well at the beginning of the first book. The chapters are titled Becca or Matt, as the focus alternates between the two of them. Kylie is the brainiac and decoding expert, and Danny videotapes everything the team encounters. Along with Frankie and Miguel, the team members pool their strengths to defeat the Game Master.

What didn’t work as well:

The problem lacks suspense and intensity, as the Game Master’s threats and warnings don’t project any serious consequences. There’s no deadline to create a sense of urgency, although the kids don’t want to remain in the haunted house after sunset. Readers can still enjoy how the kids support each other and work together. 

The Final Verdict:

The ABCs of solving mysteries. The characters are fun, and the mystery isn’t overly complicated. The haunted house provides spookiness, but the story isn’t really scary. Overall, this book will entertain young mystery lovers, although more experienced readers may not be as engaged. I still recommend you give it a shot.

Skandar and the Unicorn Thief by A.F. Steadman

What worked:

The first thing readers will notice is that unicorns aren’t beautiful, graceful creatures from mythology. They tend to be aggressive and dangerous and are known to cause chaos, especially if they’re wild unicorns. People on the Mainland discover their existence when a video is released showing the wild unicorns attacking and killing villagers. All children turning thirteen are now required to take an exam that will allow them to attend the Hatchery each year. During this ceremony, teens are selected by unicorn eggs that will bind them for life. Bonded unicorns and their riders are able to wield elemental magic to protect the Island and its people.

Skandar’s situation will immediately grasp the attention of readers. His father is struggling emotionally since his wife died, and the thing giving him hope is that one of his children will become a unicorn rider. Skandar’s sister wasn’t chosen the year before, and problems arise with Skandar’s test. Eventually, he makes it to the Hatchery, bonds with a Scoundrel’s Luck, and makes several friends. The unlikely quartet of new riders must work together to protect Skandar and his unicorn. Skandar and Scoundrel possess a rare ability that may result in their execution if anyone outside their group finds out. The Weaver has the same ability and has been leading wild unicorn attacks against the Hatchery and the Mainland. Skandar may be the only person able to stop him if he’s not discovered and executed first. Readers will also learn there are many secrets waiting to we uncovered.

While the concept of the plot isn’t overly original, the unicorns are the highlight of the story, as they possess independent personalities, are impulsive, and create havoc wherever they go. They have connections to the earth elements (air, water, fire, or land) and it’s common to see them shooting fire, squirting water, or giving electrical shocks to other unicorns and their riders. Skandar develops an emotional/mental connection to Scoundrel, but his unicorn sometimes loses control while trying to suppress his power. The unpredictability of the unicorns’ behaviors means their actions will often result in surprises.

What didn’t work as well:

The basic storyline is fairly common among middle-grade novels. The unassuming young boy discovers he has rare, powerful abilities, meets several friends in a select school, and then must find a way to save everyone. However, the familiarity of the plot makes it easy to follow, and the author adds unique touches to make the story captivating.

The Final Verdict:

Trust the goodness within yourself. This book will appeal to animal lovers, although the unicorns don’t always behave like faithful human companions. The recognizable story still holds unexpected twists that make it creative and entertaining. I recommend you give it a shot, and I’m looking forward to reading the sequel.

The SideRoad Kids: Tales From Chippewa County by Sharon Kennedy

What worked:

This collection of short stories will be quite different for today’s young readers. They all reflect the simpler life of growing up in the Upper Peninsula of rural Michigan during the late 1950s. There’s an absence of technology, a range of economic backgrounds, a difference in behavioral expectations, and a variety of family situations. The kids get around by walking, riding bikes or horses, and sitting in the bed of a truck. Most of the characters’ parents are farmers, and a couple of the kids will be spending the summer helping relatives with various farming chores. The teachers openly share their thoughts regarding God and patriotism, and paddling is part of the school discipline. The setting is a stark contrast to suburban life today. 

The stories are composed of only a few pages, so the book moves along at a good pace. There doesn’t seem to be a pattern to the story topics, although they progress chronologically throughout the school year. The kids relate everyday events like school activities, visiting with friends, a birthday party, the birth of a calf, and choosing a Christmas tree. Many of the tales are accompanied by lessons learned, such as honesty, appreciating what you have, and accepting our differences. The sixth-graders begin to explore becoming boyfriends and girlfriends, and the author shares the emotional highs and lows of their experiences.

The characters express their views on a variety of heavy issues, and their beliefs in God and faith are repeated throughout the book. The kids ponder the existence of heaven since they have relatives who’ve died in the past. They even consider the possibility of animal heaven, since the death of farm animals is not unusual. Some characters strongly believe in God, while some of the kids speak of God in less reverent terms. One boy is a Chippewa Indian, and he provides information about his heritage and its history. A girl suffers from a club foot, and she shares the mixed reactions she receives from others and how it affects her feelings. A couple of kids have single parents for different reasons, and one boy shares his guilt and hurt emotions after his mother’s recent departure. The short-story format creates an appropriate venue to explore the wide collection of issues.

What didn’t work as well:

The chapters are told in first-person, but the opening paragraphs of some chapters don’t always identify which characters will be the focus. The kids connected to first-person pronouns may require inferences. Readers can figure them out as the chapters move along, but it’s a distraction to leave it vague at the start. It’s not a huge issue, but it’s unclear why it’s done.

The Final Verdict:

Nostalgic lessons for today’s youth. The simple life of an era much different from today offers quite a contrast for young readers. As an adult, I can relate to the stories shared, and I hope middle-grade readers will give them a chance.

The Legend of Brightblade by Ethan M. Aldridge

What worked:

The issue of parent expectations compels Prince Arlo to undertake an adventure into the kingdom of Skald. His mother is Toril Brightblade, hero and ruler of Skald. She expects Arlo to learn the ways of royalty since he’s a prince, but Arlo has dreams of becoming a heroic bard. Toril is good with speaking during negotiations with other leaders, but she’s not as successful when speaking to her son. Arlo decides to run away, but he encounters more than expected. The stability of the kingdom and establishing a treaty with the troll king are the two big-picture issues.

Music holds power in this story, and Arlo is training under Eluvian, a master bard and creator of a famous ballad that made Toril famous. Arlo isn’t able to master his magical power yet, and Eluvian says he must control his feelings and his will. Arlo teams up with a rogue troll and a carpenter’s apprentice to form a troupe. They’re destined to face off against an evil troupe intent on revenge and destruction of Brightblade and Skald. This group’s magical ballad is more devastating than any spell ever seen before, and they only need one more piece to finish the powerful weapon.

The colorful illustrations replace words missing from the book. Most of the characters have elf-like ears, while others have the tusks of trolls. The vibrant Hearth is the traveling home for the trio of main characters as they venture across the lands. The evil spells are abstract shades of blue and purple, while the good magic is recognized by shades of green and red. The clashing colors create a kaleidoscope of shapes during the battle scenes.

What didn’t work as well:

This graphic novel has less text hence it has less detail and description. The characters aren’t fully developed, and readers need to make inferences to fill in any missing information. How do the bards know what the spells will do when the music is played? There’s no evidence that Arlo is aware of what his music will create. However, accepting the magic as presented will allow readers to fully enjoy the quest to save Skald. Don’t overthink it.

The Final Verdict:

There’s more to becoming a hero than expected. The beautiful illustrations and action-packed adventure combine to form an enjoyable book. I recommend you give it a shot. 

The Secret of Glendunny: The Haunting by Kathryn Lasky

What worked:

Dunwattle is a young beaver kit, living in a peaceful pond called Glendunny when he sees the ghostly bones of a two-leg standing at the foot of his bed. The most important rule among the beavers is not to be seen by two-legs, and Dunwattle flees in fright and ends up getting photographed by a living one. This violation makes him a vysculf, and the punishment is exile or death. His thoughts are consumed by the possibilities, but he tries to continue living with the other beavers while keeping his secret. He starts to have feelings for a Canadian beaver and learns to stand up to injustice.

While not the spotlight of the story, the author masterfully weaves facts about beavers and other wildlife into the plot. The history of beavers in Scotland is shared as they were hunted to extinction, which explains why the vysculf is such a grave offense. The characters’ survival hinges on their abilities to remain undiscovered, while in the real-world Scotland efforts have been made to help beaver populations grow. Information about building and repairing dams, feeding, caring for the young, and communication can be found among the pages. Lynx used to thrive in Scotland, but it’s believed they became extinct there many centuries ago. However, the book still includes a lynx as an important character, and additional information about swans, otters, and other creatures can be learned as well. It’s surprising to discover beavers and swans have a close symbiotic relationship.

The issue of prejudice unexpectedly becomes part of the story, since one of the main characters named Yrynn is a beaver from Canada. She is unfairly singled out by adults and a teacher, and some classmates make mean comments about her background and abilities. The term Canuck is used as an insult, and the Scottish beavers think the Canucks are less able and less intelligent than themselves. Dunwattle and his best friend find Yrynn’s treatment appalling and Dunwattle finally has the courage to speak up. The Canadian beavers are invaluable to survival in the pond, and it’s time the others acknowledge it. 

What didn’t work as well:

The ending felt anticlimactic and sudden, and it left me with several unanswered questions about the future. Obviously, I can’t share details, but two characters discuss letting events play out so the antagonist’s actions can bring about his own defeat. The plot ends shortly after that, but the cause of the antagonist’s downfall comes unexpectedly. Readers make their own personal connections to books, so perhaps my reaction will differ from others. I truly enjoyed the overall story.

The Final Verdict:

Differences and heritage should be respected. The plight of the young beavers and underlying mysteries create an eloquent adventure of tolerance and survival. The author uses vividly descriptive language to paint detailed images of the characters and setting. The overall story is compelling and entertaining, and I recommend you give it a shot.

Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians by Brandon Sanderson

What worked:

I always appreciate a good hook, and this book immediately grabbed my interest. An “author’s” note describes the book as a true autobiography even though readers will find it on the shelves of the fantasy section in their libraries. The author’s name is an alias since Librarians rule the Hushlands, our world, and would ban the book if they knew his true identity. Chapter one opens with a foster child named Al, short for Alcatraz, strapped to an altar “made from outdated encyclopedias” awaiting sacrifice by a cult of evil Librarians. Most of the story takes place within the walls of a library, although it’s not like any library you’ve ever visited. It’s a base for the evil Librarians, is led by a Dark Oculator, and is the setting for an action-packed adventure. 

The story is very funny, and readers can expect many strange descriptions and visual images. Al receives a bag of sand on his thirteenth birthday that may be the key to survival for the Free Kingdoms. Al and other Smedrys have special talents that are quite unusual. Al’s talent is breaking things, his grandfather is always late, one cousin says things that make no sense, and another can fall down. How can these abilities be useful in a war against the Librarians? Al’s ability is unpredictable, so it’s hard to foresee when breaking something will save him. Rest assured the talents do in fact help, and they’re just as humorous as you’d expect. 

The story is written in a second-person point of view, so the narrator speaks directly to readers. Most chapters begin with the narrator explaining how authors normally write books and how this book is very different. He talks about foreshadowing and cliffhangers and explains the merits and problems with each. These explanations aren’t done to inform readers but to continue the humorous writing style. The narrator often pokes fun at librarians, authors, culture, and misinformation we’ve learned. It’s amusing to read about authors’ annoying literary techniques and how reading books like this one are worthless. The narrator even teases himself by sharing misconceptions about his own knowledge and clarifying why he’s not actually heroic. 

What didn’t work as well:

The early part of the book is tricky when trying to figure out what’s going on since the narrator informs readers of their ignorance. This sets the table for humor, as Al learns why swords are better than guns, torches are better than electric lights, and our unawareness of several additional continents on earth. The main conflicts are, in fact, trying to retrieve the sand and learning about Al’s parents. 

The Final Verdict:

Information holds real power. Readers must have a tolerance for bizarre humor, which I possess, but that open-mindedness will be rewarded in this creative, entertaining “autobiography”. The charming narrative will be sure to leave readers smiling, as Al battles the evil Librarians. I recommend you give this book a shot!

Aviva vs. the Dybbuk by Mari Lowe

What worked:

Dybbuks are mischievous spirits, and Aviva’s dybbuk appeared after her father died in an accident five years before. She’s often questioned about strange happenings around her home, since she’s the only one able to see the dybbuk. Stories of the dybbuk attract some interest from classmates, but it doesn’t really help with her popularity. Slippery floors, falling shelves, and random messes are attributed to the dybbuk, who Aviva sees as a young boy, about her own age. Most of the pranks are harmless, but they start to escalate as the plot moves along.

The story is fully immersed in the Jewish culture. Aviva attends a Jewish school and community, and her mother runs a small mikvah where people take cleansing baths. Community members come to worship in the shul next door, but along with the mikvah, they become targets for racial tensions. In school, the students learn Hebrew, and Aviva and Kayla are especially talented in a dodgeball-like game called machanayim. A major event in the lives of young Jewish girls is the Bas Mitzvah, and it becomes a climactic moment in the plot.

The book addresses grief, mental health, racism, and friendship, common issues that young readers might witness or experience. Ema, Aviva’s mother, used to be a well-liked, outgoing elementary teacher, but her personality drastically changes when her husband dies. Aviva often finds her staring blankly into space, and she rarely smiles or leaves the apartment. Kayla used to be Aviva’s best friend, but something happens to change that relationship. Maybe it’s the death of Aviva’s father or the change in her mother’s behavior. Maybe it’s something else. Aviva finds herself isolated from friends and must eventually face her own demons.

What didn’t work as well:

The book uses many Jewish terms that aren’t always easy to define using context. The vocabulary makes the story more authentic, but it could present difficulty for young readers. A glossary with definitions can be found in the back, but readers rarely skip to the end when reading fictional books.

The Final Verdict:

Grief can take many shapes. The early part of the plot isn’t as engaging as the latter half, but the overall story is an emotional journey to healing. It presents some serious topics that may benefit young readers.