Bad Grains (The Order of the Strawberry Circle #1) by Susanne Schmidt

What worked:

Jo’s older brother Hektor is introduced in the first chapter and disappears, literally, with two of his friends into a cornfield. The author then creates an eerie picture of Fels, the German town setting for the story, using descriptive words and phrases. The dreary light reveals an inexplicably unharvested field of ryegrass that reeks of decay and rot. Jo hears the howling of wolves that shouldn’t be there. It’s only two days until Halloween which prompts normal reader expectations of spookiness and the supernatural. A large, angry dog growls and barks at Jo as she sneaks around the field. The owners of the property are cast as an old drunk and his belligerent son who has managed to ostracize himself from most of the town. Jo finds Hektor’s phone and brings it home but it seems to terrify her pet guinea pigs.

Jo is the virtuous, brave heroine who’s determined to rescue her brother. Hektor’s not overly nice to his sister and is irked when she’s around with his friends. Still, she won’t give up on him. The early pages cast her as a superstitious loner yet she’s still able to put aside her fears and trepidations. She loves to read but doesn’t have any special powers or abilities. She takes the lead and initiative when others would suggest she give up. Jo represents a normal young girl who portrays a positive character that all readers can admire. Even when it seems the problem is resolved she’s determined to stop it from happening again.

What didn’t work as well:

Jo’s dad doesn’t remember Hektor even exists as Hektor’s school schedule even disappears from the refrigerator door. However, Jo finds his bedroom still has school books on his desk and a FIFA video game on the floor. Later, the scene changes for her when she’s with her father. It makes sense that “reality” might be hidden from adults but why does that change what Jo is able to see?

The final verdict:

It’s interesting that this story depicts a German Halloween that offers a break from cultural traditions. The author artfully develops a creepy setting that utilizes customary traits from other spooky stories with the countdown to Halloween instilling tension. Overall, this book should entertain young readers and I recommend you give it a shot!

The Girl Who Fell to Earth by Patricia Forde

What worked:

Humans were planted on Earth a thousand years ago so scientists from Terros could study their development without scientific intervention. The world history humans know comes from evidence planted by people from Terros. Citizens of Terros now view Earth as a dirty, disgusting place where Earthlings know they’re destroying the planet but won’t do anything to stop it. While absurd, the truth hurts when readers think about the pollution, loss of resources, and negativity that abound in the real world today. It’s great commentary on the way we’re destroying our planet even though we’re aware we can do things to stop it.

Aria is forced to deal with many deep emotions when she’s left alone on the Shadow Planet called Earth. She’s learned all about the planet during her schooling on Terros but what’s she supposed to think when her observations and experiences conflict with that knowledge? She’s told humans don’t form bonds but that’s not what she sees in Megan’s family. What about Aria’s growing closeness with Aria. Does pollution and war on the Shadow Planet justify killing the innocent people Aria has met? How does Aria and her human DNA fit into the whole scenario? Perhaps Aria’s struggles will help young readers think about their views of others and the world.

This book may appeal to puzzle lovers, like me. Aria and her father have always enjoyed them and they even kill time doing some Earth crossword puzzles together. Crosswords have hints in how the clues are phrased or the words chosen to describe the answers. Puzzle-solving techniques come in very handy after Aria is left alone as her father is forced to send cryptic messages. Something goes wrong and they aren’t even able to trust their friends. Aria’s father transmits secret notes to her using crossword puzzle clues. Readers will able to think right along with Aria as she tries to solve the important messages being communicated.

What didn’t work as well:

Why doesn’t Aria send her own coded messages back to her father? If he thinks it’s okay to send coded messages then why can’t she do the same thing in return? It seems like there should be a way for them to communicate but it’s never introduced. I suppose it’s to make things harder and more suspenseful.

The final verdict:

Since most readers will be humans, they'll quickly connect with and root for the victims in this book. They should empathize with Aria as she’s thrust into the role of the “enemy” even though she knows almost nothing until the events begin to unfold. I’m not sure the ending is fully satisfying but I still recommend you give this book a shot.

Slugfest by Gordan Korman

What worked:

The story is told from several points of view by eighth graders taking a summer school gym class. They share a need to pass it or they won’t move to high school in the fall. Yash and Cleo are the two primary characters but with differing views of athletics. They are the two best athletes in class but a serious injury has given Cleo an opportunity to reevaluate the importance of sports. The minor characters provide entertaining subplots with a twin brother and sister pair being the most amusing. They’re constantly feuding about something and their relentless pranks toward each other have no bounds.

The main conflict is allowed to develop organically as the characters wonder if they’ll receive credit for the P.E.E. class. This conflict becomes the underlying focus of the book. The teacher has the students play tag or Duck Duck Goose which are certainly not typical activities for kids preparing to enter high school. An investigative journalism class is the catalyst for escalated problems as it sometimes creates unwarranted suspicions. Conspiracies and injustice may be deduced from observations when they don’t actually exist. Good intentions can backfire when people don’t thoroughly examine the overall situation or possibilities.

There are several dynamic characters who grow and transform into better versions of themselves. Yash is a star quarterback who wants to impress the high school coaches. He’s forced to seek help from the other Slugs which ends up benefitting all of them. Cleo views Yash as an entitled jock who always gets his way but she reluctantly learns that her perceptions may be mistaken. Another student has a black-and-white view of fairness but complicated events reveal that the world is full of grey. A super-uncoordinated, straight-A boy is determined to develop at least a minimal amount of athleticism.

What didn’t work as well:

The plot is fairly predictable without knowing specific details. The disgruntled students will ultimately work as a team and learn valuable life lessons along the way. The unusual blend of characters is what makes this story special.

The Final Verdict:

We can always count on Korman to use interesting characters to tell humorously serious stories that aren’t that aren’t far-fetched. This book should appeal to upper middle-grade students and I recommend you give it a shot.

Scariest. Book. Ever. (Goosebumps House of Shivers 1) by R.L. Stine

What worked:

Once again, Stine masterfully manipulates words and descriptions to develop a creepy, eerie setting. Fraternal twins Billy and Betty don’t want to spend two weeks with their weird uncle in the middle of nowhere, and their dog anxiously frets during the drive there. This immediately sets readers on edge as they anticipate upcoming horrors. The uncle’s home sits amongst a dense forest and there’s obviously no cell reception for phone calls. The twins are left alone until they’re greeted into the house and introduced to a cousin they didn’t know they had. They’re only in the house long enough to be attacked by a manbat before they venture into the Wayward Forest.

The plot does not have a shortage of action and adventure as the twins are thrown into the middle of it. Their uncle says they must retrieve a stolen book from the Wayward Forest before it unleashes evil into the world. The book’s synopsis mentions several of the creatures the kids must survive and the forest holds even more mysteries and dangers. The beasts in the forest have been untouched by man which has enabled them to grow to immense sizes. Being among the dark trees and meat-eating plants and animals is spooky but being lost and alone is even worse. Readers are forced to reboot their minds halfway through the plot when they discover things may not be entirely what they seem. The author isn’t finished yet as he later decides to play with readers’ thoughts and twists characters and events once again. It’s a fun rollercoaster that will keep readers jumping.

Stine is a master of fright as he affects multiple senses to get full-body scares from readers. The dense, dark forest hides huge monsters that wield huge claws and teeth to shred their victims. Other dangers are soft or slimy which the kids unfortunately discover by chance and quickly regret. The twins hear sounds of scratching and growling and they even cringe when their uncle screams out in fright. Touching readers’ senses really helps to get imaginations working to create the most terrifying creatures in their minds. My descriptions don’t do the story justice but you can believe the story will get your heart pumping a little bit quicker.

What didn’t work as well:

The sudden changes in the plot may make some readers uncomfortable when they’re forced to rethink what’s happened. On the other hand, this strategy keeps them guessing and open to new surprises.

The Final Verdict:

Stine has mastered his spooky style over the decades and this book is the first installment in a new series. It’s sure to creep out a new generation of young readers and I recommend you give it a shot.

Gossamer Summer by H.M. Bouwman

What worked:

Dealing with grief is an issue as JoJo’s grandmother died the year before. It is especially traumatic for her since she was present when her grandmother first became sick and storytelling evokes sad feelings. JoJo’s sisters have always enjoyed her stories about fairies but she doesn’t want to share them. The idea of fairies touches a nerve for JoJo and she’s not ready to deal with those feelings. JoJo’s mother doesn’t pay much attention to her daughters as she’s busy trying to meet a deadline for a book she’s writing. This situation adds to JoJo’s emotional turmoil although her sisters don’t seem to share the same angst. Young readers will enjoy the unusual antics of JoJo’s younger twin sisters as they’re into imaginary blood, guts, and “throw-up”.

The author’s strategy for introducing fairies reminds me a bit of a movie where something lurks in the shadows, just out of sight. JoJo thinks she sees one out of the corner of her eye but it quickly disappears when she tries to focus on it. The blurry images make her wonder if it was all in her imagination. However, the food her twin sisters leave out for fairies disappears so something must have been there. Birds? Squirrels? The uncertainty causes readers to eagerly anticipate the moment fairies make a definitive appearance in the story.

This book explores the power of storytelling through the imagination and emotions of an audience. Words and sentences create mental images that make stories come to life but this book takes it a step further. JoJo’s sisters remember and relive her tales from the past and add their own twists when JoJo refuses to retell them. She doesn’t understand the potency of her words until she notices things that can’t be possible. The plot moves from playful summer days in a remote part of town to an imaginary world the characters didn’t know existed. The influence of JoJo’s stories is the catalyst for the changes.

What didn’t work as well:

The book has a nice story but it doesn’t develop much tension or suspense. There’s something the kids need to do but there’s no sense of urgency or imminent danger. Honestly, most readers will quickly think of the solution when the problem is introduced even though the characters don’t think of it until the plot’s climax.

The Final Verdict:

This is an enjoyable story of kids having the freedom to enjoy summer days. Their imaginations take them on an adventure with fairies that will force JoJo to face her emotions head-on. Give this book a shot!

Wrecker by Carl Hiaasen

What worked:

Wrecker’s home life is a bit complicated as his father left to become a famous country singer. His mother has remarried and she’s a high-maintenance wife, although his wealthy stepfather is able to afford her numerous plastic surgeries. It was mutually decided that Wrecker would be better off living somewhere else so he’s currently sharing a place with his stepsister Suzanne. She’s forced to use a wheelchair but that doesn’t stop her from staying involved in protesting for environmental issues. Wrecker is given a lot of independence so much of his free time is spent fishing in the ocean and helping others. He’s pretty much a loner but he’s okay with that.

Wrecker tries to set an impressive example of honesty and empathy for others. He knows there’s something wrong about taking money from the men on the boat and he’s uncomfortable spending it on anything he might want. He helps an old man by visiting the local cemetery every day to clean iguana poop off his sister’s gravestone. He makes time to join Suzanne’s various protests and environmental efforts. Unfortunately, fear of Silver Mustache, a shady character forcing Wrecker to take money, finds Wrecker getting himself into deeper and deeper trouble. However, Wrecker does all he can to keep Willi, a classmate from school, from getting mixed up in his problems. In the end, he also shows readers that he’s one clever young man.

Willi is a highlight of the story as she comes with an air of mystery. She injects herself into Wrecker’s life and her flirtatious manner adds some levity to the events. She then turns around and doesn’t respond to Wrecker’s texts and phone calls leaving him worrying about her safety. She shares very little about her home life, but at one point, she says something about having trouble with a boy in her life. The truth about this problem opens up issues related to other issues in the book. Perhaps Willi and Wrecker will have a relationship beyond friends when everything’s said and done, but maybe not.

What didn’t work as well:

There might be too much going on than is necessary. Wrecker has his dysfunctional family dynamics, there’s Silver Mustache guy, Willi and her problems, protest efforts to keep large boats away, stories of people buried in the cemetary, the Co-vid pandemic, and Wrecker’s family’s past as treasure divers. All of these things are interesting but perhaps there could be a couple less.

The Final Verdict:

The author weaves criminals, racism, family, friends, and environmental activism into a cohesive, enjoyable story. Maybe there’s too much going on but the focus on Wrecker is worth any distractions. Overall, it’s a highly entertaining book and I recommend you give it a shot.

Izzy Hoffman is Not a Witch by Alyssa Alessi

What worked:

Sharing a story about the Salem witch trials in a modern-day setting feels fresh. Izzy’s link to her great-times-ten grandmother begins as terrifying nightmares when the Bony Witch appears in mirrors and tries to grab her. The Bony Witch, or actually Alice Young, was the first witch hanged in Salem and the memory of many other innocent victims silently remains in Marblehead without notice. Tourists flock to the town taking selfies in front of Alice’s statue and to purchase souvenir shirts and coffee mugs. This atmosphere establishes the backdrop of the story as Izzy and her best friend Nat slowly realize something malevolent has entered their lives.

This book offers a spooky plot featuring witches and ghosts but it’s not overly intense for young readers. However, it still includes tense moments between supernatural beings to keep things exciting. The hunt for witches might not be over as the story makes connections between the events happening now and the execution of women accused of witchcraft centuries ago. An important part of the book is to never forget the women who were victims of needless, tragic deaths. Fear, prejudice, and anger combined are lethal combination that can get drastically out of hand.

I’ve read many books with middle-grade characters and often wonder why they don’t confide in their parents or trusted adults when things get too dangerous. Izzy and Nat understand they don’t know what’s happening so they enlist the help of the town’s psychic despite her kooky reputation. The séance doesn’t turn out as expected so the girls begin to grasp the ramifications of ghostly threats. Most adults will probably scoff if they share their experiences with them but Izzy decides she must talk to her mother. Speaking to her parents still has mixed results but it’s refreshing to see a young character ask for help. The author still manages to keep the focus on Izzy and doesn’t let the adults take over the story.

What didn’t work as well:

This book is fairly short at 144 pages so the plot doesn’t have time to introduce any significant complications. Actually, the effects of the antagonist are major parts of the story while the man himself only makes brief appearances. The overall tale is very entertaining but it might be even better if the conflict was developed into a more dramatic, suspenseful issue. The plot doesn’t create a feeling of urgency as well as it might.

The Final Verdict:

The narrative tells a thrilling ghost story and highlights an appalling time in our country’s history. The opening pages grab the attention of readers as Izzy is terrified during a chilling dream. Or is it a dream? I recommend this book for lovers of ghost stories and history.

Looking Up by Stephan Pastis

What worked:

The best aspect of this book is the main character, Saint, as she shares her first-person quest with readers. She views herself as a knight, bravely defending the defenseless and protecting anything with a round face. She dons cardboard armor and helmet to face fiends, to meet “Daniels in Distress”, and to rescue pinatas from senseless beatings. Saint often begins sentences with something like “I probably shouldn’t have said this but…” causing readers to anticipate how she’ll finish her thoughts. With advice from her painted turtle life coach, Dr. Rutherford B. Hayes, Saint sets off to save the old parts of town from a modern takeover.

The surface-level conflict is Saint’s quest to save the town from a modern takeover, although there’s a simmering problem underneath that’s not clearly revealed until the story reaches its climax. She’s tremendously upset when her favorite burger place is sold and torn down almost overnight. An old woman sells her house which is promptly leveled for something new to be built. Saint is forced to take drastic measures when the house across the street is put up for sale. Daniel is a reluctant friend but Saint’s honor as a knight forces her to come to his rescue. The underlying issue will explain everything.

The story is full of colorful characters and language. The owner of the burger place doesn’t take special orders and he forces customers to leave when they’re finished eating. Saint still loves the place. The owner of her favorite toy store is an eighty-six-year-old curmudgeon named Muffin who always asks, “Homework finito?” before he’ll take kids’ orders. He’s able to find toys to match customers’ souls and sends them home saying, “Don’t slam the darn door, dingo.” Dr. Rutherford B. Hayes is insulted by his first name of Rock and he rightfully gets perturbed when Saint drops him from the roof.

What didn’t work as well:

The book seems like realistic fiction but there are elements that are fantasy, like a turtle that talks. Readers may be confused about what genre the book fits into but rest assured it will all make sense in the end.

The Final Verdict:

The story has some inconsistencies that make it hard to follow, as mentioned above. The climax reveals what’s actually happening although the series of events in the plot may still be unclear. Overall, I especially adore Saint’s character and recommend you give this book a shot.

A Dangerous Friendship (Woodwalkers 2) by Katja Brandis, Rachel Ward (Translator)

What worked:

Carag attends Clearwater High where all of the students and teachers are woodwalkers with the ability to morph into various animals. The school is designed to help the students survive among humans. Carag is a puma and his best friends Brandon and Holly are a bison and squirrel. Animal personalities still come through even when characters are in their human forms. Carag has a crush on Lou, an elk woodwalker, but pumas attacked her family in the wild. There’s a pack of bullying wolves that detest Carag since he seems to be the only character willing to stand up to them. Dogs and cats don’t get along. Carag has excellent vision and strong legs while some other characters have acute senses of smell and another character can give off an odor when frightened. Classes focus on “life skills” such as controlling their morphing abilities, dealing with stressful situations, and using their talents in combat settings.

An interesting school activity this year finds the students working in groups of three to perform expeditions within the human world. These tasks may seem very simple to readers but the woodwalkers find them stressful as they require unfamiliar social skills. In one, Brandon needs to stand by a road in bison form and not freak out when cars honk and drive by, and in another task, Carag’s group must walk around town and talk to strangers three times. They get grades on how well they succeed and keep their identities secret from humans. However, Carag is vulnerable to Milling every time he leaves the school grounds.

The conflict with Andrew Milling underlies the whole plot as his minions are lurking everywhere Carag goes. There’s even a spy in the school but the identity isn’t revealed until later in the book. Milling’s wife and daughter were killed by hunters so it’s understandable that he wants revenge against humans. Carag becomes more concerned with Milling’s obsession when he learns the man is running for senator. Milling’s specific plans aren’t shared but holding a political office can only make things worse. Carag knows his former mentor wants him to do something but he doesn’t know why it needs to be him. Perhaps it’s because Milling is also a puma but Carag knows the woodwalker is plotting something dangerous.

What didn’t work as well:

The opening pages share a memory Carag has with his older sister Mia but Carag has now decided to live among humans. His family isn’t really part of the plot in this book but there are frequent reminders of them throughout the story. It’s important to remember these characters but perhaps not so much at this time.

The Final Verdict:

I hadn’t read the first book but this series is innovative and entertaining. The most interesting part is how the animal personalities complicate some interactions but paint amusing mental pictures in other situations. Overall, animal fans should love this book and I recommend you give it a shot.

A Dragon's Dyne (The Talisman Series 6) by Brett Salter

What worked:

For readers who like action, this book jumps right into it from the very beginning. The first third of the book finds the heroes facing three monsters they’ve previously defeated but the creatures have more abilities this time around. This battle actually presents a nice situation where readers can become reacquainted with Rome, Julian, and the other members of the dragon/knight Alliance. Rome is a fire dragon, Krysta is an ice dragon, and Clay’s dragon form acts as a battering tank. The dyne is mentioned earlier in the series and refers to extremely rare abilities that lay dormant within some dragons. This new power is what I’ve been looking for as the series has progressed.

The characters all have unique personalities with a few of them having dynamic relationships. Rome and Krysta have been growing closer and they finally confess their feelings for each other. This can complicate things in dangerous situations since worrying about the other person/dragon can create a distraction. Julian and his sister Camela continue to have a humorous sibling rivalry although there are moments where their mutual caring for each other seeps into snide comments. Their father hasn’t been a pleasant character up to this point and he takes a more prominent role in this book. All of the various dragons from earlier books reunite as the plot moves to a showdown with The Tyrant King.

The Darkbrand creatures entering through the Void have become even more formidable this time around. These huge monsters are more aggressive and quicker than before and there seems to be no end to their numbers. The dark energy passing through portals from the Void rejuvenates and repairs the Darkbrand so there seems to be no way to stop them. In most cases, they must be forced back into the Void in order to eliminate them for another millennium. Rome and his friends find this difficult since the monsters are able to inflict serious damage on members of the Alliance. The Alliance receives help from an unlikely source and most of the characters are unaware of its presence.

What didn’t work as well:

There’s so much action in the plot that the climax doesn’t stand out as an ultimate moment of suspense. On the other hand, this could actually be viewed as a good thing since there’s never a dull moment.

The Final Verdict:

Action-adventure lovers should love this book and dragon lovers will obviously enjoy it too. All of the issues in the series are resolved although the final page hints that something new may be brewing. I recommend you give this book and series a shot.

Meet the Megafauna! by Gabrielle Balkan

What worked:

Engaging information about extinct, colossal animals from the past fills the pages of this book. Many of the animals, like the supercroc, resemble creatures that are still seen on Earth today which makes them more relatable. Grasping the concept of time is difficult when talking about hundreds of millions of years but the author shares how scientists break it down into eons, eras, periods, and epochs. The book is full of colorful illustrations, ten with fold-out pages, that include the habitats and different age levels of the animals. Some show predator/prey relationships. The informative narrative is written in a style that’s pleasing for young readers so they don’t become bored with reading dry facts.

The descriptions of the creatures are accompanied by boxes filled with facts. While most young readers won’t care about their scientific, Latin names, the enormous sizes and weights are sure to impress. Imagine a twenty-foot giant ground sloth roaming the plains while tipping the scales at over 8,000 pounds! The boxes also share the megafaunas’ modern relatives. A fifty-foot giant snake, related to the green anaconda, was able to eat a 20-foot crocodile or a 5-foot-wide turtle. Readers can also discover where the creatures were found and how long they existed on Earth.

The back pages include an expected glossary with definitions and explanations of megafauna words. Terms like fossil, extinct, prehensile, and paleontologist are among them. Another page shares different possibilities to explain why the megafauna creatures may have died away. Shifts in temperature and land masses may have killed animals unable to adapt in time. Early humans were a “significant factor” in the disappearance of some animals hunted for food and other uses. Another page proposes ways of protecting today’s megafaunas. The book also shares other resources if young readers are interested and motivated to learn more about the megafauna.

The Final Verdict:

This book checks all of the boxes as far as non-fiction books for kids go. The engaging text and large, colorful pictures are sure to keep readers entertained, and the topic of giant animals usually draws universal interest. I recommend you give this book a shot.

Hansel & Gretel by Neil Gaiman

What worked:

The story itself follows the same plot as the Brothers Grimm fairy tale so it should be very familiar to most young readers. Neil Gaiman adds his own touch to it but readers should not expect the eerie, spooky twists of his other books. Gaiman even says at the end that he writes it “matter-of-factly” although his descriptions develop the dire and desperate emotions of the characters. The abstract, black-and-white illustrations help to set the tone and add a mysterious aura to the story.

An interesting addition to the book is found at the back where readers will find notes from the author and artist as well as a history of the Hansel and Gretel fairy tale. Gaiman shares how he was terrified to hear the story on the radio when he was five and how it came to mind at various moments of his life. Readers will learn how different versions of the story have arisen with Hansel and Gretel’s father typically becoming more caring about his children. The mother is not portrayed in a positive light and later versions sometimes describe her as a stepmother. Similar plots can be found in other cultures and the fairy tale was produced into a popular opera in 1893. The book also points out some examples of symbolism that can be found in the story.

What didn’t work as well:

I’m expecting more of Gaiman’s writing style in the story but I’m surprised it’s not there. That’s not a terrible thing but readers will probably anticipate more of a twist than they get.

The Final Verdict:

Bottom line, it’s another version of the popular fairy tale but readers won’t notice anything dramatically innovative. The illustrations help to develop creepy feelings and Gaiman skillfully adds his own descriptive style. Overall, it’s a good story that should appeal to lovers of the Brothers Grimm.

The Fox’s Tower (Wolfstongue 2) by Sam Thompson

What worked:

You don’t need to have read the first book but there are connections between the two. The boy from the first book is now grown up and his daughter Willow is the main character this time. The grandchildren of the previous wolves assist her since her father’s past deeds now make the wolves consider Willow part of the family. Reynard is back as an antagonist and he’s still a crafty, manipulative fox now ruling the tower. A lion named Noble is added to the cast and first impressions will reveal he has a very similar personality to Reynard. The difference between the two is Noble is trying to rally the foxes to oust Reynard as their leader. Both characters are skillful at twisting words and emotions to control the minds of others but Noble is more violent than Reynard.

A theme of the book may be that we don’t need to follow the perceptions others have of us. We encounter other people in our everyday lives and they develop impressions about us that may or may not be based on reality. Reynard and Noble control other animals through their tales of superiority and by targeting the weak and timid. Other wolves and foxes won’t speak out against unfairness and abuse for fear that they will become targets too. Eventually, the animals believe they’re lesser creatures and succumb to the verbal power of Reynard and Noble. They must learn to tell their own stories and take control of their lives.

Reynard also has magical abilities that he uses to rule the tower. As the synopsis says, he uses the clay to create creatures he’s able to control but their formation is truly amazing. The tower was built to provide everything the foxes need to survive without worry but the magic cannot last forever. Reynard is able to change his appearance to fit the image he wants to project but his devious personality never goes away. He sends Willow into the Deep Forest where her imaginary experiences seem so real that they’re hard to resist. It will take some cunning plans by Willow and her allies to free all of the creatures trapped within the tower.

What didn’t work as well:

The transition from wild animals to human-like behavior within the tower requires readers to make the adjustment on their own. It takes some mental effort to rationalize foxes and wolves walking on four feet but then shopping at stalls in a market and cooking meals in their multi-room homes. The line between reality and the magical forest is hazy.

The Final Verdict:

Readers should expect more fantasy and magic than was found in “Wolfstongue”. The whole story stimulates readers to think about self-image, leadership, and grief as Willow tries to save her father and the innocent animals. Overall, it’s a creative, enjoyable story and I recommend you give it a shot.

The Ghost Job by Greg van Eekhout

What worked:

The idea of ghost thieves is a creative twist to a popular middle-grade topic. How is this possible? Well, Zenith is a poltergeist and can move solid objects. Her three friends’ abilities range from speaking to humans, a sensitivity to manipulate electricity, to seeing the world through other faces. This group of ghosts is comparable to a team of superheroes as they learn to use their new talents together. A medium gives the characters the idea to start thieving but they’re only stealing things that might help them rejoin the living. That’s their main motivation throughout the plot as friendship binds them together.

The necromancer named Slate is the antagonist as he’s trying to find a way to control the ghosts. His goal is to amass power over the living and dead, but a more common motive is revealed later on. Not surprisingly, Slate’s reputation among ghosts is loathsome and it’s safe to say Zenith’s gang has many potential allies. Slate is devious and malevolent so he can’t be trusted, ever. He’s willing to do despicable things in order to get what he wants which includes manipulating the spirits of the deceased. Readers will be happy to discover karma wins out in the end.

The author develops some interesting slants about living, death, and ghosts. We should enjoy every day of our lives since we never know when it might come to an end. Ghosts seem to “live” in a limbo world as some of them move on to somewhere else. It’s not treated as a religious philosophy but more as being part of the life cycle. Ghosts can’t travel anywhere as they’re anchored to the location where they died. However, this story allows them more freedom than most books as the kids are able to travel to various places in and around the town. They usually hang out in the rafters of the school auditorium but they’re able to visit a medium, their homes, and the lab of the necromancer. The kids feel bad that their presence makes humans nervous even though they can’t be seen.

What didn’t work as well:

There’s not a lot of character development but that’s a predictable sacrifice for a story that’s not overly long. Readers will learn a little about Zenith but only surface-level information about her friends.

The Final Verdict:

The book emphasizes the importance of good friends as the characters are determined to return to their living, breathing selves. They synchronize their different talents as their tight bond continues even in death. Overall, this is an amusing, adventurous tale that should appeal to young readers. Give it a shot!

(Super Secret) Octagon Valley Society by Melissa de la Cruz

What worked:

The cast of eight child characters comes from a variety of backgrounds with a wide range of personalities. Readers are immediately curious when the narrator hints that Harold really shouldn’t be included and another boy cheated on his contest test. Edwin comes from a one-parent home, is a hard-working, conscientious boy, and seems to be the most “normal”. A couple of the kids come from privileged families which is reflected in how they treat others. Some of the characters are motivated by power, some by curiosity, and one boy would rather be anywhere else but at the institute. Competitive and cooperative personalities are thrown together and readers are left to wonder exactly what’s going on within each character’s mind.

Obviously, learning to work cooperatively is a major issue but surprises await as the characters work their way through the institute. Edwin becomes the team leader but several members typically exchange ideas before decisions are made. However, one girl constantly suggests they leave someone behind while another boy wastes all of his trying to contact his father. All of the kids have personal issues to overcome as their intelligence has encouraged past teasing and bullying from their peers. The institute is the first time they’ve been around kids like themselves and they’re not sure how to behave or what to expect. They’re not used to having their voices heard or having their thoughts and suggestions seriously considered by others. Overcoming their past fears opens new possibilities.

The genre of the book is well-hidden until the kids face their first challenge. It appears to be realistic fiction until desperate situations arise and supernatural things begin to occur. There is a brief inkling that something supernatural is happening when the narrator mentions not every student can see the 108^th question on the contest test. The children soon learn that the building is more of a maze or labyrinth than a structure full of rooms and laboratories. The settings they encounter will have readers scratching their heads trying to figure out how they’re possible. Desperate situations result in characters performing miraculous feats that help the team escape from potentially fatal dangers.

What didn’t work as well:

The first fourth of the book sets the stage for the Octagon Valley Society and introduces the eight kids but it doesn’t effectively connect with readers. The narrator alludes to what might be happening at the institute and gives vague information about what the kids will be doing. The story doesn’t focus on any one character or what’s happening so it’s a questionable way to hook readers.

The Final Verdict:

You can get a small sense of the narrator’s voice from the synopsis and it contributes humor to the story. The book becomes much more intriguing once the characters start exploring the institute and the author takes the events in unexpected directions. The conclusion leads right into a sequel and I recommend you give this book a shot.

The Improbable Tales of Baskerville Hall Book 1 by Ali Standish

What worked:

I’m sure I missed many but this story makes many references to the Sherlock Holmes books and their author, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Arthur Doyle is the main character from a poor family and he’s invited to attend a unique private school, all expenses paid, that encourages risk-taking and innovation. He resides in Baskerville Hall with his roommate Jimmy Moriarty. James Moriarty is Sherlock Holmes’s nemesis in that series so readers might anticipate some type of rivalry will evolve. Dr. Watson is a teacher at the school and Sherlock makes an appearance late in the book. Arthur has the same keen observation and deductive skills wielded by Holmes so his interest is immediately aroused when he suspects something’s been mysteriously stolen from the school. Is it connected to the Green Knight he saw lurking in the forest?

 The plot contains some elements of science fiction that become more important in the second half of the book. Arthur is initially transported to Baskerville Hall by an airship that travels much faster than should be possible. Different wings of the school house experiments conducted by the professors. A monkey has learned to play cards with its handler and another room is crammed full of clocks, one that does more than tell time. There are rumors that secret mines contain a crystal with almost magical properties. The use of electricity is still in its infancy so characters have reverent views of its applications. One character, in particular, has a life-changing invention that becomes a prominent part of the plot.

Arthur’s supporting cast is a curious blend of unique personalities. Moriarty’s father is very demanding with high expectations of his son so James is feeling pressure to excel at school. He thinks it’s crucial that he be accepted into a secret fraternity called the Clover or else his father will view him as a failure. Another classmate is called Pockets and her name is self-explanatory. She’s sewn pockets into all of her outfits and the contents frequently come in handy. Another boy is obsessed with death and the afterlife so his comments and contributions are usually focused on those topics. A large part of his attention is on writing the perfect obituary for one of the professors.

What didn’t work as well:

With Arthur having similar characteristics to Sherlock Holmes, readers may inadvertently think they are almost the same character. However, Arthur is not infallible and might make mistakes or misjudgments so remember he is a distinctive character by himself.

The Final Verdict:

This book is an entertaining first edition into a new mystery series. Readers will enjoy Arthur’s deductive reasoning as he informs them of how he considers the clues he finds. This plot centers on shadowy characters and unexplained events and clues are dropped near the end about where the sequel may go. Overall, I recommend you give this book a shot.

The Sinister Secrets of Singe by Sean Ferrell

What worked:

Young readers will sympathize with Noah’s plight as he’s been secluded inside his house for his whole eleven years of life. He’s never known what it’s like to walk in the grass among the trees or among the people of Liberty. He doesn’t even know his uncle is the governor. Noah is a talented tinkerer which is understandable since his father and mother Marie are brilliant inventors. He sees beauty in his father’s inventions while the public is terrified of his monsters. His admiration for the creatures is in stark contrast to everyone else freaking out. Noah finally realizes he’s being punished for his father’s crimes and has no intentions of returning to his home prison with Marie. However, he discovers life with his father might be even worse.

The first half of the book focuses on Noah’s escape from Liberty by navigating the ocean with smugglers to reach the island of Singe. The build-up paints a picture of danger and ferocious creatures and it turns out it’s not an exaggeration. The author creates anticipation by having the characters share rumors of the threats, terrifying sounds are heard, and partial images are described until finally an entire mechanical monster is revealed. Noah’s arrival on the island leads to more teasing evidence of the creatures as he maneuvers his way through dense bushes and trees.  The author’s strategy allows readers’ minds to wonder what kinds of perils might await Noah in the upcoming pages.

The author presents innovative creations and keeps them mysterious by not trying to explain how they work. Somehow, a spider-like machine constantly works on adding new rooms to Noah’s house like an obsessive, computerized creature. Noah’s closest companion is an AI robot named Elijah. Elijah is a complicated character as he was programmed by both of Noah’s parents who have conflicting motivations. There is evidence Elijah might be displaying some actual human characteristics but that’s surely impossible.

What didn’t work as well:

The book’s synopsis reveals way too much information as some of it happens in the second half of the book. Sharing what Noah finds on the island and what happens afterward should have been left for readers’ imaginations.

The Final Verdict:

This book won’t allay any fears of people who are expecting AI machines to take over the world! The dynamics of Noah’s family are intriguing and are at the essence of his issues. His father will not be what readers expect and his view of the world amplifies the problems. Overall, this book is quite compelling and I recommend you give it a shot.