River of Crows (The Arcanium #1) by N.P. Thompson

What worked:

The prominence of crows in the story presents conflicting impressions for readers. In general, crows don’t have a positive reputation due to their size, black color, and association with witches and other evil things. Then, this book opens with crows killing a man and attacking his family so negative feelings are reinforced. However, the main character Ty befriends a crow with a streak of white that saves him from bullies near school. It turns out the bird is actually a man named Corwin with the ability to transform into a crow. Just when you start thinking Corwin might be a good character, he reveals that he’s part of the Black Guard that follows orders from the evil emperor.

Magic is common in the world of Arcania and people without talents are looked down upon. Ty and a girl named Ayslenne pass through a portal from Ordane, which literally means “lacking magic”, and Ty finds he has much to learn about this new land. A humorous moment is found when Ty meets a hob (a fey folk) professor who says he’s an expert on Ordane. The hob is so proud of his magnificent collection of Ordane artifacts like Lego pieces, frisbees, and plastic buttons and is fascinated by zippers. Every new character is stunned to learn Ty comes from Ordane since the emperor has made it illegal to build portals between the two worlds. Ty discovers he possesses magic but being untrained can make it unpredictable and dangerous. It’s triggered by strong fear or anger but impulsive emotions make his powers erratic. Readers won’t know what to expect.

The plot is full of adventure as Ty tries to help new friends rescue their families. They don’t know if the family members have been executed, are languishing in prison, or have been transformed into crows in the Black Guard. How can family members be found if they might be crows flying among thousands of other crows? Ty and his friends trek across the country through a vast, dense forest searching for information and guidance. The long trek offers plenty of time for Ty and Ayslenne to bicker and nag which other characters and readers will find quite humorous. The plot reveals secret connections between some of the characters that might explain unexpected behaviors. The emperor is executing anyone showing signs of rebellion so characters are leery of sharing true thoughts with strangers.

What didn’t work as well:

There are instances where the setting jumps to other places or times but they don’t add much to the plot. Knowing what the emperor is thinking and doing is useful information but the other jumps could have been woven into the story. Also, Ty displays bravery and determination that’s not as evident while living in Ordane so his actions in Arcania may initially raise eyebrows. These issues aren’t a big deal and shouldn’t affect reader enjoyment.

The final verdict:

An adventure about a young character discovering new powers isn’t unique but the prominent inclusion of crows makes it feel fresh. Ty’s strong sense of virtue and willingness will connect with readers and the drama and action will keep them engaged. Overall, I recommend you give this book a shot!

The Winterton Deception 1: Final Word by Janet Sumner Johnson

What worked:

The author makes great efforts to express how much Hope detests the Winterton family. The opening pages reveal that Hope and her brother Gordon have learned that their father was from the wealthy Wintertons but he left them and their mother without any financial support. They currently live in a motel room and they’re also behind in paying their rent. Consequently, Hope focuses her anger on the entire Winterton clan and she’s unwilling to compromise and give any of them a chance to change her mind. The author constantly describes her unwavering animosity and any positive behaviors exhibited by any of the Wintertons are met with her suspicions. Another intriguing twist to the plot is that Hope and Gordon’s mom doesn’t know her kids are aware of their connection to the Wintertons and the Wintertons seem to have no idea of the connection either.

There are many books written where someone’s died and left a mystery behind for the survivors. This book adds an innovative angle by using a life-changing spelling bee as the backdrop. There’s actually more focus on the spelling bee and Winterton family drama than the mystery in the first third of the book. The deceased grandmother leaves all of the family members starting clues to locate a valuable manuscript hidden somewhere in the mansion. Additional cryptic messages must be found but some of them may be misleading red herrings. Words often have multiple meanings in the clues so readers will enjoy trying to solve the puzzles too. Gordon and Hope consider teaming up with another family but they have drastically different thoughts about the possibility. Guess who thinks it’s a bad idea?

The Winterton family dysfunction is a highlight of the plot. While Hope and Gordon’s father was a Winkerton, no one in the family knows about their mother. A classmate of Hope named Jennifer is a Winkerton but Hope won’t let herself become friends due to the family name. Jennifer’s father is a snobby pain in the butt who doesn’t get along with anyone. One family was accused of cheating during the spelling bee five years earlier and ill feelings haven’t totally gone away. Hope is surprised to discover a couple of the families are having money issues due to differing circumstances which shows people often have troubles no one else can see. Other secrets are marinating behind the scenes and they’re eventually revealed in the story’s resolution.

What didn’t work as well:

There are a lot of characters once the setting moves to the Winterton estate. Parents and kids are required to participate in the spelling bee so it can be challenging to remember names and family relationships with breaks between reading sessions. The issue lessens as the plot moves on.

The final verdict:

The spelling bee may not excite some readers but the mystery and intrigue surrounding the Winkertons make this an engaging story. The presence of Hope’s family helps to initiate the critical transformation in character dynamics and brings everything to a mostly happy conclusion. Overall, the book is very entertaining and I recommend you give it a shot.

Eedoo: Book 1 (Eedoo Trilogy 1) by W.W. Rowe

What worked:

Sharoo’s relationship with Eedoo is at the crux of the story where most of the citizens don’t believe in familiars. Eedoo speaks to Sharoo in her mind so no one else knows for sure he even exists. However, his ability to foresee the future enables Sharoo to avoid small and large challenges and slowly convinces others to have faith. The first incident finds her the target of teasing for carrying an umbrella on a sunny day. Later, Eedoo tells Sharoo about the Law of Boomerang when she engages mean-spirited people and this allows her to avoid negative thoughts. Eedoo’s advice helps her make hard decisions and brings her comfort each day. Their relationship presents a spiritual angle to the story.

While difficult to read, the author is able to evoke strong emotions in readers through the cruelty of Sharoo’s teacher, Mr. Sade. The reason isn’t clear, but the man seems to enjoy torturing his students. He has a box inside his desk that gives students a shock whenever he deems it necessary. Is incorrectly answering a question in class a good reason? Mr. Sade is able to increase the intensity of the machine whenever he wants and the electrical jolt can leave students shaking and in pain for hours. The teacher’s actions make him a clear antagonist and readers will await the moment he receives justice for his evil deeds.

The book is a quick read as the pace of the plot moves fairly quickly. The early chapters share the bond between Eedoo and Sharoo mostly as she deals with issues at school. Also, Sharoo was born under the sign of the Silver Dragon, a rare occurrence in this land, and it adds to her mystique. Every person is born under one of a hundred different signs and many of them are shared in the story. Sharoo’s parents decide she needs to visit a seer who confirms some suspicions about her. All of this builds up to the king and queen seeking Sharoo’s help when a neighboring army prepares to invade.

What didn’t work as well:

The narrative doesn’t leave much to the imagination. Everything is explained for readers which doesn’t allow for much inferencing. Requiring less thinking from readers can cause them to be less mentally and emotionally invested in the characters and story.

The final verdict:

The premise of the story is sound but the literal writing style may not appeal to all readers. Descriptions can be woven better into the story to make it smoother and more seamless. Overall, the story is entertaining and can be enjoyed by young readers.

How to Catch a Polar Bear by Stacy Dekeyser

What worked:

The book is set in 1948 and the events and language reflect that time in history. Nick’s friends get a paper route to make $3.50 each week and his uncle owns a soda shop that sells custard cones. Nick shines shoes on Saturday mornings at his father’s business and helps his uncle around the shop in the afternoon. Characters listen to the radio for entertainment and it’s also where they first hear news of the escaped polar bear. The adjective “swell” is used frequently by various characters when things are going well. Life was simpler back then but it wasn’t all good times. Penny, one of Nick’s friends, must deal with stereotypical expectations for women as she doesn’t fit the description of dainty and sweet. Nick’s dad even makes comments about how women lack strength and shouldn’t be doing boy things.

The question in the book’s title is posed one morning after the polar bear is captured right outside Nick’s bedroom window. It’s really not a major factor in the plot although the public zoo park is the setting for much of the book. Much of the plot focuses on a conflict between Nick’s Uncle Spiro and a rival custard shop owned by Happy Harold. Happy is a bully and he doesn’t want to compete with any other shops in the city. He threatens and tries to find any advantage, even if they’re not ethical, to take out his competition. Spiro’s kind soul puts him at a disadvantage but he luckily has Nick and his friends fighting for him. The problem is amped up when Uncle Spiro is given permission to be the soul custard seller at the zoo and Happy won’t let that go unchallenged.

The author adds comedic elements to the book through Nick’s Greek mother and his friend Ace. Ace is impulsive as evidenced by his becoming a paperboy before thinking it through. Waking up at 4:00 in the early morning is no fun and he’s ready to quit after only one day. Nick comments that Ace can’t keep secrets so Nick doesn’t always tell him what’s going on. Ace is also a bit gullible. Eating is something he loves as it seems he’s always slurping up custard, enjoying pasta, or stopping by Penny’s for donuts. Nick’s mom often misunderstands figurative language so her comments sound funny. Nick says they need a guinea pig to taste a new custard recipe and she’s shocked that he wants to feed a pig. Amusing moments are sprinkled throughout the whole book.

What didn’t work as well:

The plot lacks any high drama or tension which may not appeal to some readers. The main conflict boils down to Uncle Spiro losing his custard stand at the zoo but it’s not the end of the world or his business. The true interest may lie in making sure Happy isn’t rewarded for his devious ways.

The final verdict:

The book tells a nostalgic tale of middle-grade kids trying to enjoy their summer while helping Uncle Spiro through his challenges. The simple story is easy to follow and the blend of humor adds to its appeal. Overall, I recommend you give this book a shot.

More Tales to Keep You Up at Night by Dan Poblocki

What worked:

This is not a fluffy kid’s book that mutes its scariness. Creepy, terrorizing situations are developed and the short stories don’t always let characters live happily ever after. Characters constantly disappear throughout the book leaving readers to wonder what’s happened to them. A girl finds mysterious gifts left in her room with each package accompanied by notecards displaying words like LISTEN, BREATHE, and SEE. Readers will tell her not to follow the cards’ commands but of course, she doesn’t listen. In another chapter, four kids decide to visit five cemeteries in one night so that obviously doesn’t end well. Maybe characters should call the police but a chapter titled “Dummy” squashes the idea. Four kids just want to enjoy some lemonade and tea at a cabana but inexplicable violence destroys those plans. Each story in the book is shocking and disturbing.

The author skillfully manipulates language and descriptions to tingle the spines of young readers. A boy delivers secret envelopes to the door of an exterminator and hears shuffling sounds beyond the door. The results are lethal. There are shadows lurking just out of sight in other scenes and deep darkness holds untold dangers. Unresponsive adults aren’t much help while others are downright treacherous. Creep Castle’s slim twisted passages are covered with scattered debris along with slashed canvases and smashed lightbulbs. A door in a pizza shop has a tattered sign saying, “Abandon all Hope, ye who enter here…” An elderly man’s skin is “papery and thin and moist”. The overall atmosphere of the book will keep readers uncomfortable and anxious.

The book is a collection of short stories but they’re all connected by the tapes. The first recording seems very similar to the problem Gilbert encountered with his brother so he assumes the other tapes must hold clues that will help. Connections with the ensuing tales and tapes aren’t as easy to see so readers may treat them as mysteries to solve, looking for clues that might help Gilbert. Some of the tales have stories within stories which add another layer of compelling, horrifying dread. Later recordings begin to reveal what’s actually happening and start to bring everything together. The author even includes a creative twist by inserting himself into the plot. A nice touch from all the stories is they end in ways that make readers wonder “So what happens next?”

What didn’t work as well:

It may be frustrating to read about all thirteen tape recordings and try to piece everything together. The connections are challenging to identify so it might be best to enjoy them simply as creepy, terrifying stories. The author will eventually share how everything is related and bring it all to an eerie resolution.

The final verdict:

Middle-grade readers often have a love for scary things so they’ll probably love this book. It’s not for younger kids though. The mystery behind the tapes is revealed among the recorded stories and readers will try to piece together clues that will end terror. Overall, I recommend you give this book a shot.

The Night Raven (The Moonwind Mysteries) by Johan Rundberg

What worked:

Mika is the main character and she’s the most interesting individual in the book. She has a talent for noticing details which she’s developed in order to survive the streets. At twelve years old, she’s actually one of the older children in the orphanage so the other orphans look up to her. Her keen observation skills attract the attention of a police detective named Valdemar and readers will be able to follow her thinking as she collects clues to solve a murder mystery. The killing is reminiscent of a serial killer from a year ago but everyone knows the Night Raven was executed in prison. Readers will find that Mika is the smartest character in the book as she’s able to sort out the confusing evidence and eventually determine the identity of the murderer. Mika’s confidence and determination to make something of her life make her the dominant personality in the story. Some details regarding her past are revealed later in the book and it remains to be seen what will come from that part of the story.

The story is historical fiction as it’s set in 1880 Stockholm, Sweden. I can’t recall many books, if any, that I’ve read that are set in late 19^th-century Scandinavia. The author appeals to all of the senses in describing the depressed conditions at this time in history. Rank odors from the latrines and slaughterhouses are stifled by the cold but the “stench of death” in the crypt is nauseating. Characters travel by carriage, horse, or by foot as they navigate the streets and bridges. The orphanage is struggling to stay warm in the winter as firewood is scarce and expensive. They eventually need to close the upper floors to conserve resources. Rats run rampant around Stockholm at this time in history as poverty has beset most of the common people.

There are several interesting subplots surrounding the orphanage, Mika, and other characters. Phoebe is awakened one night to find a newborn infant being dropped off at the orphanage. The headmistress Amelia accepts the baby even though the orphanage is full and there’s no information about the baby’s identity. In another storyline, it’s revealed that Valdemar is a loner and there’s something in his past that’s tarnished his reputation among the police. He seems to care about Mika’s welfare even though others are telling her she can’t trust the police. In addition, another orphan named Edvin has frequent nightmares and his scarred body conceals mental traumas in his head. Who is he speaking to when he calls out in his sleep and who could have inflicted this kind of pain upon a child?

What didn’t work as well:

I like the inclusion of the baby but it’s unclear how she fits into the overall plot. There are lingering questions surrounding her appearance but Mika is committed to protecting her from any harm. Almost all of the orphans are without surnames but Mika makes sure the baby gets one when the priest comes for her baptism. As it turns out, Mika discovers she actually has a surname herself.

The final verdict:

Many readers may find this book unremarkable but it really keeps me engaged and wanting to read more. Coming from a challenging childhood, Mika’s kind spirit and detective skills make this story a huge success and I recommend you give it a shot. A sequel called “The Queen of Thieves” has already been published.

The Dreamatics by Michelle Cuevas

What worked:

Luna’s best friend is her dog Murph but she becomes distraught when he’s killed by a passing car. Strangely, her real life is presented as a subplot even though it’s the basis for everything inside the Lunarian Grand. Luna obviously feels sadness but she’s also dealing with guilt for things she could have done while he was alive. Young people can be confused by the myriad of emotions surrounding death in their lives and Luna’s character takes it to extremes. Troubling nightmares performed by the Lunarian Grand terrify her and she fears falling asleep. Her fathers try to help but the book doesn’t mention any other friends or family that offer support. The Dreamatics are left to deal with the emotional turmoil of Luna’s life and the resulting plot follows a rocky, passionate road to recovery

The author includes wordplay, similar to The Phantom Tollbooth, to symbolize combining elements of real life with concepts related to dreaming and the world inside Luna’s mind. There are secluded areas in the Lunarian Grand Theater that hold lost items or forgotten memories. Scripts for the dreams performed every night are written by an unseen playwright. The performers receive details of each performance through Pipe Dreams that always follow Brain Storms. Tragedy in Luna’s life results in little fuzzy creatures called Worryworts invading the Lunarian Grand and wreaking havoc. All of these descriptions result in an imaginative world inside Luna’s head as she struggles to handle her grief.

The story is told in first-person by the main character Dormir. Dormir’s the assistant to the director which means hurrying around the theater and helping to make sure things run smoothly. Dormir’s greatest fear is of not fulfilling hopes of becoming something more, like a performer or a playwright. Dormir leads efforts to save the theater, and Luna’s mind, from being permanently overtaken by the Worryworts which includes making a huge personal sacrifice. The author artfully describes the conflicting emotions and disheartening thoughts that emerge as the situation becomes more desperate. Dormir is a selfless, kind, compassionate character who can be admired by all young readers.

What didn’t work as well:

The Newsreels throughout the plot show Luna becoming more and more despondent about Murph’s death. However, the Dreamatics can’t find memories of Murph anywhere inside her head. Why would she be so sad about losing Murph when she doesn’t have a single memory of him?

The final verdict:

The phrasing of the narrative is unusual and may require readers to develop a tolerance for the zaniness. However, the author is actually developing a creative setting and plot to share the tender story of the grief a young girl feels toward her dog. The overall book is quite enjoyable and fresh and I recommend you give it a shot.

Project F by Jeanne DuPrau

What worked:

The author creates a novel vision of a future world that follows an environmental crisis on Earth. Coal apparently has the worst reputation of all energy sources as no one would dare use it today. Electricity is one common thread between past and present as it was deemed too important for the survival of humanity. The plot has the feel of a society wiped out and starting over with bits of saved technology thrown in. It’s interesting to see what inventions are kept from life centuries before. The characters travel by steam engine because it’s the fastest form of transportation but they use horse-drawn carriages around town. However, they have electric lights and use telephones to make calls across the country. Characters have vague impressions of the previous world without any specific examples.

Keith is the main character and he has an insatiable taste for adventure. Before a train ride across the country, he tells his father he won’t get involved in anything that’s not his business but that’s not Keith’s personality. It won’t surprise anyone when he doesn’t turn a lost bag into lost and found and decides to track down the owner on his own. He ends up in the middle of an exciting opportunity even though he has doubts about whether it’s legal. Even worse, he drags his six-year-old cousin Lulu into it and makes her promise to keep a secret. Lulu’s already dealing with the sudden death of her parents so withholding the truth from others and telling small lies creates an emotional dilemma.

The message underscoring the story concerns environmental issues and how they may ultimately make Earth uninhabitable. Characters in the story don’t typically experience the negative effects of pollution and the callous treatment people have toward flora and fauna. However, they’ve been taught horror stories of how animals, plants, and resources were eliminated to critical levels. The sensitivity to nature is exemplified when a group of girls are appalled that another girl kills a butterfly for no reason. It’s just a bug, right? The new laws don’t allow humans to do anything that might harm wildlife. The book’s conflict emerges when readers discover some characters have a radically different and dangerous outlook on their future.

What didn’t work as well:

The revelation of Project F is a bit anticlimactic but the energy source is what’s significant. The plot and characters could be more developed and some parts of the story feel disjointed. A subplot involving a group of girls is related to the narrative but it feels like something totally separate. It doesn’t add much to the book. 

The Final Verdict:

The book presents a dystopian view of a world that survived the environmental emergency we currently face. Keith and Lulu’s participation in Project F allows young readers to connect with the characters and generates important questions for consideration. Overall, this book is a quick read that will be enjoyed by lovers of nature and adventure.

The Little Match Girl Strikes Back by Emma Carroll and Lauren Child

What worked:

The author artfully crafts a setting in the streets of Victorian England sometime during the late 1800’s. Bridie Sweeney must deal with wet underclothes and nibbling rats at night and she wears her mother’s tattered slippers into the streets. She hawks boxes of Lucifer matches in the mud and slush hoping to make enough money for a decent supper and a warm fire for her mother and little brother. Her mother works in the match factory where she dips the tips of matches into a toxic liquid, inhaling poisonous phosphorous fumes all day long. There’s a stark contrast between the poor families sharing a stale loaf of bread and the wealthy citizens dining on roast meats and tea only a few blocks away.

Bridie’s personality and sales pitches are especially entertaining as she uses her imagination and humor to attract customers. She paints pictures of beautiful lands where people can dream and let their worries float away. Bridie’s customers appreciate her enthusiasm and stories and some expect her performance before they’ll purchase the matches. Her energy is needed later in the book when the situation becomes more dire and the oppressed women are in need of inspiration and direction. Bridie refuses to succumb to threats and setbacks as she gets ideas and inspiration from her match dreams.

The author bases this historical fiction on actual events as she gives names and families of people who sacrificed for human rights. The end pages share notes from the author and illustrator about the actual history of Victorian England and the match factory’s squalid conditions and heartless owner. The plot doesn’t end with a happily-ever-after climax because that’s not how reality works. At least this book’s resolution is a little bit happier than the Hans Christian Anderson story it’s based on.

What didn’t work as well:

Because the plot recounts a real story, there aren’t any surprises or twists to spice things up. There are some parts of the book that sound more historical and factual than others. The dream wishes are interesting but they act as motivation for Bridie to take action. The book still presents an important narrative about a transitional moment in England’s history.

The final verdict:

This book will appeal to lovers of historical fiction, especially from England, with the match dreams offering small pieces of fantasy. The original and real conflict between factory workers and the cruel, greedy owner drives the story with Bridie’s character providing a human, emotional connection with readers. Overall, I recommend you give this book a shot!

The Bravest Warrior in Nefaria by Adi Alsaid

What worked:

Bobert is a virtuous, kind young boy even though other characters treat him like he’s invisible. He doesn’t get angry with anyone and never acts out. He doesn’t push himself into other people’s business although he hopes to be invited into their conversations. Even when the children in Matt the Evil Wizard’s army are told to grab sleeping bags, Bobert thinks it’s fair to go last since the others have been there longer. He feels guilty if he causes discomfort to anyone else. Bobert’s primary motivation throughout the book is to be noticed by others, and hopefully become friends, but he never sacrifices his principles.

The author uses a weird conflict to provide humor to the plot. Matt the Evil Wizard is tired of not being respected and admired so he has an outlandish plan to take over Nefaria.  He’ll create an army of kids because adult knights will never fight young children. It will be so easy! He casts spells on a gumball machine in the town to capture the kids and make others forget about them. He can’t have anyone looking for them while he waits months and years to seize enough to make his army. He’s accompanied by a sassy parrot and mangy cat but he finds that he may need more help to make his plan work.

The story uses alternating narratives that follow Bobert, Matt, and Candelabra, a popular girl from school. Candelabra’s storyline is curious because she is the only person who senses something is wrong. She blames herself for her sister’s demise from last year and that makes her sensitive to the possibility of evil schemes. Readers will need to wait to find out about that traumatic event. Candelabra doesn’t exactly remember Bobert but she finds evidence that he must have existed. Because of last year’s mistake, she’s unwilling to give up her search for him even when everybody else has serious doubts that anyone named Bobert ever lived in Nefaria. It's quite admirable for a character to be so determined to rescue a “stranger” that might not even exist.

What didn’t work as well:

The narrative may be zanier than some readers might like. Matt casts unusual spells like the gumball trap but his magic can’t keep armored children in his army from falling over and not being able to get up. The silliness of his scheme results in a conflict that never develops any tension or suspense. I wish the author had done more to add interest in the conflict as the story went on.

The final verdict:

Young readers will probably enjoy the daffy parts of the story and the focus on loneliness and friendship will resonate too. The conflict doesn’t feel overly serious so it doesn’t touch readers’ emotions as much as it might. However, it’s still a fun story and I recommend you give it a shot.

Medusa by Katherine Marsh

What worked:

Obviously, this book should appeal to lovers of mythology. The title of the book and Ava’s anger freezing a classmate at school strongly suggest she’s a distant relation to the mythical monster Medusa. A ceiling painting at the Accademia depicts the battle between Zeus and other gods fighting and defeating Cronos and the Titans. Ava’s always had a special interest in mythology so she’s the lone new student who knows the history of the scene. An interesting angle is introduced when Fia notes the image doesn’t demonstrate the significance of females in mythology. Her observation presents the modern-day issue of gender bias in the history of gods and goddesses. History is created by those telling the stories.

The students at the Accademia are descended from mythological monsters although they don’t know which ones. Readers may play a mental game of trying to match clues about the students to the identities of their monster genealogy. However, this may be more challenging than expected. For example, Ava’s new roommate, not Fia, is related to a type of vampire. The girl inherited the ability to morph her appearance without an insatiable need to drink blood. Ava’s brother is also accepted into the Accademia but he hasn’t displayed any discernable, talents like his sister. A second-year boy named Arnold still hasn’t manifested any powers, most students show them by the end of their first year, so readers will want to know what makes him different.

For me, Fia is the most intriguing character as she’s a relentless, rebellious type of girl. She ALWAYS questions the stories told by teachers and challenges the history of the gods. She doesn’t show any signs of regretting her outspokenness which creates its own level of tension and mystery. The school has a three-strike policy before expelling students but she’s unconcerned each time she’s sent to the headmaster’s office. Readers will scratch their heads in wonder as they try to understand her indifference in the face of being kicked out of the Accademia.

What didn’t work as well:

The plot jumps into conspiracy mode quicker than expected. The Accademia doesn’t want students questioning the mythological stories being taught but that doesn’t come across as an immediate sign of a secret cover-up. Maybe something’s going on, maybe not, but the story feels like it jumps the gun in reaching the conclusion of collusion. However, it gets into the plot quicker so young readers will like that.

The Final Verdict:

This story empowers women to take control of their lives and not let themselves become oppressed in a male-controlled world. Those who control the narrative control the “truth” so maybe it’s time to change the narrative. I recommend you give this book a shot!

Extra Normal by Kate Alice Marshall

What worked:

The author effectively creates a hook through an air of mystique surrounding Charlie’s new neighbors across the street. The rundown house with crumbling brick has been empty for over a year and her father says it’s unsellable. The neighbors coincidentally move in on the same day Charlie’s parents leave for vacation. That evening, she notices a man, woman, and young boy standing in their front yard with stiff smiles, staring at her house as though they’re posing for a picture. She ventures over the next morning with her siblings and an adult babysitter to meet the neighbors and finds the Weavers wearing name tags. The babysitter offers to help move boxes and Charlie’s siblings are uncharacteristically cooperative. The boxes feel empty to her but the others seem to be carrying heavy loads. Most surprisingly, Charlie is the only one not allowed in the house and she must return home when the neighbor suddenly states her brother isn’t feeling well.

Opal is the most interesting character as she’s a six-year-old ghost. She’s the most timid character and is still learning to transition back and forth between invisible and solid forms. It takes great concentration to pass through walls and then unlock doors which can come in handy while secretly exploring off-limit places. Opal is very sensitive about doing the right thing and not upsetting others so she becomes distressed when sneaking around. This adds another layer of suspense since Opal has a history of burning things up when she gets emotionally overwhelmed. She frequently smolders during the plot so it seems inevitable that she’ll eventually cause something to catch fire.

The mystery of the Weavers is the focus of the plot with other supernatural features included. Charlie doesn’t have any special abilities, she’s extra normal, and the book reveals later on why she doesn’t call her parents when the situation becomes more serious. The Weavers have an unexplainable influence on others, especially Charlie’s babysitters, which makes her investigation more challenging. Tiny, green spiders pop up around her house and in the trees which Miss Sinister, the animated doll in her attic, loves to crunch in her mouth. Charlie’s brother Matty is a young werewolf and he’s pretty good at changing his form. However, a full moon will occur in a few days and he’s unable to control his transformation when this happens. Then, Charlie’s parents have a heavily secured Malice Vault upstairs that holds dangerous artifacts from their past cases. Charlie had a frightening experience with the vault when she was six years old but she’s still curious about the things it contains. The book has plenty of supernatural curiosities to keep readers engaged and the climax presents one more surprising one.

What didn’t work as well:

Charlie’s parents research and resolve supernatural events and there are references to previous cases and a character called the Operative. It feels like this book is the second or third in a series so readers may wonder what they’ve missed. In the end, there is a connection between the current story and some of these past events.

The final verdict:

The book starts as an interesting story about an unusual cast of paranormal characters and grows into an imaginative mystery with unexpected twists. It’s an absorbing adventure that I hope will have a sequel in the near future. I strongly recommend you give this book a shot!

The First Magnificent Summer by R.L. Toalson

What worked:

Victoria, not Tori anymore, has a mind that won’t stop. She frets when her mother fails to call when she promised so you can see that meeting her father for the first time in two years will be even worse. Her father’s time away has made him ignorant of his own children’s interests and lives as he seems to be more concerned with his new wife, toddler, and infant. Victoria struggles to get any type of positive attention from her father and it seems to be a losing battle. He treats her as the younger girl from two years ago while older brother Jack is rewarded with praise and kindness. She’s pessimistic when it comes to the possibility of receiving her father’s affection which may be a more common problem for female readers than I’d like to think.

The author uses descriptive words and writing techniques to create a colorful, imaginative narrative. The story is told as journal entries although it doesn’t often sound like them. In one part of the book, Victoria compares her brother and herself to a pair of Sketchers shoes. She’s not sure if Jack’s changed because his laces have been tied too tightly or maybe he’s been wrapped around scratchy, stinky socks for too long. (Or no socks at all!) Victoria has her first menstrual period (she calls it The Visitor in her mind) on the first day with her dad and this physical change can be a traumatic time for young girls. It certainly is for Victoria as there’s a page and a half of lines sharing the terror she feels, such as “I CAN’T BREATHE!” and no one can enter the bathroom “Not until the floor swallows me whole!” Inspired, I’m sure by her father, there’s a whole chapter about the world of women defined by men. There is the word MENstrual itself, her MENacing MENace father, the MENu of creatively condemning words her father has for Victoria and her younger sister, and many other negative words from the dictionary that start with MEN (there are many!)

Much of the story casts Victoria in a lonely light as she grapples with the challenges of puberty on her own. She’s a thousand miles from her mother in Texas and doesn’t feel comfortable seeking help from a stepmother she just met or from her little sister who’d be no help at all. She obviously can’t talk about girl things with her father since he already gets angry when she won’t eat baloney sandwiches his stepmother made. It’s hard to believe she’ll find any understanding from a father who calls her “ungrateful”, pouty, and “Miss Priss”. Consequently, Victoria is forced to face the distress of menstruation, pimples on the forehead, and suffering through summer with The Replacements without any support other than her journal. Readers will speculate whether her father will finally realize the wonderful daughter in front of him or if he’ll become the monster she imagines.

What didn’t work as well:

Young boys probably won’t relate as well to the story as much of the conflict is sexist against girls. It’s difficult to read the constant verbal abuse Victoria endures from her father. The story can be a powerful lesson for more mature readers as it’s truly a story of empowerment against the expectations of others.

The Final Verdict:

This story can be emotionally taxing at times but Victoria’s strength and resolution present an inspirational message for young girls. The author’s vivid, expressive narrative evokes stroke feelings that will touch the hearts of young readers. I highly recommend you give this book a shot!