The Liars Society by Alyson Gerber

What worked:

The story is presented from two distinctly different points of view. The narrative comes through the eyes of Weatherby and Jack as Weatherby tries to adapt to an exclusive, private school in Boston. She earns a scholarship for winning a sailing regatta which really irritates and angers the powerful Hunt family. Jack Hunt’s father is a major donor to the private school and a major influencer. Jack’s not a win-at-all-costs type of person like his father and brother but he still feels family pressure to succeed. His moral values are in stark contrast to the other male members of the Hunt family and help him to make thoughtful, empathetic decisions as the plot moves along.

The world of sailing is not often the main topic in middle-grade novels unless the characters live like Vikings. The first section of the book takes the time to describe some boating vocabulary and the inner workings of the teamwork required to steer using only the wind. Weatherby has a special sense when it comes to reading the weather and water which she uses to predict the most favorable strategies. The book describes how the sails are maneuvered at precisely the right time to make turns and how they can generate speed to complete the course quicker than opponents.

An early internal conflict for Weatherby is a moral one. She’s the only person aware that she inadvertently violates a rule while winning the regatta but she feels compelled to confess her mistake to the race organizers. However, admitting to the violation will automatically lead to the loss of her scholarship. She’s always wanted to be a student at Boston School just like her father, a man she never knew. Should she be honest and lose the scholarship or remain quiet and pursue her dreams? The mystery surrounding the disappearance of Weatherby’s father, the Last Heir’s secret group, and environmental questions found around the lake become the focus of the plot once Weatherby joins the school.

What didn’t work as well:

There’s not much to dislike. The backdrop of sailing may not appeal to a wide audience but it’s less of a focus as the story moves along. The plot moves around to different issues to keep things fresh and the storyline moving forward.

The final verdict:

Readers might not expect a sequel but it’s inevitable based on the book’s ending. The mystery and character relationships are dynamic and will keep readers engrossed. Weatherby’s presence at Boston School is the catalyst for change and will lead readers in unexpected directions.

The Afterlife of the Party by Darcy Marks

What worked:

The most intriguing aspect of the book is the setting. Mal and his friends are angels but they live in Hell. Heaven, Hell, and Faerie are three different dimensions and the citizens are learning to get along after interdimensional travel is allowed. A controversial issue arises when a mixer is proposed between some of the angels in Heaven and Hell. Readers won’t notice any big differences in Hell as Mal still goes to school, lives in a normal home, goes shopping for clothes with his mom, and has lunch at a restaurant. The Pit is the punishing version of Hell we’re more familiar with.

Mal’s best friends now attend different schools but they still meet regularly and hang out. Mal is having a more difficult time making the adjustment as the others seem to be enjoying their lessons and are making new friends. His mind begins to feel jealous as he’s uncomfortable sharing his familiar friends with others. He’s not sure how to tell if new classmates are friends he can trust or merely school acquaintances. He doesn’t want to open up with feelings and private thoughts that might make him vulnerable until he’s sure the relationships are safe. These emotions are common among middle-grade readers which will make Mal a relatable character.

The author introduces various issues to catch the attention of Mal and readers. The ground begins to shake on several occasions and no one has an explanation. A soul meant for heaven somehow ends up in Hell, upsetting the balance between good and evil. A young angel from heaven appears at Mal’s home, something that shouldn’t be possible. Invitations for a controversial, interdimensional mixer arrive but Mal isn’t sure who has received them or if the event will ever happen. A pen pal from the human world says strange things are happening there and asks Mal if anything unusual is happening in Hell. Then, there are rumors of Chaos rising and Mal wonders if his actions from the first book have anything to do with it. Mal wants to believe all of these things are coincidental but what if they’re not?

What didn’t work as well:

It will help to read the previous book first since there are many references to past events. I didn’t do this. Also, it’s hard to anticipate and become excited about the climax since the actual conflict isn’t clear. Many symptoms are shared but the actual cause of them is unknown throughout most of the book. What’s actually happening and who is doing it?

The final verdict:

This book is a stepping stone between the first book and the third and readers should be prepared to continue the series. The climax eventually reveals what’s going on but the resolution leads right into the sequel. The concept of the plot is innovative as the various settings are located in the afterlife. Overall, it’s an interesting book and I recommend you give it a shot.

Slumber of Silence (The Talisman #4.5) by Brett Salter

What worked:

This novella fits right into the Talisman world and focuses on the leading dragon/knight pair of Rome and Julian. Young readers will like that the book can be completed in just a couple of days and the short chapters keep the action moving. The whole novella is comparable to one mission from the regular series as the boys are tasked with finding and closing a possible portal to The Void. The potential for an invasion of Darkbrands creates additional tension as readers ponder the chances of another war breaking out.

Rome’s growth as a dragon has gifted him with supernatural senses. This ability comes in quite handy while the boys travel deep within the cave’s passages. Rome’s senses tell him there’s another presence in the tunnels but he can’t figure out what it means. There’s no evidence any other human has ever ventured into this space so readers are left to wonder what Rome is sensing. It’s unclear if something might be shadowing Rome and Julian as they plunge into the dark depths or maybe an enemy surprise is lurking as they near the portal. It’s humorous that Julian is afraid of bats after all of the Darkbrand monsters he’s faced in the Talisman series. His incessant chatter and funny comments add levity to the story.

What didn’t work as well:

Previously, the boys fought and defeated the most powerful creatures from The Void. The Garms are the lowest of the Darkbrand and primarily act as scouts. So, given the superior weapons and strength of Julian and Rome, why do they struggle so much to eliminate two Garms in this book?

The final verdict:

This book offers a brief spin-off to give readers a taste of the Talisman series. Loyal fans will enjoy one more adventure with Rome and Julian and I recommend you give it a shot.

The Queen of Thieves by Johan Rundberg

What worked:

Mika is one of the older kids at the orphanage and she helps to oversee the younger boys and girls. This orphanage is a bit different from those in other books as the headmistress doesn’t force kids to stay if they’d rather live on the streets. Also, Mika learned her surname in the last book and the headmistress is angry that she found out. Mika is given a purpose in this book when one of the boys runs away rather than moving in with a foster family. She decides to search for him which leads her to a whole new adventure that could endanger the future of the orphanage. Over the years, some infant orphans, including Mika, have arrived with leather bands and Mika discovers the significance of them. It doesn’t make sense to her but it will be a mysterious thread that connects the whole series together.

The author introduces an uptick in pickpockets that involve kids so Inspector Valdemar once again approaches Mika for help. She proved her detective talents in the first book plus she may be better able to collect information on the streets. Both Mika and Valdemar have shaky reputations with the police force which creates another layer of conflict for the characters. Mika always seems one step away from prison even as she investigates crimes for the authorities. The irony of her situation and her determination to stop criminals make her a remarkable, motivating character.

As with the first book, the story takes a historical look at the desperate lives of orphans and their struggles to realize positive futures. The orphanage does what it can to help them survive but it doesn’t do much to help them advocate for themselves. Mika hasn’t been allowed to attend school and her friend Rufus says he’s learning to join the dangerous world of chimney sweeps. The children always feel like outcasts in public as they’re never welcomed outside of the orphanage. The first book introduced a baby named Nora and Mika has made it her responsibility to care for her. Mika takes it personally when the baby becomes seriously ill which leads her to take drastic steps. Unscrupulous people will take advantage of children with little hope and Mika will do anything to protect her friends.

What didn’t work as well:

The plot doesn’t build to a super suspenseful climax. There is a clear climactic moment but I’m expecting/wanting a little more to it. Mika’s cunning once again resolves the problem but the conflict itself doesn’t generate a lot of tension.

The final verdict:

Mika’s character is thoroughly enjoyable as she wants to do the right thing to protect those she cares about. The plot offers her great temptation to change her circumstances but readers can admire the honor and integrity she possesses. Overall, this is a wonderful story and I recommend you give it a shot.

Beak to the Future (Two-Headed Chicken 2) by Tom Angleberger

What worked:

The book will appeal to readers who love the absurd. The two-headed chicken has an Astrocap that allows it/them to travel back and forth through time. That’s exactly what happens throughout the whole book. Illustrations of the timestream happen to look like a giant broccoli but that’s just a coincidence. The impossible is possible in the timestream as the chicken visits times in history that might/or might not have happened. It encounters some famous personalities like George Washington but also shrinks to microscopic size during prehistoric times. There’s even a scene where it visits the Garden of Eden. Dinosaurs and moose (the green kind) are recurring characters as they appear in various scenes.

The story includes random pages that share different topics that may or may not be related to the plot. One section shares the tale of Friedrich Bangerter, who is the first time-traveler, and presents his three laws to avoid “evolutionary mayhem”. Another page assigns a US History Test and the book ends with Jimmy’s fun quiz. Many of the questions are multiple choice but they all allow readers to consider their own silly answers.

This graphic novel blends colorful illustrations with a good deal of narrative to present the strange story. The pictures immediately display changes as the two-headed chicken transforms into a two-headed television, dinosaur, penguin, and alligator, to name a few. These transformations are good indicators that history is messed up. “Humorous” knock-knock jokes are wielded like weapons by the chicken and they’re sure to make readers groan. The author pokes fun at himself and readers in the dialogue to add more levity to the story. Readers should be prepared to expect the unexpected as the author lets his imagination go free.

What didn’t work as well:

The overall book doesn’t have a compelling plot. About every five pages, the chicken disrupts a moment in history and then must travel to a different time to try to set things right. On the other hand, the brief episodes may appeal to young readers since it won’t take long to finish the chapters and the whole book.

The final verdict:

This style of writing can be expected from the author of the Origami Yoda stories so this book will appeal to lovers of his zany scenarios. I can easily recommend the book to those with a high tolerance for the absurd.

Darkness and Demon Song (Marius Grey 2) by M.R. Fournet

What worked:

The whole world accepts the existence of ghosts and other supernatural creatures and Marius has become a reluctant celebrity. He was able to dispose of a particularly nasty creature and rescue his mother from the devil. Darius and Kelly, his mom, are monster hunters and the book opens with them tackling a stronger-than-expected chupacabra. Darius possesses a book with the power to capture monsters within its pages and he later has the

Some middle-grade heroes are reluctant and insecure about their roles but Marius is a confident monster hunter. He still captures monsters alone while his mother is gone but he appreciates that she’s now returned to help. He has an ability to transport himself to different cemeteries which makes moving quickly to other locations quite easy. No need for a car! Marius’s best friend is a mermaid named Rhiannon and he’s most relaxed when he’s anchored in the bayou listening to her songs. Rhiannon’s suggestions to help Marius often include killing and eating the problems which adds a touch of levity to the story.

The most intriguing part of the story is Darius’s mom because there’s obviously something wrong with her. She behaves and speaks strangely at times but then can’t remember what just happened. Marius is afraid to ask for help because he’s not sure what might happen to Kelly if news of her condition gets out. However, it’s hard to help her if he can’t identify the problem. It’s an impossible decision. Ask for help and risk losing his mother or do things on his own to risk his mother losing her soul.

What didn’t work as well:

A great deal happened in the first book and it feels like readers are joining a party that’s already started. We quickly learn that Marius is a monster hunter and his mother has just returned from spending two years with the devil. She’s changed because of the experience and it would be nice to have more information about what happened. As always, the easy solution is to read the first book and fill in some of those gaps.

The final verdict:

The author’s skillful descriptions of Marius’s life as a monster hunter will capture the imagination of young readers. His protective feelings for his mother lead to difficult, emotional decisions that may challenge Marius beyond his abilities. Overall, this is an exciting adventure in the bayou and I recommend you give it a shot.

The Invitation (Book 1 of Kepler62) by Timo Parvela and Bjorn Sortland

What worked:

Ari and his little brother Joni are tight as they live alone, waiting for their mother to return. They’re fearful that the government will discover they’re living alone and take them into custody. The phrase “Children have to be allowed to be children” is repeated throughout the story and it comes across as a negative thing. The boys are living in a very controlled society and Ari begins to feel like a prisoner with unseen bars holding them in. This situation creates an “us against them” mentality and Ari becomes skeptical and suspicious about everything. Joni offsets his brother’s attitude with trust and hope. An expedition to another planet is mentioned throughout the book but Ari is certain it has nothing to do with people like his brother and him. They’re just two young boys out of billions of people on the planet.

Kepler62 is a video game that has captured the attention of everyone around the world. No one has been able to pass level 99 so Ari and his brother are determined to accomplish the impossible. Joni gets a copy of the game from a stranger which will make readers wonder about her identity and motive. Who gives a random kid an expensive video game for no reason? The plot gives the impression of a giant conspiracy but those behind it are unknown and their reasons might be good or bad. Ari doesn’t trust the government but are they behind the string of coincidences he’s experiencing or is it some secret group? This uncertainty adds intrigue to the story and generates reader interest.

The book has different qualities that will appeal to emerging readers. The chapters are very short so young readers can feel a sense of accomplishment as they’re completed. The plot moves swiftly as the boys are introduced, they play the game, Joni gets sick, and finally, the boys begin their adventure. Actually, Joni’s illness Illustrations accompany the narrative and help readers visualize the characters. The pictures also help to generate changing tones in the story and a couple of times wordless pages continue the tale through illustrations only.

What didn’t work as well:

The biggest issue is the fact that this book is only the beginning of a series. It sets the stage for future events and then stops. It only introduces the backstory for the plot so most readers will probably will scratch their heads at the end and want more.

The final verdict:

The relationship between Ari and Joni is a highlight but the secret behind their strange experiences is the most interesting part of the story. It seems certain they’ve been targeted for some reason but readers must use their imaginations to explain the uncertainties. Overall, the book is entertaining but the conclusion will be frustrating without possessing the next book in the series.

Hooky 3 by Miriam Bonastre Tur

What worked:

The underlying conflict throughout the series is an ongoing clash between witches and non-magical people. The previous king persecuted and killed witches so some of the survivors are bent on revenge. These feelings of prejudice drive the conflict and this book begins to introduce compassion and understanding for those who are different. The new, young king and queen want to make witches accepted but they aren’t sure of the best way to implement the change. Fear and anger are difficult emotions to transform in citizens from both sides, especially after the many years of violence and malice promoted by the previous rulers. Obviously, clashes and prejudice between different social groups are applicable to readers’ lives and will help them make connections to the story and characters.

The plot reads like a soap opera with subplots and dramatic twists. Dorian is a witch and is presumed dead from the previous book but some of his friends are convinced he’s still alive. His twin sister Dani isn’t acting like herself and her magic is becoming more powerful and frightening. She’s actually being controlled by another creature although it takes a while before anyone suspects the truth. A third sibling named Damien feels guilt for leaving his brother and sister with their evil parents. He’s also trying to understand his sexuality when a friend, the new king, expresses an attraction toward him. Then, the new queen is forced to deal with her dormant love for Dorian, the boy she thought had been dead for the past three years.

Graphic novels generally include fewer words but this book has a good deal of dialogue. The pages are full of colorful illustrations with darker shades used when the scenes become more mysterious or evil. Dani’s fluctuating moments of creepiness and confusion are artfully captured in the pictures. The text font changes to show when characters are speaking and when they’re thinking the words. The book doesn’t have any narration to explain what’s happening so the entire story is communicated using graphics and voice bubbles.

What didn’t work as well:

This book jumps right in where the previous book left off as it begins with chapter 58. There are many characters to remember and the plot frequently shifts with flashbacks and setting changes. The transitions aren’t always clear and readers are often expected to remember characters by sight. These concerns lessen as the story moves along but readers may feel lost if they haven’t read the previous books.

The final verdict:

I admit that I started this series by reading the second book and the confusion I experienced didn’t work. However, this book is easier to follow and brings the conflict between witches and non-magical folks to an end. The complicated relationships between characters are the highlights of the book and they are also eventually resolved. Give this series a shot.

The Nighthouse Keeper (Blight Harbor 2) by Lora Senf

What worked:

This book is the sequel to The Clackity, a finalist for a 2022 Cybils Award, so readers will already know to expect ghosts and supernatural occurrences. Evie is the only human ever to enter the Dark Sun Side and escape back to Blight Harbor. In this book, some friendly ghosts have disappeared from the town and Evie suspects they haven’t moved on to a better place. She promises her Aunt Des that she won’t return to the Dark Sun Side to investigate but of course, she gets sucked into a situation beyond her control. She meets a witch-like character who won’t let Evie leave until she completes a seemingly impossible task at the Nighthouse.

The story includes unique characters who offer different kinds of help or dangers for Evie. Evie has a tattoo named Bird that’s able to move to different parts of her body. Bird wields some power and is usually on her back or shoulder usually acting as a barometer of danger or a voice of reason in her head. Evie meets a ghost named Lark who knows about how this strange world works and she’s accompanied by a ghostly spider named Clyde. The witchy character is Portia and she acts as the main antagonist. She possesses stolen magic that’s created problems to complicate things.

The setting is almost a character unto itself as it presents the main obstacle for Evie. She finds an ocean of black nothingness called the Radix that acts as a sentient being. It’s the source of all magical power and it gets upset when magic is stolen from it. Evie learns it doesn’t matter how far or how long it takes to reach the Nighthouse, it’s all about what she must do to get there. The author allows the Radix to dramatically and suddenly change the setting to provide challenges for Evie. For example, Evie is riding a train when she finds a spiral staircase leading down into another train car. It’s a surprising, unexpected twist to the plot and readers can expect additional strange events to pop up.

What didn’t work as well:

Some readers lacking imagination might find the strange occurrences hard to visualize and follow. Evie and Bird come to expect the weirdness and impossibility and some readers might not be as understanding. However, the strangeness keeps the story fresh and unpredictable which should keep most readers mentally engaged.

The final verdict:

The conflict is innovative as Evie travels to the world of the Radix in order to rescue her ghostly friends. The setting-shifting source of magical power oversees all of the lands and Evie realizes she must communicate with it if she’s going to complete her quest. Overall, this book shares an inventive adventure and I recommend you give it a shot!

Shades of Winter (Misfit’s Magic) by Fred Gracely

What worked:

The opening scene offers an effective hook as Goff awakens from a horrible dream that seems like more of a premonition. He sees a mysterious “mosaic man” making plans with a gargoyle and saying the kids got lucky last year. They won’t be a problem this time. This vision really shakes up Goff and will immediately create tension for readers. His school life is complicated when Goff discovers some entitled classmates acting suspiciously and he fears magic is making its way back into his life. However, he’s sent off on a secret mission with his “team” before he can fully investigate the terrible thing brewing on the school’s campus. Much of the plot takes place across the world where Goff uncovers a nefarious plan of dark magic that spans generations.

Goff’s team mostly consists of his roommate Halstrom and a loyal friend named Lydia. Halstrom contributes humor to the story through his overly literal, analytical mind. Ironically, one of his first funny scenes comes when he tries to get Lydia to understand that she’s using the word literally incorrectly. Lydia isn’t so concerned with details but the author introduces a twist to her character. Something unexpected happens when Goff is hit with a blast of dark magic in the first book that has a game-changing effect on Lydia. Curiously, Goff lived with foster siblings named Ben and Pam, who enjoyed bullying him in the previous book, but Pam has now become an ally and Halstrom’s girlfriend. Pam and Ben become key factors in the plot but for totally unexpected reasons.

The concept of magic comes in various forms and sources. Goff is separated from his magic but that may be confusing for readers. He’s still able to connect with elements of nature and use the connections to perform “magical” deeds but this isn’t considered magic in the context of the story. The plot also includes things called nexi that help Goff, Lydia, and Halstrom with their magical shortcomings. Goff’s feelings about these small balls of light and their helpful actions actually boost them to the level of friendly characters. The evil characters perform traditional magic spells with sacrificial offerings and group chanting. Human sacrifice is not out of the question which amplifies the suspense.

What didn’t work as well:

The story makes a big point of describing how Goff lost his connection with magic however he’s still able to manipulate nature. I’m not able to reconcile the idea in my mind that Goff’s connection to nature isn’t considered magic. That inconsistency doesn’t work as well but most readers can probably disregard this concern.

The final verdict:

It’s not required that you read the first book but it wouldn’t hurt. Goff’s insecurities about being a leader and his loss of magic make him more endearing and add drama to the story. The whole conflict boils down to a resurrected battle between Goff and an ultimate evil and I recommend you give it a shot.

V is for Victorine by Anne Nesbet

What worked:

Vee’s logical, honest character is wonderfully balanced by Darleen’s creative, theatrical talents to make them a charming pair. The two teenage girls are the closest of friends and can easily be imagined as sisters. Vee has a great deal of trouble lying, even lies of omission, so it’s amusing to watch how she phrases sentences in order to maintain her moral standards. The author often shares the mental struggles waged inside her head. Darleen must watch her own words lest she let Vee’s true identity slip to strangers. The whole country is enamored by a series of movies that speculate on the adventures of Vee’s life since she disappeared from her wealthy, public life due to unscrupulous characters.

The world of early film-making is explored as the girls experience the complicated issues surrounding the industry. The setting is in early-1900’s America when all of the movies were silent but still extremely popular. The book’s closing pages of this historical fiction confirm some of the characters were actual people or were based on real people. Much of the technology shared in the narrative is historically accurate too. The later parts of the book address the societal impact of movies as Vee begins to realize they can affect viewers’ knowledge and feelings toward the world. Films can give people distorted or misleading perceptions of the world so don’t filmmakers have a responsibility to be accurate in what they create? Vee struggles with this problem and her frustrations and emotions aren’t readily accepted by those involved in movie production.

The author includes two main mysteries in the plot that involve a secret that her father is sure will make the family money and items found inside another train passenger’s briefcase become a major conflict. The father’s secret is intriguing because he won’t share any information with the girls so readers are left to wonder what it might be. It supposedly has the potential to change how movies are made. The stranger’s briefcase becomes the bigger story when the girls discover three small cylinders with etchings in them. Rumors of train thieves insert ideas into readers’ minds to create nefarious scenarios. Vee and Darleen aren’t sure what to do with what they find and the problem follows them all the way to Hollywood. The truth behind the cylinders drives the plot although most of the characters find a rich woman’s plans for them a bit odd.

What didn’t work as well:

There are glimpses into what’s happened in the first book but I still feel like I want to know more. Some unscrupulous “relatives” tried to take custody of Vee and her inheritance after her grandmother passed away. This issue remerges so some additional information will help readers fully appreciate what’s going on. A quick solution is to read the first book Daring Darleen, Queen of the Screen.

The final verdict:

This book is a pleasant read as readers follow the adventures of Vee and Darleen on their way to Hollywood. The mysterious cylinders become more prominent as the narrative moves along and the plot touches on the moral issues of film-making. Overall, I recommend you give this book a shot.

A Ranger’s Guide to Glipwood Forest by Andrew Peterson

What worked:

The guidebook is divided into sections and subtopics but it’s narrated by a character named Owin Groverly who documents his past adventures through Glipwood Forest. He presents descriptions of the Glipwood Rangers first and then addresses the essential gear needed to survive in the forest. Owin has a special affinity for plants due to his upbringing on a farm which is explained in the book’s introduction. The “story” itself chronicles his trek through the forest and describes directions readers should follow in order to successfully navigate the wilderness and survive. Readers may feel uncertain when they’re told to ignore signs saying “Private, or else” or “Trespass and die”. Needless to say, the narrative projects an air of levity to it.

The author’s descriptive writing style is the highlight of this book. The members of the original Glipwood Rangers are introduced and they each present unique, quirky personalities. The widow Yana has too many knives and daggers to count and she’s content sitting by the campfire sharpening her blades and listening to “her lads”. Brobby and Chobby are twin brothers although Brobby sports an extremely long mustache while Chobby has grown an impressively wide beard. Ratoona had been “phoobed” onto a trader ship but later escaped into the lushness and greenery of Skree. The author/narrator often includes footnotes at the bottom of pages that sometimes help to explain things in the narrative. However, many of them suggest readers can receive discounts or special considerations by mentioning Owin’s name or the book in different situations.

What didn’t work as well:

I’ve read the first book in the Wingfeather Saga and connections between it and this book are limited. The plot doesn’t have a definitive conflict although the goal is to locate a thiefess roaming the forest. The book is still entertaining if readers keep in mind that it’s a guide or handbook.

The final verdict:

This book is actually a good choice for those who plan to read in short increments of time. Most of the early topics are only a page in length and the later sections span several pages. The author’s writing style is the most enjoyable part of the book as he adds a humorous tone to a dangerous adventure. Overall, this is a fun book to read and I recommend you give it a shot.