Terra Electrica: The Guardians of the North by Antonia Maxwell

What worked:

The plot features two characters as a highly contagious, deadly disease has killed everyone in Mani’s village. She’s been told the scientists at the nearby laboratory are evil and she should never go near them. However, circumstances drive her to desperation and Mani finds herself inside the building searching for food. She meets a scientist and discovers they have something strange in common. They are both infected with the illness but they haven’t died, yet. They soon form a partnership and venture off on an adventure to find help.

Mani inherits a wooden mask from her mother that transports her to a frigid world where she meets a polar bear guardian guide. Ooshaka offers her counsel although many of Mani’s questions go unanswered. Her mother never taught Mani about the mask so readers are left to wonder what other secrets it might hold. This relic is a spiritual connection to memories of Mani’s indigenous ancestors. Mani also meets Crow who offers more information about her situation but still causes leaves her with more uncertainties.

The plot presents an interesting blend of science and faith as the characters strive to survive an apocalyptic melting of the ice caps. Leo and Mani encounter evidence of flooding, devastation, and death while trying to make their way to other scientists at the Ark. They find red bones of those who’ve died from the disease and Leo’s map is inaccurate due to lands that are now underwater. Unmoving, broken cars sit where they finally stop, and random, desperate survivors are willing to kill to stay alive. The disease makes everyone paranoid and anybody showing symptoms is seen as a threat. Mani faces danger from every stranger due to their terrifying fear of the illness.

What didn’t work as well:

The introduction of Mani’s character seems to imply she’s somewhat unaware of how things work in the modern world but she doesn’t seem as naïve as the story moves along. Her background story is a bit fuzzy. However, the epilogue reveals more about Mani’s origins so the sequel should have more clarity.

The final verdict:

This book establishes the scenario for the series so readers should be prepared to continue with the second book. The last fourth of the book reveals the underlying conflict with some twists as nature and humanity try to strike a balance. Overall, I recommend this inventive story for your reading pleasure.

The Great Charming (The Caverns of Cracklemore 1) by Jace Schwartz

What worked:

Remaine is an endearing, underdog character as he always performs below family expectations. For generations, they’ve been diving for rare fish that are cooked with their secret sauce. However, Remaine always catches fewer fish than his older sister but that’s partly because he spends so much time alone in a secret underwater cave. He dreams of exciting adventures like the legendary Great Mariner but his real life tells a much different story. Then, he fails The Great Charming: not receiving the magic, not breathing out the Old Cold, not catching a fish during the Dive that will define his life. Remaine hastily decides it’s time for a drastic change. This decision leads him into the middle of an exciting adventure that will eventually reveal an incredible, terrifying scheme.

The plot takes a huge turn halfway into the book with a new setting and some characters showing hidden sides and secrets. Remaine is thrown into a major conflict involving the prince although the details aren’t immediately known. New information forces Remaine to question what he’s been told so far and he realizes his life is in danger. He’s protected by the characters but there’s still a sense that something’s off. Readers are forced to reconsider their own thinking in trying to understand what’s actually happening. This mental mystery concerning the truth will engage readers’ minds and keep them speculating about what’s to come.

Remaine is an enigma as there are questions and mysteries about his character waiting to be told. His family thinks his daydreams are a problem but Remaine’s cave drawings may be more important than he realizes. A prophecy is revealed that may, or may not, be talking about Remaine and his key role in Cracklemore’s future. The prince speaks of Remaine’s potential and his ability to see other worlds but Remaine still has doubts about his importance. Readers will wonder if he has other abilities and powers that have yet to emerge.

What didn’t work as well:

The plot can’t be described as fast-paced due to the abundant description of settings, characters, and events. This style allows readers to fully visualize the story but it may make them antsy. The second half of the book has more action and suspense so it’s worth it for readers to persevere.

The final verdict:

This book is best for upper middle-grade readers with the patience and thinking skills to take on a more challenging narrative. The first third of the book requires mental stamina due to the slow pace but the action and intrigue pick up once Remaine is taken from the prince. Overall, this imaginative adventure will appeal to fantasy lovers and I recommend you give it a shot. 

The Wakefield Princess (Kevin Martinez and the Crimson Knights) by Mike Torres

What worked:

The book blends the medieval and modern worlds as the characters pass through a portal into Derathiel. The efforts of Kevin, Matt, and Jake in this kingdom are necessary to protect lives in the modern world. Kevin already wields a powerful sword called Flameclaw while Jake possesses a war hammer called Tombstone. Battle scenes find the boys striking down enemy creatures with their godly weapons and Matt finally earns a spear called Diamondpeak from Whispawn. The weapons will be put to good use as the friends battle the Whiteface and an army of rebels seeking to overthrow Princess Hayley. Whispawn’s brother is Zaron, now called Raven, and he’s the main antagonist threatening both worlds. However, a mysterious woman emerges later in the book and she should play a larger role in the sequel.

The connection between Derathiel and the modern world creates questions and mysteries for readers to ponder. First off, how and why are the worlds connected? Kevin is prophesized to be the protector of an infant child but she lives in a trailer park with a school bully. While searching for Diamondpeak, Matt finds the picture of a young girl in an ancient tome who could be the twin of a crush he has back in school. How is it possible for her picture to be in this other world when the boys just recently discovered its existence? The second half of the book shifts to the modern world as problems in both dimensions converge.

The author adds subtle humor throughout the book during light-hearted moments. The boys tease each other as kids typically do and this carries over into Derathiel. Kevin and Matt are a little sensitive when it comes to discussing girls they like. It’s comical when the characters contrast how girlfriends are found in the different worlds. A large, friendly brute named Bruce says it’s customary in the north of  Derathiel to “barge into her hut” and take a girl he likes while the boys say they’d go to jail in their world for doing that. The bully insists he needs to protect Kevin, even if Kevin doesn’t want his help, so their exchanges can be amusing.

What didn’t work as well:

You’ll need to read the previous books first. Old characters reemerge in the plot without reminders of their past experiences and relationships and previous events may be fuzzy. Perhaps readers new to the series won’t be bothered by this style but it doesn’t work as well for me.

The final verdict:

The conflict between the Crimson Knights and the forces of evil escalates and plots from the separate worlds begin to merge. The book will appeal to lovers of medieval times and action=filled stories and I recommend you give it a shot.

How to Help a Hare and Protect a Polar Bear by Dr. Jess French

What worked:

The book is divided into nine different habitats with a similar format in each section. The first two pages of a section describe wildlife that can be found in that habitat and how the habitat is being harmed. The next two pages explain facts about unusual animals specific to the area and ways young readers can help conserve the habitat. The end of the book includes an index and glossary to help locate individual topics or to learn definitions of terms used. There are also pages sharing additional information about endangered species including the address for the IUCN’s website where visitors can learn the endangered status of different animals. The purpose of the book is to inform but it also provides suggestions regarding how young people can help. In general, many of the ideas can be summed up with reduce, reuse, and recycle. Other hints suggest using environmentally friendly products, becoming more aware of what’s happening in nearby habitats, and helping to educate others about harmful habits and different ways to protect nature.

The book includes colorful illustrations of the habitats along with the unique animals found there. There is a nice blend of familiar and uncommon animals to help readers relate to the content. The savannah shows a giraffe and African wild dogs, the swamp shows a beaver along with a meadow vole, and the jungle displays an orangutan and a proboscis monkey. The author provides brief highlights of the different animals so young readers won’t be overwhelmed by an overabundance of information.

What didn’t work as well:

The information and conservation suggestions don’t significantly differ from what’s been shared in other books and magazines. However, highlighting the information in short, specific pieces should make it easily understood by young readers.

The final verdict:

This book is a reader-friendly introduction to learning about habitats and conservation around the world. It reminds me that individual readers live in individual habitats so the different sections will appeal differently to individual audiences. Overall, I recommend this book to young readers interested in science, animals, and nature.

The Wishkeeper’s Apprentice by Rachel Chivers Khoo

What worked:

The author offers a new twist on the concepts of wishes and magic. Rupus Beewinkle does much more than grant wishes and he sorely needs a new apprentice. Every person’s wish must be considered and cataloged whether it comes from a wishing well, birthday candles, dandelion petals, or turkey wishbones. The magic for some wishes requires little risk but other wishes are deemed ungrantable. The more complicated the wish the better chance there is of complications. Wishes involving life and death are considered illegal.

Rupus comes across as an eccentric character since he’s overwhelmed by problems that have arisen. He calls his secret home Snugwarm because it’s so cozy although there are messy stacks of papers and cards all over the place. He still manages to find time to indulge his sweet tooth with scrumptious snacks. His snorlick is a tasty drink that calms the characters and fills them with more positive thoughts. Rupus behaves a bit like a rebel since he has an inner desire to grant as many wishes as possible. This might explain why the wishes in his town have been experiencing snags unless an evil creature isn’t as extinct as all of the other Wishkeepers suspect. The plot offers an unexpected, passionate twist as it nears its climax.

Emotions play a large part in the story as they strongly affect the way characters view the world. Hope and joy are two of the strongest ones while despair and gloom can destroy a town. Felix is the main character and he’s feeling alone and unwanted. He especially misses the closeness he used to have with his older sister but she thinks he’s an annoying nuisance now. Rupus provides Felix with a sense of purpose and belonging that gives him more courage and optimism. However, events hit his emotions hard and force him to battle for his existence. Rupus and Felix are forced to battle the attack on positive feelings to save the entire town from desolation.

The final verdict:

This enchanting tale will captivate young readers through its unusual characters and original plot. It’s fast-paced and easy to read with charming illustrations to enhance the story. Overall, this unassuming book will be loved by all young readers and I highly recommend you give it a shot.

Happiness According to Humphrey by Betty G. Birney

What worked:

Humphrey is a classroom hamster who makes observations about what happens with the students. The author describes a “normal” elementary classroom so young readers can connect with what’s happening. The classroom becomes a little community and Humphrey’s thoughts keep readers informed about any issues. A wonderful balance is found between the impossibility of students understanding the squeaks of a hamster and Humphrey’s central role among the students. The story is told through Humphrey’s eyes but he’s also able to write small, anonymous messages that he can leave for others to find. Of course, no one in the classroom knows that Humphrey has a journal hidden inside his cage.

The book addresses many different problems that may arise in school classrooms. Some students don’t like reading orally which is a common fear of many young readers. The kids study for spelling tests which Humphrey enjoys taking too. He is worried as the story moves along when the other class pet, a frog named Og, begins to act sick. A major conflict occurs when a student’s grandmother loses her pet dog and the class decides to help find it. All of the problems in the book will be relatable to young readers so they’ll be able to make easy connections to the book.

Throughout the book, the chapters end with Humphrey’s thoughts about happiness based on what he sees in the room. There are lessons about working together, persevering, and sharing feelings with others. Talking to friends can make people happier and make sad times easier to handle. The chapters themselves describe the hamster’s confusion about some things that make kids happy. He doesn’t understand why they get so excited about the new dog that’s helping them read out loud. It has a mouthful of sharp teeth that Humphrey finds frightening.

What didn’t work as well:

Proficient middle-grade readers may not appreciate a less challenging narrative. The text is easy to understand and the characters explain any uncommon vocabulary or concepts. There aren’t any dramatic twists and most of the student problems are fairly normal. However, kids like animals, and the hamster, frog, and dogs play large parts in the plot.

The final verdict:

This book is best suited for middle-elementary students. Humphrey is an adorable main character as the author artfully blends the worlds of reality and imagination. This book can be enjoyed by any young reader and I recommend you give it a shot.

A Whisper of Curses (Park Row Magic Academy) by J. Elle

What worked:

The story is told through the eyes of Kyana and Ashley, two students at the Park Row Magic Academy, or PRMA. They each specialize in different types of magic with Kyana being better with potions and Ashley having a great deal of experience with Availables. Alternating chapters put readers inside the girls’ minds as Kyana surprisingly finds herself cursed by an Available. Uncontrollable laughing and crying are hard to explain and Kyana pleads with Ashley to keep it secret. Kyana’s chapters show her frustrations and fears with the curse and her self-image while Ashley’s focus is on using her knowledge of Availables to discover what’s actually happening.

The plot evolves into a mystery as Kyana and Ashley try to understand what’s happening with the Availables. They’re behaving unusually and the girls begin to suspect the actions are not random. Kyana specializes in potions, Ashley’s knowledge is with Availables, and Russ has a talent for charms and social media. Ashley hopes to discuss the Available situation with a world expert named Dr. Minzy but she begins to wonder if he’ll be any help. His new invention seems to be promising but it’s kept beyond Ashley’s reach and understanding. Readers will wonder about the machine’s full capabilities and why Dr. Minzy isn’t using it to help rescue the campers.

The magical elements of the story are creative which makes the story feel fresh. The first example is a friendly Available called Lucy who is confined to a door inside the school. It talks to Kyana and bending and stretching allow the door to display “facial” expressions. Plants in front of Ashley’s home have sharp teeth so trimming them can be a painful experience. Other tiny creatures feed on eyelashes. Ashley decides her investigation leads to the original world of Availables so portals to other worlds are part of the story. Readers are introduced to the rules governing human and Available interaction but Ashley also overhears some game-changing information about Kyana’s attack.

What didn’t work as well:

This book is the second in the series and previous events are a little vague. It’s unclear why the headmistress deems Kyana a great student leader but self-doubt haunts Kyana throughout most of the book. She comes to some interesting realizations about leadership that are shared later in the story.

The final verdict:

New readers to the series, like me, will take some time to understand the characters and backstory. However, the plot is engaging with each main character contributing a unique ability to solve the Available mystery. Overall, the unusual conflict and characters result in a charming tale and I recommend you give it a shot.

The Last Hope School for Magical Delinquents by Nicki Pau Preto

What worked:

Vin doesn’t want to cause trouble but her emotions build up until she loses control of her magic. The rules at Last Hope School are very different from what she’s used to as Vin’s first observations find students wielding their magic in mischievous ways. The headmistress isn’t terribly upset by the behavior so Vin doesn’t know how she’ll ever learn to control her magic in this environment. Vin holds back when practicing her magic because she always fears it will explode and destroy everything or hurt someone. And then expelled. As with many middle-grade novels, Vin possesses a rare form of magic that can make her a formidable sorcerer.

Three other students immediately become Vin’s friends although she’s never had close relationships before. Even her parents have no interest in her. The students are very patient and understanding as Vin struggles to adapt to the new school. They all appreciate that there’s something unusual about Vin’s powers and there’s no explanation as to how she has a fire sprite hidden in her closet. Readers will wonder if the sprite will have a bigger role in the story besides grumbling and becoming more agitated about its captivity. The school has a self-centered bully (his power is based on charisma) who has targeted Vin for teasing. It’s amusing to read about Vin finally getting even with him and possibly giving him an attitude adjustment.

The narrative presents different aptitudes and attitudes toward magic and these different sides create an underlying conflict. The biggest disparity is between magic and non-magic folks but their differences are mostly addressed by a treaty. The magical school board supports strong rules and guidelines for sorcerers with uncontrollable students kicked out and discarded. The headmistress at Last Hope won’t give up on any child which is why she’s reluctant to allow any school board members inside the school’s walls. The Free Mages are made up of rogue sorcerers who don’t want any restraints or limitations on their magic. Many of them are angry outcasts and one of them is a former student at Last Hope with a grudge to settle.

What didn’t work as well:

The plot follows Vin’s struggles to discover her abilities and to feel accepted but it takes over half the book for the larger conflict to come to the forefront. Also, the mysterious former student is easily identified even though Vin has no suspicions until the plot nears its climax. However, the author saves room for a few surprises including one that will affect the book’s sequel.

The final verdict:

While the school seems similar to other middle-grade books, Last Hope has a very different feel to it. Every student is unique and school activities are unpredictable due to their unpredictable abilities. Vin’s pursuit to master her magic leads to an exciting adventure within the school. Overall, I highly recommend you give this book a shot!

The City Beyond the Stars by Zohra Nabi

What worked:

Yara is determined to save her mother, The Grand High Sorceress, and she’s angry that no one is trying to rescue her from imprisonment. Yara knows it will be dangerous to leave the boundary of her settlement since it’s concealed by enchantments. However, she learns that her mother is researching a new kind of magic that might be used to stop the alchemists. It might also have devastating effects on the world. Yara’s quest to uncover her mother’s discoveries will lead readers on an adventure through magical protections and hidden worlds.

The setting has a Middle Eastern flair to it that includes elements related to the Persian stories of Shahrazad and the Arabian Nights. Characters can travel about on flying carpets and Yara is accompanied by a magical jinn that takes the form of a goat. Females wear long robes called qamis while turbans or wraps adorn their heads. Stories hold power and one tale references a girl avoiding death by telling an enchanting tale each day, reminiscent of Shahrazad’s strategy to save herself from execution. Former bedtime stories hold unknown magic but original narratives can be used to destroy or kill.

An intriguing part of the book is Yara’s relationship with Aaliya. The two young girls are surprised to find out they’re sisters but Aaliya is especially angry about this news. She’s been calling herself the new Grand High Sorceress since her mother’s disappearance and it’s hard to accept that she’s no longer the only daughter. As the older sister, she still feels some level of superiority over Yara. Yara’s more open to having a sibling but that doesn’t help to change Aaliya’s feelings. Yara has empathy for her sister and she’s mostly able to navigate the turbulent swirl of emotions. Their evolving relationship is a highlight for readers and surprises await during the plot’s climax.

What didn’t work as well:

The early part of the book recounts events from the previous one but readers may want to know more. Apparently, Yara was living with a guardian and didn’t know anything about being the daughter of The Grand High Sorceress. Somewhere along the way she was given her mother’s powers but she’s unable to wield any magic in this book. As always, the easiest way to answer any questions about the backstory is to read the first book!

The final verdict:

The plot presents an innovative twist to the power of storytelling and the complications of discovering the existence of a new sibling. The ongoing conflict in the series pits alchemists against sorcerers and it’s displaced many citizens while others live in anger and fear. Overall, I recommend you give the book a shot.

The Sky King (Skyriders 2) by Polly Holyoke

What worked:

The story is full of flying horses called skysteeds and many of them have chosen to bond with humans called skyriders. Kie is the main character and she’s the only human in the world able to communicate with every skysteed she touches. Being the Nexara puts her under tremendous pressure as she’s the human ambassador when working with skysteeds. She may be the most important person in winning a war against another chimerae invasion. An additional issue arises when her skysteed N’Rah is upset about accepting a quest to find the Sky King. He says the dangerous mission will fail but Kie knows N’Rah is keeping something from her. The partners have always been totally honest with each other and the complicated history of N’Rah’s past is revealed later in the story.

The author skillfully describes the action and dangers faced by the characters and their skysteeds so readers feel like they’re part of the story. The chimerae are lethal, flying creatures with three hearts and three heads of sand dragons, bloodgoats, and lions. The characters also face vultiren, huge vulture-like birds that are quicker and more agile than the chimerae. Razor-sharp claws and teeth along with the swarming aggression of the ruthless predators will elicit fear and anticipation in young readers. These creatures are more organized than is natural and Kie discovers a similar issue to what was encountered in the first book. However, Kie can still slice a chimera’s head right off using a tri-wire and she’s working with N’Rah to perfect a barrel-roll kill shot using her bow and arrow.

The most interesting part of the book is the relationship between skysteeds and humans. Bonding magic was used three hundred years before to defeat the chimerae but the alliance is now fragile. Humans often make selfish decisions in books, and in real life, and many wild skysteeds feel betrayed. Paired skysteeds have often been treated as pets and used only in tournaments so the expected concept of equal partnerships is lost. The wild skysteeds sense disrespect from the humans. On the other hand, Kie and N’Rah clearly have a close bond and they display empathy for each other. Kie especially regrets accepting the mission without consulting N’Rah first and she really wants to understand why he’s against meeting the Sky King.

What didn’t work as well:

The synopsis reveals where the plot is headed and the first half of the book describes the journey to find the Sky King. After knowing what’s to come, readers may be anxious to find some surprises but most of the events are foreseeable.

The final verdict:

Readers will become engrossed in complex character relationships and the impending battles against the vicious chimerae and vultiren. I suggest you read the first book to fully understand the background story. Overall, this is a very enjoyable, exciting book and I recommend you give it a shot. 

The No-Brainer's Guide to Decomposition by Adrianna Cuevas

What worked:

The grossness factor of the story will appeal to many middle-grade readers although it’s not for the general population. You can expect flaky flesh falling off bodies with fingers, arms, and teeth dropping at every turn. Frani’s father studies the decomposition of dead bodies so there are over two hundred corpses buried in the backyard of their home at the university. One of his assistants is studying the effect different clothing materials have on decomposition while another is studying the bugs that feed on the dead flesh. Many young readers like to read creepy stories so this book is up their alley, minus the fear factor.

A medical term is not presented to describe the “spider” inside Frani’s head but her mind tends to quickly get distracted by a chain of thoughts. It makes it difficult for her to stay focused and complete tasks and it’s sometimes challenging to answer questions. She’ll utter random words that seem to make no sense to others but her brain follows a path of connected ideas to come up with them. Frani is well aware of the “spider” and the problems it creates and her older sister doesn’t spare negative, hurtful comments. The combination of Frani’s anger and frustration at her brain and her sister’s cruel words results in Frani’s low self-esteem. Middle-graders often fear looking stupid in front of their peers so they’ll be able to make connections to Frani’s character.

The first living corpse Frani discovers becomes a supporting character she calls Mateo. She enlists the help of a new friend named Benji and he calls reanimated bodies DUDs, Definitely Undead Dudes. Frani and Benji’s first order of business is to figure out Mateo’s real identity since the DUD doesn’t have any specific memories of being alive. He comes across as a helpless victim as decomposition leads to bits of his body falling off. Mateo displays kindness toward his new friends and helps them with trying to locate and recapture the other DUDs. Readers will feel empathy toward Mateo and the others as Frani’s father tries to figure out a humane way to allow the DUDs to rest in peace.

What didn’t work as well:

Frani’s wandering thoughts make the first few chapters challenging to read. They set the stage for her major internal struggles but it’s hard to follow her thinking. However, the author is able to describe it less as the plot moves on so it’s easier to focus on the story itself.

The final verdict:

While this is a book about zombies, Mateo has the most emotional story that will capture reader’s minds and hearts. The author blends humor, nastiness, action, and mystery to create a very entertaining tale. Overall, the book won’t interest everyone but I recommend you give it a shot.

Loki: A Bad God's Guide to Ruling the World by Louie Stowell

What worked:

The narrative has a light-hearted tone as Loki serves his punishment as a human, teenage boy on Earth. It’s based on Norse mythology but it feels very different from other books on the same topic. Loki still talks of causing mischief but he’s not able to use most of his powers. His guardians want him to practice casting magic spells from a book but he gets frustrated when they aren’t immediately successful. Loki only wants to be idolized by everyone else so he feels especially slighted when others show Thor any amount of positive attention. The story is told through Loki’s eyes so readers experience the “unfair” events from his slanted point of view.

The humorous tale is enhanced through illustrations and it’s written as a magical diary. The book itself acts as another character as it tends to point out and correct Loki’s lies. The two characters banter back and forth and the book’s increasing distress alerts readers that Loki’s decisions are making matters worse. There are also pages where Loki provides amusing definitions of familiar objects, places, and activities such as cruises, food banks, and field trips (where permission slips mean teachers won’t be responsible if any students die). The author incorporates many different fonts and special effects to differentiate speakers and modes of communication. Interestingly, Loki’s conscience uses the smallest, lightest shade of font.

Loki strives (kind of) to prove his goodness throughout the plot but the story takes a turn when he finds the cursed ring. It feeds on Loki’s vanity and anger and encourages him to take the greatness he deserves. The ring mentally speaks to him and the author uses a different font and graphics to identify when this is happening. Two human girls are aware that Loki is a god and one of them is his best friend. She realizes something is happening to him and tries to talk him out of bad choices. This creates a conflict between the ring and everyone else but the real problem is within Loki’s mind. It’s a struggle between his desire to be admired and his desire to prove his virtue.

What didn’t work as well:

Loki is self-centered and a narcissist but his behavior and comments become redundant over time. The author very effectively describes how readers are supposed to view him but even his positive moments are diluted by self-absorbed statements. There’s little relief from his attitude since the book is a diary sharing all of Loki’s thoughts. However, the author provides enough optimistic incidents that readers will root for Loki to become a better person and receive support and recognition from the other characters.

The final verdict:

The book probably won’t appeal to everyone but it’s a fresh, hilarious version of Norse gods. Everything in the book revolves around Loki’s half-hearted desire to prove his virtuousness and the difficulty he has in changing the way he’s always acted. Overall, Loki’s vulnerable character will grab young readers and I recommend you give this book a shot.

The Rule of Three by Heather Murphy Capps

What worked:

The story is told through the eyes of Wyatt which helps readers experience his frustrations, determination, and anger. Unfairness and racism are large issues and he has a difficult time dealing with them. However, the coach constantly criticizes Wyatt and singles him out for doing things that other players get away with. Then, another student makes racial comments that demean Wyatt’s heritage and are reminiscent of bigots from decades ago. He tries to handle the insults but his best friend Dallas talks him out of making rash decisions. Being inside Wyatt’s mind allows readers to see the challenges faced by the targets of prejudice. Wyatt is the target of hurtful, cruel comments but society probably won’t understand if he acts on his furious feelings. He doesn’t tell his parents the full story of what’s happening to him and he slowly withdraws into his own misery. His father has issues from his childhood that still haunt him, but like Wyatt, he keeps painful memories locked up inside him.

The Rule of Three. Wyatt has a three-part plan for success and it begins with playing for the only traveling baseball team in town. Also, he faces tricky decisions throughout the book and the author shares three different scenarios he might face depending on what he chooses. Usually, one is ignoring the situation, two is what he wants to do, and three is what might be socially “acceptable”. The narrator describes Wyatt’s three different levels of anger with level three being when he loses control of his emotions. Needless to say, he reaches this level a few times which results in his body emitting clouds of smoke. This family curse is embarrassing and Wyatt can’t figure out any way to calm his emotions. The author includes another three-part plan to help Wyatt and his father control their reactions to stress.

Wyatt’s relationship with his best friend Dallas presents a curious situation. Dallas is an excellent pitcher and she also wants to make the travel team. She’s a descendant of indigenous people who had their land taken away so is hurt by racism too. Dallas can empathize with Wyatt’s troubles and offers him support and advice. However, Wyatt gets upset when she won’t go along with his ideas which she thinks will only make matters worse. Wyatt begins to push her away as his emotions spiral out of control and readers will hope for a reconciliation. It takes him a while to realize he needs help and support to begin rebuilding his life.

What didn’t work as well:

It’s clear that Dallas is Wyatt’s best friend but his relationships with Asher and Cabot aren’t as well defined. Cabot is supposed to be a good friend too but that isn’t developed as well. Asher is more of an annoying acquaintance who provides conflict in Wyatt’s life. It’s not clear why he’s tolerated.

The final verdict:

This book offers an innovative scenario concerning racism and the conflicting feelings it creates. The inclusion of a strange, humiliating reaction to emotional trauma adds a fascinating subplot. Overall, I recommend you give this thought-provoking book a shot.

The Witch in the Woods (Grimmworld 1) by Michaelbrent Collings

What worked:

Hints are provided early on about the odd circumstances of the new setting when Jake and Willow can see things others cannot. Their new town is solely focused on the Think Tank where the parents work as evidenced by the shabby condition of the K-12 school. It’s hard to believe the school doesn’t have the latest technology with all of the remarkable inventions seen around town. The Think Tank’s secret projects are creating an inter-dimensional problem that may challenge the imaginations of young readers.

The twins find it very difficult to adjust to their new home especially when their teacher targets them for failure. They’re given tests and quizzes over material they’ve never been taught and they’re penalized for asking questions. Their parents go into a daze when the kids try to share concerns about a strange man and their father is especially obsessed with his new project at the Think Tank. Day after day, the twins are subjected to cruel unfairness and the story behind the teacher’s animosity comes out later. A bigger issue arises later as Jake and Willow share their insecurities, especially Jake as he suffers from a low self-image. Much of the plot includes their attempts to help each other realize their strengths and how special they are to others.

This shouldn’t be a spoiler but the twins must complete several challenges to escape captivity. The author develops suspense right away since they’ll be eaten if they fail any of the tasks. Willow thinks she’s figured out a way to trick the witch but things don’t work out as she plans. All of the tests seem impossible but they can be passed. The witch is cocky and confident and she likes to tease and torment her prisoners. It’s fun for readers to contemplate ways to resolve the “impossible” challenges and then be surprised by what the characters think up.

What didn’t work as well:

The narrator uses aside comments inside parentheses but it’s overdone. It feels like the narrator is explaining things directly to readers early in the book but it becomes a distraction. It improves as the plot moves along. Also, the author provides more detail than necessary in some scenes but once again it’s less noticeable later on.

The final verdict:

This book is an exciting start to a new series and it offers new twists to familiar stories. Willow and Jake are changed due to their experiences and readers will anticipate the possibilities as they await the sequel. Overall, I recommend this book to fantasy lovers and those who enjoy fairy tales.