A Story Unfinished by Melody Pendlebury

What worked:

The book opens with the story of Ambrosia, The Lone Vigilante, as she faces off with ten nasty bandits. Readers quickly learn these pages are from a story being written by a seventh grader named Rose who never finishes what she writes. Rose lacks confidence in herself and doesn’t think any of her stories are good enough to complete. As new characters appear, the author provides italicized paragraphs from Rose’s stories to introduce them. There’s a fearsome-looking man made of stone who’s really gentle as a lamb and a jelly-like blob that is fittingly called Blobby. However, Rose imagines a character to help during one of the worst moments of her life but that old woman becomes the villain in this book. It’s a creative twist to the plot.

Ambrosia climbs through Rose’s bedroom window and becomes her confident, brash ally. Ambrosia is skeptical when Rose says she created her but Ambrosia realizes something strange is happening. Her direct approach is refreshing and admirable in some ways but she’s the opposite personality of Rose. Her tendency is to be blunt and take action without fully considering the consequences. She provides an interesting contrast to Rose whose lack of confidence makes her less decisive but an unexpected development means time is running out on Rose’s new friends.

Rose must deal with divorce and friendship just like many other middle-graders. Her mother is preparing the house for the upcoming move and Rose has happy and sad memories of her father. She misses having him around the house but then realizes he wasn’t consistently part of her home life anyhow. Rose begins to spend time with a classmate who has similar problems in her house. Her parents aren’t divorced but their constant fighting makes her wonder if divorce might make things better. Rose’s best friend is Oliver and he feels they’re losing their closeness. As a result, he does something impulsive that has serious consequences.

What didn’t work as well:

Oliver is introduced as Rose’s best friend early in the book but he ends up having a minor role in the overall story. It’s an unexpected, unusual development that may confuse readers. It seems like he should reappear and have a more significant impact on Rose’s life. What is their relationship moving forward?

The final verdict:

The author creates innovative surprises mainly through Rose’s unfinished stories and the antagonist’s transformation. Young readers will enjoy the variety of strange characters and personalities and the surprising climax. This book will appeal to middle-grade fantasy lovers and I recommend you give it a shot.

The Aftertime by L.L.H. Harms

What worked:

This historical fiction opens with a message to readers and a prologue. These pages share the author’s purpose for the book and the results of background research. Surprisingly, she chose not to include most Monacan words because she felt she didn’t have the right to speak or write their language. She gives characters English names because their native names hold special meaning to the people. The same holds true for native burial rites and traditions. I’m sure many authors are respectful to the Native Americans they write about but it’s refreshing to see this author share her conscious consideration of the values and feelings of the Monacan people.

The synopsis addresses some of the main topics included in the story. In one subplot set in 1766, Nathan is forced to face his conflicted thoughts when he meets a Monacan boy his own age. Nathan’s father sees the Native Americans as savages and heathens and assumes all of them are threats to his family’s safety. This attitude goes directly against Nathan’s experiences and observations so he’s forced to forge a secret friendship without his father’s knowledge. However, it’s inevitable that his father will find out and Nathan is forced to choose a side. In a modern-day setting, Zack encounters neighborhood bullies but his biggest challenge is trying to understand why his older brother hates him.

Readers will know the plot has something to do with a powerful knife but it’s not a major factor except for two scenes. Zack has visions and dreams of a deer, mountain lion, and old woman that he later learns are in the Aftertime. He doesn’t understand what he’s going through or how he might connect the mental images to what he’s experiencing in real life. It’s clear that Zack and his best friend Jack are linked to the past timeline but readers must wait to discover the details.

What didn’t work as well:

The beginning of the story doesn’t have a great hook to grab readers’ attention and impel them to keep going. It begins in the modern-day setting with Zack and his friends enjoying life near the woods and it shares some of the history in the area. Chapter two is more compelling as it travels back to 1766 and tells the story of how Nathan and Corwin become friends despite the persecution of the Monacan people.

The final verdict:

This historical fiction persuades readers to honor the memory, traditions, and cultures of natives living on these lands before the United States of America was born. The emotional story also finds Zack and Nathan connected across centuries, each struggling to cope with family and social expectations. I recommend you give this book a shot.

The Shadow Deception (A Pix and Gabe Adventure) by Kate Machon

What worked:

The story is told through the eyes of an unruly, feisty, self-centered pixie who’s been sent to the world of humans to atone for her dangerous antics. Pix will be exiled from the faery world if she messes up this chance for redemption. However, the threat doesn’t stop her from making sassy comments to her guardian or being mischievous at every opportunity. Pix’s prickly personality makes her an unusual protagonist. However, readers will become fond of Pix as she gradually changes her attitude and learns to see how her actions affect others.

The plot includes several secrets that add intrigue and mystery to the main storyline. The queen appoints an angel as Pix’s guardian but his patience and understanding are constantly tested by Pix’s sharp tongue and impulsiveness. Gabe won’t share any thoughts with her and she’s getting tired of the strictness of his rules and procedures. Pix suspects something’s going on with him and she wonders if it has anything to do with her missing father. She’s also confused that he’s not more concerned about the imps they find. Why is an imp hiding in a human’s bookbag and why have hundreds of imps congregated inside a human school? Gabe may not be worried but Pix is determined to find out what’s going on.

Pix insists magic doesn’t exist despite the charms and potions that are concocted; she says it’s only science. Gabe can cloak a van from being seen by humans and he masks his physical appearance from them in a similar way. Pix “scientifically” grows in size when entering the van and immediately shrinks to pixie size upon leaving. These constant transformations are annoying for her character and result in mild, fairy swearing. “Dancing dung beetles” and “badger’s buttocks” are examples of her colorful tongue. Pix’s special talent is creating charms and she uses it to cause more mischief and later resolve sticky problems. Pix idolizes her father and watching him create special, powerful charms helps her better understand the growing threat to the fairy, human, and imp worlds.

What didn’t work as well:

The story moves around quite a bit so readers may sometimes have trouble feeling immersed in the different settings. The focus is on the characters and action, as it should be, but the settings may feel generic. This isn’t a large problem or concern as the other story elements are done so well.

The final verdict:

The author creates engaging, amusing characters and relationships in an emotional, fun-filled adventure. Pix’s flamboyant, energetic personality carries the story, and her dynamic character will appeal to most middle-grade readers. Overall, this is a non-stop thrill ride with an unpredictable pixie and I recommend you give it a shot.

The Remarkables: The Most Incredible Children I've Met- So Far! by Clotilde Perrin

What worked:

This book is what results from talking to kids, being imaginative, and sprinkling in a good dose of hyperbole. Each page describes a different type of personality with characteristics depicted as superpowers. At first glance, some of the children sound very similar but the author finds nuances to make them unique. The Sticky Child and The Rooted Child both become easily attached to others but the second one’s connections are limited to family. Several of the children have powers related to excessive energy while others are adorable and special to their families and friends. Readers will find themselves trying to match their personalities with the different characters and they’ll likely find they share traits with several of them.

The colorful pictures illustrate the different children and highlight their superpowers. Most pages include a large image of a child with many smaller pictures surrounding it. They show the child in various situations to highlight his/her abilities. The Springy Child is shown leaping to catch birds, bonking his head on the ceiling, and becoming the Springy Child after being startled by an alarm clock. Some pages are reminiscent of comic strips and show different characters spending time together. A meal with the Thunder Child and the Electric Child has unexpected consequences. The Immaterial Child and the Diamond Child have a curious game of hide and seek. The illustration of the Scribbly Child is especially entertaining as his form is created by literally scribbling lines into a human shape. The smaller drawings display his messiness and creativity, and how his muddled thinking might make him hard to understand.

What didn’t work as well:

As mentioned, the descriptions for several of the characters sound very similar and it may be challenging to notice their differences. However, all of the children are uniquely amusing and interesting no matter how their descriptions are worded.

The final verdict:

The exceptional personalities presented are varied, comical, and charming. The fun part of the book is trying to discover which ones best fit the readers’ self-images or wondering which superpower best pairs with their friends. Overall, this book is pleasurable and creative and I recommend you give it a shot.

Scareground by Angela Kecojevic

What worked:

The author carefully crafts a mysterious plot as there are strange rumors about the Oxleas Wood outside of town. A fair once visited there and two people were killed in a tragic lightning strike. Nancy’s adoptive parents mention a ghost carriage and they secretly whisper about not letting anyone take her away. Mentioning the word fair fills them with dread. But why would anyone want to steal her away from her adopted parents and why must she keep the horse-shaped mark on her wrist covered? Nancy can’t explain why she feels drawn to the fair and her hesitancy to stay away can’t stop her. Sneaking into the night with her best friend Arthur leads to the biggest adventure of their lives but it’s much more than they ever expect. Naming the fair Scareground isn’t by accident.

The author uses vivid, descriptive language to paint imaginative mental images and create strong emotions for readers. “His skin was the white touch of frost…” and “…painted white faces cast a ghostly glow.” Nancy and Arthur hike through the woods to reach Scareground and the author doesn’t rush this part of the story. Anticipation and tension are developed as the characters speculate about what they know and what they might face once they arrive. Black feathers are used to allow admittance. The kids agree the word macabre is fitting, Arthur’s father calls it celebrating the darker side of life, as they consider things they’ve heard and experienced. In darkness “… roses appear black and the taste of sugar burns your tongue” and the dark “… makes you forget the beauty of things…” The characters are frightened before the show even starts and the appearance of Skelter Tombola doesn’t disappoint.

Character relationships are a large part of the story as Nancy doesn’t remember her parents. She loves her adoptive parents but they won’t talk about her past. Nancy has a special connection with Arthur although she doesn’t fully realize it. She’s afraid to confess some of her secrets to him because she thinks he might not like her anymore. She doesn’t want to tell him she’s a skyreader. She likes to sit on the rooftops and talk to the sky and it becomes an additional, non-speaking character. The sky changes colors to express its feelings and it controls the weather to protect Nancy, even when she ignores its warnings. This link between Nancy and the sky is quite unusual and will capture reader interest.

What didn’t work as well:

Nancy’s connection to the Scareground is very predictable so readers are well aware of where the plot is headed. There’s a small twist with a shadow demon but the face-off during the climax doesn’t live up to the anticipation. However, the story is still spooky and should entertain young readers.

The final verdict:

The book’s title appropriately describes the story and will appeal to readers who enjoy spookiness. Vivid descriptions will tingle readers’ nerves. Overall, I recommend you give this book a shot.

Keeper Chance and the Conundrum of Chaos by Alex Evanovich

What worked:

The most interesting part of the book is watching Keeper join a criminal organization called E.V.I.L. even though he’s not really an evil person. It turns out Chaos has been monitoring his development since birth due to Keeper’s family heritage. Keeper lives with his grandmother and she cannot be described as a sweet, old lady. She verbally abuses him so Keeper feels some justification for hiding a stinky fish carcass under the mat inside her car. He’s an inventive boy with a kind heart and it’s surprising when he’s drawn to the thieves in Chapter 626 of E.V.I.L. Well, he likes everyone there except Tsunami.

Each villain has a special talent although they may not be what readers expect. Keeper’s fellow recruit named Toby has super sensitive smelling and hearing but one of the villain’s talents is talking people into selling their products at lower prices. Keeper is unaware of his own specialty but Chaos thinks it’s worth the effort to keep an eye on him. Could luck or finding things be Keeper’s special talent or might it be something he can actually control? Could it be the Force like in Star Wars? A young girl named Y is also watching Keeper and she’s the dissatisfied daughter of a sensei. Her father happens to be the nemesis of E.V.I.L. so Y’s actions and interest in Keeper add intrigue to the plot.

Readers may find themselves questioning the identity of the protagonists and antagonists. The members of E.V.I.L. will not be what readers expect when they hear Chaos talk about their rules and missions. The first rule is that members will not harm people or animals. The villains become very upset and angry when Cookie Maven stops making their favorite treats. On the other hand, the sensei uses questionable tactics as he tries to convince Keeper to join his dojo. Y doesn’t think it’s in Keeper's best interests to do that and she thinks he’ll be better off with E.V.I.L. This will make readers wonder, who are the good guys and who are the bad?

What didn’t work as well:

The story could easily work with younger characters so it’s unclear why high school students are used in a middle-grade novel. The kids are around sixteen years old which unnecessarily makes them different from younger readers. It’s not like they behave more maturely and there’s no violence or sexuality that might be inappropriate. It’s not wrong to have sixteen-year-old main characters but it doesn’t work as well as it might.

The final verdict:

This humorous adventure will amuse young readers as they follow Keeper’s journey to find his place in the world. The colorful characters and unusual plot create hilarious situations that will challenge what readers are used to. I recommend you give this book a shot!

The Last Rhee Witch by Jenna Lee-Yun

What worked:

Much of the plot’s conflict happens inside Ronnie’s mind. She’s a Korean American but frets that she’s not Korean enough. She doesn’t make friends easily but she has a best friend, her neighbor named Jack. Luckily, Jack is attending the same overnight camp as her but Ronnie is upset that he’s spending so much time with a boy named Sam. Plus, Sam seems to get along with everyone but Ronnie can’t figure out why he doesn’t want anything to do with her. Ronnie constantly considers the probability of good outcomes when making decisions and the author shares her thought process. 99% is the highest score she can give a situation since she leaves a 1% chance for the impossible. This attitude deters her from taking risks and complicates decisions involving potential friends and other campers. Perhaps Ronnie’s biggest internal problem involves the death of her mother. Her father constantly avoids any talk about his deceased wife and Ronnie is having trouble remembering her too.

Ronnie is 99% sure that the supernatural isn’t real so it’s ironic that she’s the only camper able to see the last Rhee witch, Min-Young. Ronnie does all she can to convince herself the gwishin doesn’t exist until she can’t ignore the evidence. Jack and Sam are engrossed in a Korean comic series and it becomes a reference source for the characters’ questions about ghost stories at the camp. Min-Young reveals some truths to Ronnie about her past which also means Ronnie’s the next target of a dokkaebi. Min-Young’s familiar, a black cat named Boojuk, acts as a messenger, guide, assistant, and defender. The campers are told the woods are off-limits due to dangers lurking within but Ronnie is forced to break the rules to find answers.

Ronnie is immediately befriended by an unusual girl named Olivia and their relationship highlights Ronnie’s struggles with friendship. Olivia is open and honest and always sticks by Ronnie’s side. Ronnie isn’t sure how to handle someone so friendly and she is slow to trust the girl. Olivia easily passes a camp trust activity with Ronnie but Ronnie isn’t able to display the same faith in her partner. Ronnie feels guilt for keeping secrets from her friend especially when she realizes Olivia is the one displaying true qualities of friendship. Ronnie won’t tell Olivia what she’s up to but she still wants Olivia to cover for her. This causes a rift between the characters and adds to Ronnie’s distress.

What didn’t work as well:

Many references to Korean folklore emerge at Ronnie’s camp which is a little confusing. There’s no mention of Camp Foster having a Korean focus so frequent mentions are unexpected. More information is introduced later in the book to bring clarity regarding the camp.

The final verdict:

The first half of the book sets the stage for a dramatic ending. The unknown dokkaebi stalking Ronnie is the main focus of the plot but her struggle to remember her mother is the underlying story. Overall, the book begins a little slowly but the suspense builds to a thrilling climax. I recommend you give this book a shot.

The Chambered Nautilus (Summer of L.U.C.K. Book 3) by Laura Segal Stegman

What worked:

Darby, Naz, and Justin have grown very close in the first two books but things have changed this time. They helped the ghost of Mr. Usher resolve some problems within his family but then lost the ability to telepathically communicate with each other. Darby arrives this year with her new friend Mei-Ling but she’s afraid speaking about Mr. Usher will end their closeness. Naz needed counseling after leaving last year and he’s afraid to tell Darby and Justin that his family may be moving back to Morocco for good. Justin is a counselor in training so the three friends are now so preoccupied that they’re finding their relationships are suffering. The opening chapters find Darby, Naz, and Justin struggling to reunite but a scratchy message on a walkie-talkie forces them back together.

An enjoyable aspect of the book is how it demonstrates growth in the characters throughout the series. Each book found them helping Mr. Usher but the kids learned something about themselves along the way. For example, Darby had anxiety about making friends, which included stuttering, but she learned to take risks and do her best. The kids don’t know how to help Mr. Usher this time and he’s beginning to lose hope. However, Darby, Justin, and Naz aren’t willing to give up and Darby reminds him of his favorite saying, “All things are possible”. Seeing Mr. Usher’s lessons come full circle is fulfilling as the kids apply their learning from past experiences to set things right.

The plot develops into a mystery as the characters discover strange things happening. Losing their mental telepathy happened in the previous book but it’s the first sign that Mr. Usher’s magic is broken. However, the kids have no idea why it’s happening and Mr. Usher’s unsmiling photograph tells them he’s in trouble. A car disappears from the carnival’s Ferris wheel which makes investigating it and the Chambered Nautilus potentially dangerous. Darby, Naz, and Justin will be expelled from camp if they visit the carnival again so they’re forced to piece together clues in hopes of rescuing Mr. Usher and letting him finally rest in peace.

What didn’t work as well:

The plot doesn’t build to a suspenseful climax although the author creates tension through the characters. Darby, Naz, and Justin are so invested in helping Mr. Usher that readers are naturally drawn into their emotions too.

The final verdict:

This sweet, sensitive story doesn’t include any profanity, violence, or negative relationships which is a nice change from many middle-grade books. The wholesome tale is reminiscent of simpler times and is satisfying and enjoyable for young readers. Overall, I recommend you give this book a shot but start by reading the previous two books first. 

Timelight by Faith Conlon

What worked:

Readers can immediately speculate about what’s to come when Charlie’s grandmother gives him a necklace with a magical stone attached. He has no idea what makes it so special and then he notices a dark shadow following him around town. This is all coupled with the bad dreams he’s been having and the strange behavior of a dog and a cat. Charlie then discovers a letter from Malcolm Mordrex inside his soccer bag saying he knows where to find Charlie’s missing mother. She disappeared years ago and promised to return. Charlie doesn’t know what it all means so readers can wonder about what will happen when he realizes he can travel through time. However, Mordrex constantly appears at inopportune times and he has diabolical plans that involve Charlie.

Charlie is told he must travel with his mentor before trying it on his own but his grandmother/mentor is still in the hospital. Of course, readers know that’s not going to happen. He unexpectedly finds himself several centuries in the past in Italy without knowing how he did it. He hasn’t finished reading the manual on using the Winter Stone and he doesn’t know why his grandmother left certain objects in her travel bag. Readers, Charlie, and his friends will learn about using the amulet for time travel by trial and error. This creates uncertainty and anticipation in the story. What happens if Charlie loses the Winter Stone while he’s in the past?

The author doesn’t spend much time addressing the paradox of time travel regarding what happens if Charlie changes an event that affects the future. One of the rules for time travelers is that they’re only observers. Readers are also informed that Charlie can only travel on his birthday or half birthday and he must travel to fixed locations in time. The Leaning Tower of Pisa is the first place he travels and the Seattle Space Needle is another. Somehow, clothing for Charlie and his friends magically changes whenever they visit another time period. An innovative twist concerns animals and how they interact with portals which Charlie learns along the way.

What didn’t work as well:

These kinds of books often have the characters interacting with famous historical personalities but Galileo only makes a brief appearance this time. There really aren’t any suspenseful moments when they might have altered history which is a surprise since Charlie doesn’t know what he’s doing. Also, it’s not clear why there are time travelers in the first place.

The final verdict:

This book offers an innovative take on time travel with printed rules to be followed. Charlie has ulterior motives to locate his mother so that adds some heart to the story. Overall, this is a fun book of time-traveling adventure and I recommend you give it a shot.

Rise of the Spider (The Web of the Spider 1) by Michael P. Spradlin

What worked:

This book is historical fiction focusing on a time period not often seen in books for young readers. Many middle-grade readers will know that Hitler took control of Germany and led them into World War ll. This story looks at his rise to power following Germany’s loss in The Great War, World War l. The author shares the feelings of many Germans who think the punishments leveled against the country are too harsh and their new leaders are too weak. Many younger people listen to Hitler’s criticism of their government and join his Hitler Youth, a part of the Nazi Party. This book describes the conflicted emotions of the citizens and the internal conflicts created by a country struggling to survive.

Rolf doesn’t understand the politics going on but he knows he gets a bad feeling when he’s around the two Nazi Youths his brother has connected with. He listens to Romer as he spouts Hitler’s propaganda and his father’s angry retorts about how the Nazis will lead the country to violence and another possible war. Rolf is trying to figure out the world as he sees Jewish people in his neighborhood being mistreated and bullied. Few citizens are willing to stand up and help as they either agree with the Nazis or are afraid of being attacked themselves. Rolf can’t comprehend the complexities of government and adult life but he’s fully aware of what’s right and wrong.

 Rolf’s best friend is Ansel and this character adds tension and suspense to the story. Rolf wholly agrees that Ansel is annoying, rude, and outspoken and these are dangerous qualities while living among Hitler Youth. Ansel shows no fear or restraint when insulting these characters and he won’t back down when threatened. Readers will cringe during these moments because they won’t know how violently the Hitler Youth may react. Ansel’s father is a reporter so Ansel always sounds like he’s well-informed. His comments provide a stark contrast to the Nazi rhetoric. Young readers will be immersed in the turmoil within Germany as it marches to World War ll.

What didn’t work as well:

Some parts of the book come across as very informational. Ansel, Rolf’s father, and the Hitler Youth spout facts and news regarding the political atmosphere in Germany from this time in history. It can sometimes take over Rolf’s storyline although the book is, after all, historical fiction. The plot and politics are closely connected so it’s a balancing act.

The final verdict:

This book will appeal to readers with an interest in politics and history, especially Europe around 1930. Rolf is an engaging character as he sorts through the opposing viewpoints concerning the growth of Naziism. The book’s topics won’t appeal to everyone but I still recommend you give it a shot. It’s a lesson for democracies that say “It can’t happen here.” 

Mountain of Fire: The Eruption and Survivors of Mount St. Helens by Rebecca E.F. Barone

What worked:

Here is a non-fiction story where readers already know what’s going to happen. Mount St. Helens will eventually erupt and cause widespread devastation and death. The chapters chronicle scientists measuring, observing, studying their instruments, and researching past eruptions as they try to explain the earthquakes, tremors, and gassy plumes of smoke. Most of the scientists expect something to happen but they can’t say for certain exactly what it will be or when. Unfortunately, reporters and the public want answers to these questions and they begin to doubt whether Mount St. Helens poses a serious threat. Readers know the mountain will violently explode so they’ll realize any skepticism is delaying the implementation of life-saving safety plans.

Most readers will have some knowledge of volcanoes but they may be surprised that Mount St. Helens wasn’t ordinary. Scientists often use earthquake patterns and analysis of gases to understand what’s happening but the data from Mount St. Helens is confusing. Earthquakes are typically caused by sections of rock rubbing and shifting but the seismic readings this time don’t seem to match that expectation. The history of Mount St. Helens doesn’t suggest much force will be directed laterally but that’s exactly what caused most of the destruction in 1980. Different scientists have insightful thoughts after studying data on the mountain but their theories are still taken as speculation and significant precautions aren’t taken in time.

The book humanizes the Mount St. Helens disaster by introducing real people who lived and died through it. One scientist states, “Our worst-case scenario was far, far exceeded.” Many chapters in the second half of the book describe people trying to avoid the perils of the eruption. Every page tells someone’s survival story and highlights their determination and resiliency. Flying debris falls from the skies and heavy ash coats the ground several feet deep. Trees five or six feet in diameter topple like matchsticks and some people manage to live by hiding under the huge trunks and roots. Muddy floods speed down the mountain and the book shares the adventure of a man and woman caught in the torrent.

What didn’t work as well:

The early chapters read like a documentary which might not appeal to general middle-grade readers. As the book gets into the survival stories, I find myself wanting pictures or photographs in the book of the people. There are so many people included that it’s hard to distinguish one person from another. There’s a QR code at the beginning for readers to access photographs.

The final verdict:

The early part of the book will interest volcano and science lovers while the rest of it will appeal to those who enjoy adventure. The author manages to effectively mix facts and information with human interest to create an enlightening, entertaining tale of the Mount St. Helens eruption. Overall, I recommend you give this book a shot.

The Beanstalk Murder by P.G. Bell

What worked:

The conflicted relationship between Anwen and Cerys is a highlight as the girls try to solve the mystery of the giant king. Cerys is a highly skilled student of High Magic at the academy while Anwen is training with her grandmother to become a Meadow Witch. Cerys doesn’t mask her disdain for the other girl when she calls Anwen a ditch witch and subtle insults continue throughout the story. Being thrown into the giants’ kingdom forces them to work together no matter how strained their past might be. This isn’t to say the transition is smooth as the conflict adds tension and interest to the plot. Cerys eventually reveals secrets about her life that help Anwen understand the girl’s anger.

Solving the king’s murder is the main focus of the plot and readers will follow Anwen’s investigation and collection of clues. Her efforts are complicated since the giants are suspicious of the tiny “vermin” and don’t want them running around freely. Also, palace cats will gladly each them for breakfast! However, Anwen is a determined character and manages to find ways to maneuver around the giant palace. She investigates which giants have motives and opportunities to kill the king even if the characters seem beyond suspicion, like the princess. The Chamberlain immediately dislikes Anwen and Cerys and suggests the princess kill them right away but he also seems to hate everyone. Anwen’s grandmother is finding clues down in Old Stump but there’s no way to communicate with her granddaughter. Readers will have an advantage over the characters as they’ll be able to piece the evidence together. The author saves a twist near the end as Anwen senses she still doesn’t have the whole story.

The early part of the book will be familiar to young readers as it’s related to the tale of Jack and the Beanstalk. Having a giant fall into the middle of Old Stump leaves quite an impression, pun intended, and the plot follows its own creative path after that. The author does a great job of describing the challenges of being tiny in a giant setting since Anwen and Cerys can’t quickly or easily move about the castle or even a room. Moving between areas of the structure can be miles away to them so they’re forced to find other means of transportation.

What didn’t work as well:

The plot feels fairly predictable although the author still manages to find room for some surprises. This familiar, user-friendly format will help young readers become accustomed to solving perplexing mysteries as they transition into books with more complex text.

The final verdict:

The mystery, humor, and recognizable style make this book fun to read. The delicate balance in the relationship between Anwen and Cerys adds emotion to the plot and helps readers connect with the characters. Overall, this book will appeal to lovers of folklore and fairy tales and I recommend you give it a shot.

With Just One Wing by Brenda Woods

What worked:

The book shares a heartwarming tale of Coop’s efforts to save a mockingbird. He knows the bird is defenseless in the wild and he refuses to let it die. Coop learns what Hop needs to survive with much of the research being done by his friend Zandi. Coop’s grandparents pitch in too since G-Pop’s backyard bird-watching is what allows them to find Hop in the first place. Coop and Zandi constantly consider what will make the bird happy and Coop is especially concerned the mockingbird won’t discover its beautiful singing voice. Readers will anticipate that Hop’s first song will signal a fully successful rescue.

Coop and Hop are both saved by others so adoption becomes a major topic. Readers will compare and contrast the characters’ lives as Coop experiences circumstances that evoke thoughts about his own life. Safe haven is a term used that reminds him of the hospital where he was left by his birth mother. His broken arm is similar to Hop’s missing wing but Coop realizes his injury will eventually heal. He notices Hop’s parents constantly feed and protect the bird and Coop thinks about them after Hop is rescued from the nest. Coop reflects on his own birth mother and wonders if they might recognize each other if their paths ever cross. Why did she give him up? Caring for Hop offers Coop new perspectives on the different people involved in adoptions.

What didn’t work as well:

Having the story told from Coop’s point of view lets readers know what he’s thinking and feeling but it doesn’t offer many opportunities to learn about other characters. Zandi is a close friend but readers are left wondering about her life and thoughts when Coop’s not around. Consequently, outbursts when she’s upset seem to come out of the blue since all of the attention is on Coop.

The final verdict:

The skillful description of Coop’s adventure will lead readers on an emotional roller coaster. The parallels between his life and the mockingbird deliver heartfelt lessons concerning adoption and family. I recommend you give it a shot.

Lei and the Invisible Island by Malia Maunakea

What worked:

The main conflict involves Lei’s family’s aumakua, their ancestral guardian, as Kaipo may rot away after losing his pendant. Lei lives in Colorado so she’s still learning about her Hawaiian heritage during her visit to the islands. Kaipo is reluctant to help Lei find the invisible island since he doesn’t want her to risk her life to help him. Also, grumpiness and lack of cooperation are signs of rotting which causes Kaipo to dampen Lei’s mood and hinder her efforts. Shaky connections between characters present a wide variety of feelings and conflicted relationships and Lei struggles to navigate the murky emotional waters. The conflict involving Kaipo’s lost pendant is resolved halfway through the book but Lei inadvertently creates another major crisis in the process.

Everyone knows about the beauty of Hawaii but using its culture as the setting for a novel is not commonly done. The characters frequently use Hawaiian vocabulary that adds authenticity to the story. These terms aren’t limited to individual words as characters sometimes use the Hawaiian language in phrases or sentences. The story includes Hawaiian geography, food, and music and the plot includes various gods. Pele was the main antagonist in the first book and the fire goddess returns in the later chapters. Lei’s interactions with her family, aumakua, friends, and other characters communicate a strong sense of Hawaiian community and heritage.

The cast of characters is comprised of unique personalities to create entertaining moments for readers. A highlight is a wind spirit called Makani who behaves as a loyal friend to Lei. Makani is invisible air and can’t speak but they communicate emotions by soft breezes to a cheek or strong gusts that can almost knock someone off their feet. Ilikea is the aumakua for another family but she’s also Lei’s friend. Lei agrees to help her develop a more meaningful bond with Kaukahi but that’s a very daunting task. Ilikea and Kaipo take the form of teenage girl and boy but they can also transform into a bat and owl, respectfully.

What didn’t work as well:

The book is based on Hawaiian folklore and many cultural terms are used right away. Readers may be confused by some of the references as they can’t always be interpreted by using context. I was forced to look up some terms I couldn’t figure out. Perhaps the vocabulary is better explained in the previous book, which I haven’t read.

The final verdict:

The conflict in the second half of the book is more dramatic than the first. Elements of friendship are explored and Lei battles an internal struggle to bring peace and balance to her own life. This book will appeal to readers interested in Hawaii or other cultures and I recommend you give it a shot.

Farrah Noorzad and the Ring of Fate by Deeba Zargarpur

What worked:

The world of jinn isn’t as common as other magical settings so the story feels newish. Jinn in other books grant wishes and seem to have great magical powers but their abilities are limited in this book. There are seven jinn gods this time and Farrah’s father is one of them, along with being the presiding judge in the jinn supreme court. Jinn are not supposed to associate with humans so Farrah’s existence as a half-jinn means she’s going to have a lot of trouble rescuing her father. It will also mean big trouble for her father if the other jinn gods find out. Gods in middle-grade novels are often pompous and self-centered and that tradition continues.

Farrah suffers from feelings of inadequacy when it comes to her father due to his demands for excellence and following rules. She’s supremely confident about hiking and climbing but his comments still cause her to falter. However, she only gets to see him once a year so she misses having a normal relationship with her father. The decision to meet once a year is his choice and her mother and grandparents think that’s one time too many. Farrah wonders if they’re aware her father is a jinn king and she’s surprised and hurt when she begins to unravel the truth. Discovering she has a half-brother confuses matters as he doesn’t hide his disdain and anger toward her. Her family life is complicated but Farrah learns that she’s not the only one with parent issues.

As with most books, the main character is part of a trio trying to fulfill some kind of mission. Farrah is joined by a jinn boy named Idris who she accidentally frees from the magical ring. Then, she discovers her half-brother Yaseen, and her dysfunctional group is complete. Idris helps Farrah out of obligation and Yaseen reluctantly helps because he wants to rescue his father. Yaseen’s been taught that humans are worthless so he aids Farrah because he doesn’t think she is capable of saving their father. Idris and Yaseen don’t like each other either so developing any sense of teamwork seems impossible. Although Farrah is hard on herself, she has faith in others which ultimately helps in the end.

What didn’t work as well:

It’s surprising that Farrah doesn’t confide in her best friend or ask for her help early in the book. Arzu is like a sister to Farrah so why doesn’t Farrah ask for her assistance and advice, especially in matters involving family? Arzu provides valuable contributions later in the story despite being a worthless, full-blooded human.

The final verdict:

The book presents a creative world of jinn featuring a story with adventure, family, and friendship. Including Persian cultural details adds flavoring while Farrah’s confusing emotions will develop empathy in readers. Overall, I recommend you give this book a shot.