Jack and the Beanstink (Stinky Stories 2) by J.J. % Chris Grabenstein

What worked:

The book allows readers to use their imaginations as it presents another version of a familiar fairy tale. Many of these stories take on a whole new meaning if they’re considered from a different point of view. What if the giant is considered a victim? Jack sneaks into his home, steals his stuff, and is injured when Jack cuts down the beanstalk. Is it right to let Jack get away with his crime while the giant is killed in the fall? The characters in this book think not so the story continues by assuming the giant survives.

Stinky is a stuffed toy skunk sitting atop a library shelf. He can talk to children, along with several other stuffed friends, as long as there are no adults around to hear. Apparently, the librarian is aware of Stinky’s ability as she winks at him before leaving the room. Stinky injects himself into the fairy tale to create alternate endings to them. He encourages the children in the library, and those reading this book, to use their creativity as his new version moves along. One child recalls a detail that helps Stinky bring this story to a happy ending for the giant.

What didn’t work as well:

The Amazon listing indicates this book is for ages 6 and up but I’d bump that up a year or two. The story includes wordplay and humor that kindergarten and first graders might not understand. However, they’ll like the numerous illustrations on almost every page.

The final verdict:

This book is perfect for young and emerging readers as it begins with a familiar story. Using humor, pictures, and short chapters helps to make it more accessible for students learning to read. I recommend this book for ages 7-10 or older readers looking for a funny story to read quickly.

Ambush at Sorato (The Royal Ranger 7) by John Flanagan

What worked:

The previous book introduced a magical element to the series but it’s nice to see the author hasn’t included it this time. The “magic” of the series is found in the Rangers’ unbelievable talents, intelligence, and tactical skills. Tales of the Rangers have been exaggerated into folklore over time and they’ve reached mystical status. King Duncan often sends them on diplomatic, as in this book. The opening chapters find Will and Maddie brokering a truce between two countries since their military strengths complement each other. The mission quickly morphs into an alliance to defend against a Temujai invasion. The author alternates chapters to follow the separate, but equally important, quests to prepare a coordinated effort. The second half of the book focuses on Will and Maddie with some chapters switching to the Temujai leader and his plans to crush the citizens of this country.

The author likes to incorporate elements from The Ranger’s Apprentice series into other books like this one. The references aren’t important prior knowledge so readers won’t feel like they’re missing anything. Maddie is the Royal Ranger as she’s also a princess. She’s gained confidence throughout the series under the tutelage of her mentor, Will Treaty. The story refers to Will’s previous encounter with the Temujai in The Ranger’s Apprentice series but this tribe also appears in The Brotherband Chronicles.

Will displays compassion and understanding for others that other characters don’t always show. Mercenaries are needed to battle the Temujai and Will insists servants accompany them for their help. The servants are treated poorly and aren’t given any respect until Will changes that attitude. When handling negotiations, he listens and considers different points of view and he’s willing to concede or modify his position if there’s value. One character in particular doesn’t view others in the same way which will lead to a showdown in the book’s closing chapters. Will continues to share his wisdom and experience with Maddie but he also treats her as a highly-skilled Ranger.

What didn’t work as well:

Since this is the seventh book in the Royal Ranger series, readers may be surprised that Maddie isn’t the main focus. Will is the main character and Maddie acts as his assistant. Perhaps it’s because I’ve read so many books about the Rangers, but their skills don’t seem to be on full display as much as in previous books. The story doesn’t feel fresh.

The final verdict:

The story is still an exciting adventure although it lacks the suspense and drama found in some of the other books. This book can be read independently and I recommend you give it a shot. I also recommend you read the other series too!

The Graveyard Gift by Fern Forgettable

What worked:

The book has a curious structure as the story is written by Fern, a mischievous fairy, but it’s narrated by the author, Piper CJ. Fern is not seen again after the first few chapters. Readers are informed in the opening pages that all humans have magic in them, including readers themselves, although they probably don’t know it. What a way to make young readers feel special! Rosemary is the main character and she has lived with her human mother, in a human world, until she discovers her ability to foresee future death comes from her fae father. She knows nothing about her father so that’s a mystery for readers to consider throughout the story.

There’s an air of mystery when Rosemary first arrives at the school. The school is located between the fairy and human realms to protect wayward fae from both worlds. There’s an underlying conflict where some fae think there shouldn’t be a barrier between fae and humans anymore, magic should be everywhere, while others feel it’s safer to keep fae and humans separate. There’s an unwritten conflict in the school between Seelies and Non-Seelies where the Seelies view themselves as better and more powerful. Rosemary realizes the staff at the school are unhappy about her arrival and something has them spooked. They insist nothing dangerous can reach students in the school even after Rosemary’s best friend Essie disappears.

The author creates an unusual cast of characters as the students have a wide variety of powers. While Rosemary foresees when people die, her roommate Tryst can foresee how they die. Tryst is part banshee and her screaming in the middle of the night killed her previous roommate. She warns Rosemary to wear earplugs when she goes to bed! Another student can use glamour to influence other’s thoughts while Essie is part djinn, or genie. Another student has a connection to the ghost world that may come in handy. Rosemary is determined to find Essie and she’ll need the help of other students’ abilities to do it.

What didn’t work as well:

Readers should expect to read the sequel whenever it’s published. Finding Essie is a conflict for this plot but the overall book feels more like the introduction to a series.

The final verdict:

Rosemary is an intriguing character since she’s not fully aware of her abilities and we don’t know the identity of her father. A little bit of information about her father is shared at the end when Rosemary finds herself in a very unexpected situation. Overall, the book will appeal to lovers of fae and magical abilities and I recommend you give it a shot.

The Twisted Tower of Endless Torment (THe Horrible Bag Series 2) by Rob Renzetti

What worked:

The book gives an ample recap of the previous book to understand the backstory. Zenith’s older sister Apogee was changed into his four-year-old younger sister so they re-enter the skin-covered bag in a return to the land of GrahBhag. Apogee wants to be the older sister again! However, Zenith is public enemy number one so every citizen and creature is on the lookout for him. This adds a large complication to the plot as Zenith can’t move freely around the lands after being separated from Apogee. A huge surprise awaits readers when they reach the plot’s climax!

The story has a humorous tone as GrahBhag is a world of the unexpected and absurd. A gargoyle aids Zenith when he first arrives in return for eating his earwax and munching the peeling skin found on his sunburned back. A blindfolded moose presides over a courtroom where the guilty (the accused) has no chance of proving his innocence. A prison doesn’t need bars or cells because the walls conjure confusing obstacles to keep inmates from escaping. Zenith has amusing interactions and exchanges with other characters especially when they think Apogee and he have magical powers. Their reputation after defeating the Great Wurm in the previous book precedes them.

Most of the chapters are fairly short (five to seven pages) which will appeal to reluctant readers. They’ll feel a sense of accomplishment for finishing chapters while more experienced readers will have ample stopping points to choose from. Readers’ imaginations are challenged especially when they reach Eternity Tower. Confusing descriptions are perplexing when trying to create mental images. Readers will be constantly on the lookout for strange characters and animated plants.

What didn’t work as well:

The humor probably won’t appeal to everyone. In addition, Zenith gets side-tracked for much of the book so the search for Apogee is put on the back burner. It’s unclear at this time why the author includes Zenith’s friend Kevin in the GrahBhag adventure.

The final verdict:

Readers must have a tolerance for weird humor as the settings, characters, and events will have unexpected twists. Zenith is an admirable big brother as his sole concern is keeping Apogee safe. Overall, the book won't appeal to everyone but it’s entertaining. I recommend you give it a shot and see if it’s a good fit for you.

The Dream Stealers by Stuart Beard

What worked:

Josh’s story is the most entertaining when he awakens in the middle of a forest with no idea how he gets there. He’s transported into a fantasy world where he immediately meets an unusual pirate driving a huge vehicle called The Marvellous Contraption. Zephaniah is a collector of oddities and he’s used his ship to explore different dimensions. They’re joined by a lizardman named Crumplehorn who agrees to help Josh return home. Crumplehorn is an amazing inventor and Zephaniah has unbridled enthusiasm and imagination so there’s no way they can be stopped.

Other sections of the book describe a malevolent character posing danger to young children everywhere. The Raggedy Man uses a bone-carved flute to mesmerize his targets and control his army of giant stag beetles, spiders, and other terrifying creatures. The author includes song lyrics the Raggedy Man sings to his victims as well as lyrics sung about him. These lines of poetry provide a different writing style to the story and a level of creepiness. An evil demon is scary enough but it’s even worse when he starts spouting rhyming verses. It makes it feel like he’s playing with the helpless characters so their demise is inevitable.

Young readers will enjoy the author’s sense of humor. Zephaniah’s positivity seems out of place in dire predicaments but it creates light-heartedness. His responses to threats are rarely what readers will expect. The Marvellous Contraption is an impressive vehicle but readers won’t know what strange things characters might find stored in boxes and compartments. Crumplehorn’s assistant is a robotic hedgehog named Norman who speaks like an English butler. Readers will be surprised when bananas prove to be effective weapons and who would expect to find a princess living in the middle of a swamp, or is it a marsh?

What didn’t work as well:

The plot covers multiple settings and they’re not clearly connected in the beginning. This is a problem as readers are trying to make sense of the events to understand what’s happening in the plot. The opening scenes describe a young girl being attacked by the Dream Stealer but it’s not necessary. The other scenarios, especially Josh’s story, clearly establish the threat and conflict.

The final verdict:

The author creates a fun-filled adventure that will appeal to many middle-grade readers. Zephaniah is the book’s highlight since his comments and actions are often out of the ordinary. While the plot’s conflict is resolved, readers should anticipate a sequel sometime in the future. I recommend you give this book a shot.  

How to Stop Freaking Out: The Ultimate Guide to Keeping Cool When Life Feels Chaotic by Carla Naumburg

What worked:

It’s remarkable how well the author shares psychological suggestions by making them relatable to young readers. Everyone deals with anxiety and stress and the book reassures readers that freaking out is normal. Everyone freaks out at some time. Information is accompanied by colorful cartoons which adds a little levity to mature concepts. The author constantly provides examples and “what ifs” to give kids specific situations that may resonate with them. Approaching freakouts is compared to getting on a roller coaster as it’s harder to get off as the moment nears. Readers learn about their buttons and how to avoid getting them pushed. Short quizzes are included throughout the book to help readers recall and internalize the information covered.

Almost every page includes humor and amusing ideas to explain the coping techniques. The narrative is written in a conversational tone to make readers comfortable. The author makes jokes when appropriate and paints some amusing mental images. The introduction tells readers that two important strategies to use when freaking out are F.A.R.T.s and BuRPing. Not those kinds of farts and burps! The terms refer to acronym reminders to identify potential freaks outs and ways to de-escalate when they’re happening. “Quack like a duck” is listed as one of the BuRPs! A person’s limbic is always looking for ways to keep them safe and the author compares this part of the brain to a Safety Squirrel.

The author is a clinical social worker and has previously written four parenting books, one of which is about not freaking out. She begins by defining the term freaking out and identifies situations that are examples and non-examples. Young readers learn how their bodies handle stress and anxiety which enables them to better avoid going bonkers (one of her terms). Kids are reminded throughout the book that there’s nothing wrong with them and there’s nothing wrong with their feelings. Again, the author’s writing style will make middle-grade readers comfortable with the material while arming them with useful tools for maintaining their mental health.

What didn’t work as well:

This book is more like a manual or guide (the title says it’s a guide) in that it will be nice to have handy for reference purposes rather than memorizing everything in it. The author shares twenty-six ways to BuRP but readers are encouraged to choose the ones that work for them.

The final verdict:

It’s easy to forget the author is sharing useful techniques for handling stressful situations as she makes the narrative amusing and easy to read. She takes the process step by step so young readers fully understand what’s going on with their minds and bodies. I recommend you give this book a shot!

The Door by Jan Fields

What worked:

A mysterious door appears in a school hallway and it’s become legendary to the students and alumni. Stories are told about kids who enter the door never being seen again but no one really believes it. Lata and Tom don’t know each other but they pass through the door and enter a world identical to the one they left. The first big sign that things are different is when Lata finds her sister alive! However, this Zoya has no memory of Lata and her parents don’t know her either. Tom assumes his parents must never have moved here from Boston so both kids are stranded in a world where no one knows they exist.

Lata is emotionally distraught due to her older sister’s death three months before. She loved and looked up to Zoya but regrets not sharing these feelings with her. Her parents haven’t adjusted to the loss very well and Lata is constantly upset about their fighting. She’s given up and just wants the pain to go away. Tom is angry that his father made the family move to North Carolina forcing him to leave his friends and comfortable life behind. Other students make fun of his Boston accent and he’s not connecting with any potential new friends. Lata and Tom must each deal with their emotional baggage although Lata’s problems dominate the plot.

What didn’t work as well:

The book needs to be longer. Legend says no one’s been seen again after entering the door and no one knows how it happens. It’s hard to believe everything gets figured out over the course of one weekend. In addition, both kids have personal issues that deserve more development and readers may be left wanting more.

The final verdict:

Being forgotten is a horrible emotional trauma that will touch the feelings of young readers and the plot will connect with those who have dealt with loss. The book is a surprisingly fast read and offers a unique conflict. The listing says the book is for ages seven and up but the main characters are in the eighth grade. Over all, this book shares a heartfelt story of grief and I recommend you give it a shot.

Lights, Camera, Brains? by Michelle L. Brown

What worked:

Young readers will immediately connect with Marty’s loveable, hapless, anxiety-filled character. He has dreams of becoming an astronaut but it’s hard to see that happening when his queasy stomach might explode at any moment. He’s already terrorized when he tries to last the full time on carnival rides! He dreads his parents’ news that they may lose their home, which adds to the stress he already has. He’s already traumatized from trying to last the full time on the carnival rides! He can’t bear to lose his best friend Beau if his family is forced to move from California to Michigan.

The author includes gross descriptions that can amuse and disgust young readers. Marty loses his lunch in the opening scene so readers know any future incidents of nausea could result in further vomiting. It’s not enough to say certain foods are revolting so the author creates mental images. Readers can experience the same sickening feelings as Marty. Even Marty’s own zombie make-up gets his mind roiling as the author details his eyeless socket and slimy brain skullcap. Some accounts of repulsive details may seem over-the-top but they go with Marty’s character and a young sense of humor.

Marty has other emotional issues besides stomach distress. He’s overwhelmed by the thought of working with famous child actors on a new television show although for different reasons. The young actress, adored by Beau, has beautiful, blue eyes and professional talent. Marty knows his abilities aren’t as polished as hers and he can’t understand why she hits him in their first scene together. Another child actor wants Marty’s lead role in the show so he does all he can to make Marty miserable. Young readers will empathize with Marty’s bullying problem as he searches for ways to survive. Add to these issues the fact that Marty can’t dance and it’s clear he has good reason to feel overwhelmed.

What didn’t work as well:

The gross descriptions probably won’t appeal to everyone as Marty’s nausea lasts until the last chapter. The book resolves all of the issues but the ending feels rushed. Marty’s relationship with Beau is strained, the bank is taking possession of his home, his father is still unemployed, and there are other concerns about the show. They’re tied together in one resolution with readers inferring the details.

The final verdict:

Marty’s anxiety is relatable to young readers although auditioning for a new television show is not. The experience touches on different aspects of creating a production that theater lovers will appreciate. The book is an entertaining, quick read for emerging and reluctant young readers and I recommend you give it a shot.

Tessa Miyata is so Unlucky by Julie Abe

What worked:

The book is immersed in Japanese culture and the author includes several sections of information before the story even starts. They include a map, a description of the “magical side of Japan”, vocabulary for the magical and real worlds, and a brief recap of events from the previous book. The recap is told by a character since he’s heard “mortal minds are forgetful” and we might not remember earlier events. The author takes the time to make readers comfortable with the plot even if they haven’t read the previous book. The story moves back and forth between the godly and human worlds  as the characters compete in an immortal competition.

The cast of characters is a unique blend of mortals and immortals competing as “equals”. Tessa and her best friend Jin are the only mortals competing in the first Cycle in four hundred years. They are teamed with a minor god named Mimi and a minor spirit named Hachi. Mimi has a refreshing view of winning that contrasts with Hachi’s need to please his father. Tessa and Jin are God-blessed and they’ve entered the competition to save the Unlucky God named Kit. These three characters teamed up in the previous book but Kit will be demoted and transformed to ether if his team loses. The other seven teams of immortals have no respect for mortals and they combine their efforts to make sure Kit’s team is eliminated. This sets the stage for an exciting underdog story.

An underlying plot revolves around a secret group of rebels called the God Hunters. They want a separation between gods and the mortal world. Most of the immortals don’t believe the God Hunters exist but readers will suspect strange happenings during the Cycle must be connected to them. The immortals can’t explain why some competitors disappear for short times or temporarily lose their abilities during the competition. More information about the rebels is shared later in the book and the author presents a huge twist with one of the characters that will surely affect the next book in the series.

What didn’t work as well:

The author includes Japanese terms in the story but their meanings aren’t always clear from the context. Readers can utilize the glossaries found at the beginning of the book but the confusing vocabulary words might not be there.

The final verdict:

Tessa’s group epitomizes teamwork and support for each other as they struggle to save Kit. It’s admirable that Tessa is the team leader even though two of her team members have immortal powers. The book will appeal to lovers of folklore and Japan and I recommend you give it a shot!

Kelcie Murphy and the Race for the Reaper's Key by Erika Lewis

What worked:

The story follows Kelcie and Lexie in their respective realms of Summer and Winter. The author develops their tales separately across several chapters which prevents the starting and stopping of stories that result from using alternating chapters. The two kingdoms have been at war for generations and the rulers have no interest in seeking peace. Following the events in the second book, Kelcie is honored and respected as a hero in Summer while Lexie is despised as a traitor among her own people. The two girls don’t accept that war between the kingdoms is unavoidable and the story shares their efforts in pursuing peace. Lexie faces greater obstacles since her queen wants to put her in prison although Kelcie’s willingness to work with Winter is treasonous. It’s admirable to see characters willing to defy their rulers to do what’s best for the citizens of their kingdoms.

Kelcie’s life is complicated by her disgraced father even though she holds out hope for him. He’s the biggest villain in Summer. His physical form is now controlled by King Balor and the rulers of the Summer and Winter kingdoms are unaware of Balor’s meddling efforts. Balor is secretly stimulating and perpetuating the Never-Ending War with hopes of eventually releasing an army of evil demons from hell. Kelsie’s father displays some signs of life when he’s able to send visions to Kelcie but she’s not always sure how to interpret them. It’s clear the climax of the story will find Kelcie pitted against King Balor in an epic confrontation. She may have a chance if she can master her elemental powers.

Lexie and Kelcie’s fianas have grown up with different expectations but each group leader faces new challenges. A member of Lexie’s fiana turned against them in the previous book but now wants forgiveness and to be allowed back in. How can Lexie and her friends ever trust him again even though he seems sincere now? Kelcie and Niall, a Summer prince, have been close in the previous books but their feelings go up a notch this time. The new emotions can be a distraction but Niall can mentally send Kelcie encouraging words when she’s anxious. Middle-grade readers can connect with the trust issues Lexie is facing and Kelcie’s blooming boy-girl relationship.

What didn’t work as well:

There is a lot of vocabulary specific to the series that readers will need to learn. There are also many characters to remember from both kingdoms. The author makes references to previous events but I highly recommend readers start the series from the beginning.

The final verdict:

This book resolves the war between Summer and Winter and ends the covert threat of King Balor. The wonderful blend of characters, action, and humor will entertain lovers of elemental abilities and adventure. I recommend you give this book, and series, a shot!

Sylvia Doe and the 100-Year Flood by Robert Beatty

What worked:

Effective hooks in a book’s opening pages immediately capture the attention of readers. This book’s first page finds Sylvia hiding in the back of a truck, fleeing from unknown pursuers. She survives flood waters from a powerful hurricane before readers learn she’s run away from a foster family and is returning to an orphanage she considers home. There’s no information about Sylvia’s parents which begins to create a mysterious aura to her character. Doe is a name commonly used when identities are unknown. Glowing blue water raging through a river near the orphanage adds to the strange world. Sylvia can’t understand the animals she sees caught up in the torrents like jaguars, grey wolves, and an extinct Carolina Parakeet. There’s no rational explanation for the presence of these creatures in the mountains of North Carolina.

The plot shifts when Sylvia revives a young boy who’s drowned in the floodwaters. She’s happy that she remembers enough CPR training to get his heart beating again. Jorna is thankful Sylvia saved him but he’s frightened and insistent that she not tell anyone about him. Sylvia finds it odd that he’s reluctant to share information about his circumstances and readers will notice other small details too. Sylvia wonders how Jorna starts a campfire in the wet woods without matches and he casually says he does it the usual way. He doesn’t recognize hot dogs wrapped in tin foil but he recognizes large rocks of sapphire, emerald, and ruby that are washed up on shore. The pasts of these two characters offer mysteries to tantalize readers’ minds.

The author is a word master and piques readers’ emotions. The descriptions of Sylvia struggling to rescue Jorna and to survive the hurricane and flooding will have readers experiencing the distress right along with her. They’ll feel her desperation when she can’t get Jorna to breathe and she still can’t feel his pulse. Sylvia also has a tight bond with her horse, Kitty Hawk, and she’s terrified of losing him in the deep, churning waters. Horses can’t hold their breaths underwater but Kitty Hawk won’t stop facing danger and death if the option is leaving Sylvia behind. Sylvia wrestles with conflicting feelings of loneliness and belonging as she searches for her place in the world.  

What didn’t work as well:

The story doesn’t offer much emotional relief as the whole ordeal seems like life is constantly in the balance. There are moments of rest but then the characters are back fighting the storm. Much of the book evolves into life-and-death situations. While readers may be trying to catch their breaths, they’ll enjoy the non-stop mystery, drama, and action.

The final verdict:

The plot centers on returning Jorna to his home and trying to discover Sylvia’s origins. The author guides readers on a treacherous adventure in the mountains of North Carolina that culminates in an emotional reunion. I highly recommend you give it a shot!

Monster Movie! by Chuck Wendig

What worked:

Many book characters suffer from anxiety or phobias but Ethan takes it to the extreme. The opening chapter finds his mind spiraling out of control as he thinks about how a squirrel might have rabies, or maybe a weird human-hybrid squirrel disease, or maybe The Plague, or maybe… He’s also terrified of being around classmates because he doesn’t know how to behave around them (of course they also carry diseases and infections). Much of the first fourth of the book builds tension as Ethan insists he’s not going to a movie even though all of his classmates will be attending. His best friends try pressuring him into going and the author shares his obsessive thoughts about why that won’t be happening. Kids say people became hysterical and died watching the movie!

Luckily, Ethan has two best friends, Olivia and Harley. Olivia is cool and calm and she’s the one who helps Ethan navigate his panic attacks. She’s also the one who tries using Ethan’s own fear, like the fear of missing out, to convince him about going to the movie. Harley adds humor to the story as he’s goofy and free-spirited. Ethan says Harley always thinks things will work out, no matter what, which leads him to do wacky things, like having a squirrel leave his cellphone on a tree branch. Much of the levity readers will experience comes from Ethan’s vivid imagination and the extreme scenarios his mind comes up with.

The dramatic build-up in the early chapters eventually reveals the malevolent movie monster, a television coming to life. The author conjures strange scenes and events as the monster movie emerges. The whole idea of a movie becoming a monster is very creative and bizarre all on its own. The way it attacks its victims is surprising and a little disturbing. The plot takes an unexpected turn in the later chapters when Ethan finally decides to face the monster and his fears. This twist leads to new characters with a separate, but related, conflict of their own. Ethan knows he must solve this problem if he’s ever going to save his friends and family.

What didn’t work as well:

Ethan freaking out becomes redundant as the plot develops further into the book. Anxiety and panic control much of his behavior and decisions but there are only so many ways the author can describe it. Emphasizing his fears is important in showing how brave people move on despite their fears.

The final verdict:

This book tells a charming tale of an anxiety-filled boy overcoming his fears to become a hero. The entertaining, humorous plot leads readers through spooky confrontations and surprising twists. It will appeal to monster lovers and I recommend you give it a shot.

Spooky, Scary Skeletons by Andrew Gold

I rarely review picture books but here's one about Halloween.

What worked:

The entire narrative uses the same song lyrics as a 1996 YouTube video with the same title. The book begs to be read aloud as the lyrical lines take on a whole new life when they’re heard. Even better, readers should watch the video first so the tune is fresh in their minds. The descriptive words touch on different senses and young readers should be encouraged to notice this. “Shivers”, “shrieking”, and “screech” are a few examples.

The imaginative illustrations are the highlight of the book as they tell the real story. It begins with a group of kids applying their skeleton costumes before heading out for Trick or Treating. The background shades of color create the feeling of sunset which perfectly fits the story’s setting. Readers’ attention will focus on these children going door to door but be sure to look for other costumed characters and details in the setting. Drawings of skeletons mirror the children’s movements and help connect the book to the video.

What didn’t work as well:

The illustrations don’t clearly communicate the plot described in the book’s synopsis and they don’t directly reflect the narrative. It’s hard to see how the children “take their scares too far”. Young readers will probably need help interpreting facial expressions and summarizing the sequence of events.

The final verdict:

The author perfectly captures the mystique and frolicking of children on Halloween night. The colorful pictures will enchant young readers and I recommend you give it a shot!

Fathomless (Spineless) by Samantha San Miguel

What worked:

Two of the main characters, Lulu and Vic, share a common problem. They both feel underappreciated as individuals and that others, especially their fathers, don’t expect anything from them. Vic is only able to see hazy shapes after battling a disease at the age of ten so his father is overly concerned about his son’s blindness. Lulu views herself as Frankie’s little sister so she’s used to Frankie always taking control whenever she’s around. Lulu is surprised when Frankie lets her captain a small sailboat to a spooky island but perhaps capsizing the boat shows she isn’t ready. Or perhaps things going on with Frankie that Lulu doesn’t know.

The plot is a wonderful blend of mystery and adventure with a touch of supernatural tossed in. The seaside town tells tales of a pirate from long ago and rumors say the ghost of Captain Ale has been seen searching for a new crew. These stories get Lulu’s imagination going especially when she sees an eerie, green light in a castle window. Vic’s father is a member of the harbor police and he’s in town investigating a smuggling ring. The idea of criminals lurking around the seashore and ghosts haunting the area at night will pique the interest of most young readers.

Much of the plot centers on Lulu and Vic as they search for the lost treasure of Captain Ale. The kids encounter a new fishing company that’s killing other wildlife and harming the environment and Frankie is especially motivated to stop them. Readers will follow Lulu and Vic as they uncover coded clues and a map that leads them to dark, hidden places. It turns out Vic’s blindness can be an advantage in some circumstances. The story includes many scenes where the characters are sailing small boats and Lulu helps Vic rediscover some unused skills from his past. The author throws in additional issues surrounding Lulu’s father as he runs for mayor and reveals some questionable business decisions.

What didn’t work as well:

There are a lot of things going on, maybe too many. It feels like some things are red herrings and readers’ attention will shift as the plot moves along. Everything works well together but that’s not clear as readers encounter different predicaments.

The final verdict:

The story uses the sea and sailing throughout so lovers of boating and beaches will easily connect with it. It will especially interest readers who enjoy mysteries as Lulu and Vic overcome self-doubt to uncover secrets. Overall, it’s a stealthy adventure and I recommend you give it a shot.