Airi Sano, Prankmaster General: International Menace by Zoe Tokushige

What worked:

This book will appeal to readers interested in the Japanese culture. Airi’s father is in the U.S. military and he met her mother while stationed there. The family takes a trip to see Airi’s grandparents and she shares information about the culture with her friends. The author includes footnotes to explain words and phrases used and there are a few sections that explain specific information, like the Japanese alphabet. The father and kids need to practice speaking which provides opportunities for the author to describe the language. Airi’s grandfather is learning calligraphy and explains this form of writing to her. Every page covering the trip to Japan will shed light on what it’s like to live in that country.

As the title says, Airi considers herself a prankmaster and constantly dreams up ways to trick others. She does it for laughs and tries not to embarrass others or put them in danger. For example, she sews her younger brother’s packed clothes together and secretly gives origami dragons to other passengers on the airplane. Her parents are surprisingly okay with her pranks and give her kudos for imaginative ones. Even her sixth-grade teacher is okay with her pranks. As a matter of fact, Airi challenges her teacher to see who can come up with the funniest prank during the sixth-grade graduation ceremony!

The story highlights the various personalities and relationships in Airi’s life. Her family moves a lot due to her father’s role in the military so she hasn’t had any close friends. However, she has developed close friendships in Hawaii but is still insecure about maintaining them from Japan. Airi likes to feel close to her brother and kids around with him but she’s unaware of the subtle cues revealing E.J.’s true feelings. Airi spends time with her Japanese cousins and discovers Haru has a low self-image. She decides training E.J. and Haru as her pranking apprentices will help them feel better. Airi also enjoys getting closer to her grandfather and comes to a realization about the relationship between her mother and grandmother.

What didn’t work as well:

Different types of writing are included throughout the book which sometimes distract from the main plot. Airi writes structured action reports before and after some events. Many of the footnotes are more than a sentence or two so they require consideration. Airi and her friends create group texts sharing things that have happened in their lives. Summer email exchanges between Airi and her sixth-grade teacher are included. All of these different writings are woven into the story and require their own attention. It’s probably a matter of reader taste but it feels like more than enough supplemental writing.

The final verdict:

This book tells a heartwarming story of family, friends, and pranking. A family reunion in Japan and Airi’s antics provide the backdrop for a reflection on feelings and relationships. I recommend you give it a shot.

in a Glass Grimly (A Tale Dark and Grimm) by Adam Gidwitz

This book is a sequel to A Tale Dark & Grimm, and I gave it a rating of five out of five. Jack and Jill have problems at their homes and decide to go on a quest with a three-legged frog. They must find the Seeing Glass, a powerful mirror for which kings would give up their kingdoms to possess. The children survive the challenges of the giants at the top of the beanstalk, the evil mermaids in the sea, dangerous goblins under the ground, and a fire-breathing salamander. Jack and Jill are brave adventurers, but their brains are their most valuable weapons. However, the children risk their lives against many foes but may never discover the power of the Seeing Glass. The key is finding the end of their con-fusion.

I enjoy unexpected and strange humor, so this book was right up my alley. I liked how the kids solved their challenges through cleverness, and the adventures had unusual twists. The book begins with a couple of familiar fairy tales, but the narrator tells the reader the "true" endings to the stories. The description is a little gross and crude at times, but it's something most teen readers will enjoy. You can find my review of A Tale Dark & Grimm by typing the title in the search box at the top-left corner of the screen.

Unraveled (Keeper of the Lost Cities 9.5) by Shannon Messenger

What worked:

Keefe travels to the Humanland as he tries to figure out his new abilities. He’s always been an empath which means he can detect the emotions of others and he can understand any language he hears. He’s overwhelmed by the multitude of mixed feelings generated in streets crowded by humans and he struggles to find a place of solace. Keefe has also developed new powers although he doesn’t yet know what they can do. The great effort required to handle his empath ability in a strange world, and fears of his untapped powers, allow readers to connect with his plight. The uncertainty of his future creates mystery and speculation about what’s to come. He eventually lands in London where he tries to uncover the truth about his role in a past tragedy.

Keefe’s mom is the main antagonist although she’s not a physical part of the story. She’s experimented on her son in the past and she’s convinced that he’ll someday join her Neverseen. Their relationship complicates Keefe’s interactions with his father who surprisingly offers help navigating Humanland. The second half of the book is more interesting when Keefe encounters a character who he thought was dead. This boy was a Neverseen and took orders from Keefe’s mother so it will be very difficult for Keefe to trust him. However, the boy may offer a path to Keefe’s contentment as he has useful ideas to help Keefe master his new powers. The boy also his inside information about the tragedy haunting Keefe’s memories.

Keefe’s lack of experience with humans will amuse readers since he knows nothing about how Humanland works. He has no idea about cell phones and the idea of money is new to him. He’s confused that different cities in the world have different languages, clothes, and customs. And how can humans be so infatuated by an amusement park featuring a giant talking mouse? Keefe’s pleasantly surprised to discover bags of Cheetos although the flaming hots are a bit spicy. He grudgingly admits that his father is right about the deliciousness of churros and room service is a wonderful human invention. The double-decker London busses can be intimidating and librarians are treasures when doing research. However, Keefe must figure out ways to answer simple questions like where he’s from or why he’s never heard of the internet.

What didn’t work as well:

As with earlier books, this one has an overabundance of description, making the plot move slowly. Keefe is the only character loyal readers will recognize in the first fourth of the book as he tries to adapt to life among humans. It’s unclear where the story is headed while Keefe jumps from city to city around the world. In the end, this book doesn’t add much to the overall series plot as it’s a side story of what was happening during the ninth book.

The final verdict:

This book will interest loyal readers of the series with a special interest in Keefe. The plot moves slowly as it highlights Keefe’s journey toward mastering his new powers and discovering memories that were shattered from his mind. Don’t read this book if you haven’t previously read any other books in the series.

Skyboy: A Sci-Fi Action Adventure Novel by Adam Aresty

This book was listed on Net Galley with middle-grade releases even though Amazon indicates it’s for ages fifteen and above. Although the main characters are in high school, the story doesn’t contain anything inappropriate or too complicated that middle-graders can’t enjoy it.

What worked:

The book is relevant to some current and past health and social issues. Konstant (short for Konstantine) is the main character and he carries the MX-13 virus that has killed people around the world, including his mother. The pandemic forces those showing symptoms to be confined in guarded areas while Konstant wears a pin showing he has the virus without showing any signs of it. An inoculation exists to stop the disease but only the wealthy can afford it. Konstant’s uncle and sister carry MX-13 so his uncle is forced to work in a mine and his sister attends a technical school instead of college. The rich make money from new discoveries while workers struggle to make ends meet.

The owner of Metronome Logistics holds a national contest to discover creative solutions for the world’s problems. Konstant is inspired by one of his mother’s ideas but must break the law to make it work. Unfortunately, he’s been bullied by a classmate named Marcos for years and this kid reveals Konstant’s secret. Being expelled from school eliminates him from the competition until he gets help from an anonymous source. These events heighten the conflict between Konstant and the bully so readers know there will be sparks when they’re forced to work together. The finalists are invited to Metronome Logistics headquarters in New York City but Konstant learns a spy is likely among them. Konstant is asked to watch for the spy and his immediate suspicions are directed at Marcos. Readers will wonder if that’s too obvious to be true.

Konstant’s difficulties working with others are due to his MX-13 diagnosis and his mother’s opinions about teamwork. The red pin he’s required to wear makes people keep their distance from him and non-carriers aren’t allowed to work with him in school. He’s used to working alone. He’s proud of his heritage from an East-European country but his mother carried bitterness from working with others there. Rose, the daughter of the Metronome owner, is about Konstant’s age and has a mind of her own. She’s doing things behind the scenes to protect her father and the company but she’s unaware of his huge covert project. Rose and Konstant will eventually team up to defeat an enemy hiding within the company.

What didn’t work as well:

The winner of the contest will be announced on May 6, 2036. It’s clear the story takes place in the future but the advancements in technology aren’t believable to readers. It’s hard to imagine these significant changes can happen within twelve years of the book being published.

The final verdict:

The first half of the book describes Konstant’s efforts to enter the Metronome competition but the second half is an exciting, action-packed adventure. The author saves a shocking revelation for later as the story builds to a dramatic climax. I highly recommend you give it a shot.

The Heroic Misadventures of Maci and Roland by M.L. Florez

What worked:

Roland is Maci’s loyal dog but the author’s creative writing elevates him to an important character. Roland can’t talk but the narrator presents his thoughts as though he can communicate. Maci speaks to Roland as though he can understand human speech and his actions give the impression that she’s correct. He has a stubborn streak and tends to negotiate for things he wants. Maci enters him into the town’s hero competition which requires him to complete several difficult tasks; pie eating is not one of the hard ones. Roland gets frustrated or distracted at times and won’t get focused again until Maci offers him rewards. It’s not hard to imagine that Roland is smart enough to manipulate Maci into handing out more rewards.

Maci enjoys dark, gloomy things and she’s happiest being alone. Or is she? She begins to realize she’d like to have a friend (other than Roland) but her love for gothic things makes it more challenging. She learns that baking cookies is harder than she thought and the cheer she writes for cheerleading tryouts isn’t well-received. Maci’s character is forced to reflect on the person she’s becoming and decide if she needs to change. Living in a colorful town with joyful, positive citizens presents challenges for Maci’s happiness. Luckily, she has an open mind and is willing to make changes in her life. However, she eventually learns that she must be true to herself.

What didn’t work as well:

The story moves at a good pace so readers can’t finish it fairly quickly. However, it also means that character and plot development aren’t as detailed as they might be. Readers may miss learning more about Maci’s new friendships and the changes she undergoes.

The final verdict:

This is an emotional tale of a young, gothic girl trying to fit in. Roland is the most entertaining character as he supports Maci’s transformation. Overall, this book will appeal to dog lovers and young readers trying to find their ways and I recommend you give it a shot.

Keeper of the Rend by Lisa Maxwell

What worked:

Although not the most glamorous conflict, Xavier’s relationship with his family is strained. His father loses his job so the family is forced to live with his aunt in the country. Xavier has mixed emotions when his father wants to start spending time with him. Xavier likes the surprising attention but he’s unsure how to navigate these uncharted waters. The activities his father suggests always include his older brother, which is a problem. Xavier’s brother is a bully and harasses Xavier whenever he gets the chance. His parents aren’t helpful or supportive so Xavier is forced to deal with his brother alone. His mother is always busy working on the computer and she’s not happy to be disturbed.

Xavier is a bird LOVER but his family doesn’t understand his obsession with them. Many chapters begin with words written by Milton Von Wipple II, Xavier’s naturalist hero. These words sometimes hint at what’s to come although some parts disparage children. The ensuing chapters begin with humorous apologies and explanations for what Von Wipple says. Xavier soon meets Clem, a girl living on the farm next door, and he likes that she gets him. However, she can be abrasive and Xavier is annoyed that she always calls him Fletch; she says he looks more like a Fletch than a Xavier. Clem informs him about the Rend, a tear in the sky between two worlds, and Carriers that bring Crumbs into the world. The Carriers must be stopped immediately or the Crumbs will eventually allow dark and cold from the Nether to take over the world. The Nether will suck the warmth and life out of every living thing.

The Carriers are most intriguing because they appear to be normal birds. This fits perfectly with Xavier’s passion for birds although he doesn’t notice the difference right away. Actually, he stops Clem from killing a Carrier he thinks is a bird and inadvertently escalates the problem. Xavier and Milton Von Wipple inform readers about birds and nature in general while Clem shares her knowledge of Carriers. The peacefulness of the countryside and the beautiful innocence of birds contrast sharply with the impending gloom and danger of the Carriers. Xavier is averse to killing things and Clem’s slingshot has its limits. How are these two kids going to stop the Nether from invading through the Rend?

What didn’t work as well:

The book doesn’t have a great hook. Also, some parts of the story are repetitive and become noticeable. Clem describes how the world is in danger and the Carriers are becoming a bigger problem than she’s ever seen. In response, Xavier constantly asks if it’s time to notify her father but Clem always quashes those ideas.

The final verdict:

The wonderfully written book shares the complicated issues of family life, friendship, and saving the world. The climactic ending helps the characters grow into more understanding people. I recommend you give this book a shot.

Cincinnati Lee, Curse Breaker by Heidi Heilig

What worked:

The book opens with Natalie (she’d rather be called Cincinnati since that’s where her “Pops” lives) stealing an artifact from the museum where her mother works. However, her cousin Sebastian steals it from her so Cincinnati will need to get it back to break a family curse. Readers can imagine there are many curses to exorcise since Pops stole hundreds of relics from their original sites. It’s Cincinnati'’s intention to retrieve all those artifacts from museums around the world and return them to their countries of origin. It seems like an insurmountable task for a twelve-year-old seventh-grader.

Cincinnati’s never been too concerned about making friends since she has a scholarship to a private school of students with wealthy parents. Who cares about a bunch of snooty kids? Her best friend is Sebastian, the son of another museum worker. Sebastian is highly knowledgeable with a talent for creating replicas of ancient relics. Cincinnati comes to the aid of another anti-social student named Parsley and she surprisingly wants to be Cincinnati’s friend. Parsley would like to keep her family life secret but Cincinnati’s impulsiveness makes that a challenge. The unlikely trio band together to help Cincinnati break her family’s curse.

The Spear of Destiny creates the challenge that drives the adventure. Cincinnati’s initial plans to break her family’s curse are a complete flop so finding the spear may be the solution. This challenge is even more difficult due to other relic hunters competing with her plus it’s almost impossible to keep it a secret from her mom. The identities of the hunters may surprise Cincinnati but she’s shocked to discover one of them is willing to kill. The Spear of Destiny holds its own curse that’s confounded relic hunters since the time of Christ. The spear’s holder may get all of their wishes fulfilled but its downside might ruin their life.

What didn’t work as well:

Some readers might be bothered by Cincinnati’s friendship with Parsley. Too often, Cincinnati uses Parsley’s resources to further her treasure hunting so the foundation of their friendship is questionable. Parsley is looking for adventure in her life but Cincinnati’s sincerity toward her friend feels wrong. However, Cincinnati’s behavior provides room for her to grow as a person.

The final verdict:

This book will appeal to lovers of ancient relics and folklore. The livers of Cincinnati and her mother are centered around archaeology and Cincinnati’s main motivation is resolving the curses that have plagued her family for years. It’s a fast-paced adventure and I recommend you give it a shot. 

Quest for the Wishing Stone (Dungeoneer Adventures 3) by Ben Costa & James Parks

What worked:

Coop Cooperson leads a ragtag team of students as they learn exploring skills at the Dungeoneer’s Academy. The world is threatened by a group of dropouts and expelled students called the Elites who’ve been misled by Rake Lazler. He’s searching for the last shard of the Wishing Stone which will make him unstoppable. Coop thinks the greatest dungeoneer ever, Shane Shandar, will stop the Exiles until he realizes Shane may be in trouble. Coop’s Green Team embarks on a quest into the Abyss to rescue their hero and find the last piece to the Wishing Stone before Rake.

The story includes character relationships, like Coop’s crush on one of his teammates. He’s overwhelmed with emotions when he tries to talk to Daz so he doesn’t know if she feels the same way. A former bully named Zeek offers another conflict when he tries to change his ways.  Most of the other students doubt his sincerity but Coop believes everyone deserves a second chance. This creates friction when Zeek wants to join the quest and Coop’s best friend Oggie is especially upset. Oggie and Coop were the main targets of Zeek’s bullying and Oggie isn’t so quick to forgive.

A wide variety of creatures comprise the cast of characters with Coop being one of the few humans. Readers don’t need to be overly concerned about remembering their characteristics since illustrations can be found on most pages. The most unique descriptions are that Oggie is very large and Mindy can fly. The Abyss reveals impressive monsters to threaten the dungeoneers. A giant worm can eat its way through stone, another monster is made of rocks, and the Exiles fly atop huge bat-like beasts. The characters believed many of the monsters were extinct so Daz is just as excited to see them as she is being terrified.

What didn’t work as well:

The series seems to come to a satisfying end until questions are asked about two of the Exiles. The questions open the door for a sequel even though it sounded like everything was wrapped up only pages earlier.

The final verdict:

Readers can enjoy this adventure even if they haven’t read the previous two books in the series. Coop’s positivity, trust, and ability to see the good in people are highlighted, and share kind thoughts with readers. Oggie says Coop is the best of them and he’s willing to stand by people even when it isn’t easy. Readers who enjoy adventures and strange creatures will enjoy this book and I highly recommend you give it a shot!

Someone's Been Messing With Reality by John Hearne

What worked:

Readers aren’t sure what’s happening early in the book so it’s fun to wonder where the plot will go. On a yard camera, Martin sees his father flying from the roof of their house. Martin’s friend Tina has all kinds of wild ideas and she’s convinced his parents must be aliens. I hadn’t read the book’s synopsis yet so I didn’t know she was correct. Readers will become engrossed in the story as Martin tries to figure out why his parents have gone missing. Tina still has all kinds of theories and makes a drastic decision by a tower that dramatically alters the plot.

Enda is a fascinating character even though he barely says a word. He used to do everything with Martin and Tina until he fell from a cliff and damaged his brain. Tina and Martin can still guide him around but he can’t talk to them. He spends much of his time in the shed behind Martin’s house engrossed in a model train set. He doesn’t seem to make any matches when playing the Memory card game even though Martin senses there’s a pattern to his choices. Readers will suspect there’s more to Enda’s character than they see and they’ll anticipate the moment his secrets are revealed.

The author masterfully uses words and language to create moods that will captivate readers. They’ll experience Martin’s shock and confusion when he learns about his father’s talent and his parents’ disappearance. Martin discovers a message from them that creates hope and uncertainty. The author captures the claustrophobic feelings of climbing through narrow mine tunnels and the dark, damp surroundings. Readers feel haunted house emotions when Martin and Tina enter a huge cavern full of alien life. The plot ramps up to a thrilling climax full of terror and exhilaration.

What didn’t work as well:

As with some other books, the synopsis shares more information than it should. The author stimulates readers’ imaginations in the early chapters but the synopsis undermines the possibilities.

The final verdict:

This book works for me. The plot feels fresh and new even though it contains familiar elements of science fiction books. Martin is a sympathetic character as he gets thrown into the middle of a worldwide crisis. This book will appeal to lovers of aliens and action and I recommend you give it a shot.

The Gatekeeper’s Daughter by Susan Reimer

What worked:

This book presents a message that may evoke thoughts of our world today. Legend says, that many years ago people became greedy and took more from the sea than they needed. The Creator decided to separate the humans into four separate communities and the Gatekeeper controls who can enter the sea. People can breathe and talk as they do on land which may surprise some readers; it surprises some characters! Maira, daughter of the Gatekeeper, discovers the cavern mentioned in the synopsis and she fears it may be what created problems before. Of course, she keeps it a secret until strangers come to town. But. has she waited too long to stop disaster from returning?

An internal conflict is found in Maira as she begins to question whether she wants to become the next Gatekeeper. Many readers may relate to problems that come from parental expectations and traditions. Maira’s mother is dead so Maira is happy to help her father. However, gatekeeping and tending to the house don’t leave much time for herself and she wonders what she might be missing in the world. She also fears it’s getting harder to remember her mother. Maira knows the Gatekeeper is vital in guarding the sea but why does it need to be her?

The secret in the Cavern of Light is similar to some other books but it’s also innovative. It shows how greed can blind people to making bad choices and not foresee the consequences. The story addresses how humans sometimes need to protect nature from other humans before it’s ruined beyond repair. Maira takes charge of guarding the cavern although she learns it’s okay to ask for help. In the end, readers will see how Maira displays compassion and forgiveness when the town considers punishment for one of its citizens.

What didn’t work as well:

It’s hard to distinguish life in the sea and life on land since people can talk and breathe in both places. Kids play above and below the water and people garden on land and at the sea bottom. Mental images may be confused unless Maira visits the Cavern of Light.

The final verdict:

Readers can admire Maira’s honesty, caring, and bravery as she struggles in her role as the Gatekeeper’s daughter. Discovering the Cavern of Light creates different levels of conflict but Maira overcomes them in an exciting climax. I recommend you give this book a shot.

Snow Blind (The Talisman Series Vol. 2.5) by Brett Salter

What worked:

This novella begins differently from previous books as it highlights Mr. Jones. He’s the series character who collects the knowledge of Darkbrand creatures while everyone else has the skills to fight them. Mr. Jones has a spell allowing him to teleport to different places worldwide. Most of the books have jumped into the action with dragons and their riders combatting viscous Darkbrands from the Void. This time, Mr. Jones investigates a possible new dragon ally in Antarctica. He is contacted from an email address he doesn’t recognize before being instructed to travel to Antarctica. He stops in Chile along the way where he meets a professional hunter. Readers will know right away that this man is evil and he will cross paths with Mr. Jones again. This is the first book in the series where Darkbrands aren’t a major factor in the plot. The author still finds ways to infuse levity into the story as he’s done in all of the other books.

Readers are introduced to the world of Ice Dragons which is the clan Krysta hails from. Krysta is a character from the second book who has gone through the Great Synergy. The author adds drama when Mr. Jones finds out many of the Ice Dragons aren’t happy that Krysta left, including her father. Yukon doesn’t believe dragons should bond with humans and he’s still angry that dragons were abandoned and hunted by humans in the past. Mr. Jones becomes an ambassador for humans although changing Yukon’s mind may be impossible. A small dragon named Glyph guides Mr. Jones through the caverns and adds a friendly voice to the story.

What didn’t work as well:

There are a couple of jumps to new settings that are unexpected and confusing. One of them describes characters not directly involved in this plot and the other is a flashback inserted into the story. The flashback would make more sense if it appeared right after Yukon is introduced.

The final verdict:

I suggest you read the first two books in the series before reading this novella to get some context into what’s happening. Featuring the quirky Mr. Jones presents a new kind of adventure in the series but brings up some of the same issues. Lovers of dragon stories will enjoy this book and I recommend you give it a shot.

The Vanderhoff Heist (Mystery at the Biltmore 1) by Colleen Nelson

What worked:

Elodie’s parents are famous detectives who investigate art thefts around the world. They won’t let Elodie accompany them on their trips but she’s learned investigative skills from talking with them. She wonders if anyone will want a young girl to investigate their cases but she’s confident she can do the job. A valuable piece of inspiration comes from her housekeeper, Ms. Rosa, who said that just because there hasn’t been a detective her age, why can’t there be one now? Elodie keeps track of clues in her notebook as she explores the elements of all crimes: suspects, motives, and how they were done.

The Biltmore holds many unique personalities as Elodie investigates the theft of Mrs. Vanderhoff’s earrings. Elodie is joined by Oscar, a daredevil young boy who is angry about moving to the hotel. Other residents become suspects although Elodie thinks they’re all so nice that she can’t imagine them as thieves. Mrs. Vanderhoff has accused her housekeeper of the theft but Agnes is the one who contacts Elodie about the crime. Freddie is the friendly doorman who has keys to all of the apartments. An orchid enthusiast had a falling out with Mrs. Vanderhoff and the kids note raising flowers is an expensive hobby. One of the Flying Wallendas lives across the courtyard and could have entered the apartment without using the door. Another resident has transformed his place into a bird sanctuary and might need money to care for them. It’s Elodie’s task to deduce the identity of the real jewel thief.

What didn’t work as well:

The plot is simple without serious complications so more experienced readers may be disappointed. As soon as Elodie finds a suspect she thinks of a reason why it can’t be them. It feels like the last suspect she finds will be the guilty party.

The final verdict:

Elodie is a charming character and the story is perfect for emerging mystery lovers. Cute, color illustrations are included to help bring the characters to life. I recommend you give this book a shot.

The Pinchers and the Curse of the Egyptian Cat (The Pinchers 5) by Anders Sparring & Per Gustavsson

What worked:

The book’s synopsis clearly explains what happens in the book. Theo is the main character and the contrast between his family and him sets the stage for the amusing stories in this series. He’s the only honest member of his thieving family and he can’t even tell a lie. The curse makes this book different from the rest of the series as Theo and his sister Ellen switch places. Theo takes a liking to stealing and lying while Elen gets nervous about breaking the law.

This book is perfect for readers in the lower to middle grades. It has many color illustrations to help readers visualize the Pinchers in their “prison-stripe” shirts and black robber masks. The plot is fast-paced and the short chapters don’t require much stamina. Emerging readers will enjoy feelings of success as they complete chapters while more-able readers can probably finish the book in one sitting. The book can be read independently from the rest of the series, as each has a distinct, separate story. The opening pages present a photo gallery of the Pincher family with descriptions of the characters. Even Granny makes an appearance near the end of the book when she escapes prison to attend Sunday dinner with the family.

What didn’t work as well:

The book doesn’t have many flaws for its young target audience. It’s funny, has pictures, and it’s easy to read. More-able readers may not like the simplicity and they may question some details. However, the book is suitably written for young, emerging readers.

The final verdict:

The fast-paced story with illustrations will appeal to a wide range of young readers. The humor and quirky personalities make the characters relatable. Overall, I recommend you give this amusing book and the series a shot.

Zombie Season 3: Rise of the Ancients

What worked:

Disclaimer: I’ve not read the previous two books so keep that perspective in mind as you read on. The Prologue opens with a battle between humans and a giant zombie that escapes from its frozen prison up in the waters of Alaska. This presumably happened in book two. The main conflict pits humans against zombies that have risen worldwide for many years. They typically become active during warmer months and things calm down again in Autumn. However, something’s changed and there are fears that the zombie attacks will continue longer than they ever have before. Plus, they seem more organized this time. Readers will learn the giant zombie has the mental power to control other zombies and it’s discovered that it can manipulate some humans too.

The other big twist is a revelation that humans can become zombies without dying first. Some characters are aware that they’re changing, some are in denial, and some have no idea what’s happening to them. Regina is one of the main characters and she’s dealing with this problem. Oliver is the only member of her team who knows and he’s helping to keep it secret. Luckily, the chapters focusing on Regina allow readers into her mind so they can see how hard she struggles to suppress the urge to gorge on meat. She knows if she slips up she’ll finally fully transform into a full-on zombie. The fact that there are others like her living among humans means there is the potential for the humans to start fighting themselves.

Stuxville is a haven for humans so refugees flock there from all over for safety. However, living in a protected, enclosed area for a long time means resources will become scarce. There’s a feeling growing among the people that they need to stop accepting new refugees before Stuxville can no longer support everyone living there. Readers may make connections between the story and the real world. Humans are so concerned about their own survival that they become desensitized to the needs of others. The are several areas in the story where the characters compare and contrast human hoarding with the hordes of attacking zombies.

What didn’t work as well:

Different chapters focus on different characters and it’s okay when it’s the four main characters. However, some chapters switch to minor characters which tends to move the attention away from the main personalities. Also, people new to the series will feel like they’re missing the backstory so I recommend you read the first two books before this one.

The final verdict:

The story builds to an exciting climax where it seems all is lost, although the resolution may not be fully satisfying. Overall, the zombies may not be what readers are used to but there are exciting, suspenseful moments. I recommend you give it a shot starting with the first book in the Zombie Season series.

Mirror, Mirror (Creepers) by Edgar J. Hyde

What worked:

The story isn’t overembellished so it’s easy to follow and well-paced. The book opens with the family buying an old mirror from a shop owner and the youngest daughter, Sophie, finding a ballerina doll atop a music box. The family is told the mirror and doll come from the same home so readers will immediately sense something strange will happen. The mirror is hung in the den when Sophie finds herself alone, playing with her music box. She suddenly notices a terrifying scene in the mirror and witnesses a woman having her head chopped off! This kicks off the mystery of the mirror.

Maya and Dani, the two older sisters, are the main characters and middle-grade readers should be able to relate with them. Maya is the oldest child and Sophie thinks nothing can scare her. This characteristic is most handy when dealing with a haunted mirror. Dani is the most scholarly of the children as she’s constantly reading books. This habit makes her intelligent and a perfect partner for Maya. The sisters quickly realize a girl named Sara is keeper of the mirror and they’re determined to find a way to free the spirit.

What didn’t work as well:

The simple text may not appeal to more advanced readers although they often find the topics of spirits and ghosts very interesting.

The final verdict:

This book is a wonderful introduction to scary stories. Its simple text will appeal to reluctant or emerging readers and the subject matter isn’t too intense. I recommend you give it a shot.

The Abandoned Theater (Alderland Series 1) by Dana Robertson

What worked:

The story follows Beth as she wants to investigate the disappearance of a friend named Brent. Readers may be surprised to learn that her two best friends are starkly different from each other. Stan is an unpopular nerd with unusual quirks; he thinks dressing in green shorts, a green shirt, and a green fedora will act as camouflage in the woods. On the other hand, Teri is tall and pretty and she’s one of the most popular girls in school. Readers will know there’s something different about Beth as she wears an amulet that appears to glow. She dreams of places she’s never been only to discover they actually exist. She’s told she was lucky to escape the car accident that killed her parents when she was four but her aunt won’t talk about it. Beth has questions and the answers make her wonder about what she’s been told.

The theater is portrayed as a spooky, dangerous place that is off-limits to everyone. The theater owner disappeared years ago and now Brent is gone too. Beth’s aunt makes Beth promise that she’ll stay away from it but readers know that promise will soon be broken. Stan’s uncle was in the audience when the owner disappeared but he’s unable to recall any details from that night. No one fleeing the theater can remember exactly what happened. This leaves readers to speculate about the possibilities. Are the owner and Brent dead, murdered by an unknown villain? Did the owner’s wife commit the crime? The police bring her in for questioning. Perhaps something more magical is happening that might explain Beth’s amulet and premonitions. Could there be a hidden portal leading to another world?

The author artfully uses words and language to create moods and set scenes. When the kids first travel to the theater, they must maneuver a raft across a lake to reach it. At first, the lake has “gentle waves”, and fresh air “at this early hour”, and the raft drifts as the sun rises. The scene shifts once they make it across as “the sun’s rays flickered”, “an ominous shadow fell over the raft”, and the ground below the cliff was “untamed, overgrown”. Swaying branches seemed to “beckon them forward with long, slender fingers.” Once inside the theater, the kids hear clicking sounds that are “massive black crows” pecking at the skylight, blocking out the sun, “casting a shadow through the theater”.

What didn’t work as well:

The truth behind Beth’s past isn’t too hard to predict for experienced readers. The clues are all there and a character later in the book even tells Beth that she’s probably already figured it out on her own.

The final verdict:

The book’s second half has more action than the first as Beth starts to unravel the truth about her life. Shocking reunions await and Beth becomes an important factor in a war to save all worlds. There’s a medieval feel later in the story with magical elements mixed in. Overall, this should be a fascinating series to follow and I recommend you give this first book a shot.

Spy School Entrance Exam by Stuart Gibbs and Jeff Chen

What worked:

This book is a collection of puzzles enriched by the Spy School characters. The premise of the book is past mistakes led to security breaches and tainted recruitment of new CIA spies. The puzzles in this book present a new step in the screening process to identify intelligent, qualified candidates. After a brief, redacted introduction from the new CIA director, Zoe describes the first set of puzzles, word searches. Zoe has been a kind character in the past so Erica Hale presents a contrasting tone in the next section, different types of codes. Erica says she won’t be as supportive as Zoe since she’s “a spy, not a cheerleader”. Alexander Hale, Erica’s father, continues his tendency to exaggerate past accomplishments as he introduces “Outside the Box” mental challenges. However, Murray Hill, the antagonist in most of the Spy School books, interrupts and shares clever and devious solutions to the challenges. More characters from the series return to share Crypt-to-grams, crosswords, Battleship-like Battle Royale, and other familiar activities.

Many of the puzzle formats will be familiar to middle-grade readers although modifications have been made to make things trickier. Most people have seen Sudoku with numbers but how many are ready for a Sudoku with letters? “Chain Letters of Doom” requires readers to connect all twenty-six letters of the alphabet, in order, without crossing the connecting line. A fun twist to every section is the final puzzle’s hidden, coded messages that will be used later in the book. This detail promotes the book’s spy theme and helps to connect all of the different sections. In addition, all of the text, clues, and explanations are related to readers applying to become new CIA agents and to thoughts of the Spy School series.

Fans of Spy School will enjoy revisiting characters they’ve enjoyed in the past. Ben Ripley talks about his limited qualifications as a CIA agent even though he’s the main character of the series. He introduces Sudoku puzzles while Catherine Hale describes Double-Cross Crosswords. The characters mention previous events and missions so they evoke readers’ memories from other books. The last section of the book shares solutions to all of the puzzles. Of course, Murray Hill’s explanations cover more pages because he must share the clever solutions and then follow with his multiple devious solutions for villains.

What didn’t work as well:

Everyone can enjoy the variety of puzzles but they will need to read previous Spy School books to fully appreciate the characters and narratives. They have unique personalities and there are references to previous moments or relationships in the series. Crossword clues are related to the series so readers will need to have some knowledge of previous books to complete them.

The final verdict:

This book will be a treat for loyal readers although those unfamiliar with the series may not enjoy it as much. The different versions of familiar puzzles and challenges make them more interesting and difficult. Those who enjoy puzzles and Spy School will love this book and I recommend you check it out!