Miro Chronicles by Emily Arons

What worked:

Protecting the environment is the main focus, even though the setting is on another planet in the future. Jimmy’s father moved to Miro when their previous planet became uninhabitable due to human mistakes. Jimmy and his friends are Ameti apprentices, and their primary duty is caring for Miro’s creatures. The main power source is Orro, as energy is derived from crystals of different colors and strengths. The setting in the book’s first half is arctic, but the students still look forward to the 2401 Aster Middle School Adventure Race. In the second half, the story shifts to a jungle setting.

Readers can double the number of characters to expect, since everyone has an animal companion. The characters are given a device that allows them to talk to their partners, so many conversations between them are included. Jimmy is connected to an Otter called Otto, and he’s as playful, curious, energetic, and hungry as readers might expect. Getting animals’ perspectives helps humans better understand the environment, especially since different species can freely communicate with each other. Readers may sense humans on Miro are becoming more dependent on Orrogems, which might result in future environmental abuse.

The academy presents Jimmy with various complications. His great-grandfather was a leader in bringing humans to Miro, and he was the founder of the school. His last name, and Jimmy’s too, is displayed almost everywhere. Jimmy’s grandfather and father were also leaders on Miro, so Jimmy feels the pressure of living up to the family name. The story includes a nemesis, as Anders is more of a teaser than an actual bully. He’s also a teammate and friend of Tala, who happens to be Jimmy’s best friend. The school is run by Head Eldna, although the students only refer to her as Eldooma. Eldooma resents Jimmy’s heritage and seems determined to award him demerits. Jimmy’s one demerit away from serious consequences, so Eldooma’s threat hovers whenever he does anything sneaky. Jimmy’s uncle makes an appearance, but readers may share a suspicion that the man is up to something questionable.

What didn’t work as well:

The book doesn’t have much character development, and the scenes don’t go into descriptive detail. This strategy is great for less-advanced readers, but those with more experience might want more. The story references the environmentally destroyed planet Zinda, which sounds like it could have been Earth. It would have made more sense to call it Earth, with all of the animals, landforms, and climates mentioned in the story being the same as Earth.

The final verdict:

The narrative isn’t complicated and is easy to follow, so it’s very approachable for middle-grade readers. It provides a message about being respectful of the environment and the importance of protecting its future. The book’s second half introduces more drama, so readers will want to read the sequel. I recommend you check this book out for yourself.