Joey the Good by Erin Fry

What worked:

The story deals with death and grief, as Joey still struggles with the loss of his grandfather two years earlier. The author hints at the cause of Nonno’s death, and Joey feels guilt for having caused it. Joey loved Nonno more than anyone, and the first-person narrative shares Joey’s constant memories. Joey won’t talk about Nonno’s death, and he’s angered when others ask about his feelings. Joey and Leo were there when Nonno died at the lake cabin, so Leo’s presence this summer magnifies painful thoughts. Joey’s battle with his emotions is a major internal conflict.

Leo’s presence reminds Joey of that fateful day, and Leo often tells Joey that Nonno had wanted them to hike together. The comments add to Joey’s guilt and stir up difficult feelings. The relationship between Joey and Leo is the main focus of the plot, as Joey struggles to adapt. Joey’s lazy routine is disrupted, and he whines about the frequent early morning hikes. Leo is super personable and looks like he’s in excellent physical shape, and Joey is neither of those things. Initially, Joey doesn’t know about Leo’s MS diagnosis, so he doesn’t understand why Leo wants to hike with him. How can Joey the Good keep up with Leo the Great? How will they climb Mt. McKinley when Leo’s condition is worsening, and Joey is a long way from being a competent hiker? It takes Joey a while to consider that they might need each other.

Joey’s relationship with other characters his own age is important in the story. He has a crush on a classmate named Desiree, but Joey’s poor self-image keeps him from seeing that she likes hanging out with him. Joey and Leo join a hiking group to help with their training, and a girl named Maya gravitates to the back of the group with Leo. She’s not warm and fuzzy, but they still learn to get along. Dante follows right behind Joey on their hikes, but Dante doesn’t ever say a single word. Joey doesn’t pay him much attention, but his Nonna says that people who don’t talk may have the most to say. Maybe Joey needs to listen harder.

What didn’t work as well:

Readers may want to know more about some of the minor characters, since they influence Joey’s life, specifically Desiree, Maya, and Dante. Dante is especially curious. The story shares a little about the silent Dante’s home life, but the information still generates more questions.

The final verdict:

This book tells an emotional story as Leo and Joey deal with the MS diagnosis. Misunderstandings, along with family and friend issues, complicate the story and stir up mixed feelings. I recommend you try this book for yourself. 

Into the Shadows (Anomalies 53) by Angela Cervantes

What worked:

The mixed bag of supernatural creatures will amuse young readers. The prologue describes a newly caught wyvern that can mentally communicate with the main characters, Ollie and Gerin. Their parents study elves, goblins, and other creatures, and Ollie’s father has made discoveries that help the world. He’s currently working on the severe lightning storms worsening outside. A golem named Henry has been granted freedom to roam the facility in exchange for assisting Anomalies 53’s security. A manticore cub arrives and causes a major disruption, sending the plot in an unexpected direction. Most of the story happens outside Area 53 after the anomalies escape. Ollie and Gerin are sucked through a portal and end up in the Shadowlands. All anomalies live safely there, but readers learn that problems happening around Area 53 are connected to problems in the Shadowlands.

Gerin and Ollie are best friends, but that may be because they’re the only kids. Gerin is two years older and enjoys challenging Ollie to tasks that he can never win. She’s starting to display heightened physical skills and even beat a mermaid’s swimming record. Ollie is most confused about her ability to pass through all of the facility’s security measures. Passcodes are changed every six hours, but somehow, she still knows how to open locked doors. He also notices something strange about her freckles, and readers will eventually learn the truth about what’s happening, or has already happened.

What didn’t work as well:

There’s not much character development, but that’s to be expected in fast-paced plots. Readers may wonder what the rest of the world is doing while the lightning storms are raging. Readers learn these tempests may destroy the planet, so it’s reasonable to wonder what else is happening.

The final verdict:

This book will appeal to a wide range of middle-grade readers, especially those readers interested in mythical creatures. The story moves quickly, and the author saves surprises as it nears the climax. I recommend you give it a shot.

Race for Midgard: The Marleau Twins 1 by Maya Y. Lefèvre

What worked:

The book opens with a quest adventure for Kate, Jack, and Stefan. These three characters have grown up together, and they pass through a portal into another world. The king gives them the option of rescuing his daughter or spending time in the dungeons, so the friends opt to rescue the princess. Stephen, Jack, and Kate are taught battle skills before they are ready to embark on their quest. The journey takes them through forests and over a mountain before arriving at the castle that’s holding the princess. Readers will enjoy the fight scenes with guards and mythical creatures, but they’ll be surprised by what the characters discover when they reach the princess. It turns out that her rescue is merely the introduction to the actual conflict.

The book is divided into three parts, each with a complete plot. The first part is summarized above, and its resolution leads into the next story. The Marleau twins and Kate must find a way to unseat a mysterious, cloaked man who’s claimed the title of king. This conflict will lead the kids across the world and into other moments in time. Stefan and Jack also learn that one of them will become the next guardian of Migard. The Norse gods will force them into a contest against each other, the winner becoming the guardian and the loser being forgotten. This story is part of the book’s third part, along with their efforts to return Princess Annabeth to the throne.

Kate is a very interesting character, and it sometimes seems she should be highlighted equally with the Marleau twins. She becomes accomplished with the bow and arrows, and she’s the first to act when the king is poisoned. Kate is separated from the others in the book’s second section, and she’s featured in this critical part of the group’s plans. Readers learn that common folk can’t see portals leading to other realms, and they’re only visible “in the presence of people with significant ties to the nine worlds.” The twins are connected through their father’s bloodline, but why is Kate able to activate the first portal? What is her connection to the realms?

What didn’t work as well:

The story skips the yearlong training to become warriors, which leaves readers feeling like they’ve missed quite a bit. In one chapter, the characters are normal teens with no fighting talents, and in the next chapter, they’re experts with the sword, spear, and bow. Some parts of the story abruptly change settings, while other parts are double-spaced or are formally separated.

The final verdict:

The plot can be enjoyed by all upper middle-grade readers, although the main characters are 15-16 years old. There’s a good deal of adventure and action, and the epilogue introduces an interesting twist for the sequel. I recommend young readers give this book a shot!

Airrelle of the Maroon Witches by Sumayyah Beck

What worked:

Obviously, identifying witches in the title means there will be magic, and the author adds new twists. The witches live in hidden settlements around the world, and the setting for this story is Missen Dessalin. The witches work together to create an invisible shield that conceals the settlement. Airrelle must collect four patrons; her first is a crane, to become a full witch. Patrons select their witches and offer advice and assistance. Witches are expected to fly, so Airrelle’s first rite of passage is the soljourney. Witties, witches in training, must survive in the wild in their astral forms until they learn how to fly. Airrelle is most excited about the prospect of flying, so she can travel beyond the barrier and into the Overside.

The story includes subtle commentary about the real world. Airrelle’s first venture into Overside with her mother reveals many disturbing sights. They find perfectly good food tossed into the trash, even though hungry people are living on the streets. Cars pollute the air, and buildings replace nature. Airrelle’s mother says concrete is the most abundant substance in Overside. Related to this, the witches have a close connection to nature. Their patrons are plants or animals, and patrons are often attracted to the witches’ songs. Witches must show them respect, since nature decides who is worthy of help. Witches often thank elements of nature and appreciate the beauty and wonder. Young readers may develop admiration and gratitude for natural things they take for granted.

Rabiah is a character who brings mystery and uncertainty to the story. She’s from the Overside, but Airrelle wants her to train to become a witch at Missen Dessalin. She’s not a clear candidate, so there are mixed opinions about whether this is a good idea. A scry indicates she has the potential to become a powerful witch, but the settlement will have problems if her family searches for her. The weakening shield may allow Oversiders to see into the settlement. Airrelle agrees that Rabiah should be returned to Overside if she fails to pass her trials, with her memory erased. However, Airrelle is determined that Rabiah will succeed; what will she do if things don’t work out? It gets complicated.

What didn’t work as well:

Halfway into the book, it’s still unclear where the plot is headed. Several things are happening: the father is away and in trouble, there’s something wrong with the mother, and Airrelle is trying to get her maroon cloak and befriending a non-magical girl. Many readers prefer having a more focused objective in the plot.

The final verdict:

This book feels like it’s establishing the backstory for future books. There’s a focus on the world of Maroon Witches, along with some of their issues and problems. It’s a creative view of witchcraft that features many interesting characters. Overall, you check out this book and decide for yourself.

Girl of Lore by Melanie Dale

What worked:

Mina is the main character, and she has a variety of issues. Her psychiatrist says it’s unlikely that she’ll ever act on her thoughts of stabbing people, and her OCD is how her body maintains control. She doesn’t know how to get along with people, and she’s not sure why popular, pretty Jackie is still her friend. Mina needs Jackie’s support, but what does Mina have to offer? She hides her sketches of gory scenes, and visiting the graveyard is her favorite activity. Mina feels disturbed and confused when she “hears” a book telling her to “release me”.

Readers immediately know this will be a strange story when Mina dreams of possessing a body. The body is in a car that crashes into a sinkhole, while three shadowy figures watch from above. The next day, Mina learns that a car crashed into a sinkhole near her home. Coincidence? Animals seem to attack her, which is confusing when, later, she calms some dogs and a horse with her mind. Most people in London, Georgia, are skeptical about creatures of the night, but Mina sees evidence and hears stories that make her think something dangerous is going on. A woman wrote a book about local lore, but Mina later finds her dead, with bite marks on her neck. These events will interest readers interested in the paranormal.

The author uses a familiar point of view about vampires, making them easy to understand. These vampires don’t like sunlight and anything related to God. They can control the amount of blood they take, meaning victims can be killed or turned into vampires. Victims can be saved from turning if the vampire is killed before the victim dies. Vampires grow fangs and have heightened senses. An additional danger is added to this story when readers learn that something powerful is beginning to rise in London, and it is capable of killing all humans on earth.

What didn’t work as well:

Different sources indicate this book is for middle grade, but it’s for tweens and young adults. The characters are high school age, and the scary emotions generated by the author’s writing can get pretty intense. The book has a dark tone, especially when the topic of vampires arises.

The final verdict:

Again, this book is not for most middle-grade readers due to strong, dark emotions. However, the overall story is captivating, and I recommend that mature readers try it for themselves. It looks like a sequel will follow.

Where There Be Spies (The Outersphere Series Book 2) by Alby C. Williams

What worked:

Middle-grade readers will feel a sense of familiarity as Glory and Marcus find themselves mixed up in a major problem once again. Paxton was the main antagonist in the first book, and she’s still roaming behind the scenes in this book. Glory is certain she’s up to something, and she’s certain Paxton must be responsible for missing charts. However, many students assume Glory was involved in the theft because she was the last person seen holding it. In addition, the school chancellor is missing, and Glory is certain the two incidents are not a coincidence. The characters and readers will suspect that someone at the school is still helping Paxton. Readers will recognize magic being used, but the characters don’t run around casting spells. The magic comes from potions and objects, with different materials attracting, repelling, or remaining neutral toward it.

Glory experiences social and emotional problems that will be relatable to young readers. She’s annoyed and angered by her classmates’ whispered comments accusing her of being responsible for the missing charts. She’s also aware of her mazy head, which means her mind can become overactive and go on tangents. She thinks everyone else knows she’s mazy-headed, and they think that makes her stupid and strange. These concerns are compounded by the fact that her mother is a famous spherinaut. On the one hand, Glory is proud of her mom but feels pressure living up to expectations. On the other hand, Glory fears that teachers and students treat her differently because of her famous mother. She feels angst after being assigned to the first-year dorms, even though she’s older than all of them.

A large part of the plot involves non-humans. There are two types of monsters, feral monsters and monsterfolk, but some people don’t view them differently. The feral monsters are wild and dangerous, so they are feared. The school and community have frequent monster sirens going off, sending frightened humans scurrying for safe places. These alarms may remind readers of tornado warnings. Monsterfolk are sentient creatures and are just as intelligent and eloquent as humans. This is the first time monsterfolk have been allowed to attend the school, and many students and citizens don’t like it. Glory’s roommate detests the monsterfolk, but Glory becomes good friends with the goat girl in the room next door.

What didn’t work as well:

The opening of each chapter includes numbers and words that describe location and time. However, it’s not clear how this information applies to what’s happening in the story.

The final verdict:

Readers should probably start with the first book, since prior events and characters are frequently mentioned. Glory is a likeable character, as she always wants to do the right thing, and she trusts others. Perhaps too much. I recommend you give this book a shot!

How to Build a Human: The Incredible Design of the Human Body (Tomorrow's World) by Scott Goldie

What worked:

The author uses several techniques to make the non-fiction information more palatable and approachable for young readers. The numerous, colorful illustrations are most obvious, but the backgrounds and text boxes are multi-colored too. Humor is an important part of text, making the information entertaining. Questions about the human body are often used as a bridge to relevant facts. Some pages include “Four Facts and a Fib” that create active reading instead of remaining passive. “Fun Facts” break up the narrative by sharing short, related information.

The book is surprisingly comprehensive. It begins by exploring what it means to be human and then addresses cells and pathogens, microscopic things found in the body. Other chapters describe the skeletal system (since we’re vertebrates) and then the brain and nervous system. It shares the various types of bones and even the different kinds of bone joints. There’s a section about the BCI, which enables humans with disabilities to recover some mobility they may have lost due to paralysis. There’s an explanation of how our sense of smell works, along with an amusing page titled “How to Safely Remove a Booger”. The book covers everything readers expect, such as the heart, lungs, liver, and less obvious topics kids might find interesting. Poop, pee, blushing, and sweating are natural bodily functions, so the book talks about them. Young readers are aware of reproduction, allergies, and diseases, and these subjects are covered toward the end.

What didn’t work as well:

The book contains loads of information and facts, but readers will be challenged to find specific topics. There isn’t an index at the back, so readers doing research will need to use context, skimming, and scanning to locate needed pages. Most chapters have creative titles, so the relevant pages may not be obvious. The heart, blood, and platelets are in the chapter “Let’s Plug in the Heart”, and “The Finishing Touches” covers skin, hair, and fingernails.

The final verdict:

It’s always effective when an author makes nonfiction entertaining, so upper middle-grade readers will have fun while they’re learning. This book can be used for research or for short periods of reading amusement. Overall, I recommend you give this book a shot!

You are Now Old Enough to Hear This by Aaron Starmer

What worked:

The author is a master storyteller, weaving several of them together in this book. Roman has never heard the entire story of his grandfather’s missing toe, and readers can expect the unexpected from events surrounding the grandfather’s death. Roman is surprised by his grandfather’s terrified face while padlocking a shed, and the man dies the very next day. However, Roman is shocked when he later finds his grandfather locked in that same shed. A series of short, creepy stories follows, and readers must piece together new information to make sense of the overall plot.

The short stories are divided into sections, so they stand out from the overall tale. This strategy helps young readers focus on them separately, helping with comprehension. The book opens with the events mentioned above, but it later describes the full story of the Toe Monster, The Girl, and the bucket. The bucket becomes a very important part of the plot, so readers will need to pay attention. The author wraps things up by alternating points of view between Roman and The Girl. These chapters provide a full explanation of how everything ties together, and reader imagination is required. The stories of the bucket and The Girl depict a family rite of passage, and the entire plot gives Roman and readers things to think about.

The Girl is the most intriguing character. Her name isn’t mentioned until late in the book, so she projects an aura of mystery. She’s always accompanied by dogs, and many family pets choose to join her. She takes over all the businesses in a small town, so readers will ponder her possible motives. On the other hand, she sometimes sounds lost and alone, causing readers to develop empathy for her character. A Tasmanian Tiger called Tiger is always nearby, and this extinct animal can talk and grant wishes. These two characters are at the heart of the plot, and their stories are revealed in the end.

What didn’t work as well:

The short stories are quite peculiar, so readers must be tolerant and open to strangeness. The ending will still have readers scratching their heads, trying to piece everything together.

The final verdict:

Hopefully, you understand this book is for active readers and requires mental engagement. The ending may leave readers with some unanswered questions, but overall, I recommend you try this book for yourself.

Ameti Rising (Miro Chronicles 2) by Emily Arons

What worked:

Two aspects of this book differ from those of others. The setting is on a planet called Miro, and the humans harvest power from rocks called Orra. Humans had mismanaged natural resources on their former planet, so survivors fled to Miro. Conservation of nature is a primary focus, as the characters try to protect the climate, Orra, and all living things. Orro comes in different colors, and each one has unique powers and qualities. The second different thing about this book is that the characters can communicate with their partner animals. This is accomplished through collars the animals wear and their humans’ orbs. The orbs also connect the humans to AI partners that provide knowledge and guidance. One unexpected event arises in the first quarter of the book when Jimmy, the main character, is reunited with his loyal, brave, and always hungry otter, Otto.

Des, Jimmy’s uncle, was the antagonist in the first book, and the characters are well aware that he’s still lurking somewhere on the planet. He wants to control all of the Orra and become the most powerful person on Miro. Des is causing changes to landforms and the environment, and he’s begun controlling powerful packs of wild animals that threaten the natural balance. Complicating matters, Jimmy feels pressure to live up to his family’s legacy, continues to verbally spar with a rival, and he fears he might have similar characteristics to his uncle. Readers know that Jimmy and his friends, Derek and Tala, will stop Des’s latest plans before the book ends.

The plot moves quickly, which should appeal to most middle-grade readers, even reluctant ones. The chapters are fairly short, which works well for young readers with short attention spans. The story includes periodic reminders of what’s already happened, along with emphasis on what’s at stake. The setting is reminiscent of Earth with similar climates, familiar animals, and people mining for oil. The book teaches messages on conservation of nature and resources that apply to readers’ lives on Earth.

What didn’t work as well:

The downside to a story moving at a fast pace is that there tends to be a lack of description and details. There are parts where there’s a retelling of action rather than a description of what’s happening. There are jumps in time, and readers sometimes need to make assumptions and connections about missing information.

The final verdict:

This book is a wonderful example of speculative fiction that can be enjoyed by a wide range of middle-grade readers. It contains action, humor, drama, and character relationships that make the story appealing. I suggest you give this book a shot. 

Lessons from Harlow (The Adventures of Raini #3) by Licia Chenoweth

What worked:

Honesty and trust remain key issues, as Raini struggles with her father, Gerry. He recently entered her life, and she’s constantly challenging his patience. Raini has lied quite a bit in the first two books, so Gerry is reluctant to give her the benefit of the doubt. This time, Raini runs into trouble trying to perform a good deed when she finds a cellphone in the subway. She manages to find out where the owner will be, but complications arise when Raini shows up. The phone may be more important than anyone thinks, and Raini attracts danger once again. The story is told from Raini’s point of view, so readers can fully understand her different fears, emotions, and motivations. This plot is more adventurous than in the previous two books, and readers will empathize with Raini as events spiral out of control.

The author adds two new characters to the series, and there’s a stark contrast in their contributions. Gerry hires a woman named Phobe to help Raini become a more responsible, respectable girl. However, Raini detests the woman, so her character becomes a source of conflict. Phoebe is condescending and irritated with Raini, and she even tries Gerry’s patience sometimes. Harlow is Raini’s new classmate, and their characters have similarities and differences. Their mothers aren’t present in their lives, although for different reasons. Harlow lives with an elderly, rich aunt and says Raini is lucky to have a father who cares. Harlow is allowed total independence, so she helps Raini navigate life in New York City. Cecilio is still a dependable friend, but Raini isn’t sure how she feels about his relationship with Harlow

What didn’t work as well:

In the previous two books, readers might have tired of Raini’s constant lying, even though her father was trying to protect her. She still has trouble being totally honest, but readers will appreciate that she’s trying to change. Her dishonesty is more palatable since Harlow and Cecilio are aware of her situation.

The final verdict:

Readers should finish the previous two books first to appreciate Raini’s complex relationship with her father fully. This time, Raini’s predicament isn’t totally her fault, which makes her character more vulnerable. I strongly recommend you try this book for yourself. 

Finding Lila (The Adventures of Raini 2) by Licia Chenoweth

What worked:

A mysterious man tells Raini that she can see her mother if she doesn’t say anything to her father. Raini was a baby when her mother left, so she jumps at the chance. However, the effect of this misadventure is that the setting shifts to New York City, miles away from her grandfather, Mo. Gerry, her father, thinks someone is trying to kidnap her by using her mother as bait, so he restricts her privileges and has an adult stay with her while he’s at work. Finding her mother becomes an obsession for Raini and steers the plot for the rest of the book. She sneaks around, looking for clues, until Gerry finds out and threatens to send her to Scotland, again. Detectives are investigating the possible kidnapping, and Gerry’s deathly afraid for his daughter’s safety.

Raini meets a delivery boy from the deli across the street, and she thinks he’s her only friend. However, Cecilio is forbidden from seeing her anymore after her photograph gets posted in the New York Times. Gerry is livid because the picture may expose her to more danger. Cecilio displays flowers of different colors, and Raini looks forward to seeing them each day. Gerry forbids any further contact between them, which creates underlying tension from that point on. Raini’s behavior causes Gerry’s distrust, but Raini is angered that Gerry is keeping secrets about her mother. Gerry frequently tells Raini she must trust him on this, but their communication breakdown creates further conflict and unease.

What didn’t work as well:

Raini often disobeys her dad, and the behavior has been consistent in the first two books. It seems like she wants to be a loving daughter, so it’s hard to believe how quickly she can misbehave behind Gerry’s back. She apologizes to him every time she’s caught, but then quickly goes against his wishes. It’s hard to sympathize with her character when she constantly deceives her father and rarely considers how her behavior affects Gerry’s feelings.

The final verdict:

This book is more dramatic than the first one, as the conflict surrounding Raini’s mother is more serious. I suggest you start with book one to fully understand relationships and backstories. I recommend you check this book out yourself. 

The Boy with the Living Shadow (MIriwan Academy 1) by Anas Hakeem

What worked:

Adam’s character will generate sympathy, as he’s remained unadopted for ten years. He’s bullied by the “tall boy”, insulted and singled out by the nasty director, and is forced to live alone in the orphanage’s dismal attic. Then, a gnome transports him into a new life of magic. He’s adopted by a woman who once knew his mother, but no one knows anything about his father. Readers will anticipate that his father’s identity will become significant sometime in the future. Also, Adam displays unusual abilities with his new power, after he infuses some of his energy into a non-living companion he creates and calls Jumperjeans. Not to mention, his shadow seems to have a mind of its own when Adam feels strong emotions. This adds unpredictability to the story.

The book uses vocabulary that probably won’t be familiar to most readers. The story opens in Algiers, so the author incorporates words that reflect the culture and religion there. In addition, he creates words that are necessary to describe the magic in the story. Young readers should be able to understand the meaning by using the context in the story and sentences. Adam and others with magic are called Gushmars, and the magic itself is called Gushoolah. Adam’s adopted brother, Daniel, manifests his Feranimus on his Sunderday. Most of the Gushmar students at Miriwan Academy have already welcomed their animal companions, but readers must wait for Adam Feranimus to emerge. The Gushoolah in some students will never be strong enough to celebrate a Sunderday. Adam’s lack of a Feranimus will have readers wondering what animal he will have, or if he will ever get one.

The author incorporates aspects of fictional and real schools to keep the setting familiar, but adds his own twists. Adam attends a school for magic, but the Gushmars’ powers boil down to three areas. They can manipulate objects and perform telekinesis, they can create illusions, and they can make objects and themselves invisible. Adam’s shadow tends to do things without his control, and this can be frustrating, confusing, and sometimes helpful. Some magic is conjured with concoctions, but most of the magic in the story comes from the Gushmars exerting their powers. An underlying conflict with sundering and feranimi is brewing throughout the plot and eventually comes to a head in the climax.

What didn’t work as well:

There are quite a few characters with uncommon English names, so readers may mentally double-check their memories when the characters pop up. This is not a huge concern, but it’s something young readers might experience as they read.

The final verdict:

The author presents some innovative ideas about magic, but keeps everything familiar enough for young readers. Adam’s kindness and empathy for others are admirable qualities, and he’s determined to uncover secrets and save all Gushmars. I recommend you try this book for yourself!

My Thousand Treasures (The Adventures of Raini 1) by Licia Chenoweth

What worked:

The story breaks down into two main parts. The opening chapters describe Raini taking a gold coin that thieves left on the beach and fleeing the beach patrol. She reluctantly tells her cousin, Ian, what she’s done, and they form a shaky alliance to keep it a secret. The tension amps up when one of the thieves lurks outside their home, and Ian becomes especially distressed. The situation becomes more complicated when a couple of things happen. A professor tells Raini that the coin may be very valuable, which means she’s in a bigger mess than she thought. Also, the plight of an old, widowed woman is connected to the coin, and time is running out to save her home from destruction. Readers will become engrossed in Raini’s thrilling adventure as she tries to evade danger and trouble while trying to make things right.

The second main part involves Raini’s relationship with her father, Gerry. Raini feels no love for him, since he only recently entered her life. Gerry didn’t know Raini existed before that, so readers will need to decide how they feel about the situation. Gerry is trying hard to connect with his daughter, but she’s doing all she can to push away. Some of that is due to her strained feelings, while some of it is due to the time-sensitive adventure mentioned above. The pair tries to navigate Raini’s disrespect and impulsiveness, and Gerry’s family plans to help them grow closer. About halfway into the book, Raini learns their bond is even more confusing when her father texts that he knows about the coin.

What didn’t work as well:

Gerry and Raini’s great aunt are Scottish, and Ian has just returned from living there. The author tries to use alternate spellings to reflect their Scottish accents, but that strategy isn’t overly successful. Most young readers won’t be familiar enough with the variation in dialect, so they won’t appreciate the author’s efforts.

The final verdict:

Raini is a headstrong young girl who should connect with many middle-grade readers. Her mother left when she was a baby, and the book’s resolution revisits the topic. It seems likely that it will become part of the sequel. Overall, I recommend you give this book a shot.

Theft of the Ruby Lotus by Sayantani Dasgupta

What worked:

Ria has a complicated relationship with her mother. Her mother works for the Metropolitan Museum, but she spends much of her time trying to get relics returned to the countries from which they were stolen. The book opens with the mother announcing that Ria and her grandmother will be moving to Germany with her. The mother is not present for much of the story. Ria doesn’t understand why her mother suddenly left the museum, or was fired, so Ria is left to make up answers when problems and questions arise. A news article reports that robbers attempted to steal a legendary sword from India, but they were only able to pry a large, red ruby from it. Then, Ria finds the ruby and a cryptic message in an envelope mailed to her mother. Did her mother help steal it? Who mailed it?

The plot is the mystery surrounding the sword and the stolen ruby. Who stole the Ruby, and why was it mailed to Ria’s mother? Who is the cute boy Ria meets outside the museum? He keeps showing up, but Ria’s friends don’t trust him. Who are the two women they keep seeing, and are they part of the Lotus Society, a radical group started in the early 1970s? Is the Lotus Society still active, and are they the thieves targeting the sword and ruby? How much trouble are Ria and her friends in for attempting to return the ruby to the museum?

Each chapter is titled with “In Which…” and three comments that hint at events to come. For example, one chapter is titled “In Which We Make a Discovery in a Bathroom Stall, Concoct a Concept of a Plan, and Get Spied On.” Another says, “In Which We Are Suspects on the Run, Hide Behind Some Gods, and Do a Little Bit More Stealing.” The titles prepare readers for the chapter, and some of them add a little humor. A section after the plot’s resolution provides information about some concepts in the story. Repatriation is at the heart of the conflict, holograms become important, and ideas about the Indian queen and sword are based on real history.

What didn’t work as well:

Ria, Annie, and Miracle come from three different cultures, but it doesn’t work as well in this book. Ria has some Indian in her; the narrative is told in her first -person voice, and the sword comes from India. Her culture is well-represented, but details about the other ones are somewhat lost amid the adventure and descriptions of the Indian culture. Perhaps the other cultures will be more important in the future, but they didn’t work as well as they might have.

The final verdict:

The mystery offers twists and turns, as Ria and her friends try to identify their opponents and repatriate the sword and ruby to India. Young readers will learn a bit about Indian culture as the characters avoid trouble and danger all around New York City. I recommend you try this book for yourself. 

Relic of Thieves (The Underwild 2) by Shana Targosz

What worked:

Anya has emotional concerns that sometimes overwhelm her. She’s tormented by her parents and older brother, which is more than sibling rivalry. He thinks life was better before Anya joined the family, and she frequently suffers his threats and physical abuse. Anya also suffers from panic attacks and finds her best defense is to avoid any attention. Lizzie is her best friend and understands most of Anya’s problems. Lizzie knows how to calm Anya’s emotions, but Lizzie is still not fully aware of her best friend’s home situation. Despite her self-doubts, Anya undergoes a dramatic transformation, always wanting to assist anyone in need. She must battle self-doubt and low self-esteem to discover the power she holds.

Using the magical keys incorrectly sets off unseen alarms, and the three mythical furies are sent to track down Anya. These creatures are relentless and won’t stop until they find her, and they aren’t averse to using violence during their pursuit. This creates perpetual danger for Anya and constant suspense for readers. Other characters are more sympathetic to Anya’s plight, and Senka becomes an invaluable new friend. Different characters from Greek mythology are part of the story, including Dionysus, Ariadne, and Charon, and Zeus is the unforgiving, powerful ruler of everything godly. Dionysus and Ariadne don’t agree with Zeus’s overbearing, intolerant position, and they set Anya a quest. Her ultimate goal is to find three mythological witches who might provide an answer to her predicament.

An interesting twist to the story comes from a creative retelling of Persephone’s myth. The myth says Persephone ate six pomegranate seeds while in Hades. Consequently, she’s forced to spend six months in Hades, creating fall and winter, while spring and summer arise when she returns to her mother, Demeter, for the rest of the year. However, the author changes the relationship between Hades and Persephone into a tragic love story. Persephone’s story involves the magical keys and the curse that Zeus places upon them. This curse explains Anya’s ill-fortune, but other characters she meets aren’t happy with Zeus’s bullying and strict punishments. This results in Anya encountering many unexpected allies, especially when they’re most needed.

What didn’t work as well:

This is a long story that requires endurance. However, it’s worth the effort and ends with a surprising, satisfying trial.

The final verdict:

This book can be read independently, though the first book will provide more backstory about Senka and the Underwild. Young readers will enjoy Anya’s loyalty to others and cheer for her to overcome her insecurities. I highly recommend you read this book yourself!

Song of the Yellow Dragon by Ying Ping Low

What worked:

The opening hook is dramatic and should draw in young readers. Kai becomes a twelve-year-old puppet emperor after his father suddenly dies. He’s the emperor in name only until he reaches the age of 13, so his shady advisor makes decisions that run the empire. Kai overhears the advisor’s plan to kill him, so Kai flees the castle. Kai has never left the castle before, so he wanders the forest, not knowing where he’s going. In addition, readers learn that children 12 and younger believe in magic, but they immediately lose those thoughts and beliefs on their thirteenth birthdays. A second-person narrator tells the story, and it directly addresses readers at the plot’s key moments.

Mengyao and Kai offer contrasting characters. Living under the advisor’s control, Kai knows he’s in daily danger. He’s learned that he can’t trust anyone, so he’s wary of anyone he meets. On the other hand, Mengyao lives in a remote, unknown village where no one visits and no one leaves. The village provides fertile lands, plentiful food, friendly neighbors, and safety from any outside dangers. Mengyao’s dream is to become a Divine Healer, so she can help others and never lose her magic. The village’s lone Divine Healer refuses to accept Mengyao as an apprentice, so Mengyao’s open to the idea of leaving. She readily agrees to lead Kai through the forest, with the characters having separate motivations.

The plot becomes an adventure as Mengyao and Kai search for the Dragon’s Pulse. The quest is complicated by Kai’s thirteenth birthday, which is only two weeks away. As the day nears, it’s more difficult for him to remember the story of an ancestor, and he becomes unsure of why he’s traveling through the forest and desert and climbing mountains. The birthday creates a countdown for the plot, which becomes more suspenseful as the day nears. A huge surprise awaits the characters once they reach the Dragon’s Pulse, and it will alter the series as it moves forward.

What didn’t work as well:

Considering Kai is an emperor, readers may tire of his attitude. Mengyao is stronger both physically and mentally, and Kai still has distrust simmering within. However, his apparent weaknesses are necessary as the plot nears the climax and secrets are revealed. His character undergoes a dramatic transformation.

The final verdict:

Young readers will enjoy this captivating adventure, as Kai and Mengyao evade the emperor’s enemies and pursue their dreams. I recommend you give this book a shot!

The Cloud Kingdom by Maire Zepf

What worked:

The illustrations are enchanting, artfully depicting the characters, creatures, and scenes. The sketches found inside the cover and on the title pages are rough yet detailed, enough to pique readers’ imaginations. The colorful pictures within the narrative capture the whimsy and imagination of the author’s stories. A mechanical jellyfish, a Graggally, and a dragon ghost are just a few of the creative creatures featured in the book.

The book is broken up into short stories, which is perfect for younger readers. They can feel success by completing each “chapter” and then taking a break before tiring out. The premise is that Nancy is telling these stories to the faeries that stole her cat. Interestingly, each of these stories contains a line from another tale that will be shared in the next chapter. This detail connects all of the separate stories into a cohesive overall plot. 

Each tale finds a character standing up for what’s right, and the good guys always come out on top. A young girl stands up to her entire village to save them from a greedy hat salesman. The townspeople fear a lonely dragon ghost for generations until a girl is brave enough to change the dialogue. An inventor and his daughter undermine a domineering factory owner’s efforts to save a mechanical jellyfish from exploitation. There’s even a chapter that features an appreciation for artists and their creations. The collection of stories will leave readers feeling good about the world.

The final verdict:

This delightful book returns to a world of simple stories with happy endings. The blend of descriptive narratives and colorful, expressive illustrations results in a literary gem for all readers. I highly recommend you add this book to your reading list!

Game Zero (Escape Room 2) by Christopher Edge

What worked:

The author creates an innovative world that blends reality and virtual reality. Eden finds herself inside The Escape, although she’s not sure how she got there. She meets Ted, but there’s a significant difference between these two characters. Ted wears a VR helmet to play the game, but Eden does not. How is this possible? Readers will know The Escape is different for Eden, because she slowly forgets details of her life outside the game. And she doesn’t know how to escape back to reality. The narrative describes background music throughout the story, which contributes to the tension. The music gets louder and faster as the story becomes more suspenseful, which should cause readers to feel more anxiety.

The Escape is much like other adventure stories where the characters follow clues to reach a destination or goal. The characters begin with three riddles that they repeat throughout the story. They must find three keys to unlock three different worlds, leading to the next set of puzzles. They encounter several characters from the first book, although it’s not absolutely necessary to know this. Eden and Tom encounter many obstacles and dangers, even though Eden seems to be the only one experiencing physical harm. Tom gets an additional life if his character “dies”, but Eden may not have that option. The author leaves a couple of big surprises at the climax, so the plot continues a bit further than readers might expect.

What didn’t work as well:

The book doesn’t take any time to develop the characters, so readers can’t learn much about them beyond the game. Also, Eden is surprised when Ted repeatedly uses his helmet to make their quest easier, and readers may want the challenges to be more challenging. Ted isn’t a model teammate, and readers may be annoyed or angry at his selfish attitude.

The final verdict:

Actually, this book feels like the beginning of the series, as the climax introduces a large problem that will continue into the next book. Readers should probably start with the previous book in order to understand the background information surrounding the game and minor characters. Ami and Oscar have important roles in this book that readers new to the series won’t appreciate. I recommend you try this book for yourself.

A Blood Moon (Snowlands 1) by Morr Meroz

What worked:

Outcast stories create immediate sympathy, and in this case, it’s due to Feba’s fur color. The other cubs don’t like her, and many of the adult wolves believe tales that white fur means bad luck. The pack makes immediate plans to kill Feba, so she flees on her own. She doesn’t have a destination in mind and hopes to find a new pack to join. Being set adrift and alone will have young readers empathizing with Feba’s predicament and hoping she can find a friendly ally. Causing readers to become emotionally connected to the characters makes the story more engaging and entertaining.

The story teaches young readers valuable life lessons. Feba is a loyal friend who doesn’t acknowledge illogical customs, so she does the right thing. Usha believes leopards should live solitary lives, free of attachments to others. That’s the way it’s always been. Feba doesn’t accept this premise and refuses to abandon her new friend. Feba unites different species of animals through kindness, acceptance, and bravery. How else do you explain a wolf and leopard becoming friends, and baboons, alligators, and vultures helping them along the way? Batu is described as a bumbling wildcat, but this character adds a little humor to the story. The only word he says is “batu”, so readers will have fun trying to interpret what he’s trying to say.

What didn’t work as well:

After the opening pages, all of the illustrations are in black and white, but that’s not an issue. The transition between settings is unclear, as the story shifts from Feba back to the wolf pack, and then to the antagonist, a sheep called Umanga. Some graphic novels differentiate transitions using labeled chapters, text boxes, or colors. It takes a moment or two to realize the settings in this book have changed. Also, my third-grader agrees that the print is pretty small.

The final verdict:

Amazon indicates this book is for ages 9 and older, but that might be due to some violence. There’s nothing inappropriate or overly concerning, so younger readers can enjoy this animal adventure, too. I recommend you check out this book for yourself!

Wrath of the Ravelwind Knight (Spindleheart 2) by T.I. Avens

What worked:

As with the first book, alternating chapters follow the stories of Wynn and Calla, as they track down a malevolent magic-stealer named Brume. The two main characters have separate storylines. They had a brief encounter in the first book, and Calla and her sister, Saffron, wonder if Wynn and her friends are enemies, too. These characters are called larks, because they are sentient, intelligent creatures, while wilders are animals without the ability to communicate verbally and reason. Brume can transform his appearance, so readers and characters will never know when he might show up. Perhaps readers will unknowingly encounter him in the form of a seemingly innocent minor character.

Wynn is the guardian of the Spindlechest, but Brume stole it in the first book. She’s on a quest to get it back before Brume becomes too powerful to stop. Calla is a caster, meaning she can wield magic. Her quest is to bring justice against Brume and stop him from stealing magic. Each girl follows Brume’s trail through a magical veil and into a world of breeps. The breeps are covered in wool above the waist, scales below, with wings that enable them to fly. These creatures are wary of strangers, which complicates the efforts of Calla and Wynn. Wynn is nearly imprisoned or executed, while Calla isn’t shown any favor, even after saving the life of a young breep and snatcher.

Wynn is accompanied by a caster named Lance, and their relationship provides more conflict and drama. Wynn notices he seems to struggle after casting spells, but Lance won’t admit it. Wynn also thinks he’s keeping secrets from her, and their interactions become prickly. Wynn knows she needs the caster’s help, but they may not trust each other anymore. Calla and her sister disagree on a plan to defeat Brume, and discussions about it are postponed. Calla deals with problems head-on, so she wants to use magic and force against Brume. Saffron is more diplomatic and wants to talk and understand his motives. They’ll need to come to some kind of agreement before they locate and confront him.

What didn’t work as well:

Readers may find it challenging to visualize the characters, as they come in all shapes and sizes. Calla and Saffron are flower elves, while Wynn is a swirlear, Beryl is a blue beetlewark, and Lance is a green thistle-hopper. Small illustrations are displayed on the first page of each chapter, but mentally picturing the characters in the narrative and action scenes may not be easy. Also, the book’s title doesn’t have a clear connection to what happens in the story. There are breep knights in Ravelwind, but the wrath of one specific knight isn’t a factor in the conflict.

The final verdict:

Readers will enjoy young characters thrust into quests to stop the evil Brume. They’ll appreciate revelations about his past, as well as Wynn’s heritage, but the conflict moves on to the third book in the series. I recommend you give this book a shot, but read book one first.

Mythspeaker by Christopher Roubique

What worked:

The author writes a narrative that’s reminiscent of a folktale. The book’s opening describes the formation of the world, as the shells of two turtles form the continents. An Egg is laid, and it becomes the center of the conflict. Endellion and his tribe of Tenemusuh steal it, as they strive to wield power over others and take anything they want. The Egg of the World Turtles is guarded by five tribes, but the Tenemusuh control a massive creature that can’t be defeated. Kyta, the main character, is destined to save the world, and he’s certain that stealing the Egg back is his defining moment.

Occasional chapters are written in boldface font, and these pages describe the conflicted existence of the Tenemusuh creature and its captors. Yes, it slaughtered the warriors guarding the Egg, but it was forced to do it. Readers may feel pity toward this juggernaut of a beast when they realize its freewill has been taken away. It’s confined to a cage when it’s not being used as a weapon, and it dreams of joy and freedom running under the stars. The creature isn’t a prominent part of the overall plot, so these chapters remind readers of its impending threat. Readers will anticipate that Kyta will eventually need to face it when stealing back the Egg of the World Turtles.

 Kyta uses a myth told by his tribe as the template for his quest. The story says four team members are needed, so he must find three other young people to fill specific roles on the mission. Yudove is ostracized from her tribe, but she’s experienced with handling the horses they’ll need. Eno was banished for predicting the destruction of the Egg, but he’s an expert at stealth and using ropes. The final team member is Tumuhv, the son of a tribal chief. Tumuhv views himself as a mighty warrior, but he hasn’t earned his father’s respect. His prickly, condescending attitude makes him a questionable team player, but Kyta needs him to fill the role of warrior. Kyta is the leader, since it’s his destiny to save the world. However, he must learn the meanings of teamwork and selfishness to complete his quest.

The final verdict:

Kyta is a kind-hearted, humble, and determined boy who exhibits positive characteristics that young readers can admire. The plot includes action, drama, character conflict, and ends with an exciting, emotional climax. The resolution indicates a sequel will be forthcoming. I highly recommend this book for all middle-grade readers, especially those who enjoy folklore. 

Sleepless by Gordan Korman

What worked:

This plot answers the question, “What if there were more hours in a day?” The characters not only don’t need sleep; they never get tired. It’s interesting to consider their five different viewpoints, as they’re presented in alternating chapters. Mickey is tired of being bullied at school, so he starts running and lifting weights at three o’clock in the morning. Levi likes to make posts on social media, so he creates multiple personas for different time zones around the world. Skye is already an outstanding student, but she uses her extra time to expand her learning and develop impressive projects. Cyrus uses the night hours to create new inventions, and he starts by trying to perfect his family’s toaster.

Readers will notice that the characters all use the same allergist before they do. This revelation leads to the main conflict in the plot. Most of the characters don’t view sleeplessness as a problem, but one of them thinks it’s cheating. Her position reminds readers that there are always multiple ways to view a situation. The characters eventually discover there are other sleepless kids, and it’s a relief to share their experiences and feelings. They eventually get together to question Dr. Malachi about how this happened, but his answers aren’t what they expect.

Readers who enjoy Gordan Korman books may enjoy the story's mysterious twist. Sleeplessness is treated as a huge secret, so the kids don’t tell their parents or friends. The early chapters will have readers wondering how it happened, but the answer may be more troubling. Then, they begin to notice clues indicating someone else knows about their secret. Who is this person, and what do they want? Is it a stalker out to harm them? Again, the answer only creates more questions.

What didn’t work as well:

A conflict involving Mickey and Skye develops, and its resolution comes out of the blue. Even Mickey is shocked when it happens. Even though it seems plausible, it feels like a step is missing from the process.

The final verdict:

Fans of the author will be pleased, and the alternating chapters sharing the characters’ five points of view provide a familiar format. I recommend all readers give it a shot.

A Secret Escape (The Liars Society #3) by Alyson Gerber

What worked:

The book does a decent job of recapping previous events, so new readers won’t feel totally lost. The story alternates between Jack and Weatherby’s points of view, as they’re thrown into the middle of family and Liars Society drama. Jack’s father is one of the leaders of the society, but Jack hates his father’s ruthlessness and malevolence. His father will do anything, including murder, to maintain power and leverage over others. Weatherby’s father also detests him, even though they’re brothers. Weatherby would like to be closer to her father, but she barely knows him. She doesn’t think he’s capable of killing, but it bothers her that she can’t be certain.

Jack and Weatherby don’t want to live in a family where deceit has kept their fathers estranged and feuding. The cousins hope to discover a secret truth that will bring their fathers down. In addition, they’re competing with other new members of the Liars Society, with the reward being money and power. Jack and Weatherby team up with close friends, but the prize can’t be shared among them. Some members of the Liars Society don’t agree with this competition, and the cousins are threatened by an anonymous person. They assume the threat comes from an individual who committed a recent murder. They pursue the reward despite this danger, and they’re not sure how their fathers would react to them trying to reveal the family secret. They wouldn’t kill their own children, would they?

The plot is a blend of quest and mystery, as the characters follow a path leading to the ultimate prize. Characters failing to collect small stones at each step are eliminated, as they won’t uncover the next clue. However, the instructions say there aren’t any governing rules, and anything goes. Jack and Weatherby get help from their friends, and some competitors think that’s cheating. Nope! Readers may be surprised as secret alliances are revealed, and they won’t know who can be trusted. They’re all part of the Liar’s Society, so that shouldn’t come as a surprise. Jack and Weatherby eventually learn the family secret, but readers should know that there will be a fourth book.

What didn’t work as well:

There are many characters, and it’s not always easy to understand their relationships. Jack and Weatherby can’t be totally honest with their friends, and this causes conflict between Weatherby and a former close friend.

The final verdict:

I didn’t read the first two books in the series, but readers can still enjoy this one independently. This strategy may leave readers with questions about the characters, so it’s not my recommendation. The plot is intriguing and dramatic, as the characters follow the clues to uncover the family secret. I recommend you read this book after starting the series from the beginning.

Into the Fire (Westfallen 2) by Ann and Ben Brashares

What worked:

This series offers an innovative twist on time travel books. Characters don’t move to different time periods, but kids living in 2023 can communicate with characters living in 1944. Westfallen is the name used instead of the United States after the Nazis win World War II in an alternate timeline. Henry, Frances, and Lukas live in Westfallen, and they’re the only characters in 2023 who know history has been altered. Their mission is to discover what happened 79 years ago that changed the outcome of the war. Then, they must send the information via “magic” radio to Alice, Lawrence, and Artie in 1944 and hope they can fix the historical timeline. To complicate matters, Henry, Francis, and Lukas are living in the bodies of their Westfallen personas, but they don’t know the history of those versions of themselves. Also, Lawrence is black, and Lukas is Jewish, so they have additional struggles in the Nazi society.

The most entertaining aspect of the story is its similarity to a mystery. The kids in 2023 are the detectives, as they try to figure out the time-changing event that happened in 1944. It’s a challenge to locate clues in the present that affected events 79 years ago. Henry thinks he finds a witness in a retirement home, but the man is reluctant/terrified/angry when Henry repeatedly tries to talk to him. Henry and Francis think an accident may be the critical event, but they don’t know why. How can three kids stop the event from happening when the clues aren’t clear? The climax reveals they may not have all of the necessary information, and things don’t go as planned.

The plot offers an innovative twist on a familiar science fiction topic, as the characters communicate across time without needing to travel. In most books, characters are careful not to change events due to unforeseen consequences, but this time, characters do it intentionally. However, they’re still not sure what will happen, and this uncertainty fuels the series. The author introduces things later in the story that once seemed impossible, and the plot’s resolution opens a significant new chapter to the conflict.

What didn’t work as well:

There are six main characters in the two time periods, plus many additional minor characters. The present and the past have several subplots, too. Overall, readers will need to be mentally engaged to keep everything organized in their minds. However, the effort is worth it!

The final verdict:

Readers should start with the first book, Westfallen, or they won’t fully understand what’s happening. The story addresses the question, “What if Germany had won World War II?”, and uses unique ideas to develop compelling alternate realities. I recommend you give the series a shot.

The Big Book of Pi: The Famous Number You Can Never Know by Jean-Baptiste Aubin and Anita Lehmann

What worked:

All middle-grade readers have heard of Pi, but the only thing they probably know is that it equals 3.14. This book takes readers back to the creation of the concept and describes its evolution over the years. Why is it called Pi and not something else? Mathematicians throughout history have tried to understand Pi and calculate its value as exactly as possible. The fact that its value is infinite and non-repeating means no one can ever find an exact number. The book shares different strategies used by ancient Egyptians and Babylonians, Archimedes, and other people around the world. Some pages apply the concept to calculate values related to curved objects and solve mathematical questions.

The book is loaded with colorful illustrations and diagrams to help readers understand Pi. The diagrams are helpful when explaining strategies and applying them to solve problems. Definitions of mathematical terms are found at the bottom of the pages where they’re used and at the back of the book. “Fun facts” and other interesting information can also be found at the bottom of some pages. Did you know Pi Day is celebrated on March 14 (3/14)? A couple of pages share a Pi-related “magic” trick and Pi-related jokes. The official creatures of Pi Day are octopi.

What didn’t work as well:

Describing the methods people used to calculate the value of Pi becomes redundant. It’s interesting, but there’s a limit to the attention span of young readers. A redeeming factor is that the authors have a sense of humor, so the narrative is light-hearted and fun.

The final verdict:

This book is most appropriate for upper middle-grade readers. It won’t appeal to the general audience, but I recommend it to readers with a love for math. Dare I say math nerds?