Roar by Varsha Bajaj

What worked:

The book exposes readers to wildlife and nature conservation in India. Ro’s grandfather oversees a sanctuary and fights hard to protect all of the animals living there. Tigers are the main topic, as Arya protects and nurtures her two newborn cubs. Mira, Ro’s cousin, loves to study birds, and she shares information with Ros and readers about the hundreds of species found in the sanctuary. G-pa and the other rangers teach the kids about tigers and their survival habits. Ro even discovers that tiger urine smells like popcorn! Young readers learn about trespassers and poachers and their tactics for hunting and killing tigers. The book shares ways the sanctuary tries to combat humans with evil intent, although it’s very difficult to do in a space that covers miles.

Young readers will love the short chapters, which help make the story feel fast-paced. Periodically, chapters share Arya’s perspective of life in the sanctuary. Readers learn about the tiger’s habits, including how she stalks and kills her prey. The cubs grow from tiny newborns into mischievous toddlers. They’re still too young to hunt on their own and protect themselves from danger, so Arya must watch them closely. The male cub listens to his mother and stays close, but his sister is slier and more daring. Arya gives her a wallop or carries the cub in her mouth, trying to teach the youngster that she needs her mother’s protection. Readers learn that wild animals have personalities, too.

What didn’t work as well:

The narrative is mostly realistic fiction, so the chapters from Arya’s point of view seem strange. The tiger has conversations with a crow that calls her Queen, and they talk about Good Human, Ro’s grandfather. These chapters seem odd since the rest of the book could really happen.

The final verdict:

This book is ideal for animal lovers, especially those interested in protecting them in the wild. Tigers are the story's main focus, but readers will find many other creatures. I recommend you try this book for yourself.

Fallen Empire (Guardians 2) by Brandon Mull

What worked:

Mako, Arden, and Tuck remain the main characters, and problems from the first book remain. They can’t reveal how their masters were disintegrated to dust, or they’ll be tracked down by the giant man who spared their lives. They’ve roamed the kingdom for months, but their Paramond horses attract attention wherever they go. They decide to settle in a remote mining town, but they get caught up in local problems. The trio begins to work for several Anorans, but readers will suspect they’re unsavory characters. Mako, Arden, and Tuck are honorable people, so working for these miners creates an immediate conflict. This story leads to Mako discovering the identity of his birth mother, a woman he’s never met.

Mako continues to struggle internally with the Accursed, Narrix. Mako bonded with this dangerous spirit out of desperation, even though their bond was forbidden. Narrix is always in the back of Mako’s mind, augmenting his power and fighting skills when needed. However, Narrix has a smooth tongue, always sounding sincere and supportive, but Mako can’t trust him. Mako must learn to use Narrix’s help without giving up his control or conscience. He must keep their alliance secret, but that’s hard to do when he displays unnatural fighting skills. Many people suspect the bond, and Mako eventually confesses to two characters. 

The rise of the Accursed is the underlying problem in the series, but many citizens are in denial about the possibility. Mako, Arden, and Tuck witnessed the truth when their masters were slaughtered, but they can’t reveal their knowledge. Alternate chapters focus on Mako or Arden with their overlapping and contrasting problems. Arden can sense truthfulness in others, and she knows Mako is hiding a secret. She desperately wants to learn what happened to her father, so most of her chapters follow that storyline. Mako tries to locate a woman who has partnered with Vandrel, the leader of the Accursed, while hiding his true identity. No one has ever bonded to an Accursed without turning evil, but Mako hopes to be the first. His problem is complicated by characters who don’t see bonding with the Accursed as bad. Do they truly believe the Accursed can do good, or are they hoping to use Mako for evil purposes?

What didn’t work as well:

In book one, Mako displayed uncanny talents with the sling and music; it would be nice to see them highlighted more to emphasize his humble background and normality. Amazon suggests this book for ages 8 and older, but readers that young probably aren’t ready.

The final verdict:

You should read Forbidden Mountain, the first book in the series, before reading this one. Understanding Fallen Empire requires knowledge of what happened earlier. This book has complicated characters and relationships and growing suspense as critical decisions must be made. There’s plenty of action, and secrets are revealed. I highly recommend you read this series.

Diamond Fever!: A True Crime Story in the Wild West by Steve Sheinkin

What worked:

This narrative is based on factual information, as it retells one of the greatest hoaxes in the 1870s. The first part of the book sounds like a rags-to-riches tale, as two men bring a bag of raw diamonds to a potential investor. The investor determines the diamonds are real and convinces others to put up more money. The whole story sounds like a fantastic opportunity to make millions until the narrator informs readers that the diamond mine never existed! The next section reveals what was happening behind the scenes, as the devious scheme of two small-time miners unfolds. Philip Arnold and John Slack cheat investors out of hundreds of thousands of dollars (about 15 million today), and the book shows what really happened as they contacted investors. The pair set up a scenario about an untapped diamond mine, and the initial investor, George Roberts, spreads the story. The lie grows a life of its own!

The book includes black-and-white drawings and short comic strips to support the tale and break up the text. The author inserts interesting anecdotes about other events happening during this same time in history. A comic and pages of text describe Clarence King’s six-year mission to study hundreds of miles of land around the fortieth parallel. His efforts are instrumental in uncovering the fraud. Other parts talk about President Grant being arrested for racing his horse-drawn carriage down a city street, and Susan B. Anthony illegally voting in an election. The last section of the book shares the author’s abundant resources and an index to locate specific topics. Readers also learn that the author visited the actual diamond field from the story while he researched the topic.

What didn’t work as well:

The narrative is a recounting of events, so it may sound dry to young readers. There’s little character development, and the story isn’t embellished to make it sound more creative. However, the book’s purpose is to inform readers through a dramatic retelling of the Wild West hoax.

The final verdict:

The story teaches the lesson that if something seems too good to be true, then it probably isn’t. Young readers may be amazed that the diamond conspiracy actually happened! Overall, I recommend you give this book a shot.

Iron Man: Super Smash! (A Mighty Marvel Team-Up 2)

What worked:

Young readers enjoy superheroes, and the Marvel characters have been around for decades. This book features Iron Man and the Hulk, and there’s plenty of smashing for action lovers. The story moves very quickly, and the dialogue is simple and easy to follow. Iron Man asks Hulk to teach him to smash, and readers will be amused by their interactions. They compete by punching objects and monsters, but Iron Man is too puny to smash things up to Hulk’s destructive standards!

The illustrations are large and colorful, so it’s easy to interpret what’s happening. Text boxes and speech bubbles share the plot and dialogue between characters, and emerging and reluctant readers will find them easily accessible. The plot isn’t complicated by surprising twists, so young readers will find it simple to follow. Hulk and Tony Stark discover their differences make them better friends. Two pages at the end of the book share the creative process for getting a graphic novel published.

What didn’t work as well:

The drawings of characters and background scenes lack the detail young readers can find in other sources. The illustrations may not excite them as much as they could have. Also, the book’s synopsis summarizes almost the entire story, so there’s little left to the imagination.

The final verdict:

This book will appeal to younger middle-grade readers or those students who are unenthusiastic toward reading. I suggest you try this book for yourself.

Sentinels: Keepers of the Forest by Kate O'Hearn

What worked:

Young readers will love the main characters, which are different varieties of squirrels. The author includes facts about the animals to keep them “realistic” and relatable. Common predators are a constant danger, such as hawks, foxes, and skunks. The characters must forage for food and seek shelter from their enemies and nature. Rum has visions of possible future events and dangers, and he warns his clan about a severe, deadly snowstorm and attacking predators. He’s joined by a Lowland squirrel named Nearly, and she has a keen sense of her surroundings. Her ability seems similar to Rum's, although she can’t sense things that haven’t happened yet. 

Readers will feel empathy for Rum, as the other squirrels, including his brothers and sisters, don't accept him. He’s the smallest squirrel in his litter, and his deformed leg makes it harder to navigate his home and environment. He frequently feels an overwhelming need to scream, but he knows he must keep it secret. He’ll be banished from his home and clan if any of the other squirrels find out. Readers will think highly of Rum, since he’s the only member of his family willing to help their mother care for three new baby sisters. His empathy for others is evident throughout the book, and it’s probably a big reason why Nearly becomes his best friend. In return, she often acts as his protector.

Prejudice and understanding are big issues. All of the sentinels are different from the other squirrels in their clans, and they’re shunned, mocked, or feared. The five different squirrel clans are very territorial, and they never work together. None of the forest animals cooperate, and the smaller, weaker animals are often at the mercy of the stronger ones. Rum’s abilities allow him to make seemingly risky choices by spreading understanding and compassion for prickly or dangerous characters. The sentinels’ calls cause former foes to join forces to protect them during their journey to the Dark Forest. One evil antagonist disrupts their quest, and his misguided plans may spell doom for the entire forest.

What didn’t work as well:

The summary on the back of the book tells readers a deadly fire is coming, but the story doesn’t reveal that information until it's nearing the end. This huge surprise should have been left for readers to discover on their own. The back cover spoils the mystery of the sentinel’s message.

The final verdict:

Young readers will enjoy the animal characters and the sentinels’ determination to save the forest. There’s even a good deal of suspense and action for adventure lovers. I recommend you read this first book in an inspirational new series.

The Worst (Team Bomb Shelter Book 3) by Mark Binder

What worked:

Most young readers probably haven’t read a middle-grade book about a school shooting. The opening chapter describes the narrator’s post-shooting, conflicted thoughts and plants the incident firmly in readers’ minds. The second chapter begins to share the final year of eighth grade, with all of the normal and abnormal middle-school behavior readers expect. Awkward feelings at a summer camp square dance and a massive snow adventure will resonate with all readers. The book’s first half may remind readers of Gordon Korman’s books featuring unique, light-hearted tales of mischievous kids. The last half of this book switches to the last day of eighth grade, the day a teenage shooter with an M-16 terrifies the school.

Readers might be leery about an author describing a school shooting to a middle-grade audience.  In this book, the event begins with the characters wandering the school, trying to avoid returning to their science class. They hear three popping sounds, and the plot becomes more intense. Part of the narrative briefly addresses the shooter and his reason for turning to violence. Resolving the situation is dangerous and tricky, but it involves one of the characters’ previous pranks. The story doesn’t get overly intense, but the climax is dramatic.

The characters are the highlight of the book. Adam is the narrator’s cousin, and he is smart, responsible, with growing skills in martial arts. Fat Charlie is talented at all sports, and he’s comfortable with his size. Helen is the only girl in the gang, and she’s confined to a wheelchair. Jesus is a world-class artist who keeps an illustrated record of the group’s activities. In all, seven eighth-grade kids are in the tight-knit group, and they constantly offer moral support to each other. They come up with crazy ideas to amuse themselves, and young readers will enjoy them. The book’s title refers to a frequent adjective used by the kids, although “the worst” can describe something good or bad.

What didn’t work as well:

Perhaps I missed it somewhere, but the author never identifies who is narrating the story. All of his friends have names, so readers are left to wonder who is sharing the tale. Perhaps the author is the narrator, but readers new to the series won’t know that.

The final verdict:

Readers may be uncertain about a book that combines humor with a school shooting. However, they’ll be amused by the group’s hilarious antics, and they’ll be impressed by how they step up in a terrifying situation. I recommend you check out this book for yourself.

The Sea Witch Prophecy (Witchlings #5) by Claribel A. Ortega

What worked:

Ambert is still the main antagonist, as he’s slowly gaining power and support. His petition to run for chancellor in a special election has enough signatures, and many witches feel he can’t do anything wrong.  Seven and other monstruo witches are called Spares, meaning they’re lesser witches with weaker magic. However, Seven is an Uncle who possesses uncommon power, and her connection to nature is growing stronger. Her abilities make her a threat to Ambert, and her team of friends must fulfill a prophecy to stop him. However, archaic magic should be taking a toll on Ambert, but he sometimes appears younger and stronger than possible. This mystery will perplex the characters and readers until late in the book.

Seven is the main character, and other witches fear her monstruo magic. She’s joined by several other characters who bring interesting subplots. Valley and Thorn have openly begun showing feelings for each other, although the other characters have remained quiet about it. Valley and Thorn turn red when others notice, and Seven is chided by the rest of the team when she asks what’s going on. Figgs and Seven share a fondness for one another, and they have admitted it. However, they fear that Figgs may be part of the prophecy, but Seven won’t let him make the ultimate sacrifice. Her reaction shows the depth of her love for him and the seriousness of the prophecy.

Older middle-grade readers might notice similarities to the real world. The characters can’t understand how Ambert wins the election for chancellor when the majority of voters know he’s a bad person. Witches speaking out against him are thrown into prison, and misinformation runs rampant. Cult members supporting Ambert cause violence, but much of it is blamed on witches with monstruo magic. Written information that might stop Ambert is destroyed, while books or news supporting him are promoted. The witchlings know it will take brave individuals and communities to stop Ambert.

What didn’t work as well:

The plot has many characters with backstories, and it’s challenging to remember what’s already happened. Luckily, young people reading the series today won’t need to wait for the next book to be published, so past events should be clearer in their minds.

The final verdict:

The story has emotional relationships, action, and builds to a dramatic showdown in the climax. This book ends the Witchlings series, and you should definitely read the other books first. I recommend you try the series for yourself.

Elder Ascending: The Rise of Princess Alex by Jeff Eivers

What worked:

The author quickly gets readers thinking and speculating in the opening pages. The prologue describes a woman being threatened by shapeshifters, telling them her baby is dead. Then, the opening chapter finds 12-year-old Alex writing in her journal about her dream of that same scene. She then goes to Tae Kwon Do class where her sparring partner, Derek, says that she’s more powerful than she knows. Alex is confused about this new student’s knowledge of her, and readers will wonder about his identity and abilities. Alex’s puzzlement will continue throughout the book as she finds herself caught between two factions of Elders. Someone is trying to sabotage Alex’s efforts to find her mother’s crown, and readers will be engaged as they try to figure out the character’s identity. It will be a surprise.

The Hyrands believe the immortals should live in harmony with humans and act as their guardians. However, the Vestrals believe humans should be their slaves, causing a rift with the other Elders. Malachon leads the Vestrals, he wants the rift to continue, and he’ll do anything to stop anyone opposing him. Alex learns that her parents came from the two different sides, and Malachon kills her mother in the book’s opening pages. He wants Alex dead, and she spends much of the story learning to defend herself and avoiding Malachon’s cronies. All the while, she’s trying to learn about the world of Elders and how to master her rapidly emerging abilities. Arthur and Dominic share information from the Hyrand’s point of view, while Derek is sharing contradictory ideas from the Vestrals.

Learning that she’s an Elder princess creates conflicts in Alex’s human life. She begins to clash with her mother, who doesn’t understand the pressures she’s facing. Alex can’t tell her best friend, Jenny, anything either, and this causes animosity and hurt feelings. Alex wants to tell her the truth, but she’s afraid it will endanger Jenny’s life. Alex dreads being around Jenny because she doesn’t know what to say to her friend. She still considers confiding in Jenny until Arthur shares a blunt truth. If any Elders discover Jenny knows the truth, one of them will kill her to protect the secret.

What didn’t work as well:

Being told you are immortal should come as a shock, but Alex takes it in stride. Also, epilogues usually tell readers what’s happening after the plot’s resolution, but this one clarifies something that happened during the story. The word epilogue creates expectations, so perhaps the title should have been left off the last chapter.

The final verdict:

Alex’s situation creates tension and suspense, as her thirteenth birthday becomes a countdown clock. The book has action, complicated character relationships, and mystery, so I highly recommend you try this book yourself.

Greta Grimsdark and the Normal New Neighbor by Haley Neil

What worked:

Making new friends can be challenging for young children, so they can relate to the book’s plot. It can be scary trying to figure out the best way to find common interests with strangers. Greta decides to give her new neighbor a test by starting with a tour of the castle. Agnes isn’t troubled when meeting Greta’s dragon parents or petting the pet alligators out front. Greta thinks she can learn more about Agnes by spying, but she’s surprised when Agnes directly asks her what she likes to do! The story's amusement stems from their starkly different home lives, as they slowly discover common interests and forge a friendship.

Another conflict results from Greta’s perfect housewarming gift for Agnes. She decides a pet will help undo the cuteness of Agnes’s cozy cottage, but her plans don’t work out as planned. Greta follows instructions to trap a monster pet, but she fails to read the small print. Of course, this is a mistake and could have a catastrophic effect. Greta and Agnes must work together to find a solution to their new problem, but they learn that there isn’t a clear way to do it. Young readers will enjoy the zaniness of the problem and the wacky attempts to resolve it, but the two main characters will use them to solidify their budding friendship.

What didn’t work as well:

Agnes doesn’t have any problems accepting Greta’s family and home, which is fine. However, it’s harder to understand why Agnes’s father doesn’t bat an eye about his daughter’s monster pet. The problem, in Greta’s eyes, comes from the family differences, but the effect is muted when other characters don’t seem to notice. 

The final verdict:

This book is perfect for low- to mid-range middle-grade readers. They’ll enjoy the story’s strangeness and Greta’s unusual feelings about “normal” and friendship. I recommend you give it a shot.

A Dash of Daring (Alice Eclair Spy Extraordinaire 4) by Sarah Todd Taylor

What worked:

Alice now has a reputation as one of the most skilled bakers in France, and she once again creates amazing, impressive cakes. She’s joined by Sophie, a young, gifted engineer who also appeared in the previous book. These two characters developed a close rapport, and Sophie is working as an unofficial spy. Alice’s Uncle Robert reappears to cause trouble, as Sophie knows he’s working for the Germans. He was Alice’s mentor until she discovered that he’s a traitor to France. The book’s setting is pre-World War II, and the French fear Germany may be preparing for another war. The missing inventor’s encoding machine will be a game-changer for whichever country possesses it. 

Alice’s baking talents project a compelling cover identity, allowing her to move freely around the training camp. Adele is an aspiring Olympic cyclist, and she’s receiving threatening letters that instruct her to drop out. There’s no apparent reason to target her, and Adele isn’t going to let the messages stop her from competing. The letters sound very similar, so Alice suspects there’s more to them than may appear. Young readers who enjoy mysteries and puzzles will like being inside Alice’s head as she tries to uncover the suspicious messages and threats. 

Alice is joined by a team of unique characters, each one assisting in some way. Adele’s brother, Hugo, is a gifted artist, but he’s forced to use a wheelchair for long periods of walking. Adele and Hugo’s knowledge of their father is invaluable in solving coded letters. Hugo is training a pigeon to deliver messages, and it helps the characters communicate in difficult situations. Even a cat named Casper helps rescue Alice, although it usually causes trouble by sneaking into the kitchen.

What didn’t work as well:

Alice’s ability to create “masterpieces” of pastry and cake is hard to swallow at times. She always manages to come up with amazing recipes and designs even though she has limited time and uses different baking mediums. On the other hand, it makes her seem like a super girl, Alice Éclair, Spy Extraordinaire!

The final verdict:

It’s unclear if there will be a fifth book, but this one wraps up all of the past subplots and problems. This book can be enjoyed on its own, but I recommend you start from the beginning. 

Adventure in the City of Stories (Cousins in the Time of Magic 2) by Emma Otheguy

What worked:

Each book in the series is set in a different time in history. This time, the cousins travel back to the United States in 1930, trying to return a “stolen” book from a present-day New York library. The book creatively describes life during the Great Depression, as the kids navigate the city. There’s an emphasis on racial prejudice, specifically against Puerto Ricans. A wealthy white woman tries to exaggerate her influence by focusing on any negative news stories that involve Puerto Ricans. She wants Puerto Ricans living in New York to become more “American”, although she’s reminded that Puerto Ricans are, in fact, already Americans. Some prejudicial thoughts are eerily similar to those the cousins have experienced in the modern world. The end of the book includes the author's words explaining factual historical information related to elements of the book. 

The cousins, Jorge, Camila, and Siggy, are the main characters, and they each have important roles in the story. Tia Xia is the dependable savior for the cousins during the adventure. The kids know she can always resolve their problems, although they’re all separated in this story. Tia Xia has experience with time travel, and she always seems to know people from previous trips into the past. One Harlem archive owner is aware of her time-traveling and is an invaluable asset in solving the conflict. Tia Xia also seems aware of how situations will work out, creating calmness and confidence in the other characters. An obnoxious, rich bully in the present has a surprisingly helpful part in resolving the conflict in 1930. 

What didn’t work as well:

The characters from the past are too carefree about the cousins traveling through time. They’re more curious and excited about the possibility than alarmed or disbelieving. Also, the mechanics of time travel aren’t clear. The characters hop into small boats and are carried to where and when in history they need to go. 

The final verdict:

You can still enjoy this book without having read the previous one. The plot is fast-paced, and it provides fun information about United States history. I recommend you try it for yourself.

Quetzal's Labyrinth by Karla Arenas Valenti

What worked:

The plot will sound familiar to young readers, as the main character, Diego, learns he is the new gatekeeper charged with saving humanity. He’s a normal thirteen-year-old kid thrust into a battle of gods and evil spirits. The author grabs readers’ interest by opening with a wolf-bear-wild boar sending Diego, Violeta, and a talking dog running for their lives. The setting then goes back two days, but readers know that the book will eventually return to Diego running for his life. The first few chapters are very short, which creates a feeling that the action is moving rapidly. They let readers know that the story will be full of strange creatures and lively action.

The author blends drama and humor, as Diego’s team strives to complete his quest. Throughout the book, Diego is tracked by a creature with five hands, including one on the tip of its tail. It will always be in the back of readers’ minds, and they’ll wonder when it will finally confront Diego. Diego enters the magical world of the gods and finds many characters are willing to help. However, skeptics will consider the possibility that some of them may not be allies. The rubber chicken helps Diego reach the labyrinth and adds levity to the story. The author uses sentence structure and description to develop suspense as the plot nears the climax.

The story is based on Mexican folklore and culture. Quetzal and Tezca are godly brothers who have taken turns wiping out mankind. Tezca will do it once again if he escapes the labyrinth, since Quetzal hasn’t been seen in years. Diego encounters many mythical personalities and creatures, and he’s surprised by some modes of transportation. His abuelo has taught him the history of the myths, and Diego is in disbelief that he’s now a part of it. However, he doesn’t fully realize the closeness of his connection until the plot nears the climax.

What didn’t work as well:

There are short sections when the author uses random creatures to describe what they see. It’s a unique strategy helping explain the story, but it sometimes makes readers pause to understand what’s happening. It’s more effective early in the book when evil minions take control of various animals, for example, a mouse.

The final verdict:

Experienced middle-grade readers will easily follow the story, as Diego is the reluctant hero, facing dangers he’s not ready for. Overall, it’s an entertaining version of Mexican folklore, and I recommend you give it a shot.

Monster and Apprentice by Jessica Khoury

What worked:

The initial description of the Arcanist is creepy and creates mysterious expectations. He’s concealed under a hooded cloak, and a glimpse of his face reveals a dark beard and scarred skin. All of the duke’s guards are afraid to be near the man, as tales of his viciousness are rampant. It’s said that he eats the corpses of slain Cryptids and absorbs their powers. A captain of the guard warns Rolan that ten years in prison will be safer than becoming the Arcanist’s apprentice. However, Rolan figures he can go with the Arcanist and run away at his first opportunity.

The Arcanist is named Luc, and Rolan may be testing his mettle more than Cryptids. Luc offers shelter and steady meals, but he knows that Luc wants to leave. Rolan snoops into places he shouldn’t, and he doesn’t always follow directions. He resists taking a bath but eventually finds himself in a trough full of water. The turning point in their relationship may be when Rolan foolishly tries to follow Luc into the forest but finds himself face to face with a large Cryptid. Rolan is resistant to learning how to read (How does reading help fight Cryptids?), but he eventually agrees if Luc will teach him to fight. Their connection is tested due to Rolan’s lack of discipline and Luc’s secrets.

The plot takes an unexpected turn around its midpoint. Rolan is separated from Luc and returns to the town he left earlier. Cryptids grow from secrets, and the town is full of them. Secrets are the foundation of the story, and readers know that a huge secret will be revealed at some point. An enormous Cryptid is haunting the forest, and Rolan notices that the Arcanist is worried about it. To complicate matters, the people fear the Arcanist because they think he learns about their secrets from slain Cryptids. Rolan can’t believe the townspeople hate and fear Luc when he’s the person protecting them from Cryptid attacks. Even though he may not be ready, Rolan feels he needs to help the Arcanist and prove himself.

What didn’t work as well:

Rolan often has thoughts about his father, but their past relationship is hazy. Rolan thinks about joining his father’s gang, but there’s no evidence the man has any fondness for him. This situation may confuse readers, but it displays Rolan’s strong desire to be wanted.

The final verdict:

Readers may be drawn to this book by the monsters, but the story has heart. Rolan’s stubborn, self-centered attitude is amusing, but the subtle tenderness between Luc and him is the true highlight. I highly recommend you try this book for yourself.

Jazzy the Witch in Friend Fiasco 2 (Jazzy the Witch 2) by Jessixa Bagley

What worked:

All of the characters are witches, but their issues are universal. All young readers will have encountered new students in their schools, and they’ve probably resented showoffs or braggarts. Jazzy and Aggie are best friends, and they’re each top at something in school. Jazzy thinks she’s the best bike rider, while Aggie has been the top student. However, Estrella uses her expensive bike to taunt Jazzy, and Aggie is annoyed when Estrella answers all of the teacher’s questions. Their conflict escalates, and readers will sense their miscommunication or misunderstanding. Young readers will enjoy Jazzy’s familiar, as Fiona the bat enjoys telling corny jokes. Fiona and Aggie’s familiar, Cassie the cat, have an amusing rivalry throughout the book.

The color illustrations clearly communicate the story without being overly detailed. The author uses different font colors and sizes in the captions to convey emotions and tone of voice. The chapters are of reasonable length, providing readers with breaks and allowing emerging readers to feel accomplished. Bonus pages are found at the back of the book, after the plot has been resolved. A Witch-tionary shares information about witches throughout history; most “witches” were healers and midwives. Other pages explain witchy-sounding ingredients or how to moon bathe.

What didn’t work as well:

As with many graphic novels, the story lacks plot and character development. The plot is easy to follow, and readers will probably have some idea about how the conflict will be resolved.

The final verdict:

This book is perfect for young middle-grade or emerging readers. The simple plot and colorful pictures make the book easy to follow, and it shares a valuable lesson about understanding others. I recommend you give this book a shot.

A Most Mysterious Monster (Kevin the Vampire) by Matt Brown

What worked:

The author has created a humorous tale about a carnival of friendly monsters. Kevin is the main character, and he’s a good vampire, so regular expectations don’t apply to him. He’s surrounded by many different kinds of creatures with “normal” personalities and behaviors. He has a pet… something that’s not a dog, but he calls it Dog. Dog behaves much like “normal” pets, but one of his jobs is to be the carnival’s garbage disposal. The last page of many chapters displays interesting “facts” about the various monsters. For example, Dog’s page suggested you don’t let him lick your face. Some chapters follow Susie, who lives with her two aunts. The aunts are humorous characters, as their desire to control Susie is over the top. Susie’s daily to-do list begins with “Sleep”, “Wake up, lazy”, “Sweep floors now!”, and “Make us breakfast.”

The author builds anticipation by referring to the monster in the mountain as the You-Know-What. This ambiguous name doesn’t provide any clues regarding what kind of dangers it might bring. The people don’t provide any clues about what it’s done in the past or why it’s so terrible. Readers will assume it must be really frightening, since all of the townspeople are terrified that it might return. It’s also the reason the town won’t welcome any monsters at all. The mayor is happy that the town is quiet and boring, since it kept You-Know-What from attacking for over seventy years. However, there’s no evidence that the town can protect itself from any dangers.

What didn’t work as well:

The book requires a tolerance for silliness. There are “serious” scenes in the story, but then something silly will be added. For example, hiding from a monster and then falling into its toilet. Also, the book doesn’t spend much time on character development.

The final verdict:

The plot has a clear storyline, and it even gives readers things to think about, namely tolerance for those who are different. It’s probably not for upper middle-grade readers, but I suggest you try it for yourself.

The Haunting of Old Splinter by Jack Mackay

What worked:

The author allows the plot to develop slowly, with the mystery of the wishing claw and the family’s issues always on Peter and Adrian's minds. Adrian loves scary stories, even though they frighten him, and Peter does his best to allay his brother’s fears. Peter finds the corpse of a missing magician in Old Splinter, making the town’s folklore more real. This discovery allows readers to anticipate the moment the brothers will find the hand and unleash the magic.

The wishing claw is comparable to a genie’s lamp, since it takes effect only after a wish is made. Adrian even assumes they’ll only get three wishes, because that’s what he’s read in his stories. On the plus side, the characters have no idea what will happen, so they’re responsible enough to choose their wish words very carefully. After two wishes, they understand the hand has unpredictable consequences and decide to stop. Of course, that doesn’t last long. The consequences seem to become more serious with bigger wishes, and the author moves the plot in a very eerie direction. It becomes reminiscent of ghastly, frightening ghost stories with a peaceful resolution difficult to foresee.

Family relationships are a big factor in the story. Peter and Adrian are half-brothers, but that doesn’t stop them from loving each other. George has married Peter’s mother, but he struggles to call him Dad. Peter’s birth father shows up at times, but that usually stirs up confusing thoughts and feelings. The most difficult exchanges are between George and his brother Lawrence. They’re supposed to be fixing up Old Splinter together, but Lawrence is usually overseas for business. When he shows up, he spoils the boys, especially Adrian, and infuriates George with his carefree attitude. Their brotherly love/hate relationship is a constant thread throughout the book.

What didn’t work as well:

Readers will expect Old Splinter to be a focal point of the story, but it takes a backseat to the wishing claw. The characters frequently enter the house early in the book, but the setting moves elsewhere after the magician’s corpse is found. The claw is haunted, not the house. The book’s title seems misleading.

The final verdict:

The author slowly develops the conflict and suspense, but the book’s second half will get readers’ hearts pounding. I recommend you check it out for yourself.

Shadow Wars: Son of Shadows (The Shadow Wars Series 2) by Sherrilyn Kenyon, Hinako Hishinuma, Madaug Hishinuma

What worked:

The story is based on Japanese mythology, as humans, deities, and monsters interact. Ryuichi is the main character, and his father, Ryucage, is a powerful, feared god in the spirit world. His mother once guarded the gate between the worlds, but that job now falls upon Ryuichi. He doesn’t understand how to use his powers, so he’ll never stand a chance against Orochi. His parents weakened and imprisoned the “World Eater”, so Orochi is focused on gaining revenge. Ryuichi’s mother is gone, Ryucage is missing, so Orochi’s fury and growing power are now aimed at Ryuichi. Ryuichi and his friends think their only desperate hope is to seek help from his violent, malevolent father.

Ryuichi’s team is a highlight of the book. The most unusual character is Ryuichi’s shadow, which has separated from his body. Ryuichi-kage has a mind and spirit of his own, and he enjoys fighting and killing. He reveals something later in the book that adds a countdown clock to the importance of reuniting with Ryuichi. Haruki is a goddess, incessantly insulting and antagonizing the others, often reminding them that they’ll probably die soon. Koichi is Ryuichi’s fighting teacher, but he’s constantly trying to get his hands on sake to drink. Masaru has vowed to protect Ryuichi, and he can enter Ryuichi’s body to make him a formidable warrior. He also likes to banter with Haruki and takes verbal jabs at Koichi. Ryuichi is joined by other colorful characters along the way that create additional entertaining exchanges.

What didn’t work as well:

Readers unfamiliar with Japanese culture may struggle with the language, names, and terms. Also, Ryuichi defeated Ryucage in the first book, but many of the characters that are helping Ryuichi are still loyal to his father. It’s puzzling why demons following Ryucage are helping the character who defeated Ryucage.

The final verdict:

I strongly recommend that you read the first book in the series. Without reading it, readers will feel they're lacking the depth of knowledge needed to fully understand the backstory and current conflict. I recommend you give the series a shot, starting with The Secret War.

Secrets at Sparhawk Point by Anna Rose Johnson

What worked:

The story focuses on two pairs of siblings, neighbors in a remote town in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The girls are the daughters of the town’s pastor, which adds a layer of moral expectations. The boys know money is tight, so they want to help their mother in any way. The kids make inferences about their parents’ intentions, and readers will sense the desperation about the prospect of moving. The kids are responsible, well-behaved, and respectful of others, and they’re motivated to help their families. Readers will follow their efforts to make a difference, some of them successful while others are not.

The story is connected by the mystery of the lake monster. People speculate about what it might be, and stories about previous sightings arise. Other newspapers build on what’s reported locally, and that’s when complications emerge. Some people wonder if the sightings are related to secret German war efforts. Even though the war is overseas, the author shares its everyday effects on lives in the United States. Metal is used to make army vehicles and supplies, and there are food shortages. The kids help by collecting scraps around town, and many women work at the local factory.

What didn’t work as well:

The plot evolves slowly, as it follows the description found in the synopsis. The main nugget of interest is the fact that the children see an unidentified object in Lake Superior. A UFO, an unidentified floating object? Readers may expect a surprising secret, but it’s nothing earth-shattering.

The final verdict:

This is a wholesome story from a small, laid-back town during the Second World War. The citizens are good people, and readers can relate to their secrets. You should check it out for yourself.

The Band From Another World (Alien Survival Guide 3) by Kevin Garone

What worked:

Each chapter begins with an excerpt from a guidebook that describes what to do in case of an alien invasion. These passages are usually related to events in the book, and Marv follows the information as though it’s the absolute truth. He’s convinced Earth is being invaded, so he interprets most situations as evidence supporting his ideas. The story is told through Marv’s eyes, so readers are aware of every thought of an alien conspiracy. Nora joined his team in the first book, but Marv continues to think her father is an alien. Marv’s given each character a nickname. His best friend, Jace, is called Baller One, Nora is Space Cadet, Kenji is Pyro, and Marv calls himself Gold Leader.

This book introduces a new character named Liv, but Marv immediately starts calling her Alien Lover. As you can guess from her name, Liv thinks visiting aliens will be friendly, and she would like to travel into space with them. Her character contrasts with Marv’s view of aliens, so readers will be entertained by their interactions. On the plus side, they share a strong interest in aliens, so Liv is supportive of Marv’s efforts to find proof. Nora thinks Marv is nuts, and Jace goes along with his friend’s strange ideas. Kenji just loves the adventure and opportunities to play with fire or create pranks.

Considering the possibility of alien lifeforms visiting Earth is an entertaining aspect of the series. Marv is convinced it’s going to happen, or it’s already happened, but the first two books had science-related explanations for what occurred. This book follows that same pattern, so readers start to wonder if aliens will ever show up. Marv and his friends find musical instruments in an old, abandoned house, and they begin to behave strangely. Their behavior is worst while playing the instruments, so readers may suspect they’re possessed by spirits. Marv’s sister, Reformed Skeptic, contacts paranormal experts, and they seem to resolve the problem. However, the handbook warns that a dangerous time period arises when you think everything is fine.

What didn’t work as well:

The story is meant to be humorous, but some readers may think Marv is wackadoodle. The characters' names and nicknames are used interchangeably without a pattern for when they are used. This is unusual since the story is told from Marv’s point of view. He uses nicknames within dialogue, so why don’t his thoughts use those same names?

The final verdict:

This book can be enjoyed on its own, but I suggest you start with the first book in the series, I Know What UFO Did Last Summer. The climax brings back events from previous books, so it will help to be more aware of them. I recommend this book for paranormal/UFO lovers, so give it a chance.

War of the Wings (New Dragon City 2) by Mari Mancusi

What worked:

The story is told from different points of view, as alternating chapters focus on Noah, Maya, and Asha. Noah and Maya are the two main human characters, and they offer contrasting attitudes toward dragons. Noah has been looking forward to the dragons emerging from hibernation, since he’s bonded with Asha, queen of her dragon herd. Maya is fearful of dragons and can’t understand how people have quickly forgotten the destruction they caused. She remembers feeling safe in hiding until dragons killed her grandmother. Noah and Maya are good friends, but readers are well aware that Maya’s negative memories of dragons will be hard to change. Likewise, some dragons can’t understand how Asha and her herd want to be friends with humans. Noah and Asha want their bond to be a beacon of hope for all humans and dragons.

Noah reunites with characters from the series prequel, Dawn of the Dragons, as the plot shifts to their conflict. Lucas bonded with Cinder, princess of her herd, but her brother, Flame, has run off with a few other dragons in the herd. They were told of a settlement in the former city of Boston where humans and dragons live together harmoniously. However, Noah and Asha sense something is off about the City of Scales. Asha is uncomfortable about her initial impressions of the city, and readers should notice clues to reinforce those worries. The dragons here seem to have taken over tasks once done by heavy machines, so the happy alliance between humans and dragons feels shady.

The relationships between the main humans and the dragons are ever-changing. Noah and Asha face rough moments, as Noah sees positives in the City of Scales while Asha continues to worry about how the dragons are treated. Strangely, Noah doesn’t take the time to see things from his bonded dragon’s point of view. Maya’s main emotions toward dragons are still fear and anger, but she has an unexpected encounter below ground. A new character shares some history of the city and how things operate there. This information is invaluable in resolving the conflict and has a profound effect on Maya. 

What didn’t work as well:

Readers should quickly figure out what’s wrong with the dragons in the City of Scales. The clues are evident even as the characters keep saying something feels off. The full extent of the problem still needs to be determined, but the thing that is “off” isn’t a mystery. 

The final verdict:

I haven’t read New Dragon City, but I might recommend you read its prequel, Dawn of the Dragons. The story has a nice blend of close relationships, action, and intrigue, as Noah and his friends try to unite humans and dragons. I recommend you give this book a shot!