This Appearing House by Ally Malinenko

What worked:

The book fulfills the author’s goal to write a book showing a young person overcoming a serious illness. The journey isn’t without struggles, as Jac fears the disease is returning after five years of treatment. She takes a couple of falls, her hands start to twitch, and she might be experiencing hallucinations. How else can she explain the house that appeared at the end of Juniper Drive? The plot becomes a haunted house story, and the author’s skillful descriptions conjure creepy, eerie emotions. The experience inside the house is a metaphor for the internal battle Jac’s facing. The only way out is through, and she’ll eventually need to face her inner monsters.

Jac has recently moved to New Jersey, so school and friendships offer challenges. She hasn’t shared her health problems with anyone else, not even her best friend Hazel. Hazel has his own issues dealing with a bully intent on shaming him for his girl’s name. Hazel’s character isn’t going through a gender-identity crisis; he’s named for a rabbit in his mother’s favorite story. Jac has erected a figurative wall inside her mind to shield her feelings, so no one truly knows what’s happening to her.

The story spends a good deal of time describing Jac’s relationship with her mother. It’s complicated, as her mother tries to juggle being a caring parent while not being overly protective. Jac tries to live as normally as possible, but her mother’s constant questions about how she’s feeling sidetrack her thoughts. It’s hard to not obsess about the disease when her mother won’t let her forget. On the other hand, her mother must protect her daughter from harm, so she needs to know what’s going on. Mother and daughter want the same thing, but their efforts are in conflict. As I said, it’s complicated.

What didn’t work as well:

Most of the book doesn’t specifically mention Jac’s disease and simply talks about its symptoms. It’s not clear why the author chooses to keep it secret, since the book’s synopsis says it’s cancer. Why not use the word from the beginning? Jac struggles with accepting her diagnosis, but informing readers of the disease shouldn’t significantly affect the story.

The Final Verdict:

The only way out is through. This book could be categorized as a ghost story, but it shares the profoundly emotional war that consumes people diagnosed with serious diseases. The author passionately expresses the fear, confusion, and anger of living with an illness. I highly recommend you give this book a shot. 

The U-nique Lou Fox by Jodi Carmichael

What worked:

The book describes the problems associated with dyslexia and ADHD. These two disabilities make school especially difficult for Louisa, as she struggles to read and pay attention. Dyslexia makes letters on the page get mixed up, so reading textbooks and directions from the board require extra concentration. However, the ADHD causes her mind to wander and leads to conflicts with her teacher. Her frustrations result in impulsive comments and behaviors that get her into additional trouble. She views her teacher as the Shadow Phantom, and Lou sees their relationship as opposing forces. The unfolding story requires both of them to better understand the other. Lou’s command of verbal language and her knowledge of word definitions make it hard for others to understand her issues. The story is told from Lou’s point of view, so readers share her thoughts and feelings as events start to unravel.

Lou’s parents are extremely supportive and loving, but their announcement of her mom’s pregnancy creates mixed emotions. Lou is excited to become a big sister, and her two close friends, Lexie and Nakessa, are equally enthusiastic for her. However, Lou overreacts to small things around the house and becomes jealous of the unborn sibling. Readers with younger brothers and sisters can relate to her since the family dynamics are forced to change. Parent time will be divided with an additional child, and Lou’s life as an only child leaves her feeling unprepared for the necessary adjustments.

Luckily, Lou is distracted by the upcoming presentation of a play that she’s producing with Lexie and Nakessa. Most of the chapters describe their progress as the play evolves, and it’s the source of creativity, happiness, and potential conflict. The three girls meet every day before school under an oak tree to stretch and chat. They call themselves the Bendables, and Lou’s future backup plan is to join Cirque de Soleil if her playwriting career doesn’t work out. Lou’s friends are super supportive and understanding, and they try to remind her to make wise choices when they see her frustration boiling over. They’re tolerant of Lou’s moods and encourage her to express her creativity and artistic talents. However, Lou must learn how to control her behavior and become the best friend and big sister she can be.

What didn’t work as well:

Lexie and Nakessa are very important characters, but they’re flat. The author doesn’t provide many details about their lives beyond school, so it’s difficult for readers to make connections. More character development would make it easier to become emotionally involved, but the story of Lou’s struggles with learning problems and becoming a big sister carry the plot.

The Final Verdict:

Appreciate those close to you. The author is able to evoke empathy for Louisa, as she becomes overwhelmed by the challenges faced every day. The plot isn’t overly complicated, but the feeling of normalcy helps to make the book approachable. This book became more than I expected, and I highly recommend you give it a shot.

David Massie and the Hidden Underworld by Andrew M. Nehring

What worked:

The book presents an intriguing tale of time travel. Time Police have the responsibility of monitoring events and stepping in when disruptions occur. All of them were killed in the previous book except for CP and David, and CP is now determined to exact revenge against the Dark Armored Figure. The jaunts through time are almost instantaneous, as CP, David, and his girlfriend Rory try to repair a destroyed reality gate. The author saves some surprises about an important character that will alter the future of the series.

The banter between characters is amusing. CP likes to tease David and Rory about their relationship which usually results in much blushing. The couple finds time to act like kids and to share their feelings with each other. David likes to make snide comments and call CP “Ace” when things don’t seem to work out as planned. CP usually gets the final word when his ideas actually work to save them. These interactions typically happen during action scenes when situations look dire.

The story includes a blend of elements from various supernatural genres. A spaceship SUV is able to transport the characters through time and then move invisibly around ancient Greece. Robots help with cleaning and flying the ship, although the antagonist modifies them to attack and defend. CP and David wield blasters, and David has a watch that allows him to create useful holograms. These things contrast with common Athenians found thousands of years ago, although one citizen isn’t fazed by the concept of time travel.

What didn’t work as well:

This book is very short at less than 100 pages, so it doesn’t include a great deal of description or detail. Rather than describe well-thought-out plans, the characters often resolve issues by pushing a button to capture attackers, escape a formidable situation, or create items from nothing. I prefer when characters use their wits and materials on hand to take care of their problems.

The Final Verdict:

This book has creative technology and the potential problem of an evil character gaining access to traveling anywhere in time. A longer version of the book would allow the author more time to fully develop the characters, the conflict, and the overall story. The book is still entertaining, and lovers of time travel should definitely check it out. 

The Wizard in the Wood (The Dragon in the Library #3) by

What worked:

This book is probably most appropriate for younger middle-grade readers, as the vocabulary, dialogue, and narrative aren’t overly complex. Kit, Alita, and Josh are the main characters and Kit is the lone wizard in the group, although the others know about magic and have learned some spells. They can’t actually cast any spells but they’re resources for Kit to draw from. Their support and friendship are important to Kit, although a decision she makes creates a problem with Alita and Josh. Josh is the fun character due to his knowledge and logic, but Kit has a reputation for making things blow up.

The story creates a strong relationship between magic and books. It’s refreshing to see a plot focusing on the power of words, although the power in this book literally comes from words. Even the trees in the underground Book Wood sprout from books. Sleeping dragons live below every library and librarians feed the beasts by reading to them every day. It’s unusual that the dragons are more powerful when asleep and characters communicate with them by entering their dreams.

The conflict centers around the discovery of a new dragon egg as it’s the source of great magical power. Kit is tasked with guarding the egg until it hatches so readers can predict problems are on the way. Some wizards want to use the egg to cast a world-changing spell but how is Kit supposed to stop them? Sure, she’s performed great deeds in the previous two books but she may be in over her head this time. Some characters from the first two books make a surprise reappearance and they’re motivated by revenge.

What didn’t work as well:

The early plot isn’t overly dramatic so more experienced readers may find it challenging to make a commitment. However, the author adds some twists later on to keep things interesting. Also, I find myself wondering about how the kids got together and how Kit became a wizard, but this book can easily be read independently from the others.

The Final Verdict:

Unleash the power of words. The author creates an entertaining tale of dragons and magic that will appeal to elementary-age readers. Kit is a young, powerful wizard still learning her craft and the author saves a huge surprise for the story’s climax. I recommend you give it a shot.

The Cursed Carnival and Other Calamities by Rick Riordan

What worked:

This book is a collection of short stories by authors who’ve been featured in Rick Riordan Presents. A smorgasbord of supernatural tales is presented from a wide range of cultures. Readers will be introduced to the exciting, popular characters or they’ll be reacquainted with old friends from previously read novels. I already had past, pleasurable encounters with Min in “Dragon Pearl”, Sikander Aziz from “City of the Plague God”, and Zane and Brooks from the “Storm Runners” series, so it was fun to see the newest chapters in their stories. Pao from “Paulo Santiago and the River of Tears” and Aru Shah from “Aru Shah and the End of Time” are new characters for me, but their exciting tales make me want to explore their adventures further.

Each author presents a variety of cultures and conflicts so readers should be able to find several stories that speak to them. The cultures range from Korean to Mexican to African to Celtic. You’ll find stories about witches, demigods, multiverses, monster slayers, and an academy located on a space station. Abducted kids will be saved from eternity as slaves, powerful creatures will escape from inescapable prisons, and impossible folklore will come to life. Riordan’s contribution to end the book will surprise many readers expecting to see his typical light-hearted, mythical story about a young hero. It’s a violent tale of a young prince who learns to defend himself against a clan that’s sworn to assassinate him. It’s eye-popping!

The collection of short stories is perfect for young readers, especially those who don’t read on a consistent basis. Each adventure can be read and finished without needing to worry about what happened earlier. It won’t matter if you skip several days since you’ll be starting a brand-new story from a talented author. The main characters display many admirable traits including bravery, honesty, and empathy and most of them are accompanied by loyal friends with unique personalities. You’ll find a demon determined to kill the main character transform into an unexpected ally. Another character faces terrible dangers along with her best friend in order to save the life of a Chupacabra.

What didn’t work as well:

Due to the brevity of the chapters, some characters remain unfamiliar due to a lack of details. A couple of stories aren’t fully resolved and leave scenarios waiting to be completed later. My assumption is the authors will finish these tales in upcoming novels, so this book provides appetizers of what’s to come.

The Final Verdict:

Action and adventure for all. The book offers a wide range of young heroes and cultures that will appeal to a wide range of readers. It’s most appropriate for tweens, especially because of Riordan's violent tale. Overall, I recommend young readers give this book a shot.

Fenris and Mott by Greg Van Eekhout

What worked:

The book opens with Mott finding a cute, cuddly puppy in a recycling dumpster. The conflict is introduced when she discovers it’s actually a wolf and that it’s a supernatural monster prophesized to destroy the world. She promises to protect Fenris and keeping her word becomes a big deal, and it may offer a valuable lesson to young readers. The vow becomes more difficult to keep when she realizes the potential destructive powers contained within this adorable puppy. Her attachment is accentuated since she has no friends after moving across the country to California. Her father has remarried and has new kids, so Mott has trouble handling his lies and a feeling of abandonment.

The story is based on Norse mythology and the foretelling of Ragnarök, a final battle that kills everything on Earth. A couple of major characters are included that aren’t often found in these tales. The antagonist is Tew, god of war, who wants to use Fenris as his weapon. The story that Tew causes Fenris to become the destroyer of Earth is new to me but it presents a potential solution to the problem. The Valkyrie are Odin’s female warriors, but this story describes Thrudi as being the protector of Fenris. Her interactions in Midgard, or Earth, add humor to the plot, as she doesn’t understand the customs of humans. She wonders why it’s inappropriate to threaten someone with her shining sword, and her idea of fun might include human sacrifice. Root beer is an unexpected pleasure!

Fenris is the highlight of the story due to the contradictions in his character. He’s playful and delightful, but he’s going to destroy the planet. His “comments” vary from sweet, soft mweeps to ferocious growls and roars. If he’s not cuddled in Mott’s arms he might be eating a car or a water tower. The urgency of his inevitable destruction is the fact that his appetite is growing, his level of devastation is amplified, and the signs of a looming Ragnarök are checked off Mott’s list. Ragnarök is a prophecy of what will happen, not what might happen, so how can Mott stop an inescapable future? How can she stop Mott while still upholding her oath to protect him?

What didn’t work as well:

The plot and conflict are simple to follow, so readers shouldn’t expect a seriously developed story. However, the simplicity, humor, and action make this an easy adventure to enjoy. It includes battles, emotions, and an insurmountable problem, so the story creates nice momentum and energy.

The Final Verdict:

Can a kind heart save the world from annihilation? The author creates a fast-paced, action-filled adventure that’s sure to entertain lovers of mythology and dogs. Mott, Fenris, and Thrudi are compelling characters, and it appears there’s an opening for them to reappear in a sequel. I highly recommend you give this book a shot.

The Problem With Prophecies ((The Celia Cleary Series #1) by

What worked:

Celia comes from a lineage of seers and her first prophecy shows her the death of a classmate. She decides to save him but her grandmother says trying to stop fate is futile. Death will happen, and fate will always find a way to make it happen. This rule of prophecies establishes the book’s main conflict. Every time Celia saves Jeffrey, fate will present her with new visions of scenarios for his death. Is she prepared to become a lifelong guardian for a boy she barely knows?

The story explores the prophecy’s effect on Celia’s life, going beyond the magical implications. She doesn’t want it to seem like she’s stalking Jeffrey so she’s forced to find ways of saving him without his knowledge. That’s tricky, especially when she’s trying to keep her efforts secret from her mother and classmates. Celia’s obsession to save Jeffrey demands her full attention so other areas of her life suffer. In addition, her former best friend won’t speak to her since she blames Celia’s grandmother’s magic for her parents’ separation. Celia doesn’t know how to deal with the girl but there are moments of wistfulness from past memories.

The resolution of the problem will evoke different emotions from readers. There’s no apparent way to stop fate from taking Jeffrey’s life so Celia’s efforts seem futile. Jeffrey’s a really nice boy which makes his impending death even harder to accept. Celia discovers a page is missing from her seer handbook and she’s frustrated that it may provide clues about what she can do. She becomes better at understanding her abilities but there’s always an air of uncertainty with her visions. Several strange events later in the plot create new questions, and the emotional climax is a surprise if readers don’t recognize clues along the way.

What didn’t work as well:

The early plot has a similar feel to the movie “Groundhog Day” where the same events continually happen over and over. While Celia’s rescues differ in details, she saves Jeffrey’s life several times in a short span of time. Later, the rescues are less frequent and require more planning, so the story becomes more engaging and satisfying.

The Final Verdict:

The first rule is fate cannot be defeated. The early pages feel a little redundant due to frequent rescues, but the story quickly becomes faster-paced and interesting as Celia learns to use her powers. Her determination to save Jeffrey is the backdrop for a sweet story of friendship, and the surprising conclusion will conjure many emotions. I recommend readers give this book a shot.