Goblin Monday (Goosebumps House of Shivers 2) by R.L. Stine

What worked:

The author effectively develops expectations and tension as the plot slowly unfolds. The setting is in the remote, wintry woods of Vermont where Mario accompanies Todd and Jewel as they vacation with their grandparents. The grandfather is famous for his books about mystical creatures but he tells the kids all of the fantastic stories are true! The grandmother sings songs she makes up and then tells the others to join in. She’s surprised when no one else knows the words even though she says they’ve sung them before. Readers won’t know what to make of this behavior. The possibilities grow when Todd and Jewel’s parents go out for a walk without leaving a note or taking their phones. The suspense grows when they aren’t found and Mario wonders if the goblin in the garden is real.

Mario has never experienced snow so he’s very excited about accompanying his friends on vacation. He’s open to possibilities so the grandfather’s warnings about a goblin in the garden and an imp in the laundry room impact him more than other characters. His emotions have wide fluctuations as he experiences curiosity, happiness, and fear. His biggest problems arise when he tries to explore the yard and forest and his attempts to take pictures don’t end well. The reactions from Todd and Jewel are confusing since they’ve been in this environment before. Again, these interactions will add to readers’ uncertainty as they try to understand what’s truly happening. Of course, the author saves a couple of surprises for the very end.

What didn’t work as well:

The contrasting moods in the plot don’t always feel consistent. The author develops creepy, eerie feelings but then the tone changes as the kids try to have fun like a normal vacation. Mario should be more freaked out as events unfold but he’s able to maintain his composure around the grandparents. However, the book’s resolution reveals some insight to explain Mario’s behavior.

The final verdict:

This book is a milder version of Stine’s books but it still develops uneasy emotions. Readers will figure out something strange is going on but they won’t know exactly what until the conclusion. Overall, the book offers a fun, entertaining monster story and I recommend you give it a shot.

The Quest of Danger (Once Upon a Tim 4) by Stuart Gibbs

What worked:

This book has a light-hearted air to it as the characters encounter another humorous adventure. This is exemplified by Ferkle as he was learning to be a village idiot before joining Princess Grace, Tim (an apprentice knight), and his cousin Bull (actually a girl named Belinda). Tim and Belinda were abandoned by their knight mentors (Sir Cumference and Sir Cuss to name a couple) who now follow Grace’s evil brother. Prince Ruprecht is that foul character and he plans to marry a princess in this book to get her family’s riches. Tim and his friends must survive a deadly waterfall, sea monsters, and a tsunami to stop Ruprecht and foil his scheme.

The author includes IQ Booster words throughout the story. The narrator says this is to convince parents and teachers that the book is actually educational and not just a silly tale. These words are identified by IQ Booster icons and are followed by explanations of their meanings. There’s an entire page where the narrator explains how he will explain the IQ Boosters. Readers will be surprised that these words and their meanings add amusement to the narrative. For example, a cyclops is myopic, which means he can only see things that are close to his eye, but nothing is close to the eye of a giant monster.

There are references to the earlier books but this one can easily be read independently. The fast-paced narrative will keep young readers engaged as there is constant action. The characters sometimes use their wits to escape dangerous situations while other times they’re saved by sheer luck. The story is told in first-person through the eyes of Tim so readers can get a look at his inner thoughts. Princess Grace hints that she has a crush on Bull and Tim stews over the need to inform her that his cousin happens to be a girl too. A witch changed Tim’s pet dog Rover into a giant frog and now his fr-dog’s blend of abilities come in handy. However, they’re just as likely to create new complications.

What didn’t work as well:

Some young readers might not appreciate the IQ Boosters as the descriptions create interruptions in the plot. However, the author has produced a silly story, and the unique method of sharing advanced vocabulary and meanings fits his style.

The final verdict:

The author of the Spy School books is known for his quirky narratives so readers will have a sense of what to expect. The plot moves rapidly from one unusual incident to another and the abundance of humor will keep readers amused. Overall, this is a fun book to read and I recommend you give it a shot.

Holly's Secret (Woodwalkers 3) by Katja Brandis

What worked:

Woodwalkers can transform from humans into different kinds of animals which creates unusual interactions between characters. Carag, a puma, is best friends with Holly, a mischievous squirrel who exudes plenty of attitude. A skunk woodwalker shoots his stink when nervous which is utilized as a distraction by other characters. Carag has an ongoing feud with Jeff and his gang of wolf bullies that exemplifies the perceived conflict between cats and dogs. Carag was helped by a white wolf in the last book but he’s confused by her behavior this time around. The teaching staff can also transform into animals and their curriculum teaches woodwalkers how to live among humans.

A conflict with Andrew Milling continues after Carag refuses to help the wicked man/puma in the last book. Milling wants to kill humans for revenge and he hints that he’s finding additional, secret help within Carag’s school. The man’s threats are always in the back of Carag’s mind so his presence will remain a part of the series plot until the end. Readers will wonder what Milling is up to and if conflicts in the book are parts of his plan or separate problems. Do the burglaries in this book have anything to do with Milling? How is the robber able to steal the contents of bank deposit boxes but still leave the vault doors locked from the inside? It sounds like the work of a woodwalker but who, how, and why?

Holly is a main focus in this book as her new guardian wants her removed from the school. Her rebellious nature refuses to let this happen and her first instinct is to hide in the woods until things calm down. However, she decides to use her tendency to create mischief to force her new guardian into letting her stay with her friends. The discovery of a woodwalker wolf cub in the wild leads to additional problems and revelations that will impel Carag to take action against his enemies.

What didn’t work as well:

The series has so many characters and animals that trying to visualize them can be a challenge. Although they’re usually in human form, their animal appearances range from insects and mice to bison and elk, and everything in between. The author helps readers by weaving references to the animal forms into the plot.

The final verdict:

This book continues the series plot so I suggest you read at least the previous book first (I haven’t read the first one myself). Carag’s efforts to thwart Milling’s plans underlie additional conflicts involving robberies, the lost wolf cub, Holly’s guardian, and Carag’s puma family. Overall, this book offers a creative version of character transformations and I recommend you give it a shot.

A Royal Conundrum (The Misfits #1) by Lisa Yee

What worked:

Olive lacks confidence and wonders if she should be part of the top-secret NOCK team (No One Can Know). Her teammates each have unique talents like technology, knowledge, and combat but Olive wonders what ability she has to offer. Olive’s parents have dumped her into RASCH, a school for reforming arts, and she feels her parents don’t care about her. She badly misses her grandmother but still remembers motivational things Mimi used to say. Olive realizes the skills she learned from Mimi’s acrobatic lessons come in handy and make her unafraid of heights. However, she’s never learned to swim and the idea of getting into water terrifies her.

RASCH is uniquely set at a former prison located on an island across the bay from San Francisco. That description sounds a lot like Alcatraz Prison but the building in this story is nothing like it. It’s more like a castle with a moat and offers many twisting hallways and secret passages. The NOCK team meets in a hidden room that’s equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and other resources. Olive’s best friend Phil is a technology whiz and she comes up with numerous clever inventions that might easily fit into futuristic stories or innovative spy novels.

The rash of brazen jewel heists presents an obvious conflict for the characters. The thief is nicknamed the Bling King as he takes gems worth millions and leaves a calling card behind. The school really needs financial support or it will be forced to shut down. The headmistress is hosting a fundraising event at the school and the largest benefactor will be the featured guest. Dame Gloria will be wearing the priceless Royal Rumpus necklace so everyone, including readers, will assume the Bling King will try to steal it. Protecting the dame’s jewels will be NOCK’s most important assignment and failure will surely mean the closing of RASCH.

What didn’t work as well:

There’s a strong dependency on Phil’s inventions as she seems to whip up new ones at every turn. Her creations stretch the limits of believability when she develops oral communication devices, and various self-defense gadgets, and retrofits the school’s van into a mobile control center. The other NOCK members contribute to the team but Phil’s efforts are disproportionate and improbable.

The final verdict:

The basic premise of the story isn’t overly innovative but it still feels fresh. The plot has a nice pace and the blend of characters presents the ups of downs of developing friendships. Overall, the adventure and mystery are very entertaining and I recommend you give the book a shot!

Arazan's Wolves (Ranger's Apprentice: The Royal Ranger 6) by John Flanagan

What worked:

Maddie is mentoring as a Ranger and she accompanies Will on a mission to investigate reports of a mythical creature. She also happens to be the daughter of royalty but that information is kept secret. Girls have never been allowed into the Rangers so it’s interesting to see the interactions Maddie has with the public. Most men and women are shocked to meet her although one woman thinks Maddie probably has better sense than most of the male Rangers. Maddie’s skill in using a sling to fire small pellets and stones is quite unique among the Corps. She’s still learning the nuances of being a Ranger from Will but she brings her own talents to the adventure.

This book revisits Celtica where Will and Halt battled Morgarath in the original Ranger’s Apprentice series. Morgarath used mind control to amass an army of Wargals which are the only beasts to strike fear in Will. There are rumors that an evil witch may be controlling a dozen Wargals herself so that creates some subtle tension in Maddie’s mentor. Other books in the author’s various series don’t include magic and the supernatural but Flanagan introduces some uncertainty in these areas. The Rangers are skeptical but Will admits 1% of unusual incidents can’t be explained by gullibility, misinformation, and trickery so that leaves a mathematical door open for the possibility of sorcery. It adds a new dimension to familiar plots and readers are left to use their imaginations.

The best part of the book is the whole world of the Ranger Corps. This book makes numerous references to previous books and events but they’re informative, not required knowledge for readers. The Rangers are primarily scouts, strategists, and keepers of the law in Araluen and their reputations stretch beyond the kingdom Their excellence with the longbow is legendary and Will is especially adept with the weapon. The Rangers’ uncanny talent to hide in plain sight makes some people believe they must have supernatural powers. Rangers have special bonds with their horses that go beyond human and animal. Will and Maddie take a moment to discuss this relationship at one point and readers suspicions will be confirmed. This book also reveals unspoken Ranger fears that they must learn to control and overcome.

What didn’t work as well:

The mystical element of this book is unusual for the author and doesn’t totally work for me. I enjoy how the Rangers seem to be supernatural but their skills and abilities can be explained by training and years of practice. The inclusion of incantations by characters and the Rangers’ acceptance of them steps out of the norm. It’s not terrible and may not bother most readers but it will take getting used to for loyal fans.

The final verdict:

Fans of the author will enjoy revisiting Will and Maddie although the sorcery is a new twist. They once again return peace to fearful villagers but their opponents present new challenges. Overall, it’s a fun adventure and I recommend you give it a shot.

The Lumbering Giants of Windy Pines by Mo Netz

What worked:

Jerry’s legs aren’t strong enough to walk for long so she’s forced to navigate using a wheelchair. Her disability is due to a hereditary problem so her legs become weaker as she grows older. Jerry is homeschooled and has gotten used to frequently moving around with her mother. Jerry doesn’t feel a need to attend public school ever again and she gets annoyed when others see the wheelchair and prejudge or pity her. These traits display the confidence, independence, and bravery necessary to take on the world, even when the world might be full of demons. Jerry eventually makes friends with a girl named Chapel who sees the wheelchair but still treats her as an equal.

Jerry’s best “friend” is an invisible, tiny dragon named Paul that she creates when her father dies. The dragon often stays in her shirt pocket and offers comments and advice as Jerry encounters challenges with her new life living in a motel. Her mother is concerned that Jerry talks to an imaginary creature (or is it?) and wants to help Jerry deal with her apparent emotional issues. Paul says he’ll protect Jerry but he struggles to fly and he can’t shoot flames so she’s not sure how he would do that. It turns out Paul has some surprises to reveal as the plot nears its climax.

People have been disappearing in the woods of Windy Pines for years so Jerry is concerned when she sees her mother entering the forest. Jerry also hears a strange voice on the radio that only broadcasts in the middle of the night. It first days “They’re coming” and later speaks of guardians. Readers won’t immediately understand what’s happening but the mysterious voice acts as foreshadowing of events to come. It’s clear Jerry’s mother is more than the motel housekeeper and her secret, special projects are her main purpose for being in Windy Pines. The book’s title and the radio voice indicate giants will be involved in the story but who knows when, where, and why they’ll appear?

What didn’t work as well:

The plot moves into the woods and Jerry is forced to trek through the trees and old mines to find her mother. It’s not always easy but she doesn’t seem to have much trouble navigating the challenging natural obstacles in the middle of the night. She needs help at times but her movements aren’t always believable.

The final verdict:

This book offers a unique twist to familiar ghost stories. The wheelchair is an interesting addition and the origin of the demons isn’t what readers might expect. Overall, this is a fun adventure and I recommend you give it a shot.

The Thirteenth Circle by MarcyKate Connolly and Kathryn Holmes

What worked:

What a curious conflict between characters. Cat is the biggest weirdo in the seventh grade and she’s determined to prove aliens are creating crop circles at a local farm every thirteen years. Dani wants to get a scholarship to a science camp but her only chance to win one is by pairing up with Cat in a science competition. The idea of aliens is stupid to her so her goal is to disprove her partner’s hypothesis. She doesn’t share this secret with her partner although her comments should give away her plan. Cat knows a lot more about crop circles and space than Dani so Dani’s going to need to come up with her own hypothesis soon. The chapters alternate between the two characters’ viewpoints so readers will experience the excitement and inner turmoil developing within their minds. 

Science and math are key elements in the story as both characters love the subjects and respect the process. They quickly figure out the appearance of the crop circles is related to prime numbers. The circles arise every thirteen years and there are always a prime number of them. The girls research news reports about past crop circles around the world although Cat and Dani have different perspectives on what actually happened. They carefully follow the scientific method as they collect evidence from the farm and save control samples for comparison. Strangely, researchers should be unbiased but Cat twists their observations to fit aliens as the cause while Dani does the exact same thing to explain natural causes. They don’t realize their opposing views are actually challenging each other to be better scientists.

Both girls soon recognize something strange is going on, stranger than UFOs and aliens, but they don’t know what. Cat is present when a circle forms right in front of her although she’s not actually able to see it. Men in dark suits show up, ala Men in Black, who take control of the scene, confiscate all of the girls’ evidence and kick them off the property. The owner of the farm is interviewed on the news and the girls know he’s lying about what’s happening. A crop-dusting pilot shares some information with them that gets Dani wondering about her own hypothesis. The author saves some surprises until later in the plot although experienced readers should have a pretty good idea of where the plot’s headed.

What didn’t work as well:

Clues start falling into place enough that the outcome is fairly predictable halfway into the book. The details still need to be refined but readers will get the gist of the resolution. 

The Final Verdict:

This book should really appeal to lovers of space research and the scientific method. The back-and-forth of perspectives between Dani and Cat will keep readers wondering about the truth although alien believers will be rooting for Cat. The book’s ending seems to leave the door open for a sequel. Overall, I recommend you give this book a shot.