The Final Boss (Player vs. Player 3) by M.K. England

What worked:

I’ve not read the previous two books but the author does an effective job of recapping what readers need to know. Readers will be aware they’ve missed details but the important things to remember are the characters are in conflict with a gaming developer and they want to rescue their friend Wheatley. The most intriguing part of the story is that Wheatley is an AI and only exists within the gaming software. How is it that two girls and a boy are so passionately loyal and devoted to a character that doesn’t have a physical form? A major question arises as to whether Wheatley is sentient with a conscience and the ability to create its own thoughts.

Josh, Hannah, and Larkin find themselves in a difficult predicament with the gaming developer called Hurricane Games. They want to have futures in the gaming industry but Hurricane can ruin those dreams if they don’t give up their efforts to free Wheatley. Violations of the NDA the kids have signed can financially destroy their families. Ian is the despicable owner of the company and he’s aided by Shane, the lead program developer and coder. The kids know they can’t trust these men but they’re shocked at how low they’ll stoop to stop the kids.

Techie kids and players will love this book as it shares processes used in creating games. Josh, Hannah, and Larkin tour the Hurricane facility and observe different employees performing various jobs. One room is dedicated to war strategies. Another room shows actors and a director producing graphics for battle scenes and other rooms have workers coding games and various types of artists working together. The kids face three challenges in the Affinity game while they’re visiting Hurricane and each match pits them against four AI opponents. The company has spent millions of dollars toward developing the game so they’re not about to lose their investment because of a few kids. Josh, Hannah, and Larkin must overcome the rigged matches and blatant cheating to save Wheatley and their futures.

What didn’t work as well:

The character development is limited to gaming as this book is the first time Josh, Hannah, and Larkin have met in person. All of their interactions center on freeing Wheatley and beating Hurricane so readers don’t get to know them beyond a surface level. It’s also strange to read about an AI experiencing emotions but I guess that’s the point of the story!

The final verdict:

This book is perfect for readers who enjoy video games, especially those interested in how they’re made. The author creates an emotional story as the characters strive to save an AI that’s at the mercy of its creators. It takes human compassion to defeat the powers of technology and greed. I recommend you give this book a shot.

The Mailbox Tree by Rebecca Lim and Kate Gordon

What worked:

The story is set in future Tasmania as two young girls are distressed about their parents deciding their families must move away. Dust, heat, and dryness make up Nyx’s world but her father says a devastating flood is imminent. It makes no sense to her and she’s devastated about being forced to leave her home, where her mother is buried. Bea is also upset about moving even though she’s bullied at school. Nyx and Bea both find a peaceful place to think by climbing into the upper branches of the same pine tree although they’ve never met. Nyx writes an angry note about her father and leaves it in a knob of the tree and this leads to message swapping between the two girls. The book is written with alternating chapters sharing the thoughts, feelings, and anguish of Nyx and Bea.

Readers will soon realize something is off with the setting. Nyx describes how there’s no fresh food where she lives and people eat cryo, if they’re rich, or rehydro, if they’re not. On the other hand, Bea’s father is cooking ratatouille made from peas, sweet potatoes, or kale and the family raises bees for honey. Bea binge-watches “Lord of the Rings” movies every month. The lives of the two girls are starkly different so it’s hard to imagine they live in the same neighborhood. It’s not until one of Nyx’s notes mentions a bridge accident that readers, and Bea, will realize something strange is going on. The Mailbox Tree allows the girls to communicate across decades in time.

Both girls are feeling lonely and depressed and their relationship gives them a bit of optimism and happiness. Bea has been bullied for years and she can’t understand why she’s targeted. Everyone has different interests but Bea feels like she’s weird and no one will like her as a friend. Nyx also feels like she’s on her own because her mother has died and her father has a long-distance girlfriend. She’s sure her father wants to move because of the new woman, not because of impending flood waters. The story doesn’t mention any other kids in Nyx’s life and her father barely seems to notice when she’s around. Both girls are desperate for something positive in their lives so the magic of the Mailbox Tree seems like their salvation. Tasmania is nearing a disastrous apocalypse and Bea may be the only hope.

The final verdict:

This passionate, thoughtful story will touch readers’ heartstrings. Conservation of the environment is a major problem that should cause many people to reconsider how current decisions will impact the future. Overall, I highly recommend you give this poignant book a shot.

Into the Wild (Wolf Girl 1) by Anh Do

What worked:

Gwen’s family flees their home in the middle of the night, but she ends up alone in the wilderness. The rest of the story is a survival adventure as she tries to reconnect with her parents and sister. The journey begins by simply trying to find food and water to stay alive, then collecting necessities while waiting for her parents to return, and she finally decides to search for other humans farther into the wilderness. The plot covers several years, so it’s fast-paced. Many of the chapters involve practical survival strategies, with snakes and wild boars providing unexpected challenges.

The collection of canines is the highlight of the story as they come from a variety of breeds with unique personalities. Zip is a greyhound and the fastest of the group, but his poor eyesight leads to collisions with immovable objects. Nosey is a Labrador who acts as their guide since he always knows which way to go. Tiny is a small Chihuahua with a mighty bark and a keen sense of hearing. The group is joined by a powerful mastiff called Brutus, but it takes some time for him to accept the others. Finally, Puppy is Gwen’s first companion, and the pair develops a very close bond. It takes a while for Gwen to realize Puppy is a wolf cub, but readers will probably recognize it from the illustrations.

What didn’t work as well:

The text includes different font styles and sizes, but it’s overdone. Changing the font helps to emphasize certain words, but it loses its effect when overused. The book’s ending will leave readers disappointed as they’re left with “to be continued” instead of resolving the conflict.

The final verdict:

The book has a dog-centered survival story that should appeal to most young readers. Readers should plan to read the sequel since the plot is unfinished and will continue later. If readers are prepared to continue the series, I recommend they give the book a shot. 

The Secret of the Fang (Meesh the Bad Demon 2) by Michelle Lam

What worked:

Meesh has become the Guardian of the Underworld but she lacks confidence in her abilities. This is understandable in new heroes so it’s nice to see she’s not an immediate expert. Meesh’s eyes turn red in the illustrations to let readers know she’s tapping into her powers. Meesh has several friends who are willing to help and it takes her a while to realize she doesn’t need to save everyone by herself. Princess Nouna is a fairy who is trying to shake off her image as a media personality. Xavier is a demon who feels less than adequate when he compares his talents with the others. All three of these main characters undergo growth and transformation as they try to defend the Underworld together.

The Underworld is full of drama as a result of previous injustices. Characters are comprised of demons, fairies, and demon-fairies and demon-fairies are the outcasts. Assumptions and prejudices are aimed at the demon-fairies but most of the current characters seem unaware of them. Meesh isn’t happy with what she learns and she’s determined to make things right. A major obstacle is the new leader of the demon-fairies is focused on revenge and doesn’t have any plans to get along with the other creatures. A new weapon is nearing completion that will wipe out everyone in the Underworld.

The author’s illustrations clearly show the different settings found in the Underworld. The pictures allow readers to visualize the forested Ponderosa, the darker world of Mount Magma, the beauty of Plumeria, and a new underground city. The characters have distinct appearances which help readers instantly recognize them in each scene. This may seem like a small detail but it’s not always the case in graphic novels with creatures. There are many unique characters throughout the story and the author uses noticeable facial expressions to communicate a range of emotions. Several flashbacks enhance the story and different-colored text boxes help to differentiate the past from the present.

What didn’t work as well:

The backstory isn’t immediately evident if you haven’t read the previous book. Meesh is Guardian of the Underworld but the meaning and significance of that is not immediately evident. She’s the one demon able to fly but it’s not clear what her other abilities might be. Also, there are graphic panels without words where what’s happening isn’t clear.

The final verdict:

It’s helpful for young readers to see dynamic characters grow into better versions of themselves. The story shares the importance of kindness and forgiveness. Overall, this graphic novel presents a thoughtful tale and I recommend you give it a shot.

We Do Not Welcome Our Ten-Year-Old Overlord by Garth Nix

What worked:

The concept of the book is very intriguing. Kim’s younger sister is a know-it-all but she becomes possessed by some ball-like being from space. Kim can stop it from taking over his mind so he knows how dangerous it can be. However, Eila thinks she’s helping the being she calls Aster so she won’t listen to her brother’s warnings. Kim becomes more worried when Eila starts sneaking the orb out at night and he watches the alien’s light kill thousands of red ants. He tries to get rid of the ball but receives an electric shock for his efforts. Readers’ emotions will range from concern for Eila, to annoyance with her superior attitude, to anger that she’s endangering other humans. Aster’s initial experiments aren’t too serious so readers aren’t sure what to make of the alien. Will it end up helping the world as Eila claims or will Kim’s worst fears come true?

Kim’s best friend is Bennie and the two of them have a tight bond. She always supports Kim’s ideas but she can be more impulsive than him. She’s willing to try touching Aster even after it sends a jolt of electricity through Kim. Their other two D&D friends, Tamara and Theo, become more significant characters in the second half of the book. They’re skeptical of Aster’s existence at first until Kim shows them solid evidence. Theo is the most thoughtful character as he doesn’t jump to conclusions and takes the time to observe and ponder possibilities. He offers a more practical viewpoint than what Kim and Bennie show up to that point.

The author adds a contrast in lifestyles through Kim and Bennie’s families. Kim’s parents run an experimental farm for the government and don’t believe in electronics. The kids are required to help with chores around the house and the farm and they insist on the whole family sitting together for dinner at six o’clock. Kim’s parents wouldn’t approve if they knew he was playing Dungeons and Dragons with his friends. On the other hand, Bennie’s parents are busy with their careers and rarely spend time with their kids. They often argue in front of Bennie and her sister which puts a lot of strain on their mental health. Kim and Bennie are well acquainted with each other’s family situations and they’re always there for each other with emotional support.

What didn’t work as well:

Kim has viable evidence that the ball is dangerous but the author still has him go through the motions of his normal life. He knows the alien is a threat to humanity so why is Kim having fun playing Dungeons and Dragons instead of obsessing over the problem? His friends still want to make time to play the game even as the problem escalates. Readers may wonder if the game has more importance than simply being a fun activity.

The final verdict:

Eila’s know-it-all attitude adds a twist to the conflict as the action ramps up to an exciting, suspenseful climax. The possession of a ten-year-old girl is unusual and compelling which should attract the interest of young readers. I recommend you give this book a shot.

Mr. Smarty Pants: Awww Nuts! by Charity Reid

What worked:

Historical facts are worked into the story as Benjamin, Mr. Smarty Pants, is related to George Washington Carver. Carver has 300 patents related to peanuts, while ironically, Benjamin has a severe allergy to them. Benjamin also has a creative mind like his distant uncle and he’s come up with various inventions related to his peanut allergy his family’s nut processing factory. One of his creations is a security device he uses to protect his Top Secret Carver Nut Factory Book from theft. One feature requires a thief to answer three questions correctly to stop an alarm from going off. Readers learn that one of George Washington Carver’s discoveries was not peanut butter!

The listing indicates this book is for ages nine and up but the graphic novel format makes it accessible to younger readers. The dialogue is appropriate for emerging readers or students on the lower end of middle grades. The large pages and colorful illustrations are eye-catching and the author “artfully” displays the characters’ emotions through facial expressions. All of the pages contain multiple graphic panels with short text bubbles sharing a fast-paced plot. The conflict involves an ongoing feud between Mr. Smarty Pants and his nemesis Deon, also called Dark Midnight. The clash is a curious contrast between young classmates and a more “serious” competition between entrepreneurs. The problem never gets too severe and it’s easy to follow. Bennie’s friend Jemma is the voice of reason and her input is valuable in defusing the situation. The rivalry is sure to continue in a sequel based on the book’s resolution.

What didn’t work as well:

More experienced middle-grade readers may not appreciate some comical aspects of the story. A few of Bennie’s inventions are the Smash-O-Matic 5000, the Nut’Uh detector clip, the PB Slayer 2.0, and the Smell-O-Meter. An invitation to a pizza party is a large part of a rescue. However, the descriptions are appropriate for the target audience and help with the book’s entertainment value.

The final verdict:

The book is a light-hearted tale for young emerging readers interested in science and technology. The plot is easy to follow and the graphic novel format can be read quickly. I recommend you give it a shot.

The Serpent Rider by Yxavel Magno Dino

What worked:

A prophecy saying Tani will be her village’s savior becomes a major issue. She’s training along with other warriors but she’s the only one who doesn’t have a serpent companion called a bakunawa to help her fight. She’s the best when it comes to fighting with swords but a rival named Bato can now beat her with the help of his fire bakunawa. Tani is frustrated that her bakunawa egg still hasn’t hatched which leads to her making bad choices. She’s embarrassed and angry since the villagers expect her to save them when the Great Bakunawa rises from the depths of the sea but she’s not even the top warrior from the recruits. The final straw occurs when her timid best friend Kiri hatches his water bakunawa and she can’t help defend the village from a monster.

Action lovers will enjoy this adventure as Tani faces non-stop, man-eating creatures and other dangers. She travels to unknown parts of the jungle where she’s forced to enter a dark, dangerous cave and scale a formidable mountain. She encounters a witch-like old woman with a bakunawa that’s able to control shadows. A formidable manananggal separates into two parts as its torso flies with bat-like wings and its jaws wield razor-sharp fangs. Tani and her friends fear for their lives when a giant clenches them in its massive fists. They’re overwhelmed by a relentless swarm of aswang before facing the Great Bakunawa in the story’s climax. Readers will barely have time to relax before the characters face another deadly challenge all throughout the plot.

Readers will connect with Tani’s determination to rescue her younger sister Ligaya, the village’s storykeeper. Tani’s desperation for her own bakunawa created the problem and the love she has for Ligaya keeps her going. Tani has a kind heart that proves to be a valuable asset during her quest. Her acts of compassion toward foes result in unexpected outcomes. Ligaya also exhibits caring and forgiveness toward a malevolent character which projects a positive message to readers. A surprise ending awaits when the story reaches its climax.

What didn’t work as well:

The story includes many Filipino terms and names that are probably unfamiliar to young readers. It’s not a big issue but it may cause readers to pause and think at times.

The final verdict:

Young readers won’t want to put the book down as Tani faces one challenge after another. Tani and the characters learn it’s important to understand the thoughts and feelings of others, their motivations, to dispel unfounded assumptions. This book is very entertaining and engaging and I highly recommend you give it a shot.