Prodigy Quest by Verlin Darrow

My name is Tris, and I can't help that I'm so much smarter than everyone else. My psychiatrist surprised me with his intelligence at our first session, and he shared that he's experienced memories of past lives too. He agreed to help me locate a book of wisdom that was written by past hosts of my own soul. I was supposed to get it published and released to the world, but we didn't have any idea where to start looking. Once we got started on the right track, we didn't expect to be misled and threatened by cult groups along the way. However, the most amazing thing about the adventure was the knowledge gained by me, the smartest kid in the world. I never imagined the changes I'd experience.

What worked:

The story is based on the concept of reincarnation, as Tris has a dream message from his soul’s former host, a woman named Susan Granger. His soul was also hosted by Merriweather Lewis, of the famous Lewis and Clark expedition, and Tris experiences memories from past moments in history. The memories and guidance from these past hosts create a mystery adventure to resolve.

The focus of the quest is to find and publish a book that will bring wisdom to the entire world. That’s all the description given, so the details surrounding the book remain unknown. What are the actual contents of the book, and what makes this book different from other attempts to spread knowledge? The plot focuses on locating the book, but the book’s potential impact and influence on the world remain uncertain. As the story moves along, secret cult groups appear that try to find the book first, and one of the groups is willing to resort to violence. The hunt for the book and the threatening mysterious cults create the two main conflicts in the book. The author utilizes some trickery and misdirection to present complications. Rest assured, Prodigy Quest includes an appendix at the end with a synopsis of the book of wisdom.

Marc is Tris’s psychiatrist and guardian during the adventure, and he presents a steadying influence. Tris lacks social skills due to his absence of empathy, and Marc’s influence helps Tris transform into a more “normal” human. Tris learns to reflect on his own behaviors and emotions, as he analyzes himself and practices interacting with others. He dramatically transforms into an emotional young boy and grows to appreciate people for who they are, not who he wants them to be. He’s still the smartest kid in the world, but he discovers there’s more to being smart than having answers to all of the questions.

What didn’t work as well:

Tris is arrogant and has little tolerance for others who don’t meet his high standards, so he’s not a very likable main character. His personality makes it difficult to make connections with his character, so making an emotional commitment to the story is more challenging. Tris’s fame from a popular quiz show labels him as the smartest kid in the world. He’s often recognized in public, and these interactions create amusing moments in the story as well as useful tools to gain information toward the quest. Tris’s self-reflection throughout the story smooths some rough edges around his character. It becomes easier to have feelings for Tris, and readers may even learn to like him.

The final verdict:

The book of wisdom doesn’t have all the answers. The early chapters don’t construct an easily engaging story, as the dialogue is fairly objective and unemotional due to Tris’s character. However, the adventure slowly becomes more intriguing and exciting, as the characters collect clues. Overall, this book offers a thought-provoking drama for young adult readers.

How to Win a Slime War by Mae Respicio

My name is Alex, and I love to create colorful, gooey, wonderful slime! I never expected the students at my new school to love it as much as I, and I now find myself in the middle of a slime war with Meredith. I kind of got sucked into the challenge, but we're battling for control of the slime market in the entire school. My dad is taking over my grandparents' Filipino market, and I'm not sure about some of his ideas. Add to that, he's pressuring me to join a soccer team even though I've told him I don't like playing it. It's like he doesn't hear me. Moving to a new neighborhood is exciting, but it also comes with its own problems.

What worked:

It’s sometimes hard to find unique topics to write about, but how many books actually feature slime created by middle-grade students? The slime doesn’t become a monster, and it doesn’t terrorize the students. It’s just gooey, colorful, slime, and it’s for sale. The science teacher even makes it the subject of her first unit which gives Alex permission to practice making slime at home. Many chapters in the book begin with recipes for different kinds of slime, so young readers can make their own batches at home while they read the story!

Several subplots are skillfully interwoven with the slime war, and they mesh into an overall wonderful story. Alex’s father was a renowned athlete when he was younger, and he pushes Alex to join a soccer team. Of course, Alex has no interest in sports, so an internal conflict ensues. His father also now owns the Filipino market created Alex’s retired grandparents, but Alex is concerned that some popular features of the business will be eliminated by his father. How will his grandparents react when they find out? Meredith currently controls the slime market at school, and the slime war will determine if Alex will replace her. However, Alex is uneasy about his business partner’s marketing strategies, and Alex slowly discovers important secrets about his competitor. It’s important to put yourself in other people’s shoes to fully understand their behaviors, and the two competitors transform their relationship to resolve the slime war.

Alex is a good, honest character who cares about doing the right thing. Meredith treats him like an enemy, but Alex tries to treat her kindly when they interact. When she creates a smear video about his slime, Alex refuses to retaliate by making negative comments against her. He even tries to work with her when they’re partnered in science class. Alex respects his father by following his rules and instructions even though Alex doesn’t agree with everything his father says. He doesn’t like playing soccer but agrees to join a team to make his father happy. He respectfully questions his father about changes to the market and displays empathy for his grandparents, Lola and Lolo. Alex enjoys spending time with his older cousins, and they provide valuable guidance. The character relationships create a truly wonderful feel-good story.

What didn’t work as well:

Some readers prefer rebellious characters and dramatic confrontations, but this book will disappoint them. The characters aren’t perfect, but their actions aren’t evil or overly devious. The typical middle-school bully doesn’t do anything terribly bad, and he displays encouragement toward Alex as the soccer season moves on. The kid’s two-faced behavior doesn’t make him likable, but it doesn’t create much negativity either. However, the book develops positive feelings between friends and family, so the author’s writing strategy is a huge success.

The Final Verdict:

A feel-good story of friends, family, and slime. A middle school being so obsessed with slime isn’t realistic, but it forms the basis for an engaging story. The positivity of the main character makes this a must-read for young readers.

Willodeen by Katherine Applegate

My name is Willodeen, and I don't much care for being around other people. My parents and brother died in the last great fire, and I appreciate that Mae and Birdie have welcomed me into their home. I love exploring the forest, and I've taken to recording my observations of hummingbears and screechers. No one likes screechers, so the town council is paying hunters a bounty for killing them. On the other hand, the town survives on money made at the annual Faire when visitors come from all over to see the migrating hummingbears. However, hummingbears are becoming scarce, and I fear all of the screechers have been killed. Everything in nature works together and needs to be in balance, so I wonder if the demise of the two creatures might be related. 

The plot shares a message regarding the interdependence of living organisms. Mankind tends to exterminate things in nature it doesn't like without regard for the consequences. Cutting trees down takes away homes for squirrels and birds and may remove food sources for other creatures. In this book, Willodeen is the one who recognizes how nature works, but how many adults take advice from young children? Plus, she likes screechers, so most people view her as a little wacky and strange. She's a loner, but this fact is challenged when Willodeen meets a boy willing to help her. He helps her realize she can benefit from being around other people, and maybe humans have an interdependence too. The story is well-written and sticks to the main conflict without numerous subplots to complicate things. The result is a book that flows smoothly, is engaging, and teaches a valuable lesson. Overall, I highly recommend you read this book, as I've nominated it for the 2021 Cybils Award in Middle Grade/Elementary Speculative Fiction. The characters are endearing, and Willodeen is an inspiration for people wanting to have their voices heard. 

Theo Paxstone and the Dragon of Adyron by James Turner

My name is Theo, and I've become a squire for Sir Bentham, a brave, crippled knight in the realm. Surprisingly, a gigantic dragon attacked the local festival, killed many brave knights, and kidnapped the princess. Why would a dragon take the princess instead of eating her? Someone must rescue her, so we're now using the steam mech I created from junk parts since Sir Bentham's damaged mech was destroyed by scavengers. Sir Drake, my childhood hero, is also searching for the princess, although Sir Bentham and his other squire, Riley, think he's a fraud. The dragon's strange behavior makes its motivations puzzling, but Sir Bentham is determined to slay it. I'm committed to helping him, although Riley makes the adventure more challenging. I can't figure out why Riley resents me so much.

I always enjoy a good underdog story, and Theo escaping the futility of existing with a greedy junkyard boss fits that description. His special talents for mechs and building things aren't superpowers, but they make him an unassuming hero. The most interesting part of the book is the relationship between Theo and Riley. They're very competitive in gaining Sir Bentham's favor, and Riley especially tries to take advantage of situations. Theo can't figure out the problem until he discovers Riley's secret. Sir Drake is another interesting character, although there are numerous hints along the way that he's not an honorable man. In contrast, Sir Bentham is an extremely honest and noble knight, but he can't physically handle the skills of a warrior. He's lost his legs, but his knowledge is invaluable. The plot boils down to rescuing the princess, but it's clear something's going on with the dragon. In the end, Theo and Riley unlock the mystery of its behavior and use that information to make a plan. The book contains plenty of action and adventure, so it can be enjoyed by most middle-grade readers. I highly recommend you give it a shot.

The Bull Shark: Dragged From Under #1 by Joseph Monninger

My name is Barn, and I'm kind of an expert when it comes to sharks. It's the reason I missed the Red Sox's first spring training game. Someone was killed in a shark attack near my home, so I went over there to check things out. It's not unusual for sharks to swim up the canals from the bay, and people don't realize how dangerous it is to swim there. Some lady thought I was crazy when I saved her dog from getting eaten! Many people want to kill the sharks, but they're only looking for food like every other animal on earth. I need to figure out why so many sharks are in the area and figure out a way to save them while keeping humans safe.

What worked:

The book jumps right into the conflict, as the prologue describes the death of a teenager vacationing with his aunt along a canal. Barn is obsessed with sharks, so he quickly jumps at the chance to investigate the attack. He discovers many of the residents along the canal are either unaware or unconcerned about the danger, but Barn’s focus is on determining why bull sharks are this far inland. The naivety of the people and additional attacks and near-attacks maintain the suspense of the plot. Barn’s mother constantly warns him to stay out of the water which creates a premonition of upcoming dangers.

Prior to each bull shark attack, the author includes a few pages from the shark’s point of view. The purpose is to build anticipation and to provide information about sharks. The author describes how and why sharks attack and eat their prey, and it even touches on how they digest their food. The story shares the shark’s thought process as it prepares to attack. The book then returns to the story just as the creature moves in for the kill. Barn adds additional facts on sharks throughout the story, and he’s perceived as an expert, not a know-it-all.

The book’s purpose is to entertain and to present a case for protecting the environment. Despite the teenager’s death and the threat of further injuries, Barn is all about balancing the need to make the waters safe while preserving the sharks’ lives. The first reaction of humans is to kill dangerous animals, but the book points out sharks are only trying to survive. The question is what have humans done to the environment that has changed the behavior of the animals? The conflict between killing and conservation is at the forefront of the plot.

What didn’t work as well:

The entire book is focused on determining why many bull sharks are lurking in a Florida canal without any other complications to the story. This fact is good because the main conflict is very compelling, but it doesn’t make the overall book as interesting as it might have been. Barn has a very intelligent friend named Finn, and their relationship merits more attention. In addition, Barn has a crush on a girl named Margaret, and their interactions reveal a mutual friendship. These two relationships should be developed more in the book’s sequel.

The Final Verdict:

A suspenseful showdown between humans and deadly bull sharks. The book presents a straightforward story of bull sharks threatening a small, Florida community, and a young boy’s efforts to find a peaceful solution. This book will appeal to lovers of sharks and nature, and the efforts taken to protect them from humans.

How to Train Your Dad by Gary Paulsen

My name is Carl, and my best friend Pooder thinks I have the best dad around. I know my dad loves me and he can repair anything, but he doesn't believe in money. It's hard to make a good impression on Jenny, the most awesome girl in school, when my second-hand clothes don't fit, my bike looks like a reclining lawn chair, and I don't have money to buy anything. It's time to reboot my dad. 

What worked:

The best part of the book is Carl’s dad, as he creates an unusual problem for his son. They live in a trailer located in an industrial part of town, and their yard consists of dirt. His dad doesn’t believe in money, and he’s focused on filling needs, not wants. However, dumpster diving and getting clothes from second-hand shops or garage sales isn’t an impression a twelve-year-old boy wants to share with others. Faded pink overalls, underwear that’s too small, and shoes that are too big affect Carl’s self-image. SP, the label Carl uses for his dad, has a special talent for repairing things, although he tends to make unexpected modifications. The consequences create surprise twists to the plot and embarrassing experiences for Carl.

The plot focuses on Carl’s efforts to change his father’s unusual decisions, but his plans are based on a pamphlet instructing owners on how to change their pets’ behaviors. Obviously, pets and humans are quite different. The story is told from Carl’s point of view, as he explains to readers the experiment to make his life less awkward. Middle-grade readers can identify with Carl’s desires to be accepted by his peers and to not stand out in negative ways. Carl tries ignoring negative behaviors, using positive reinforcement for good behaviors, and distracting his father from unwanted situations. The results are mixed but always amusing. Carl’s best friend Pooder adds creative ideas to the situations which results in additional humor.

The family has a pit bull named Carol that becomes an influential character. Carol is a rescue dog with a horrible history, but she becomes a loyal and protective member of the family. Skunks found on the property are quickly torn to shreds, and her growls and teeth tell everyone she means business. Carl discovers she is more intelligent than he expected, since Carol seems to figure out Carl is experimenting on his father. Carol enjoys SP’s lifestyle, so she doesn’t appreciate Carl’s attempts to make changes. She becomes an obstacle, as Carl tries to train his dad.

What didn’t work as well:

A primary motivation for Carl is a wish to impress the most awesome, cute girl at school. However, she doesn’t show up in the story until the end, and the plot doesn’t include any events at school. Interacting with the girl and other students would help to emphasize the conflict and increase the tension. The author has an unexpected reason for not including the girl that makes sense in the story, but other students could have been used.

The Final Verdict:

A hilarious journey to survive middle school. Carl’s lifestyle is unusual, and his strategy to change his father’s behavior is equally strange. The story is sure to entertain and is highly recommended for your amusement. 

Atlantis Saga #2: Atlantis In Peril by T.A. Barron

My name is Promi, and I don't know what to do about Atlanta. I love her, but we can never be together since I'm an Immortal. My father has warned me that my visits to see her are weakening the veil between our worlds, and its collapse will allow evil spirits to invade earth. I don't trust him since he stole all of my childhood memories, and I just want to do whatever I want. However, I now know I've been stupid and selfish. Atlanta will never want to speak to me again, and my father has shown me the fragility of the veil. As unlikely as it once seemed, it's clear Narkazan has returned, and he's kidnapped my sister Jaladay. To complicate matters, the men I rescued from a doomed ship off the coast of Atlantis are now putting the whole island at risk of destruction. I don't have a plan, as usual, but I've got to atone for my mistakes and make things right.

You should read Atlantis Rising before reading this sequel. Promi was the most interesting character, as he learned to adapt to his new immortality. However, his anger and stubbornness overrode any semblance of common sense. The plot dealt with his transformation into a more responsible character, as the problems grew into a formidable obstacle. The theme of the book boiled down to nature vs. industrialization, as the antagonists saw the Great Forest as resources waiting to be torn down and developed. The forest creatures had nature magic, but it seemed unlikely it could overcome modern machinery. A couple of things didn't work for me. I don't usually like books with multiple settings, and much of this book followed four different storylines. I'd rather see the author do a thorough development of one or two plots rather than divide the attention between four of them. My biggest issue was with the book's resolution, as the conflicts weren't resolved. The problems were getting out of control, and the book left them to be handled in the next one. Take care of the problems in this book, or the story feels unfinished. Overall, I like the series, but this book left me wanting more.