Ali Cross: The Secret Detective (Ali Cross #3) by James Patterson

What worked:

The main topic of the book is a current event that’s also an important social issue. The role of the police in society is debated, both figuratively and literally. The catalyst this time involves the shooting of a gang member by a policeman trying to stop a shootout between opposing gangs. The boy isn’t seriously hurt but it ignites deep feelings by people with conflicting thoughts. One side thinks the police are murderers and that their excessive use of force is a threat to citizens. The other view thinks the police are honest and caring and they’re trying to do their best in difficult situations. The author effectively shares ideas from both sides in an intriguing tale about a real-life problem.

As the son of a police detective, Ali finds himself thrown into the middle of the conflict at school and in public. Many classmates taunt him with jeers and bumps and a fake Instagram account with his name in the handle doesn’t help matters. Many people think Ali will always side with the police but he actually has a mind of his own. All the policemen he knows are good men and women but he understands how it looks when officers are forced to fire their weapons. Some people become obsessed with isolated instances and they ignore dangerous situations where officers step up to protect citizens. Even with the support of his closest friends, Ali feels alone when nasty comments and threats are targeted at him.

Nana Mama, Ali’s great-grandmother, is an admirable character living with Ali, his sister, his dad, and his stepmother. She steps up to calm a crowd of people who’ve collected outside the house to protest the police. She projects her voice with authority and manages to allay some of the tension. Ali has a habit of sneaking out of the house in the middle of the night and he feels like Nana Mama always knows what he’s doing. She never scolds him but offers thoughts to consider. She understands Ali’s behavior and worries and she does her best to lend support. She even lets him start dinner one evening even though it’s clear it will be a disaster.

What didn’t work as well:

This book differs from the previous two books and the title seems misleading. Ali isn’t actually solving any crimes as he’s caught up in tensions between the police and the public. The story itself is thought-provoking but it’s not what readers might expect when they start the book.

The Final Verdict:

The book doesn’t go into great detail regarding the issues surrounding the behavior of police but it presents the problem in terms young readers can understand and accept. This topic is the focus of the whole plot without any major twists or diversions. Overall, I recommend you give the book a shot.

What We Saw by Mary Downing Hahn

What worked:

Abbi and Skylar are best friends, the Dynamic Duo, but most young readers will connect with their boredom of summer’s end. Kids can only hangout or go to the mall or pool so many times before they fall into a rut. They’re looking for something different and exciting to do. Abbi and Skylar decide to bike to a more dangerous part of town, but that’s when their summer vacation takes a turn.

The girls stake claim to an abandoned tree house where they can oversee the surrounding fields and forest. They notice some delinquent boys from their middle school and know they’re up to no good. A man and woman meet under the tree every Thursday, and Skylar is especially certain they’re either Russian spies or having an affair. The girls find a no trespassing sign, bullet holes, a dead deer, and they encounter a couple of unsavory men. All of these experiences present questions as a mystery develops. It turns out the woman is Abbi’s favorite teacher, and Abbi doesn’t know what to do when she turns up missing.

The book becomes more than a mystery story, as the characters are forced to deal with other emotional issues. Divorce is a huge topic, as Abbi and Skylar are living in homes without fathers. Skylar is very bitter toward her father after he has an affair and leaves their family. She transfers this anger to any person she suspects might be having an affair even when she jumps to conclusions. Abbi tries to be the voice of reason, but it’s hard to change Skylar’s mind once it’s set on something. Abbi doesn’t remember much of her own father, and she’s lucky that her mom has found a kind boyfriend. Abbi doesn’t carry the divorce baggage like a lead anchor, but she’d still like to have a father again.

What didn’t work as well:

This is probably my own issue, but I’m used to the author’s spooky, eerie ghost stories, so this book is an unexpected contrast. The mystery early in the plot creates unease, but nothing supernatural is waiting to happen. That doesn’t make the book bad, but it’s just not what I was anticipating.

The Final Verdict:                 

Curiosity can be dangerous. The author crafts an intriguing mystery that could happen in almost any city, in any state. The suspects are many, and readers will follow the emerging clues as the author reveals them. The climax isn’t a huge surprise, but the girls’ overall adventure is entertaining. I recommend you give the book a shot.

 

National Geographic Kids Almanac 2023 by National Geographic

What worked:

As you should expect from an almanac, this book is crammed full of interesting facts and information about a wide range of topics. The contents seem random when flipping through the pages, but similar things are grouped together by chapters. Some groupings have unique themes such as “Kids vs. Plastics” (including how it affects sea turtles), “Fun and Games” (with a Critter Chat and Mad-lib-like story), and “20 Things to Make You Happy” (such as meditation and pets). More common themes share stories about science, history, culture, and space that target the interests of young readers. The colorful photographs and illustrations are sure to catch the eye of everyone. In addition to being informative, some pictures are highly amusing and surprising.

A table of contents and a comprehensive index help make the information more accessible, but readers can still find unexpected topics throughout the pages. A section on animals includes comparing giraffes to ninjas, and it shows a variety of frogs with very unique characteristics. Who would expect to find the history of chocolate within pages dedicated to cultures? The section on science and technology shows pages about “The Science of Spooky” and future homes and food. A large section on geography near the end of the book covers the seven continents and includes flags, uncommon facts, maps, and a page about how maps are made by cartographers. I enjoy the “Quiz Whiz” presented in each chapter, covering information shared within those pages. These multiple-choice questions can be treated as little puzzles to be solved, with their answers found at the bottom of the pages.

What didn’t work as well:

The amount of information can be overwhelming for young readers, and it’s not as easy to find as in adult almanacs. On the bright side, the visual appeal and variety of information can be very entertaining for people wanting a book for casual non-fiction reading.

The Final Verdict:

An engaging resource for young readers. Interesting information is shared in short narratives accompanied by eye-catching graphics and is highly informative and easily read. Common facts are blended with entertaining anecdotes and will delight middle-graders. I recommend you give this book a shot. 

Critter Chat by Rosemary Mosco

What worked:

While the content of the book is non-fiction, the format of using the internet and social media is fictional and will appeal to young readers. The chat rooms are most entertaining as unlikely “friends” amusingly talk about their lives in different habitats. A shark, whale, sea tortoise, and seal chat about life in and around the ocean while a different chat room finds creatures discussing where they find water for survival. Dolphinstagrams show a Honduran White Bat talking about its love for camping and an Orchid Mantis sharing how it uses its disguise to catch food. There are Yelp-like posts, Yip-advisor reviews of habitats, Bee-harmony posts looking for companionship, a one-star Llamazon rating for a narwhale’s toothbrush, and a bat’s five-star Yowl review for the Algerian Desert.

Information is presented through the animals’ voices which creates some amusing points of view. A lion ROARS about being the king of its one territory while a cheetah and giraffe counter with the advantages of moving to new areas. A Greater Bilby can’t share much in its chat room since it’s falling asleep during the daytime. A mockingbird gets annoying when it keeps repeating what other animals say. In another chat, a spotted salamander, an earth snake, and a mole talk about what they like to eat (worms), an earthworm is offended and says “I’m right here!”, so the salamander asks for a text of its location.

What didn’t work as well:

The book opens with a page telling readers to watch for an arctic tern in the pictures as it migrates across the planet. I was hoping this would tie the pages together, but the tern’s appearances aren’t highly noticeable. Consequently, information about animals from around the world seems to appear randomly. However, this isn’t a terrible problem as the information is presented in an amusing and entertaining style.

The Final Verdict:

 I’m sure young readers will love this book and learn a lot about the diverse lives of animals. This information is kept simple in a humorous way, is accompanied by colorful photographs on every page, and is presented in a variety of styles. I highly recommend you give this book a shot!

Search for Treasure (The Islanders) by Mary Alice Monroe

What worked:

The book addresses various emotional issues. Jake’s father lost a leg in the war and he’s struggling to accept his life as an amputee. He’s very self-conscious and sensitive about it and he will shut down emotionally when he’s reminded. The characters discover another veteran on the island with experiences from Vietnam and Jake, Lovie, and Macon learn a lesson about not judging others based on their appearances. Jake and Lovie’s friendship may become something more although it’s challenged by the appearance of two “Invaders”. The three main characters are best friends but each of them is forced to adapt to changing situations. Jake is especially frustrated by his father’s behavior as he battles with new challenges created by his prosthetic.

The overall book has a wholesome tone, which is not typical for today’s middle-grade novels. The main characters are respectful to their parents and don’t make irresponsible decisions. Dewees Island is a nature sanctuary so it doesn’t have any stores, restaurants, or other businesses. Cars aren’t allowed so residents travel the island on golf carts or by walking. Jack is shocked to learn his grandmother Honey now has internet service but she won’t let it interfere with his ability to commune with nature, friends, and family. She runs a nature center and has a strong personality. She’s determined to protect the plants and animals on the island and she’s aware that sometimes visitors need to be protected from the alligators.

Readers can learn a bit about U.S. history and about the wildlife found off the coast of South Carolina. The main characters are determined to find treasure and their initial research is on the history of Black Beard and shipwrecks in the area. Sea turtles lay eggs on the island and a team of residents is dedicated to protecting their nests and the hatchlings. Alligators roam in the wild and information about their habits is included in the plot with sea otters, dolphins, and other creatures making appearances. A tropical depression (not a hurricane) engulfs the island early in the story and readers will learn how these storms can affect the habitat.

What didn’t work as well:

The plot doesn’t create high drama or suspense which may not attract middle-grade readers. However, the story depicts young kids adventuring together in a very realistic way. They want to find a treasure but are willing to adjust their plans to more reasonable expectations. They confide in adults when they need help instead of making reckless choices that will only get them in further trouble. It’s refreshing to read realistic fiction that truly feels realistic.

The Final Verdict:

Good friends support each other, no matter what. The plot is easy to follow without any unnecessary, gimmicky twists. The author still forces the characters to adapt to changes and the story reinforces what true friendship might look like. I recommend young readers give this book a shot. 

The Prince of Steel Pier by Stacy Nockowitz

What worked:

The Jewish faith is an important part of the story, as Joey questions his place in the community. He wonders how God can allow bad things to happen and questions how well he understands his religion. However, he’s very loyal to his close-knit family, as his parents, brothers, grandparents, and uncle operate a hotel right on the beach. They practice their culture by eating kosher foods, visiting the synagogue regularly, celebrating Jewish traditions, and periodically speaking Yiddish. Joey’s anger kicks in when he witnesses and experiences prejudice against Jews in the form of disparaging slurs and unintentionally offensive comments.

The inclusion of mobsters in a book for young readers is uncommon, as the story takes place during a time when casinos are forcing people out of their New Jersey neighborhoods by buying up their properties. Joey admires Artie, the mob boss in the area, and he’s pleased when the man takes a special interest in him. Artie’s thugs are clearly dangerous men, and Joey’s frightened by phone conversations he overhears and threats he witnesses. Joey’s relationship with the mobsters contributes danger and mystery to the plot, and the situation is further complicated when Joey becomes the “baby-sitter” for Artie’s visiting daughter.

Honesty is an important topic in the book, as Joey struggles with the lies he’s telling his brothers, parents, and relatives. They begin simply with misleading statements or half-truths but quickly evolve into flat-out deceit. Readers will notice how his deceptions get out of control until Joey finds himself in an unexpectedly dangerous situation. He wants to confess to his brother or grandfather, but the notion that things will get better at the end of the week is naive. Problems won’t go away by themselves, and the only thing he can count on is family.

What didn’t work as well:

As with many books for young readers, the main character gets himself into trouble beyond his control and tries to keep it secret from those who might help. Being truthful in the beginning will prevent future problems. However, in this case, being honest would undermine the conflict and plot, and the author wouldn’t have a captivating, emotional story.

The Final Verdict:

Readers will immediately connect with Joey’s character due to his kindness and good heart. They’ll feel empathy for him as his problems mount and root for him when things look worst. Overall, I enjoyed this book very much, and I recommend you give it a shot.

Ghostlight by Kenneth Oppel

What worked:

I always appreciate a great hook, and chapter one of this book describes the “murder” of a lighthouse keeper and his daughter in the early 1800’s. The plot jumps almost two centuries ahead as a mystery-adventure evolves with ghosts taking on major roles. Gabe is able to see and speak with Rebecca, the ghost of a character dying in the first chapter, and he’s determined to help free her father from the ruthless ghost named Viker that devoured him. The key to stopping this spirit is a ghostlight that went missing so Gabe and his friends must collect clues to locate the amber lens before Viker becomes too powerful to stop. He’s consuming other ghosts to build strength, and the living characters are unaware of his ultimate plans.

Strong emotions are shared to create subplots. Gabe’s father left the family in the prior year but was then hit by a car and killed. Gabe is left with unresolved feelings of love and anger toward him that continue to pop up. Seeing his father’s ghost doesn’t make things better. Rebecca obviously has strong emotions due to her own death and her father’s fate after being ingested by Viker. Gabe’s best friend Yuri’s family recently moved from Russia, but not all members of his family have adjusted well to the changes. Unrest with Yuri’s family creates additional angst for his character. Another friend named Callie is the most stable character, but even she experiences concerns due to family expectations. Becoming a journalist does not offer the money she can make if she pursues a career in dentistry like her parents and other family members.

The most entertaining aspect of the book is the main plot itself. Trying to locate the lost ghostlight to stop an evil spirit is straightforward, but the author effectively adds twists and turns to complicate matters. You can imagine the difficulty of finding a lens lost in the sand two hundred years ago, but Gabe learns the identity of various characters that create a trail of clues to follow. These characters are now ghosts, so readers aren’t sure what to expect when he meets them. Dangers await at every turn as Viker seems to pop up every time Gabe and his friends make progress. My greatest anticipation is with Rebecca’s character. Gabe is able to see and hear her when she clasps his hand, but that act transfers some of his energy to her. Will this become a problem in the long run? Gabe starts to view Rebecca as a girlfriend, but he’s shocked at times when she reveals a wave of anger from within. Is she a sincere ghost trying to stop Viker, or is there a malevolent spirit inside her waiting to erupt? Several times, the plot appears to build to a climax only to take unexpected turns. Rest assured, the story finally reaches an exciting, suspenseful conclusion that leaves the door open for a possible sequel.

What didn’t work as well:

The trail of clues is unrealistic at times. The ghostlight is originally lost on a beach, and its ownership passes to random people over the course of decades. Somehow, the teens are able to research in their spare time to find names, articles, and locations to follow the history of the lens’s past. Finding clues seems unusually easy when you consider what the characters are actually doing. However, ignore any concerns and simply enjoy the exciting adventure created by the author.

The Final Verdict:

Using the ghostlight to bring peace to lost souls. Obviously, this book tells a ghost story, but it’s more about the perilous exploits of the characters than creating a spooky, eerie atmosphere. Overall, it’s a highly entertaining adventure, and I highly recommend you give it a shot.