Bad Grains (The Order of the Strawberry Circle #1) by Susanne Schmidt

What worked:

Jo’s older brother Hektor is introduced in the first chapter and disappears, literally, with two of his friends into a cornfield. The author then creates an eerie picture of Fels, the German town setting for the story, using descriptive words and phrases. The dreary light reveals an inexplicably unharvested field of ryegrass that reeks of decay and rot. Jo hears the howling of wolves that shouldn’t be there. It’s only two days until Halloween which prompts normal reader expectations of spookiness and the supernatural. A large, angry dog growls and barks at Jo as she sneaks around the field. The owners of the property are cast as an old drunk and his belligerent son who has managed to ostracize himself from most of the town. Jo finds Hektor’s phone and brings it home but it seems to terrify her pet guinea pigs.

Jo is the virtuous, brave heroine who’s determined to rescue her brother. Hektor’s not overly nice to his sister and is irked when she’s around with his friends. Still, she won’t give up on him. The early pages cast her as a superstitious loner yet she’s still able to put aside her fears and trepidations. She loves to read but doesn’t have any special powers or abilities. She takes the lead and initiative when others would suggest she give up. Jo represents a normal young girl who portrays a positive character that all readers can admire. Even when it seems the problem is resolved she’s determined to stop it from happening again.

What didn’t work as well:

Jo’s dad doesn’t remember Hektor even exists as Hektor’s school schedule even disappears from the refrigerator door. However, Jo finds his bedroom still has school books on his desk and a FIFA video game on the floor. Later, the scene changes for her when she’s with her father. It makes sense that “reality” might be hidden from adults but why does that change what Jo is able to see?

The final verdict:

It’s interesting that this story depicts a German Halloween that offers a break from cultural traditions. The author artfully develops a creepy setting that utilizes customary traits from other spooky stories with the countdown to Halloween instilling tension. Overall, this book should entertain young readers and I recommend you give it a shot!

The Girl Who Fell to Earth by Patricia Forde

What worked:

Humans were planted on Earth a thousand years ago so scientists from Terros could study their development without scientific intervention. The world history humans know comes from evidence planted by people from Terros. Citizens of Terros now view Earth as a dirty, disgusting place where Earthlings know they’re destroying the planet but won’t do anything to stop it. While absurd, the truth hurts when readers think about the pollution, loss of resources, and negativity that abound in the real world today. It’s great commentary on the way we’re destroying our planet even though we’re aware we can do things to stop it.

Aria is forced to deal with many deep emotions when she’s left alone on the Shadow Planet called Earth. She’s learned all about the planet during her schooling on Terros but what’s she supposed to think when her observations and experiences conflict with that knowledge? She’s told humans don’t form bonds but that’s not what she sees in Megan’s family. What about Aria’s growing closeness with Aria. Does pollution and war on the Shadow Planet justify killing the innocent people Aria has met? How does Aria and her human DNA fit into the whole scenario? Perhaps Aria’s struggles will help young readers think about their views of others and the world.

This book may appeal to puzzle lovers, like me. Aria and her father have always enjoyed them and they even kill time doing some Earth crossword puzzles together. Crosswords have hints in how the clues are phrased or the words chosen to describe the answers. Puzzle-solving techniques come in very handy after Aria is left alone as her father is forced to send cryptic messages. Something goes wrong and they aren’t even able to trust their friends. Aria’s father transmits secret notes to her using crossword puzzle clues. Readers will able to think right along with Aria as she tries to solve the important messages being communicated.

What didn’t work as well:

Why doesn’t Aria send her own coded messages back to her father? If he thinks it’s okay to send coded messages then why can’t she do the same thing in return? It seems like there should be a way for them to communicate but it’s never introduced. I suppose it’s to make things harder and more suspenseful.

The final verdict:

Since most readers will be humans, they'll quickly connect with and root for the victims in this book. They should empathize with Aria as she’s thrust into the role of the “enemy” even though she knows almost nothing until the events begin to unfold. I’m not sure the ending is fully satisfying but I still recommend you give this book a shot.

Slugfest by Gordan Korman

What worked:

The story is told from several points of view by eighth graders taking a summer school gym class. They share a need to pass it or they won’t move to high school in the fall. Yash and Cleo are the two primary characters but with differing views of athletics. They are the two best athletes in class but a serious injury has given Cleo an opportunity to reevaluate the importance of sports. The minor characters provide entertaining subplots with a twin brother and sister pair being the most amusing. They’re constantly feuding about something and their relentless pranks toward each other have no bounds.

The main conflict is allowed to develop organically as the characters wonder if they’ll receive credit for the P.E.E. class. This conflict becomes the underlying focus of the book. The teacher has the students play tag or Duck Duck Goose which are certainly not typical activities for kids preparing to enter high school. An investigative journalism class is the catalyst for escalated problems as it sometimes creates unwarranted suspicions. Conspiracies and injustice may be deduced from observations when they don’t actually exist. Good intentions can backfire when people don’t thoroughly examine the overall situation or possibilities.

There are several dynamic characters who grow and transform into better versions of themselves. Yash is a star quarterback who wants to impress the high school coaches. He’s forced to seek help from the other Slugs which ends up benefitting all of them. Cleo views Yash as an entitled jock who always gets his way but she reluctantly learns that her perceptions may be mistaken. Another student has a black-and-white view of fairness but complicated events reveal that the world is full of grey. A super-uncoordinated, straight-A boy is determined to develop at least a minimal amount of athleticism.

What didn’t work as well:

The plot is fairly predictable without knowing specific details. The disgruntled students will ultimately work as a team and learn valuable life lessons along the way. The unusual blend of characters is what makes this story special.

The Final Verdict:

We can always count on Korman to use interesting characters to tell humorously serious stories that aren’t that aren’t far-fetched. This book should appeal to upper middle-grade students and I recommend you give it a shot.

Scariest. Book. Ever. (Goosebumps House of Shivers 1) by R.L. Stine

What worked:

Once again, Stine masterfully manipulates words and descriptions to develop a creepy, eerie setting. Fraternal twins Billy and Betty don’t want to spend two weeks with their weird uncle in the middle of nowhere, and their dog anxiously frets during the drive there. This immediately sets readers on edge as they anticipate upcoming horrors. The uncle’s home sits amongst a dense forest and there’s obviously no cell reception for phone calls. The twins are left alone until they’re greeted into the house and introduced to a cousin they didn’t know they had. They’re only in the house long enough to be attacked by a manbat before they venture into the Wayward Forest.

The plot does not have a shortage of action and adventure as the twins are thrown into the middle of it. Their uncle says they must retrieve a stolen book from the Wayward Forest before it unleashes evil into the world. The book’s synopsis mentions several of the creatures the kids must survive and the forest holds even more mysteries and dangers. The beasts in the forest have been untouched by man which has enabled them to grow to immense sizes. Being among the dark trees and meat-eating plants and animals is spooky but being lost and alone is even worse. Readers are forced to reboot their minds halfway through the plot when they discover things may not be entirely what they seem. The author isn’t finished yet as he later decides to play with readers’ thoughts and twists characters and events once again. It’s a fun rollercoaster that will keep readers jumping.

Stine is a master of fright as he affects multiple senses to get full-body scares from readers. The dense, dark forest hides huge monsters that wield huge claws and teeth to shred their victims. Other dangers are soft or slimy which the kids unfortunately discover by chance and quickly regret. The twins hear sounds of scratching and growling and they even cringe when their uncle screams out in fright. Touching readers’ senses really helps to get imaginations working to create the most terrifying creatures in their minds. My descriptions don’t do the story justice but you can believe the story will get your heart pumping a little bit quicker.

What didn’t work as well:

The sudden changes in the plot may make some readers uncomfortable when they’re forced to rethink what’s happened. On the other hand, this strategy keeps them guessing and open to new surprises.

The Final Verdict:

Stine has mastered his spooky style over the decades and this book is the first installment in a new series. It’s sure to creep out a new generation of young readers and I recommend you give it a shot.

Gossamer Summer by H.M. Bouwman

What worked:

Dealing with grief is an issue as JoJo’s grandmother died the year before. It is especially traumatic for her since she was present when her grandmother first became sick and storytelling evokes sad feelings. JoJo’s sisters have always enjoyed her stories about fairies but she doesn’t want to share them. The idea of fairies touches a nerve for JoJo and she’s not ready to deal with those feelings. JoJo’s mother doesn’t pay much attention to her daughters as she’s busy trying to meet a deadline for a book she’s writing. This situation adds to JoJo’s emotional turmoil although her sisters don’t seem to share the same angst. Young readers will enjoy the unusual antics of JoJo’s younger twin sisters as they’re into imaginary blood, guts, and “throw-up”.

The author’s strategy for introducing fairies reminds me a bit of a movie where something lurks in the shadows, just out of sight. JoJo thinks she sees one out of the corner of her eye but it quickly disappears when she tries to focus on it. The blurry images make her wonder if it was all in her imagination. However, the food her twin sisters leave out for fairies disappears so something must have been there. Birds? Squirrels? The uncertainty causes readers to eagerly anticipate the moment fairies make a definitive appearance in the story.

This book explores the power of storytelling through the imagination and emotions of an audience. Words and sentences create mental images that make stories come to life but this book takes it a step further. JoJo’s sisters remember and relive her tales from the past and add their own twists when JoJo refuses to retell them. She doesn’t understand the potency of her words until she notices things that can’t be possible. The plot moves from playful summer days in a remote part of town to an imaginary world the characters didn’t know existed. The influence of JoJo’s stories is the catalyst for the changes.

What didn’t work as well:

The book has a nice story but it doesn’t develop much tension or suspense. There’s something the kids need to do but there’s no sense of urgency or imminent danger. Honestly, most readers will quickly think of the solution when the problem is introduced even though the characters don’t think of it until the plot’s climax.

The Final Verdict:

This is an enjoyable story of kids having the freedom to enjoy summer days. Their imaginations take them on an adventure with fairies that will force JoJo to face her emotions head-on. Give this book a shot!

Wrecker by Carl Hiaasen

What worked:

Wrecker’s home life is a bit complicated as his father left to become a famous country singer. His mother has remarried and she’s a high-maintenance wife, although his wealthy stepfather is able to afford her numerous plastic surgeries. It was mutually decided that Wrecker would be better off living somewhere else so he’s currently sharing a place with his stepsister Suzanne. She’s forced to use a wheelchair but that doesn’t stop her from staying involved in protesting for environmental issues. Wrecker is given a lot of independence so much of his free time is spent fishing in the ocean and helping others. He’s pretty much a loner but he’s okay with that.

Wrecker tries to set an impressive example of honesty and empathy for others. He knows there’s something wrong about taking money from the men on the boat and he’s uncomfortable spending it on anything he might want. He helps an old man by visiting the local cemetery every day to clean iguana poop off his sister’s gravestone. He makes time to join Suzanne’s various protests and environmental efforts. Unfortunately, fear of Silver Mustache, a shady character forcing Wrecker to take money, finds Wrecker getting himself into deeper and deeper trouble. However, Wrecker does all he can to keep Willi, a classmate from school, from getting mixed up in his problems. In the end, he also shows readers that he’s one clever young man.

Willi is a highlight of the story as she comes with an air of mystery. She injects herself into Wrecker’s life and her flirtatious manner adds some levity to the events. She then turns around and doesn’t respond to Wrecker’s texts and phone calls leaving him worrying about her safety. She shares very little about her home life, but at one point, she says something about having trouble with a boy in her life. The truth about this problem opens up issues related to other issues in the book. Perhaps Willi and Wrecker will have a relationship beyond friends when everything’s said and done, but maybe not.

What didn’t work as well:

There might be too much going on than is necessary. Wrecker has his dysfunctional family dynamics, there’s Silver Mustache guy, Willi and her problems, protest efforts to keep large boats away, stories of people buried in the cemetary, the Co-vid pandemic, and Wrecker’s family’s past as treasure divers. All of these things are interesting but perhaps there could be a couple less.

The Final Verdict:

The author weaves criminals, racism, family, friends, and environmental activism into a cohesive, enjoyable story. Maybe there’s too much going on but the focus on Wrecker is worth any distractions. Overall, it’s a highly entertaining book and I recommend you give it a shot.

Izzy Hoffman is Not a Witch by Alyssa Alessi

What worked:

Sharing a story about the Salem witch trials in a modern-day setting feels fresh. Izzy’s link to her great-times-ten grandmother begins as terrifying nightmares when the Bony Witch appears in mirrors and tries to grab her. The Bony Witch, or actually Alice Young, was the first witch hanged in Salem and the memory of many other innocent victims silently remains in Marblehead without notice. Tourists flock to the town taking selfies in front of Alice’s statue and to purchase souvenir shirts and coffee mugs. This atmosphere establishes the backdrop of the story as Izzy and her best friend Nat slowly realize something malevolent has entered their lives.

This book offers a spooky plot featuring witches and ghosts but it’s not overly intense for young readers. However, it still includes tense moments between supernatural beings to keep things exciting. The hunt for witches might not be over as the story makes connections between the events happening now and the execution of women accused of witchcraft centuries ago. An important part of the book is to never forget the women who were victims of needless, tragic deaths. Fear, prejudice, and anger combined are lethal combination that can get drastically out of hand.

I’ve read many books with middle-grade characters and often wonder why they don’t confide in their parents or trusted adults when things get too dangerous. Izzy and Nat understand they don’t know what’s happening so they enlist the help of the town’s psychic despite her kooky reputation. The séance doesn’t turn out as expected so the girls begin to grasp the ramifications of ghostly threats. Most adults will probably scoff if they share their experiences with them but Izzy decides she must talk to her mother. Speaking to her parents still has mixed results but it’s refreshing to see a young character ask for help. The author still manages to keep the focus on Izzy and doesn’t let the adults take over the story.

What didn’t work as well:

This book is fairly short at 144 pages so the plot doesn’t have time to introduce any significant complications. Actually, the effects of the antagonist are major parts of the story while the man himself only makes brief appearances. The overall tale is very entertaining but it might be even better if the conflict was developed into a more dramatic, suspenseful issue. The plot doesn’t create a feeling of urgency as well as it might.

The Final Verdict:

The narrative tells a thrilling ghost story and highlights an appalling time in our country’s history. The opening pages grab the attention of readers as Izzy is terrified during a chilling dream. Or is it a dream? I recommend this book for lovers of ghost stories and history.