Terra Electrica: The Guardians of the North by Antonia Maxwell

What worked:

The plot features two characters as a highly contagious, deadly disease has killed everyone in Mani’s village. She’s been told the scientists at the nearby laboratory are evil and she should never go near them. However, circumstances drive her to desperation and Mani finds herself inside the building searching for food. She meets a scientist and discovers they have something strange in common. They are both infected with the illness but they haven’t died, yet. They soon form a partnership and venture off on an adventure to find help.

Mani inherits a wooden mask from her mother that transports her to a frigid world where she meets a polar bear guardian guide. Ooshaka offers her counsel although many of Mani’s questions go unanswered. Her mother never taught Mani about the mask so readers are left to wonder what other secrets it might hold. This relic is a spiritual connection to memories of Mani’s indigenous ancestors. Mani also meets Crow who offers more information about her situation but still causes leaves her with more uncertainties.

The plot presents an interesting blend of science and faith as the characters strive to survive an apocalyptic melting of the ice caps. Leo and Mani encounter evidence of flooding, devastation, and death while trying to make their way to other scientists at the Ark. They find red bones of those who’ve died from the disease and Leo’s map is inaccurate due to lands that are now underwater. Unmoving, broken cars sit where they finally stop, and random, desperate survivors are willing to kill to stay alive. The disease makes everyone paranoid and anybody showing symptoms is seen as a threat. Mani faces danger from every stranger due to their terrifying fear of the illness.

What didn’t work as well:

The introduction of Mani’s character seems to imply she’s somewhat unaware of how things work in the modern world but she doesn’t seem as naïve as the story moves along. Her background story is a bit fuzzy. However, the epilogue reveals more about Mani’s origins so the sequel should have more clarity.

The final verdict:

This book establishes the scenario for the series so readers should be prepared to continue with the second book. The last fourth of the book reveals the underlying conflict with some twists as nature and humanity try to strike a balance. Overall, I recommend this inventive story for your reading pleasure.

The Great Charming (The Caverns of Cracklemore 1) by Jace Schwartz

What worked:

Remaine is an endearing, underdog character as he always performs below family expectations. For generations, they’ve been diving for rare fish that are cooked with their secret sauce. However, Remaine always catches fewer fish than his older sister but that’s partly because he spends so much time alone in a secret underwater cave. He dreams of exciting adventures like the legendary Great Mariner but his real life tells a much different story. Then, he fails The Great Charming: not receiving the magic, not breathing out the Old Cold, not catching a fish during the Dive that will define his life. Remaine hastily decides it’s time for a drastic change. This decision leads him into the middle of an exciting adventure that will eventually reveal an incredible, terrifying scheme.

The plot takes a huge turn halfway into the book with a new setting and some characters showing hidden sides and secrets. Remaine is thrown into a major conflict involving the prince although the details aren’t immediately known. New information forces Remaine to question what he’s been told so far and he realizes his life is in danger. He’s protected by the characters but there’s still a sense that something’s off. Readers are forced to reconsider their own thinking in trying to understand what’s actually happening. This mental mystery concerning the truth will engage readers’ minds and keep them speculating about what’s to come.

Remaine is an enigma as there are questions and mysteries about his character waiting to be told. His family thinks his daydreams are a problem but Remaine’s cave drawings may be more important than he realizes. A prophecy is revealed that may, or may not, be talking about Remaine and his key role in Cracklemore’s future. The prince speaks of Remaine’s potential and his ability to see other worlds but Remaine still has doubts about his importance. Readers will wonder if he has other abilities and powers that have yet to emerge.

What didn’t work as well:

The plot can’t be described as fast-paced due to the abundant description of settings, characters, and events. This style allows readers to fully visualize the story but it may make them antsy. The second half of the book has more action and suspense so it’s worth it for readers to persevere.

The final verdict:

This book is best for upper middle-grade readers with the patience and thinking skills to take on a more challenging narrative. The first third of the book requires mental stamina due to the slow pace but the action and intrigue pick up once Remaine is taken from the prince. Overall, this imaginative adventure will appeal to fantasy lovers and I recommend you give it a shot. 

The Wakefield Princess (Kevin Martinez and the Crimson Knights) by Mike Torres

What worked:

The book blends the medieval and modern worlds as the characters pass through a portal into Derathiel. The efforts of Kevin, Matt, and Jake in this kingdom are necessary to protect lives in the modern world. Kevin already wields a powerful sword called Flameclaw while Jake possesses a war hammer called Tombstone. Battle scenes find the boys striking down enemy creatures with their godly weapons and Matt finally earns a spear called Diamondpeak from Whispawn. The weapons will be put to good use as the friends battle the Whiteface and an army of rebels seeking to overthrow Princess Hayley. Whispawn’s brother is Zaron, now called Raven, and he’s the main antagonist threatening both worlds. However, a mysterious woman emerges later in the book and she should play a larger role in the sequel.

The connection between Derathiel and the modern world creates questions and mysteries for readers to ponder. First off, how and why are the worlds connected? Kevin is prophesized to be the protector of an infant child but she lives in a trailer park with a school bully. While searching for Diamondpeak, Matt finds the picture of a young girl in an ancient tome who could be the twin of a crush he has back in school. How is it possible for her picture to be in this other world when the boys just recently discovered its existence? The second half of the book shifts to the modern world as problems in both dimensions converge.

The author adds subtle humor throughout the book during light-hearted moments. The boys tease each other as kids typically do and this carries over into Derathiel. Kevin and Matt are a little sensitive when it comes to discussing girls they like. It’s comical when the characters contrast how girlfriends are found in the different worlds. A large, friendly brute named Bruce says it’s customary in the north of  Derathiel to “barge into her hut” and take a girl he likes while the boys say they’d go to jail in their world for doing that. The bully insists he needs to protect Kevin, even if Kevin doesn’t want his help, so their exchanges can be amusing.

What didn’t work as well:

You’ll need to read the previous books first. Old characters reemerge in the plot without reminders of their past experiences and relationships and previous events may be fuzzy. Perhaps readers new to the series won’t be bothered by this style but it doesn’t work as well for me.

The final verdict:

The conflict between the Crimson Knights and the forces of evil escalates and plots from the separate worlds begin to merge. The book will appeal to lovers of medieval times and action=filled stories and I recommend you give it a shot.

How to Help a Hare and Protect a Polar Bear by Dr. Jess French

What worked:

The book is divided into nine different habitats with a similar format in each section. The first two pages of a section describe wildlife that can be found in that habitat and how the habitat is being harmed. The next two pages explain facts about unusual animals specific to the area and ways young readers can help conserve the habitat. The end of the book includes an index and glossary to help locate individual topics or to learn definitions of terms used. There are also pages sharing additional information about endangered species including the address for the IUCN’s website where visitors can learn the endangered status of different animals. The purpose of the book is to inform but it also provides suggestions regarding how young people can help. In general, many of the ideas can be summed up with reduce, reuse, and recycle. Other hints suggest using environmentally friendly products, becoming more aware of what’s happening in nearby habitats, and helping to educate others about harmful habits and different ways to protect nature.

The book includes colorful illustrations of the habitats along with the unique animals found there. There is a nice blend of familiar and uncommon animals to help readers relate to the content. The savannah shows a giraffe and African wild dogs, the swamp shows a beaver along with a meadow vole, and the jungle displays an orangutan and a proboscis monkey. The author provides brief highlights of the different animals so young readers won’t be overwhelmed by an overabundance of information.

What didn’t work as well:

The information and conservation suggestions don’t significantly differ from what’s been shared in other books and magazines. However, highlighting the information in short, specific pieces should make it easily understood by young readers.

The final verdict:

This book is a reader-friendly introduction to learning about habitats and conservation around the world. It reminds me that individual readers live in individual habitats so the different sections will appeal differently to individual audiences. Overall, I recommend this book to young readers interested in science, animals, and nature.

The Wishkeeper’s Apprentice by Rachel Chivers Khoo

What worked:

The author offers a new twist on the concepts of wishes and magic. Rupus Beewinkle does much more than grant wishes and he sorely needs a new apprentice. Every person’s wish must be considered and cataloged whether it comes from a wishing well, birthday candles, dandelion petals, or turkey wishbones. The magic for some wishes requires little risk but other wishes are deemed ungrantable. The more complicated the wish the better chance there is of complications. Wishes involving life and death are considered illegal.

Rupus comes across as an eccentric character since he’s overwhelmed by problems that have arisen. He calls his secret home Snugwarm because it’s so cozy although there are messy stacks of papers and cards all over the place. He still manages to find time to indulge his sweet tooth with scrumptious snacks. His snorlick is a tasty drink that calms the characters and fills them with more positive thoughts. Rupus behaves a bit like a rebel since he has an inner desire to grant as many wishes as possible. This might explain why the wishes in his town have been experiencing snags unless an evil creature isn’t as extinct as all of the other Wishkeepers suspect. The plot offers an unexpected, passionate twist as it nears its climax.

Emotions play a large part in the story as they strongly affect the way characters view the world. Hope and joy are two of the strongest ones while despair and gloom can destroy a town. Felix is the main character and he’s feeling alone and unwanted. He especially misses the closeness he used to have with his older sister but she thinks he’s an annoying nuisance now. Rupus provides Felix with a sense of purpose and belonging that gives him more courage and optimism. However, events hit his emotions hard and force him to battle for his existence. Rupus and Felix are forced to battle the attack on positive feelings to save the entire town from desolation.

The final verdict:

This enchanting tale will captivate young readers through its unusual characters and original plot. It’s fast-paced and easy to read with charming illustrations to enhance the story. Overall, this unassuming book will be loved by all young readers and I highly recommend you give it a shot.

Happiness According to Humphrey by Betty G. Birney

What worked:

Humphrey is a classroom hamster who makes observations about what happens with the students. The author describes a “normal” elementary classroom so young readers can connect with what’s happening. The classroom becomes a little community and Humphrey’s thoughts keep readers informed about any issues. A wonderful balance is found between the impossibility of students understanding the squeaks of a hamster and Humphrey’s central role among the students. The story is told through Humphrey’s eyes but he’s also able to write small, anonymous messages that he can leave for others to find. Of course, no one in the classroom knows that Humphrey has a journal hidden inside his cage.

The book addresses many different problems that may arise in school classrooms. Some students don’t like reading orally which is a common fear of many young readers. The kids study for spelling tests which Humphrey enjoys taking too. He is worried as the story moves along when the other class pet, a frog named Og, begins to act sick. A major conflict occurs when a student’s grandmother loses her pet dog and the class decides to help find it. All of the problems in the book will be relatable to young readers so they’ll be able to make easy connections to the book.

Throughout the book, the chapters end with Humphrey’s thoughts about happiness based on what he sees in the room. There are lessons about working together, persevering, and sharing feelings with others. Talking to friends can make people happier and make sad times easier to handle. The chapters themselves describe the hamster’s confusion about some things that make kids happy. He doesn’t understand why they get so excited about the new dog that’s helping them read out loud. It has a mouthful of sharp teeth that Humphrey finds frightening.

What didn’t work as well:

Proficient middle-grade readers may not appreciate a less challenging narrative. The text is easy to understand and the characters explain any uncommon vocabulary or concepts. There aren’t any dramatic twists and most of the student problems are fairly normal. However, kids like animals, and the hamster, frog, and dogs play large parts in the plot.

The final verdict:

This book is best suited for middle-elementary students. Humphrey is an adorable main character as the author artfully blends the worlds of reality and imagination. This book can be enjoyed by any young reader and I recommend you give it a shot.

A Whisper of Curses (Park Row Magic Academy) by J. Elle

What worked:

The story is told through the eyes of Kyana and Ashley, two students at the Park Row Magic Academy, or PRMA. They each specialize in different types of magic with Kyana being better with potions and Ashley having a great deal of experience with Availables. Alternating chapters put readers inside the girls’ minds as Kyana surprisingly finds herself cursed by an Available. Uncontrollable laughing and crying are hard to explain and Kyana pleads with Ashley to keep it secret. Kyana’s chapters show her frustrations and fears with the curse and her self-image while Ashley’s focus is on using her knowledge of Availables to discover what’s actually happening.

The plot evolves into a mystery as Kyana and Ashley try to understand what’s happening with the Availables. They’re behaving unusually and the girls begin to suspect the actions are not random. Kyana specializes in potions, Ashley’s knowledge is with Availables, and Russ has a talent for charms and social media. Ashley hopes to discuss the Available situation with a world expert named Dr. Minzy but she begins to wonder if he’ll be any help. His new invention seems to be promising but it’s kept beyond Ashley’s reach and understanding. Readers will wonder about the machine’s full capabilities and why Dr. Minzy isn’t using it to help rescue the campers.

The magical elements of the story are creative which makes the story feel fresh. The first example is a friendly Available called Lucy who is confined to a door inside the school. It talks to Kyana and bending and stretching allow the door to display “facial” expressions. Plants in front of Ashley’s home have sharp teeth so trimming them can be a painful experience. Other tiny creatures feed on eyelashes. Ashley decides her investigation leads to the original world of Availables so portals to other worlds are part of the story. Readers are introduced to the rules governing human and Available interaction but Ashley also overhears some game-changing information about Kyana’s attack.

What didn’t work as well:

This book is the second in the series and previous events are a little vague. It’s unclear why the headmistress deems Kyana a great student leader but self-doubt haunts Kyana throughout most of the book. She comes to some interesting realizations about leadership that are shared later in the story.

The final verdict:

New readers to the series, like me, will take some time to understand the characters and backstory. However, the plot is engaging with each main character contributing a unique ability to solve the Available mystery. Overall, the unusual conflict and characters result in a charming tale and I recommend you give it a shot.