Jack and the Beanstink (Stinky Stories 2) by J.J. % Chris Grabenstein

What worked:

The book allows readers to use their imaginations as it presents another version of a familiar fairy tale. Many of these stories take on a whole new meaning if they’re considered from a different point of view. What if the giant is considered a victim? Jack sneaks into his home, steals his stuff, and is injured when Jack cuts down the beanstalk. Is it right to let Jack get away with his crime while the giant is killed in the fall? The characters in this book think not so the story continues by assuming the giant survives.

Stinky is a stuffed toy skunk sitting atop a library shelf. He can talk to children, along with several other stuffed friends, as long as there are no adults around to hear. Apparently, the librarian is aware of Stinky’s ability as she winks at him before leaving the room. Stinky injects himself into the fairy tale to create alternate endings to them. He encourages the children in the library, and those reading this book, to use their creativity as his new version moves along. One child recalls a detail that helps Stinky bring this story to a happy ending for the giant.

What didn’t work as well:

The Amazon listing indicates this book is for ages 6 and up but I’d bump that up a year or two. The story includes wordplay and humor that kindergarten and first graders might not understand. However, they’ll like the numerous illustrations on almost every page.

The final verdict:

This book is perfect for young and emerging readers as it begins with a familiar story. Using humor, pictures, and short chapters helps to make it more accessible for students learning to read. I recommend this book for ages 7-10 or older readers looking for a funny story to read quickly.

Ambush at Sorato (The Royal Ranger 7) by John Flanagan

What worked:

The previous book introduced a magical element to the series but it’s nice to see the author hasn’t included it this time. The “magic” of the series is found in the Rangers’ unbelievable talents, intelligence, and tactical skills. Tales of the Rangers have been exaggerated into folklore over time and they’ve reached mystical status. King Duncan often sends them on diplomatic, as in this book. The opening chapters find Will and Maddie brokering a truce between two countries since their military strengths complement each other. The mission quickly morphs into an alliance to defend against a Temujai invasion. The author alternates chapters to follow the separate, but equally important, quests to prepare a coordinated effort. The second half of the book focuses on Will and Maddie with some chapters switching to the Temujai leader and his plans to crush the citizens of this country.

The author likes to incorporate elements from The Ranger’s Apprentice series into other books like this one. The references aren’t important prior knowledge so readers won’t feel like they’re missing anything. Maddie is the Royal Ranger as she’s also a princess. She’s gained confidence throughout the series under the tutelage of her mentor, Will Treaty. The story refers to Will’s previous encounter with the Temujai in The Ranger’s Apprentice series but this tribe also appears in The Brotherband Chronicles.

Will displays compassion and understanding for others that other characters don’t always show. Mercenaries are needed to battle the Temujai and Will insists servants accompany them for their help. The servants are treated poorly and aren’t given any respect until Will changes that attitude. When handling negotiations, he listens and considers different points of view and he’s willing to concede or modify his position if there’s value. One character in particular doesn’t view others in the same way which will lead to a showdown in the book’s closing chapters. Will continues to share his wisdom and experience with Maddie but he also treats her as a highly-skilled Ranger.

What didn’t work as well:

Since this is the seventh book in the Royal Ranger series, readers may be surprised that Maddie isn’t the main focus. Will is the main character and Maddie acts as his assistant. Perhaps it’s because I’ve read so many books about the Rangers, but their skills don’t seem to be on full display as much as in previous books. The story doesn’t feel fresh.

The final verdict:

The story is still an exciting adventure although it lacks the suspense and drama found in some of the other books. This book can be read independently and I recommend you give it a shot. I also recommend you read the other series too!

The Graveyard Gift by Fern Forgettable

What worked:

The book has a curious structure as the story is written by Fern, a mischievous fairy, but it’s narrated by the author, Piper CJ. Fern is not seen again after the first few chapters. Readers are informed in the opening pages that all humans have magic in them, including readers themselves, although they probably don’t know it. What a way to make young readers feel special! Rosemary is the main character and she has lived with her human mother, in a human world, until she discovers her ability to foresee future death comes from her fae father. She knows nothing about her father so that’s a mystery for readers to consider throughout the story.

There’s an air of mystery when Rosemary first arrives at the school. The school is located between the fairy and human realms to protect wayward fae from both worlds. There’s an underlying conflict where some fae think there shouldn’t be a barrier between fae and humans anymore, magic should be everywhere, while others feel it’s safer to keep fae and humans separate. There’s an unwritten conflict in the school between Seelies and Non-Seelies where the Seelies view themselves as better and more powerful. Rosemary realizes the staff at the school are unhappy about her arrival and something has them spooked. They insist nothing dangerous can reach students in the school even after Rosemary’s best friend Essie disappears.

The author creates an unusual cast of characters as the students have a wide variety of powers. While Rosemary foresees when people die, her roommate Tryst can foresee how they die. Tryst is part banshee and her screaming in the middle of the night killed her previous roommate. She warns Rosemary to wear earplugs when she goes to bed! Another student can use glamour to influence other’s thoughts while Essie is part djinn, or genie. Another student has a connection to the ghost world that may come in handy. Rosemary is determined to find Essie and she’ll need the help of other students’ abilities to do it.

What didn’t work as well:

Readers should expect to read the sequel whenever it’s published. Finding Essie is a conflict for this plot but the overall book feels more like the introduction to a series.

The final verdict:

Rosemary is an intriguing character since she’s not fully aware of her abilities and we don’t know the identity of her father. A little bit of information about her father is shared at the end when Rosemary finds herself in a very unexpected situation. Overall, the book will appeal to lovers of fae and magical abilities and I recommend you give it a shot.

The Twisted Tower of Endless Torment (THe Horrible Bag Series 2) by Rob Renzetti

What worked:

The book gives an ample recap of the previous book to understand the backstory. Zenith’s older sister Apogee was changed into his four-year-old younger sister so they re-enter the skin-covered bag in a return to the land of GrahBhag. Apogee wants to be the older sister again! However, Zenith is public enemy number one so every citizen and creature is on the lookout for him. This adds a large complication to the plot as Zenith can’t move freely around the lands after being separated from Apogee. A huge surprise awaits readers when they reach the plot’s climax!

The story has a humorous tone as GrahBhag is a world of the unexpected and absurd. A gargoyle aids Zenith when he first arrives in return for eating his earwax and munching the peeling skin found on his sunburned back. A blindfolded moose presides over a courtroom where the guilty (the accused) has no chance of proving his innocence. A prison doesn’t need bars or cells because the walls conjure confusing obstacles to keep inmates from escaping. Zenith has amusing interactions and exchanges with other characters especially when they think Apogee and he have magical powers. Their reputation after defeating the Great Wurm in the previous book precedes them.

Most of the chapters are fairly short (five to seven pages) which will appeal to reluctant readers. They’ll feel a sense of accomplishment for finishing chapters while more experienced readers will have ample stopping points to choose from. Readers’ imaginations are challenged especially when they reach Eternity Tower. Confusing descriptions are perplexing when trying to create mental images. Readers will be constantly on the lookout for strange characters and animated plants.

What didn’t work as well:

The humor probably won’t appeal to everyone. In addition, Zenith gets side-tracked for much of the book so the search for Apogee is put on the back burner. It’s unclear at this time why the author includes Zenith’s friend Kevin in the GrahBhag adventure.

The final verdict:

Readers must have a tolerance for weird humor as the settings, characters, and events will have unexpected twists. Zenith is an admirable big brother as his sole concern is keeping Apogee safe. Overall, the book won't appeal to everyone but it’s entertaining. I recommend you give it a shot and see if it’s a good fit for you.

The Dream Stealers by Stuart Beard

What worked:

Josh’s story is the most entertaining when he awakens in the middle of a forest with no idea how he gets there. He’s transported into a fantasy world where he immediately meets an unusual pirate driving a huge vehicle called The Marvellous Contraption. Zephaniah is a collector of oddities and he’s used his ship to explore different dimensions. They’re joined by a lizardman named Crumplehorn who agrees to help Josh return home. Crumplehorn is an amazing inventor and Zephaniah has unbridled enthusiasm and imagination so there’s no way they can be stopped.

Other sections of the book describe a malevolent character posing danger to young children everywhere. The Raggedy Man uses a bone-carved flute to mesmerize his targets and control his army of giant stag beetles, spiders, and other terrifying creatures. The author includes song lyrics the Raggedy Man sings to his victims as well as lyrics sung about him. These lines of poetry provide a different writing style to the story and a level of creepiness. An evil demon is scary enough but it’s even worse when he starts spouting rhyming verses. It makes it feel like he’s playing with the helpless characters so their demise is inevitable.

Young readers will enjoy the author’s sense of humor. Zephaniah’s positivity seems out of place in dire predicaments but it creates light-heartedness. His responses to threats are rarely what readers will expect. The Marvellous Contraption is an impressive vehicle but readers won’t know what strange things characters might find stored in boxes and compartments. Crumplehorn’s assistant is a robotic hedgehog named Norman who speaks like an English butler. Readers will be surprised when bananas prove to be effective weapons and who would expect to find a princess living in the middle of a swamp, or is it a marsh?

What didn’t work as well:

The plot covers multiple settings and they’re not clearly connected in the beginning. This is a problem as readers are trying to make sense of the events to understand what’s happening in the plot. The opening scenes describe a young girl being attacked by the Dream Stealer but it’s not necessary. The other scenarios, especially Josh’s story, clearly establish the threat and conflict.

The final verdict:

The author creates a fun-filled adventure that will appeal to many middle-grade readers. Zephaniah is the book’s highlight since his comments and actions are often out of the ordinary. While the plot’s conflict is resolved, readers should anticipate a sequel sometime in the future. I recommend you give this book a shot.  

How to Stop Freaking Out: The Ultimate Guide to Keeping Cool When Life Feels Chaotic by Carla Naumburg

What worked:

It’s remarkable how well the author shares psychological suggestions by making them relatable to young readers. Everyone deals with anxiety and stress and the book reassures readers that freaking out is normal. Everyone freaks out at some time. Information is accompanied by colorful cartoons which adds a little levity to mature concepts. The author constantly provides examples and “what ifs” to give kids specific situations that may resonate with them. Approaching freakouts is compared to getting on a roller coaster as it’s harder to get off as the moment nears. Readers learn about their buttons and how to avoid getting them pushed. Short quizzes are included throughout the book to help readers recall and internalize the information covered.

Almost every page includes humor and amusing ideas to explain the coping techniques. The narrative is written in a conversational tone to make readers comfortable. The author makes jokes when appropriate and paints some amusing mental images. The introduction tells readers that two important strategies to use when freaking out are F.A.R.T.s and BuRPing. Not those kinds of farts and burps! The terms refer to acronym reminders to identify potential freaks outs and ways to de-escalate when they’re happening. “Quack like a duck” is listed as one of the BuRPs! A person’s limbic is always looking for ways to keep them safe and the author compares this part of the brain to a Safety Squirrel.

The author is a clinical social worker and has previously written four parenting books, one of which is about not freaking out. She begins by defining the term freaking out and identifies situations that are examples and non-examples. Young readers learn how their bodies handle stress and anxiety which enables them to better avoid going bonkers (one of her terms). Kids are reminded throughout the book that there’s nothing wrong with them and there’s nothing wrong with their feelings. Again, the author’s writing style will make middle-grade readers comfortable with the material while arming them with useful tools for maintaining their mental health.

What didn’t work as well:

This book is more like a manual or guide (the title says it’s a guide) in that it will be nice to have handy for reference purposes rather than memorizing everything in it. The author shares twenty-six ways to BuRP but readers are encouraged to choose the ones that work for them.

The final verdict:

It’s easy to forget the author is sharing useful techniques for handling stressful situations as she makes the narrative amusing and easy to read. She takes the process step by step so young readers fully understand what’s going on with their minds and bodies. I recommend you give this book a shot!

The Door by Jan Fields

What worked:

A mysterious door appears in a school hallway and it’s become legendary to the students and alumni. Stories are told about kids who enter the door never being seen again but no one really believes it. Lata and Tom don’t know each other but they pass through the door and enter a world identical to the one they left. The first big sign that things are different is when Lata finds her sister alive! However, this Zoya has no memory of Lata and her parents don’t know her either. Tom assumes his parents must never have moved here from Boston so both kids are stranded in a world where no one knows they exist.

Lata is emotionally distraught due to her older sister’s death three months before. She loved and looked up to Zoya but regrets not sharing these feelings with her. Her parents haven’t adjusted to the loss very well and Lata is constantly upset about their fighting. She’s given up and just wants the pain to go away. Tom is angry that his father made the family move to North Carolina forcing him to leave his friends and comfortable life behind. Other students make fun of his Boston accent and he’s not connecting with any potential new friends. Lata and Tom must each deal with their emotional baggage although Lata’s problems dominate the plot.

What didn’t work as well:

The book needs to be longer. Legend says no one’s been seen again after entering the door and no one knows how it happens. It’s hard to believe everything gets figured out over the course of one weekend. In addition, both kids have personal issues that deserve more development and readers may be left wanting more.

The final verdict:

Being forgotten is a horrible emotional trauma that will touch the feelings of young readers and the plot will connect with those who have dealt with loss. The book is a surprisingly fast read and offers a unique conflict. The listing says the book is for ages seven and up but the main characters are in the eighth grade. Over all, this book shares a heartfelt story of grief and I recommend you give it a shot.