Impossible Escape

Impossible Escape
Steve Sheinkin
Roaring Book Press, 2023
243 pages
Grades 8-Up
Non-Fiction

Three different points of view relate the story of two teenage Slovakian acquaintances who must escape the Nazis when their world crumbles at Hitler's rise to power. The primary story is seen through the eyes of Rudolf Vrba. After trying to escape multiple times from the Nazis he ends up in the worst imaginable place: Auschwitz. Once there it is an unbelievable fight for survival. After lucky breaks, near misses, and heroic actions, Rudi is the first person to actually escape from the Nazi death camp and tell his story to the Jewish underground. After joining the resistance and pulling his life together after the war, Rudy dedicates himself to telling his story so that it will never be repeated. We also experience the war through Rudy's friend Gerta, who though not initially arrested, experiences her own near-misses, relocations, hiding, and courageous acts of survival and resistance. The third voice is a narration offering the historical account of the war during this time period in order to educate the reader and give them context to the accounts of the two young people.

Sheinkin has won numerous awards for his non-fiction and this book is also worthy of praise. Meticulously researched, the back of the volume contains incredible source notes, a bibliography and an index. That said, the book reads like a novel. Sheinkin does add dialogue, but relied on the writings and accounts of the subjects and so it is based on actual memories. The plight of these two young people is staggering and though what happens to them is horrific, it is impossible to stop reading. They left accounts of their lives, so we know they must survive and that is what kept me going even as I was getting upset at the brutality of the Nazis. Maps are included within the text along with one photo of the young people after the war. That was all I need to get a visual in my head--and to know that they turned out okay. I love that Sheinkin did not rely on illustrations to tell this tale. An author's note at the end gives his account of following Rudi's heroic escape on foot, complete with some photos of this trek. The book was just the right length, every word mattered, and I felt different after reading it. Readers will be inspired by the actions and courage of these young people and will be left to ponder, as Sheinkin leaves the reader with this thought at the end of the book, "You read the story, you know what to do". In this crazy world, we are challenge to not to repeat the mistakes of the past.

Rosie Frost & the Falcon Queen

Rosie Frost & the Falcon Queen
Geri Halliwell-Horner
Philomel, 2023
452 pages
Grades 4-7
Mystery/Adventure

London native Rosie is having a bad day. She is being framed by bullies for wrong doing and is in trouble--yet again. Once at the principals office she finds that her problems are much worse than simply getting detention. Rosie's mother is suddenly dead of unknown reasons and she must be instantly transported to a boarding school on a remote British island. Rosie is devastated and thrown off-balance, further complicated by a shaky helicopter ride and a dump-and-run once on land. At the school Rosie is greeted by a sinister deputy headmaster, who confiscates a case belonging to her mother and puts her in the care of the school rich-girl/bully, who locks her in the creepy portrait gallery. In the middle of the night Rosie is visited by the ghost of Anne Boleyn, for whom Queen Elizabeth I dedicated the school. Known as the Falcon Queen, Anne has a code of conduct, which she shares with Rosie as she helps her along the way at the new school. Rosie is just in time for the annual Falcon Queen Games. She must win in order to gain an audience with the true headmistress and inform her of the evil doings that she begins to uncover. Despite her unwillingness to make friends, Rosie manages to find allies, both human and otherworldly, and get to the bottom of the mysterious happenings on the island.

Rosie Frost is a new hero in what seems to be projected to be a new mystery series penned by former a Spice Girl. There is a lot I liked about this book, including that it has more layers compared to other mysteries. At it's core this is a friendship story and Rosie begins to work through the loss of her mother by opening up to and trusting her new friends. She is a strong character, who is also a song writer. The author adds a QR code to the back of the book, which will lead readers to the song that Rosie writes in the story. I also like that the tale is seeped in British history. Fans of the Broadway show Six will be naturally drawn to the premise. The main arc reaches a satisfying conclusion and the mystery is solved. Left hanging is the whereabouts of Rosie's mother, who the reader will be left to assume is still alive somewhere. There are Harry Potter connections (British boarding school where students have to save the day), but it is more mystery and less fanciful. The fantasy element is slight and it is mostly realistic, save the ghostly Falcon Queen showing up. What I didn't like was the length. It is Waaaay too long and will turn off all but the most ambitious readers. I found myself struggling at the end and can't imagine that kids wouldn't feel the same. The end contains a glossary of British terms and a cute family tree of Henry the Eighth and his wives. A great choice for smart readers looking for a book to bite into.

Lo and Behold

Lo and Behold
Wendy Mass
Gabi Mendez, Illustrator
Random House, 2023
205 pages
Grades 3-7
Graphic Novel

Ever since Mom's bicycle accident, nothing has been right in Addie's family. Finally, Mom is off getting help and Addie and her dad are traveling across the country so Dad, a college professor, can work with a group of students developing VR games. Addie is carrying a lot of baggage and is unwilling to make friends, although Mateo, a cheerful guy from the down the hall, starts to wear her down. Mateo has troubles too. His brother spends a lot of time in the hospital fighting illness and he understands an unstable family. Meanwhile, the VR college gang are kind and cool. They are developing some amazing products and Addie and Mateo enjoy testing them out. Sometimes Addie feels as if it might be easier to live in the VR world and it is through the games that she starts to let her guard down and find some healing. One day while at the hospital they get a great idea: what if they develop a VR game to distract kids who are scared to get their treatments? With help from the college team Addie and Mateo set out to use the new technology to make a difference.

Mass, a middle grade author who is not afraid to dive deep, tackles a graphic novel that will attract readers, all while giving them an extra layer of content. At first glance I thought that this book was science fiction, but it is fully in present reality. All adventuring is done through VR goggles and Mass demonstrates how the technology can be used for healing and positive distraction. I liked the friendship between Addie and Mateo and thought that they were both great characters. Both young people are dealing with troubles that though present in the story and the catalyst behind their invention, do not overwhelm the plot. The full color illustrations by Mendez are expertly done, cheerful, and will attract readers. The coloring used when the kids are in VR land is slightly different, cluing readers in that this is not reality. I appreciate that Mass shows a positive side of technology besides video games and at the end of the volume she elaborates on her love of virtual reality and the path that lead her there. Also included are some notes from the illustrator on her process. This is a great recommendation for both boys and girls who are looking for a realistic memoire-type graphic novel, but don't want to get too heavy and will also appeal to reluctant readers.

Alebrijes

 Alebrijes

Donna Barba Higuera

Levine Querido, 2023

399 pages

Grades 5-8

Dystopian/Science Fiction

Leandro and his sister Gabi are trying to survive as Cascabeles (second class citizens) in the pocket of civilization known as Pocatel. Life is hard. They must forge in the fields for scraps and work for the ruling class, much like slaves. To make a little money to escape, Leandro turns to pickpocketing, which is a risk. If caught, he could be turned out of the safety of the city and into the wilderness with no food or water and where the dreaded and deadly wyrms hunt for prey. One fateful day Gabi steals a precious strawberry and Leandro must take the fall. He is exiled, which means certain death. A kindly scientist offers him a deal. If Leandro agrees to have his essence put inside an ancient drone, she will help him to live. In exchange, Leandro must try to find the scientist's daughter, who was previously exiled and is currently also existing inside a drone. Leandro takes the deal and for the first time sees what life is really like outside the city walls in the body of a zippy hummingbird. He finds an unexpected haven for drone refugees and learns that maybe there really is hope to be found on this barren planet. If only he can get back into his body, rescue his sister, and lead others to the new paradise without getting caught by the evil rulers of Pocatel.

In Mexico Alebrijes are brightly colored animal statues often representing people's unique spirit animals. This is a fitting title for a story about young people finding hope and independence while taking refuge in the body of animal drones. Higuera, Newbery winner for The Last Cuentista revisits the last days of an environmentally ravaged earth, offering a cautionary tale for what is to come if we don't act now. Other themes include loyalty, greed, the importance of community, and little guys can do big things. For a dystopian novel, which is a saturated field, this one felt fresh and original. I liked the concept and thought that the young people escaping and exploring the world through drones was a great idea. I also liked the wyrm (giant worm-like monsters) and the secret behind them. Set up as if this is a true account, readers will fall right into the story--and especially pour over the included map. Leonardo is a great character. Though often referred to as "he", he felt very gender neutral and everyone will relate to this character and tap into their better selves through him. Spanish words are sprinkled throughout and context clues will help readers decipher the meaning. Though loosely connected to the previous Newbery winner, I didn't quite enjoy this book as much. I felt that it went on for too long and became a bit of a slug at points. I would recommend this book to smart kids who want something that will challenge them and fans of the author's first.

Dear Mothman

Dear Mothman

Robin Gow

Amulet, 2023

313 pages

Grades 6-8

Narrative Poetry/Realistic Fiction

Unconventional formatting and narrative poetry convey the story of Noah, a transgender boy, who is dealing with the loss of a best friend and revealing to the world his true identity during the spring of sixth grade in a small Pennsylvania town. Noah processes his feelings by writing a series of letters to Mothman, a cryptid who has been sighted in the area and was greatly followed and adored by Lewis, the departed friend. Noah, who is on the spectrum, has a hard time understanding other people's intentions and often is confused when other kids make fun of him. It is with trepidation and cautious optimism that Noah begins to make some new friends: three girls who also march to the beat of their own drummers. One of the girls, Hanna, might even turn out to be a possible crush and love interest. The kids have a sleepover at Noah's house to try to catch Mothman on his daily nocturnal visits. They think they see him--and all run away scared. Noah feels terrible. He now has proof that Mothman exists, but needs physical evidence in order to make the other kids believe and get a passing grade in his science project. Desperate times call for desperate measures and Noah takes it upon himself to go into the woods to track down Mothman with predictably disastrous results. Will Noah survive the adventure? Will the world finally believe in Mothman and learn to accept Noah for who he truly is?

Well, its that time of year. I am reading all of the newly reviewed books of the year that are showing up on the "best of" lists. This is another beautifully written and powerful book--that the target audience is not reading. Thirty-three libraries in my consortium bought this book and only one is out--checked out to me! That said, Dear Mothman is deserving of all of it's praise. The poetry is gorgeous with every word important. The format is eye-catching. Different fonts are used for the narration and the letters with Hanna and Noah each getting their own distinct font. Pencil illustrations seem child-like and appear to be taped into the book scrapbook style. The edges of the pages are shaded to make the volume look like a journal. The representation is important, featuring a transgender autistic kid. The plot, though quiet, is interesting and I caught myself holding my breath to see if Mothman would really appear. I found certain situations a bit contrived. I was surprised that Noah managed to find such like minded and well-adjusted friends so quickly. In some ways Noah felt very immature, and in others the opposite was true-especially in the dating realm. I listened to the audio, which lost something without the benefit of seeing the formatting and I didn't quite believe the narration. This is a story best enjoyed by the physical book, which will require a bit of handselling to the right reader.

The Cursed Moon

The Cursed Moon
Angela Cervantes
Scholastic, 2024
221 pages
Grades 4-7
Horror

Rafael loves to write and tell scary stories. This is a release for him after living through a pretty scary early childhood with a mother struggling with addiction. Now he lives peacefully with his grandparents and little sister, but Mom is getting released from prison soon and he is very apprehensive about this new development. One day he tells a group of friends a new story about a creepy character named The Caretaker, who lures kids into a neighborhood pond. A neighbor overhears him and freaks out because he told the story under a Blood Red Moon and that means that the tale will come true. Is the neighbor crazy? Maybe, but her brother did disappear years ago as a child and he also told scary stories, so maybe she knows something about this. A mysterious large cat creeping around the neighborhood puts everyone further on edge and then bad news arrives when Rafael is suddenly not allowed to go on the neighborhood camping trip for the kids. He is disappointed--but also nervous for his sister. Will the Caretaker strike? He needs to figure out how to stop this sinister menace before more kids disappear. Help comes from unexpected places and Rafael dives deep to find the wits and courage to save the day.

Veteran author Cervantes serves up a spine-tingler seeped in realistic dilemmas. Horror is currently trending and this title will fill the bill for kids looking for scary fare. It is seriously creepy with a repeating scary refrain (One, two, he's coming for you...) and the situation feels plausible. Kids will be scared without being scarred and no one is permanently injured or killed. There are other levels to the story. Rafael is dealing with a parent that is overcoming addiction and is currently incarcerated, an absentee father, and friendship problems. Meanwhile, he feels very responsible for his younger sister, who he has always had to care for. I also like the representation of kids living with their grandparents of which there are a lot these days. Another layer is that Rafael's family is Hispanic and Spanish words are sprinkled throughout the text and the culture is represented. At the end of the day, Rafael finds the courage to beat the monster, make friends with his enemies, and give his mom a second chance. Not your run of the mill horror story, this is one with a bit of depth and more content than simply screams.

Remember Us

Remember Us

Jacqueline Woodson

Nancy Paulsen/Penguin, 2023

178 pages

Grades 5-7

Realistic/Historical Fiction

Short chapters and lyrical writing captures the reminiscences of Sage, a rising seventh grader experiencing a pivotal summer in her beloved neighborhood of Bushwick, Brooklyn. It is the 1970's and much of Bushwick is on fire, earning the nickname of "The Matchbook". As Sage goes through her summer playing basketball with her friends the constant background noise of sirens keeps everyone on high alert. A new boy moves to the neighborhood and Freddy and Sage become instant friends, supporting each other and sharing the love of basketball. This is the summer that Sage begins to question if its okay to want to hang out with the boys and play basketball instead of hopscotch with the girls. When an older boy calls her gender into question and steals her deceased father's basketball, she starts to feel "less than" and begins to fade away. A supportive mother, Freddy, and a neighborhood tragedy recalibrate Sage and she emerges more sure of herself and ready to embrace being who she is and doing what she loves. As the summer winds down Mom has some devastating news. Sage begins seventh grade in a place in which she didn't imagine living, yet pushes through, makes new friends, and continues her journey.

I am a huge fan of the writing of Jacqueline Woodson. She is one of those authors that is super intentional and every word included counts. This new book I particularly enjoyed because it harkens back to my childhood. Though I did not grow up in Brooklyn, there were enough references that made me feel as if I was back in the 1970's on a hot summer day with a popsicle dripping down my arm. Although the story is written as a narrative, it feels almost like poetry, much like the author's Brown Girl Dreaming, and is also semi-autobiographical. Themes such as overcoming gender norms, the importance of community, finding friends who get you, being true to yourself, and mourning the loss of a parent are prevalent within the pages. The format is unconventional, the chapters are sometimes very short (there are 77 of them), and there is a lot of white space on the page, so this book reads quickly. Though it is relatively short, it is jam-packed with content and is meant to be savored. It would make an excellent read-aloud and would benefit from some adult context. There is an author's note at the end with some historical information, but I am not sure that young readers will make it there on their own. Though beautifully written, this is not a book that kids will understand or pick up to read. I think it is thoughtful adults who will make the best audience. It reminded me a bit of Spinelli's Hokey Pokey, a story written to capture a long-ago childhood and not something necessarily intended for consumption by today's youth.

Warrior Girl Unearthed

Warrior Girl Unearthed

Angeline Boulley

Holt, 2023

396 pages

Grades 9-Up

Mystery

Perry Firekeeper-Birch loves her life as a tribal member of Ojibwa Indians living on Sugar Island in Michigan. As summer begins she is looking forward to fishing and taking it easy. After an accident that messes up her truck, Aunt Daunis forces Perry to join the same internship program as her ambitious twin Pauline. Pauline is assigned the plume role at Tribal Council, while Perry is sent to the local museum with the eccentric director. A meeting for the re-appropriation of tribal artifacts at a local college brings Perry face to face with the Warrior Girl, the skeleton of a long-deceased ancestor. The artifacts and actual remains of previous members of Perry's tribes are scattered all over the region--and even all over the globe. As Perry's eyes open to this travesty, she gets angry and decides to take matters into her own hands, leading to a bad decision that lands her in a new placement. Now it is Perry at the Tribal Council and Pauline reassigned, because of inappropriate advances made by the chief. Perry is now assigned to the tribe's second in command, who is sympathetic to her cause to reclaim their ancestors and historic possessions. When Perry discovers some atrocities, she comes up with a plan to retrieve the sacred items, possibly putting herself and those she loves in danger. Throw in a murder, missing girls, and a possible love interest and you have another winner from a Printz winning author.

Boulley revisits the same family and location of her award winning book Firekeeper's Daughter. It is ten years later and though Daunis is a character in the story, we now are focused on her twin nieces Perry and Pauline. The relationship between the two girls is interesting and both grow a lot during the story. I learned about Indian Repatriation of artifacts and human remains. I really had no idea of the extent of the theft from native peoples and now that my eyes are open I will be more cognizant moving forward. Not as much of a sequel, but more as a companion novel, readers can dive into this story without having read the first, but certain characters and items are richer with prior knowledge. The plot is super absorbing and I was instantly swept up and enjoying the twists and turns of Perry's crazy summer. For some reason both this book and the predecessor are not big hits with teens readers in Bergan County New Jersey. Although practically all of the libraries in my consortium bought them, very few are out. I think in this case the cover does not help the book and it may require some handselling. Both mysteries, the missing girls and the murder, are solved by the book's end in a satisfyingly manner and readers will have closure. Set in 2014, maybe next the author will skip ahead to the present and we can see the fate of the Warrior Girl.

We Are All So Good at Smiling

We Are All So Good at Smiling
Amber McBride
Feiwel and Friends/Macmillan, 2023
283 pages
Grades 9-Up
Fantasy/Narrative Poetry

Narrative poems trace the account of teenager Whimsy, who begins her story back in the hospital to treat her clinical depression. She is obsessed with fairytales and knows that she is magic. It is with surprise when Whimsy encounters the new resident in her therapy group: a fae boy with hidden wings named Faerry. The two share a connection, through she tries to keep him at arm's length. Upon release the teens are reunited when Faerry moves to Whimsy's neighborhood and they strike up an unlikely friendship. At the end of the street is a forest that draws both teenagers to it, though they are also scared of it. Whimsy hasn't entered the forest since an incident years ago that her family has tried to bury in the past and make her forget. Of course they go into the forest to face the past that is calling to them. Once inside they enter a magic garden and meet Sorrow, as well as other fairytale characters. It is up to Whimsy and Faerry to outsmart Sorrow and follow the quest along the Yellow Brick Road in order to encounter the truth of their shared past and find peace and healing.

This is the sophomore effort of the author of Me (Moth), a title from 2021 which was critically acclaimed. McBride crafts another work of art, still within the themes of depression and overcoming trauma, yet now within the framework of fairytales. I personally love fairytales and enjoy seeing traditional characters reworked in new settings and situations. The fairytale elements serve as metaphors and honestly sometimes went over my head. It is never entirely clear if the story was fully what happened or part of the main character's mental illness, though it doesn't really matter. Much like Dorothy's trip to Oz, the point is the journey, the people encountered and lessons learned along the way. The writing is startling beautiful and I reread certain passages to savor them longer. I think that this book, though wonderfully crafted, will prove to be a bit artsy for the target audience, who may not have a background in fairytales or the patience to to savor the writing. That said, it reads quickly and never strays from the basic plot or swirly dark mood. Reminiscent of Neil Gaiman's work, the best audience is nerdy adults. Information and resources for clinical depression, a glossary of fairy tale characters, brief summaries of the stories referenced, and--best of all--a playlist are included at the end of the volume. A lovely and moving book that may have to work to find it's readership.

The Area 51 Files

The Area 51 Files
Julie Buxbaum
Delacorte, 2022
289 pages
Grades 2-6
Science Fiction/Humor/Mystery

The Area 51 Files series #1

Sky Patel-Baum must leave her California home and move out to the desert and in with an uncle, who she has never met, when her grandmother moves to a retirement community. This is no ordinary desert town. There is high security and Sky learns that she will NEVER be allowed to leave. Yikes! The reason for all of the secrecy is that Area 51 is the only place in the world housing real aliens and their existence must remain unknown to the rest of the world for privacy and safety reasons. With only Spike, her pet hedgehog, for company Sky is not sure what she is getting into. Luckily, right off the bat she meets a friendly next door neighbor, who also happens to be an alien. She and Elvis are instant friends and he shows her the ropes. There are many "breakthroughs" or aliens in Area 51 and they all present themselves in different ways. School is an interesting endeavor with all of the different species and non-traditional subjects to study. When a group of Zdstrammars turn up missing (coincidentally the same moment as Sky's arrive) fingers point to Sky's Uncle Anish. Sky is pretty sure that her uncle is innocent. It is up to Elvis and Sky to get to the bottom of the mystery and find the missing aliens. Danger lurks behind every corner and helps comes from unexpected places. Do the new friends have what it takes to save the day?

This is a new series that is already proving to be popular with young readers. Heavily illustrated with comic drawings by Lavanya Naidu, the format will appeal to the Wimpy Kid crew. What sets the illustrations slightly above the norm is that they participate in moving the plot forward and are an integral part of the story and not just reader eye candy. Reluctant readers will have no trouble plowing through the 289 pages and find much to enjoy. The alien premise is interesting and original. There is a lot of humor infused throughout the book and a few gross jokes, groaning puns, and low-hanging fruit. The rollicking plot will encourage kids to keep turning pages, as they try to figure out who is the culprit. The mystery is get-able and kids will pat themselves on the back once they figure it out. The characters are likable and readers will learn from them not to judge based on appearances, give new people a chance, and to be kind to each other. Sky and Elvis pick up an unexpected new friend along the way who was formally an enemy, demonstrating the power of second chances. After the mystery is wrapped up the author throws in a coda cliff-hanger, leading readers straight to the second installment in the series, The Big Flush, which is already available.

Control Freaks

Control Freaks
J.E. Thomas
Levine Querido, 2023
297 pages
Grades 4-7
Realistic Fiction

Multiple first person narrations tell the story of a week in the life of an advanced STEAM oriented magnet middle school made up of super-high achievers. Principal Yee announces a weeklong STEAM competition and the students are stoked!  Not so much when they realize that they must break into teams, which gets complicated. Out main hero, Frederick Douglas Zezzmer (Doug), knows that he MUST win this competition. He needs to go to GadgetCon this summer to perfect his skills at inventing, but needs the principals endorsement in order to be accepted. To make matters more complicated, Doug's biological father is back on the scene and insisting that he participate in an intense summer sports program of which he has no interest. The other misfit members of Doug's team (TravLiUeyPadgeyZezz) have their own reasons for wanting to win and the need to prove themselves. We see the points of view of the other members of the team, plus that of the principal, Doug's sportster step-brother, as well as other characters to round out the story. Because of family pressures, Doug makes a bad decision with terrible consequences. The competition rolls along with surprising, and sometimes hilarious, results and ends just where it should with all participants changing for the better.

This is a perfect story for high-reaching kids, who will find much to relate to in the characters within the pages--and wish that they could go to a school like Benjamin Banneker College Prep. The competition provides a framework for the character development and subplots involving the individual situations of the students. Readers will see that every family is complicated, problems can be worked out in time, don't give up on making a friend, and we all have something within us that makes us special. Oh-and cheating is bad. They will also see that grown-ups are human (including principals) and even though we don't always have everything figured out, we love our kids. The first person multiple points of view are all written distinctly with labeled characters at the chapter heads in order to know who is speaking. I was never confused and enjoyed the changing perspectives. The book runs long, but stays interesting and kept me going until the end. The story doesn't read as entirely realistic (for one thing there aren't enough teachers present), but kids won't care and will enjoy the simplified proceedings. Readers will eagerly watch the competition play out and cheer for the misfit team. The real prize is friendship, which our heroes all come out as winners. A fun story with something to say that may help overachievers see themselves and encourage them to take a breath.

Ranger in Time: Rescue on the Oregon Trail

Ranger in Time: Rescue on the Oregon Trail

Kate Messner

Scholastic, 2015

125 pages

Grades 2-5

Historical Fiction/Animal/Fantasy

Ranger in Time series #1

Alternating points of view tell the tale of a time traveling dog and the boy he comes to love-if only temporarily. Ranger the Golden Retriever loves his life with Luke. He may have flunked out of Search & Rescue school because of his squirrel chasing habit, but his family loves him just the same. One sunny summer afternoon, Ranger uncovers an old first aid kit. The kits seems to shine brightly. Before Ranger knows it, he is back in time on the Oregon Trail. He gets involved in a search and rescue mission to find a three-year-old girl. Success! After locating Amelia, he bonds with his new friend's older brother Sam and decides to accompany the family until he can return to present day--and Luke. Life on the trail in 1850 is tough and everything happens to this group of settlers. They encounter buffalo stampedes, disease, near drownings, poisonous snakes, and death.  New friends are made along the way and good-byes exchanged when folks part ways. Through it all, Ranger never leaves Sam's side, saving the day on more than one occasion. Will Ranger ever return to his own time and Luke or is he destined to stay with this new family in the deep past?

The first in a popular series written by an eclectic children's author, this series works double duty. It serves as a great choice for historical fiction book reports for kids who are not strong readers, as well as offering an alternative to Puppy Place for dog lovers. Best of all, it involves time travel, which is always fun. The reading level is perfect for kids new to chapter books with a large font, short chapters and generous margins. There is a full-page black and white illustration per chapter that will keep kids moving along. This inaugural adventure feels almost like playing the classic Oregon Trail game. The family starts out packing up, hits the trail, and must make choices and avoid troubles. Literally everything happens to these people from almost fatal river crossings to cholera (alas, not dysentery). The adventure will further suck kids in and other tales featuring Ranger will bring them to Pearl Harbor, Ancient Rome, and Hurricane Katrina among other pivotal moments in world history. The alternating points of view give readers a glimpse into the dog's thought process and move from one to the other seamlessly. Perfect for reluctant readers, this is a great suggestion for kids not quite ready for I Survived by finished with Magic Treehouse. An author's note offering factual information, source notes and a bibliography round out the volume.

Mexikid

Mexikid
Pedro Martin
Dial, 2023

309 pages
Grades 3-6
Graphic Memoir

Meet Pedro-or Peter-depending on where he is. Pedro is of Mexican heritage with immigrant parents, but was born in the US where he goes to school, watches TV, reads comics, and collects dolls (ahem, action figures). Pedro, his parents, and his eight brothers and sisters are squished into a small California house in the middle of the 1970's. Now Abuelo must move in, but where will they put him? Abuelo is super old and took part in the Mexican Revolution, so he is a tough guy. Pedro's family hops into the camper van and travels down to Abuelo's Mexican town to bring him back stateside. Abuelo has many loose ends to tie up, including relocating his late-wife's body after the cemetery floods. The older kids travel in the family's pickup truck and enjoy a bit of freedom. Pedro is stuck in the camper with his parents, boring food, and three rambunctious brothers. Is there a way for Pedro to make a name for himself within his busy family besides being "the round one"? Towards the end of the story a situation presents itself to help make Pedro shine, but is he up for the challenge? Will his family ever take him seriously?

Martin, a long time graphic artist, finally breaks through to children's graphic novels in this hilarious full-color debut. The 1970's setting is fully realized and I related to the story even though I grew up on the other coast in a much different household. Cultural references, such as Happy Days and the Fronz, will go over contemporary children's heads. Kids in big families will relate (do we still have those?) and those without will wish they were part of this unruly mob. There are a lot of characters, but a helpful guide at the beginning tells us who is who. The artist helpfully gives our hero a bad haircut early on in the novel, which helps him stand out. As one would expect from a book featuring a Mexican family, many words are spoken in Spanish. Martin adds clues when the character is speaking in Spanish (but leaves the words in English) or leaves translated footnotes at the bottom of the page. Will the 1970's setting put off today's tech savvy readers? Maybe, but readers will appreciate the freedom and danger afforded Pedro and his siblings. These young boys hang out alone on the top of the camper, set off fireworks, and eat copious amount of junk food. There are many gross-out bits that will appeal to the target audience, but may put some parents off. Actual photos at the end of the volume show the reader the whole cast of characters and lend authenticity to the proceedings. At times laugh-aloud funny, kids will both relate to Pedro and be entertained by the outrageousness of his family and times. And any author that can slip in Shipoopi (a past favorite ditty in my household) in a winner in my book!

The Puppets of Spelhorst

The Puppets of Spelhorst
Kate DiCamillo
Candlewick, 2023
149 pages
Grades 2-5
Fantasy

Written in a series of acts, this is the story of a trunk of puppets and the lives they touch. A long time ago an old sea captain at the end of his life spots some puppets in a toy store window and one of them remind him of past regrets. He purchases the lot and takes them back to his small room. At night we hear the conversations of the various puppets: a king, a wolf, an owl, a girl, and a boy, as they try to make sense of their world. A series of events takes them to the home of two girls, where the puppet's adventures continue and the girls become inspired to create a show. They perform this show for a special audience to great acclaim. Lives are touched by the message of the theatrical, bringing the tale back to the beginning. One participant becomes inspired to make a serious change, leading the puppets on yet another chapter of their adventurous lives.

This is a sweet and simple story set in the past and told within the framework of an old tale. In typical DiCamillo fashion, not one word is wasted, yet much is conveyed. The main themes of the story are living your life to your full potential with no regrets and to put love first. Similar in format to the author's The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, the reader experiences the events through the eyes of puppets, who can feel and have personalities, even though they need human hands and voices to make them work. Placing the plot within acts gives the story the mood of an actual puppetshow and adds dimension to the story. Haunting pencil illustrations by Julie Morstad give the tale an extra layer of depth and convey the final thought at the end of the tale. I personally am a fan of puppets, believe in the power of story and performance, and love DiCamillo's writing style, making this one of my favorite books of the year. Will it resonate with kids? I don't know that they will read it on their own. That said, it would serve as a great read aloud for a classroom or a family. A beautiful story for a cold winter's night that is sure to touch many hearts and will invite kids to look at their beloved toys a bit sideways.

Something Like Home

Something Like Home

Andrea Beatriz Arango

Random House, 2023

246 pages

Grades 4-6

Realistic Fiction/Narrative Poetry

Laura's life blew up when she called 911 to report her parent's nonresponse condition. Now they are stuck in drug rehab and she is stuck living with an aunt she never met. Laura must start a new school, where she hopes that no one finds out about her situation. Titi Silvia is not easy to live with. She is a doctor at a hospital and works unusual hours. Titi has a lot of rules and is not very huggy or seemingly happy to have her niece living with her. Where was she all of those years when Laura and her parents were struggling financially? After a bumpy start at school, Laura finally makes a friend. Benson is kind and a great listener, but he has a secret just like Laura and really could also use a friend right now. One afternoon after school Laura finds a puppy left out to die and brings him home. Puppy Sparrow changes Laura's life by giving her something to love who loves her back unconditionally. Laura gets a great idea: if she trains Sparrow to be a therapy dog they can go to the rehab center where Mami and Papi are and visit. Of course the plan does not go as planned and Laura must, with the help of an understanding therapist, learn how to forge ahead with her life as it is now.

Laura's story, told through narrative poetry, is much like the author's Newbery honor winning book this year Iveliz Explains it All in that it is written in the same format, features a Puerto Rican protagonist and has it's main character working through a big life-changing problem. Laura learns how to adjust to her new life and let go of the guilt behind that 911 call with the help of her therapist and understanding family and friends--and of course a wonderful canine companion. This is a book with a lot to say. Readers learn about the dangers of drug addiction, dysfunctional families, sickle cell, and the therapy dog certification process. Representation happens in the form of race and gender and Laura's family's heritage is an integral part of the story. I love that the author demonstrates that families come in all shapes and sizes. Having been personally touched by drug addiction in my own family, I know what it can do to the children left behind and also know that other family members can step in and create an unconventional, yet just as powerful, unit. Because of the format this book reads quickly. It is the perfect choice for kids who are always looking for suggestions after reading Out of My Mind or Front Desk. The story ends predictably neatly with a message of hope, which will satisfy the target audience.

The Lost Year

The Lost Year
Katherine Marsh
Roaring Brook Press, 2023
338 pages
Grades 5-8
Historical Fiction

Three narrators tell the story of three cousins during the 1930's experiencing famine in Ukraine in different ways. Matthew is our main narrator who pulls all of the stories together. He is stuck sheltering in place during the early days of the COVID pandemic with his mother and elderly great-grandmother. Matthew misses his father, who is trapped in Paris, very much and is struggling with the isolation. Conversations with GG, his ninety-nine year old great-grandmother, lead to her sharing the story of her past. We slowly hear the tales of the three cousins. Helen lives in Brooklyn with her Ukrainian immigrant parents. A letter from a Ukrainian cousin, who she has never heard of, alerts her to the struggles of Ukrainian farmers suffering from hunger at the hands of the Soviets. Nadiya is the starving cousin. After the death of her mother and brothers, she travels to the city to find another brother of her father's who may be able to help. This uncle is a Soviet higher-up and is the only family to whom she can turn. Mila is the Soviet official's daughter. She has lead a sheltered and privileged life in Kiev and is shocked when a cousin of whom she has never heard lands on her doorstep starving. She is even more shocked when her beloved father sends the cousin away. Mila is determined to help, even if doing so is dangerous and leads to deadly consequences. Matthew pulls together all of the strands of his family history's braid to create a tale, offering truth and solace to his beloved GG.

This National Book Award nominee is a true winner. Historical fiction at it's best, it explores a lesser-known chapter of world history, the Holodomor-or great Ukrainian famine of the 1930's, while still offering a thrilling story. Marsh further draws in a contemporary audience by telling the tale through the eyes of a contemporary boy living through the pandemic, which is history in the making. I love that Matthew lives in a nearby town to where I work in New Jersey, further making the book relatable to my young readers. The different narrators and time periods are always made clear at the start of the chapters and I was never confused as to where we were or who was talking. The plot is compelling and readers will be at the edge of their seats. Dangers lurks behind many corners and there is a huge twist to the plot that completely took me unawares. The author includes historical information at the end of the volume, including her own family history, that will plug readers into the fact behind the fiction. This book was a little long for me, but it reads quickly and I couldn't wait to get back to it. Marsh does not waste words, but is very intentional in her writing. A perfect fit with contemporary events, young people will see that history can repeat itself and this volume offers a cautionary tale to pay attention to the past. Another plus: kids may be encouraged to talk to their own relatives about their stories and write down the histories. A true gem of a book with many relevant connections.

The Apartment House on Poppy Hill

The Apartment House on Poppy Hill

Nina LaCour

Sonia Albert, Illustrator

Chronicle, 2023

128 pages

Grades 2-5

Realistic Fiction

Three separate, yet connected, stories describe life in an apartment house on a hilly street in San Francisco. Ella has lived at 1106 Wildflower Place her whole life, so when new tenants move into one of the five apartments, she is ready to help. Who better to tell them the rules of the garden, show them around, describe the glitches in their oven and lights, and warn them of the strange noise coming from the apartment across the hall every evening at sunset. Eventually the reader gets to know the other neighbors: the eccentric tea drinking Matilda, the busy dog-loving newly married couple Jacques and Merland, and Ella's moms Abby and Livy. The neighbors the reader does not get to know are the Robinsons, the mysterious recluses who live on the top floor. In fact Ella has never seen them, though not from lack of trying, and evidence of their presence can be found from their marvelous roses in the garden to their mail disappearing. Finally, one fateful day, Ella gets an invitation to the top floor. She will finally get to meet the mysterious neighbors. What will they be like?

Printz winning teen author, LaCour tries her hand at a chapter book in this departure from her usual style. Ella is a likable and jaunty protagonist, who is sure to resonate with readers. She is blessed with a need to be helpful and a can-do attitude. The book never strays from the apartment house setting and the reader gets the impression that it is Ella's whole world. I like that LaCour has included queer characters naturally as part of Ella's world and not as a big issue of the story. The simple conflicts arise from interactions with Ella and her family, both her actual family and her larger apartment family. The identity of the mystery neighbors was a fun plotline and added a bit of drama. It is nice to see a book that includes friendships across generations, though I would have liked to see Ella interact of talk of at least one other child. The design of the story will serve new chapter book readers well with large font size and margins and plenty of cheerful illustrations. There is nothing too overwhelming about this book and children will enjoy the cozy easy read. I can see more adventures for Ella and her gang ahead. Maybe then she will make a friend her own age.

Iveliz Explains It All

Iveliz Explains It All

Andrea Beatriz Arango

Random House, 2022

263 pages

Grades 4-7

Realistic Fiction/Narrative Poetry

Take a dip into Iveliz's journal to experience first hand the life and times of this troubled seventh grader. Iveliz has not been right sine her father passed away. She feels responsible for his death and unloved at his passing. Lucky for her, his ghost still visits, though this often gets her in trouble. Mom has problems of her own and works a lot to support them both. Amir, Iveliz's best friend, also has troubles with a chronically ill brother and seems to want more from her than she can possibly give. Abuela Mimi arrives from Puerto Rico and, finally, Iveliz gets some company and finds someone who believes her about Dad's ghost. The problem is that Abuela's mind isn't quite right and now Iveliz feels responsible for her grandmother's safety. Seventh grade was suppose to be a fresh start, but Iveliz finds herself reverting to old patterns at school. Her grades are terrible and she is losing her temper and getting into fights. Mom brings Iveliz to a therapist, but will the wretched "Turnip" be able to help her?

In this Newbery honor book Arango explores depression and mental illness in young people, a problem which is haunting current society. Readers see a first person account through the narrative poetry in Iveliz's journal. The book is designed to really look like a journal with lined paper and a font that looks like actual printing. This will help immediately suck kids into the story and lends an air of authenticity to the tale. We all know (including Iveliz) that Dad is part of her mental troubles and not a real ghost and it is with relief that he finally comes to see her less often. Despite the pressures of a new family member in need of care, Iveliz's mom is responsive to her daughter's troubles and gets her professional help. Iveliz also works through friendship problems with Amir and learns to give as well as take and to be a better friend. The story ends on a hopeful note with both Iveliz's relationships and mental illness under control. An author's note and resources at the end invite readers to get help if needed for their own problems and Arango lists places to get started. Certainly a sad story, but one that will appeal to many thoughtful readers.

Bea Wolf

Bea Wolf

Zach Weinersmith

Boulet (Illustrator)

First Second, 2023

183 pages

Grades 5-Adult?

Graphic Novel

Be transported to a land where kids rule in this modern retelling of the classic Beowulf. The thousand year old epic poem, originally written in Old English, is made fresh in a tongue-in-cheek approach to childhood. In a society made-up of very small parentless children, King Roger inherits the throne. In order to put his mark on this wild sugar-induced society before aging out, he gets a great idea. King Roger decides to build a treehouse, dubbed Treeheart, which serves as a sanctuary for wild children up to all kinds of shenanigans. Unfortunately, a crabby neighbor by the name of Grindle vows to take down the rambunctious crew. He wins the first battle, turning most of the Treeheart's inhabitants into teenagers and old people. Luckily, a nearby King, who owes a debt, sends her best warrior with a band of child-thugs to lend aid to poor King Roger. A wicked battle ensues, with poor Grindle suffering an unpredictable fate. Our story ends with a party to end all parties and a potential cliff-hanger to lead to another installment.

Hmmm, this book is a tough one. Librarians and other literary adults love it. It is already on the top of many best books of the year lists. Every library in my consortium bought it, maybe because of all the star reviews it received. That said, out of 56 copies in the system, 46 remain currently on the shelf, and one of those is checked out to me. The question remains: who is the intended audience? The writing is exquisite. Weinersmith manages to capture the texture and patterns of the original poem and contemporize it, adding humor and substituting small children as the main characters. The writing is thick and unfamiliar to young readers, who won't have the patience to persevere through the language. The illustrations, though a cut above the usual fare for young people, may be off-putting in that they are entirely in black and white. The cover is enticing with gold accents, but no color within. I asked a group of graphic reading middle school kids what they thought of this book and they couldn't get through the first few pages. Sure to win awards, and deservingly so, this is a book for literary adults familiar with the poem or, maybe, really clever young people looking for more meat in their comics.

Wrecker

Wrecker

Carl Hiaasen

Knopf, 2023
329 pages
Grades 5-8
Mystery/Adventure

Wrecker comes from a long life of, well, wreckers. Men who salvage sunken ships for a living off of the Florida Keys. Wrecker doesn't salvage ships, but he is very comfortable on the water and has his own little boat. His part time job, besides working at the local grocery store, is cleaning an elderly eccentric's relative's grave of Iguana poop at night after the cemetery closes. This requires cloak and dagger skills that attracts the attention (along with an incident on the water) of a local smuggler, who insists that Wrecker starts working for him. Set under the backdrop of the Covid pandemic, Wrecker discovers that the smugglers are up to no good in providing a service during these troubled times. He works with his friend, Mimi, to find out exactly what the smugglers are up to and figures out a way to get out from under them. Meanwhile, his sister with whom he lives is wrapped up in protesting threats to the local environment, specifically those caused by cruise ships. How can Wrecker help in this endeavor? Further complications ensue as Wrecker's stepfather gets a serious case of Covid and his estranged biological father returns to town. Can Wrecker break free of the smugglers, maintain his friendship with Mimi and keep his family together?

Fan-favorite, Hiaasen, adds another volume to his environmental mysteries for young people. I like Hiaasen's books because they hit that middle grade sweet spot that straddles the line between children's and YA. He is the perfect seventh grade recommendation and writes books that especially appeal to boys. I like that this new story is set during the pandemic without being ABOUT the pandemic. We all had to live our lives during those few horrible years and that is exactly what Wecker is doing: getting on with it. The mystery ties in with the pandemic, making it relatable to readers who just lived through all of this. As in all of Hiaasen's books, the Florida setting is integral to the story and is almost a character unto itself. Protecting Key West's wildlife and keeping the cruise ships away is woven seamlessly into the plot, alerting young people to the problems without overwhelming the story. Wrecker and Mimi have a bit of an innocent love connection, but not until the end and it is not the point of their relationship. What is not innocent is the behavior of the smugglers and sensitive readers may not be comfortable with how the plot plays out, although I think this Hunger Games generation can handle it. An exciting read with a message that will appeal to a variety of readers.

Stateless

Stateless

Elizabeth Wein

Little Brown, 2023

216 pages

Grades 7-Up

Historical Fiction/Mystery/Adventure

It is 1937 and an air race between young people of different European nations has been devised to promote peace and to avoid another world war. Stella North is determined to win the race for England. As the only woman and not officially a British citizen (she fled the Russian Revolution as a child), she feels as if she has a lot to prove. In order to duck reporters, Stella hops into the plane of a fellow contestant flying for France. Tony also is not native to the country he is representing and barely speaks the language. He also seems to have something to hide. In the first day in the air it becomes clear that all is not as it should be. Some planes appear to have been tampered with and the eccentric Italian flyer goes missing. Stella sees another plane attack the Italian pilot and reports the incident upon landing. No one believes her, but as more incidents occur, it is hard to ignore that there is someone who will go to any length to win. Is it another pilot? Stella learns who to trust as she finds help in unexpected areas and learns some of the secrets behind her fellow pilots. At break-neck speed the young people fly through the countries of Europe, trying to stay alive, all while seeking out the person behind the sabotage.

Elizabeth Wein, of Code Name Verity fame, is a wonderful storyteller. This fresh book weaves together a murder mystery, high flying adventure, and a mad dash through Europe all within the framework of the years leading up to World War II. The story is seeped in its setting and readers will feel as if they are truly there. Would a woman have been invited to participate in such a race in the 1930's? I'm guessing not, but Wein explains why Stella got in plausibly. The characters are all well developed and it is interesting to see what skeltons folks have hiding in their closets. I like that the Spanish Civil War plays a role in the plot, as it's a war that we don't see represented often in books for young people. The mystery is satisfactorily solved with a splashy scene at the end to expose the bad guy. There are a lot of red herrings along the way and twists and turns in the plot to keep the readers guessing. Everything moves along quite briskly and young people will keep turning pages without a chance to get bored. The cover looks a bit "girlie", tapping into the format made successful by current adult historical fiction titles aimed at women, but this is a book that boys would like too if given the chance. There is some romance, but just a little and it isn't the point of the book. The author leaves the readers wondering what happened to all of our young and bright pilots about to head into World War II. Even though the characters are fictional, the idea certainly gave me pause.

City Spies

City Spies

James Ponti

Simon & Shuster, 2020

367 pages

Grades 4-7

Mystery/Adventure

City Spies series #1

Our story begins with twelve-year-old Sarah before a judge who will determine her future after she was caught hacking into the juvenile justice system of New York City. In sweeps a strange man, claiming to be a lawyer, to save the day. Sarah choses to trust him, even though she can see through his sham. He springs her, afterwhich confessing to run a British spy ring hoping to recruit her. This is certainly a better future than what awaits Sarah in the NYC foster care system, so she accepts and the they travel to a remote part of Scotland. Here Sarah gets a room of her own, discovers the ancient house's secret lair, changes her name to Brooklyn and meets the other young spies, all around the same age as herself with a variety of talents. After a brief training period the man who recruited her, code name "Mother", explains the mission. The kids will be posing as academics in an environmental competition in Paris offered by an eccentric millionaire who is rarely seen. The team must help to protect the millionaire, who is a target for criminals, and will need Brooklyn's skill as a hacker to get the job done. Identities are not what they seem and the job is not as cut-and-dry as they expected. As the mission progresses, the team is solidified, renaming themselves "City Spies" since they are all named after their cities of origin. The mystery remains about the whereabouts of Mother's children and ex-wife and another adventure is sure to follow for the fresh young spies.

Along with Stuart Gibbs, James Ponti is a sought after writer of mysteries for children and has many satisfied and returning customers. Kids love his books, which combine mystery and adventure and, in the case of this series, exciting locals. City Spies sets up this latest series, each taking place in a different city and offering a banger of an adventure. Ponti must make all of the characters orphans in order for them to have permission to do dangerous feats and they are all exceptional in their own rights. That said, they all have vulnerabilities and distinct personalities. One of the characters appears to be on the spectrum and there is racial and gender diversity within the cast. The plot offers twists and turns and reads quickly, making it a good choice for reluctant readers. There are no pictures (hooray!), but profiles of the child spies are included at the back of the volume in a dossier format which will help readers tell everyone apart, though I didn't have a problem with this as the characters are fully drawn within the narrative. The main arc of the story reaches a satisfying conclusion and the mystery is solved, yet an overall arc of the whereabouts of Mother's family will lead the reader to further installments. When you suggest this first volume to young readers they will inevitably be back within the week for volume two, proving that it is a hit with the intended audience.

The Mona Lisa Vanishes

The Mona Lisa Vanishes
Nicholas Day
Penguin/Random House, 2023
Grades 3-7
Narrative Non-Fiction

Alternating timelines tell the true story behind the theft of the most famous painting in the world and the life of the artist who painted it. The account of the disappearance of the Mona Lisa is described in detail from the caper itself to the motive of the thief and his eventual capture. Written within the narrative is the modernization of detective work, as new technologies emerge and a branch of the French Police, specializing in forensics and solving mysteries, emerges, changing the face of the profession internationally. We see the Mona Lisa itself rise in fame through the disappearance from a relatively obscure painting in the Louvre to become a celebrity and the most famous painting in the world. Meanwhile, spun throughout is the life of eccentric and brilliant Leonardo da Vinci, an intellectual and artist who often never finished projects as his brain skipped away to something else. The fact that the Mona Lisa was painted in the first place and stood the test of time is a miracle itself. Eventually, the mystery is solved, the painting restored in its rightful place, and the face of the international art and detective worlds are changed forever.

Nicholas Day offers a well-researched and documented account of a historical mystery that not only educates, but reads like a true-crime best-seller. Kids who enjoy non-fiction will be the obvious audience, but everyone will enjoy this story. It is so interesting and exciting that it is hard to put down. Leonardo da Vinci is one of the most intriguing characters in history and makes for an entertaining counterpoint to the equally compelling art heist. The story winds back and forth through history easily and I never became confused as to where and when we were. The real star of the novel is the Mona Lisa herself and her journey to celebrity status is equal to that of King Tut (Day needs to write that story too!). The Mona Lisa theft is one of the most important and notable art heists throughout history that not only changed the face of museum security and detective work--but is simply downright interesting. I appreciate that there is a proper amount of text in this book, giving readers something to chew on instead of simply images. The drawings by Brett Helquist are, as always, excellent, adding to the narrative without distraction. My only complaint is the complete absence of actual photos, including the painting in question. Day rounds out the book with extensive notes and documentation, including an index, making the volume suitable for research purposes. A stellar piece of narrative non-fiction that will be eaten up when placed in the right hands and sure to win accolades.

The Carrefour Curse

The Carrefour Curse

Dianne Salerni

Holiday House, 2023

224 pages

Grades 3-6

Fantasy/Mystery

As our story opens, protagonist, twelve-year-old Garnet is vomiting frogs. Magic is propelling herself and her single mom back to Crossroads House, her estranged extended family's manor. Mom took Garnet away as a baby to keep her from the evil that lurks at the core of the family magic and to avoid a mysterious prophesy. Now compelled to return, the family patriarch, an elderly great-grandfather on borrowed time, is about to die and ready to proclaim an heir, which means that all of the blood kin must be present. Garnet is thrilled to finally meet her family and instantly makes friends with her cousins and a long-lost uncle. Unfortunately, a death in the family happens right away, leaving many family members suspicious. Is Jasper, the patriarch, siphoning energy from unsuspecting family members (as well as other sources) to keep himself alive? Further complicating matters is the arrive of a surprise relation and a magical power that Garnet did not know she possessed beyond her work with stones and jewels. This new power places Garnet in the unique position to undo a long-ago wrong and to help get the family on the proper footing. Does she have what it takes? And once everything is said and done, who will be the new heir?

I really liked this book a lot. It was magical, creepy, and offered a great mystery, all within the framework of a well-written novel. Salerni crafts an interesting premise with distinctive characters, who I had no trouble telling apart even though there are a lot of them. The family branches' magic all feature different elements (fire/rocks/weather/trees and plants) from nature, which I liked. It was nice that Garnet finally finds a family and even though they are a bit dysfunction, at the core they are a loving team--maybe with the exception of crazy old Jasper. Garnet must dig deep into her powers and find the courage to save the day, as well as doing the ethical thing when the occasions arise. The cousins exhibit teamwork and pitch in together to keep everyone safe. There are mysteries concerning where Jasper's magic is coming from, the identity of a long-ago missing girl, and what is happening with Garnet's new power. The story runs a bit (but not too much) dark and eerie, which I loved and for which many kids are clambering. I was very happy that the heir was named at book's end and the author did not make us wait for another installment. I was also very happy at her choice of heir. All in all, this is a tightly written and satisfying story that is sure to be enjoyed by young readers.

Treasure Island: Runaway Gold

Treasure Island: Runaway Gold
Jewell Parker Rhodes
Quill Tree/HarperCollins, 2023
309 pages
Grades 3-6
Adventure/Mystery

Our story starts out with a bang as one of the residents of Zane's mother's Rockaway, Queens boardinghouse tragically dies. Captain Maddie was always crabby and massively behind on her rent, yet she was a great friend to Zane, who loved to hear her swashbuckling tales of a life on the sea as a pirate. As she dies, Captain Maddie leaves Zane with a cryptic warning about "two headed snakes" and her mysterious cane. Zane is very surprised to discover a treasure map hidden deep inside the cane and he decides to follow the map to find his departed friend's pirate treasure. To help him along the way are friends Kiko and Jack, along with his beloved dog Hip-hop. The map is of a very old colonial New York and is hard to understand. It includes strange clues that once figured out, lead the searchers to the proper location. The slave trade in early New York and some of the players from days of yore are part of the clues. As they uncover layers of the mystery, a stranger tries to befriend the little group. John seems nice and helpful, but are his intention pure? Meanwhile a gang of skateboarding thugs also want to get their hands on the map to find the treasure. Zane's mom really could use the money gleaned from the bootie. Can the team of friends get to the pirate treasure before the competition?

Veteran award winning author Rhodes has written a fresh story, while exposing young readers to buried secrets from America's past. The plot is based on a reboot of  "Treasure Island" complete with all of the swashbuckling glory. Contemporary readers may not be familiar with the original, but it is not essential to enjoy this new tale. The weird thing about this new pirate story is that the characters are rarely on the water. They live a pirate life-style, but have traded ships for skateboards. The characters are not particularly well developed, but this is typical for an adventure story--and the adventure does not disappoint. The action moves along at a breakneck speed and there are twist and turns in the plot to keep us guessing. The story is more scavenger hunt adventure than mystery and the clues presented serve as a vehicle to educate readers about a little known chapter of African American history in New York City. Not all of the plot points make particular sense and the final discovery of the treasure happens a little too quickly, but readers will enjoy the ride with Zane and his pals. An author's note at the end offers more historical background and the author includes a glossary of illustrated skateboarding tricks that enthusiasts will enjoy. This is a book with a lot going on that readers will appreciate for it's breakneck speed and promise of riches.