Stepsister

Stepsister
Jennifer Donnelly
Scholastic, 2019 352 pages
Grades 7-Up
Fairytale

Our story opens with Fate (an old crone) making a wager with Chance (a dashing young man) over the life of Isabella, a young girl of evil stepsister fame. We now flash over to the girl in question as the Prince is traveling door-to-door to find the maiden who fits the slipper. Isabelle's mother forces her to cut off her toes to make the slipper fit She nearly gets away with the ruse, only to have her slipper fill with blood and a raven dime her out. Now both Isabella and her sister are outcasts and life seems hopeless. An encounter with a magical forest witch (fairy godmother) offers Isabella hope: she must find the missing three pieces of her heart and then she may have her heart's desire. Despite the meddling of both Fate and Chance, Isabella moves forward, fighting every step of the way, and refusing to give into the terrible hand she has been dealt. As she slowly gathers the missing pieces of her heart, Isabella grows in strength and confidence. Is her heart's desire what she originally thought it was? Meanwhile, a terrible war is being fought in France and Queen Cinderella is in danger. It is up to Isabella to big deep and find the strength to lead and fight.

I love a re-worked fairytale and in Donnelly's capable hands the Cinderella story will never be seen the same way again. Beginning where the tale traditionally ends, this "happily ever after" includes a terrible war in France, putting both Cinderella and her husband king in terrible danger, all while the stepmother and step sisters lose everything and are shunned by the community. Isabella learns to embrace her wonderful non-conventional traits, find her inner-strength, overcome her jealousy, and trust her instincts. Huge character growth is seen in all of the players and we learn that even Cinderella is not a perfect person. The plot is quick with surprises and twists along the way. Isabella enjoys a gentle romance that, although remaining innocent, will satisfy young romantic readers. The cover is compelling and will attract the target audience and the opening scene with the bloody feet and shoes will provide the hook to keep them turning pages. Not your typical Cinderella story, but one that will spark the imaginations of young readers and encourage them to consider the next chapter in other traditional fairytales.

Two New Graphic Series from Scholastic

Last week I attended Professional Day at New York Comic Con (thank you New York Public Library for a generous and brilliant job hosting) and picked up two exciting arcs from Scholastic. Both new launches are from previously released series with legs and have enormous potential for high circulation. I am very excited to make both titles available to my young readers.

Karen's Witch
Ann M. Martin
Katy Farina, Illustrator
Scholastic, December, 2019 140 pages
Grades 2-5
Graphic Novel
Babysitters Little Sister series #1

Karen spends the weekend at her Dad's house with her other family, including Kristi of Babysitter's fame. Among one of the rules at Dad's house is "no spying". We find out why as Karen's imagination gets the best of her, as she becomes convinced that her elderly next door neighbor is a witch. Karen gets all fired-up, even to the point of scaring herself, and becomes determined to expose the neighbor and become the town hero. Friend, Hannie, gets pulled into the scheme reluctantly and the two plan an elaborate plot to save the day--only it all predictably backfires.

Much as it was when the original series was launched in the 1990's, this is a perfect fit for those kids who are bursting to read The Babysitter's Club, but aren't quite ready. The full-color illustrations are rounder and better suited for a younger audience than the original graphic series and the panels are simple with a linear story-line that sticks very close to Martin's. The pictures help to move the plot along and the witch is not quite scary, but just creepy enough for the audience to get where Karen's brain is going. This book is sure to fly off the shelf and wake up the imaginations of this new video-game-obsessed generation and hopefully encourage them to go out to their own backyards to find adventure.

I Survived the Sinking of the Titanic, 1912
Lauren Tarshis/Adapted by Georgia Ball
Haus Studio, Illustrations
Scholastic, 2020 157 pages
Grades 3-6
Graphic Novel
I Survived series #1

George and his little sister, Phoebe, are traveling first class on the maiden voyage of the much lauded Titanic with their Aunt Daisy. Excited to explore the ship, George has many adventures, usually landing him in trouble. His curiosity comes in handy when the great ship begins to sink and Phoebe is nowhere to be found. The small family finds themselves below decks and it’s up to George to lead them through unknown passageways up to the main deck. Aunt Daisy and Phoebe find a place in a boat, but there is no room for George. What will he do? There is only one answer: to jump, but will he drown in the frigid arctic waters?

Tarshis' popular series gets the graphic treatment in this new launch that is sure to appeal to fans and attract new readers. This exciting series has always been aimed at reluctant readers and now in this new format, it’s a slam dunk. As with the chapter books, the action never stops and readers will be at the edge of their seats flipping pages to see what happens next. The full color illustrations are a bit more sophisticated than what is generally seen for this age group, reflecting more of a superhero vibe. The text is in full caps, also giving the superhero comic feel. It is clear who the target audience is--and they will eat this series up. The end of the volume contains historic information told in a highly digestible way, leaving readers with some knowledge about the truth behind the event. A bibliography is included in the back, nudging readers to read more on the topic.

We're Not From Here

We're Not From Here
Geoff Rodkey
Crown, 2019 256 pages
Grades 3-7
Science Fiction

Lan's family has been stuck on Mars since the destruction of life on Earth. The problem is, resources are running out and the survival of the human species is at risk. Luckily, a distant planet with an atmosphere similar to Earth has agreed to take the humans in, especially since they are also made up of groups of former refugees. More problems develop as the Earthlings arrive on the planet Choom after a biosuspension journey of twenty years, during which time a new government has taken over and the new folks in power do not want the humans to land because of their violent history and presumed nature. There is nowhere to go, so an agreement must be struck. Since Lin's mother is a diplomat, her family is sent to the planet to try to assimilate and convince the inhabitants that they are peaceful in order for the whole spaceship of Earthlings to be granted access. Massive ignorance and discrimination makes school unbearable for Lin and her sister Ila, but they make some unlikely friendships and discoveries. Emotions are discouraged upon on this new planet, as is disagreement with the each other and the species currently in power. How can Lin and Ila prove that they are friendly? They have two secret weapons: Ila can sing and Lan is funny. Can they use these skills to break through to their seemingly humorless and emotion hating hosts?

Rodkey of the Taper Twins fame pens a new novel reflective of current American society and our hostility towards accepting refugees. At first glance a zany sci-fi pleaser, Rodkey slips in his thinly veiled agenda in hopes of raising awareness and tolerance in youth.  Science fiction is currently on an upswing and readers will enjoy this fast paced yarn. It is infused with humor with some truly funny bits and the dialog and pratfalls keep the story light. Lin is a likable protagonist and readers will put themselves in her situation and relate to her struggles. She faces her situation with grit, determination, and ingenuity. Ila is having a harder struggle with the transition. She had a brief moment of fame from singing in an American Idol-type broadcast and refuses to sing since leaving Earth. She must rise to the occasion, despite her fears, and help to save the day by using her gift. Kids are reading this book. In my library system only sixteen out of forty copies are currently available, demonstrating that this book appeals to children. The fast moving plot, quirky characters, interesting premise, and absurd moments will keep them chuckling and turning pages. Adults will easily see through to the agenda, but the true intent of the book will fly over the intended audience's head as they enjoy the tale, hopefully becoming more tolerant citizens of the world in the process.

Capture the Flag

Capture the Flag
Kate Messner
Scholastic, 2012 231 pages
Grades 3-6
Mystery

Much like an episode of Colombo, our novel open with the crime. The famous flag that flew over Fort McHenry during the War of 1812 and inspired the Star Spangled Banner is stolen in an elaborate scheme during a gala at the Smithsonian Institute. The next day as a snow storm socks a group of seemingly unrelated children together at the Washington airport, the news breaks out about the theft. Snooty Senator Snickerbottom is also at the airport and he publicly pledges to discover the culprit. The kids, tired of sitting around, decide that the flag must also be stranded at the airport and become determined to find it. To make matters worse, one of the kid's moms is accused of the crime. Now finding the culprit becomes real and desperate. The search leads them to a mysterious man with a snake tattoo, a new friend whose parents belong to a worldwide symphony orchestra, and a runaway dog. After wandering away from their distracted parents, they manage to find a clue, which leads them to another. Finally, they find themselves trapped in the baggage handling area being chased by the bad guys. Will they save the day and uncover the true thief?

A classic mystery, Capture the Flag delivers the goods to young people new to the genre and learning to decipher clues. The setting is perfect, allowing for everyone to be trapped in the same place and providing adult distraction, freeing up our young heroes to dash about. An airport is a small micro-society, providing the perfect place to host a mystery with exciting nooks and crannies. Although we see the crime being committed at the beginning of the story, the reader is not told exactly WHO did it, allowing for guessing and surprises. Red herrings are offered and just enough characters are introduced to create suspects without confusing the reader. It is hard to find a classic, yet contemporary who-done-it for kids, but this is a great choice. The flag offers a layer of history and readers will learn a bit about the background of our national anthem and the often overlooked War of 1812. For a book that was written seven years ago, there are relevant issues for today's political climate such as the villainization of folks from other cultures, corrupt power-hungry politicians, and the need to protect our national treasures. Messner also illustrates the current trend of children escaping into the world of video games at the expense of living their real lives. Two sequels follow the further adventures of these young armature detectives as they seek to protect other treasures, giving readers a place to go after completing this volume.

Pet

Pet
Akwarke Emezi
Make Me a World/Random House, 2019
208 pages
Grades 8-Up
Science Fiction

Jam is a black trans girl with selective mutism. She lives with her parents Aloe and Bitter in a town called Lucille, where formally monsters roamed the streets and were hunted by angels. Now the angels are still among the townsfolk but there is no reason to hunt. Or is there? Bitter spends days painting something mysterious in her workshop. Jam wanders in late at night and accidentally drips blood on the art work, bringing the creature in the painting to life. This creature, Pet, is like nothing Jam has ever seen and is able to communicate with her telepathically. Pet says that they are here to hunt a monster and Jam is to aid it in its quest. Jam is not sure exactly what Pet is, but she knows that she cannot tell her parent's about it. Only Jam can communicate with or see Pet. The monster in which has brought Pet to Lucille lives in the house of Jam's best friend Redemption. Could Pet be wrong? Redemption's family is loving and kind. A monster couldn't be lurking in its midst, could it?

Emezi creates a modern folktale about the monsters in our midst for Christopher Myers' new imprint Make me a World. Young readers may have a hard time relating to this newly conceived time and place of monsters and angels, but if they give it a try and stick with it, the rewards will pay off. Jam is an unusual character with whom many readers will sympathize and applaud her growth as the story continues and she finds her strength and voice. Character names are important and interesting and will give the reader more to ponder while reading this deceivingly rich tale. The narration feels like we are dropped into a timeless folktale and remains consistent throughout the telling. Emezi demonstrates that monsters lurk in the most obvious places and it is up to all of us to expose them, even if we don't have the help of a magical creature. Jam makes the tough choices, even if she is in danger of losing her best friend and getting in trouble by her beloved parents. A carefully penned little book with a lot to say, this will best be enjoyed by thoughtful readers.

The Shadow Cipher

The Shadow Cipher
Laura Ruby
Walden Pond, 2017 476 pages
Grades 5-8
Science Fiction/Adventure/Mystery
York series #1

Set in present day alternate New York City, twins Tess and Theo receive the devastating news that their beloved apartment building has been purchased by a developer and they must move to an outer borough. Tess and Theo have lived here their whole lives and the building is not only a historic landmark, but one of their only connections to no longer present grandfather. In order to prove that the building should be protected from demolition, the twins must solve an old cipher designed by twin genius ancestors, showing the world that the puzzle is not a hoax. Their building is a clue in a puzzle that has baffled generations of seekers who even today search to solve the riddles and earn the prize money. Tess and Theo work with neighbor Jamie, dashing around the city, searching for clues and dodging the henchmen of the evil developer. The team discovers a secondary series of clues, which takes them off the well-trodden path of former searchers. They get closer to answers, as the danger also intensifies. No one is to be trusted as confidences are betrayed, clues are solved and they get closer to both the answer--and the deadline.

Laura Ruby is best known for her young adult work and has received a Printz medal and is a national book award finalist. I assumed this book is for teens and as such, it has been languishing in our teen section for two years. After hearing a recommendation from a young friend I decided to crack into it to decide for myself what age reader it is best suited. Without a doubt this is a clear middle grade, sure to appeal to fans of Mr. Lemoncello's library, Rick Riordan, and the Mysterious Benedict Society. Part mystery, part sci-fi, part adventure, this book has a little something for everyone. Readers will identify with the quirky smart twins, who though flawed, are delightfully nerdy and passionate. Neighbor Jamie thinks best visually and is always holding his sketch pad, serving to balance the triangle. Many twists and turns encompass this plot full of surprises and readers will enjoy trying to help the team solve the riddles. A great mystery, what sets The Shadow Cipher apart is the alternate New York setting, adding a rich layer of surprise. Many elements of the city remain, yet new technologies and creatures are added, keeping readers on their toes and engaged. First in a planned trilogy, the second has been released this year. Though not a fast or easy read, smart kids who enjoy scavenger hunts, ciphers, and expanding their imaginations will find much to bite into.

Awesome Dog 5000

Awesome Dog 5000
Justin Dean
Random House/2019 189 pages
Grades 3-6
Science Fiction/Humor

Marty moves with his mom to a new town with hopes of becoming a cool kid in his new school. All hopes are dashed after a series of unfortunate and hilarious incidents land him at the dork table. It is here that he meets Skyler and Ralph, fellow misfits and video game enthusiasts. They are not what Marty had in mind for new friends, but the three kids have much in common. When Marty invites his new pals over after school to play their favorite video game, they discover a box left in the corner by the house's former owner. It contains a robotic dog, which once new batteries are inserted, can do all kinds of exciting things, including fly. Awesome Dog 5000 takes Marty on a crazy inaugural flight, unknowingly interrupting the birthday party of master villain Dr. Crazybrains. The evil scientist becomes so angry at his spoiled party that he vows to take revenge on Marty. This involves putting his various potions to work and disguising himself as a cafeteria lady. Will Dr. Crazybrains take down Marty and his friends? Will Awesome Dog 5000 put his powers to the test and help his new pals save the day? Will Marty ever become a cool kid? All of these questions and more will be answered by the end of this exciting book!

Screen writer, Dean, pens his first book for children, which is sure to be a hit. The target audience are clearly Dog Man fans, of which there are plenty, and this new series will keep them busy while waiting for the next installment--or for their turn with the dozen or so library copies that are currently checked out. Even though Awesome Dog 5000 is the name of the series, the hero is really Marty and his friends. Awesome Dog gives the concept a clever hook and will further reach Dog Man fans. Reluctant readers will sail through this book. It is generously illustrated with black and white cartoons on every page, which help move along and flesh out the plot. There are some truly funny bits and many puns, though a lot of the humor relies on the potty variety. Any book involving a giant food fight, an unlikable character called T.P. McFlush-face, and an evil potion meant to increase butt cheeks to twenty feet will certainly appeal to the intended crowd. Dr. Crazybrains is an interesting and fun villain and his backstory is offered in a different font and drawing style to clue readers into the change in narration. At the end of the day, Dean leaves us with a message of the importance of friendship and picking your pals wisely, as well as a lead in to the next installment due for a spring 2020 release.