Summer on Earth

Summer on Earth
Peter Thompson
Persnickety Press, 2017 294 pages
Grades 4-7
Science Fiction

Grady sees a shooting star from his bedroom mirror and makes a wish. Things have been tough on his mid-western farm ever since his dad died tragically in a car accident. Now his mother, little sister, and himself are trying to keep the farm afloat, even while the bank manager is pressuring them for back payments. The bank manager, an old friend of Grady's father, has made an offer on the family farm and is eager to buy the land in order to develop it. Meanwhile, the shooting start was not a star at all, but a crashing space ship containing one lone alien named Ralwil Turth. Ralwil crashes on Grady's farm and realizes he must hunker down for a while to make necessary repairs on his ship. He uses his dwindling functional technology to transpose himself to human form and introduces himself as Will to Grady's family, where he begins work as a farmhand. Will is strange, but the family assumes that he is either from distant lands or maybe a bit slow minded. As time passes and Will repairs broken equipment on the farm, lends much needed muscle, and plays games with the children, he becomes part of the family. As the summer drags on, Will realizes that he is becoming attached to this group of humans and wants to help the mother with her troubles, which all seem to be rooted in the green paper called money, which the mother claims "doesn't grow on trees". What if it did? Will uses his remaining alien technology to create a tree that actually grows money. Problem solved, right? Hardly! Now human nature rears its ugly head as a nosy sheriff's deputy looking for promotion discovers the tree and tells the entire town about its whereabouts, leading to destruction and heartache. Will Ralwil ever reach his home planet and what will happen to Grady's farm?

What kid hasn't imagined meeting an alien? Grady's dream comes true in this original tale for middle grade readers. The story is told in four distinct points of view: Grady, Ralwil, the ambitious deputy, and the greedy bank manager. All four voices are written distinctly and the narrator's name is offered at the top of the chapter in order to alleviate confusion for the reader. Thompson's best writing is seen in creating the voice of Ralwil, where readers can experience common practices, such as eating smores and walking through the grocery store, with alien eyes. The story itself moves quickly and has an original plot. I love that the concept of "money growing on trees" is taken literally and turned upside down. Kids may be looking at the trees in their own backyard a little more closely. Thompson calls attention to various themes such as welcoming the newcomer, accepting differences, living in community, helping out neighbors, and the allure and power of money and how it makes good people crazy. The book reads quickly and the print seems to be a little larger than usual, making this a great choice for reluctant readers. Older children with lower reading levels will enjoy this book and find it interesting, yet the content remains appropriate for younger children with higher reading levels. The book is set in the summer of 1978, which I felt was unnecessary. The time period felt universal, although the place was fully realized and an intricate part of the story. Summer on Earth would make a wonderful movie. With the scope of characters, both young and adult, the infusion of humor, and important themes buried beneath an interesting plot, it is reminiscent of Hoot and will appeal to a broad audience.

The Secret Rescuers: The Storm Dragon

The Secret Rescuers: The Storm Dragon
Paula Harrison
Sophy Williams, Illustrator
Aladdin, Simon & Schuster, 2017  119 pages
Grades 2-4
Fantasy

Orphan Sophy works as a servant girl in the castle of the recently widowed Queen. Since the death of the King, life has been a bit more intense at the castle. Sir Fitzroy has the ear of the Queen and is determined to rid the kingdom of magical creatures of whom he considers dangerous. While Sophie is hard at work, a Golden Songbird leads her to a chest of beautiful crystals. Sophy puts them in her pocket, only to rediscover them when a baby dragon crash-lands into a tree while she is picking apples. The magic crystals allow her to communicate with the baby dragon and they can now understand each other perfectly. His name is Cloudy and he is a storm dragon, capable of creating wind and, eventually, controlling the weather. Cloudy wandered off and became separated from his dragon family. During this adventure he injured his wing and can no longer fly. He needs Dragonweed, a plant that grows beyond the castle walls, a repair it. Sophy must somehow sneak Cloudy out of the castle and find the mysterious Dragonweed without detection from soldiers or the Queen and Sir Fitzroy. How can a lowly servant girl save the day?

Originally published in the United Kingdom, this new series will appeal to young fairytale lovers not quite ready for The Land of Stories or lovers of the Fairy Magic series. With a bit more substance than Fairy Magic and drawing in animals enthusiasts, this new series has much to recommend it. Girls, especially, will enjoy Sophy's adventures and wish to discover their own magic creatures. The pencil illustrations are sweet and will draw readers into the pages. Targeted at the beginning chapter book set, the vocabulary is a bit deceiving, so although the packaging is on target for the age group, some of the words may be a bit tricky for newly independent readers. The story is magical, adventurous, and fun. It encourages readers to open their imaginations and observe their worlds more closely for hidden magic. Sophy learns that even though she is an orphaned servant girl, she is special. She was chosen to find the magical stones because of her kindness to animals and her yet untapped courage. I love the message that little people can do big things and Sophy demonstrates fearlessness, empathy, and character. The second and third in the series are already released in the United States with number four scheduled to come in November.

The Player King

The Player King
Avi
Atheneum/Simon & Shuster, Oct. 2017 
199 pages
Grades 4-7
Historical Fiction

Orphan Lambert Simnel enjoys nothing more than escaping from his life of drudgery in a low-brow inn deep in the heart of medieval London to get some fresh air. One day, while sent out on an errand, he stops to observe some actors, enjoys the performance, and finds himself utilizing the same skills as he gets whisked away by a mysterious friar. The friar purchases him from the innkeeper, washes him for the first time ever, and begins to train him to be a gentleman. It turns out that Lambert resembles the Earl of Warwick, next in line to succeed the rightful King of England. The real Earl of Warwick is locked up in the tower of London, where King Henry placed him after overthrowing the crown. Now, King Henry's enemies want to regain their lost power and training Lambert to pose as the heir to the throne will help them achieve their ambitious goals. Lambert is a fast learner and before long he finds himself journeying to Ireland, where he is coronated, gathers an army, and proceeds to march into England. His noble friends have assured him that more soldiers will join the troops once they arrive, except no soldiers come. Instead, Lambert gets a sinking feeling that the "jig is up" and it won't be as easy to overthrow King Henry as he was led to believe. A fierce battle scene ends the novel with Lambert's fate hanging in the balance. What will King Henry do to the Player King once he gets his hands on him?

Avi is one of the most prolific writers for young people in our time. He especially excels at writing well-researched and exciting historical fiction for children. Avi returns to the medieval world of his Newbery winning Crispen and the Cross of Lead, although this time focusing on real world events. As written in the Author's Note at the end of the story, Lambert Simnel was a real person and this story is based on actual events. This alone should draw in readers and the exciting plot should keep them hooked. Every short chapter ends with a cliff-hanger to keep readers turning pages. The book is rather short, the print is a decent size, and the margins are big, as to not intimidate readers. The first person voice is written a bit "authentically", which may put off some kids, but will help others get into the time period. There are not enough books set in the middle ages, so I am grateful for the subject matter. I am also grateful that the book is geared towards boys and is exciting enough to make it an easy sell to this tricky audience. I loved learning about this little-known chapter of British history and did a google search to find out a bit more. Lambert is a great character and kids will relate to his reluctance to leave home, no matter how dysfunctional it is, and then experience his desire for power, only to find himself humbled again. Who wouldn't want to be the sovereign of England in the days of absolute power? A fun tale of history, adventure, mistaken identity, and greed gone wrong.

Because of Mr. Terupt

Because of Mr. Terupt
Rob Buyea
Delacorte, 2010 288 pages
Grades 3-7
Realistic Fiction

Seven fifth-grade students recount the school year from the class of rookie teacher, Mr. Terupt. Each narrator speaks in the first person and gives their interpretation of events reflecting their own personalities. The students range from the class clown, the class brain, queen bee, a new girl recently moved from California, a boy mourning the loss of a brother, a girl overcoming her mother's past, and a slightly chubby farm girl with no confidence. We see through the eyes and voices of the students the unconventional methods of this new teacher and how he leads the kids to independent learning. New experiences include out-of-the-box educational opportunities and visits to the special needs classroom, where they make friends. Barriers are breaking down and new friendships are forming when tragedy strikes. The children earn a reward and they chose to have an adventure outside in the Vermont snow. A snowball fight ensues, which quickly gets out of hand, and the class clown accidentally beans Mr. Terupt on the head. The teacher goes down and is taken to the hospital, where he remains in a coma. The children feel terrible and responsible for the horrible incident and for some it dregs up hurts from the past. The class gathers in the waiting room for the surgery that could save Mr. Terupt. Will he recover? Will the children find grace and peace with their involvement in the accident and learn to forgive themselves? Where do they go from here?

When this book was released seven years ago I did not purchase it for my library. Based on the reviews I didn't think it was spectacular enough or would be popular enough to garner purchase. After many, many requests from young patrons I finally gave in and purchased the book, along with the two sequels that followed. Kids love this book and it is always checked out of my library, finally encouraging me to read it. What is the appeal? The short narrations allow for a fast read. The school setting is one that all kids can relate to and the characters are easily identifiable in every classroom. The problems faced by the children in this story are real problems faced by everyday kids. Mr. Terupt is every kid's dream teacher: a teacher who makes learning fun and really GETS them. The disaster that ensues will make every young reader gasp and identify with the guilt that follows. Buyea spent most of his adult life in the classroom. He knows his way around the minds of children. The characters are all distinctly written and readers will not have any trouble telling them apart. Both boys and girls will enjoy this story and it is perfect for classroom use and book discussion. Many themes are introduced and the book can be useful on many levels to a wide audience. I personally found that the story was a bit obvious and lacked finesse, but it is at its core a book for children and the readership will find comfort in the predictability. Buyea's latest school story, which will be released in October, The Perfect Score, leaves the gang from Mr. Terupt's class and takes on the educational controversy of standardized testing.

Saving Marty

Saving Marty
Paul Griffin
Dial/Penguin, 2017 195 pages
Grades 5-8
Animal Story/Realistic Fiction

Lorenzo is a farm kid, who is big for his age and loves animals and playing the guitar with his best friend Paloma. The guitar formerly belonged to his father, who is a deceased army hero, and Renzo is trying to learn more about him, even though he died before Renzo was born. When Mom sells off the new piglets, one accidentally gets left behind. He is adopted by the family dog, who also recently gave birth, and imprints on Renzo. The boy names him Marty after his late father and the two become inseparable. Marty thinks he's a dog and likes to cuddle and jump on his owner, which is cute when he is a piglet, but soon Marty grows to over three-hundred pounds and things spiral out of control. Mom says that they must sell Marty and Renzo starts scheming to keep his friend. Meanwhile, local thugs are out to get Marty after he beat their dog at a race and are making Renzo uncomfortable. He and Paloma join an open-mic event and Pal is offered a scholarship at a music camp. It is her dream, so leaves to pursue it and Renzo feels bereft. He digs into the mystery of learning more about his father, especially how exactly he died. As the saying goes "be careful what you wish for" and Renzo learns some painful truths about his hero. At first devastated, Renzo finally realizes that his father was a real person, warts and all, and instead of trying to be Dad, decides to become himself. Renzo discovers what may be a permanent solution for Marty, although it involves danger, all while realizing the wonderful person that he is meant to be.

Much as in last years When Friendship Followed me Home, Paul Griffin knows how to deliver a heartwarming animal story that is so much more. Yes, it's a story about a pig who thinks he is a dog and the boy must save him, but it's also a story about growing up, friendship, finding your true passion, having courage to do the right thing, standing up to bullies, and the plight of the disappearing farmer. That feels like a lot going on in 195 pages, but the story is never rushed or jumbled. Lorenzo tells his tale in the first person and Griffin manages to hold this character beautifully. Readers will feel Renzo’s pain and sympathize with his dilemma, even if they don't particularly care for pigs. All of the main characters are fully drawn with the exception of the bullies, yet Renzo never really gets to know them and he is telling the story, so it is forgiven that are stock characters. The rural Pennsylvania setting, outside of Pittsburgh, is also fully realized. Having just visited that area within the past month I can attest to the very rustic country in this area of Pennsylvania. Griffin does not shy away from violence and hard truths, making this a book more appropriate for older elementary children. Animal lovers are the obvious choice, but any reader who enjoys realistic fiction, especially problem novels which are currently hot, will enjoy this new book, released just this month.

Mockingbird

Mockingbird
Kathryn Erskine
Philomel/Penguin, 2010 235 page
Grades 4-7
Realistic Fiction

Fifth-grader Caitlin's life is very confusing. Her older brother Devon has always explained the world to her. Now that Devon is gone, killed at a tragic school shooting in their small rural town, Caitlin feels alone. Her father is distant and doesn't like to talk about Devon and her mother died many years before. Caitlin has Asperger's Syndrome and is gifted with an amazing art talent, which she utilizes to help process the world, yet can only draw in black and white, much as her mind works. Unfortunately, social situations bewilder her and cause discomfort. The whole town is mourning those killed in the shooting and want to offer Caitlin and her dad support, but she would rather just have Devon back. An understanding counselor helps Caitlin begin to process Devon's death and reach out socially. She is searching for "closure' but isn't sure exactly what it is and how to obtain it. An unexpected friendship is developed with a first grade boy, who lost his teacher mother in the shooting. The two children, though apart in age, have much in common and learn together how to process events and Caitlin for the first time in her life learns how to be a friend. Devon was in the process of building a hope chest for his Eagle Scout project before he died. Now the chest is covered by a sheet and pushed into a corner of the living room where it makes Caitlin sad every time she sees it. She comes up with a great idea: maybe if she and Dad finish the chest they will find "closure". Now if she can only convince Dad to help her.

I have put off reading this book for years. It just seemed too sad. Finally, after I kept seeing it pop-up on lists one of my book club members convinced me to read it. I was so glad that I did! Erskine completely captures the voice and thought process of a child with Asperger's. The character of Caitlin is carefully and respectfully drawn. Readers will get to see inside the mind of a child who is wired a bit differently and possibly treat fellow classmates who don't fit into the typical boxes with understanding and empathy. Caitlin has feelings, though she does not know how to accurately express them, and prefers clear-cut rules and definitions. Through the help of her kind councilor, a thoughtful art teacher, and her new first grade friend, she allows her world to expand, even though this is scary, and colors begin to seep into her life. Dad will not go to therapy, though he desperately needs it, and Caitlin assists his healing through the hope chest project. An author's note at the end explains that Erskine was very affected by the Virginia Tech shootings and that event served as an inspiration to Mockingbird. It is very interesting that she chose to see an unfathomable event, such as a school shooting, through the eyes of a young person that struggles with decoding. It certainly adds a layer to the story. As the title suggests, To Kill a Mockingbird also is an inspiration to the book and parallels are drawn to that classic novel. Fans of Wonder and Out of My Mind will be an easy audience for this book and this genre of stories with unconventional characters working through problems is hot right now with young people. To be enjoyed by both boys and girls, this is a beautifully written and timely tale that will resonate and make a meaningful impression on the reader.

Tumble & Blue

Tumble & Blue
Cassie Beasley
Dial/Penguin 390 pages
Grades 3-6
Fantasy

Three points of view narrate this folksie tale filled with legend, magic, family, and unexpected friendships. Two hundred years ago under a red sickle moon two fugitives encounter a magical alligator named Munch. Munch is able to change the fate of one person every red sickle moon, which is a very rare occurrence. Since both seekers met him at the same time, they split the blessing, making it go haywire. For two hundred years the descendants of Almira LaFayette and Walcott Montgomery have had quirky gifts with mixed blessings. Fast forward to the present: the red sickle moon is expected to return and the Montgomery family is gathering en masse to the small Georgia town where the family homestead lies and is close to the swamp where Munch resides. The only person holding the key to finding Munch is elderly monarch Ma Myrtle and she is enjoying the royal treatment bestowed on her by desperate family members. Blue has been dumped at the family homestead by his race car driving father, who has the gift of never losing. Blue has the contrasting fate of always losing and he is anxious to have his curse reversed. He meets a new friend, who has also recently relocated to the small town, named Tumble. Tumble longs to be a hero and save the day. Unfortunately, her family connection to the LaFayettes leaves her cursed to always be in need saving. The two new friends work together to figure out a plan to reverse Munch's curse on their families. Only how will they gain Ma Myrtles favor and beat out the competing family members? And what will they say to the bewitched alligator once they find him? Are they resourceful and brave enough to see the plan through to a satisfying conclusion? Read Tumble & Blue to find out!

I loved Cassie Beasley's Circus Mirandus. This sophomore effort is equally good, yet different. Both books share a magical element, yet Tumble & Blue proves to be a bit more approachable and down-to-earth. It is reminiscent of another favorite of mine Savvy by Ingrid Law in that kids are learning to wield supernatural gifts in a believable contemporary way. The rural southern setting and folkloric quality to the story add to the overall atmosphere and invite the reader to fall into this world where a talking Alligator can change our fate, if we are only brave and bright enough to find him. The alternating points of view are done well and are easy to distinguish. Munch's side of the story is framed by a black swamp design in order to set it apart and the narration helps suspend  belief that this really is an ageless magical alligator. Offering both a male and female protagonist make this book a great choice for both boys and girls and it would be a terrific read-aloud in both the home and the classroom. Beasley includes many interesting minor characters. They are all distinct and I felt as if I knew them personally, which helped me keep everyone straight in my head. Many themes are explored within the pages of this novel including what makes a real hero, finding your inner-courage, forgiveness, changing your destiny, and family is what you chose it to be. Some of the adults in the novel are flawed, yet others really come through for our two friends. In the end, they have both grown and learned to accept certain parts of their lives that they were fighting against and have become stronger for it. Because of the beautiful writing, character development, fully realized setting, and original plot, I think this is a real Newbery contender and will be enjoyed by readers for years to come.