Friday, July 31, 2020
Forged in Fire and Stars by Andrea Robertson - OPTIONAL
Thursday, July 30, 2020
Hunted by the Sky by Tanaz Bhathena - ADVISABLE
BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Gul has been on the run and in hiding with the Sisters of the Golden Lotus for years. Though she has trained in martial arts, her only goal has been to get into the palace and kill King Lohar before her kills her. Because Gul, the girl with a star on her arm, is prophecied to be King Lohar’s death.
There is a beginning of a love interest here also, but Gul is the most important character. Lots of danger. Based around Indian culture, though I don’t think it is a mythology based story. I’m sure there will be a couple of sequels.
Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS
Wednesday, July 29, 2020
The Peasant’s Dream by Melanie Dickerson - OPTIONAL
Content: G
BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
As the youngest daughter of the Duke of Hagenheim, Adela feels stifled. When she sneaks into the marketplace one day, she meets Frederick. Frederick is the son of an angry farmer, but he wants a different life as a woodcarver. That day he takes a chance to show his talent to the local church and he earns a commission for new chapel doors. Taking his mother and sister he moves to town, meaning he can see Adela more often. But his village life follows him as he gets peripherally involved in a plot to kidnap the Duke’s daughter – not knowing that the daughter is Adela. The road back to love will be dangerous and complicated!
For those who like light romantic novels based on familiar fairy tales, this Dickerson series is a perfect fit.
Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS
Ikenga by Nnedi Okorafor - ADVISABLE
Language: PG (13 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (mild)
BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Nnamdi’s father was the chief of police in their small Nigerian town, until the day he was murdered. Nnamdi is sure that is was the Chief of Chief, the local head of all that is bad, but as a young boy, there is little he can do. Then one night he meets his father’s spirit, who gifts him with an Ikenga, an Igbo symbol of power. Through the Ikenga, Nnamdi seems to have the power to bring bad luck to the Chief’s lackeys. But even has Nnamdi helps his town, he also feels out of control – he may not yet be old enough to wield the full power of the Ikenga.
Nnamdi’s desperation to help his mother, avenge his father’s death, and loose the hold of the thieves on his town will resonate with readers who like magical realism and against-all-odds main characters.Okorafor brings a small part of Nigerian mythology to life and introduces readers to the present-day culture of the region at the same time. As a librarian, I think it is time for me to update my world mythology books, as with the proliferation of new books based on a wide variety of world mythology should spur a resurgence in kids wanting to learn more.
Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS
Building Zaha: The Story of Architect Zaha Hadid by Victoria Tentler-Kaylov - ADVISABLE
BUYING ADVISORY: EL – ESSENTIAL; MS - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: EL, MS - AVERAGE
Zaha Hadid was born with her fascination for architecture. Breaking stereotypes, she forged her own path to be able to design ground-breaking buildings all over the world – including being the first woman to design a museum in the US.
Fairly text dense for a picture book, but even though it is a PB, I am glad to see another focus on a woman who has contributed to the world in unique ways. Even MS can use this if they integrate bios of women amongst their varied unit themes.
Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS
Saturday, July 25, 2020
Prince Freya Vol. 2 by Keiko Ishihara - OPTIONAL
Language: (3 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: PG13
BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
By pretending to be the prince in order to save her country, Freya has a responsibility to act like the prince and put her own life before others. But Freya has seen people die, and she won’t stand for that any longer. With the power of the prince, Freya can be an influence for good, if only she has the courage.
My interest was piqued by volume one, and volume two did not disappoint in its continuation. Freya is in a tough spot, and I admire the changes she is trying to make as she sacrifices for her country in ways they are completely unaware of. While the story has some inconsistencies, it’s engaging enough to encourage readers to keep following the series. The mature content rating for nudity, and the violence rating for battle gore and death.
Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen
Friday, July 24, 2020
Hungry Hearts by Julie Hoag - OPTIONAL
Language: R (137 swears, 69 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: PG
BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Landra, a sophomore in high school, is thrilled when her long-time crush, Hunter, notices her. She’s been eating less and exercising more in order to not be fat, knowing Hunter would see her if only she can be pretty enough. But Brian is constantly pestering Landra with his flirting, which has escalated to daily offerings of the most delicious food Landra has ever tasted. Eat or don’t eat? Brian or Hunter?
While not explicitly stated, Landra struggles with an eating disorder, and a lot of the book is focused on her personal growth. The romance part of the story -- her interactions with and thoughts about the boys -- are exaggerated to the point of ridiculousness; I didn’t know whether to laugh or roll my eyes at the cheesiness. If the book had just been about Landra and the boys, I would have put it down, but the growth that Landra makes with few characters realizing the change was powerful. Landra recognized that she needed to make a change and she wanted that change. The change she made might not have made a big difference to those around her, but it mattered to Landra. The mature content rating is for underage drinking, innuendo, and mentions of nudity, orgy, orgasm, and sex.
Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen
Fighting Words by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley - ESSENTIAL
Thursday, July 23, 2020
Avengers Assembly: Orientation by Preeti Chhibber - OPTIONAL
Language: PG (10 swears); Mature Content G; Violence: G
BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS – OPTIONAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Kamala Khan is an average middle school kid who unexpectedly gains super powers and fights crime in New Jersey. Kamala gets a letter from Captain Marvel inviting her to an extracurricular superhero school to hone her skills. Together with Miles Morales, aka Spider Man, and Doreen Green, aka Squirrel Girl, they team up to hopefully rise to the top of their class.
I realize I am not the target audience, but this was a confusing read for me. I didn’t know who Kamala Khan was previous to the book and it was assumed that readers knew her super powers origin story as well as Squirrel Girl’s and Spider Man’s. Is there really a Squirrel Girl? I thought it a little puzzling that Kamala goes by Ms. Marvel when there is already a Captain Marvel. Told in a collection of blogs, texts, stories, notes and graphic art, it was a fun idea but sometimes difficult to follow. The narrators kept switching as well as the format, so it took awhile to figure out who was narrating. The frenetic pacing and visual style will likely appeal to tech savvy middle school students who are into Marvel comics.
Michelle in the Middle
Slamdown Town by Maxwell Nicoll and Matthew Smith - OPTIONAL
2020. $15.
Content G
BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS – OPTIONAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
11yo Ollie is a professional wrestling fiend. He and his brother, Hollis, were raised on wrestling, since their mother was a pro wrestler before turning referee. Ollie’s world changes when Hollis buys him some used gum chewed by Ollie’s hero wrestler, Professor Pain. The gum transforms Ollie into a buff pro wrestler named Big Chew. But life isn’t a barrel of singlets: the Slamdown Town Arena is in danger of being shut down, Hollis is a bully, and Ollie’s friendship with his best friend is in jeopardy.
Finally, there is a book for professional wrestling fans. There is no explanation about why the ABC (Already Been Chewed) gum works or why it would have been sold on the Internet instead of being thrown away. If you can get past this weird plot point, the story is fun, if predictable. Cool wrestlers and themes of family and friendship make pro wrestling fun for the junior set.
Michelle in the Middle
Wednesday, July 22, 2020
Hard Wired by Len Vlahos - ADVISABLE
Language: PG-13 (33 swears, 1 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG
BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
15yo Quinn’s dad died of cancer when Quinn was young and each year on the anniversary of his death, his mom shows him one of the many videos that his father made before he died. It’s something that Quinn looks forward to each year as a way to connect with his dad. After a failed first date with his crush, Shea, he turns to his dad’s videos hoping for some insight. What he finds are patterns and a puzzle he never picked up on before and he realizes his father is trying to tell him something. Something he can’t quite figure out. When he wakes up the next day, his father is sitting on the edge of his bed. Quinn thinks it’s a dream but his father assures him that he is real and instead of answering Quinn’s questions, he pushes Quinn to figure out the puzzle. He tells Quinn over and over again that he knows the answer, he just has to say it. Quinn fights it as long as he can, but finally accepts the impossible truth. Quinn is an AI. Everything Quinn thought was real was part of a virtual world created to “wake” him up. His father and all his friends are actually part of the scientific team that has been waiting for Quinn to wake up. Now that Quinn knows the truth, that he isn’t real, that his memories aren’t real, that he doesn’t have a body or a family, he is stunned, mortified, and feels betrayed by everyone he knows.
Great science fiction novel and a solid addition to your collection. Quinn was kind and funny and I really felt for him at first. The author did a good job portraying his feelings of betrayal. Imagine how hard it would be to find out, not only that everything you believed was a lie and you were the last to know, but that you were part of some scientific creation, and not even human. I enjoyed the book and had a hard time putting it down, but the further along I got, the more unsettled I was by the whole thing. The possibilities of what Quinn could do and his casual arrogance sent shivers up my spine.
Reviewer: RB
The Great Upending by Beth Kephart - ESSENTIAL
The Great Upending by Beth Kephart, 259 pages. Atheneum (Simon), 2020. $18
Content: G
BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
12yo Sara, her brother Hawk and their happy family live with their parents on a big farm. They are in the midst of a big drought, there is a fire in the haybarn, Sara has Marfan syndrome, and she needs heart surgery. Everybody pitches in to help and mom makes pies to sell for extra money. A mysterious and reclusive tenant has moved into the remodeled silo on the farm. Sara and Hawk call him ""The Mister."" Under no circumstance are they to disturb The Mister. Sometimes Sara is sure he is watching them; and they are certainly watching him. Sara and Hawk find out that The Mister is a famous, best selling author.
I liked how this family stuck together and worked to keep the farm going. It's cute how Hawk has named the animals after characters from his favorite book. I could feel the hardships they had on the farm. Sara knew that her illness added to the weight and worry her parents. I loved the book and it gave great insight into what it is like to live with Marfan's syndrome. I highly recommend this book. I could not put it down and read it in one sitting.
Ellen-Anita, Librarian
Tuesday, July 21, 2020
Itch by Polly Farquhar - OPTIONAL
Content G
BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS – OPTIONAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Isaac’s sixth grade year is off to a rough start. Set in rural Ohio, Isaac still feels like an outsider to his college football crazed town and tries to fit in, even when a tornado blows the roof off the cafeteria. It doesn’t help that he has idiopathic angioedema that makes him scratch uncontrollably, so the kids as school call him Itch. Isaac’s best friend, Sydney, has life threatening food allergies that are triggered because of Isaac’s actions. When Isaac is blamed, he has to decide what lengths he will go to in order to have friends.
For anyone going through angst in sixth grade, this beautifully captures elementary life and the decisions that define us. Isaac’s medical condition, paired with the food allergies of his friends, help remind us that navigating life isn’t always easy, while shining light on the seriousness of food allergies. However, there isn’t a lot of action, and it almost seems like an episode of Sienfield where not enough happens.
Michelle in the Middle
Sunday, July 19, 2020
My Life in the Fish Tank By Barbara Dee - ADVISABLE
Language: PG (3 swears 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (peril)
EL, MS - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
12yo Zinny loves science - well, she especially loves her science teacher Ms. Molina. Currently Zinny’s family is a bit upended - her oldest brother Gabriel, off to college, has been in an automobile accident, and as events unravel, her parents discover he’s been diagnosed with bi-polar disorder and they have placed him in a residential treatment center. Telling Zinny (and her other siblings) to keep this news private her parents feel this is the best way for the family to cope, so Zinny has no one to share her troubles with, her best friends are frustrated, and even Ms. Molina can tell that something is wrong.
Tackling the effect of mental illness on a family, Barbara Dee has written another compelling and emotional novel. While Gabriel’s problem seems all consuming, Zinny is still having to navigate middle school relationships, school and taking care of her family. Her parents are not managing well, and Scarlet, Zinny’s 16yo sister isn’t stepping up, so Zinny is the one to pull things together (weird that the family had an account at the local grocery store - do stores still do that?). I loved her teacher - she doesn’t pry, just does her best to give Zinny a safe space, and she has helpful friends, and not-so-helpful friends.
Lisa Librarian
Saturday, July 18, 2020
Redwood and Ponytail by K. A. Holt - ADVISABLE
Under the Broken Sky by Mariko Nagai - ESSENTIAL
Friday, July 17, 2020
Forget Me Nat by Maria Scrivan - ESSENTIAL
Bloom by Kenneth Oppel - ESSENTIAL
Thursday, July 16, 2020
Missing! Mysterious Cases of People Gone Missing Through the Centuries by Brenda Z. Guiberson - OPTIONAL
A Field Guide to Getting Lost by Joy McCullough - ADVISABLE
Content G
BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS – ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
9yo Sutton is a homeschooled brainiac. She recites the periodic table of elements every morning at breakfast and is intent on winning the state science fair with her mini-bot she is coding. Luis is also her age, but he loves fantasy and dreams of adventure while writing a book, though he is stuck inside a lot due to a multitude of allergies. Sutton’s and Luis’ worlds collide when their parents decide to date and Luis and Sutton have to suddenly put aside their differences in order to survive.
Told in alternating chapters, both characters have distinctive personalities and problems they are dealing with, both of which prove isolating. Luis’ character builds empathy for those dealing with life-threatening allergies. Sutton’s mother is alive, but heavily involved in an out-of-town career. Both sets of parents and adults are portrayed sympathetically. Good way to broach themes of change, introspection, and going out of your comfort zone. You may even learn something about penguins!
Michelle in the Middle
Wednesday, July 15, 2020
Twins by Varian Johnson - HIGH
Content G
BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS – OPTIONAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
Francine and Maureen are twins heading into 6th grade and middle school. Always together, Maureen is upset when Francine wants to head in a different direction and go by Fran. Maureen feels betrayed and feelings come to a head when they run against each other for class president.
If you have a sibling you’ve always felt compared to or thought was better than you, this could be your book. It’s a fast read, and the twins have believable and distinct personalities, which the author, also a twin, has captured well. I didn’t like the idea that a store would go out of business for one employee’s mistake though. The election proves a nice backdrop for showcasing the sibling’s strengths and weaknesses and how sometimes we don’t look outward to see people for who they really are, especially the ones closest to us.
Michelle in the Middle
June’s Wild Flight by Max Brallier - ADVISABLE
Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content G; Violence: G
BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS – ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
June gets separated from her friends, Dirk, Quint, and Jack. She ends up in a town covered in Vine-
Thingies and new creatures. June has to figure out how to get back to Wakefield, stay alive, and uncover information about the “Tower” that could be critical to the future of her post-apocalyptic world.
June gets a solo book in the Last Kids series. Though it would help to have read previous books, the set-up is quick and informative, so you could still jump into the storyline with this one. June makes an intrepid heroine and we get more of her backstory. The action is pretty much nonstop and the illustrations compliment the story nicely. June’s Wild Flight promises a wild ride and readers will happily sail through it, especially if they are already fans of the Netflix series.
Michelle in the Middle
Tuesday, July 14, 2020
Louder Than Words by Kathy Kacer - ESSENTIAL
Content: G
BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
The book is based on the true story of Nina Pukas and her tremendous heroism during world War II in Ukraine. She was hired to be the housekeeper for a widow and her daughters. The family's home was burned to the ground and Nina protected the Jewish family by claiming them as her family. She secured new identification papers for the family to keep them safe. She continued to care for the girls after the mother was arrested. She kept them safe.
I love to read about how people were so brave in the face of tremendous hardships. This story needs to be read and remembered. Nina was very brave and showed great love and empathy for the family. She protected them even when by doing so would mean certain death for her if she was discovered. The story was an easy and fast read, and it impacted me greatly. I remember my grandparents and my parents stories of life and hardships during the Germany invasion of Norway during the same war.
Ellen-Anita, Librarian
Things Seen From Above by Shelley Pearsall - ESSENTIAL
Content: G
BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
April does not feel like she fits in with the other kids in her 6th grade. Lunch is especially hard for her. She volunteers to be a Buddy Bench monitor during lunch. She is outside when the fourth grade students have lunch. She helps the students, talks with them and tries to be a friend. She notices a boy that is always by himself and he is always dragging his feet through the bark pieces on the playground. As the days go by April starts to worry about this boy that doesn't seem to fit in with the other students. One day she climbs up on the jungle gym to see if she can see what Joey is doing. He seems to be drawing pictures on a large scale. The janitor helps her up on the roof so she can get a better view. April discovers that Joey is an amazing land artist. He draws pictures as seen from above.
I loved this book and the story of April, Joey and the new girl from India, Veena. Sometimes seeing things from different perspectives changes how we view the world an our place in it. Seeing things from different perspectives can change our direction in life and help us understand and appreciate others. It opens doors and we gain new insight and knowledge. I liked how the characters grew and learned from each other. April is stronger than she thinks, she has more influence on others and she does a lot of good. She is an impressive girl. The story is told by April and Joey. Joey's part is for the most part illustrations and very few words. I highly recommend this book. It would be a great read-a-loud.
Ellen-Anita, Librarian
Monday, July 13, 2020
Lifestyles of Gods and Monsters by Emily Roberson - ESSENTIAL
Language: G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG-13 (Discussion about sex tapes, sex and showing more skin. Sex is off the page); Violence: PG (Fighting, characters being killed)
BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ESSENTIAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
16yo Ariadne's entire life is filmed on camera and shown to the world. With the help of her two older sisters and her dysfunctional family, their show is the hottest thing on television. Fourteen contestants will soon compete in the Labyrinth Contest where they will face the Minotaur in the maze and attempt to kill him. Nobody has survived the challenge in 14 years. Ratings skyrocket when the gorgeous prince of Athens arrives in Crete for the contest. Theseus asks Ariadne's help in defeating the Minotaur for he is determined to end the Labyrinth Contest for good. Ariadne senses something different in Theseus and can feel herself falling for him. Does he really care about the other contestants, or is he just another character her father has hired to boost ratings?
Reality TV mixed with Greek mythology sounds crazy, but it works. If you would like a glimpse behind the making of a reality tv show this is the book for you. But first, you must refresh your knowledge of the story of Theseus and the Minotaur or you may feel like this story closely resembles Hunger Games. Emily Roberson has created a very clever modern take on the ancient Greek Mythology story. The intense story line and the creative dialogue kept me up at night turning pages. Students will really enjoy this book whether they enjoy Greek Mythology or not. I cannot recommend it enough!
Jessica Nelson Librarian
The Memory Thief by Lauren Mansy - OPTIONAL
Language: G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG (battle)
BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - OPTIONAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
In the city of Craewick, Madam has designed a society where citizens are divided by ability and only the Gifted can take memories from others. 17yo Etta is desperate to save her mother from auction. If she were to be auctioned, all of her memories would be sold to the highest bidder and then she would be killed. In a land where memories act as currency, this would be devastating. Etta will do anything to save her mother, even if it means joining the Shadows, the rebel group Etta swore off years ago. Etta must steal a map of the Maze in order to get the Shadows to trust her. Etta soon faces many challenges along the way, revealing secrets from her past and deciding who she can indeed trust. As a romance blossoms, Etta makes her way closer to her mother, but will she arrive in time?
I really liked the concept of this book. To be able to steals someone's memories of being an accomplished painter or dancer, then being one yourself, would be amazing. For some reason it was a little difficult to wrap my brain around while reading. It is such an abstract concept that it was difficult to remember if the character already had that skill or stole it. I did enjoy the adventure, the quest Etta was on and the romance that was beginning to take shape. I feel like a prequel and a few more books will be added soon.
Jessica Nelson Librarian
Sunday, July 12, 2020
Kenzie Kickstarts a Team by Kit Rosewater - OPTIONAL
Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content PG; Violence: G
BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS – OPTIONAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Fifth grader Kenzie has dreamed of being on a roller derby team as long as she can remember. Together with her best friend, Shelly, they want to try out for a derby team. In order to stay together, they need to put together a team of five girls before tryouts. This causes some changes in the girls’ friendships as they go from being besties to team players.
Yay, a book for roller derby girls! Though sadly, there isn’t a whole lot of plot besides the title. Kenzie puts together a team and she struggles with putting Bree on the team because she has feelings for her. Fifth grade seems a little young to be thinking of relationships, though there isn’t anything beyond feelings and brushing fingertips. The ending leaves the book open for a sequel, yet wraps up the storyline. This is friendship/relationship angst with a dose of derby.
Michelle in the Middle
Hide and Seeker by Daka Hermon - OPTIONAL
Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content PG; Violence: PG
BUYING ADVISORY: MS – OPTIONAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Justin has had a rough year. His mother died and his best friend, Zee, went missing. Zee suddenly shows up a year later, but he is changed. At Zee’s welcome home party, things go from weird to horrifying when Justin and his sixth grade friends play hide and seek. As Zee begins to spout strange riddles in rhyme, they realize that their game has dire consequences, especially as they begin to disappear one by one into a world of nightmares.
When Justin ends up in Nowhere, it is a lot like the Down Under in Stranger Things. The kids in Nowhere are in a dark mirrored world below their real world as they are beset by their greatest fears. I wanted to like this book more. The rhymes were too simplistic and if I were terrified I don’t think I’d remember them anyway. There just wasn’t a lot of tension and the consequences for not following the rules of hide and seek seemed pretty harsh for little kids.
Michelle in the Middle
Saturday, July 11, 2020
The Other Side: Stories of Central American Teen Refugees Who Dream of Crossing the Border by Juan Pablo Villalobos - HIGH
Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content PG; Violence: PG
BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS – ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
Mexican author Villalobos gives insight on eleven teenagers’ immigration experiences as they risk their lives working their way from dangerous homelands across Mexico to try and find a safer life and often family in the United States.
These stories are brief but compelling. This quick read should build empathy into the immigration process and gratitude for what the United States offers. My only problem with the book was that the stories weren’t more fleshed out. These haunting stories will stay with you.
Michelle in the Middle
City Spies by James Ponti - ESSENTIAL
Content G
BUYING ADVISORY: MS – ESSENTIAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
12yo Sara Martinez is in the foster care system. Her foster parents are horrible, so she hacks into the juvenile justice system to expose them. Unfortunately she faces juvenile detention until Mother, a British spy recruits her and she joins a team of youth spies living in Scotland. At a youth summit in Paris, Sara and her team go undercover to stop a villainous plot that would endanger lives.
Although it was a bit of a stretch to have a 12-year old hacker who can get into any system, this story rocks. Sara and her crew are likable with some mad skills and the story was engaging and well paced. There are nice twists as Mother and his teen spies get closer to the truth. Once you start reading, you will want to finish, and the locales make you wish you were there. James Ponti has blended fun with danger brilliantly.
Michelle in the Middle
Friday, July 10, 2020
The Knights of Mars by Alex Alice - ADVISABLE
Content G
BUYING ADVISORY: MS – ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Seraphin, Hans, and Sophie return from the moon in 1869 with aetherite, a miraculous substance that defies gravity. Unfortunately, they must remain hidden to keep it safe from the Prussians. The Knights of Aether must rescue King Ludwig and Professor Dulac on the farthest reaches of the Prussian empire-Mars!
You will want to read the first two volumes before jumping into this one. Translated from French, the storyline would make more sense to readers who have a basic grasp of European history. The art is visually stunning. The size of the book is one of its strengths and weaknesses. It is picture book sized, which allows the art to really shine, but is not the standard size to fit on your shelf. The storyline is intriguing, but much too short. There are many threads left dangling at the end, so with a deep sigh, I will just have to wait for book four.
Michelle in the Middle
The Invasion by K.A. Applegate and Michael Grant - ESSENTIAL
Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content PG; Violence: PG
BUYING ADVISORY: MS –ESSENTIAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
The Animorphs begin their adventures in this graphic novel adaption. Five teens are on their way home through a construction site when they meet up with a wounded alien who gives them morphing powers before dying. He wants to keep them safe from bigger badder invading aliens who want to use humans for hosts for their race.
Whether or not you have read the Animorph series, you will probably enjoy the graphic novel version. It’s a great way to be introduced to the series, and an awesome visual if you are already a fan. Each of the teen’s personalities are brought forth, as well as the creepiness of the aliens they face. I’m betting you won’t be able to stop at just book one.
Michelle in the Middle