Race to the Moon (Escape This Book!) by Bill Doyle and Sarah Sax - OPTIONAL

Race to the Moon (Escape This Book!) by Bill Doyle, illustrated by Sarah Sax. 186 pages. Random House, 2020. $11. 

Content G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS (GIFT)- OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

With this book on space, the reader has three chances to join NASA’s space program and help the Apollo mission reach the moon, either as the mission commander, the moon buggy driver, or the flight director. Think escape room meets book. 

The book is loaded with interactive activities for the reader to do with the book, like cut up its pages and drawing in it, so getting a copy for a library may be dodgy. Readers could read it without vandalizing the book, but it may just be too tempting to follow the directions. Fun and immersive for readers interested in space, it will definitely hold your attention, but it may also be a one and one book as well. 

Michelle in the Middle 

Greek Mythology: The Handbook by Liv Albert and Sara Richard - ESSENTIAL

Greek Mythology: The Gods, Goddesses, and Heroes Handbook by Liv Albert, illustrated by Sara Richard. 240 pages. Adams Media (Simon & Schuster), 2021. $17. 9781507215494 

Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content PG; Violence: PG 

BUYING ADVISORY:– MS, HS - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Greek Mythology gets a fantastic new update. Smartly illustrated and designed, it is a great size to pack around. I thought I knew everything about the Greek pantheon, but I found new facts and got pulled in by format. Each deity or hero is divided into “What’s his/her deal?” “The Story You Need to Know,” and “Now You Know.” Sometimes just the illustrations would pull me into a section. Easy to find facts and great, succinct writing, this is my new go-to for Greek Mythology. More than a mere reference book, this is a marvelous read. 

 Michelle in the Middle 

Even More Fantastic Failures by Luke Reynolds - ADVISABLE

Even More Fantastic Failures: True Stories of People Who Changed the World by Falling Down First by Luke Reynolds, 288 pages. Aladdin (Simon & Schuster). 2020. $13. 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

More fantastic failures details how people who changed the world, from celebrities to teen advocates, succeeded in spite of setbacks to follow their dreams and overcome obstacles. Individuals vary from Joan of Arc to Barack Obama with Lin-Manuel Miranda and the Jamaican Women’s National Soccer Team. Segments are short and readable vignettes with even more examples in sidebars. 

 The format and cover didn’t do much for me initially. I admit it took me awhile to finally pick it up. I was pleasantly surprised by the readability, though I thought the beginning of each story pointing out how easy it must have been for each person and then refuting that belief unnecessary. There is also a fair bit of editorializing to go along with each entry. But these stories remind us that people are more than the successful images we see on social media and that it’s ok to fail because we don’t know where failure will lead us. 

Michelle in the Middle

Merci Suarez Can't Dance by Meg Medina - ADVISABLE

Merci Suarez Can't Dance (Merci Suarez #2) by Meg Medina, 372 pages. Candlewick Press, 2021. $18. 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

13yo Merci is back for her 7th grade year at Seaward Pines. She and Edna have a truce, but things are not any better between them. For her community service project, she has been assigned to run the school store during lunch with Wilson who is great at math. Between the two of them - Merci has some great business sense, they turn the failing store into a success, but when selling tickets to the dance becomes part of the store responsibilities, Merci has to play nice with Edna, who has also started hanging around with Merci's friends. 

So funny - I love Medina's writing, she really knows the mind of the 7th grader and the kind of drama that goes on in their lives. Merci has a lot going on, besides her feud with Edna, she has friend trouble, she thinks she might like Wilson, and her Aunt is dating one of her dad's employees - yuck! I'll recommend this as a pair - readers will want to go right from Merci Suarez Changes Gears to Merci Suarez Can't Dance.

Lisa Librarian

The Year Shakespeare Ruined My Life by Dani Jansen - NO

The Year Shakespeare Ruined My Life by Dani Jansen, 304 pages. Second Story Press, 2020. $14 

Language PG13; Mature Content: PG; Violence: G. 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - NOT RECOMMENDED 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW 

12th grader Alison Green wants to be valedictorian. It is her primary focus. Hoping to ingratiate herself with a teacher on the selection committee, Alison agrees to be the producer of the school Shakespeare play. With no theater experience, Alison convinces her sister and friends to help her navigate the difficult task of putting on a show. Alison is also a lesbian who came out to her family, but not to her friends or schoolmates. However, when her best friend's crush asks Alison out for a date, she accepts, intending to turn the date into a meeting for him and her friend, but it backfires. Now the boy is mad at her and so is her best friend. When Alison's crush Charlotte lands the lead in the school musical, Alison thinks that maybe staying in the closet isn't helping her find happiness. 

I was so excited to read The Year Shakespeare Ruined My Life because I am a drama teacher. I just can't get past handing over the production side of a school play to an inexperienced student with zero adult support. Of course it made for some funny situations, but the effect on the actors, the audience and school was unnecessary and irresponsible. I also didn't like the stereotypical representation of the theater and stage crew kids. Although the characters are high school, it reads more like a middle school farce. I really liked the other storyline. Alison deciding to be out and comfortable with her sexuality; it was interesting, timely and sweet. Too bad it was overshadowed by chaotic rehearsals, a self centered director and a community theater bent on shutting down the high school production. The theater community isn't like that. Having a hard time recommending this.

Lisa Librarian

It's Outta Here! The Might and Majesty of the Home Run by Matt Doeden - ADVISABLE

It's Outta Here! The Might and Majesty of the Home Run by Matt Doeden, 64 pages. NON-FICTION Millbrook (Lerner), 2021. $35. 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

The history of, and skill behind major league home runs. From the great Babe Ruth through the home run kings of today, we learn about their statistics, the race to the top and how home runs have changed the game of baseball. Short sections put together perfectly to keep the middle school reader engaged. Great captioned photographs, side bars with more information - like the home run derby, why Coors Field has the best home run chances and who hits this biggest blasts. 

 The history of Babe Ruth's records, who broke them and the fans' reactions was compelling. I'm not a sports person and I found it engaging and exciting. Also includes the stats and short bios for the 25 top home run hitters, a bunch of home run records a glossary and source notes.

Lisa Librarian

Reaching for the Moon by Katherine G. Johnson - ADVISABLE

Reaching for the Moon: The Autobiography of NASA Mathematician Katherine Johnson by Katherine G. Johnson, 256 pages. AUTOBIOGRAPHY Atheneum Books for Young Readers (Simon and Schuster), 2019. $18

Content: G. 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Many of us are familiar with Katherine Johnson and her contribution to the space program, but her story is so much more than getting an American man on the moon. Growing up during the Great Depression, her parents made sure their children got the best education possible, and Kathrine excelled despite the restrictions of Jim Crow laws. A talented mathematician, Katherine also spoke french, taught school, was a wife and mother, and played an essential role on the team that sent astronauts to the moon. 

I loved getting all the background on her life. She was a math whiz at 4 years old! Throughout the autobiography Katherine tells an honest account of the affect of racism on her life and other African American people, as well as the inside scoop on working at NASA and some parts of "Hidden Figures" that was represented differently in the movie. Well written and perfect for a middle school reader. Lots of photographs as well. 

Lisa Librarian

A Wish in the Dark by Christina Soontornvat - ADVISABLE

A Wish in the Dark by Christina Soontornvat, 375 pages. Candlewick Press, 2020. $18

Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (peril) 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Pong was born in a prison while his mother was incarcerated. In Chattana, the children of the prisoners are prisoners themselves until they are 13, when they are released. Pong, not yet 13, seizes an opportunity and escapes. But the outside world isn't as welcoming or easy as he expected. Nok is the warden's daughter. Pong's escape brought shame on her family, and now she will stop at nothing to recapture him. 

 Magical realism sets "A Wish in the Dark" apart. Soontornvat slowly introduces the magical elements, building a world as bright as the light sources created by the Governor. Each child in the story has their own power - Nok is a skilled fighter, Pong has heightened sensitivity, and Somkit knows and builds machines. Not just an adventure story, Soontornvat also addresses social inequity, privilege, and what fair means. 

Lisa Librarian

A Good Kind of Trouble by Lisa Moore Ramée - ADVISABLE

A Good Kind of Trouble by Lisa Moore Ramée, 384 pages. Balzer + Bray (Harper Collins), 2019. $17 Language: PG (2 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: PG; Violence: G. 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

12yo Shayla is just starting junior high.  She's always been a good kid, and avoids trouble. Her older sister is part of the Black Lives Matter movement, but although Shayla is black, isn't really interested in getting involved. They live in West Los Angeles where a police officer is on trial for shooting a black man. When the verdict comes back "not guilty" Shayla feels like it's time for her to take a stand. She wears a black arm band to school and brings some for her friends and teammates. When the principal announces that arm bands are against dress code, Shayla must weigh getting in trouble against standing up for something she really believes in.

Oh, such a great read for middle school, there's a bunch of friend drama, boy drama, lunch room, sports  and even a dance to advance the story. Shayla is a great character, trying new things, questioning old ideas and discovering who she is.  I also liked the discussions of racism and protesting that weren't necessarily political.

Lisa Librarian

Influence by Sara Shepard - OPTIONAL

Influence by Sara Shepard, 361 pages. Delacorte Press, 2021. $18. 

Content: Language: PG-13 (42 swears); Mature Content: PG-13; Violence: PG. 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS – OPTIONAL  

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE  

Four teenage girls are immersed in the world of social media influencing and their paths cross. Delilah is new to L.A. and wants to get in on the influencing scene, but at one of her first big events she falls for fellow influencer Scarlet’s beau.  Jasmine feels pigeon-holed in a role that started when she was a child star, and she doesn’t feel like she can be her real self.  Fiona has many anxieties, mostly stemming from an accident that Fiona feels responsible for and it left a girl dead. And the queen bee, Scarlet, seems to have the biggest secret of all but each of the other influencers are afraid Scarlet’s secret is about their secret.  When their whole life is on display for thousands, there tends to be secrets about who these girls really are, and those secrets start to leak out leading to the death of one of the girls.  

I really enjoyed Sara Shepard’s series, The Amateurs, so I was excited to read this book.  I liked the way that the possible suspects were set up and the storyline had a few twists that were fun and unexpected.  The characters weren’t relatable, and it has a superficial feel throughout. If the world of influencers is interesting to your readers, then they will fall into this story, otherwise it was a quick, shallow mystery.  The content includes underage drinking, teen pregnancy and an undescriptive murder. 

Reviewer, C. Peterson

Tigers, Not Daughters by Samantha Mabry - OPTIONAL

Tigers, Not Daughters by Samantha Mabry, 277 pages. CENTERING ME. Algonquin Young Readers (Algonquin Books), 2020. $11.

Language: R (31 swears, 39 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: PG13

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Ana and her sisters planned to run away together -- they almost made it once -- but Ana’s death changed her sisters. Without their leader, Jessica, Iridian, and Rosa have retreated into new roles and parts to play in the house they are stuck in. But Ana doesn’t want her sisters to continue this way, and it’s up to the sisters to work together and figure out what Ana’s ghost wants for them.

Grief is difficult and different for everyone; Ana’s three sisters cope by retreating into themselves and playing the roles they perceived necessary. They struggle as individuals and then learn to rise together through both the weight of their sister’s death and their individual challenges. Mabry has written a story that feels significant. I can imagine English teachers asking their students to analyze what’s going on in this book, but I feel like I missed it. Something more is going on; the climax had more power than I understood. Maybe I’ll have to read it again to figure it out. The mature content rating is for underage drinking, groping, partial nudity, and mentions of sex. The violence rating is for mentions of death and suicide and for blood.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

Sing Me Forgotten by Jessica S. Olson - ADVISABLE

Sing Me Forgotten by Jessica S. Olson, 336 pages. Inkyard Press, 2021. $20.

Language: PG (7 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG13

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - OPTIONAL, HS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

17yo Isda lives in the shadows because she has to, but she also thrives in the background of the opera house she calls home. If she steps into the spotlight she longs for, Isda’s magical abilities would become known and execution would soon follow. However, her music and the only father she has ever known is too small of a world for Isda once she hears Emeric sing. Expanding her world to include this stranger is a risk, but Isda is willing to take it.

As is common in books, readers drop into the story moments before a catalyst for change appears in Isda’s world and she chooses to invite that change into her life. With Isda still discovering the directions her new choices can take her, her character felt erratic. Isda was warring with herself, which made her character seem inconsistent and hard for me to connect with. Once Isda embraced her change, I had an easier time enjoying the story through to its amazing end. The way Olson chose to end the story is one of my top three favorite things about Sing Me Forgotten, with another being how the magic is tied up in music. Music is powerful and vulnerable, and I love how Olson has taken the real enchantment of music and broadened it for Isda’s story.  The violence rating is for blood, gun use, and murder.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

Frozen 2: Dangerous Secrets by Mari Mancusi - ADVISABLE

Frozen 2: Dangerous Secrets: The Story of Iduna and Agnarr by Mari Mancusi, 338 pages. Disney Press (Buena Vista Books), 2020. $15.

Language: G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

The day was supposed to be about peace and a new alliance; instead, a battle rose up and separated loved ones. Amidst the confusion, Iduna saved Agnarr, the crown prince of Arendelle, but she is a Northuldra and must keep her identity a secret to stay in Arendelle. Secrets start to build on each other  and are kept for good intentions, but what if they start to be harmful?

Learning the story of Elsa and Anna’s parents charmed me. I loved reading the pieces that I knew would influence their family in ways Iduna and Agnarr didn’t know about yet and puzzling over other parts of the story that I couldn’t see fitting together in the moment. More than that, though, I am relieved that Mancusi expanded the beautiful familial love story that is so prevalent in Frozen and explained the choices that Elsa and Anna’s parents made in a way that is understandable. Disney fans do not yet know how much they need this book to love the royal family of Arendelle even more deeply.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen 

Displacement by Kiku Hughes - ADVISABLE

Displacement by Kiku Hughes, 280 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL First Second, 2020. $18.

 

Language: PG (2 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: PG (kissing) Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Her first displacement happened while 16yo Kiku and her mom were visiting San Francisco. Suddenly fog rolled in and Kiku was looking at the street her grandmother lived on in 1936, and there was a violin recital . . . but it only lasted a few minutes and Kiku was back. But it happened again. Even after returning home to Seattle, she was still displaced - time and place traveling to witness her grandmother's story firsthand. Kiku is sent to Tanforan incarceration camp, living near but not with her grandmother's family. Housed with another single woman, Kiku experiences the hardships of the camp and after 6 months she is moved to Topaz in Delta, Utah, where she attends school and is faced with the same questions and fears as other Japanese living in Topaz. 

I liked how Hughes accounts for the loss of Japanese culture in her generation, and the connections she makes to the current political climate. Very similar to "They Called us Enemy" by George Takai, I like that the interior illustrations were in full color - kids will be more likely to pick this up, but it lacks the power of personal experience brought by Takai for his graphic novel. I struggled with the time travel element as well, it just didn't work for me.

Lisa Librarian

Like Home by Louisa Onomé - AVERAGE

Like Home by Louisa Onomé, 400 pages. Delacorte Press, 2021. $18

Language: R (100+ swears, 35 “f”); Mature Content: PG-13 (mentions drugs, underage drinking, and condoms); Violence: PG-13 (gang violence, vandalism)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

16yo Chinelo aka Nelo used to have a group of friends who did everything together but that all changed when a kid was killed at the arcade. Nelo’s friends began moving away from Ginger East to “safer” neighborhoods and now it’s just her and her best friend Kate. Kate’s family owns the corner store in Ginger East, but one night a brick gets thrown at the store window. Nelo is determined to find out who vandalized the store so that Kate and her family won’t move away from Ginger East. Nelo and Kate seem to be growing apart during this difficult time. Will this be the end of their friendship or can Nelo find a way to keep Kate’s family from moving away while keeping their friendship intact? 

Louisa Onomé’s debut, coming-of-age novel was a great read. Nelo’s character is strong and passionate, yet not too stubborn or immature. She shows that anyone can make a difference in their community, no matter their age. This book is a pretty quick read even though it is 400 pages, and I found myself not wanting to put it down. I became invested in the story early on and wanted to know what happened to Ginger Store. There is also a great twist at the end that I never saw coming. 

Reviewer: Tara McP., SLP 

Night Shine by Tessa Gratton - OPTIONAL

Night Shine by Tessa Gratton, 390 pages. Margaret K. McElderberry Books, 2020. $19.99. 

Language: G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG-13 (vague references to sex); Violence: R (fairly graphic fantasy violence) 

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

An orphan girl named Nothing only wanted to be around her true friend, Prince Kirin, but when he is kidnapped by the Sorceress Who Eats Girls, it is up to her and the prince’s bodyguard to save him. However, once they track him down to the sorceress’ stronghold in the Fifth Mountain, Nothing slowly starts to realize that she is much more powerful than anybody ever assumed. 

 If you can get beyond the fact that Nothing is the main character’s name, you will find an interesting Asian-flavored fantasy quest story, the heart of which focuses on gender-fluidity, transgender identity, and personal identity. Nothing has spent her whole life focused on Kirin, so when she was separated from him, she was forced to come to terms with who and what she really is. The Asian elements are a bit clumsy (the cover character doesn’t even really look Asian); they add flavor, but no meaning. The world-building is only acceptable, some bones, but no meat. Gratton has written much better books than this. 

Reviewer: BookswithBeddes 

The Captive Kingdom by Jennifer A. Nielsen - OPTIONAL

The Captive Kingdom (Ascendance # 4) by Jennifer A. Nielsen, 384 pages. Scholastic, 2020, $18. 

Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content PG; Violence: PG-13 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS – OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Jaron is back as the Ascendant King. Jaron is 16 years old and King Eckbert has claimed victory in a war launched against Carthya. This book covers the missing year of Jaron’s life between books two and three. Jaron and Imogen are returning from a routine trading mission to Bymar as guests of Avenian pirates when their ship is brutally attacked by Prozarians. Jaron is taken hostage. Roden, Jaron’s captain of the guard, is coerced into serving the dangerous Captain Jane Strick. As Jaron tries to escape and save those close to him, he discovers that he is accused of terrible things in his past and that it could be possible that his older brother, Darius, is alive. Jaron must use all of his skill, planning, and cunning to save his friends and his kingdom. 

 Though I loved The False Prince, and Jaron’s character, there is a lot going on. Jaron is like a master chess player and it almost seems implausible that he could figure out how all the moving pieces of intrigue and people would work out, especially since he has a hard time sharing his ideas. Jaron’s strengths become the book’s weakness. By the fourth book, readers will be expecting plot twists and Jaron’s cleverness, and the constant action and power struggles become almost tiresome, especially with the brutality involved. How many times can someone be betrayed and still want a throne? But die-hard fans will probably enjoy the nonstop action and twists. 

Michelle in the Middle 

Daughter of the White Rose by Diane Zahler - ADVISABLE

Daughter of the White Rose by Diane Zahler, 246 pages. Holiday House, 2021. $19

Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content PG; Violence: PG 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS – ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Twelve-year old Nell is born the same day as Prince Edward, heir to the throne of England. Nell’s father, a butcher, provides meat to the exiled queen, during her time of confinement and subsequently, Nell grows up with Edward. Nell intermingles with the royal family and is caught between two worlds, not quite fitting in with either. Nell’s days of feasts, watching dances, and archery practice end quickly when Edward’s father dies suddenly and rather suspiciously. Prince Edward and his little brother are imprisoned in the Tower of London by their power-hungry uncle, Richard III, who crowns himself king. Nell becomes imprisoned with them and it could be her bravery that ends up rescuing them. 

 This period of history comes alive through Nell’s voice. Historically accurate descriptions made me feel like I was stepping into the 15th century without being irritated by wordy explanations. The characters are relatable and believable and I found myself rooting for Nell and the royals, making Richard’s power grab even more reprehensible. There is a timeline at the back of actual events. Engrossing and informative. 

 Michelle in the Middle 

This is How We Fly by Ana Merino - OPTIONAL

This is How We Fly by Ana Merino, 461 pages. CHAPTER BOOK. Philomel Books (Penguin), 2020. $ 19. 

Language: R (7 swears, 4 “f”); Mature Content: PG-13 (non-descript ‘bedroom’ scene); Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Ellen plans to spend every last moment of summer with her two best friends before they each head to different colleges in Texas. When Ellen is grounded for the entire summer by her seemingly evil stepmother, all her plans are crushed. Ellen and one of her BFFs, Melissa, convince her parents to let her join the local Quidditch team. An all-gender, full-contact game, although Quidditch isn't quite what Ellen expected... There's no flying, no magic... just a bunch of 'kids' holding PVC pipe between their legs and throwing dodgeballs. Ellen, who has never liked sports, is thrown into a very different world; her life is all practices, training, and running with a group of Harry Potter fans. When not at Quidditch, Ellen is tasked with chores and cleaning out the overfull garage and wonders if things with her dad and step-mother would be easier if she was a boy and not such a feminist. Overall, Ellen learns that she needs to stick up for herself and the things she wants. 

I really liked this, it was a cute “coming of age” story that I think many would relate to. The story focuses on Ellen and how she is so passionate about being a feminist and trying to keep her family from fighting. It also dealt a lot with self-identity and sexuality. 

Reviewer: Jenn J. 

The Girl from Shadow Springs by Ellie Cypher - OPTIONAL

The Girl from Shadow Springs by Ellie Cypher, 311 pages. Simon & Schuster, 2021. $20 

Language: PG (5 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG-13 (“bears balls”, “beaver’s ass”); Violence PG-13 (kidnapping, beatings, physical fighting, bleeding, use of guns and knives). 

 BUYING ADVISORY: HS – OPTIONAL 

 AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW 

 17yo Jorie and her sister, Brenna, live in Shadow Springs on the edge of the Ice Flats. This part of the world has not seen a true spring in a generation and the weather is getting worse every year. Jorie makes a meager living for the two of them by scavenging off the dead bodies of those who are lured here to seek a legendary lost city and its treasures. One day Jorie takes the possessions of a dead man only to discover that someone thinks Jorie now has something valuable from the dead man. This desperate man takes Brenna as hostage. To get her beloved sister back, Jorie must bring the missing item to this man where he has taken Brenna – across the Flats. Jorie doesn’t even know what object the man wants, but she is determined to get her sister back. She reluctantly accepts help from the dead man’s nephew, Cody. Together the two of them face the deadly dangers of the Flats, outlaws, and supernatural forces as they try to bring Brenna home. 

The heroine was plucky and determined, but difficult to like through much of the book. Cold weather, continuous setbacks, and vicious opponents were unrelenting, making the book very tiring to read. The chosen use of “were” instead of “was” gave Jorie the feel of a girl without formal schooling, but it was inconsistently applied over the course of the book, so it was confusing. There were a number of plot holes, such as how people (and animals) in this part of the world make enough money/get enough food if there hadn’t been a spring in a generation? The supernatural aspect was resolved well in the end, but that was about the only satisfaction. 

 Reviewer: Shelly R