The Tomb of Shadows

Lerangis, Peter. The Tomb of Shadows (Seven Wonders #3)
May 13th 2014 by HarperCollins 
Book from Young Adult Books Central and reviewed there.

Jack, Cass and Aly have reason to believe that Jack's mother did not die falling into a crevasse on an expedition, and think that she is working with the Massa. When they infiltrate one of their bases, it is deserted and then blows up. The kids aren't too badly injured, but Torquin decides they should head to Karai Institute headquarters to regroup. They run into Dr. Bradley and Professor Bhegard, whom they still don't trust-- he has tried to cure their condition, but they aren't sure of his motives. He is gravely ill, and the group try to locate the third loculus, which is supposed to be a healing stone, in order to help him. To do this, they are taken on a trip to the underworld by the zombie-esque Skilaki, who claims that Queen Artemisia has the stone. Even though the whole trip is perilous, it is also unsuccessful, and they escape and try to figure out where the stone is. They decide that it is in a museum, and with the help of the troll like Canavar they head to New York to get the stone and try to locate Jack's mother, but the Massa are still standing in their way.
Strengths: This is a good action/adventure fantasy with a healthy does of mythology. The characters are fairly individual, and the plot moved along well. I don't mean to damn this with faint praise; I just suffered from such bad fantasy amnesia that I didn't even review the first two books, so it was hard to get up to speed. There will be seven books in this series, I think, and they are good to have on hand for avid fantasy fans who have read other long series.
Weaknesses: Cass's talent of speaking backwards is just annoying.

MMGM- My Life as a Joke

Tashjian, Janet and Jake. My Life as a Joke.

Published April 1st 2014 by Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)

Derek has decided that he wants to get a little more organized so that people don't have a bad opinion of him, but nothing seems to go right. He thinks that dissecting will be cool in science, but the smell of the formaldehyde makes him pass out, he manages to split his lip and lisp all day, and ends up being in charge of the DOLL collection for a toy drive instead of something cool like DVDs or video games. He manages to do a good job of gathering a lot of toys, and realizes that one of the dolls is a collectible and doesn't turn it in. He has his friend's brother list it on E Bay and sells it for over $200, which he uses to treat his friends to a monster truck party... but ends up with a monster truck bouncy castle. His foray into E Bay ends poorly, and he has to come clean to his mother. He manages to use the doll to connect with an elderly neighbor who is having memory problems, and realizes that even the best attempts at improving himself sometimes fall short.

This is the fourth book in the series: My Life as a Book, My Life as a Skater Stunt Boy, and My Life as a Cartoonist.

Strengths: Students really like this series, and it's better than Wimpy Kid. There are vocabulary words illustrated in the margins that are vaguely interesting. This had a lot of funny situations and was instructive as well.
Weaknesses: I wish that these would have actual covers and dust jackets instead of the paper over board, which wears so poorly.

Skies Like These.

Hilmo, Tess. Skies Like These.
July 15th 2014 by Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)
E ARC from Netgalley.com

Jade's parents think she does not spend her summers wisely in Philadelphia, even though she loves just hanging out, reading, and having a quiet time. They send her to her aunt's doggie dude ranch in Wyoming for the summer, and she is leery of a new environment, but settles in well. She meets Roy, a neighbor boy her age whose parents are losing their local hardware store. Roy, who believes he is descended from Butch Cassidy, believes that the new big box hardware store is to blame for his family's misfortune, and comes up with ways to get back at the owner. Jade is uncomfortable being enlisted to help with these endeavors, and tries to find more positive and productive ways to save the store, including convincing Roy's mother to enter the local Cowboy Poetry contest. In the end, Roy's parents don't even really want to save the store, and Jade gets to know her aunt and enjoys some adventure.
Strengths: Very good details about Wyoming and the culture of the West. Can't think of too many books that include this. I also think this is a great book that is unisex; even though Jade is the main character, Roy plays a big part, and since the cover is neutral, all students will be willing to pick it up. I know, I know-- there shouldn't be "girl book" and "boy books", but many middle grade books do fall into categories, much the same way that children's clothing is occasionally unisex but more often than not isn't!
Weaknesses: A bit slow and introspective.

30 Days of No Gossip

Faris, Stephanie. 30 Days of No Gossip

Published March 18th 2014 by Aladdin 

Copy from Young Adult Books Central and reviewed there.

Maddie and Vi have been best friends since birth because their mothers met in the hospital and became best friends themselves. Now that they are in seventh grade, Maddie has found a sure fire way to gain popularity-- she's the school's top gossip, handing out an unofficial newsletter at lunch and keeping tabs of all of the romances and scandals. Vi isn't thrilled with this, but friends Sydney and Jessica encourage Maddie's obsession with knowing what is going on. When Maddie tells Vi's crush that she likes him, and the rest of the school quickly finds out, Vi is ready to quite being friends... unless Maddie can promise NOT to gossip for 30 days. Maddie doesn't want to, but values Vi's friendship enough that she agrees. Maddie finds out very quickly that this is harder than it seems. Everything she talks about seems to be gossip, and even when she doesn't say anything, people take her silence in different ways and make up their own stories. Maddie comes across an enormous piece of news that she can't share even though it affects the whole school and could be a really good opportunity for Vi to showcase her interior decorating skills, but the news leaks out anyway and causes all sorts of complications. 

Strengths: This was a very accurate portrayal of middle school friendships, which have a horrible way of changing in a variety of horrible ways as girls learn how they fit into school society and who they really want to be. Vi and Maddie's different views of gossip, the nature of friendship, and dealing with boys are all topics that are of concern to students at this age. I especially enjoyed that Maddie really tried to make her friend happy, found she couldn't do exactly what was expected of her, but tried to be a good friend anyway. The Mix paperbacks are popular with my students, and a good choice if you know a middle school girl who needs a good beach read!

Weaknesses:  Don't know that a reality tv show would really want to refurbish a middle school and add a break room, not that middle school students wouldn't like the idea. Big question: which teacher gets to be on duty to supervise the break room?

Harper, Charise Mericle. Dreamer, Wisher, Liar
April 15th 2014 by Balzer + Bray
Copy from Young Adult Books Central and reviewed there.

Ash is upset because her friend Lucy is moving away  and also spending the whole summer away at camp while Ash has to be stuck at home for most of the summer to help amuse Claire. Claire's mother has died and her father can't cope, so Ash's mother has agreed to take her for the summer. The younger Claire is full of ideas and plans, and Ash doesn't really want to deal with her, especially after she finds a jar in the basement labeled "wishes". The jar is filled with slips of paper, and when Ash reads them, she can see into the lives of Ashley and Shue, who seem to have written the papers. Their story seems to be intertwined with the lives of two of the residents in the nursing home where Claire and Ash help with craft time. Ash starts to see that Claire is really benefiting from the time the two spend together, and even starts to enjoy the little girl herself.
Strengths: This is a gentle tale of gratitude in the face of disappointment, and a great lesson in thinking about others. Ash is never mean to Claire, but comes to understand how much Claire needs her very slowly. The magical realism is a nice touch, and something for which more and more readers are asking. Even though Claire's mother and father are gone, Ash's parents are both very much present and supportive. The girl's involvement in the community is a nice tough, as is Ash's struggle with prosopagnosia (inability to recognize faces).
Weaknesses: Not a whole lot actually happens in the book, and it is palpably sad on many occasions, and the cover made me believe it would be much happier. The magical realism could have benefited from a little more explanation. The twist in the end is one I could see coming, but I still had no good reason as to why everything was occurring. 

 

Guy Friday--Stealing Home

Schwartz, Ellen. Stealing Home.

May 9th 2006 by Tundra Books

Ten year old Joey is in foster care in the Bronx in 1947 after the drug related death of his mother. His social worker finds out that his father, a Negro, has passed away, but also that his mother’s father and sister are still alive and living in Brooklyn. This is a major move for Joey, since he is a Yankees fan and not a Dodgers one, but he is relieved that his girl cousin, Bobbie, loves baseball and isn’t a sissy. The family turns out to be Jewish, and instead of being called a cracker, as he was in his old neighborhood, Joey is accosted with the term “nigger”. Even the ladies in the store whisper behind his back that he is a disgrace. His grandfather is willing to keep him around as long as he behaves, although his aunt is glad to have a reminder of her sister around. Joey tries to settle in to his new life, and follows the career of Jackie Robinson with interest. Will he ever become a fan of Brooklyn, either the baseball team or as a place to call home?
Strengths: There is not a lot of fiction set in this time period, especially involving biracial children. Jackie Robinson was certainly major news at the time, especially in New York City. This is a pleasant enough story—a good balance of baseball and problems.

Weaknesses: Sadly, this is out of print, and the public library copy I checked out was in paperback. (In surprisingly good condition, which makes me wonder how much it has been read.

Manhunt

Messner, Kate. Manhunt

June 24th 2014 by Scholastic Press

When famous paintings are being stolen around the world, Anna, Jose and Henry are whisked off to Paris from Boston to investigate. Henry’s father and stepmother have just had a baby who was born prematurely, so he is reluctant to go with his Aunt Lucinda, but knows that the Silver Jaguar society has an important function in fighting what looks to be the work of the Serpentine Princes and Vincent Goosen. Sure enough, when they are plunked at a bookstore in Paris with Ursa and her supercilious son Hem (whom Anna thinks is cute), the parents all run off, leaving the children to their own devices. They scout out the Louvre, and are then when there is a security lockdown. The Mona Lisa has been stolen, and the children follow clues to find it… but get into trouble with a lot of double agents and double crossing. Henry, who seems to prefer video games and eating to actual international adventures, calls his father to come and retrieve him, but when his father arrives, he is taken hostage as well. Can the trio save the famous artwork, free the older members of the Silver Jaguar society, and return for book four?

Strengths: Messner is brilliant at structuring her chapters in a way that makes me want to go on to the next chapter, and her research into travel destinations is complete. This series is great for readers who want lots of action combined with interesting locations. Bonus points for #WeNeedDiverseBooks for the inclusion of Jose.

Weaknesses: As much as authors want to write books about famous artwork, I think that very few middle grade readers really care. Also, it would be great to have more character development. All three children remain very flat, and the initial qualities they have are not very appealing.

Deception's Princess

Even though a tale set in Ireland doesn't really count toward #WeNeedDiverseBooks, it's worthwhile to mention Friesner's work because she does often investigate other cultures. From the Jewish immigrants in Threads and Flames to the Greek, Egyptian and ancient Japanese heroines in her various series, she does a good job of writing about strong women from a variety of cultures.

Friesner, Esther M. Deception's Princess
April 22nd 2014 by Random House Books for Young Readers 

Maeve is the daughter of a king who has no sons, and Maeve feels that he feels a lot of stress because of this. She has always tried to be brave and support her father, even learning how to use weapons in secret. When this ends poorly, she tries to settle down and do what is expected of her. She also makes friends with a Druid's son, Odran. The two help nurse various wild animals back to life, including the falcon that Maeve tries to train. Since Maeve is getting to be of marriageable age, she thinks that her father will try to arrange a marriage that will be advantageous to his kingdom, even though she and Odran have fallen in love. Once her mother is delivered of triplet sons, Maeve's position in the kingdom changes dramatically. We'll find out how the story continues in Deception's Prize.
Strengths: While there's not a huge call for historical fiction, I do have a small group of girls who really like princess tales, as long as the princesses have a lot of adventures. Friesner always does an excellent job at working in good historical details and at creating characters that are memorable and feisty!
Weaknesses: I could have used a little more information on the setting; for instance, I was confused as to why the daughters were sent out to be fostered, but the royal family seemed to take in other children to foster themselves. There's also a bit of unnecessary violence to animals I could have done without.

Still Life

West, Jacqueline. Still Life (The Books of Elsewhere #5)
June 17th 2014 by Dial 

Olive is still uneasy about Aldous McMartin, and even though the cats are guarding the house, she never feels safe. With the help of Rutherford and his grandmother, as well as Walter (who is living in Morton's house and studying with Mrs. Dewey), she manages to locate Morton's father and brings him back, and also uncovers some additional clues to the mystery of the paintings. She finds out that Morton's mother also was an artist who studied with Aldous, and had the power to make people tell her the truth. Olive also finds Aldous' sister, who had consumption, hidden in a room behind a still life painting, but she's unsure whether to trust her or not. It's hard to know whom to trust-- her art teacher, Ms. Teedlebaum, may know more about the situation than she is letting on, and Morton's parents are not entirely helpful, either. Olive even starts to doubt that the cats are on her side, and her parents are so clueless and disconnected that she can't ask them for help. When Aldous reappears, he is ready to completely destroy Elsewhere. Does Olive have the power, as well as the help she needs, to destroy him and save Elsewhere?
Strengths: Five books is just about perfect for a series, so it was good to see this wrapped up. I loved the winter setting, the surprise people from the past, and how Elsewhere is saved. It was also a nice touch to have Olive make a friend at the end of the book.
Weaknesses: I somehow forgot just how Walter came to be in the picture, and the utter cluelessness of the parents seemed a bit extreme. Better than having Olive be an orphan, I suppose!

MMGM--Absolutely Almost

Graff, Lisa. Absolutely Almost
June 12th 2014 by Philomel
Copy from the Westerville Public Library

Albie's parents are both very demanding and very busy with their work, and his Grandpa Park also has high expectations for him, so when Albie is asked not to return to Mountford Prep, everyone is disappointed. Albie feels like he isn't talented at anything. His best friend and neighbor, Erlan, is very busy over the summer since his family (which has two sets of triplets) is filming a reality show, so he is stuck with his new nanny, Calista. Calista is very different from the other nannies, and wants to do all of the things that Albie considers fun, instead of the things that his mother thinks are fun. She helps to tutor Albie so that he will do better in school, but encourages him to concentrate on his people skills and to believe in his own abilities. Unfortunately, Calista is fired for a lapse in judgement, but hopefully Albie will be able to continue
Strengths: This reminded me of Harriet the Spy, but with an appealing main character (As a child, I thought Harriet was horrible, and I can't say rereading the book changed my mind!). Solid New York City setting, interesting use of reality television, and a good message about knowing one's own strengths. Also, a main character who is half Korean but whose heritage is not the main thrust of the story. Too bad Albie's face isn't on the cover!
Weaknesses: Perhaps children in NYC have nannies, but here in the midwest Albie would be spending his time at a summer parks and recreation program instead, so it might be a bit hard for my students to connect with the idea of Calista. The parents in this books were really rather horrible, especially in regards to how they treated Calista. Sure, nannies can be detrimental to children and have to be watched, but Calista's firing was shocking and not explained to my liking.

It's Marvelous Middle Grade Monday at Ramblings of a Wannabe Scribe and What Are You Reading? day at Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers. It's also Nonfiction Monday at Anastasia Suen's blog.

I'm going to have to come up with a term for books that I read and think "Meh. Okay, don't think I'll buy it, but I know that all the other teachers and librarians will think this is AWESOME." This struck me right away as being that sort of book, and sure enough, it showed up with several other titles I read in this article at School Library Journal:

http://blogs.slj.com/afuse8production/2014/04/24/librarian-preview-penguin-books-summer-2014/#_

Here's a hint: If I don't review a book at all, it means I couldn't find anything nice to say about it. This was not the case for this book, but I certainly was not as enthusiastic as the following reviewers:
The Styling Librarian
Bookpage
JerBearShares

Oh, well. As I tell my students, there are lots of different books for different readers, and we don't all have to like the same books!

Sassy: The Silver Secret

Draper, Sharon. Sassy: The Silver Secret

May 1st 2010 by Scholastic Press

Sassy cannot sing at all, but she is dying to be part of the chorus performance because the fourth graders have awesome purple sequined vests or dresses. Instead, she ends up being a stage manager and helping out, with the aid of her bulging Sassy Sack, with all manner of aspects of the performance. There are obstacles along the way, of course, including a very distressing fire evacuation that results in the Sassy Sack being left overnight in the auditorium and not being found right away. This is a big deal because Sassy was carrying her secret in the sack—her piccolo, which she plays very well but doesn’t tell everyone about right away.

Strengths: This series (there are four books out) is a good one for younger readers. Sassy very helpful to others, has a supportive family, and loves all things shiny and sequin. The books are short, and the plots center around things that would be of concern to elementary school students. Great covers, with Sassy figured prominently.

Weaknesses: I’m not a fan of nail polish and fripperies, and it’s a bit surprising that Draper has gone from such hard hitting, riveting books like Tears of a Tiger to such girly books, but there is a need for girly books as well.

Teen Romance Books

Williams, Carol Lynch. Signed, Skye Harper
May 13th 2014 by Paula Wiseman Books 

Winston lives in Florida with her grandmother, since her young mother has run off to Las Vegas to pursue an acting career in the 1970s. When Winston and her grandmother gets a letter from Judith Lee, aka Skye, Nanny is bound and determined to go and retrieve her wayward daughter. However, the family car is on its last legs, so Nanny decides to borrow the mobile home that belongs to her boss at Leon's. What she doesn't bargain on is Leon's son, Steve, stowing away in the vehicle and making the cross country trip with them. This complicates matters, especially since Winston has a huge crush on Steve, and Nanny was in love with Steve's father before getting pregnant very young with Skye. (Nanny is my age, and Winston is a year younger than my daughter. Hmmm.) Complications ensue during the trip to Las Vegas, and when the group arrives, they aren't quite sure what to make of Skye.
Strengths: Even though I don't normally do well with quirky Southern books and I'm really tired of dysfunctional mothers, this kept me reading. Something about the 1970s setting, or Winston, just intrigued me. She reminded me a little of some of my cousins, I think. I do need books set in the 1970s, and this would appeal to girls who like YA romances. Not really anything inappropriate, although there's a lot of kissing, and a warning from Nanny not to get pregnant.
Weaknesses: Winston likes to take her bra off and put it in the freezer. I found this a disturbing and unnecessary fact. I also didn't quite feel that her relationship with Steve was entirely healthy, put couldn't put my finger on exactly why.

Raymond, Emily and Patterson, James. First Love
January 13th 2014 by Little, Brown and Company 

Axi decides that it's high time to leave her small town on the west coast and go on a road trip ala Jack Keruouac, so she talks her best friend Robinson into going. Her father is an alcoholic, so no need to apprise him of their plans, although the purveyor of Ernie's Soda Fountain seems in on the plans. Robinson decides that taking the bus is not the way to make the trip in style, so he steals a series of vehicles. The two make their way through San Francisco, Las Vegas, and even hit Cedar Point in Ohio. There are complications, of course, and Axi slowly lets Robinson know the depth of her feelings for him. But the two are running short of time, and eventually end up in Robinson's hometown in the South.
Strengths: I don't want to give away too much of this, but it might work for readers who loved Green's The Fault in Our Stars. Not bad for YA stuff, about as schmaltzy as Nicholas Sparks.
Weaknesses: There is actual, if not graphic sex, in this and I personally was dismayed at the romance given to death. I'm not sure this is a good book for teenagers to read. Death isn't romantic. Loving someone who is dying isn't romantic. Death just plain stinks, and no one remembers you after you die. I probably would rethink my opinion on the entire oeuvre of Lurlene McDaniel books after this year, but I won't be buying this for my library for several reasons. 

Colasanti, Susane. Now and Forever
May 20th 2014 by Viking Juvenile

Sterling and Ethan have been dating for a while and adore each other. Sterling has always supported Ethan's music-- he plays in a band and is trying to get a record contract. When he finally makes it big, things get weird. Fans give Sterling a hard time and accuse her of being mean about fans, she feels a need to dress fashionably because paparazzi are constantly snapping her picture, and Ethan is on the road a lot, so she doesn't get to see him. She joins him on tour at a couple of different stops, and becomes friends with one of his roadies. Sterling has a bad feeling that as much as she loves Ethan, their relationship will be torn apart by his fame.
Strengths: The next best thing to being a rock star? Dating a cute guy who loves you who becomes a rock star. Teens will love this glimpse into the world of rock fame and fortune, and there's plenty of romance-- Sterling melts like an ice pop held by a three year old on a hot day. This author is very popular with my students.
Weaknesses: Not all of Colasanti's books are good MG choices, and this one falls more on the YA side. There's a lot of ... stuff that's not quite objectionable, but almost, and two rather gratuitous f-bombs. Will debate. Perhaps I should learn that if the people on the cover would get talked to for PDA if at school, it's probably going to be too YA for me!

World Wars I and II

Angus, Sam. A Horse Called Hero
July 1st 2014 by Feiwel & Friends 

Wolfie and Dodo live in London under the care of housekeeper Spud while their father is off fighting in WWII. He was awarded medals during WWI, but is reported as missing at about the same time as bombings in London increase, so Spud sends Wolfie and Dodo out to the country. They end up in the care of Mrs. Sprig, whose son is off fighting and who is not thrilled to have two small children with her. Wolfie's father is fond of horses (he still has a cavalry unit), so Wolfie is thrilled when he finds an abandoned colt. When Wolfie's father turns up and is put on trial for desertion, Mrs. Sprig throws the children out. Luckily, school teacher Hettie Lamb and her minister take in the children and allow them to care for the horse, Hero. Children at school are mean, and Wolfie and Dodo are very worried about their father, who could be put to death if found guilty. Luckily, he is only sent to hard labor, and the children are allowed to stay with the lambs for a while. However, Hero is stolen, along with other horses, Rev. Lamb dies, and the children are sent to work. Wolfie ends up in the mines, where conditions are horrible. Things will get worse for the children before they get better, even after the end of the war.
Strengths: Soldier Dog was quite a good war book, and this had some good details about the battles that the father was in. Clearly, LOTS of research. More and more readers are interested in horses, and there are fewer books about children being sent out of London than there were in years past. I can't think of anything addressing the conditions in coal mines, so that's a nice touch. Fabulous cover.
Weaknesses: This was so, so sad. Just when you think things can't get worse, they do. This is more of a homefront book than a war book, so I'm not exactly sure that it will be something my readers of war stories will like. Debating.


Hartnett, Sonya. The Silver Donkey.
11 February 2014, Candlewick (originally 2004)
Copy from Young Adult Books Central and reviewed there

Marcelle and Coco find a blind soldier in the forest near their home in France. He has run off from the fighting and is clearly shell shocked. The girls take him food and supplies, glad that they have a secret from their annoying older brother, Pascal. Lieutenant Shepard just wants to get back across the channel to his home in England to be with his younger brother, who is dying and asking for him. Marcelle tries to come up with a plan to get Shepard home, but cannot, even though she and Coco are good about bringing him food, and listening to the stories he tells that revolve around a small silver goodluck charm of a donkey. Eventually, Pascal is brought in on the secret, and he enlists a lame man from the town, Fabrice, to help get Shepard a boat across the channel. The girls are glad that Shepard will get home, but sad that they no longer can care for him.
Strengths: When I read this originally in 2007, I commented that adults would love it, and since this has been reprinted numerous times while so many titles go out of print, this must be true. This would be a good war book for younger readers, since there are some good details about the fighting in France, but not too many gruesome details. I like the formatting of the new edition-- the pages of stories have a border on them, and the font is a good sized and nicely spaced on the page. Did love the previous green cloth binding with just the silver donkey on the cover, though!
Weaknesses: I can understand why two of Shepard's stories are included-- one is about a donkey helping out on the battlefield, moving wounded soldiers, and one is about his brother. I don't understand why he tells the girls the story of Jesus' birth or Noah's Ark. I love this comment about Pascal and wonder why the author didn't take it to heart while writing the book: "Pascal tried to be polite, but he was quite disappointed with that story. He had hoped the soldier would tell them riveting adventures from the war, not stories about donkeys who had conversations with the sky." (page 127)

Cold Calls/A Perfect Storm

Benoit, Charles. Cold Calls

April 1st 2014 by Clarion Books

Three high school students have secrets they don’t want anyone to know—but someone does. That someone is blackmailing Eric, Shelley, and Fatima into bullying a student at each of their schools, ordering them to dump macaroni and cheese on the people and videotape it, as well as other things. For a long time, we don’t know what they have done that they want hidden, although clues are dropped, not do we know what motivates the person blackmailing them. After the three meet in an antibullying program, they band together to try to locate the perpetrator, find out what is motivating her, and figure out a way to make her stop.

Strengths: This was the rare book that handled bullying in an interesting and new way, and I especially liked the inclusion of Fatima, a Muslim character. I especially enjoyed the description of her in a head scarf, and another characters observation that she looked like she should have an accent but didn’t. Her religion is part of the story, but not her  defining characteristic. Some important cautionary lessons in this book, as well.

Weaknesses: The way that the information about the three students being blackmailed was presented was very confusing. I think that middle grade readers would be quickly lost. Some of the content of the book makes it more young adult, but it would be appropriate for middle grade. Also a bit slow paced for my demographic, although I can see older students finding this to be very interesting. 

Rivers, Phoebe. A Perfect Storm

October 15th 2013 by Simon Spotlight 

A huge storm comes through Stellamar and luckily doesn’t do much damage there, although the nearby school where Mason goes is damaged and he and several other students from that community end up at Sara’s school. This is great, because both Sara and her friend Lily have their crushes going to their school. Sara has been seeing one particular ghost, Duggan, around, and her great-grandmother says that he often manifests when storms hit, but this time, he has a message for Sara. She and Lily try everything, including a Ouija board, to get Duggan to deliver the message, and he finally does, laying the foundation for book ten.

Strengths: These are so ridiculously addictive that I just dropped four of them off with a neighbor girl who was one of my library helpers because our public library only has the first couple in the series. I couldn’t get this book from any of my vendors, so ended up ordering it off half.com! The mix of ghosts, great best friend, and hot crushes makes these irresistible. There’s always a huge list of reserves on them.

Weaknesses: This one wasn’t the best of the series, and although it shed a little light on the plot as a whole, I didn’t have to read it in order to go on. Try telling your average middle school student “Oh, don’t worry about book 10. Just go on to the next one’” and see how successful that is!

 

Coming to the US

#WeNeedDiverseBooks, but there have been a few published for middle grade all along. They can just be somewhat hard to find, and have to be re-evaluated to make sure they hold up well.


Fleming, Candace. Lowji Discovers America

March 1st 2005 by Atheneum/Anne Schwartz Books

Lowji’s mother has gotten a computer job in Hamlet, Illinois, so the family move into the third floor apartment of a house there from Bombay. (Which he does not call Mumbai. No idea why.) He is excited to move because he hopes to have a pet of his own, but sad to leave his friend Jamshed. It is summer, so it is a bit lonely at home, even though Lowji’s father stays at home with him. The landlady, Ms. Crisp, is very busy, but Lowji suggests that many of her problems (mice, home burglaries nearby, cutting the grass) could be solved by having animals. He also has adventures and meets people in the community, like “Ironman” at the All Mart when Ironman’s pet pig faints outside. Things are different in Hamlet, but eventually, Lowji settles in and even finds a new friend, Tamika.

Strengths: This reminded me very strongly of the Carolyn Heywood Eddie books, but with details of Indian culture thrown in. What a great choice for elementary school students to introduce them to people who might not have exactly the same background they do, even though they might live in a similar place. I especially liked Lowji’s conversation with Landlady Crisp about his religion—the family is Parsi, and he explains this to Landlady Crisp and shows her the sacred objects he wears. In reply, she shows him her cross, which leads Lowji to the conclusion that the two have something in common; they both wear sacred objects.

Weaknesses: Too young for middle school.

Marsden, Carolyn. The Gold-Threaded Dress

14 February 2006, Candlewick Press

Oy (whose teacher calls her Olivia) has come to the US at the age of five, when her father gets a job as a cook in a Thai restaurant. Even though her classroom has a wide range of ethnicities in it, Frankie gives her a hard time about being “Chinese”, and when the popular girls in the class see a picture of Oy dressed in her pink silk dress meant for special occasions, they persuade her to bring it to school even though she knows it is wrong. The girls try the dress on, rip it, and also get Oy in trouble for bringing it to school. Oy’s parents are understanding, and Oy finds a new appreciation for how hard it is for her parents to be in the US as well.

Strengths: This has a cover that any third grader would love to pick up, and Marsden wrote this after her daughters, who are part Thai, were teased at school, so it shows a lot of understanding. Oy’s longing to fit in is something that any student can relate to, even if that student has trouble fitting in for reasons that are not because of ethnicity. There is at least one other book in this series (The Quail Club) and Marsden’s slim books on a variety of cultures are a must have for the 2-5 grade crowd.

Weaknesses: Too young for middle school, and it does seem to be a stretch that Oy’s class is SO ethnically diverse!