Hunger: A Tale of Courage

Napoli, Donna Jo. Hunger: A Tale of Courage
February 13th 2018 by Simon Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books
E ARC from Edelweiss Plus

The Irish Potato Famine was more devastating than young readers today can imagine. Told from the point of view of Lorraine, a girl whose father is a tenant farmer near Galway in 1846, we see just how horrific the lack of a major crop can be to a community already struggling under British rule. Lorraine's parents and young brother, Paddy, struggle mightily, eating soup made of local vegetation and keep warm at night only by snuggling next to their pig. Clothing and blankets are so hard to come by that when a father and his three children beg for meals from Lorraine's mother, the children are naked. This family is later found dead next to the side of the road, victims of fever. This fever spreads to a family who helped them, and only the father survives. When Lorraine makes the acquaintance of the young mistress whose father owns the land, she sees just how much better off the British are, and convinces Miss Susannah that things are as bad as she has heard. With Susannah's help, Lorraine takes eggs back to her small community, and this bolsters everyone's health a tiny bit. Families make plans to leave after crops fail for another year, but Susannah's family decides to stay put after tragedy affects them. Luckily for Lorraine, her friend Emmet stays behind, and the two use all of their skills and wiles to keep the family fed.
Strengths: Naploi always does a fantastic job of researching her stories; I was a tiny bit surprised that this wasn't somehow tied into a fairy tale, like much of her other work. The details of the potato blight, daily life, and the intricacies of how to survive under such horrible circumstances are all brilliant. Lorraine is a great character, and Susannah is realistically unmoved for most of the book, although she does come around a bit. Emmett was also a good addition, and the absence of romance is realistic, although we are left believing that there might be one if things ever improved. Even though this book really left me very sad (not the thing I needed over a frigid winter break!), even that is a testament to the effectiveness of Napoli's writing. Would definitely purchase for a high school or a public library.
Weaknesses: I wish there had been a clearer plot to move things along when it was super sad which, given the topic, it was all the time. A small element of hope would have helped.
What I really think: Even though I can get about two students a year to check out Susan Campbell Bartoletti's 2001 Black potatoes : the story of the great Irish famine, 1845-1850, I weeded Giff's Nory Ryan's Song a couple of years ago because no one ever checked it out. As much as I adore Napoli's work, I think I will pass on purchasing, although now I kind of wish I had kept the Giff title.

Spy Toys and Pug Pals

Powers, Mark. Spy Toys: Playtime is Over!
February 16th 2018 by Bloomsbury USA Childrens
E ARC from Netgalley

When the Snaztacular Ultrafun toy company finds toys that don't meet their exacting specifications, they are sent to the discard pile. On the way there, Arabella (a doll who hates children) and Dan (a teddy bear who hugs too hard) manage to escape from the factory only to be caught in a net just outside. Luckily, they meet and our rescued by Flax (a toy police rabbit gone rouge). Soon, they are recruited by Auntie Roz, who wants them to be undercover bodyguards. They have very sketchy training and are soon sent to watch the prime minister's son. There is a conspiracy masterminded by genetically engineered cereal mascot, Rusty Flumptrunk, an evil elephant, and it's up to the toys to make sure he doesn't cause too much trouble. They make some mistakes along the way, but in the end, the toys are able to triumph over evil.
Strengths: These are lots of pictures, and the length of this is just over 200 pages, which is perfect for middle grade readers. There's a fair amount of good spy details, lots of goofiness, and
Weaknesses: The addition of toys makes this more of an elementary school title, since middle school children whose parents are in positions of power are always guarded by other middle school children.
What I really think: I'm going back and forth on this one. On the one hand, my struggling readers are also slightly immature, so they might be okay with the toys, as long as there are pictures. On the other, I didn't much care for any of the characters in the book, which makes it hard for me to really get behind the story.

Ahn, Flora. Two's a Crowd (Pug Pals #1)
January 30th 2018 by Scholastic Press
Copy provided by Young Adult Books Central

Sunny is an older pug who has a comfortable life with her human and her stuffed animals. When Rosy, a new puppy, joins the family, Sunny is not happy. Puppies have a lot of energy and Sunny doesn't care for Rosy's in-your-face personality. Sunny also doesn't like sharing her things with Rosy, especially Mr. Bunny. When Rosy loses Mr. Bunny, Sunny gets angry, but when Rosy runs away, Sunny knows that the puppy has never been on her own alone outside before. What about the mean dogs in the neighborhood? Cars? All of the other dangers? Sunny goes out to find her new and annoying playmate, and comes to realize that having someone else around can be fun.

This is the perfect length for an easy reader book. It doesn't look like a "baby book", but has large text and lots of pictures. Unlike graphic novels, which often have very tiny text, this would be a good book for readers transitioning from "I Can Read" books and other shorter readers.

Sunny's reaction to the new puppy is very realistic, and Rosy is portrayed as exuberant and bouncy. The black and white line drawings are extremely expressive and funny. I didn't know there was a Bah Humpug Blog (http://www.bahhumpug.com/) until I read another review of this book, but you can visit that site to find out more about the author and her work. (As well as her pugs!)

This is a great story of irritation and eventual acceptance. I was recently offered the possibility of adopting a seven-year-old toy poodle whose owners were relocating; accepting this offer is contingent on my twelve-year-old Sylvie accepting another dog. I can see Sylvie thinking the exact same things that Sunny is thinking, so this book warmed my heart.

Readers who love pet friendly tales like Selfors' Wedgie and Gizmo or Butler's Kayla and King will enjoy this book, which is the dog equivalent of Surovec's My Pet Human tales.

Introspective Novels

Stevens, April. The Heart and Mind of Frances Pauley.
February 6th 2018 by Schwartz & Wade Books
Copy graciously provided by the publisher upon request

Frances (who refers to herself as Figgrotten because she likes the way it sounds) has some quirky personality features, including an immense love of nature that causes her to fill her room with branches and sleep with the windows open even in the winter. These quirks irritate her older sister, Christinia, who becomes increasingly antagonistic toward her. Since others also find Frances a bit off putting, this desertion is particularly hard. Luckily, the bus driver on her route, Alvin, is particularly nice and philosophical, and bond over stories of birds and articles Frances reads in the encyclopedia. Frances likes her teacher, who is understanding and fun, but she doesn't like new student James, since he is even smarter than she is an frequently monopolizes the class. When Alvin becomes ill, Frances has a particularly tough time in school, but luckily her parents try to help her, and even Christinia is surprisingly supportive. Eventually, Frances makes friends with Fiona and learns how to deal with change in her life. She even is willing to trade in her too small, cat hair covered coat for a new parka, and even realizes that the replacement bus driver is not as talkative as Alvin because he is shy.
Strengths: Frances' struggles with her sister distancing herself from her are very true to life. By fifth grade, children need to figure out that being quirky often does not work to their advantage, and Frances is one of the few characters in middle grade literature who picks up these clues, makes a few changes to her actions at school, and improves her own life. N.B. I no doubt made many of my own problems in fifth and sixth grade, so I can relate.
Weaknesses: For some reason, Frances being referred to as Figgrotten throughout the book grated on me. Also, this is a more introspective book, so not a lot "happens".
What I really think: This reminded me strongly of Constance Greene's A Girl Called Al, and is a gently sad book with more hope than most middle grade books have had lately. I especially thought that Frances' mother was particularly nice, and no doubt long suffering!

February 6th 2018 by Schwartz & Wade BooksPerl, Erica S. All Three Stooges
January 9th 2018 by Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
E ARC from Netgalley

Noah Cohen and Dash are best friends who like to hang out and goof around, watching old comedies movies and drinking root bear with Dash's father Gil. They also go to Hebrew school together and are preparing for their bar mitzvahs. Noah isn't happy to find out that a girl who goes to his school, NOA Cohen, is scheduled to have her ceremony on the same day as his. That's the least of his worries, however, when Dash's father dies suddenly. Noah's mothers, Jenny and Karen, don't have a lot of details, even after the funeral. Dash is avoiding Noah, and loses his phone. Noah picks it up, and scrolls through the messages, uncovering the fact that Gil has killed himself. His mothers say this is the case, but don't elaborate or talk to him too much about it. Noa seems to be closer to Dash that Noah is, and the two boys just end up not talking. Noah doesn't manage to give the phone back in a timely fashion, and eventually gets in trouble for it, which almost cancels his bar mitzvah. In the meantime, life in Noah's school and home goes on, although he and Dash both need help in dealing not only with Gil's death but with their estrangement from each other.
Strengths: There are lots of good details about what it is like to come of age in a community with a significant Jewish population(near D.C.), which would be a good window book for many of my students, whether they are Jewish or not, since the Jewish population in my community is very small. The inclusion of Jewish comedians is interesting. The difficulties that Noah and Dash have following Gil's death are very realistic and understandable.
Weaknesses: I found it difficult to believe that Noah's mothers weren't up front with him about Gil's death, knowing how close he was with Dash's father, since he himself does not have any other father figure in his life. People on the east coast seem to overshare all kinds of unpleasant information, and with the concerns surrounding suicide today, I found it unfathomable that Noah wasn't given more support.
What I really think: This was a really good attempt at dealing with the death of a parent by suicide, and also a good, detailed description of the preparations involved in a bar mitzvah. With the addition of the trouble between Noah and Dash, this was a lot for one book, and having so many issues diluted all of them. I don't know that I will purchase this book, although my main objection is that the cover is horrible and the book would have to be hand sold. Conflicted about this one.

Playing Attari with Saddam Hussein

Roy, Jennifer and Fadhil, Ali. Playing Attari with Saddam Hussein
6 February 2018 HMH Books for Young Readers
E ARC from Edelweiss Above the Treeline

Ali lives in Basra, Iraq in 1991 with his family, including brothers Ahmed and Shirzad and young sister Shireen. His mother is a math professor, his father is a dentist and army medic reservist, and the family lives a comfortable life complete with video games and American television programs. Ali has known war for much of his life, but when the US prepares to launch Dessert Storm attacks, he realizes how much more serious this war is. Since bridges have been bombed, food is scarce. More buildings are destroyed and people are killed. Ali's father goes missing, and the family is worried for his safety. While Ali is not a fan of school, he would rather be there than huddled at home while war rages around him. When there are rumors that a ground strike will be made soon, Ali considers finding a way to let the US soldiers know that he loves Superman and video games, but realizes it will have little effect. In an epilogue, we see Ali working at a translator for the US government during Hussein's trial, and notes at the end explain the true story on which the book is based.
Strengths: This was really well done-- first hand experiences from Mr. Fadhil, but told by an experienced middle grade writer so that the book is structured in an appealing and fast-paced way. I appreciated the inclusion of information about the different ethnic groups and their involvement, especially since Ali's father is Kurdish. There are plenty of details of ordinary life in Basra, and we get a lot of historical information about the war as well. Even the cover is fantastic. This is a great window into another time and place, and I can't wait to share it with my students!
Weaknesses: Ms. Roy does not write nearly enough books! I love her Yellow Star, as well as the Trading Faces series she wrote with her twin, Julia DeVillers.
What I really think: This seemed a bit pro-American, but there are some passages that describe how much Ali loves Iraq, just not the Iraq during war time. Now, I really need to see a book by an Iraqi who felt less positively about the US!

The Unicorn Quest Blog Tour and Giveaway

It's the The Unicorn Quest Blog Tour! Leave a comment below stating why YOU are a magical unicorn, and you will be entered to win a copy of this new book. Please make sure your comment links to your blog or gives me some way to contact you!


Benko, Kamilla. The Unicorn Quest
February 6th 2018 by Bloomsbury USA Childrens
E ARC provided by the publisher

When Claire and her sister Sophie move into Windemere Manor after the death of their great aunt Diana, who collected all manor of odd objects, they aren't entirely sure what to do with themselves. Sophie is recovering from an undisclosed illness, and their parents are still overly protective and scared for her. Claire is scared as well, but irritated that Sophie doesn't spend as much time with her as she used to. When the sisters investigate an odd chimney in the house, they find it is a portal to a magical kingdom. Claire doesn't think it is a good idea to travel there, but when Sophie disappears, she knows she must go in search of her. However, when Claire arrives in Arden, she is met by the rather hostile Nett and Sena, who inform her that her sister has been there but has also been accused of stealing a magical artifact that is keeping the fragile peace of the Arden guilds, and is nowhere to be found. Claire, of course, must embark on a quest across the lands in order to find her sister. This is treacherous, even with Nett, a Tiller, and Sena, a Forger. The guilds are protective of their lands and loathe to let others cross them, so Claire must use her wiles and wits to locate her sister. She eventually finds that she and her sister are more entwined with the fortunes of Arden than they ever could have imagined. Once the artifact is found, will Arden be saved and their time in the kingdom over? Or are there more adventures awaiting the girls?
Strengths: The land of Arden is well developed, and the fracturing of Arden into guild divisions makes sense. It's serious, but not scary, and the fighting is in the past, which is a nice touch in a lighter fantasy for younger readers who are more interested in magical adventures, friendships, and unicorns. Claire's desire to find her sister despite her reluctance to enter Arden is realistic, and her fear for her sister despite her annoyance at her is something with which many readers will sympathize. The magic skills are an interesting touch. I'll be curious to see where this adventure takes us. If I had a paper ARC, I would have three students who would read this right away!
Weaknesses: Arden is a typically Anglo-Celtic medieval world, and there are so many fantasies with this setting. While I always have readers who adore this, I personally am looking forward to the Rick Riordan imprint that will introduce more fantasies from different world cultures.
What I really think: Definitely will purchase for fans of Pierce's Alanna, Wrede's Dealing with Dragon's, Levine's The Two Princesses of Ba'Marre, Hale's Princess Academy,  and Jessica Day George's  and Diana Zahler's fantasy books.

Join in all the fun!

MMGM- Cookie Cutters & Sled Runners and Dolphins: Voices in the Ocean

It's Marvelous Middle Grade Monday at Always in the Middle and #IMWAYR day at Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers. It's also Nonfiction Monday.

Rompella, Natalie. Cookie Cutters & Sled Runners
February 2018, Sky Pony Press
ARC provided by publisher

Ana and her best friend Lily love to cook and come up with new recipes together, but when they are assigned an Explorations project at school, their teacher Mr. Creed assigns them partners and refuses to budge. Lily gets paired with Via, who is interested in a cooking project but thinks mayo mixed with sugar is okay for frosting cupcakes, while Ana gets paired with new girl Dana. Dana goes by Dasher because her family raises sled dogs and has just moved to the Midwest from Alaska. She's a bit outspoken and slap dash for Ana, who is dealing with OCD. With the help of her supportive parents and Dr. Taylor, Ana is able to control her compulsion to clean and wash her hands fairly well. She also has a guinea pig, Bernie Toast, who helps with her stress levels as well. When Ana and Lily fall out, and Ana has to deal with messy dogs and a new friend who doesn't know her whole story, she does struggle a bit. Eventually, she works through her problems with Lily, takes chances on new life experiences, and continues to learn to manage the more problematic manifestations of her OCD.
Strengths: This is a fun, engaging tween read that also offers good information about OCD on a level that young readers can understand. The mix of cooking, dogs, and friend drama will make this a sure hit with middle graders who want an amusing yet insightful story-- and the cover is great!
Weaknesses: Mr. Creed seems a bit over-the-top mean, and I could see parents at my school really complaining about the whole Exploration project!
What I really think: At first, I wanted the book just to be about Ana, Lily and Dasher going through a typical middle school experience, and was sort of bored by the OCD parts. However, Rompella does a very good job at striking just the right tone-- Ana isn't magically "cured" but makes progress, her friends are understanding, and her parents get her the help she needs and make sure she follows through with her therapy exercises.

Casey, Susan. Dolphins: Voices in the Ocean
January 23rd 2018 by Delacorte Press
Copy provided by the publisher

Based on her 2015 adult book, Voices in the Ocean: A Journey into the Wild and Haunting World of Dolphins, this is a brief overview of how dolphins are treated around the world, and how Casey investigated these treatments by visiting many of them and talking to scientists, locals, and activists. Highlights include: a town in Japan where dolphin tourism has arisen because the fisherman kill and sell dolphins; a much kinder town in Ireland where there is a celebrity dolphin, Fungie; and several different facilities where dolphins are kept captive so that people can interact with them. Information about how dolphins act, socialize, and react to humans is provided along with these anecdotes about the author's experiences. There are eight color pages of dolphin pictures in the center of the book, and a fairly extensive bibliography. This is a good length-- just under 200 pages, so readers who are very interested in dolphins will be glad of this when narrative nonfiction is assigned for class projects. The cover is quite appealing, and it is great to have more tween friendly versions of adult narrative nonfiction.

I wish that this had been more organized and had fewer descriptions of how Casey felt about the various situations: e.g. students will not care that she started her journey because she was sad that her father died. It also would have helped if pictures had been spread throughout the book.

Americanized: Rebel Without a Green Card

Saedi, Sara. Americanized: Rebel Without a Green Card
February 6th 2018 by Knopf Books for Young Readers
Copy provided by the publisher

This memoir chronicles the experiences of writer Saedi, who was born in Iran in 1980 and lived in the United States after the age of two. Her parents tried a variety of tactics to obtain legal residency, but has their papers requesting political asylum lost, and ran into difficulties with every application they turned in for over twenty years. This put both Sara and her older sister into a number of difficult situations with jobs, college, and their future in the U.S., the only country they really knew. While this was clearly an important factor in Saedi's life, she also had a fairly normal 1990s adolescence, with the same obsessions over clothes, boys, and grunge bands that other teens at that time shared. Recounting these experiences is equal parts historical accounts and exploration of the problems faces many children of immigrants in the past and also today.
Strengths: This is a timely #ownvoices account of immigration that will help readers to understand the challenges faced in the process becoming legal citizens of the US. The history of Iran will be interesting to readers who want more information about the country after reading It Ain't So Awful, Falafel. The details of teen life in the 1990s will appeal to readers who have read Jay Asher's The Future of Us or who are addicted to My So Called Life. I suppose there could be a few teens who parents were teens in the 1990s.
Weaknesses: This might struggle to find an audience. I know that middle school students don't read memoirs much; perhaps the more mature content of this will appeal to older readers.
What I really think: I would definitely buy this for a high school library, but will pass on purchase for middle school due to content and language.

Salted Caramel Dreams

Bardenwerper, Julie Nastri. Salted Caramel Dreams
February 6th 2018 by Sky Pony Press
E ARC from Edelweiss Plus

Jasmine and Kiara have always been best friends, so when Kiara joins the basketball team, Jasmine feels adrift. She still has her DYI classes to keep herself occupied, and is working on sewing some tote bags she hopes to sell, but when she hears Kiara insulting her work with one of her new friends, Jasmine doesn't want to sew or hang out with Kiara anymore. Her mother signs her up for a drama group, and she gets involved with a production of Cinderella. She makes a new friend in Ava, and has a crush on another drama club member, Joseph. When her sewing skills turn out to be very useful in drama, she picks up her hobby again, but will she be able to go back to being friends with Kiara?
Strengths: This series is hugely popular, and is perfect realistic romantic fiction for middle grade readers. There are even some more multicultural aspects-- Jasmine's abuela lives with the family, and the characters are not all white and middle class. I had to preorder this whole series, I had so many girls ask for them.
Weaknesses: I didn't read this for a while because I thought I already had-- there was another book with a similar clothing design company friends hoped to start. In 20 years of teaching, I think I've had two girls really interested in sewing. I certainly was, but 40 years ago schools still offered sewing as a required class in middle school!
What I really think: Good stuff. Looking forward to seeing what Bardenwerper writes next!

Swartz, Elly. Smart Cookie.
January 30th 2018 by Scholastic
Public library copy

Frankie's mother was killed in a car accident when she was four, and even though she has a supportive father who runs a bed and breakfast and a live in grandmother, she feels that her family isn't complete. With the help of friend and next door neighbor, Elliot, she sets up a dating profile for her father and arranges for likely candidates to visit the bed and breakfast. She's able to hide what she's doing because her busy dad always figures that the women are customers and Frankie can deal with them. There is a school parade coming up, and Frankie really wants to have a "whole" family before that happens. There are a few other issues going on-- her former best friend Jessica's father left her family, and now her mother is depressed and neglectful. Her father may lose the B&B, but Frankie discovers some family secrets that may shed light on this. Her grandmother is having issues with hoarding that may cause her to move out-- maybe with the man she's dating! Combine this with her friend Elliot's concern that the B&B is haunted and her father's suspicious behavior, and Frankie has a lot more on her mind than getting the B&B cookies baked every day by 4:00 check in!
Strengths: This was well paced and intriguing, and the idea of Frankie wanting to set her father up is fun. Elliot is a good friend, and the relationship with Jessica is realistic. The grandmother was also a good character, and I especially liked that Frankie was concerned that her grandmother was ill when she was tired, when it was more because she was out late with her boyfriend!
Weaknesses: There should have been cookie recipes at the back! I also wish there had been fewer issues, since having so many diluted the important ones. Also a little concerned that Frankie never quite got over her idea that her family wasn't complete. I have a lot of students whose fathers have never been in the picture, and don't want them to feel that their families are somehow incomplete.
What I really think: The great cover and premise of this story sell the book very easily.


Lloyd, Natalie. The Problim Children
February 6th 2018 by Katherine Tegen Books
E ARC from Edelweiss Plus

The seven Problim children, all born on different days of the week, manage to blow up their house in the woods. Since their parents are archaeologists who are away for work, 16 year old Sundae is watching them and in charge, which is a good thing since the emergency phone is buried. Luckily, they have a deed to their grandfather's house in town, and head there. The lawyer thinks it's find that they move in, but a neighbor, Desdemona O'Pinion, wants the house for her own, since she believes it is hiding a treasure. The children, as well as their pet pig, cause a lot of ruckus in their new situation, which makes Desdemona want them out all the more. The children, however, believe that they are meant to be in the house, and set out to investigate the mysteries of it themselves. This is a fantasy book, as it involves somewhat sentient purple squirrels with silver tails, as well as spiders with some powers.
Strengths: Fans of Lloyd's A Snicker of Magic and The Key to Extraordinary, as well as readers who enjoy books like Lemony Snicket and Sieble's The Trouble with Twins, will enjoy this improbably, quirky adventure. Julia Sarda's line drawings add another layer of oddness to the story. (Her work looks like Joe and Beth Krush raised her, but Edward Gorey babysat her on a daily basis.)
Weaknesses: The catalog of the baby's farts pushed this over the edge for me. It's fine that they are particularly odoriferous, but it's too much to believe that the siblings not only categorized them, but numbered over 200 of them according to the events which precipitated them. There was also a preponderance of overly quirky names, and the whole premise seemed implausible.
What I really think: There will be many people who like this book. Lloyd is just one of those authors whose work never appeals to me, and I cringed every time the name "Problim" was used.

Marty Pants: Keep Your Paws Off

Parisi, Mark. Marty Pants: Keep Your Paws Off (#2)
February 6th 2018 by HarperCollins
E ARC from Edelweiss Plus

When his cat Jerome brings him a fragment of his sister's diary, Marty decides that the cut off phrase "My brother is we..." must mean that he is a werewolf! He makes a list of 12 different qualities that might manifest themselves if he is, and throughout the book, more and more seem to pertain to him. His friends Parker and Roongrat try to help him, but Marty wants to make sure that they are safe as well. In the meantime, he has to deal with is sister, who is preparing for a quiz bowl type tournament, neighborhood bully Peach Fuzz, and a trip to the town dump to try to retrieve the diary. Luckily, Marty's love for candy has given him a cavity, which manages to cure his condition.
Strengths: Like the first Marty Pants, this has a lot of goofy, improbably events accompanied with comic illustrations. There's a little more plot the the majority of Wimpy Kid books, although there are lots of humorous, unrelated anecdotes as well. Marty is clearly not the brightest bulb, and young readers will enjoy knowing more than he knows.
Weaknesses: This leaned heavily toward the elementary side of the Pilkey line. The first book in the series does well with my 6th graders, however.
What I really think: Will probably purchase, although this was a bit too goofy for my taste.



Skye, Obert. Geeked Out
February 6th 2018 by Christy Ottaviano Books
E ARC from Edelweiss Plus

While I have this author's Wonkenstein series, he's just an author whose work I don't enjoy. This happens, and there's no good explanation. Geeked Out was super goofy and Dystopian in a way that my students never request. I'm going to pass, but if your library likes this author or this sort of notebook novel, definitely take a look.

From Goodreads:

Book 1 in a post-apocalyptic diary fiction odyssey!

Waddle Jr. High has become a dystopian outpost with divided cliques—Pepville, Jockstown, Staffland, and even Geekdom. Society may be in danger but middle school must go on. Enter geeky Tip and all his friends: easy-to-blush Owen, coding master Xennipher, and brilliant, dependable Mindy, who've all had enough of being bullied and decide to take a stand. Together, they form a secret vigilante group: the League of Average Mediocre Entities, better known as LAME. With everything that’s going on in the world, their school could use a few heroes. And what if those heroes were geeked-up superheroes? Get ready. Better yet, get LAME!

This irrepressible spoof series is full of the same clever humor and hilarious cartoon illustrations as the Creature From My Closet series, but for a slightly older middle-grade audience.

Squishy Taylor and the Bonus Sisters

Wild, Ailsa. Squishy Taylor and the Bonus Sisters
February 1st 2016 by Hardie Grant Egmont
E ARC from Netgalley

Squishy (nee Sita) is living in an apartment with her father, stepmother, new  half brother, and older twin stepsisters. Her mother took a job in Geneva, Switzerland, and since Squishy didn't want to leave her school or her friends, she contents herself with video chats with her mom and trying her best to share a room and get along with Vee and Jessie. When Squishy is in the apartment parking garage, she meets a boy who has run away from home. "Not-John" Smith, as she calls him, asks Squishy to bring him food, and she obliges, because she thinks his father might be the evil Mr. Hinkenbushel, who often yells and the Taylor children for being loud in the hallway. Vee finds out about the boy, and insists on being included. In the meantime, the girls gang up against Mr. Hinkenbushel to get revenge, and leave dog poop on his doormat, which ends up stinking up the entire apartment hallway. Eventually, the boy's father (who has thought that he was with a grandmother) puts out a flyer to find him, and Squishy finally decides to tell people about him.
Strengths: This is the first book in a long series of chapter books aimed at 2-5 graders. The illustrations are charming, and the characters are well developed. I enjoyed the fact that the parents were all involved and supportive, if a little clueless. The realities of dealing with a blended family will appeal to readers who have to deal with them and those who can only imagine what it is like to have "bonus: siblings. I love that the fact that Squishy is half Indian is hardly even addressed; that's what we are looking for now in diversity.
Weaknesses: Squishy is not a nice child. The incidents with Mr. Hinkenbushel show a lack of understanding and real mean spiritedness. She also should have known to tell an adult right away about "Not-John".
What I really think: Even with my increase in struggling readers, I think I will pass. The hardcovers are $19, and while paperbacks are only about $6, they don't hold up. I may read the next book to see if Squishy gets any nicer, especially since the rest of the series has more mystery, and I did like most of the other characters in the book.

A Land of Permanent Goodbyes

Abawi, Atia. A Land of Permanent Goodbyes
January 23rd 2018 by Philomel Books
E ARC from Edelweiss Plus

Tareq  lives a happy life with his mother, father, grandmother, and five siblings in Syria. Things are increasingly difficult, and when his apartment building is bombed, only he and his sister, Susan, survive. Their father Fayed was not there, so relocates with the children with relatives, including Tareq's slightly older cousin, Musa. When the Daesh crack down,  Fayed is on therun once again, this time with Musa. Eventually, the group makes it legally into Turkey. Fayed and Susan stay in the border town, but Tareq and Musa head to Istanbul to see what their chances are there. There are many refugees, and things are difficult. There are bright spots, like a cafe run by other Syrian immigrants, but Tareq and his family believe firmly that in order to have a better life, they need to head to Europe. Tareq eventually is reunited with his father and sister, although Musa wants to remain in Turkey, and the family try to find smugglers to take them by boat to Greece. They don't have enough money, so Fayed sends his children ahead of him. The crossing is very difficult. We switch perspectives to Alexia, a US college student who has remained on the island of Lesvos to help refugees who are coming ashore. She helps Tareq and Susan, as well as the Afgan girl whom Tareq is trying to protect, who has been separated from her sister. Even though the children are now safe, there is still a lot of work to be done to get them settled and reunited with their father.
Strengths: Along with Gratz's Refugee and Senzai's Escape from Aleppo, this is a much needed look at the crisis in Syria. The details of daily life before the bombing, as well as the details of survival afterwards, make this a riveting account. Because each experience is so different, it is helpful to have different accounts so that students understand that there isn't ONE Syrian refugee experience. The inclusion of the viewpoint of the volunteers also adds some depth.
Weaknesses: At the beginning, this is narrated by Destiny, which was confusing and overly poetic. The shifts in perspective are a bit rocky. This is not a book for younger readers, as there is mention of rape, graphic beheadings, and other information that might be upsetting to readers below high school age.
What I really think:  I think I will pass on this for now, and stick with the other two titles, but  may consider purchase if the 8th grade teachers proceed with a refugee unit.                                               

Whiskerella

Vernon, Ursula. Whiskerella (Hamster Princess #5)
January 23rd 2018 by Dial Books
Copy provided by the publisher

Harriet's mother is throwing a ball for the bat ambassador, and Harriet and Wilbur are NOT thrilled. The food isn't great, and Harriet has to dance with all of the princes with whom her mother is trying to set her up. And she's twelve! Luckily, there is a bit of intrigue at the ball, with a mysterious princess fleeing at the stroke of midnight in a carriage driven by two quail. No one has heard of this princess, but Harriet talks to Ralph in the stables and finds out a little more information. She tracks down Whiskerella, only to find that she is the victim of a fairy godmother's "gift"-- whisking her away to balls when Whiskerella briefly complained about sweeping, even though her "evil sister", Misty, does the dishes! Whiskerella has no desire to marry a prince, but because of the spell, will have to continue to attend balls until she does! Unfortunately, her sister's Lizard, Stinky, was turned into the coachman and was left at the palace, where he is widdling on all the tapestries! In between finding Stinky and making sure the fairy's gift can be negated, Harriet has to deal with her mother and father, who are not pleased with their daughter's shenanigans. Harriet also isn't the most tactful hamster, and she manages to enrage the fairy godmother enough so that she and Wilbur are both turned into quail... until Whiskerella ends up with a prince. How will she manage to save the day when all anyone hears her say is "Qwerk!"?
Strengths: In the version of Cinderella that I told my daughters twenty years ago, Cinderella married the prince, but then went to graduate school to major in biochemical engineering. It's completely realistic that Harriet's mother wants her to marry, and equally realistic that Harriet is more concerned with brandishing her sword and having adventures. The twist that the fairy godmother's "gift" feels more like a curse is brilliant, and the best part of any Hamster Princess book is the smartly crackling dialogue: "Is your mother afraid something will happen to you?" [asks Wilbur] "I," said Harriet with absolute confidence, " am something that happens to OTHER people." This is my new motto!
Weaknesses: A bit too much concern with lizard widdle, although maybe not enough if one is 8.
What I really think: These are so clever that even middle school students, when their arms are twisted just a tiny bit, adore these as much as I do. For my younger sixth grade readers, these are a first choice, and our Guys Read Pink promotion in February makes fans of the coolest, manliest 8th grade boys. Can't wait to see what Vernon will turn her trademarked humor to next!

Join in on all the fun!

WEEK ONE

January 23 – DoodleMom’s Homeschooling Life – Review, Creative (Doll making), and Interview

January 24 – The Keepers of the Books – Review

January 25 – Margie’s Must Reads – Review

January 26 – Books4yourkids – Review

WEEK TWO

January 29 – Pirates and Pixie Dust – Review

January 30 – Ms. Yingling Reads – Review

January 31 – The Slytherin book lady– Review

MMGM: Bringing Me Back and Fly Girls

It's Marvelous Middle Grade Monday at Always in the Middle and #IMWAYR day at Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers. It's also Nonfiction Monday.

Vrabel, Beth. Bringing Me Back.
February 6th 2018 by Sky Pony Press
E ARC from Edleweiss Plus

Noah's mother is arrested for drunk driving after a middle school football party, which has myriad consequences: she is arrested and sent to prison for several months, her boyfriend is made Noah's guardian, Noah reacts poorly and is caught shoplifting, and the school football team loses its coach and is disbanded because of lack of funds and the bad publicity. The loss of the team is difficult for the impoverished West Virginia town, and Noah is ostracized and ill treated by his classmates. When the former cheerleaders start a fundraising campaign to reinstate the team (which involves nominated students pouring expensive energy drinks over their heads-- not exactly cost effective!), things do not improve for Noah. One bright spot is Rina, who is bound and determined to start a school newspaper even if the administration is less than thrilled with her attempts. When a bear is spotted near the school with a bucket stuck to its head, Noah fixates on getting the bear help, and Rina takes advantage of his fixation to convince him to work on the paper with her. Another bright spot is Jeff, his guardian, who is struggling to do the right thing by Noah and steadfastly sticks by him. Noah also must deal with former football playing friends who have turned on him, not wanting to talk to his mother, and managing to get through his schoolwork while dealing with everything else on his plate. Noah and Rina manage to get more attention focused on the bear, and this activity helps Noah make peace with other things in his life.
Strengths: There's definitely a boatload of sad here, BUT the tone is generally upbeat and hopeful. This makes all the difference. The depiction of bullying is the most realistic and understandable that I have seen, and Jeff is a phenomenal character. His back story actually made me cry. The Appalachian setting, the struggles of an impoverished community are well done, and the intricacies of dealing with an incarcerated parent are portrayed in a no-nonsense but hopeful and productive way. Vrabel's writing gets better with every book. Very impressed with this.
Weaknesses: I wished I had seen Rina's mother! Rina is just a hair shy of being too over the top, but her support of Noah makes up for it.
What I really think: Definitely purchasing. This will take a little bit of book talking, since the cover doesn't give away much, but that could also work to its advantage.



Pearson, P. O'Connell. Fly Girls: The Daring American Women Pilots Who Helped Win WWII
February 6th 2018 by Simon Schuster Books for Young Readers
E ARC from Edelweiss Plus

While WWI used planes, the technology and use really took off during WWII. It's hard for people today to understand how all-consuming this war was, but Pearson does a fantastic job at setting the scene. Factories of all sorts switched from their regular products to producing for the war effort. Some Kellogg's plants quite making cereal, for example, and produced K rations. Cars and car parts were not produced, families were encouraged to put in gardens, which many did since different types of food were rationed. So many men went to war that women had to step into jobs of all types that had previously been closed to them. It is not surprising, then, that women were grudgingly welcome to noncombat flying jobs. Civilian flying took off in the 1920s and 30s despite the Great Depression (even my uncles got together and bought a prop plane that they would land in the fields near their dairy), and women who knew how to fly saw the Women's Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) program and others as a way to do something for their country using their skills. There were people and bases who were supportive and appreciative of these efforts, and those who were not, but stepping into a traditionally man's job had many challenges. There were no appropriate uniforms for the women, and they came up against a lot of prejudice and harassment. The final blow was the fact that the militarization of the programs was voted down, and the women involved didn't get full military honors and benefits for many years.

Fly Girls is a great book about World War II. It's a topic that a handful of readers investigate avidly, and I am pleased any time I can find a book on a tangent that hasn't been well covered. Pearson does an excellent job of delineating the general atmosphere both on the home front as well as the fighting front. In addition, the details about the tenacity with which women went after jobs that were not easy for them to get are inspiring. I have read quite a bit about both WWII and women's history, and even I did not know about the magazine articles at the time that downplayed the dangers the women faced and made the articles all about nail polish and well-coifed hair! The bibliography is extensive, and I appreciated the footnotes: all too many middle grade nonfiction books are a bit slapdash when citing sources, which makes it hard to encourage students to do it correctly!

Along with Colman's Rosie the Riveter: Women Working on the Home Front in World War II (1998), Mary Cronk Farrel's Pure Grit:How American World War II Nurses Survived Battle and Prison Camp in the Pacific (2014), Cheryl Mullenbach's Double victory : how African American women broke race and gender barriers to help win World War II (2013), this is an essential purchase for all middle school and high school libraries and is an excellent nonfiction companion to Smith's Flygirl and Davis' Mare's War. Now I really want several more middle grade novels about the brave women who flew during WWII.

Don't Forget Me

Stevens, Victoria. Don't Forget Me
February 13th 2018 by Farrar, Straus and Giroux (Byr)
E ARC from Edelweiss Plus

When her mother is unable to care for her, Hazel ends up moving from London to Australia to live with the father she has never met. She meets Red, who lives nearby and has problems of his own. One of his problems is Luca, his brother, whose best friend Ryan died, a event which compelled him to give up running track, thereby distancing him from his father. Red and Lucas mother works at the restaurant Hazel's father owns, and is quite lovely. Hazel writes a memory about her mother at the end of each chapter, and although she lets on that her mother is dead (especially to Luca), we find out differently at the end of the book. Hazel makes two new friends at school, and hangs out with both brothers. She navigates her way through her new life and tries to reconcile herself with the past.
Strengths: The cover is great, and teens love to read about children who don't have to deal with their parents, for whatever reason. There is enough romance and drama to make this one appealing to high school students.
Weaknesses: Definitely YA. Not only is there language and a lot of drinking, but YA books tend to be much more conflict driven and sadder. Whiny, in the way that teens are. Everything is the end of the world. Middle grade main characters have a lot more pluck, and the books about them are more fun and adventure filled. That said, I do have a few students who like that sort of angst; I'll have them check this book out of the public library, which allows all of our students to get cards AND delivers directly to school. We have the best public library!
What I really think: I'll stick with recommending Welch's Love and Gelato and skip purchasing this one due to language and general sadness.

Desmond Cole: Ghost Patrol

Miedoso, Andres, Rivas, Victor (Illustrator)
The Haunted House Next Door (Desmond Cole: Ghost Patrol #1)
December 12th 2017 by Little Simon
E ARC from Netgalley Plus

Andres moves with his parents, who are scientists, to the twon of Kersville. His next door neighbor is Desmond, who informs him that his new house is haunted! Andres doesn't believe this at first, but when strange things start happening, he joins Desmond in his ghost hunting business (run, of course, out of the garage). The boys end up having a ghost named Zax who wants to stick around but not cause mischief.
Strengths: I am hoping that the actual book is about the same trim size as a shorter middle grade novel, since the page set up for these is perfect for my struggling readers, who don't want to carry around "baby books". These readers are asking more and more for scary stories. Aside from Preller's Scary Tales, there aren't a lot of those available. The nonwhite main characters, as well as the scientist parents, are a welcome change in the world of early chapter books.
Weaknesses: The pages turned very slowly in the e copy, so I lost my train of thought on character development and plot.
What I really think: On illustration at the beginning gave me hope that maybe Desmond and his family were space aliens, but I was disappointed. Definitely purchasing.

Miedoso, Andres, Rivas, Victor (Illustrator)
Ghosts Don't Ride Bicycles, Do They? (Desmond Cole: Ghost Patrol #2)
December 12th 2017 by Little Simon
E ARC from Netgalley Plus

While Desmond's favorite thing is hunting ghosts, Andres' favorite thing is his bicycle. He loves his beat up bike that has been with him everywhere he has had to move, and he loves racing through the streets. He finds the local bike park and has a great time making some new friends. When his bike seems to be possessed and starts floating, Desmond and his ghost hunting business need to put it right.
Strengths: Not very scary, but just kind of fun. I just loved that the story involved Andres, his bike, and a bike park, because bikes are completely awesome from the ages of 6-14. Kids hanging out without parents will make this appealing to many age groups. Again, the ratio of text to pictures is perfect.
Weaknesses: The pages turned very slowly in the e copy, so going back to opine on finer points is difficult.
What I really think: Definitely enjoyed this and will purchase. Would love to see a similar series with different characters and maybe skateboarding.

Chris Bradford's Bodyguard Series!

Bradford, Chris. Target (Bodyguard #7)
Published January 2nd 2018 by Philomel Books
Copy provided by the publisher

This is a prequel to the series that follows the career of Charley Hunter, who oversees Connor's unit in Recruit (Bodyguard #1). Charley is a surfer whose life falls apart after her best friend is abducted right in front of her. Shortly after, both of her parents are killed, and she ends up in foster care. When she saves another surfer from a shark attack, she is brought to the attention of Colonel Black, who recruits her for the Guardian organization. Training is tough, since she's the only girl, but Charley internalizes the philosophy that she must work twice as hard to be treated half as well, and soon is chosen for high profile missions, which she carries out fairly well. Because of this, she is recruited to protect Ash Wild, a young rock star whose fame has also brought him to the attention of the paparazzi as well as someone who is making repeated death threats. Big T is the main bodyguard, but Charley is billed as a PR intern, so she is less noticeable. When she manages to save Ash from several threats in a very public manner, she receives a lot of attention. Will this jeopardize her position?
Strengths: This moves at a furious pace, and lots of things happen. The details about Ash's life on tour will appeal to readers with an interest in celebrity. I love how prepared and conscientious Charley is, and also really enjoy all of the information about how to be a bodyguard. Bradford's training is very evident in this volume.
Weaknesses: I personally like a little more detail about a character's background and would have liked to know more about Charley's life when she was surfing, but that's not really the focus of this series.
What I really think: I mentioned to a teacher that I had been sent copies of this, and she was so excited because her son and his friend had been reading the books. I had to read both over the weekend so I could bring them to school on Monday! That's some excitement!

Bradford, Chris. Traitor (Bodyguard #8)
Published January 2nd 2018 by Philomel Books
Copy provided by the publisher

After attacks in Pittsburgh and Columbus, Ohio, the security team is on high alert. Every venue is potentially fatal; every fan a potential assassin. Charley has her hands full, since Ash doesn't fully understand the peril he is in. It doesn't help that there is an overly zealous fan, Pete, who has altered his appearance to look as much like Ash as possible and is following the tour. Is he the threat? As more and more near misses occur-- aggressive paparazzi, a hotel fire-- everyone seems to be a suspect. The Guardian's tech people are brought in, and Charley escapes a fatal beating when they alert her to the presence of the cell phone that has been making the threats-- it's right next to her, under a concert stage! Since the potential killer knows how close Charley is, the threats escalate. Even though she is doing her best, it's almost impossible for Charley to keep Ash completely safe. It doesn't help that she is afraid she is becoming emotionally involved with the rock star. After several more harrowing episodes, it emerges that there are many people out to get Ash. Can they all be stopped before Ash's career, and possibly  his life, is ended?
Strengths: The brief overview at the beginning of the book isn't really necessary, because I can't see readers waiting more than a day or two before plunging head first into this second book! This book certainly tests all of Charley's many skills, and even the romance aspect is handled from her main job as a security expert.
Weaknesses: The many twists do get to be a little bit unbelievable. And boo! I knew what was going to happen to Charlie, but it still made me sad.
What I really think: Definitely purchasing this entire series in a prebind. Excellent choice for gifts for young readers, and I appreciate that these two books can be read outside of the main series. Caveat: Don't just buy book one! The second is a direct continuation of the story, and if avid readers don't have it, there will be complaints!

The Book of Boy; The Thrifty Guide to Ancient Rome

Murdock, Catherine Gilbert. The Book of Boy
February 6th 2018 by Greenwillow Books
E ARC from Edelweiss Plus

Boy is a servant in the household of Sir Jacques. It used to be a decent position, especially for a hunchback, but once the lady of the manor and her children died of the plague and Sir Jacques was gravely injured, the former Cook ruled the roost. When Secundus, a pilgrim, happens by and decides that Boy could be useful in carrying his bag, he bargains with Cook and has Boy accompany him. Secundus is ill, and looking for seven relics of St. Peter's that might get him into heaven. Along the way, the two must steal, connive, and get into lots of scrapes before they can get all of the relics. Boy has a secret that Secundus guesses, and this motivates him to get Secundus to Rome so that he himself might be helped.
Strengths: There are good details about the medieval time period and information about pilgrimages and the religious ideas of the time. The E ARC did not include pictures, but the cover is lovely.
Weaknesses:  Like Adam Gidwitz’s The Inquisitor’s Tale, this is a fantasy book and not strictly historical fiction. The 7th grade covers the middle ages, and I do have students ask for books on the topic, but I can't get anyone to check out the Gidwitz title.
What I really think: I will pass on purchase and stick to Cushman and Avi for realistic titles on this time period. The fantasy element makes this   less than useful for my library.

A great companion to this book would be the upcoming The Thrifty Guide to the Medieval World, which is coming out at some point.

Stokes, Jonathan W. The Thrifty Guide to Ancient Rome
Illustrated by David Sossella
January 30th 2018 by Viking Books for Young Readers
Copy provided by the publishers

Like The Thrifty Guide to the American Revolution, this guide is purportedly for the many time travelers around in 2150, after time travel devices become widespread, and the devastation of their messing about in history is addressed by Time Patrols. In this future world, Time Corps rules much of North America, and it's head, Finn Greenquill, is not above using time travel for his own personal gain.

This book does a little better job of giving an overview of daily life in Rome, although it is still insistent that Rome is a very dangerous place. In fact, the first chapter starts with the different sorts of dangers, including fire, flood and disease that you would face in Ancient Rome. Fashion, food, and entertainment are briefly covered before chapters on surviving different military actions occur. Because the span of years this book covers is much greater than that in the American Revolution, it is somewhat less helpful to time travelers, but is written with more wit. The chapter on Cleopatra and all of her political and romantic alliances is done in as delicate way a way as possible, although the topic of marrying relatives is certainly not avoided. "Mad" rulers also pose a problem to time travelers.

Roman history in schools certainly covers more of the political and military issues than the intricacies of daily life, so this book is very helpful to social studies teachers and students who want to know more about this fascinating time period. That said, as a former Latin teacher, I do wish that more coverage were given to daily life, social mores, and general details of how people lived, not whom they fought!

There were a few statements that seemed half a bubble off, but the general research seems okay. It is a shame that Stokes doesn't seem to have look at The Private Life of the Romans by Harold Whetstone Johnson and Mary Johnston (1932), because it is an absolute treasure trove of information about so many aspects of Roman daily life. Also, if you are teaching Roman history, you absolutely have to make time in your schedule for the informative and yet now-giggle-worthy 1965 Britannica film, Claudius, a Boy of Rome. I adore this one more than words can say and still cry at Vistus' fate. Every. Single. Time.

The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle

Connor, Leslie. The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle
January 23rd 2018 by Katherine Tegen Books
E ARC from Edelweiss Plus

Mason lives in a "crumbledown" house with his grandmother and ne'er-do-well uncle Drum after the death of his parents in quick succession. Because the family is grieving and disorganized, the family orchard has fallen into disrepair. Mason has learning disabilities (as well as a condition that makes him sweat heavily) that make him a bit slower to process information, especially when writing, and the uncle has a young live-in girlfriend who does not contribute positively to the family dynamic. To make matters even worse, Mason's best friend, Benny, was killed falling off a ladder in the orchard, and the investigating police officer, Lieutenant Baird, believes that Mason is responsible and keeps badgering him to write an account of what happened, since Benny's two fathers are bereft. Mason is also bullied by a neighbor Matty Drinker who has his own problems. The saving graces of Mason's life are his resource room teacher Ms. Blinny, Moonie, Matty's dog whom Mason watches, and his new friend, Calvin. His friendship with Calvin starts off when the two are chased after getting off the school bus, but blossoms when the two discover an old cellar in the orchard and work to recreate cave paintings on the walls. Unfortunately, Calvin goes missing at one point, Lt. Baird thinks that Mason is responsible for his disappearance as well, and matters are brought to a boiling point before Mason and his family are able to move forward.
Strengths: I love Connor's work, as did my daughter when she was in middle school. She comes up with interesting characters in unique situations, and makes their stories come alive with outstanding details. Mason is no exception. While his situation is sad, his attitude is upbeat. Ms. Blinny is fantastic, and the support that Mason gets at school is exemplary. All of the characters, whether completely pleasant or not, as fascinatingly drawn and intriguing. I enjoyed this one a lot, especially Mason's relationship with the dog, his growing friendship with Calvin, and his sad but eventually improving family situation.
Weaknesses: The death of Benny, Lt. Baird's handling of it, and the eventual resolution were all SUPER sad, and perhaps a bit beyond the average middle grade reader's ability to understand.
What I really think: This was a fantastic story that I may have trouble finding readers for in my library. Like VanDraanen's The Secret Life of Lincoln Jones (which I also enjoyed), there are a lot of things to recommend this story, but it's a bit long and slow for the majority of my readers.

Dragon Bones (Dragon Quests #2)

McMann, Lisa. Dragon Bones (Dragon Quests #2)
February 6th 2018 by Aladdin
E ARC from Edelweiss Plus

When Fifer is brought back half dead from her fight in Dragon Captives with the world of the Revinir, Alex just about collapses, since Thisbe is presumed dead, and word has recently come that Sky has disappeared. After thirty pages of sobbing and collapsing, he decides that a group should be assembled to try to rescue Thisbe. Florence has the presence of mind to stop him from rushing off immediately, and sets to training a group to fight Queen Eagala' s army. Of course, Fifer is forbidden to train with them, but manages to learn a lot anyway. In the meantime, Thisbe is enslaved and must spend her days dragging bones from crypts so that the Revinir can extract magic from them. Thisbe refuses to work with the evil queen, and makes matters much worse for herself, although she does make a friend in fellow slave, Rohan, who is able to get some information to her. Eventually, the groups converge and attempt to overthrown the queen and rescue Thisbe, who has been practicing her magic. Things go horribly wrong, and the group appears to be stuck with no magic, although there is a glimmer of hope when a key character reappears.
Strengths: My students love these books so much that I had to take my Nook to school and let one girl come to the library and read the story during SSR! There's something about the world building, the characters, and the magic that goes over very well with my students, and they are all super excited to see this new title.
Weaknesses: My students were a bit upset after the first Dragon Quests book because of some of the things that happened to the characters, and I do not think they are going to be happy with the events in this installment. Also, the beginning of this was super, super slow and I wanted to slap Alex and tell him to pull himself together and deal with things.
What I really think: Not my thing at all, but definitely will purchase. By reading the book, I can have quality conversations with the McMann Super Fans, so it's all good!

MMGM- Heroes of Black History

It's Marvelous Middle Grade Monday at Always in the Middle and #IMWAYR day at Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers. It's also Nonfiction Monday.


Editors of Time for Kids Magazine. Heroes of Black History
December 19th 2017 by Time For Kids
Copy received from Blue Slip Media

This paperback book has the subtitle Biographies of Four Great Americans, and includes information about Harriet Tubman, Jackie Robinson, Rosa Parks, and Barack Obama. Eacj entry gives a good overview of each person in under fifty pages. The text, which is about 18 point font, is accompanied by lots of photographs of the person being covered as well as relevant pictures of the time period or, in the case of Tubman, artistic renderings of events or people for which there are few photographs. Each chapter ends with a timeline, and additional full pages of information about pertinent topics add to readers' understanding of the historical eras. I was especially pleased with the timeline of Black History at the beginning of the book, as this will help readers put the biographies in perspective. An introduction by Charlanye Hunter-Gault also sets the stage for the information.
Strengths: This is an engaging volume, and the mix of pictures and text will be pleasing to all readers, as will the slightly larger text size. It would make a great gift for children in grades 3-8 who like biographies.The page design, with chapter headings in larger text, captioned photographs, and sidebars, will be useful to teachers who want to delineate crucial nonfiction features. I also appreciate that this embraces the term "Black History"; "African-American" has never seemed like a helpful or precise term to me, and since the Black Lives Matter movement has readopted this slightly older term, I am glad to see it's wider use.
Weaknesses: There are a huge number of books already available on each of the people covered, so I would have preferred the inclusion of somewhat more obscure, but no less important, people.
What I really think: I am debating purchasing a copy for my middle school, since it would be a good resource for some of my struggling readers when they are assigned biography projects.

A curriculum guide is available at timeincbooks.com/heroesguide.


Winnick, Judd. Hilo: Waking the Monsters (#4) 
January 16th 2018 by Random House Books for Young Readers
Copy provided by the publisher

Hilo is enjoying reconnecting with his sister Izzy and hanging out with his Earth friends D.J. and Gina. It's sometimes hard for the two aliens to hide the quirks in their personalities, but they do their best. The newest challenge, however, is the fact that giant monsters are waking up all over the planet. Luckily, Hilo can fight them, and Gina has some new super powers that come in handy as well. Izzy reveals that back on their home planet, Hilo was a hero, who took advice from a scientist called Dr. Horizon. Dr. Horizon was working to defeat Razorwark, who had an army of evil robots at his command. The giant robots might be a legacy from this evil genius, and the friends work to control the menace as well as figure out their source. In the meantime, Gina has to fight with her mother about being a basketball cheerleader! Will Gina manage to keep her secret from her mother and still not have to cheer? Will the monsters keep coming after Hilo? Will Izzy be able to shed light on the mysteries of his past that Hilo can't remember? We get some answers in this book, but also have enough questions remaining to look forward to a book five!
Strengths: Winnick has really done his research into what middle grade readers want in a graphic novel. The characters are manageable, diverse, recognizable, and do grow a little in each book. The plots make sense, and continue from book to book without being confusing. The colors are bright, the picture to text ratio is good, and the text is in about a 14 point font, which is SO much better than the 8 point font in many graphic novels. This series can be enjoyed by strong readers in first grade, or by struggling readers in 6th because it is fast paced, things blow up, and it's funny. It's amazing how good a book can be when the author takes the target demographic seriously into account.
Weaknesses: Izzy confuses me a bit. Small quibble. A bigger quibble is the paper over board book construction, which doesn't hold up well. On the plus side, they only run about $12, which isn't bad. The "library binding" is $16, but I have not seen a library binding produced in the last 20 years that is worth an extra four cents, much less four dollars.
What I really think: This is an essential purchase for elementary and middle school libraries, and a great gift for a wide variety of readers!