Ghosts Never Die (Haunted #2)

Sutherland, Joel. Ghosts Never Die (Haunted #2)

Original title: Kill Screen

1 September 2020, Sourcebooks

Library copy

Evie and her friend Harold are obsessed with the video game Kill Screen. Evie has made it to the highest level but has died in the game over 100 times. When she gets really close to vaporizing the ghost, an action the will let her win the game, she is warned off by another ghost. In real life, Evie can also see ghosts, something that may have developed around the time that her parents died in a car accident. She ignores this, of course, and keeps going, only to find that by defeating the game, she has unleashed a spirit on the world, the Wisp, that intends to kill all of the humans and drag all of the spirits into the Netherworld. The ghost of Leda, a game developed who worked on Kill Screen but was killed in a car accident right before it was released, was the ghost who tried to warn Evie about the Wisp, and helps the two friends investigate the workings of the game, and the myths and legends behind it, so that they can save the world from destruction. Will they be able to figure things out before it is too late?
Strengths: The Nightmare Next Door was definitely one of the new books that got checked out right away; when my students came back in person, they all wanted creepy books! This also involves video games, which I appreciated, because I am sure they are all set to kill us all and are not good for anyone! (And yes, I know fully well that this dates me!) One of my favorite parts of this was Leda, working with the children to outline how she developed the game. Man, don't mess around with chants to summon spirits. Just don't do it! 
Weaknesses: This is a series, and the Wisp shows up again, but I haven't paid close enough attention to how all of the books work together. It would have been nice to have numbers on the spine already, since it is a series. 
What I really think: I am not a fan of horror books, but I really enjoyed this series. I'm glad to have it in my library, but wish it had been published in hard back! I offer up two shelves of R.L. Stine prebinds that are little more than crumbling paper as proof. The stories are still good, but the vehicle delivering them is completely unappealing. 

Stella Díaz Dreams Big (#3)

Dominguez, Angela. Stella Díaz Dreams Big

12 January 2020, Roaring Brook Press (MacKids Books)

E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus

Stella and her best friend Jenny are enjoying fourth grade, even though there are some changes. Stella's older brother, Nick, is finding high school to be very challenging, and he's having trouble keeping up with his work. Jenny is involved in dance and swimming, leaving her little time for Stella's favorite group, the Sea Musketeers. Even Stella's mother, who has been divorced from Stella's father for several years, is dating new neighbor Diego. Stella starts the swim class with Jenny, and also attends an art club at school, but has trouble balancing all of these activities. Her good friend Stanley is still around, and the two are working on their egg drop project for science, but other boys in their class make fun of them, claiming that they must be "dating". Stella eventually breaks down and seeks help from her mother, who assists her in making a schedule so that she can get everything done. Stella's family goes camping with Diego and his daughter, Izzy, who is really nice and very helpful to Stella, which puts Stella at ease about her mother wandering into this new territory.

Strengths: There are not a lot of books that address how tweens need to balance their time (Delle Donne's Elle of the Ball series being a  notable exception), but this is a HUGE problem that many students face. I would love to see more of this topic in middle grade literature instead of, I don't know, bullying or everybody dying, which has been done over and over. I appreciated that Dominguez not only italicizes that Spanish words and phrases but gives an explanation about why she has done it. As far as my students go, very few of them know any Spanish, so it is helpful to have these words pointed out. Jenny's family is Vietnamese, so there is a little of that culture as well. I really appreciated that Stella was okay with her mother dating; a little apprehensive, but open to the idea, and happy to hang out with Diego and Izzy. Add this one to the "Carolyn Haywood for the 21st Century" list along with  McKay's Lulu, Florence's Jasmine Toguchi, Ahn's Krista Kim-Bap, Brown's Lola Levine, and Khan's Zayd Saleem. (We could use a few more of these with boys as the main character.)
Weaknesses: This seemed too young for my students. I'd LOVE to see Stella go to middle school, or even better, a book about Nick in middle school. 
What I really think: I won't be purchasing, but all elementary libraries should look into this series. 

How's your pandemic going?

Yesterday, I wore a perfectly respectable black and white houndstooth skirt, black turtleneck, and red blazer with a black velvet collar. Granted, a little 1990, but a solid, professional choice about which a student remarked "When I first started here, I thought you were the principal." Dress above your pay grade, right?

After seeing a link to an article on Toddler Grandma Style, I realized that it spoke to many of my baser instincts about dressing myself-- all the colors! Weird jewelry you can see from space! Multiple layers! Of course, as anyone can tell, the shoes aren't quite right. Clearly, this screams out for cotton Mary Janes, which I just realized come in multiple colors. Those don't have enough support in them to wear at school, but man, does 14 year old me want several pair! Since I normally rock a preppy old lady look, this will make my principal wonder what evil plan I am implementing. 

Things are hard right now. Whatever it takes to get through the day is a good thing. It's hard to do something as simple as getting dressed in the morning. (Starting in March, I wore jeans and a cross country hoodie for 45 days straight when we were remote.)

I worked with several students yesterday who have 5% in most of their classes. They have done no work. They don't know where to start, and when they fall behind on assignments, it all seems impossible. The ability to focus is hindered by phones and a feeling that everything is pointless. 

Students look to us for clues on how to go onward. If we as teachers can show them that it is possible, although difficult,  to wear something besides sweat pants, and that we can get things done (I've read 835 books this year, and over the weekend made a cool utility apron out of an old pair of jeans!), it can't hurt. 

Besides, serving as a good example can motivate us as well. 

This message brought to you by my mother, whose voice lives in my head and who also would like very much to know why I haven't scrubbed the kitchen floor this week and don't have sub plans for three months in advance!

John Lennon (Little People Big Dreams)

Vegara, Maria Isabel Sanchez. John Lennon (Little People Big Dreams)
December 8th 2020 by Quarto Publishing Group – Frances Lincoln Children's Books

E ARC provided by Netgalley

This picture book offers a very brief overview of Lennon's life, concentrating on key moments and on the philosophy of his views that drive his greater impact. It discusses the formation of the Beatles and his career within it, and also mentions his career afterwards. His desire for peace and his efforts working toward it are highlighted. Several pages at the end of the book are dedicated to a timeline and more details about his life, and have photographs. This is merely an introduction, aimed at the youngest readers, and leaves out many key points, including Lennon's death at the hands of a shooter. This series of 54 titles covers well known historical figures, such as Mother Theresa and Gandhi, but also includes some lesser known figures such as Zaha Hadid and Emmeline Pankhurst. These short titles are excellent resources for introducing the youngest readers to the world of biographies, and I probably would have checked out all of these that my library had to read to my children, in between marathon readings of Sandra Boynton. 

Where were you when you found out that Lennon had been shot? I walked into Mr. Lendon's biology classroom, where I put a quote on the board every day, only to find out that someone had already written a Lennon quote there. I have to admit that I had no idea who Lennon was, and had only the most superficial knowledge of the Beatles. I have friends, however, who were absolutely gutted. 

Never After: The Thirteenth Fairy

de la Cruz, Melissa. Never After: The Thirteenth Fairy

December 1st 2020 by Roaring Brook Press

E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus

 Filomena Jefferson-Cho is a huge fan of the Never After books and goes to her local book store to get the last book in the series. Unfortunately, the book is not there, and it turns out that the author, Casseiopia Valle Croix, died years ago and the estate has released the titles. There never was a 13th book; not even notes. Crushed, she is surprised when a boys dressed as two of the  characters, Jack and Allistair, accosts her. They have come into Filomena's dimension to escape Queen Olga, and are looking for an object that Olga might want to use to secure her power. They invite her to come to Never After because she knows so much about the stories, and she gladly obliges, especially since her best friend Maggie has been hanging out with the popular girls, dubbed "the fettucine Alfredos" because they often have this dish delivered for their lunch from a local restaurant. In order to get to Never After, they have to travel back through the Heart Tree portal, which is unlocked by the theme song to the movies. Thrilled to be inside the pages of her favorite story, Filomena tries to solve the problem, and learns surprising things about herself in the meantime. 

Strengths: What avid reader doesn't want to travel into their favorite story? Not only travel into it, but to help write it? Never After is exactly the sort of fantasy books that attracts readers who memorizes all of the intricacies of the story, and Filomena is fearless in embracing this opportunity. I loved that even though the Never After story was a Tolkien-y, Celtic-ish tale, Filomena and the cast of Filomena's world were more diverse. The back story about her adoption was clever. I can see this being popular with readers of Chainani's School for Good and Evil series, Chris Colfer's Land of Stories books or James' The Book Wanderers.
Weaknesses: I absolutely loved this author's Blue Bloods (2006), which was an enormous hit during the days when Twilight (2006) was popular. She does a fantastic YA novel, but her middle grade books have a few missteps in tone for me. This is very common, and won't be noticed by avid fantasy readers at whom this series, and a series like this author's The Descendants, is aimed. 
What I really think: Since I haven't had a strong core of fantasy readers for a while. Fifteen years ago, I probably would have bought two copies. 

MMGM- TURBO Racers

   

It's

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday
 at 

Always in the Middle 

and #IMWAYR day 

at 

Teach Mentor Texts 

and 

Unleashing Readers.

Aslan, Austin. Trailblazer (TURBO Racers #1)

December 31 2018 by HarperCollins

Library copy

Mace Blazer lives in a slightly futuristic, alternative US (President Kennedy survived being shot, and Martin Luther King, Jr. was at one point president) and is obsessed with Turbo Racing. This sometimes gets him in trouble, as he has run afoul of Carson Gerber, whose well-to-do father is an amateur racer. Mace's family struggles financially, so his standing in the Turbo Racer video game suffers when he doesn't have the funds to go to the arcade at the mall to play. When he does play, he is on top of the world rankings. When he wants to go to see an exhibit of a famous vehicle so he can do a school report on it, he is dismayed to find that it has already been removed from the museum and is waiting at the airport to continue its journey. Since his father works at the airport, Mace has some familiarity with the operations. When he finds the vehicle, he sits in it, and soon finds himself on an amazing journey. The vehicle recognizes him and encourages him to fly a dangerous course. He does well, but there are some police efforts to track down the perpetrator, but he is saved by the owner. Tempest is very wealthy and very devoted to Turbo Racing, and recruits Mace, as well as four other underage racers, for her elite team. Joining Mace are Aya, who is Japanese American, Dex, who hails from the Dominican Republic, and Norwegian Henryk. The group train and learn the rules of racing according to Tempest, which are sometimes at odds with even Mace's moral code. After one incident, Mace is let go, but later contacted by Ahmed, Tempest's trainer. With the help of Carson Gerber's father, Dex, and the local shop teacher, Mace competes in a Californian race that qualifies him for a big tournament near Cuba. With storms approaching and Tempest wishing him ill, will Mace be able to win the race and solidify him standing as a world competitor in Turbo Racing? 
Strengths: This starts out strong, with Mace making a series of poor decisions that seem reasonable at the time. He has a real passion for Turbo Racing and follows through; the fact that he knows about the mechanics of engines and he has done a lot of ground work making a bike from scratch ends up serving him well during Tempest's training. The ensemble is somewhat diverse, and the kids work together in interesting ways. I real enjoyed the moral uncertainty-- should Mace do what Tempest wants even when it doesn't seem right? There is not enough of that in books. The supportive, hard working parents are good to see as well. Of course, for the target demographic, it's the action and adventure of Turbo racing that is the real draw. Written in a fast-paced, engaging style, even the simple san serif font contributes to the readabilty of this fun novel.

Weaknesses: The sub plot with Carson and his bullying is a little cliche, but saved a bit when the father joins the team and the boys have an uneasy alliance.
What I really think: I have a new student who is very interested in skateboarding but not a big reader. He read Berend's Vertical  and came back for the sequel, and we had a long talk about reading and writing. I'm saving this one for him, because it has all of the elements I look for in a high interest book for readers who might not want to read. I really, really hope there is a third book!

Aslan, Austin. Escape Velocty (TURBO Racers #2)

February 25, 2020 by HarperCollins

Library copy

Mace Blazer has rocketed to fame after his amazing win in Trailblazer. He has a publicist, Melanie, and reputation to uphold. He sits out of a high profile race in London in order to do an interview for the Mazagatti line of cars that he is endorsing. He misses going head to head with up and comer Thad Hightower, an actor who has played Turbo racers in movies. During this, he is encouraged to take a car out on the streets of London even though he is underaged, and the trip ends with Mace seriously injured and in the hospital. Since he nearly killed a pedestrian, he is spooked and reluctant to drive again. At the same time, he is getting some attention from Turbo fan Olesya Vasko, the high powered princess of Kreznia, whose kingdom is having trouble with other inhabitants of the Black Coast. He tries to participate in a Great Lakes Charity run, but is too spooked. Soon, he is traveling to Chile where he, Aya and Dex meet Juan Pablo. Henryk has stayed with Tempest's team and is pretending to be the one who won the race near Cuba that Mace actually won. Both Dex and Aya go missing, and Mace tries to hunt them down. He gets caught in a chemical bath (used to prevent the racers from carrying contaminated algae into other bodies of water), and ends up stowing away in Hightower's racer. When the actor takes off for Antartica, Mace goes along, and finds out some incriminating facts about Hightower, Tempest, and some unproven Turbo Racer technology. Will he be able to shake his fear of racing and help out with some of the evil plots he has uncovered?

Strengths: There should be more sports related books that veer into spy territory! It's a great combination of different adrenaline rushes for students. Mace's reluctance to race even though he loves it is a good twist, and the flirtation with the princess adds a fun note. I think there should be a third book, because Tempest's fate is a bit unclear.
Weaknesses: I was never able to get students interested in Matthew Reilly's Crash Course (2005) series, which was similar but perhaps not as well written. Since the series was in prebind, which smells awful if unread, it's long gone from my library. 
What I really think: I'm glad I took the chance on this series, and think that the shiny hardcovers will appeal to readers who want an exciting story about racing. 

Clues to the Universe.

Li, Christina. Clues to the Universe. 

January 12th 2021 by Quill Tree Books

E ARC Provided by Netgalley

It's 1983, and Ro is starting a new school. After the death of her father, her mother could no longer afford the tuition at her private school. She is anxious about being new, but switches folders in science class with Benji by mistake, and the two are intrigued by each other and strike up a friendship, eating lunch together in the cafeteria instead of hiding. Ro is trying to build a model rocket, because she and her father were interested in the space shuttle, and Benji draws comics. Ro asks a neighbor, Mr. Voltz, for help with her project, since he was involved in radio operations during the war and is missing his own family. Benji is sure that the author of one of his favorites is actually his father, who left when he was very young. His mother won't discuss him, but his older brother is somewhat sympathetic to his search. There is a boy at school giving both Ro and Benji a hard time; he even destroys their science fair poster. Ro finds out that her mother is thinking about moving them closer to her extended Chinese family. When Benji finds out that his father is coming to a comic con a couple of hours away, he approaches Ro about going with him, but the two have a falling out. When Benji goes missing, Ro knows where to find him. Will the two be able to rectify their family lives, explore their own interests, and get on with their lives... even if they are separated. 

Strengths: This was well written and fairly engaging. Ro starts out very anxious, but quickly warms up and her passion for rocketry. Benji's interest in comics will connect with a lot of readers. Their friendship is mutually beneficial, and they learn from each other's strong points. I found the families to be particularly well portrayed. While both are missing their fathers, they are trying to find positive ways forward, which keeps the book from being too sad and slow. 
Weaknesses: If it hadn't been specifically stated that this was set in 1983, there would have been no way to know. Aside from the lack of technology, the setting and reactions seem very modern. It seemed very odd that Benji's mother would have been so secretive about his father. Also, any self-respecting middle school boy in 1983 would have gone by Ben rather than Benji, since the 1974 movie by that title was still fresh in everyone's mind. Half the dogs I knew were called Benji.
What I really think: The friendship between Ro and Benji, as well as their relationship with their family, makes this seem like more of an elementary school book. Had it been more humorous or had more adventure, I would have bought it, but since so much of the realistic fiction being published skews to the sad and philosophical, I am well stocked on titles like this. 

Kimberly Willis Holt Books

Holt, Kimberly Willis. When Zachary Beaver Came to Town
Published October 15th 1999 by Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)

Library copy

Toby lives in Antler, Texas with his father, who is a mail carrier and also has a bait shop, and his mother, who is a budding singer who is away for a talent contest. Very little is going on in the town in 1971, although Toby is a bit worried about his best friend Cal's brother who is fighting in Vietnam and vaguely interested in the attractive Scarlett, who is dating another boy. When a trailer pulls into town next to the Dairy Maid and advertises that people can come in and see The Fattest Boy in the World, this provides the town with much needed entertainment. Toby feels somewhat sorry for Zachary, who is a little older than he and Cal are, so when Zachary's "agent" leaves him in search of another act, Toby helps the sheriff check on the boy and befriends him. When Toby's mother decides to stay away from home, and other unpleasant things occur, how will Toby deal with them?

Strengths: This has everything you would expect from a National Book Award title; lyrical writing, intriguing character development, exquisite setting details, and important issues. Readers who also enjoyed My Louisiana Sky or character driven historical dramas will enjoy this one. 
Weaknesses: Not a lot happens. This is written in a style very common in the last century, before young readers had cell phones in their pockets and overstimulated brains that demand explosions immediately and often. 
What I really think: This book has not been checked out at my library in seven years. Many of the reviews on Goodreads are from teachers who love to teach the book... and from students who were assigned the book and didn't care for it. I've kept the book, which was popular enough twenty years ago, but probably would have weeded if it weren't for a sequel involving Toby's daughter set during the aftermath of 9/11.

Holt, Kimberly Willis. The Ambassador of Nowhere, Texas.

January 12th 2021 by Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)

E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus

Rylee Wilson, whose father is Toby from the book When Zachary Beaver Came to Town, lives in Antler, Texas, where things have not gotten much more exciting in the thirty years since Toby was a tween. Both of Rylee's parents are teachers, and in the summer they run the snow cone stand. Rylee's best friend, Twig, is distancing herself from Rylee due to her own problems. Joe, who has moved from New York City with his mother after the events of 9/11, is living in Miss Myrtie Mae's house, which they have inherited. Rylee ends up spending a lot of time with Joe. After Toby gets several photographs from the estate of Miss Myrtie and Rylee hears him talk about the summer that Zachary Beaver came to town, the two decide that it would be a good idea to look up Zachary and reconnect him with Toby. The two do a lot of 2001 style research, which will be quite interesting to younger readers, and manage to hunt him down. The town is also preparing to build a new library,.and Joe and his mother have to decide if they will remain in Antler. 

Strengths: This made a lot of sense with the historical timeline, and I liked that while the first book dealt with the ramifications of the Vietnam war, this dealt with the aftermath of 9/11. Holt's writing is always interesting, and there were a fair amount of details about what it was like to live in New York City during the destruction of the Twin Towers. The friend drama between Rylee and Twig will definitely help sell the book, and it was fun to see what 30 years did to characters like Ferris, Rylee's mother (the younger, "bratty" sister of Scarlett!), and Zachary Beaver.
Weaknesses: It would have been nice to see more information about what life in Antler was like in the days following 9/11, and to know more about what Zachary Beaver did with his life. 
What I really think: This was a bit slow, and When Zachary Beaver Came to Town has not left the shelf in seven years.  It's not necessary to read this first book to understand the second, but it adds a bit of interest if readers know the history of Toby, Zachary Beaver, and the summer of 1971.

True Rescue Series

These are chapter book adaptations of the young readers' edition of the adult nonfiction book, aimed at readers 6-9, so is very different from this author's Into the Blizzard . The chapters are all very short (one page on my e reader), have pictures that remind me a bit of the ones in the Illustrated Classics books, and embrace R.L. Stine style cliff-hanger chapter endings (But what was hiding behind the closed door?) I can see these books beign hugely popular with readers who like Lauren Tarshis' I Survived books. These have a bit more action, and a little less character development. 

Tarshis' books are very popular, and the upper  middle grade books by Tougias do well, so I will probably purchase for my emerging readers who want action and adventure along the lines of Spradlin's Pararescue Jumpers. 

 

Tougias, Michael J. and Sherman, Casey. True Rescue: The Finest Hours: The True Story of a Heroic Sea Rescue

December 8th 2020 by Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)

E ARC Provided by Edelweiss Plus

From Goodreads: 

"On the night of February 18th, 1952, during one of the worst winter storms that New England has even seen, two oil tankers off the shore of Cape Cod are torn in half by the force of the seas. For the men on board, survival seemed impossible. What follows is a harrowing Coast Guard rescue in a tiny lifeboat, where four young heroes beat the odds and bring more than thirty stranded sailors to safety.

This first book in the True Rescue chapter book series is a fast-paced, uplifting story that puts newly independent readers in the middle of the action."

Tougias, Michael J. and Sherman, Casey. True Rescue: A Storm Too Soon

December 8th 2020 by Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)

E ARC Provided by Edelweiss Plus

From Goodreads:

"On May 2, 2007, three expert sailors embark on an epic voyage from Florida to France. But the trip of a lifetime soon turns into a nightmare when their sailboat disappears along the Gulf Stream in the throes of a relentless storm. From this point onward, their fate lies in the hands of four courageous coast guardsmen who must navigate brutal conditions in their Search and Rescue mission.

This second book in the True Rescue chapter book series is a suspenseful, incredible story that puts newly independent readers in the middle of the action."

The Retake

Calonita, Jen. The Retake 

December 1st 2020 by Delacorte Press

E ARC provided by Netgalley

Zoe is apprehensive about the first day of seventh grade; she and her absolutely best friend Laura have had to spend the summer apart for various reasons, and they haven't reconnected for some of their necessary rituals such as discussing their first day outfits. Because she's been following Laura's social media feed, she can tell that Laura has been hanging out with some new friends while Zoe was away, and her brief interactions with Laura confirm that some of her priorities have shifted. For instance, the two were very involved with Future Cities and hoped for spots on the volleyball team, but being in dramatic productions seems more important to Laura now. After a disastrous first day of school that involves a spot on her white jeans and her phone being taken away, Zoe misses volleyball tryouts to just go home. Her older sister, Taryn, gives her a hard time about it, and her mother insists that she needs to try other things. Since Zoe's mom and Laura's mom are best friends, the two families (minus Laura's father, since her parents have recently divorced) have dinner together, but conversation is strained. When Zoe finds an app that mysteriously appeared on her phone while it was being help in the office, she selects a picture of a sleepover three months ago and hits the "back" button. She is transported to the sleepover, and tries to change things with Laura, as well as Ava, Hyacinth, and other girls. Things don't go quite the way she hopes, and she tries going to another point in time. Every time she thinks she can makes things different, she just makes them worse. Through these travels, however, she learns that she does really like Future Cities, that Clare is a far better friend than Laura, and that even when you are best friends with someone for a long time, you can still grow apart. Will Zoe be able to find a version of her middle school life that works for her? 
Strengths: Issues with friends are such a large part of the middle school experience that they could be included in every single book in all genres and it wouldn't be too many tales of this. Zoe and Laura's relationship is absolutely typical, and it was fascinating to see how many ways things could go wrong. I especially liked the use of technology in the book; while this might date the book at some point, Instagram has been a big part of tween culture since at least 2012. Zoe knowing what Laura is up to when she is not with her is something that wouldn't have happened a few years ago, and is a big problem! Zoe's disocvery of herself and what she likes, as well as her appreciation of the better qualities of other classmates makes this very hopeful, and the fact that she realizes that she and Laura will remain friends on some level but are different enough that they won't be best friends is a great, mature example for tween readers to see. I love this author's Secrets of My Hollywood Life series. 
Weaknesses: This was more invested in the friend drama than the time travel capabilities, which makes it perfect for actual tween readers, but disappointed me as an adult reader just a tiny bit. This is mainly because I desperately want to go back to September of 1979 and change my entire life and is not a fault of Ms. Calonita's writing!
What I really think: Definitely purchasing. I'm not sure why there aren't more time-travel-via-cell-phone books; there's a little of that in Jay Asher's The Future of Us, and of course Sarah Mlynowski's Gimme a Call (2010. 2010?! Wow. Seems like a read this just yesterday!) tackles this idea brilliantly. 

Willseden Lane

Golabek, Mona , Cohen, Lee, and Robbins, Sarah J. (Adapted by)

Lisa of Willesden Lane: A True Story of Music and Survival During World War II
January 12th 2021 by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus 

Lisa Jura lived with her parents in Austria, and saw how things were continually worsening for Jewish citizens under the Nazis. She had to stop taking piano lessons, her tailor father lost many customers, and the family lived through Kristallnacht. Her parents, concerned for their daughters, want to send them away, but can only send Lisa. She heads toward London, and hopes that a cousin and his wife can take her in. When they can't, she ends up in a hostel on Willesden Lane where British citizens try to help Jewish children get jobs and schooling. At first, Lisa is sent to be a maid to a family with young children, and eventually works as a lady's maid. When her mistress won't agree to try to bring Lisa's younger sister over, Lisa returns to London, where she hopes to be able to play piano, since she is quite a good musician. She ends up sewing, but eventually is able to try out for a music school and is accepted. As the war rages on, she worries for her sisters and her parents, and her younger sister manages to make it over on the last Kinderstransport. In the aftermath, Lisa continues to pursue her music as her mother had wished her to do, and has some happy reunions, but also some tragic losses. 

Strengths: This is a novelization of the author's mother's life, and has a lot of good personal details about what it was like to live through this challenging time. The music threads through the story in a very powerful way, especially knowing that both Lisa Jura and Mona Golabek both because professional pianists. The illustrations make this more appealing to a younger audience. 
Weaknesses: This just didn't have as much detail as the unadapted version. 
What I really think: I vastly preferred the 2007 version of this, although this adapted version would be good for elementary schools. It had so many more interesting details, like Lisa throwing away cloth diapers when working as a maid instead of washing them, as well as more information in general. I don't know how I missed this novelized memoir in 2007 and wish I had gotten a copy in hard back. 

Golabek, Mona , Cohen, Lee, and Robbins, Sarah J. (Adapted by)

Lisa of Willesden Lane: A True Story of Music and Survival During World War II

Published July 31st 2007 by Grand Central Publishing 

Ohio Digital Library Copy

Top Ten Tuesday

Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.

Books I Want to Read Again

This is a tough one. I rarely, rarely reread. There are just too many new books out there, and I started my blog as an auxiliary memory in case I forgot details. So we'll go with books that I might actually, in the near future, read again. 

10. Edwards, Julie. Mandy (1971)
    Is it as good as I remember? Yes, every time. I have the copy I got for Christmas in about 1975.

9. Pierce, Tamora. Alanna: The First Adventure (1983)
    It's been years since I've read this one, and readership of the series is down, so I need to re energize it. 

8. Juster, Norton. The Phantom Tollbooth (1961)
    Been a while, and I realize something new every time I read it.

7. Cleary, Beverly. The Luckiest Girl (1958)

    A comfort read. Surprised I've lasted this long during the pandemic NOT reading it. 

6. Weber, Lenora Mattingly. Don't Call Me Katie Rose (1964)

    Another comfort read. Might have to reread the entire series. 

5. Shan, Darren. Cirque du Freak (2000)

    Hugely popular series that hasn't gotten as much love lately. 

4. Carter, Ally. I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You (2006)

    There have not been enough MG spy books lately. Adore this one. 

3. Orwell, George. 1984 (1948)

    I read it in 1981. Imagine it is a whole different experience now. 

2. Bradbury, Ray. Fahrenheit 451 (1953)

    Does it hold up? My daughter is reading it, so now I'm curious.

1. Horowitz, Anthony. Stormbreaker (2000)

    I watched the first episode of the Alex Rider series, but haven't watched any more because I'm enjoying anticipating watching them! 
 

The Battle of the Bodkins (Max and the Midknights #2)

Peirce, Lincoln. The Battle of the Bodkins (Max and the Midknights #2)

December 1st 2020 by Crown Books for Young Readers

E ARC provided by Netgalley

If you have not read the first book, Max and the Midknights, this review may have some spoilers for the series. You have been warned.

Max is struggling in her knight training program because the teacher seems to think that she shouldn't be a knight. It doesn't help that Sedgewick, another knight in training, seems to ally himself with Sir Brickbat. The other Midknights have all found their own passions; Millie is involved with her magic, Kevyn has started a library, and Simon is working with horses. When the group duplicates the one book in Kevyn's library, they unwittingly unlease the threat of Bodkins on Byjovia. Bodkins are the doubles that everyone has (body kins), but are essentially evil. There is always one tiny feature that seems wrong compared to the original person, but this can be hard to detect. When Sedgewick gets sucked into the Bodkins dimension while on a training mission with Max, Max consults Mumblin the magician as well as the king, and tries to put things right. This isn't easy, and of course children are the only ones who can easily travel into the other realm. Will the Midknights be able to once again save the kingdom?

Strengths: Peirce, along with Tom Watson, is really a master of the notebook novel. The ratio of pictures to text is perfect, and he manages to deliver a well-crafted middle grade novel complete with plot, character development, humor, and action. The world building is very solid, and the adults work well with the children. Now that I think of it, Big Nate has a lot of intriguing adult characters as well. 
Weaknesses: I already have a lot of Medievalish Anglo-Saxon stories, albeit none in notebook novel format. Also, I kept reading "Byjovia" as "Bonjovia", and that really puts a WHOLE new twist on the book. 
What I really think: Because he writes an absolutely textbook middle grade novel, I'd love to see Peirce try some stand alone titles combining his humor with the more serious "heart print" topics that teachers and librarians seem to love. Then I could recommend one of his books for a class novel. Mr. Peirce has such a good grasp of the middle school experience that he would pick a topic that students want to read about (losing a friendship, establishing personal identity) rather than ones that are being done to death and are never requested by my students (the death of everyone, anxiety). Definitely purchasing!

MMGM- Dragon Ops and The Reign: Africa

It's

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday
 at 

Always in the Middle 

and #IMWAYR day 

at 

Teach Mentor Texts 

and 

Unleashing Readers

Mancusi, Mari. Dragon Ops 
May 12th 2020 by Disney-Hyperion
School library copy

Ian and his older sister Lilli loved the video game Fields of Fantasy, so they are super excited when their uncle, who is working on the new virtual reality theme park Dragon Ops, invites them to beta test the game on the remote island where the theme park will open. Unfortunately, they have to put up with their annoying cousin Derek as well. Even before they arrive at the island, Ian has some weird experiences, such as seeing the dragon Atreus, who is not supposed to be part of the game. He also meets a girl named Ikumi, who offers some information but is somewhat standoffish. Lilli hasn't been as thrilled with the game recently, and has, in fact, sworn off all technology, but the opportunity to participate in a game that has virtual reality superimposed upon a real landscape is undeniably appealing. When the guide who is supposed to take them into the game becomes ill, they end up being escorted by one of the coders. After meeting up with Atreus (and giving him some ear scratch 'ems!), the coder goes back to make the dragon more fierce, leaving the children unchaperoned. They don't think it will be a problem until Atreus returns with his "improved" coding and captures and imprisons Derek. Soon, Ian and Lilli, with some help from the elusive Ikumi, are engaged in an epic quest for dragon stones that should save their video game world... and which might help save their lives as well.
Strengths: My video game experience is limited to rapidly extinguishing my worlds in Sim City and Dino Park Tycoon about 15 years ago, and watching my children try to play Runescape on dial up internet, so there were a lot of video game details I didn't quite get. This makes it PERFECT for readers who actually know what is going on. This also had a lot of action and adventure that didn't require video game knowledge. I loved Lilli's reasons for quitting video games, and Ian and Ikumi's relationship was interesting and also had a BIG twist at the end. Like this author's Gamer Girl and Camelot Code, Dragon Ops will appeal to "techies" (as my father calls them) and fantasy lovers alike. I also have a very soft spot in my heart for this author's Princesses, Inc.  
Weaknesses: While any novel involving technology is fascinating when it is published, they all run the risk of becoming dated very quickly. Computer dating books, anyone?
What I really think: Purchased this one without having read it and was NOT disappointed!

Nichole, C. The Reign: Africa
December 2nd 2020 by Pan African Publishing House

Copy provided by the publisher

This book is an interesting overview of different tribes in Africa. Each two page spread includes one illustration of a member of the tribe mentioned in traditional costume, and the accompanying text covers topics such as where the tribe lives in modern times, the traditional languages, the activities of both men and women, rituals and customs, and additional information such as community activities, homes, animals that figure largely in the culture, traditional dishes, and an assortment of fun facts. 

I can't think of any other books that cover such a large range of tribes. I would have loved to see a map that showed where the tribes were located, and photographs of the villages, buildings, etc. would have been great as well. 

My school has a number of students from various parts of Africa, so this is a helpful book to have for all of my readers to gain more understanding of different cultures from this area of the world. 

The only drawback of this book was that the text was a bit hard for me to read; it was sort of a compacted Comic Sans style that had very little space between letters. This book is not available from Follett, although Amazon does carry the paperback.

Displaced

Hughes, Dean. Displaced

September 8th 2020 by Atheneum Books for Young Readers

Library copy

Hadi and his family escaped from Syria after their home was bombed out, and made their way to Beirut. The Lebanese aren't thrilled with the immigrant influx, and it's hard for Hadi's father to get a job. He and his son both work on the streets, selling things to people at traffic stop lights. This earns them barely enough to make rent on the one room that all of them occupy. Hadi's mother stays home with his brothers and sisters, but has recently had a badly infected tooth. The neighborhood is not a good one, so the children are cooped up most of the day. When Hadi is selling gum, and new boy, Malek, comes to sell tissues on his corner! He has been sent by Kamal, who seems to be in charge of the boys on the street. This is a crushing blow to Hadi, who with his father spends 4,000 hard earned lira a day just to get the bus back and forth to this better business area. The boys decide that they can work together, and slowly become friends. As the mother's tooth pains her more, Rashid, a local taxi driver, approaches Hadi with a proposition: he can make a lot of money passing packages on to customers. Hadi knows this is probably drug related, but is desperate for money, which does help his family. When Rashid becomes more and more demanding, threatening to implicate Hadi in the drug business, and Kamal starts cracking down on people in "his" area, Hadi is worried. When he is injured, he is told he and his family need to leave Beirut altogether, or he might be killed. Luckily, there are a few good people in Hadi's life who are able to help.

Strengths: Hughes and his wife lived in Lebanon a few years ago, and he interviewed a boy very like Hadi, and was involved in some humanitarian projects, teaching English to people in Beirut. He is able to bring details from that experience to this book and put a face of the problems that Syrian refugees are facing. Hadi is hardworking, but still 13 years old, and the difficulties he faces are well described. I especially like a scene where he wants to know more about a book, and the woman in the book store is initially unkind because he is Syrian. When she sees that he does want to learn to read, she trades him a well worn book for a pack of gum that he is selling. Even people who have prejudiced opinions can have kind moments. I can't wait to hand this to my readers who think that school is a waste of their time!
Weaknesses: This ended a bit neatly, which is a relief, but perhaps not too realistic. 
What I really think: I love Hughes' World War II books so much, so was willing to take a chance on this one. I was not disappointed. Until we get more Syrian refugees writing books about their experiences, I'm glad to have well researched accounts like this to help my students understand the plight of immigrants around the world. 
 

This is Not a Ghost Story

Portes, Andrea. This is Not a Ghost Story

November 17th 2020 by HarperTeen

E ARC Provided by Edelweiss Plus

Daffodil is glad to be escaping her humdrum life with her grandmother in Nebraska. On her way Bryn Mawr during the summer before college, she happens to disembark in a town that seems to be calling her, and before long has a better than expected job, working for a college professor watching his house and overseeing a renovation there. It's a mansion out in the country with a troubled past, and she runs into any manner of quirkiness while there. There is an older, very exuberant neighbor, the foreman of the renovation who occasionally is very odd, and a large animal scratching outside of the house. We also hear about her life in Nebraska, especially about a boy who liked her, and we learn more and more about how this situation didn't end well. As the odd instances increase, Daffodil starts to wonder if she is imagining them, or if there is really something odd going on in the house. Can she figure it out before more tragedy occurs?

Strengths: Creepy houses out in the country where things seem odd, well meaning neighbors who seem to be possessed by demons, protagonist doubting her sanity-- all good things. The cover is just creepy enough, and the book was a good length and moved quickly. 
Weaknesses: This was more of a Young Adult title, with a little language. The style was what made this seem less middle grade to me-- it almost read like Lois Duncan's Down a Dark Hallway, with a dense, descriptive, somewhat rambling quality that took a bit of readjustment to follow. This is fine for older readers, but I think most of mine would struggle with this. The idea of an unreliable narrator often doesn't do well with younger readers. 
What I really think: I'm always looking for scary stories for my students, but they want something more like Brown's The Forgotten Girl, Currie's Scritch Scratch, Lawrence's The Stitchers, or Harmon's Hide and Seekers. 

Fantastic Tales of Nothing

Green, Alejandra and Rodriguez, Fanny. Fantastic Tales of Nothing 

November 17th 2020 by Katherine Tegen Books 

E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus

Nathan is a thief who suddenly finds himself in the woods. He ends up being saved by an individual he calls Haven, who speaks a language he does not. He thinks she might be one of the Volken; his world is divided into Humans and Volken. They manage to defeat robbers and end up joining Sina and Bardou, and head to the Capital. They talk about Lerina, who had brought peace to their world until she died. Nathan has some magical powers, which are forbidden in the Empire. When the group falls in with Ren, the spymaster for the Imperial family and Noaki, the son of the Chancellor of the Volken, they find out that Nathan is the Chosen One, and the group has quest-like adventures in order to save the kingdom. 

Wow. Clearly, my fantasy amnesia COMBINED with my trouble reading graphic novels did not end well. Let's go with the official description:

In the first book of this full-color fantasy graphic novel series filled with humor and hijinks, the fate of the land of Nothing hinges on Nathan and an unlikely team of magical beings to save the day—perfect for fans of Amulet and Estranged.

Welcome to Nothing! Despite its name, this is a fantastic land where humans and magical volken coexist peacefully—at least they try . . .

This is the tale of Nathan, an ordinary human (or so he thinks) living an ordinary life (or so he wishes). Everything changes when he meets Haven, a mysterious creature who is neither human nor volken. Oh, and the two of them are being chased by volken mercenaries—a grumpy wolf named Bardou and a delightful crow named Sina.

Nathan soon learns he has mysterious powers, even though humans aren’t supposed to have magic. But there’s no time to dwell on that because this discovery sets the group on a perilous quest across windswept terrain, through haunted forests, and in ancient tombs. Nathan and his unlikely friends must prevent an impending war and defeat a dark evil to save their land.

No pressure, of course. If they fail, everything will turn into, well . . . nothing. 

Strengths: The illustrations are great, the story fast paced, and the characters innovative and engaging. There is a lot going on in the story, and so many interesting sub plots. I imagine that this could easily be a series. 
Weaknesses: This had a standard, Anglo-Germanic/Tolkienesque medieval feel to it, and I have a lot of those books. I've been so spoiled by the Rick Riordan Presents fantasies with other cultural connections that I was a little disappointed. 
What I really think: This has a Nimona or Estranged vibe to it, and my students are not big fans of either of those. I will pass, but libraries who have graphic novel fans who also like fantasy will definitely want to invest in this one. 

The Great White Shark (Dragged from Under #2)

Monninger, Joseph. The Great White Shark (Dragged from Under #2)

January 5th 2021 by Scholastic Inc.

E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus

After the events in The Bull Shark, Barn and his mother travel to Maine to spend some time with a friend of hers. As luck would have it, there was just a shark attack on a beach very near where Barn is staying. A boy was killed while surfing, and while Barn knows how sad this is (his father was killed in Afghanistan), he also wants to find out why a shark was in the area. After observing, he realizes that the seal population is very healthy, so sharks are making their way to the area to feed. Surf boards can look like animals, and once a human is accidentally bitten, the blood sets off the shark and tragedies can occur. Sharks don't find humans to be that desirable as food. When Barn sees some other teens surfing even though there are signs up, he calls the police, who caution the boys and don't get them into trouble at all. The leader, Vince, has had run ins with the law before and vows to make Barn "pay" for calling them. Barn's mentor from Florida, Jessup, is in the area for a conference, and Barn's mother wants to know if it is okay for them to date. Barn's friends, Finn and Margaret, are also in the area doing college visits with a cousin. Scientists tag the sharks in order to study them, and the beach is carefully watched during the summer, but Barn almost comes to grief when a run in with Vince and his gang causes him to disregard his own good advice. 

Strengths: Sharks are always an interesting topic, and aside from Spradlin's Into the Killing Seas, Northrop's Surrounded by Sharks and Tarshis' I Survived the Shark Attacks of 1916, there really aren't any middle grade novels that revolve around them! I love Barn's scientific interest in the animals, and the balanced approach to different types of grief that he feels. Jessup is a great character, and I don't mind at all if he dates Barn's mother! The storyline with Vince was an interesting way to get Barn to do things he wouldn't have done otherwise.
Weaknesses: I understand why Barn had to travel away from home, but it makes having Jessup and his friends around see a bit forced. 
What I really think: Considering how much interest there is in sharks and how few fictional books incorporate them, I'm really glad to see this series and just with it were available in hardcover. 

Land of the Cranes

Salazar, Aida. Land of the Cranes
September 15th 2020 by Scholastic Press
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus

Nine-year-old Betita loves to hear her father tell Aztec legends about cranes, and agrees with him that her family are like the cranes that have come home and should be allowed to fly. Her parents have come to the US from Mexico, following an aunt and uncle. They work very hard, the father in construction and washing dishes, and the mother as a nanny, although her father was an agronomist and her mother a teacher in Mexico. They had to flee because Betita's grandparents had problems with a local drug cartel, and it was too dangerous to stay. When her father is seized in an ICE raid, Betita's carefully constructed life unravels. Her father is deported and ends up living on the streets in a larger city because he is afraid to go back to his home town. When the family decides to go and visit him at Friendship Park in San Diego where they can talk across a fence, Betita and her pregnant mother are grabbed and roughly taken into custody. They are kept in a cold building with very few basic necessities, and it is some time before the lawyer who is working on their immigration case can even find them. Betita experiences lice, verbal and physical abuse by the guards, and sees others who are beaten, and hears stories of sexual abuse. When a young activist is brought in, they try to use social media platforms to bring attention to their situation, but things get worse. Betita's mother is gravely ill, and when the baby comes, she is taken to a hospital far away, leaving Betita by herself. She copes with her despair and grief by continuing to write her picture poems about cranes and her experiences. These are useful to the activist and lawyer in bringing attention to the mistreatment of immigrants in detention, but will Betita and her family ever be able to fly free?
Strengths: It is great to finally see a few more books on topics of social justice for young readers, as well as books with Latinx characters. You would have thought that since #WeNeedDiverseBooks started six years ago, that we would be seeing even more. Betita's story is heartbreaking and is a good one for young readers who might not be aware of what is going on in the world.
Weaknesses: With both this book and this author's The Moon Within, there are a lot of situations that might be really unfamiliar to young readers. Adults reading these books will have read more about these issues and understand them better. While the constant use of crane imagery is very effective poetically in this novel in verse, it would be helpful to have more background information for my more concrete middle school readers.
What I really think: This is an excellent and timely novel about the horrific plight of detained immigrants that might be best introduced to younger readers with some support and back story about the treatment of immigrants in the US. We need more stories like this and Efrén Divided by Ernesto Cisneros.

Izzy Newton and the S.M.A.R.T. Squad: Absolute Hero

Tripp, Valerie and Bowers, Geneva (illus.) Izzy Newton and the S.M.A.R.T. Squad: Absolute Hero

September 8th 2020 by Under the Stars (National Geographic)

E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus

Izzy is nervous about starting a new school year at Atom Middle School, even though she has her good friends Charlie Darwin and Allie Einstein. Her other friend, Marie Curie, was away for the past two years, and has come back as a hyper busy, popular girl who scares Izzy a little bit. There are lockers, crowds of students, and new classes and activity like forensics (which they are sad to hear is public speaking rather than CSI-style investigation). They also soon find that the building is absolutely freezing. Since Izzy and her friends like science, they start an investigation into why the air conditioning in the school is on overdrive. They make a number of hypotheses, starting with the thermostat in the principal's office being hit by the sun and registering the building temperature inaccurately, and eventually take their investigation to the roof where the units are. Will the girls be able to survive middle school, solve the mystery, and repair their friendship with Marie?
Strengths: Friend drama is always in demand, and elementary students who are curious about what middle school is like will enjoy reading about Izzy and her friends' new classes and experiences. I loved that the girls were passionate about the scientific method and wanted to solve a problem at their new school. It's good to see them working together on a project for the common good. The occasional page decorations and illustrations are well done and convey a lot of personality. There is a decent amount of diversity in the ethnicity of the students, and Charlie has two moms. 
Weaknesses: I can't imagine any school building where students would get accidental access to the roof. There were other things that don't reflect MY school - the school library is open after school, students can get into the principal's office to check on the thermostat, and 6th graders have extracurricular activities. Are there middle schools with marching bands? This made the book seem unrealistic to me, but might reflect schools in other states. 

What I really think: This is similar to the Girls Who Code, Daring Dreamers, or StartUp Squad books or Alyssa Milano's Hope series, with the purposefully diverse group of friends, the science, business, or social activism interest. While it's great that the main character is a person of color in these books, the authors are not. I think the illustrator of Izzy is, possibly. Ten years ago, this would be fine, but publishers who want books to feature POC main characters REALLY need to be reaching out to actual POC writers at this point in time, especially since most of these books are formulaic and probably written to spec. There are no details about family culture or race relations at all; if Renee' Watson or Hena Khan had written any of these series, they would have had more interesting and diverse details. After this summer especially, publishing has to keep up with the desires of the US reading community.