Book Review: Teen Frankenstein

TEEN FRANKENSTEIN by Chandler Baker is the first book in the new High School Horror series.

This supernatural thriller is a loose adaptation of the classic Frankenstein story for a contemporary teen audience. Tor and her best friend Owen have been experimenting with dead rats and reanimation. The sudden availability of a dead teen’s body allows them to try out their theories on a human corpse. When the newly arisen creature starts to attend school, other bodies begin to appear kickstarting multiple murder investigations.

Librarians will find that the dark humor combined with the quirky, classic horror tale will be a hit with young adults.

To learn more about the author, go to http://www.chandlerbakerbooks.com/.

Published by Feiwel and Friends, an imprint of Macmillan on January 12, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Zeroes

ZEROES by Scott Westerfeld is a superhero action drama featuring a group of teens with unusual powers.

Ethan has a voice inside him who’ll say what people want to hear and Kelsie can control crowds. Along with other special teens, they face dangerous criminals.

While lacking the heart-pounding thrill-ride promised in the blurb, the book does provide a nice introduction to a series likely to be popular with teens.

Librarians will find that fans of shows like The Alphas, X-Men, and Heroes will be drawn to the superhero action and adventure storyline. However, those expecting Westerfeld’s steampunk or dystopian themes may be disappointed.

Published by Simon Pulse on September 29, 2015. ARC from Edelweiss.

Book Review: Lair of Dreams

LAIR OF DREAMS by Libba Bray is the second engaging suspense in The Diviners series.

Set in the 1920s, this paranormal thriller features an array of fascinating characters from the first novel including Evie, Sam, Jericho, and others. A sleeping sickness is spreading through New York City. Henry DuBois and Ling Chen are diviners who are able to walk in dreams. Will they be able to solve the mystery of this rapidly spreading illness or will they be trapped in the dreamworld? In addition to the dream theme, many subplots will keep readers connected with all the characters and prepare fans for more books to come.

Bray has become a master of blending historical fiction with supernatural fantasy elements. From speakeasies to racism, a wide range of political and social issues are seamlessly woven into the fabric of this haunting story.

Fans will be standing in line for this exciting thriller. Consider a library event that includes period costumes and ghostly decorations.

To learn more about the author, go to https://libbabray.wordpress.com/.

Published by Little, Brown, an imprint of Hachette on August 25, 2015. ARC through Edelweiss.

Book Review: Baba Yaga's Assistant

BABA YAGA’s ASSISTANT by Marika McCoola is an engaging middle-grade graphic novel fantasy featuring a central character in Russian folklore.

Masha isn’t looking forward to a new stepmother and stepsister, so she decides to leave the family and apply for a job as Baba Yaga’s apprentice. She inherited a love of folklore and bit of magic from her grandmother, but that may not be enough to save her from this supernatural old woman who preys on children and flies around in a mortar wielding a pestle.

McCoola builds a convincing bridge between old folklore and modern society in this well-written, fast-paced graphic fantasy. Emily Carroll’s convincing illustrations draw readers into the plot. Of particular note are the beautifully bordered folktale sequences woven throughout the story.

This spooky, yet lighthearted tale will delight readers who enjoy fairy tales, but it will also be a hit with graphic novel fans. Librarians looking for age-appropriate graphic novels for middle grade children will be thrilled with this short, illustrated work. Teachers will enjoy the many curriculum connections related to folklore.

Published by Candlewick Press on August 4, 2015.

Book Review: Shadowshaper

SHADOWSHAPER by Daniel José Older is an engaging urban fantasy following a Latina teen who discovers a world of magic, spirituality, and ancient secrets in her Brooklyn neighborhood.

Walking corpses, spooky spirits, and a crying mural introduce Sierra to a world of magic and shadowshapers. Friends and family members are reluctant to talk about this supernatural world, so Sierra must use her head, heart, and passion for art to survive and unlock the mysteries surrounding this strange spirit world.

Older’s conversational approach immerses readers in the urban setting and invites readers to visualize the artwork, the city, and the supernatural aspects of the story.

Librarians will find a broad, young adult audience for this book. While the story isn’t categorized as a romance, readers will be drawn to the relationship between Sierra and her friend Robbie. Those who enjoy contemporary realistic fiction are likely to enjoy the book even with its fantasy elements. Young anthropologists will like the aspects of the story that connect community, ancestry, and family. Finally, the magical and supernatural aspects are sure to be popular with fans of fantasy.

For librarians seeking books with diversity, this would be an excellent choice.

To learn about the author, go to http://ghoststar.net/.

Published by Levine, an imprint of Scholastic on June 30, 2015.

Book Review: Unusual Chickens for the Exceptional Poultry Farmer

UNUSUAL CHICKENS FOR THE EXCEPTIONAL POULTRY FARMER by Kelly Jones is a charming and fun fantasy about a twelve-year-old girl who moves to a farm and stumbles upon chickens with superpowers.

With the help of family and friends Sophie becomes a poultry farmer, but faces the challenge of dealing with a chicken thief who’ll do anything to steal her special chickens.

The story unfolds in letters written by Sophie to her deceased great-uncle and grandmother. Sophie also communicates with the owner of a poultry supply company who helps her learn about raising chickens.

The author does an outstanding job seamlessly weaving in topics related to diversity without making it the focus of the story. From Sophie’s brown skin to a passing reference to Jane’s girlfriend, readers are exposed to authentic situations, relationships, and reactions. There’s even a great recipe for migas.

Katie Kath’s whimsical illustrations add to the appeal of the story and also visualize the diversity represented in the book.

Librarians will be happy to see Sophie riding her bike to the library and interacting with a caring librarian. Many readers will particularly enjoy the informational pages describing the breeds and care of chickens.

Children who enjoy farm settings, humorous stories, and animal books will be delighted to find a novel that combines all three into an engaging, fast-paced fantasy.

To learn more about the author, go to http://curiosityjones.net/.

Published by Alfred A. Knopf (Random House) on May 12, 2015.

Book Review: Jackaby

JACKABY by William Ritter is an marvelous way to introduce a new generation to a classic form of literature, the detective novel. At the same time, this compelling first novel joins an increasing number of quality works of historical fantasy. This combination of detective novel with historical fantasy is original and exciting for readers.

Set in 1892, Abigail Rook is fresh off a ship from Europe when she arrives in New England seeking adventure and more importantly a job. She gets both as she begins her first day as R. F. Jackaby’s assistant. Jackaby isn’t your ordinary investigator. He’s an eccentric who specializes in unexplained phenomenon and supernatural beings.

Ritter’s humorous, lyrical prose is captivating to read. Teens will immediately be attracted to narrator Abigail Rook’s situation and perspective. Each character in the story is well-developed and plays an interesting role in the progress of this engaging mystery. The plot is revealed in a tone reminiscent of classic detective stories from Arthur Conan Doyle to Agatha Christie. However the quirky characters and elements of supernatural will remind readers of more contemporary mysteries.

JACKABY will appeal to a broad range of readers including those who enjoy historical fiction, supernatural creatures, paranormal mystery, and a hint of romance.

THE MONSTRUMOLOGIST series by Rick Yancey would be a great read-alike for those who enjoy the horror and paranormal aspects of JACKABY.

Those that enjoy the historical fantasy aspects may be interested in THE DIVINERS by Libba Bray.

Use JACKABY as a vehicle to introduce a new generation to the classic detective adventure. Feature JACKABY along with other mysteries in a display including the “tools of the trade” from leather notebooks to magnifying glasses and a lab coat. Expand the paranormal mystery aspects with books featuring folklore and supernatural creatures.

JACKABY is Will Ritter’s first novel. If you enjoy language and YA literature, follow his blog at http://rwillritter.wordpress.com/.

Readers will be demanding a sequel to this unique series.

Publisher ARC used for review