Book Review: Longbow Girl

LONGBOW GIRL by Linda Davies is the first book in an exciting time-travel adventure trilogy.

Merry lives in the mountains of Wales where she’s the latest in a long line of archers. When she stumbles upon an old book in the woods and discovers an underground river into the past, Merry must use her archery skills to save her ancestral land.

With lots of action, intrigue, and hint of romance, librarians will easily find an audience for this engaging mystery fantasy. Many young adults will be attracted to the Welsh setting, strong female lead, and autocratic kingdom of King Henry VIII. Of particular note is the effective way the author weaves the protagonist’s loss of sight in one eye into the storyline without making it the focus of the novel.

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

Published by The Chicken House, an imprint of Scholastic. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: The Lincoln Project

THE LINCOLN PROJECT by Dan Gutman is the first book in the exciting new time-travel adventure series titled Flashback Four.

Four children are invited to go back in time to take a photo of Lincoln giving the Gettysburg Address. Along the way, they develop an understanding of history in general along with the specific time period of the adventure.

This fast-paced, light-hearted adventure immerses readers in history using an approach that will appeal to a broad audience.

The book includes an author’s note, further readings and websites, as well as places to visit.

Librarians will find fans of Dan Gutman flocking to his new middle grades series. Readers will particularly enjoy how the narrator jumps into the story providing historical information. The diverse cast of characters and unique approach will keep readers coming back for more.

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

Published by HarperCollins on February 23, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Passenger

PASSENGER by Alexandra Bracken is a time travel suspense with an abrupt cliffhanger.

This first book in a new science fiction series features seventeen-year-old Etta who discovers she has the ability to travel through time. Thrust into a dangerous situation involving rival time traveling families, Etta must find a valuable object before time runs out.

Of particularly note is Etta’s love interest, a biracial boy born into slavery. His reactions to Etta and to cultures outside his birth time are fascinating.

Fans of both historical fiction and science fiction will enjoy the ride. Most readers will like the hint of romance. The element of suspense will keep young adults happy until the abrupt conclusion. Librarians will find teens clamoring for the next book in this adventure series.

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

Published by Disney-Hyperion on January 5, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.