Book Review: Audacity Jones to the Rescue

AUDACITY JONES TO THE RESCUE by Kirby Larson is the first book in a new historical mystery series.

Set in the early 1900s, Audacity is a witty orphan who enjoys reading and adventure. She yearns to explore life outside the Miss Maisie’s School for Wayward Girls. When Commodore Crutchfield shows up at the school looking for an orphan, she immediately volunteers. However Audie soon realizes that Crutchfield and his colleagues are up to no good and she must save the day.

Although there are many middle grade books about orphans and boarding schools, librarians will find that the combination of adventure and mystery will be appeal to a broad cross section of readers. The historical context, particularly the White House setting make the book even more fun

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

Published by Scholastic on January 26, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: The Scorpion Rules

THE SCORPION RULES by Erin Bow is a fast-paced, young adult, dystopian drama set four hundred years in the future.

Known as Children of Peace, the heirs of each country are sent to live in a boarding school controlled by the United Nations which is run by an artificial intelligence. If a war is declared, the “hostages” of the countries involved with the conflict are killed. Greta along with her friends Elian, Xie and other classmates are faced with difficult decisions when their school is attacked.

Librarians will find this science fiction novel to be equally popular among boys and girls. The balance of violence, romance, and life-changing dilemmas will appeal to young adults who enjoy a thought-provoking storyline with a twist of wicked wit. Fans of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy will find Talis’ dark humor particularly compelling.

Unlike many of today’s dystopian works that rely on adventure and violence, this story leans more toward classic science fiction storytelling and questions about the nature of humanity. Readers will enjoy the satisfying ending but still be thirsty for more books about the Children of Peace.

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

Published by Margaret K. McElderry Books, an imprint of Simon and Schuster on September 22, 2015. ARC paper and ebook.

Book Review: Ms. Rapscott's Girls

MS. RAPSCOTT’S GIRLS by Elise Primavera is a quirky middle grades boarding school fantasy.

A group of reluctant 8-year-old girls arrive at the Great Rapscott School for Girls of Busy Parents to find one child missing. While in search for their missing classmate, they learn important lessons about bravery, self-reliance, and friendship. Although the premise is absurd, some readers will empathize with the characters who have absent parents. Although the clever, sophisticated humor will be lost on some younger children, older readers will find the humor appealing.

Primavera’s interesting characters, easy-to-read writing style, and balance of descriptive versus dialogue segments were just right for lower, middle grade readers.

The book begins and ends with beautiful illustrations showing the isolated, but fascinating lighthouse setting. Numerous black-and-white drawings are then woven throughout the story.

Intended to be the first in a new series, librarians will find this to be a pleasing addition to the collection. With mostly female characters, it’s likely to appeal to young girls rather than boys.

Learn more about the author at http://www.eliseprimavera.com/.

Published by Dial on March 10, 2015.