Book Review: The Witch Boy

THE WITCH BOY by Molly Ostertag is a middle-grade graphic fantasy about magic and individual differences.

Aster has grown up in a world where girls learn magic and boys become shape-shifters. As he reaches maturity, Aster realizes that he wants to learn magic even though it’s forbidden in his society. Encouragement from an outsider, helps him gain the courage to trust himself and face his fears.

Librarians will be drawn to messages of inclusion and courage. Middle-grade children will enjoy the high-quality color illustrations and fast-paced story. Use the absorbing story, world-building, and well-developed characters to draw in new graphic novel readers.

Published by Graphix, an imprint of Scholastic on October 31, 2017. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: When Friendship Followed Me Home

WHEN FRIENDSHIP FOLLOWED ME HOME by Paul Griffin tells the uplifting story of a foster child experiencing love and loss.

After former foster child Ben adopts a stray dog, he finds himself friends with Halley and they begin writing a book together. Through tragedy and illness, they learn about the enduring power of love and happiness. What makes the story particular compelling is the parallel story written by the two middle grade youth.

Librarians will find this realistic tear-jerker to be filled with opportunities for discussions about the joy and sorrow of friendship and family. Griffin’s honest portrayal of nontraditional families, the pain of loss, and the power of hope will have a profound impact on young readers. The service dog sub-theme will be a hit with dog lovers.

Look for this title on “best of 2016” lists.

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

Published by Dial Books, an imprint of Penguin Publishing Group on June 7, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Every Single Second

EVERY SINGLE SECOND by Tricia Springstubb is a realistic fiction story examining the struggles of middle grade friends in an urban neighborhood.

This story of friendship and families tells the story of Nella, Clem, and Angela who are friends that attend Catholic school together. A school closing, accidental shooting, and medical crisis cause stress in both the families and the local community.

Librarians will find the themes of racial tensions, PSTD, and school closings to be very timely. Youth who enjoy contemporary fiction will enjoy the authentic family and neighborhood situations. The coming-of-age approach will appeal to a broad spectrum of students.

The author’s use of “now” and “then” chapters is an appealing literacy element, but requires readers to pay close attention to the narrative. The addition of the statue’s perspective provides an additional point for discussion for those who choose a “read-aloud” approach.

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

Published by Balzer + Bray, an imprint of Harper Collins on June 7, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: The Nameless City

NAMELESS CITY by Faith Erin Hicks is the first book in an engaging action-adventure graphic novel trilogy.

Designed for middle grades, the graphic novel adventure is set in a city whose name is constantly changing as a steady stream of invaders occupy the nation. To locals, the place is simply known as the Nameless City. Kaidu belongs to the latest occupiers. As he explores the city, he meets a local called Rat and they become friends. Together they learn about each other and work together to save their city from a new invader.

Librarians will find that graphic novel fans will be drawn to the timeless, full-color illustrations. Readers will enjoy the smart, complex characters and fast-paced storyline. This quick read will be a popular additional to the library’s graphic novel collection. Readers will be lining up for the next book in this trilogy.

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

Published on April 5, 2016 by First Second, an imprint of Macmillan. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Red's Planet

RED’S PLANET by Eddie Pittman is the first book in a new, science fiction graphic novel series for middle grade readers.

When Red stows away on a UFO to get away from her foster family, she begins an adventure that crosses the galaxy. After her spaceship crashes, Red and an odd assortment of aliens must survive on a hostile planet.

The high-quality, color illustrations and fast-paced story will easily attract readers to this new science fiction series. Librarians will find a large audience for this graphic novel among readers of Bone, Amulet, Hilo, and the many other middle grade fantasy series. Fans of Eddie Pittman and his Disney series Phineas and Ferb will enjoy the familiar batter of characters and nonstop action.

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

Published by Amulet Books, an imprint of ABRAMS on April 19, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: The Mechanical Mind of John Coggin

THE MECHANICAL MIND OF JOHN COGGIN by Elinor Teele is a whimsical, middle grade fantasy adventure about siblings who runaway from their cruel aunt and the family coffin business.

John is a young inventor who dreams of something more than working for the family funeral business. Together with his sister, they run away from home and try to evade their mean aunt who is always just one step behind them. Along the way, the siblings meet an array of fascinating characters including a circus troupe.

Librarians will find that readers enjoy the mix of quirky humor and daring escapes. Fans of the turn-of-the-twentieth century time period and steampunk-like environments will also enjoy the adventure. John Coggin’s talent for engineering will be a draw for budding inventors.

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

Published by Walden Pond Press, an imprint of HarperCollins. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: The Charmed Children of Rookskill Castle

THE CHARMED CHILDREN OF ROOKSKILL CASTLE by Janet Fox is a historical fantasy mystery set in a spooky old Scottish castle.

Kat has been sent to an eerie boarding school to avoid the Blitz during the Second World War. Although she tries to find a logical explanation for the disappearance of children and other spooky happenings, she begins to realize that evil lurks around every turn.

The author uses a chatelaine, charms, and flashbacks to earlier time periods to add depth to the story.

Written for upper middle grade youth, this creepy story will have readers on the edge of their seats imagining ghosts, spies, and sinister magic. Librarians will find that fans of steampunk fiction and spooky castles will immediately be drawn to this historical fantasy. However, this scary mystery may be too much for younger readers.

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

Published by Viking Books for Young Readers an imprint of Penguin on March 15, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: The Wooden Prince - Out of Abaton

THE WOODEN PRINCE by John Bemis is the first book in the new OUT OF ABATON series exploring the adventures of Pinocchio.

Pinocchio is an automa in this intriguing re-imagination of the beloved character. Pinocchio’s new master, Geppetto is trying to figure out how and why this unique automa is mysteriously transforming into a human body. After being kidnapped, Pinocchio must begin a journey across the Empire to find Geppetto again. Along the way he stumbles upon Princess Lazuli who is on a mission of her own. Together they must face half-beast outlaws and the emperor’s winged airmen to survive.

Librarians will find an audience among youth who enjoy fantasy adventures. Middle grade readers will enjoy the intersection of the traditional characters along with the new fantasy characters and steampunk world-building elements.

Many readers will be looking forward to the second book in the series titled LORD OF MONSTERS coming out in 2017.

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

Published by Disney-Hyperion on March 15, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Forest of Wonder

FOREST OF WONDER by Linda Sue Park is the first book in the charming new Wing & Claw fantasy adventure series for middle grades.

Rafa is a young apothecary apprentice who accidentally creates a potion that transforms animals. His discovery sets him on a dangerous journey that involves a magical forest, a forbidding city, and secret experiments that threaten his animal and human friends alike. This first book establishes the key characters and the intertwining themes of botany, magic, family, friendship, and nature.

Fans of Linda Sue Park will once again be delighted by her elegant prose, rich characters, and enchanting world. Librarians will find the environmental themes and fairytale feel to be popular among middle grade readers. Fans of animal stories will enjoy the bat, owl, raccoons, bear, and growing menagerie of creature characters. Plan to make space on the shelves for this enchanting new series.

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

Published by HarperCollins on March 1, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Lucky

LUCKY by Chris Hill is an animal adventure that tells the story of feuding squirrel clans.

Lucky is a small, red squirrel who has been adopted by a band of gray squirrels. He quickly learns that he must develop some new skills in order to fit in and to survive in Albion Park. Along the way, he meets a cast of interesting characters including dogs, a fox, and a rival group of gray squirrels.

The author’s note provides information about the history of gray and red squirrels in the UK.

Librarians will find that this book appeals to middle grade animals lovers. Fans of the Warriors series and classics like Watership Down, The Wind in the Willows, and Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMN will immediately be drawn to the characters. It’s also a good choice for readers who enjoyed the Elliot’s Park books and are ready for something a little longer.

Published by Chicken House, an imprint of Scholastic on February 23, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: The Last Boy at St. Edith's

THE LAST BOY AT ST. EDITH’S by Lee Gjertsen Malone is a humorous, heart-warming school story for middle grade readers.

When seventh-grader Jeremy becomes the last boy attending an all-girl’s private school, he tries to figure out a way to get expelled so he can transfer to another school. However when one of his pranks backfires, he realizes the consequences of his actions and reconsiders what’s important.

Librarians will find this school story to be an enjoyable experience for middle grade readers. The blend of humor with serious, age-appropriate topics make this debut novel a good choice for a broad range of youth.

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

Published by Aladdin, an imprint of Simon & Schuster on February 23, 2016. 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: The Midnight War of Mateo Martinez

THE MIDNIGHT WAR OF MATEO MARTINEZ by Robin Yardi tells the captivating story of a boy who encounters anthropomorphic skunks in his neighborhood.

When two talking skunks steal his old trike, Mateo, his little sister Mila, and his friend Ashwin must work together to figure out what’s happening in their neighborhood late at night.

This story about friendship and family will appeal to middle grade readers who enjoy a bit of magical realism in their stories.

Librarians will find this quick-read to be popular wth a wide range of readers. The animal and medieval themes along with the fast-paced approach will particularly appeal to boys and reluctant readers.

Although not a focal point of the story, Mateo’s concerns about language and his Mexican-American heritage make this book a useful entry into the library’s diversity collection. It’s also refreshing to find an Indian-American character.

A discussion guide, bookmark, and activity ideas are available at the author’s website.

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

Published by Carolrhoda Books, an imprint of Lerner. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Pax

PAX by Sara Pennypacker is a powerful animal fantasy exploring the journeys of a boy and his fox.

With his mother dead and his father going off to war, twelve-year-old Peter is forced to abandon his pet fox Pax and go live with his grandfather hundreds of miles away.

This gripping story is told in alternating chapters through the eyes of Peter and Pax as they try to survive in their new worlds and reunite with each other. Whether caring for his new companions or treasuring his toy soldier, the author is most successful when speaking through the eyes of Pax.

Librarians will find that this story of companionship, survival, and redemption is sure to capture the hearts of middle grade readers. While some youth may enjoy the fable-like, timeless quality, others may find this lack of specificity annoying.

From the flowing narrative to the simple illustrations, this heartbreaking tale has the makings of a classic.

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

To learn more about the illustrator, go to http://jonklassen.tumblr.com/.

Published by Balzer and Bray, an imprint of Harper Collins on February 2, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Greenling

GREENLING by Levi Pinfold is a beautifully illustrated picture book fable.

Designed for the middle grades, this thought-provoking ecological fantasy features a mysterious green baby who stimulates plant growth and the power of nature wherever he goes. This story of the connection between people and the natural world will promote lots of student discussion.

Librarians will want to add this title to their growing collection of picture books for older youth.

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

Published by Templar, an imprint of Random House on February 23, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Behind the Canvas

BEHIND THE CANVAS by Alexander Vance is an engaging mystery that weaves together art history with a fantasy adventure.

As an art lover, Claudia enjoys examining the paintings at the local art museum. However she’s confused and amazed when a boy seems to disappear and reappear in an oil painting. Trapped for hundreds of years in the alternative world inside paintings, Pim hopes Claudia can help him escape the spell of an evil witch.

Filled with references to famous artists and works of art, this fantasy mystery will be popular among youth who enjoy art history. Humorous footnotes from a fictional art book will be useful for youth lacking knowledge of European art. Librarians will want to feature this novel along with other art-focused middle grade titles. Build a display that incorporates works of art and artists described in the book along with art history books.

Even youth without an art background will enjoy the fantasy elements along with the themes of friendship, trust, and loyalty.

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

Published by Feiwel & Friends, a imprint of Macmillan on February 23, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Behind the Canvas

BEHIND THE CANVAS by Alexander Vance is an engaging mystery that weaves together art history with a fantasy adventure.

As an art lover, Claudia enjoys examining the paintings at the local art museum. However she’s confused and amazed when a boy seems to disappear and reappear in an oil painting. Trapped for hundreds of years in the alternative world inside paintings, Pim hopes Claudia can help him escape the spell of an evil witch.

Filled with references to famous artists and works of art, this fantasy mystery will be popular among youth who enjoy art history. Humorous footnotes from a fictional art book will be useful for youth lacking knowledge of European art. Librarians will want to feature this novel along with other art-focused middle grade titles. Build a display that incorporates works of art and artists described in the book along with art history books.

Even youth without an art background will enjoy the fantasy elements along with the themes of friendship, trust, and loyalty.

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

Published by Feiwel & Friends, a imprint of Macmillan on February 23, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

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: Some Kind of Courage

SOME KIND OF COURAGE by Dan Gemeinhart is a endearing historical fiction adventure for middle grade readers.

Set in the state of Washington, the gripping story immerses readers in frontier life. After his guardian sells his beloved pony, Joseph sets off on a quest to find and buy back the last tie to his family. Along the way, he’s joined by an Chinese boy, lives through a bear attack, nearly drowns in river rapids, shoots an outlaw, and finds a new home. Throughout his journey, Joseph shows courage and stays true to himself.

Gemeinhart’s conversational writing style and fast-paced approach will be popular with a wide range of readers.

This authentic work of historical fiction will be a hit with children who enjoy Old West adventure, animal stories, and the great outdoors. Fans of Gary Paulsen and Will Hobbs will be clamoring for this book.

Librarians will find this middle grade novel to be popular among youth seeking both frontier adventure and a compelling story.

Learn more about the author at http://dangemeinhart.com/.

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

Book Review: Spirit Week Showdown

SPIRIT WEEK SHOWDOWN by Crystal Allen is the first book in the new Magnificent Mya Tibbs series for middle grade readers.

Mya and her best friend Naomi plan to win the Spirit Week partners competition. However when Mya is reluctantly paired with Mean Connie Tate, her hopes for winning VIP tickets to the Fall Festival quickly disappear. This authentic, endearing story explores many kinds of friendships and what it means to be a friend.

Librarians will find this charming and often humorous book to be a hit with fans of the classic Ramona books as well as more recent series such as Ivy and Bean. What makes this book timely is the way it handles the topic of diversity. Rather than being a focus of the story, Mya just happens to be a black girl in a diverse cast of characters living in Texas.

Middle grade readers will be clamoring for the next book in what is sure to be a popular friends and family series.

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

Published by Balzer & Bray, an imprint of HarperCollins on January 26, 2016. ARC courtesy for the publisher.