Book Review; The Hazel Wood

THE HAZEL WOOD by Melissa Albert is a dark fantasy suspense for young adults.

Alice and her mother are unlucky in life and move frequently. When her mother disappears, Alice must immerse herself in the dark world of her recently dead grandmother’s supernatural world. Filled with strong and sometimes abrasive female characters and lots of twists, Alice along with her acquaintance Ellery must visit the creepy Hazel Wood estate in search of answers.

Librarians will find a following for this book among teens who enjoy fairy tale fantasy, contemporary mysteries, and dark thrillers. Fans of Alice in Wonderful and teens who enjoy literature will enjoy discussing the many literary connections.

Published by Flatiron, an imprint of Macmillan on January 30, 2018. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Useless Bay

USELESS BAY by M.J. Beaufrand is a heart-pounding thriller with elements of magical realism.

The Gray quintuplets along with their adopted dog are known for their search-and-rescue skills. However the disappearance of a young boy and the discovery of his dead stepmother become a mystery that’s difficult for even the Gray siblings to solve.

Librarians will find that fans of mystery and detective novels will devour this exciting story set on Whidbey Island in Washington state. The magical realism and touch of romance will broaden its appeal. The short sentences and fast-paced approach make it an effective choice for reluctant readers.

Published by Amulet, a division of Harry N. Abrams on October 18, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Wolf Keepers

WOLF KEEPERS by Elise Broach is an absorbing mystery adventure.

Written for middle grade readers, young Lizzie spend her time with the animals at a zoo. Her life changes when she encounters a runaway living at the zoo. Together she and her new friend investigate a mystery involving wolves that takes them on an adventure to Yosemite National Park.

Librarians will find this book appeals to a broad audience including those who enjoy mystery, adventures, and animals. The historical connections with John Muir provide the opportunity to connect to the origins of national parks. Animal lovers are sure to be attracted to both the setting and the engaging story.

Published by Henry Holt and Company on October 11, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Iron Cast

IRON CAST by Destiny Soria is an engaging fantasy with elements of mystery and an emphasis on friendship.

This fast-paced alternative history weaves a diverse cast of fascinating characters into an absorbing story exploring the world of an underground club. The author tells the story of friendship in a world of hemopathy and paranormal activity.

Librarians will find teens attracted to the social issues addressed in this alternative universe. Fans of The Diviners by Libba Bray will be happy to find another paranormal elements set a similar historical setting.

Published by Amulet on October 11, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: The Secret Keepers

THE SECRET KEEPERS by Trenton Lee Stewart is a fast-paced mystery adventure.

When Reuben finds a magical, antique watch with the power of invisibility, he’s propelled into a life-changing adventure filled with quirky characters, dangerous secrets, and a time-sensitive mystery.

Librarians will find a ready-made audience in fans of The Mysterious Benedict Society. Although the book’s length may be a barrier for some students, others will enjoy the depth of the plot. Children who like puzzles, surprises, and mysteries will enjoy the complexity of the story.

Published by Little, Brown Book on Hachette Books on September 27, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Technology Review: VSAUCE

VSAUCE is a network of science education channels on YouTube.

The project involves three science video channels.

VSAUCE 1: THINK focuses on fascinating science facts and the world of mystery. Each video investigates an interesting question.

VSAUCE 2: FIND explores everyday topics that involve human creation.

VSAUCE 3: PLAY covers the real-world science of fictional worlds.

Librarians will find this video network to be an excellent way to promote science. Mine the videos for topics that align with the science curriculum. Or, use them to motivate learners and readers.

To visit the website, go to http://www.vsauce.com.

Book Review: The Killer in Me

THE KILLER IN ME by Margot Harrison is a young adult thriller filled with nightmares and visions.

Nina has nightmares about a serial killer. To determine whether her visions are true, she decides to track the supposed killer and at the same time learn about her past. However her shocking discoveries hit close to home.

Librarians will find an audience of this psychological suspense among teens who enjoy a heart-pounding mystery. With lots of twists and turns, readers will be drawn into this fast-paced story.

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

Published by Disney-Hyperion on July 12, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: The Leaving

THE LEAVING by Tara Altebrando is an engrossing mystery about a small group of children who suddenly disappear, then reappear after a decade.

Ten years after six children are taken from a school bus, five teens seem to appear out of nowhere. They don’t remember where they’ve been and can’t explain what happened to their missing peer. As the young people slowly re-enter society, the pieces of their missing lives begin to falling into place and the mystery unfolds.

Librarians will find this heat-pounding suspense to be popular among teens who enjoy both a suspense thriller and an engaging memory mystery.

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

Published by Bloomsbury on June 7, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: The Underdogs

THE UNDERDOGS by Sara Hammel is an exciting murder mystery with an unexpected twist.

When popular teen Annabel Harper is murdered at an elite tennis club, Evie and her best friend Chelsea set out to find the killer. From spying on the lead detective to conducting their own informal investigation, the two are intent on solving the crime.

Librarians will find youth re-reading this middle grade book looking for hidden clues to the book’s amazing twist. Ask readers to take a pledge of silence so they don’t give away the unexpected reveal near the end of the book. Although the mystery itself will be enough to keep most readers happy, it’s the unique twist that will keep this title circulating.

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

Published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux an imprint of Macmillan on May 31, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Holding Smoke

HOLDING SMOKE by Elle Cosimano is a heart-pounding, young adult fantasy thriller.

After a near death experience, Smoke finds that he’s able to leave his body as a ghost and move among people without their knowledge. Behind bars for a murder he didn’t commit, Smoke uses this special ability to gather information that can keep him alive in the youth detention facility while also seeking clues that could set him free.

Librarians will find that complex character development, compelling plot twists, and interesting use of Smoke’s abilities will drawn in lovers of suspense as well as those who simply enjoy a good story. While the detention facility is portrayed more as a maximum security prison than a youth rehabilitation center, young adult readers will enjoy this fast-paced suspense. This selection will be very popular among teen boys, but will also appeal to young women who enjoy the hint of romance.

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

Published by Disney-Hyperion on May 3, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: The Art of Not Breathing

THE ART OF NOT BREATHING by Sarah Alexander is a work of realistic fiction exploring a five year old drowning incident.

It’s been years since Elsie’s twin brother Eddie drowned in the ocean near their home. Elsie is having a difficult time remembering the circumstances of his death and is determined to find out what really happened. This vividly described story explores the long-term effects of death on family and friends.

Librarians will find that fans of We Were Liars and I’ll Give You the Sun will be drawn to this authentic adventure. The novel will also appeal to teens who enjoy a touch of romance and mystery.

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

Published by HMH for Young Readers on April 26, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: The Lie Tree

THE LIE TREE by Frances Hardinge is a heart-pounding historical mystery.

Set in the nineteenth century, Faith discovers a connection between a strange tree and the mystery of her father’s death. She soon discovers that this magical tree feeds on lies, but dispenses the truth through its hallucinogenic fruit. This complex, edge-of-your-seat fantasy will keep readers guessing until the very end.

Librarians will find that fans of Frances Hardinge will be thrilled with her latest historical fantasy. While the book’s main focus is on the mystery elements, mature readers will be impressed by the author’s connections to religion, feminism, and scientific debate.

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

Published by Amulet, an imprint of ABRAMS. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: The Hunt for the Secret Papyrus

THE HUNT FOR THE SECRET PAPYRUS by Geronimo Stilton is an exciting mystery set at the New Mouse City’s Egyptian Museum.

Part of the “special edition” series, the adventure focuses on the mystery of the black papyrus. This ancient document is supposed to reveal the secret of eternal youth. Newspaper reporter Geronimo Stilton sets out to solve the mystery of the black papyrus and write an article for his newspaper.

The special edition book’s colorful illustrations and visual format will be particularly attractive to reluctant readers. While this book contains the fun highlighted words found in all the books, it also contains other interesting two-page spread visuals, diagrams, and other illustrations that will appeal to readers.

After the end of the story, the book includes a mini-mystery adventure titled The Cat Gang, jokes, and other information including a map of Mouse Island.

Librarians will find this book to be a popular addition to their growing collection of Geronimo Stilton books. Readers will particularly enjoy the full-color illustrations and additional features of this special edition. Use the author/series website to jumpstart library and classroom activities. Readers can play games, learn about characters, and even create their own comic.

To learn more about the author and series, go to http://www.scholastic.com/geronimostilton.

Published by Scholastic on March 29, 2016. ARC courtesy of Scholastic.

Book Review: Girl in the Blue Coat

GIRL IN THE BLUE COAT by Monica Hesse is a compelling historical fiction mystery set in Amsterdam during WWII.

In 1943, Hanneke works in the black market trading goods. When one of her clients asks Hanneke to find a Jewish teen she’s been hiding, Hanneke isn’t sure whether to help or not. However, she soon becomes immersed in the world of the resistance as she tries to solve the mystery of the missing girl.

Librarians will find this historical mystery to be an excellent addition to the growing number of books exploring black market workers and the resistance during WWII. The fascinating characters and fast-paced mystery will keep readers on the edge of their seats from beginning to end.

One of the best books of 2016 so far. Don’t miss it.

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

Published by Little Brown, an imprint of Hachette on April 5, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: The Inn Between

THE INN BETWEEN by Marina Cohen is a spooky middle school mystery set in an eerie Victorian hotel in the Nevada desert.

When Quinn and her best friend’s family stop for the night at a creepy hotel, strange things begin to happen. An unpredictable elevator, mysterious hotel guests, and disappearances are just the beginning. When Quinn and her best friend try to escape from the hotel, they realize that the hotel is much more than just an overnight destination.

Librarians will find the book popular among middle grade students who enjoy mysteries filled with twists and turns. Although scary enough to keep readers on the edge of their seats, the plot uses suspense rather than horror to keep the adventure interesting.

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

Published Roaring Brook Press, an imprint of Macmillan on March 22, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: The Steep and Thorny Way

THE STEEP AND THORNY WAY by Cat Winter is a thought-provoking historical mystery set in the 1920s.

Hanalee is a biracial teen struggling to identify the truth behind her father’s death in an era of prejudice and racial violence.

Librarians will immediately see parallels to Hamlet making this title popular with English teachers. Look for an audience among youth who enjoy historical fiction, but also those who like connections with Shakespearean themes. The plot’s many twists and turns will make this young adult novel popular with youth who enjoy mysteries and ghost stories.

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

Publisher by Abrams Kids on March 8, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

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: 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.