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: Trollhunters

TROLLHUNTERS by Guillermo del Toro and Daniel Kraus is a quirky, young adult fantasy thriller with enough macabre humor to keep teens entertained.

Jim’s uncle disappeared 45 years ago leaving his brother to become an overprotective parent. When teenager Jim is suddenly thrust into an underworld of trolls and other creatures, he must join a group of reluctant heroes to save his town.

Best known for his work on films such as Hellboy and Pan’s Labyrinth, del Toro brings his unique blend of fantasy and humor to the young adult audience. Teaming with science fiction author/director Daniel Kraus, they’ve created an action-adventure that will be particularly popular with male teens who enjoy quirky science fiction thrillers. The book’s beautiful illustrations bring the underworld to life for readers.

Librarians will find this book to be popular among teens who enjoy titles with connections to horror and the underworld. For middle school youth who devoured series like Gregor the Overland or Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Troll Hunters can serve as a bridge to young adult literature. While not outstanding, this dark fantasy is likely to attract enough followers to become a series.

Published by Disney-Hyperion on July 7, 2015. ARC from NetGalley.

Book Review: Nimona

NIMONA by Noelle Stevenson is a quirky new graphic novel fantasy based on the popular web comic.

A young shapeshifter teams up with a super villain to wreak havoc on the Institute of Law Enforcement. Set in a world reminiscent of a Renaissance faire, the story combines kingdoms, dragons, and sword fights with videophones and modern hospitals. The addition of sharks, countdowns, and explosions add to the irreverent atmosphere. Filled with witty humor and symbolism, sophisticated teen readers will enjoy the subversive tone from beginning to end.

The beautifully rendered, full-color graphics will immediately attract graphic novel fans, while the wicked humor and well-paced plot will keep them reading. The complex character development and memorable approach to world building make this graphic novel special.

The unconventional blend of old with new is sure to attract young adult readers. Librarians will find a broad audience for this book that includes lovers of both bizarre superheroes and unusual medieval kingdoms. Look for this book on the YA graphic novel “best of” lists for 2015.

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

Published by HarperTeen on May 12, 2015.