Listen with me

 

The Cove by Claire Rose

This tale of a troubled teen exiled to a strange farm in Maine could make for an entertaining listen. Let's give it a go together.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

Book review - Tell Me My Future

 

Title: Tell Me My Future

Author: Eileen M Ruvane

Genre: mystery

Age range: teen

Similar book: Needy Little Things by Channelle Desamours

Summary (provided by publisher): Kess Turner is used to starting over. Her mom has dragged her all around the country her whole life, never spending longer than a few months in one place.

But nothing is normal about their new home—a dusty psychic shop—or the the way Kess's mom was summoned when a mysterious accident left the psychic Madame Amalia in a coma. When Kess finds coded messages and cash hidden among the crystal balls and Tarot cards, she knows there’s a lot more to the story than her mom is telling her.

Desperate for answers, Kess poses as a psychic in order to pump Madame Amalia’s clients for information—only to start experiencing strange visions of events that actually come true. The more she investigates, the more she suspects her mom and Madame Amalia were involved in a murder years ago.

When Kess’s visions escalate—and seem to predict her own death—it becomes clear that if she wants to save her future, she’ll first have to unravel the secrets of the past . . .

What I liked: Desamours's approach to psychic abilities here is compelling. As is standard in these tales, the visions are never a clear picture. They are fractured, impressions without context. As a result, the exploration becomes more about not having the full story, about making a vision happen by trying to prevent it, and raises the question of the changeability of the future. While these questions aren't explored in depth they are certainly raised. With engaging characters and a reasonable plot, this remains a solid read.

What I didn't like: A lot of what is happening here is quite expected. The twist ending is solidly threaded through the rest of the narrative so an attentive reader won't be particularly surprised. Additionally, the final action scenes are chaotic and over the top.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

Book review - The Spiritualists

 

Title: The Spiritualists

Author: Kristin O'Donnell Tubb

Genre: historical magical realism

Age range: teen

Similar book: The Diviners by Libba Bray

Summary (provided by publisher): Stella Bohdan is never alone—never—and yet she is the loneliest person she knows, dead or alive. A gifted psychic who can hear the voices of spirits, all Stella wants is to con enough people to survive on the brutal New York City streets and find a way to deal with the tragic death of her sister.

Performing seances in parlor rooms and tarot readings by candlelight, Stella is barely holding on. Until she meets Pax, a mysterious young man who offers Stella an invitation and a promise: Join a secret group of talented mystics who explore the darker realms of spiritualism, and together they will get revenge on her sister’s killer.

But how can Stella admit she is the reason her sister is dead?

In the hope of righting past wrongs, Stella joins Pax and his team of mystics. It’s soon clear there is more behind their partnership than just vengeance.

They must tread carefully though, because in the world of spiritualism, not everything is what it seems—especially when communing with the unknown.

What I liked: This book strongly captures the setting. We see a lot of the Spiritualism movement, of course, but also simply historical New York in the wake of the Triangle Shirtwaist fire. This is also more than just an historical novel, though. In many ways it is a heist narrative as we walk through the assembling of the team, their diverse abilities and the secrets they all carry. There's a strong emphasis on action, constant twists and complications that make for an engaging read.

What I didn't like: The pacing can be a bit inconsistent, dwelling on introspection at moments that disrupt the flow of the narrative. The characters are no equally portrayed, with some members of the team serving as little more than props. While it is an engaging read it may not hold up to repeat reading.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

WWW Wednesday

 What are you currently reading?

The Spiritualists by Kristin O'Donnell Tubb - A young psychic finds herself embroiled in a revenge plot.

What did you recently finish reading?

The Chismosas Only Book Club by Laekan Zea Kemp - Starting high school proves to be more challenging than a group of friends expected and threatens to drive them apart.

What do you think you'll read next?

Summerwork by Carrie Mesrobian

Book review - The Chismosas Only Book Club

 

Title: The Chismosas Only Book Club

Author: Laekan Zea Kemp

Genre: realistic fiction

Age range: upper middle grade

Similar book: The Mother Daughter Book Club by Heather Vogel Frederick

Summary (provided by publisher): Cat, Sofia, Ana, and Mari are best friends. Nothing, nada, can break their bond. When Cat’s mom scolds them for their loud cackling at the bookstore, calling them a bunch of chismosas, the name sticks. Cat creates the The Chismosas Only Book Club, giving the girls a way to stay connected as they begin high school.

But ninth grade is hard, and it seems like no amount of conchas y libros y risas at Milagro’s Books, founded generations ago by Cat’s great-great-great-grandmother, can repair the ever-growing cracks in their friendship. But maybe the spirit of Milagro herself can . . .

What I liked: The characters here are realistic and deeply flawed. For all of their close connection they are also distinctive and have wide ranging problems. None of them are portrayed as innocent victims, pure hearts. These are kids actively making choices that the outsider can recognize will go wrong even as we understand the choice they make. The pacing is solid and has enough going on to keep us engaged.

What I didn't like: The transition between perspectives can be a bit jarring as we jump between narratives. It isn't always a comfortable read but it is a reasonable one.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

Book review - Our Fair Share

 

Title: Our Fair Share

Author: Sarah Marie Jette

Genre: realistic fiction

Age range: middle grade

Similar book: Family Week by Sarah Moon

Summary (provided by publisher): Seasonal work at the fairgrounds for most summers means Serafina, James, Avory, and Cassi are all experienced in fair life. Beloved traditions keep the best friends plenty busy. For them, this is more than just a summer vacation in Knox County, Maine. These are the best months of the year. This is their fair.

But it seems like everyone is distracted. James is having trouble at his new school. Avory is feeling smaller than ever. Cassi just wants to be left alone, but that's hard when your dad is caught in a scandal that leads to more eyes on her that she's never dreamed of. And Serafina is afraid she'll never get over the accident no one knows about. To make matters worse, there's a new fair manager - a community outsider - who seems determined to take away what is special about their fair. This summer is feeling a little too different. With two months ahead of them, the four friends need to find a way not just to survive their own inner turmoil, but to help their fair community thrive.

What I liked: This is a book populated by realistic, complex characters. Their problems are unique and never minimized. We never get the sense that a character could fix their life if they would only make one small change. We see how long term relationships change as we age without it becoming a simple issue of "outgrowing" a person. 

What I didn't like: Balancing four separate narratives can be challenging and often means that one doesn't get the space it deserves. The pacing is a bit slow and we don't always get enough depth on an individual issue.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

Hairpins

 After making my bowtie hairpins, I was inspired to come up with another new design. I settled on these little balls of "yarn" made from narrow strips of t-shirt and little pieces of vintage ribbon.

WWW Wednesday

 What are you currently reading?

Our Fair Share by Sarah Marie Jette - Four kids, years long friends from their shared history at the fair, confront new challenges and face their secrets.

What did you recently finish reading?

A Fishboy Named Sashimi by Dan Santat - A fishboy tries to fit in at school while looking for other fishpeople like him.

What do you think you'll read next?

The Chismosas Only Book Club by Laekan Zea Kamp

Book review - Song of the Saltings

 

Title: Song of the Saltings

Author: Rachael King

Genre: fantasy

Age range: teen

Similar book: The Lamplighter by Crystal J Bell

Summary (provided by publisher): On the isolated island of Brack, the people live by an ancient bargain: every year, a sacrifice must be made to the Glimm, the creature that haunts the salt marshes. Once, it demanded children. Eight years ago, it should have taken Lotta. Instead, the monster spared her and claimed her pony, shattering tradition and anointing her both folk hero and object of suspicion.

Now sixteen, Lotta tends the Council’s sacrificial horses, keeping her distance from the islanders who whisper about her fate. But something is stirring. The island hums beneath her feet, and a song threads through her dreams. Is the Glimm calling Lotta back?

When she crosses paths with Moss—a boy once hidden from sacrifice—a daring bog rescue sparks a chain of events that forces them both to question the Council’s rule and the lore that binds their people. As crops and animals are blighted and uncanny weather plagues the community, Lotta and Moss must decide whether to obey the Council or risk everything to uncover the island’s deepest secrets.

Because on Brack, monsters come in many forms.

What I liked: King takes a concept that could be difficult to appreciate or engage with and makes it compelling. There's a fair amount of world building that flows naturally through the narrative rather than being dropped all in one glut of exposition.

What I didn't like: The writing here is rather dense, so it's a slow and almost plodding read. It takes a fair amount of dedication to read through this one and for some the payoff won't be satisfying enough to be worth the effort.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

WWW Wednesday

 What are you currently reading?

Never Leave Me Alone by Crissa-Jean Chappell - Birdie had a kindred spirit in Micah until he died in a stunt gone wrong and Birdie wants to know why he would have taken such a risk.

What did you recently finish reading?

Most Likely to Murder by Lish McBride - Rick and Martina are happy to fly under the radar at school until someone targets them in a vicious prank and people start to die.

What do you think you'll read next?

No Way Home by Joy Feldman

Non-fiction book review - Diamond Fever

 

Diamond Fever! by Steve Sheinkin

Sheinkin has made a name for himself in the historical space, presenting young readers with off-beat moments in history. This book is a solid entry into that field, telling the tale of a little known but important scam. As the story unspools, we learn important aspects of the people involved and societal elements that contributed to the success of the scam. With key points illustrated by comic strip pages the text is engaging and entertaining. This is a book that might resonate with fans of Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

Non-fiction book review - Systematic Theology for Teens in 21 Days

 

Systematic Theology for Teens in 21 Days by KJ Sanders

This is no simple devotional. It doesn't take a short look at a problem and provide a simplistic reassurance. Instead this is a book that encourages deep thinking and introspection. Starting with the very idea of belief and moving through elements of Christian faith, each entry is short and easily read in around 15 minutes. But it encourages a lot of reflection. The illustrations given for concepts are relatable and at times profound. With language that is accessible without talking down, this is an excellent choice for a teen beginning to question religious systems who is open to real consideration of their own beliefs.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

Listen with me

 

Styx and Stones by Gary D Schmidt and Ron Koertge

Styx and Stones is no Percy Jackson clone. Yes, it is deeply rooted in Greek mythology. But it is also firmly present in the modern world. As such the conflicts are largely relatable to modern audiences. We have bullies, grief, loneliness, trauma, and much more. With so many issues feeding into the plot none of it is explored in a great deal of depth but the result is still satisfying. As we often see in Schmidt's books, there is a strong emphasis on characters deciding what kind of person they want to be, choosing kindness and empathy and strong morals even when it is difficult. We see characters struggling with jealousy and finding a way out of misery. And instead of clear villains and heroes we find that each character is complex and relatable even if they aren't always likeable. Well narrated, this is an audio book that is compelling and easy to absorb. It's also a book that will likely improve with multiple readings as each reading allows us to pick up on new aspects.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

Book review - The Shrew Detective

 

Title: The Shrew Detective - The Case of the Pilfered Pearls

Author: Margi Preus

Genre: mystery

Age range: upper elementary school

Similar book: Horace & Bunwinkle by PJ Gardner

Summary (provided by publisher): Mystery: Something that is difficult or impossible to understand.

With a curious mind and a vast vocabulary (thanks to her wallpaper—pages of a discarded human dictionary), tiny Minerva Shrew would love nothing more than to solve the Big Mysteries of Life and the Universe.

Instead, in The Case of the Pilfered Pearls, she’s called upon to help her cousin Tenacity solve a mystery in the most dangerous of places: a human house. When a string of pearls goes missing, the human owner is sure a “dreadful rodent” has pilfered them—and now the lives of all Minerva’s friends are at risk! Will Minerva find the true culprit before the exterminators arrive?

What I liked: The solution to the mystery is carefully threaded throughout the narrative. It's slightly subtle but still clear enough for young readers to catch on if they are paying attention. The characters are somewhat anthropomorphized, as we would expect, but largely retain their animal natures. So we learn small facts about assorted animal species as well as solving a mystery.

What I didn't like: To some extent this book relies on the novelty of having animal characters. And since it is intended for young readers it is a bit simple and repetitive. It is likely charming enough for a read aloud.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

WWW Wednesday

 What are you currently reading?

Deepa, MD by Priya Swaminathan - Everyone treats Deepa like she's fragile since her cancer diagnosis. Everyone but her uncle, who lets her help him with his medical mysteries.

What did you recently finish reading?

The Shrew Detective by Margi Preus - Minerva would like to spend her days pondering the mysteries of the universe. Instead she's called upon to find a missing necklace in the human house before her cousin and the other animals pay the price for it's disappearance.

What do you think you'll read next?

Inbetweens by Faith Erin Hicks

Book review - In the Blood

 

Title: In the Blood

Author: April Henry

Genre: mystery/thriller

Age range: teen

Similar book: Daughter by Kate McLaughlin

Summary (provided by publisher): Adopted as a newborn, Tessa has always wondered who her biological parents are. After turning eighteen, she takes a DNA test in hopes of finding the answers. With best friend El and lab partner Victor, Tessa uses the results to start building her family tree. But they find more dead ends than answers. Her biological mother, who was raised in a religious cult, has cut all ties with her controlling family. And her biological father remains a complete mystery, at least until the police show up. For fifteen years, they’ve been trying to identify a serial killer known as the Portland Phantom. Tessa may be the link they’ve been waiting for.

What I liked: A serial killer narrative is typically a solid choice for an engaging read. This one has the standard elements and a few unique add-ons that draw us in.

What I didn't like: This is very standard fare. While it doesn't yank us around trying to guess the identity of the killer it also fails to keep us engaged. With some notable logical issues and an ending that goes a bit off the rails this is far from Henry's best work. For a better version of this narrative try I Hunt Killers by Barry Lyga. And for a better April Henry book I recommend The Body in the Woods.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

Book review - The Edge of Forever

 

Title: The Edge of Forever

Author: Meghan P Browne

Genre: realistic fiction

Age range: middle grade

Similar book: The Forgotten Magic of Zoe Turner by Erin Stewart

Summary (provided by publisher): Maisie is still reeling from the loss of her dad when her mom deposits her with Aunt Gertie at the start of summer in Heaven, TX. Population: tiny. Gertie is nothing but nice, but Maisie doesn’t want to be there – surrounded by cactus and tumbleweeds.

Thankfully, the Heaven Library is well air-conditioned. Here, Charlene the librarian offers Maisie much-needed solace and book recommendations. Then Maisie meets another actual kid, Walt Wise, Aunt Gertie’s nearest neighbor. As she and Walt work odd jobs together and become friends, they also stumble upon a stealth campaign to develop one of Heaven's most beloved natural resources.

As Maisie and Walt research the development plan, they also uncover a long-buried, life-changing secret about Maisie's family. This secret, along with an explosive event at the Heaven County Fair, will turn a sleepy summer into one Maisie and Walt will never forget.

What I liked: The characters here are strong. We are quickly caught up in the world that Maisie and Walt are discovering. The messaging is solid with parallels drawn between the personal issues and the larger plot that the kids uncover.

What I didn't like: The twists are, as the plot summary suggests, explosive and thus a bit extreme. They can tend to stretch the bounds of believability.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

Book review - Grandpere's Ghost Swamp

 

Title: Grandpere's Ghost Swamp

Author: Rachel M Marsh

Genre: magical realism

Age range: middle grade

Similar book: Spirit's Key by Edith Cohn

Summary (provided by publisher): Basil Theriot has spent her entire life in New Orleans—in her family’s famed Cajun restaurant in the French Quarter, really—but she’s never been out to the bayou where her grandfather grew up. She’s also never seen a ghost, even though dozens of ghost tours pass by the restaurant every day and her best friend Tommy is determined to be a ghost hunter.

But then Grandpere’s ghost appears. And he has a mission for her.

Basil wouldn’t mind being haunted if Grandpere could be helpful and share his secret recipe that might save the restaurant. But instead, he’s intent on connecting Basil with her Cajun heritage. He sends her out to the bayou to meet his friends: an airboat captain, a shrimper, and a scientist rebuilding Louisiana’s fast-disappearing coastline.

What I liked: There are a lot of standard approaches to ghost narratives and this book successfully avoids all of them. This isn't about family secrets or uncovering conspiracies. In fact, the central messages of this book are pretty standard middle grade fare. But with strong, realistic characters, a unique voice, and a  well integrated setting it rises above the standard book. 

What I didn't like: There are some fairly standard relationship issues and easy solutions but nothing beyond what is typical of middle grade fiction.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

Listen with me

 

Styx and Stones by Gary D Schmidt and Ron Koertge

I was pretty invested in the mythology trend during it's height. I read so many Percy Jackson type books that I got a bit burnt out on them and I've been avoiding them for a while. When I saw the names attached to this one, though, I knew it was time to get back into it. Let's see how Schmidt and Koertge handle Greek mythology

WWW Wednesday

 What are you currently reading?

The Edge of Forever by Meghan Brown - After her father's death Maisie is sent to spend the summer with her Aunt Gertie in a small Texas town.

What did you recently finish reading?

Drop Dead Famous by Jennifer Pearson - Stevie's superstar sister Blair is murdered at the start of her comeback tour and Stevie is desperate to understand what happened to her.

What do you think you'll read next?

In the Blood by April Henry