Pick 6: Mythological Beings

Goblins, elves, unicorns. Is there anything more fun to speculate about than mythological creatures? I mean, Harry Potter got a whole school subject about them. Authors often incorporate them into their stories, even when they don't really explore magic. Here are six books featuring mythological beings published in the past six months.

Six new books with mythological beings

1. Haphaven by Norm Harper
2. Ivy and the Goblins by Katherine Coville
3. Pilu of the Woods by Mai Nguyen
4. Ghost Hog by Joey Weiser
5. Forever Neverland by Susan Adrian
6. Knighthood for Beginners by Elys Dolan

Book review - The Boy at the Back of the Class

Title: The Boy at the Back of the Class
Author: Onjali Q Rauf
Genre: realistic fiction
Similar books: Joseph's Big Ride by Terry Farrish
                      Drita, My Homegirl by Jenny Lombard
Rating:

well intentioned, less well executed

Summary (provided by publisher): There used to be an empty chair at the back of Mrs. Khan's classroom, but on the third Tuesday of the school year a new kid fills it: nine-year-old Ahmet, a Syrian refugee.
The whole class is curious about this new boy--he doesn't seem to smile, and he doesn't talk much. But after learning that Ahmet fled a Very Real War and was separated from his family along the way, a determined group of his classmates bands together to concoct the Greatest Idea in the World--a magnificent plan to reunite Ahmet with his loved ones.
Balancing humor and heart, this relatable story about the refugee crisis from the perspective of kids highlights the community-changing potential of standing as an ally and reminds readers that everyone deserves a place to call home. 

My opinion: I'm entirely on board with Rauf's aim with this book. Personally, though, I found the approach to be a misstep. There's a little too much "it's precious when kids misunderstand". The innocence of youth lighting the way for self-interested adults. That kind of thing. Adults may find that sweet but it doesn't always land with young readers. Even though I find the line by line reading less than ideal, though, I sill recommend this book. Because not enough authors are writing about refugees and the impact of war for a young audience. We need to see the stresses of refugees, the difficulty of fighting in to a new culture, especially when the media is full of voices condemning your very existence. Rauf even manages to add in messages about the complexity of dealing with bullies for kids and adults. This is a book that will speak to the right kid at the right moment.

More information: The Boy at the Back of the Class releases August 6
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley.

Finish Line

That's it for me this read-a-thon. In the past 48 hours I read 25 hours and 29 minutes. I had hoped to hit 30 but had a couple of things come up that took me away from my books. 

In that time frame I read 11 complete books (one as audio) and started two others I've not completed yet.

Book 11 Complete - Comics Squad

Comics Squad: Lunch edited by Jennifer L Holm and Matthew Holm

Kid's favorite comic artists come together to create this collection of stories on the theme of lunch. These quick stories will entertain and just might introduce young readers to new authors.

Book 10 Complete - The Apostles' Creed

The Apostles' Creed by R. Albert Mohler

I had some reservations about starting a theological exploration this late in a readathon, but it turns out my fears were largely unfounded. While Mohler's exploration is thorough, it's also clear. He breaks down the Creed phrase by phrase, examining it's meaning and providing ample evidence of it's Biblical truth.

Book 9 Complete - Lunch Lady and the Summer Camp Shakedown

Lunch Lady and the Summer Camp Shakedown by Jarrett J Krosoczka

The Lunch Lady graphic novel series is always a safe bet for quick and funny entertainment. While the stories aren't complicated they are fun to read. Like an episode of Scooby Doo. That's especially true of this volume, set at summer camp and involving a swamp monster.

Book 8 Complete - Aru Shah and the End of Time

Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi

I was a pretty big fan of the Percy Jackson series when it was introduced and remain a fan of the construction so I was on board with the idea of this book. Chokshi presents us with a pair of female demi-gods, part of the Hindi mythology, on a mission to prevent the end of the world. They are, as is often the case in fables, deeply flawed and yet immensely likeable characters. Their flaws balance out their strengths, keeping them mostly human. I listened to this one as an audio book. It's well narrated, funny and exciting with a dynamic voice.