Genre: horror/short stories
Similar books: Hide and Don't Seek by Annica Mrose Rissi
His Hideous Heart by Dahlia Adler
Rating:
Summary (provided by publisher): Every state has an urban legend that evokes fear and curiosity in equal parts, and we've chronicled all of these logic-defying horrors here in the Haunted States of America anthology.
From the Jersey Devil to La Llorona, each story included introduces a new chill inducing, stomach churning monster, spectre, or poltergeist certain to keep you up at night. A broad ranging collection of authors, including seasoned veterans and some first timers making a fright-tastic debut, have all united to unearth the scariest lore from each state in the US, as well as D.C. and Puerto Rico. Make sure to strap in for this spooky cross country tour, but be extra careful not to let any of these terrors follow you home.
My opinion: With fifty-two stories and authors in this collection, there are a wide variety of types of stories and styles. They're also all quite short. A little bit of introduction and what amounts to a jump scare or a moment of final dread. There isn't a lot of atmosphere and development to make for a truly spine-chilling read. The value here is in introducing some lesser known monsters which may lead readers to truly terrifying tales.
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley
What are you currently reading?
Crushed by Melanie Conklin - Sophie's had a hard time adjusting to returning to in-person school. That adjustment is made even more difficult by changes in her best friend who seems to be avoiding her and keeping secrets. With a crew of popular kids in the mix, Sophie doesn't know what to do and how to help.
What did you recently finish reading?
Girls Who Burn M K Pagano - Addie's sister died last summer in what police are calling an accident. But Addie doesn't believe it. And when her main suspect also ends up dead under similar circumstances Addie gets caught up in a world of secrets, privilege, and power dynamics that could spell disaster.
What do you think you'll read next?
Riot Act by Alyson Gerber
Author: Nicole M Wolverton
Genre: horror
Similar books: Swarm by Jennifer D Lyle
Fractured Tide by Leslie Lutz
Rating:
.JPG)
Summary (provided by publisher): Lemon Ziegler wants to escape rural Devil’s Elbow, Pennsylvania to attend college—but that’s impossible now that she’s expected to impersonate the town’s lake monster for the rest of her life. Her family has been secretly keeping the tradition of Old Lucy, the famed (and very fake) monster of Lake Lokakoma, alive for generations, all to keep the tourists coming. Without Lemon, the town dies, and she can’t disappoint her grandparents . . . or tell her best friends about any of it. That includes Troy Ramirez, who has been covertly in love with Lemon for years, afraid to ruin their friendship by confessing his feelings. When a very real, and very hungry monster is discovered in the lake, secrets must fall by the wayside. Determined to stop the monster, Lemon and her best friends are the only thing standing between Devil’s Elbow and the monster out for blood.
My opinion: It's a classic monster movie set-up: something hungry is in the lake. This book adds a decent wrinkle, with the Ziegler family feeling the pressure to protect the legend of the lake monster for the sake of the town economy. A real monster presents a complication that forces Lemon to address her feelings for her friends and her future. It's a very real catalyst that helps to move the plot along. The monster plot itself heads in some rather strange directions, stretching my willing suspension of disbelief to its furthest limits. While Lemon's other issues add some interest, they don't get quite enough space to develop. The result is a slightly too violent, not exactly thrilling, read.
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley
What are you currently reading?
The Meadows by Stephanie Oakes - A girl gets the opportunity she's always dreamed of - entrance to one of the country's elite boarding schools. As time passes, though, she realizes that there is more going on at the school than was advertized.
What did you recently finish reading?
A Misfortune of Lake Monsters by Nicole Wolverton - Devil's Elbow is known for it's legend of a Lake Monster, a monster that Lemon's family has been faking for generations. But now that Lemon has taken over acting as the monster, she discovers there is something else in the lake. And it's hungry.
What do you think you'll read next?
The Haunted States of America
Willa and Wade is a simple, accessible graphic novel for young readers. The illustrations are uncluttered, making visual interpretation easier. The vocabulary is accessible, with any more complicated words explained by the characters. The plot is straight-forward, as Willa and Wade make different attempts to fly. Readers will enjoy their descriptions of sensations that approach flight, though the pair is forever seeking the full experience.
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley
There has been an increase in books about math for kids in recent years, all attempting to make math fun and help kids engage with the topic. This book does a solid job of integrating simple division into a narrative as the reindeer attempt to divide their numbers into equal groups. It introduces the ideas of remainders in division and prime numbers while encouraging empathy and inclusivity. With charming illustrations and an easy to follow plot, this is a solid object lesson in division.
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley
