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
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
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
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
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
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
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
