WWW Wednesday

 What are you currently reading?

Lydia Cooper is a Lie by Meagan McIsaac - Lydia's life explodes after she defies her father and creates a social media account, not knowing that she's been in Witness Protection most of her life.

What did you recently finish reading?

What Happened to Those Girls by Carlynn Greenwald - When her friends die after ditching her to go camping, Emma teams up with the sister of one victim to uncover the truth about what happened.

What do you think you'll read next?

Where Lost Girls Go by Kody Kepplinger

Book review - Beware the Abbott Boys

 

Title: Beware the Abbott Boys

Author: Chelsea Ichaso

Genre: mystery

Age range: teen

Similar book: Murder Between Friends by Liz Lawson

Summary (provided by publisher): The Abbott boys, fraternal triplets Henry, Bram, and Adam, live in a mansion on the outskirts of Silver Creek. For decades, their family's been at odds with the town, long before Mariana Flores died in a fiery accident on the Abbott property last year. The police ruled out foul play, but ask anyone in Silver Creek about it and they'll say one of the Abbott boys killed her. They just don't know which one.

But Hayden, the girl who lives next door to the Abbotts, swears they're innocent. After all, Henry's her best friend—maybe he could be more. She's been worried about Adam ever since he was injured in the accident that killed Mariana. As for Bram, he's a little complicated, but he and Mariana had been in love.

When the new school year brings a new victim—a popular girl, found dead in the woods—the hunt for a monster begins anew. The security camera footage doesn't show the face of the boy she was last seen with, but from his hoodie he could be any one of the Abbott brothers.

To clear their names, Hayden starts investigating the new death, but the deeper she digs, the more uncertain she becomes. Is one of the Abbott brothers a killer? Or could they all be monsters? And what will the boys do to protect themselves and the truth?

What I liked: Ichaso handles the evidence well. We have a fair number of clues that could be interpreted in a variety of ways. With flashbacks to the original crime and the various figures involved, the truth is carefully threaded throughout the novel with plenty of red herrings making for compelling reading.

What I didn't like: All three Abbotts are named after figures in classic horror novels. Their personalities seemed to reflect this connection. But there's no payoff. Ichaso doesn't see that connection through, an addition that would have truly elevated this otherwise standard novel.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

Listen with me

 

The Heirs by Faridah Abike-Iyimide

This book about prodigies, their secrets, and their father's murder could be fascinating. Let's find out together.

Listen with me

 

The Cove by Claire Rose

My first note on this book is that I struggled with some blatant factual errors. While some may not even notice these issues - when vegetables are ripe in a garden, the geography of Maine, whether books of the Bible are classified as Old or New Testament - they are also basic facts and easily verified, so every time I encountered one it jarred me out of the world of the book. Beyond that, this was moderately engaging but also not very resilient. It isn't a book that's going to hold up to repeat reads. The characters are not especially complex and the plot is thin. It's a decent listen once.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

Book review - Thornbird

 

Title: Thornbird

Author: E. Kennedy

Genre: mystery

Age range: teen

Similar book: Have You Seen This Girl by Nita Tyndall

Summary (provided by publisher): Ten years after her father—the infamous serial killer Gabriel Thorn—was caught, Ryan Shipley is back in Starling, Tennessee, trying to lay low. No one can know who she really is. No one can know the truth about her past.

But as fresh eyes dig deeper into the case, old secrets refuse to stay buried. Cryptic texts, eerie coincidences, and a chilling note leave everyone wondering—does Ryan know more than she’s letting on? As the truth unravels, one thing becomes clear: in a town full of secrets, Ryan might be the biggest mystery of them all.

The world is hunting for answers. Now get ready for a thriller packed with twists you won’t see coming.

What I liked: Most serial killer centric novels are focused on getting to the truth about murders - proving definitively whether the widely accepted narrative is truth. That's not the case here. This book is primarily a girl coming to terms with the past and her own role in it. Ryan is a realistic character, trying to live a normal life and dealing with the fallout of her past.

What I didn't like: The final chapters go a bit off the rails as the town secrets and truths about her father are finally revealed. It detracts a bit from the overall net positive reading experience.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

WWW Wednesday

 What are you currently reading?

Beware the Abbot Boys by Chelsea Ichaso - Hayden's been friends with the Abbot triplets since childhood and is determined to prove their innocence when a local girl is killed and everyone blames the Abbots.

What did you recently finish reading?

Thornbird by E. Kennedy - Ryan can't escape her past when she's forced to move back to the town where her serial killer father committed his crimes.

What do you think you'll read next?

Clock Hands by Marieke Nijkamp

Book review - Just Ask Elsie

 

Title: Just Ask Elsie

Author: Ari Koontz

Genre: realistic fiction

Age range: middle grade

Similar book: Margie Kelly Breaks the Dress Code by Bridget Farr

Summary (provided by publisher): Fractions and conjunctions—check.

Stressing about middle school—check.

Body-positive puberty class at church that also covers feelings and identities—check.

Okay, maybe that last one isn’t so normal. It’s a little weird (and awkward) to spend her Sundays talking periods, B.O., and pimples. But Elsie’s also learning a lot more than she’s heard in her public-school health class — like the difference between sex and gender, and what consent is, and what it might mean that she can’t stop blushing around a certain cute girl at her school.

When her puberty lessons become the school’s latest gossip, Elsie’s totally humiliated… until she finds an anonymous note in her locker from a classmate who wants to know more, and realizes that other kids might have embarrassing questions of their own.

Starting an underground advice board wasn’t exactly in her plans, but Elsie won’t pass up a chance to turn her reputation around — or to share words and labels that have not-so-accidentally been left off their curriculum. But when the principal tries to shut down the unauthorized puberty talk, Elsie has to decide what she’s willing to risk to tell the truth to kids who really need to hear it.

What I liked: The characters are realistic and age appropriate. These are clearly children. Their understanding of the world is simple and blunt and part of the plot involves beginning to understand nuance. As such, the solutions here aren't straightforward and easy. This is more about starting a journey than revolutionary change. The conversation around puberty is straight-forward and age appropriate. 

What I didn't like: There are some uncomfortable moments but nothing to the point of becoming unreadable. Mostly this is a solid read.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

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

Neck pillow

In my quest to utilize craft supplies that I already own I'm also trying to focus on projects that are practical. While I love a whimsical plushie, I also don't need a lot of clutter. So when I found another fleece garment waiting for upcycling I didn't want to just make something funny. I decided that a neck pillow for travel would be practical and a good use of fleece. But I'm still me and I crave silliness. With that in mind, I designed this squid neck pillow.

The legs are individually stuffed and will wrap around the sides of my neck for support. The head is actually a big pocket with a small blanket rolled up inside of it. I've tested it out a little around the house and it's surprisingly comfortable.

Book review - Heiress of Nowhere

 

Title: Heiress of Nowhere

Author: Stacey Lee

Genre: historical fiction/mystery

Age range: teen

Similar book: Where the Heart Should Be by Sarah Crossan

Summary (provided by publisher): 1918. Orcas Island, Washington.

Lucy Nowhere has spent her eighteen years working on the vast estate of the eccentric shipbuilder who took her in after she washed ashore in a green canoe as a baby. But she has long wished for a life off the island, and in a matter of days, she is set to leave for college—and, for the first time, choose her own future.

Then she finds her employer’s severed head on the beach. Rumors swirl that a mischievous spirit and its minions, the sea wolves, have struck again. Lucy doesn’t believe in myths. She knows that a human—a human murderer—killed him. And when she is unexpectedly named heiress to the estate, she understands the next target is her.

Her closest friend, the estate’s vigilant young guard, begs her to escape while she can. But Lucy knows the only way she can discover who she is, and free the island of its curse, is to find the real killer—before she becomes the next victim.

What I liked: Lee balances character and plot nicely. We are quickly invested in Lucy and her wishes for her life, the complications of her situation. This is also a deeply atmospheric book, using its time period and geography to great effect. There are enough twists and racial tensions to keep us engaged even as the plot takes some odd directions.

What I didn't like: Some of the plot twists certainly stretch the bounds of believability and the large cast of characters can become unwieldly at times. This is a book that benefits from careful attention so it's not a good choice for the casual reader.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

WWW Wednesday

What are you currently reading?

Heiress of Nowhere by Stacey Lee - When her employer is murdered, Lucy races to find out what happened to him before the blame falls on her and in the process uncovers secrets about the island where they live and her own past.

What did you recently finish reading?

The Mystery of the Haunted Dance Hall by Charis Cotter - Something is going on with a cabin of girls at their summer camp and it's up to Bee and her new friend Zippy to find out what.

What do you think you'll read next?

How Can I Help You Today by Julia L. Rule

Book review - The Mystery of the Haunted Dance Hall

 

Title: The Mystery of the Haunted Dance Hall

Author: Charis Cotter

Genre: mystery

Age range: middle grade

Similar book: The Secret of the Mansion by Julie Campbell

Summary (provided by publisher): Bee's mom has a job in New York City for the summer, so Bee is being sent to summer camp. She's not excited about it. Being around other people is hard for her, plus she knows nothing about campfires, she's not a good swimmer and she's never even been in a canoe.

When she first arrives, things go pretty much as she expected. The other girls either make fun of her or ignore her, and the woods surrounding the camp give her the creeps: she keeps hearing elusive music coming from somewhere in the distance, and there's something unearthly about it.

But then Zippy comes on the scene — an oddball like Bee, but with a lot more confidence and hard-won knowledge gleaned from many summers spent at this exact camp. And most importantly, Zippy has also discovered mysterious behavior going on at the camp: the older girls from the Hawks cabin are sneaking out to do . . . something. They're always exhausted, and their flashlight batteries are running out at an alarming rate. But their counselors are never woken up by girls sneaking out, no one on staff doing nightly rounds ever sees them outside the cabin, and even when they start doing a bed check at night, the girls all seem to be in their bunks.

Zippy and Bee are on the case, and with the help of an unlikely ally, they try to figure out what the Hawks are up to. But they soon discover there's more going on than just the usual summer-camp hijinks. How are the Hawks getting out at night? What is the deal with the (very cute) mysterious boy who seems to be working with the groundskeeper? Where is the distant music coming from? And what does the reclusive camp founder know about all of it?

What I liked: A mystery at a summer camp is a solid set-up for a book. After all, where do kids have more freedom to explore and investigate than at camp? Additionally, this book really captures the vibe of a 1960's story. Reading this book feels very much like reading a book written for kids at that time. 

What I didn't like: The characters are middling in their presentation. Their motivations are unclear and they aren't especially complex. This is a book driven more by action than by character so there aren't really deep explorations of themes or relationships. It's simple entertainment and not much more.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

Book review - One Word Six Letters

 

Title: One Word, Six Letters

Author: Adib Khorram    

Genre: realistic fiction

Age range: teen

Similar book: Prom Babies by Kekla Magoon

Summary (provided by publisher): Freshmen Dayton and Farshid couldn’t be more different—or so it seems.

When Dayton takes a dare and shouts the f-slur at a visiting author during a school event, it sets off a chain reaction that forces both boys to face parts of themselves they’d rather ignore.

Dayton, grappling with the fallout of his actions, faces rejection from his friends, disappointment from his parents, and a growing awareness of the harm he’s caused. Meanwhile, Farshid is left to untangle his own feelings—about himself and about the quiet struggle of coming to terms with his queerness in a world steeped in heteronormativity.

As their lives unexpectedly intersect, Dayton and Farshid must reckon with what kind of men they want to become and whether they have the courage to defy toxic masculinity and societal expectations.

What I liked: This could easily have been a simplistic exploration of toxic masculinity. We could have Dayton painted as a shallow bully, not understanding the harm of his actions and Farshid as a simple victim. But Khorram does not fall into that trap. Instead we have two characters who are influenced by culture in small but important ways. Little experiences drive their behavior in extreme but believable ways. This results in characters who are not always likeable but are always realistic. The book is much stronger for it.

What I didn't like: There are moments in this book that are deeply uncomfortable. That's not something I dislike, per se, but I do feel the need to point it out. A deeply sensitive or innocent reader may struggle some but overall the plot is careful not to go to extremes.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

Book review - Sprout

 

Title: Sprout

Author: Taylor Tyng

Genre: magical realism

Age range: middle grade

Similar book: Bloom by Nicola Skinner

Summary (provided by publisher): Sprout has gotten used to hiding. Having antlers growing out of your head will do that. But when she learns that another girl with wild antlers has been spotted, Sprout is determined to see if there is someone else out there who understands the strangeness she feels.

Soon she attracts the attention of E.B., a fellow oddball, who remembers everything he has ever seen, read, or heard. And he's not the only one fascinated by Sprout. A curious doctor and a set of terrifying twins are tracking Sprout's every move. But nothing could have prepared Sprout for the dark secrets that have taken root in her town. Digging up the truth might help Sprout understand her past--or it might spell the end of her town forever.

What I liked: Sprout centers on a pair of compelling characters. They are defined as people beyond the thing that makes them peculiar. While the plot is certainly odd, the characters keep us grounded.

What I didn't like: I can roll with some odd plot decisions. I'm cool with plots about kids with inexplicable antlers. But the explanation this book gives for Sprout's condition is a stretch. It attempts to explore some larger societal issues but doesn't really go deep enough. With a plot that feels like it wraps up too quickly, it doesn't quite make it onto my top tier of book choices.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

Book review - When the Rain Came

 

Title: When the Rain Came

Author: Matt Eicheldinger

Genre: dystopia

Age range: teen

Similar book: Rebel Darling by Valerie Best

Summary (provided by publisher): “If we stay here, if we keep wandering without a real plan, we won’t last. Maybe The Hill is dangerous. But maybe it’s not. It’s the only plan we have.”

Seventeen-year-old Aurora knows how to survive. Life in the foster system has taught her how to stay quiet, stay smart, and stay ready. But nothing could prepare her for this: a never-ending storm that swallows cities, drowns forests, and turns the world into a flooded wasteland.

Trapped in a collapsing house with her strict prepper foster parents, Aurora is forced to live by their rules just to stay alive. Until the day they disappear without a trace.

Alone. Abandoned. And running out of time.

All Aurora has is a waterlogged scrap of paper and a name: “The Hill.” 

With looters closing in and the floodwaters rising higher each day, she’s left with one impossible choice—stay and wait for the storm to take her, or risk everything on a journey through the drowned remains of the world, to a find a place that may or not exist.

It’s forward or nothing.

What I liked: The scenario here is strong and reasonably plausible. We have a character with enough information to stand a chance of survival and a background that makes her flexible and willing to take chances. The pacing is strong and there is enough action to propel the reader forward

What I didn't like: The characters aren't especially complex. The plot takes some logical leaps. This is clearly the first in a series so the ending isn't particularly satisfying. While the individual moments are engaging the plot overall isn't especially beleivable.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

Non-fiction book review - Pretty Close But Not the Same

 

Pretty Close But Not the Same by Meg Fleming

This book straddles the line between standard picture book and non-fiction. In the non-fiction column , it is not a story book. There is no true plot. It's a basic comparison of similar animals, pointing out simple ways that the two differ. In the picture book column, it is fairly playful. The focus is more on having fun than strict scientific classifications. The text rhymes. It's a book that would be fun to enjoy with preschoolers and the simple illustrations will appeal to that age range as well.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

Bowtie hairpins

 When I made my bowtie bowtie, I had an idea that you could also use it as a hairbow. Then, looking at my scraps, I realized that I had pieces that could be turned into pasta-sized bowties. And at that size, they were perfect for hairpins.

Listen with me

 

Three Sisters by David Macinnis Gill

At first, I was pretty on board with this book. It is, to be clear, a fairly standard survival book. We have three sisters and their dad trapped on a mountain during a natural disaster, balancing survival and grief. Along the way we learn a fair amount about hiking, survival skills, and the science of volcanoes. The final chapters, though, go rather off the rails. We move beyond just being trapped on a mountain due to a closed trail and some injuries to literally having to outrun an eruption. It tends to take away from the emotional impact of the plot as the physical challenges become increasingly extreme. This is not a book for the squeamish, nor for the skeptical.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley.

WWW Wednesday

 What are you currently reading?

The Song of the Bees by Tim Chapman - Sent to live with his grandmother in Wisconsin, a boy and his new friends investigate what is happening to local bees.

What did you recently finish reading?

Found Sound by Meg Wolitzer and Charlie Panek - A boy living in the shadow of his prodigy younger brother investigates a mystery with his summer neighbor.

What do you think you'll read next?

When the Rain Came by Matthew Eicheldinger

Graphic novel spotlight - Harper Sharp, Kid Detective

 

Harper Sharp Kid Detective by Jarrett Williams

When it comes to kid appropriate mysteries, picking a book can be a bit dicey. Some are too intense. Others don't have much in the way of stakes. The most successful mysteries often center around school. Missing items or mysterious vandalism are relatable and can feel, in the context of a child's social world, meaningful. And that is the approach this book takes. Harper investigates defacement of posters in his school. If it were just the mystery this would be an acceptable but probably forgettable book. Williams elevates the novel by incorporating a great deal of economics in the plot. As he investigates, Harper is also learning the ins and outs of running a business. With brightly colored, dynamic illustrations this is a fun read.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

WWW Wednesday

 What are you currently reading?

Morbid Curiosities by S. Hati - A girl attending an elite science academy discovers there is more to the school, it's experiments, and the strange happenings in the surrounding communities.

What did you recently finish reading?

Auntie Q's Golden Claws Nail Salon by Van Hoang - After getting in trouble a girl is sent to work off her debt at her estranged aunt's nail salon.

What do you think you'll read next?

Harper Sharp, Kid Detective by Jarrett Williams

Book review - Eureka

 

Title: Eureka

Author: Victoria Chang

Genre: historical fiction/verse novel

Age range: middle grade

Similar book: One Big Open Sky by Lesa Cline-Ransome

Summary (provided by publisher): The year is 1885. San Francisco is dangerous for Chinese immigrants like twelve-year-old Mei Mei. She must venture on her own, without her family or friends, to Eureka, California, where it is supposedly safe.

But 300 miles from home, Mei Mei misses her Ma Ma's kindness, helping out in her Ba Ba's store, and playing hide-and-seek with her best friend, Hua Hua. Despite her fear and the increasing violence against her community, she finds hope in an unexpected friend, the giant Redwood trees, and a new dream: learning how to read in English. As the world around her grows more scary, Mei Mei discovers her own power, as well as the joy of found family, the importance of courage, and the nature of freedom.

What I liked: Oftentimes a verse novel focuses only on a character's thoughts and emotions, leaving us with little action or setting. This book manages to balance description with reflection. The resulting text is sparse but meaningful. It is able to reflect dangers and cruelty without becoming exploitative.

What I didn't like: The problems and solutions are a bit over-simplified and the exploration is, necessarily, fairly shallow. This is the sort of book you might use in conjunction with other, more in depth, information about racial violence in the 1880s.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

Listen with me

 

Three Sisters by David Macinnis Gill

I've long been a fan of survival stories, so this book about sisters stranded on a mountain during a volcanic event sounds right up my alley. Let's give it a listen and see if it lives up to it's promise.

WWW Wednesday

 What are you currently reading?

Where Ella Went by Laurie Morrison - When their friend and soccer captain leaves town without warning, a group of middle schoolers dig into what happened and why she left.

What did you recently finish reading?

Penelope Positano Sees it All by Katie Cotugno - Penelope is finally allowed to get a dog. She doesn't know what her perfect dog will be, just that she'll know it when she sees it.

What do you think you'll read next?

Coyote Queen by Jessica Vitalis

Book review - Tested

 

Title: Tested

Author: Anna Monders

Genre: dystopia

Age range: middle grade

Similar book: Flawed by Cecelia Ahern

Summary (provided by publisher): For as long as Mikayla can remember, her future has been laid out for her. As an Elite in a world divided by genetic Elites, Defectives, and Expendables, she’ll live up to her stellar Genetic Report Card score of ninety-four by excelling academically, gaining acceptance into the Elite Scholars program, and eventually working for GenIn, the company that saved humanity after the catastrophic Great Dying.

All seems to be going as planned until a surprise assignment during Mikayla’s class changes everything. Soon, she’s reconnecting with a friend she thought she’d lost forever and—for the first time in her life—questioning the society she has put her trust in.

But if Mikayla isn’t the model citizen she always believed herself to be, then who is she?

What I liked: Monders doesn't fully follow the standard dystopian fiction pattern. Most authors would have the protagonist realizing that the system is flawed and then leading a revolution against it. That's not where this book goes. Instead it's a bit slower, more about Mikayla beginning to question the system and the narrative she's always heard about the importance of the division. This is a book more about small changes and beginning to think for yourself than about true revolution.

What I didn't like: The small revolution approach cuts both ways. While it's more realistic, it also is less compelling. There isn't the excitement of taking down a damaging system. And the realizations that Mikayla has about human value are equally small and nebulous. The book is trying to help us see that everyone has value but never truly shows that.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley