Book Review: King Coyote by Rachael Meyers Jones

King Coyote by Rachael MeyersJones
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Exciting summertime adventures paired with a hard-won coming-of-age story.

King Coyote by Rachael Meyers Jones is a wonderful and exciting summertime coming-of-age story as a pre-teen navigates his parents' impending divorce, loneliness, and a fish-out-of-water stay in rural Vermont. King is twelve years old when he is dropped off for the summer at his cousin's house in Northeast Vermont, while his parents work through the process of separating and setting up two households back home in Boston. When he and Nat were much younger, they had been inseparable: their families even shared a duplex. But when their grandfather had died, Nat's parents had relocated to the family farmstead in Vermont, and the two had not seen each other since. This summer, the cousins are thrust back together and finally have their comfortable relationship restored enough to work through the really big feelings they've both kept tamped down.

King is the engaging main character whose hurt radiates from every pore. It will take the summer and a lot of adventure for him to realize he can't fix the change in his parents' feelings for each other. While reuniting with Nat gives him the sounding board he needs, it is his feeling of responsibility for the small, scraggly coyote he names Coal that eventually pulls him out of his sadness and allows him to gain some perspective.

Intruding on his healing are the awkward encounters with the few white people in the area, who see him as someone to fear because of the color of his skin. His cousin knows what's going on but chooses to look the other way, at first. Nat, the only child of mixed ancestry at her school, had found their attitudes isolating, with most people choosing to ignore her, only seeing her white heritage, while others rudely overstepped basic common boundaries and personal space: a confusing and painful situation for her that her Black father tried to help her understand and overcome. While no answers are found on the teens' adventure into the wilderness, they come away from the experience with more confidence in themselves to handle whatever comes their way in the future.

The description of the Vermont setting and the kids' summertime activities on the mountain are, for the most part, vivid, glorious, and idyllic. Their freedom to roam and relax without cellphones, videogames, and streaming services is a renewal, especially for King, who had much more access to this back in Boston. They gain knowledge, self-reliance, trust, and build resilience from their experiences, but still realize the toll their unexpected and impulsive absence had on their frantic parents.

I recommend KING COYOTE to readers of middle-grade fiction and adventure stories, especially those who enjoy a natural or wilderness setting.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy through Toppling Stacks Tours.

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Audiobook Review: Living at the Edge of the World - Winter (Papala Island Adventure, #1) by S.J. Barratt

Living at the Edge of the World: Winter: The Papala Island Adventure Series, Book 1 by S.J. Barratt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Fun, middle-grade fish out of water story.

Living at the Edge of the World – Winter by S.J. Barratt introduces readers to Timothy and Tabitha Brown, twin tweens from London, sent to spend a couple of months with their Great-uncle Tamhas, who lives on the isolated island of Papala in the Scottish Shetland Islands, while their parents take a round-the-world cruise. While Tim is delighted, excited by the prospect of exploring the small island and learning as much as he can about his temporary home, Tabs is completely out of sorts with the lack of amenities and WiFi that are always available in London.

Although the twins, brother and sister, are temperamentally opposites and there’s very little crossover in their interests, they get along very well, and their casual banter is cause for quite a few laughs. They are close and obviously love each other. Problems arise from Tabitha’s privileged attitudes, which lead her to believe she knows better than their local friend, Fenella, and her refusal to listen puts them all in a dangerous situation. Eventually, she comes to acknowledge her responsibility for her actions. I enjoyed how she grew up and came to love the island as much as her brother and the 30-odd souls who call Papala home. I loved how her Uncle Tamhas was so low-key, patient, and, I think, deliberately obtuse about her TikSnap social media obsession and desire to become a successful influencer. However, it was her special expertise that helped her foil a dangerous scheme by a group of older boys on the mainland later in the story.

The story handles the children’s separation from their parents, friends, home, and the only life they’ve ever known gently, and Tabitha’s change in attitude is subtle and gradual. There are plenty of places for discussion, not only of Tabitha’s behavior, but of the culture and nature of the Shetlands, and there’s never a feeling of being lectured to in the narrative.

The audiobook edition, narrated by Gill Mills, was initially a little difficult to follow because I was unaccustomed to her accent and the Shetlandic dialect. But once I synced with the cadence and delivery, I was absorbed by the story. However, Tabitha’s whining and complaining at the start of the book was so strident and shrill, I worried I wouldn’t be able to stick with it for long. Thankfully, Tabitha’s voice mellowed as she settled into life on Papala.I recommend LIVING AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD – WINTER to middle-grade readers and listeners who enjoy exciting and warm adventure tales, and for use at home, in the classroom, or after-school programs.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Silver Dagger Book Tours.

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Children's Audiobook Review: Vernon Poche and the Ghosts of New Orleans by Paul Siefken; narrated by Hamilton Clancy

Vernon Poche & the Ghosts of New Orleans: A Novel by Paul Siefken
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The resilience and rich history of New Orleans are revealed through the exciting post-Katrina adventures of two spunky young residents.

Vernon Poche and the Ghosts of New Orleans is a unique and exciting story of two middle-grade explorers in the aftermath of Katrina. Both Vernon and Alisha are lifelong residents of the city and are facing relocation as the adults in their lives look elsewhere for their futures, believing New Orleans is incapable of recovering from the damage of the epic hurricane. Strangers before a chance meeting in the French Quarter, Vernon and Alisha join forces to hunt for rumored treasure with the help and hints of the city's more permanent and ghostly residents.

The stories of both children are anguishing as they mourn their separate circumstances. Vernon's mother died from cancer some time before the storm, and he frequently visits her gravesite in town. He doesn't want to abandon her and her final resting place by moving with his father to another state. Alisha, who was visiting her grandparents outside the city when the storm struck, was separated from her mother when she was evacuated to Houston during the devastation. Her mother was about to realize her dream of being the featured chef at one of the city's iconic restaurants when the storm hit.

Life takes an unexpected turn when Vernon meets the mysterious Marie Laveau and her companion, the unusual stray dog, Tonti, while visiting his mother's grave, while his father works downtown to restore necessary services. Following Marie's cryptic instructions and against his father's wishes and the warnings of the National Guardsmen patrolling the area, Vernon bikes his way around town with Tonti in a box on his handlebars, where he meets the ghosts of some of New Orleans most notable former residents and, eventually, Alisha, who is scoping out the damage and hoping to talk to the restaurant owner to secure her mother's job. The ghostly residents share the rich and varied history of their unique city with the kids and encourage them to discover New Orleans' true treasures as the clock ticks down to Vernon's father's final departure for their new home out of state.

The story is easy to follow and addictive to listen to. It was easy to get wrapped up in Vernon and Alisha's stories and want to know what was going to happen next. The author's portrayal of their adventures is enhanced by their personal struggles and worries, creating relatable characters for young readers or listeners. At times, the attitudes regarding the Confederate history of the area felt a little heavy-handed, such as when Alisha shuns Vernon for having had an ancestor who fought on that side during the war. However, this creates an excellent opportunity for parents and children to discuss the past and present realities.

The audiobook edition is narrated by Hamilton Clancy, who gives each character a unique voice. He captured the differences in age, gender, and nationality so well that I often completely forgot this was one person performing them all. It was just as easy to believe I was listening to a famous gospel singer as it was to an 18th-century pirate. While the narration's pace was adjustable, the default setting made it easy to understand and provided ample opportunities to pause as needed, without having to adjust the stopping point later.

While, as a parent, I have reservations about a book that features children disobeying their parents, it does offer an opportunity to discuss this aspect of the story with my own. However, the disobedience advances the plot, and even Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys were known for taking similar liberties. Still, the dangerous chances Vernon embraces should be addressed. Other than that, the story is unique, mysterious, and ultimately happy.

I recommend the audiobook edition of VERNON POCHE AND THE GHOSTS OF NEW ORLEANS to upper elementary and middle-grade-age listeners.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy through AudiobookReviewer.com.


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Children's Book Review: The Curse of the Dead Man's Diamond by Christyne Morrell

The Curse of the Dead Man's Diamond by Christyne Morrell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Delightful middle-grade book featuring a haunted house, humor, and finding out home is where the heart is.

The Curse of the Dead Man’s Diamond by Christyne Morrell is a delightful new middle-grade haunted house story featuring an engaging 12-year-old protagonist and the surprise inhabitants of her new home in Florida. There’s so much to enjoy: a mystery, a search for a fabulous but cursed diamond, and a young girl’s discovery that home is where the heart is.

Charlotte “Charlie” Hess is such a delightful character. While grieving the loss of her beloved grandmother, her father buys a fixer-upper home in a small coastal Florida town, uprooting her from her friends’ group and all that was familiar. The story unfolds from Charlie’s first-person point of view, and her voice is relatable and delivered with wit. I was on board and behind this character from page one and completely engaged with her feelings. The same goes for Charlie’s dad, who is trying to fit in in his new town. I laughed out loud at his Pig Latin! The three spirits are as well-developed, and their tragic backstories are sad and preventable. While they are ghosts and do ghostly things, as a parent, I was more frightened by the idea of an unsupervised 12-year-old with a box of hair dye. (So, not too scary for sensitive young readers.)

The plot moves quickly, with convenient-length chapters creating good logical stopping points for reading aloud or on one’s own. Chapters relating how the curse came to be are interspersed with Charlie’s narrative of the present. Young readers should have no trouble following the shift in perspective or time frame. The descriptions of the house, the town, and the landscape are vivid, and I felt as if I was experiencing the scenes firsthand.

I recommend THE CURSE OF THE DEAD MAN’S DIAMOND to readers of middle-grade fiction who enjoy a paranormal aspect in their stories.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy through TBR and Beyond Book Tours.

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Children's Book Review: Gonzales The Street Cat (The Adventures of Gonzales, #1) by Kitty Mae Grucelska

Gonzales The Street Cat: A Feline Adventure for Travellers, Cat Lovers, and Fans of True Animal Stories by Kitty May Gruchelska
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Gonzales’s first adventure in which he adopts his hoomans!

Gonzales The Street Cat by Kitty Mae Gruchelska, is the first book in a planned series for middle-grade readers, featuring the adventures of a feisty young male feline found living on the streets in Yasmin, named Gonzales by his humans. Gonzales and his fellow street cats spend their days napping in hidden nooks and crannies and their nights searching for enough scraps of food to stay alive. However, when a new couple moves onto their street and leaves food and water dishes outside their front door for the strays, Gonzales begins to consider adopting them as his own family to ensure food and shelter security. The decision is not an easy one for the young cat; he has been disappointed by humans before, and he must consider trading the life he knows for the unknown.

The story unfolds through the eyes of Gonzales, a fun white and orange alley cat, with an attitude you can easily accept coming from a cat. His inner dialogue is priceless, and the banter among the close-knit cat gang of Street 122 is brilliant.

While Gonzales is privy to his humans’ discussion of their plans and his future, much goes over his head, so he’s in for a surprise when they decide to move and take him with them. Of course, that decision leads to moments of pure chaos for Kitty and Jack, and confusion, fear, and discomfort for Gonzales, but eventually results in a happy ending and a lot of entertainment for readers.

I recommend GONZALES THE STREET CAT for middle-grade readers who like stories prominently featuring cats.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy through RABT Book Tours and PR.

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Children's Book Review: Momo Arashima Steals the Sword of the Wind (Momo Arashima, #1) by Misa Sugiura

Momo Arashima Steals the Sword of the Wind by Misa Sugiura
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Non-stop action with magic and mythical beings and creatures will tempt even reluctant readers to fall into the story.

When twelve-year-old Momo Arashima discovers that all the stories of mythical beings and supernatural spirits that her Japanese mother had told her when she was very young were true, she is shocked and dismayed. She had drawn unwanted attention and ridicule at school early on for believing the fantastical tales and had emotionally demanded that her disappointed mother stop telling her those make-believe stories as if they were real. Now she hears that her mother is actually an Earth goddess from the Island of Mysteries and is responsible for keeping the evil spirits and demons from crossing into the world. But the portal between the land of the dead and this one has been breached. Hundreds of demons and worse have made their way onto the island, and the more that enter, the sicker her mother physically becomes. Finding out she is the only one able to stop the monsters, Momo joins a magical talking fox named Niko and her childhood friend, Danny, on a mission to save her mother and the world.

Momo Arashima Steals the Sword of the Wind is the first book in author Misa Sugiura’s new middle-grade fantasy series featuring the twelve-year-old heroine from the title. Hands down, this is one of the top books I’ve read this year, and I feel it is sure to be a hit with middle-grade students, including reluctant readers. As the mother of three boys who all needed coaxing to complete independent reading requirements at that age, I wish this book had been available back then! The story would be a fabulous read-aloud selection.

Momo has had a tough childhood. Not only had she lost her father, but her mother had also been swamped with grief and, eventually, illness. To top off her misery, Momo has been besieged by cool-kid bullies at school because she’s seen as "different." The bullying hurts even more when her childhood friend, Danny, is one of the group. It is extremely important at that age to feel like you belong; most readers will relate to Momo’s experience. Perhaps, even more important, Momo’s plight will strike a chord with young readers that bullying and cruel jokes hurt. Our heroine rises above her mistreatment, but she also stands up for herself.

The story is fantastic, and its fast pace moves things along like a runaway rollercoaster. It captured my attention from the start, and I didn’t want to put the book down until I was finished. With the recent popularity and interest in Asian culture, the story, with its modern take on Japanese mythology, couldn’t come at a better time. The fantastical elements are fresh, unusual, scary, and perfect for igniting young imaginations. The awesome cover art already has me hoping for this to become an animated series.

The trio travels to many magical places while on their quest for the tools to succeed in their ultimate showdown. Real cities, in addition to those of myth and legend, are visited and will please readers familiar with those locations. They may begin to imagine running into some of the magical beings or evil minions, just as Momo, Danny, and Niko did.

With its highly likable and engaging characters, fun dialogue, the inclusion of current pop cultural references, and a story with non-stop action, I recommend MOMO ARASHIMA STEALS THE SWORD OF THE WIND to older elementary or middle-grade readers who enjoy stories with fantasy, magic, and mythical creatures, fans of the Percy Jackson series, and perhaps those who enjoyed the Nickelodeon series, AVATAR: The Last Airbender.


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Children's Book Review: Ellis Johnson Might Be Famous (Cookies & Milk, #2) by Shawn Amos

Ellis Johnson Might Be Famous by Shawn Amos
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

"Middle school is not for the weak," and don't you know it! Delightful follow-up to the author's debut novel, COOKIES & MILK!

Ellis Johnson Might Be Famous, the much-anticipated follow-up to Shawn Amos's debut novel, Cookies & Milk, is finally here and does not disappoint. Ellis Johnson and his friends return, this time in the middle of their first semester of middle school, and they have already noticed a change in the climate from the earlier grades. Everyone had to do some quick growing up, especially Ellis, who is encountering change at home and at Sunset Cookies.

Ellis is such a likable kid, full of self-confidence and plans for the future, constantly daydreaming about how he's going to make things happen. He loves his dad, whom he helped build his cookie store into a success, and dreams and schemes about improving business while maintaining the status quo in his family. The new woman in his dad's life really throws him for a loop. Young readers, especially, will relate to Ellis's feelings toward Sam but will easily pick up on the fact that he doesn't treat her well or handle the situation correctly. All readers can probably relate to Ellis's trepidation about returning to school after the fiasco at the Thanksgiving parade. As the man says, "Middle school is not for the weak." Ellis undergoes a great deal during this short time frame, but grows from the experience in positive ways.

I love the mid-1970s Hollywood setting and enjoyed the musical trip down memory lane with Uncle Wishbone. But we all know he was correct, right?

With its fast-paced, lively plot and its cast of engaging characters, I recommend ELLIS JOHNSON MIGHT BE FAMOUS to middle-grade readers and fans of the previous book.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy through TBR and Beyond Book Tours.

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Children's Book Review: Far Out! by Anne Bustard

Far Out! by Anne Bustard
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A fun and exciting children's chapter book that will entertain older readers, too!

Far Out! is the new children's historical mystery by author Anne Bustard that will also entertain and delight older readers. Just days before their hometown’s First Annual Come On Down Day, held to hopefully encourage the world’s first contact, Mimi Crook, the vice president of the Totter Unidentified Flying Object Organization, becomes the main suspect when a coveted space artifact disappears. However, her granddaughter is sure she’s innocent, no matter how suspicious her grandmother is acting. And with the main character, Magnolia Jean Crook, and her best guy pal, Nick Lawless, on the case of the missing meteorite, everything is sure to work out fine.

The story's setting is in the small town of Totter, Texas, in November 1964. LBJ is President, and America is smack in the middle of the space race. I loved the idea of the town capitalizing on the country's fascination with all things space and alien with not only the festival but the decorations around town, simple and spectacular (the spaced-out dolls on the square were a hoot and probably one of my favorite images of all time!)

MJ and Nick are sure to appeal to readers of all ages, and there are plenty of other named characters to get to know. I enjoyed the small-town vibe of everyone knowing everyone else. I was surprised by Mimi's official arrest even though I understood the reasoning behind it, trying to treat all suspects equally. A quibble, though, the Miranda Warning issued by the arresting deputy in the story was not in use until after 1966 and, frankly, not in wide or consistent practice at the local level well into the 70s.

I enjoyed the mystery the two new young sleuths pursue and how they worked their investigation into their daily activities. MJ's use of questions and comments she's heard used on TV detective shows was fun and made me laugh. The issue of dementia will resonate with many readers. Chapters are compact and of convenient lengths, perfectly sized for young readers.

With its pair of relatable young sleuths, nostalgic mid-60s timeframe, small-town Texas ambiance, and the unique and appealing underlying subject matter of visitors from outer space, I recommend FAR OUT! to readers of all ages but especially upper elementary school-aged readers looking for an exciting yet approachable chapter book.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author through Lone Star Book Blog Tours.

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Children's Book Review: Ghostlight by Kenneth Oppel

Ghostlight by Kenneth Oppel
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A suspenseful and exciting middle-grade novel of ghosts, friendship, and family

SYNOPSIS from Goodreads:

One teen's summer job scaring tourists with ghost stories takes a terrifying turn when he accidentally summons the spirit of a dead girl—and she has demands. . . .

Rebecca Strand was just sixteen when she and her father fell to their deaths from the top of the Gibraltar Point Lighthouse in 1839. Just how they fell—or were they pushed?—remains a mystery. And their ghosts haunt the lighthouse to this day. . . .

Gabe tells this story every day when he gives the ghost tour on Toronto Island. He tries to make it scary enough to satisfy the tourists, but he doesn’t actually believe in ghosts—until he finds himself face to face with Rebecca Strand.

The true story of her death is far more terrifying than any ghost tale Gabe has told. Rebecca reveals that her father was a member of the Order, a secret society devoted to protecting the world from “the wakeful and wicked dead”—malevolent spirits like Viker, the ghost responsible for their deaths. But the Order has disappeared, and Viker’s ghost is growing ever stronger.

Now Gabe and his friends must find a way to stop Viker before they all become lost souls. . . .

Ghostlight is a suspenseful and exciting middle-grade novel about ghosts, friendship, and family. In addition to the fictional tale, the book includes some serious and highly discussable topics such as divorce, the death of a parent, immigrant experiences, and what happens after you die. This is definitely one I would have been glad to share with my boys when they were that age for the excellent story, superior storytelling, and the diverse conversations it most likely would have prompted.

The ghostly aspects of the story are unique. I enjoyed the author’s vision of how ghosts exist, hidden on the edge of regular daily life. The descriptions of the evil Viker were scary, and I could clearly visualize his appearance and the changes he underwent. His consuming the other spirits and the images of the ghosts crossing the water to get to land both gave me the willies. And I worried from the start about Rebecca draining the energy from Gabe; it seemed so realistic.

The setting was fresh (Toronto), and I enjoyed the quest the four friends conducted to find the answer to Rebecca’s terrible problem (trying to avoid spoilers there.) The kids, including Rebecca, were well-drawn, each different from the others, but a well-matched, balanced group with interesting backstories. I liked that Callie was continuously researching for clues, and Yuri was steadfast in his focus on improvising the best way to combat the evil ghosts. These kids were serious about what they were doing yet still displayed their fun, young, and modern side. (Even Rebecca is intrigued and learns to use some modern conveniences.) They were or became friends, and some of their dialogue had me laughing out loud.

"Steaming pile of yak dung! Who says such a thing?”

“Me, from now on!”

With its unique setting, characters, and ghostly afterlife to its suspenseful and exciting plot, I recommend GHOSTLIGHT to middle-grade readers who like stories that involve puzzling out a mystery or a search, ghosts, or a setting during a summer job at an amusement facility or waterside in Toronto.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author or publisher through NetGalley and TBR and Beyond Book Tours.

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Children's Book Review: Instafamous by Erika J. Kendrick

Instafamous by Erika J. Kendrick
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Catch up with the squad at Valentine Middle School!

Instafamous, the new middle-grade book from the talented and clued-in Erika J. Kendrick, returns readers to Santa Monica and Valentine Middle School, the setting of her previous novels. While both Magic (Squad Goals) and Brooklyn (Cookie Monsters) make appearances, this new tale is all about Lyric Whitney Houston Darby.

Lyric is a self-confident 12-year-old who wants to follow in her famous singer-mother’s footsteps, but she wants to do it NOW. When her favorite reality musical competition television show, American Rockstar, announces auditions in her hometown of Santa Monica, Lyric is set on participating and confident she’s a shoo-in to win and finally launch her career: all against her mother’s wishes and advice. To qualify, however, Lyric must show proof she has “industry” experience, and the quickest way to get that is by starring in Valentine Middle School’s upcoming production of The Wiz. Lyric is supported in her aspirations and schemes by her BFFs and acolytes, Twinkle and Georgia, who are both facing their own struggles.

The plot is fun and lively while exploring important life lessons in friendship, family, honesty, mental health care, and handling attention and fame. The interactions and dialogue among the middle-grade girls felt authentic, and I smiled and laugh-cringed in equal measure. The author subtly includes a diverse range of characters so naturally, you’ll think you were actually back in school yourself. The story resolves nicely with the main character re-discovering what’s truly important in life.

I recommend INSTAFAMOUS to readers of middle-grade fiction, especially those who appreciate strong female characters and fans of the author’s previous work.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy through TBR and Beyond Book Tours.

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Book Review - Vibrations: Children of Atlantis by A.R. Alexander

Vibrations : Children of Atlantis by A.R. Alexander
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A unique tale for upper middle-grade readers featuring magic and myths, friendship, and trust.

Vibrations: Children of Atlantis by A.R. Alexander is a unique adventure for older middle-grade to younger young adult readers featuring magical realism and two determined teen protagonists tasked with defending the world against an ancient enemy. Incorporating elements from several mythologies, Nada Gilbride and Kani Kakoa are all that stand between their world and complete destruction.

The author has created a pair of unique main characters in Nada and Kani. Nada is deaf but can see sound waves. She learned to speak by mimicking the pattern of the waves she observes from others. Kani, while able to hear, can see the vibrations of energy and has learned to manipulate them. Urged from a young age to hide their unusual abilities from others, both are naturally full of questions about their gifts. Since the adults in their lives refuse to talk about it, they are desperate for answers, especially when their abilities seem to be attracting creatures only found in myths and legends and even affecting their physical well-being in public. Their confusion and need for clarity are well portrayed, and I was drawn to their situation and anxiety over not knowing what was “wrong” with them.

The story’s suspense builds quickly with the appearance of supernatural creatures and the subsequent attention of a mysterious trio who seem to know more about their situation than they do followed by an involuntary stay with the FBI at a secret research facility. But a simple field trip to a museum where an ancient artifact awakens and causes both Nada and Kani to blackout brings things to the attention of someone close by that can finally deliver the answers the teens crave. Unfortunately, the explanation of what was behind their abilities and reactions was not clearly explained enough for me, and I was left feeling I didn’t really have a better understanding of what was going on or the magic system in play than what I’d gotten from the book’s blurb and the kids’ own suppositions. I enjoyed the growth in the relationship between the two main characters, leading to the trust they would need to complete their trials later, as well as the budding, sweet romance (which kept this story appropriate for younger readers.) However, their pairing as a team during their training and the training itself is glossed over, while much more story is expended on a rivalry with another couple to be the champions who will defend the world from destruction.

The link to Atlantis, which given its prominence by appearing in the title, was only given a superficial explanation, leaving me wondering how all these teenagers with special abilities were connected to it. There were other instances of plot points suddenly popping up without explanation. I enjoyed that some inanimate objects were sentient, so there were some fun moments where a plane was complimented to keep her happy, and a platform was thanked for allowing their back to be used as a training surface, but there wasn’t an explanation of why these objects were aware, and others weren’t. Also, it just pops up that Auntie apparently had a rival from her past who is now the director at the island where the teens are undergoing their training. On the other hand, the various settings were diverse and vividly described, so I always had a clear picture in my mind of where the action was taking place.

I recommend VIBRATIONS: CHILDREN OF ATLANTIS to upper middle-grade readers.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from Reedsy Discovery.

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Book Review: The Queen of Ocean Parkway by Sarvenaz Tash

The Queen of Ocean Parkway by Sarvenaz Tash
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A magical mystery for middle-grade readers!

The Queen of Ocean Parkway is a new, fantastical mystery story for middle-grade readers from the creative mind of author Sarvenaz Tash. Young Roya Alborzi and her precocious new friend and neighbor, Amin Lahiri, travel through time to try and break a curse that makes the women of the Petrov family disappear, never to be seen again.

The main character, Roya Alborzi, is the only daughter of their Brooklyn apartment building’s super, and while only 11 years old, she is carrying an emotional load that adults would have trouble managing. Though her parents are divorced, her father is desperately ill with cancer, and she does all she can to assist her mother in her job to free her up to care for him. Then, one of her favorite tenants, Katya Petrov, suddenly disappears without a trace. She joins forces with Amin, the son of the new family in the building, to find her and break the chain of disappearances that have plagued the Petrov family for the past four generations.

The Brooklyn setting is well-developed, feeling familiar and comfortable. Roya’s descriptions and tales of the other neighbors for her fledgling podcast are entertaining and made me laugh about some of her observations.

The plot thickens as soon as the characters are introduced, and some surprising twists make the story even more suspenseful and intriguing. As time travel is involved, the author must re-describe the Coney Island setting each time Roya and Amin land in the past. The gorgeous cover, rich with jewel tones, attracts the eye and had my imagination working before I even read the first page. I liked how the author populated the apartment building with an array of different configurations of families and enjoyed meeting each one as the mystery of the disappearing Petrovs unfolded.

I recommend THE QUEEN OF OCEAN PARKWAY to upper elementary and middle-grade readers or for reading aloud in the classroom, in afterschool programs, or at home.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy through TBR and Beyond Book Tours.

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The Jules Verne Prophecy by Larry Schwarz and Iva-Marie Palmer

The Jules Verne Prophecy by Larry Schwarz
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An exciting adventure story that will grab the attention and imagination of even reluctant young readers!

Thirteen-year-old American teenager Owen Godfrey is spending his summer in Paris with his physics professor mother while she guest lectures at the Institut Lagrange de Paris. But rather than enjoying lazy days relaxing and seeing the sights, his mother has enrolled him in a special summer course to study the life and works of the father of science fiction, Jules Verne. As it turns out, the course is interesting, and there are a couple of pretty cool kids in the class with him, but only hours before their first big exam over 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, a street punk steals Owen’s backpack with his copy of the book that he needs to take the test.

His classmates, Nas and Rose, take Owen to a used bookstore where they purchase an old leather-bound copy of what appears to be a collection of all Verne’s works and then hurry back to school just in time for the exam. But as soon as Owen opens La Prophétie de Jules Verne, he realizes it’s not a collection at all but something entirely different, and so does his teacher, who confiscates the book and dismisses Owen from the test.

Later that night, Owen returns to school to appeal to be allowed to take the test, and he spies Professor Bessier through his office window as he hides the strange old book and leaves. But before Owen can catch up to him, two goons grab the professor, shove him into a car, and speed away.

The following morning, when the professor fails to show up for class, the three friends fear he’s been kidnapped because of the book. They retrieve the book from its hiding place in the professor’s now-trashed office and attempt to unravel the cryptic clues about a fabulous treasure Verne was rumored to have left behind and find the professor. However, they soon discover they are not alone; someone is following them and watching their every move.

The Jules Verne Prophecy by writing partners Larry Schwarz and Iva-Marie Palmer is an exciting adventure story that will grab the attention and imagination of even reluctant young readers. The pace is brisk, and the action is non-stop as the three main characters – Owen Godrey, Rose Bordage, and Nasim Shirvani – work out the meanings behind the clues and travel around “The City of Lights.” Owen has a crush on Rose, and their initial meeting is laugh-out-loud funny. The three friends learn many things, including first impressions and assumptions are not always accurate.

Their race across Paris ahead of the bad guys is riveting and creative in its execution, and their discoveries live up to the reputation of Jules Verne. A couple of loose ends are left hanging when the story closes, providing a great jumping-off point for a sequel. I’ll be looking forward to more adventures with these characters with anticipation.

I recommend THE JULES VERNE PROPHECY to middle-grade readers and for reading aloud at school, after-school programs, and at home with the entire family.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author or publisher through TBR and Beyond Book Tours.


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The Frights of Fiji (Alyssa McCarthy's Magical Missions, #1) by Sunayna Prasad

The Frights of Fiji by Sunayna Prasad
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A magic-laden plot with a nice touch of mystery and suspense!

After the death of her parents, young Alyssa McCarthy was taken in by her uncle and aunt to grow up beside their only child, Hailey. But when Aunt Laura passed away a few years later, her grieving husband, Bruce, became a strict taskmaster obsessed with the girls' grades. He eventually resorted to homeschooling, believing their traditional classroom education offered too many distractions for the young cousins to achieve his high academic goals for them.

One afternoon, Alyssa began finding odd notes around the house, predicting her life would change forever because of magic! But when she discovered the anonymous messages were from someone with plans to harm Uncle Bruce, she tried to warn him of the threatened danger. However, the notes disappeared before she could share them as proof. When he refused to believe her, strange things started happening around the house, and he blamed the two girls for the mischief. These malicious acts escalated until Uncle Bruce was afflicted with complete memory loss. Alyssa herself was kidnapped by the evil wizard behind the notes and whisked off to the Fiji Islands, where he planned to use her to gain power for his own gain.

The Frights of Fiji is the debut novel by young author Sunayna Prasad and the first in the planned seven-volume, middle-grade fantasy series, Alyssa McCarthy's Magical Missions. With its realistically relatable young heroine, her friends, and family members leading the action, this first book was a fun and imaginative adventure where good triumphs over great odds and the evil behind it.

A major strength of the story lies in the realistic portrayal of the pre-teen characters, with their friendships, rivalries, and squabbles. Alyssa and Hailey relate to each other like siblings, and 'mean girl' Destiny Cox brings conflict into the group of friends. Much of the dialogue feels authentic and true to life. I liked that the author had adults who made regretful decisions but later apologized for their hasty actions.

The plot slowly divulges the main characters' backstories while maintaining the action's pace. The current menace is confronted and dealt with, and the book concludes on a positive note, leaving plenty of room for future adventures.

I recommend THE FRIGHTS OF FIJI to middle-grade readers who enjoy a magic-laden plot with a nice touch of mystery and suspense.

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The House That Whispers by Lin Thompson

The House That Whispers by Lin Thompson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A marvelous story with the uneasy feel of a horror tale, but it turns out to be something very different haunting the Bradleys.

It’s the fall break at school, and Simon and his two sisters, Talia and Rose, are spending the week alone with their grandmother, Nanaleen, at her big old house in the foggy little town of Misty Valley, Kentucky. Mom and Dad are staying home in Louisville to talk and “reset,” whatever that means. Since their father lost his job, money has been tight, stress high, and everything seems wrong.

Eleven-year-old Simon is feeling the pressure, too. For quite some time, he’s known things weren’t right with him either. But with everything else that was going on, he didn’t want to be one more problem. Simon is one of three sisters, and no one knows Simon is the name he’s chosen for himself as the one that fits him best, as do the pronouns he and him. For a while, when anyone uses the name his parents gave him, he internally switches it to Simon; until now, it is immediate and natural. But the continued need to do so has sparked a growing anger deep within that is quickly becoming harder and harder to control.

When the three siblings are dropped off at their grandmother’s, Simon notices that even things there are somehow “off.” Nanaleen is having difficulties physically and mentally, and even the atmosphere in the house has changed, with shadowy figures glimpsed just out of sight and an ever-present sour odor of old unwashed towels.

With Simon’s older sister, Talis, spending less and less time with them and the odd scratching sounds coming from the walls, Simon and Rose investigate, worried that Nanaleen’s house is haunted by the restless spirit of her never-spoken-of sister, Brianna. But as the duo uncovers bits and pieces of Brie’s life, Simon starts to believe Brie is not the only spirit still around. There seems to be another presence in the house, and it is restless.

The House That Whispers is a marvelous story with the uneasy feel of a horror tale, but it turns out to be very different. Dealing with gender identity, family dynamics, how relationships transition over time, and even the realities of aging, the book touches on so many life changes that readers of all ages can relate to something within its pages.

Simon’s inner dialogue bounces around in much the same way as that of those struggling with ADD/ADHD. From the start, I sympathized with him, and that was just during the car ride getting to grandma’s. Readers are also privy to how his gender identity is in conflict, and middle-graders will get a glimpse into how he is affected.

With Talia at 13, Simon at 11, and Rose, a precocious eight-year-old, the three siblings are quite young to carry the weight of their parents’ uncertainty about their future together. But that’s just true to life. The kids know something’s up, but both mother and father keep the truth to themselves, thinking they are preventing them from worrying. Still, the children know deep down, and their minds are working overtime, creating even more dire scenarios for what is going on.

Grandmother Nanaleen is also declining before their very eyes, and it is confusing when the children notice some of the manifestations. The author does a stellar job revealing Nanaleen’s struggles and the children’s reactions and fears.

I recommend THE HOUSE THAT WHISPERS to readers of contemporary middle-grade fiction, coming-of-age, or facts-of-life stories. With its immensely relatable characters and the life changes they are witnessing or experiencing, this wonderful book kept me glued to its pages. It offers something for everyone, even after the reality of what is really haunting the Bradley family comes to light.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author or publisher through TBR and Beyond Book Tours.


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Review Tour & Giveaway: Siba - The Eternal Quest by B. Singh

Siba - The Eternal Quest

by

B. (Baldhir) Singh

Fantasy
Publisher: B. Singh

Hardcover
Publication Date: October 30, 2022
Page count: 298 pages
ISBN-10: 1738670414 / ISBN0-13: 9781738670413

Paperback 
Publication Date: October 17, 2022
Page count: 296 pages
ISBN-10: 1738670406 / ISBN-13: 978-1738670406

eBook
Publication Date: October 18, 2022
Page count: 266 pages
ASIN: B0BJTG2SVV

SCROLL DOWN FOR GIVEAWAY!

SYNOPSIS: 

An epic journey of adventure, heroism, and self-exploration through the eyes of a teenage boy named Siba.

Siba’s life takes an exciting turn when his pet parrot takes him to a magical forest. He explores the mysterious forest-dwellers and the precious ancient wisdoms of the fantasy world when a sudden tragedy jeopardizes life on earth. To save the world, he must embark on a legendary journey to the Pole Star.

Siba encounters many mythical creatures and numerous thrilling challenges that jolt him to his core. They leave burning questions in his mind about the world and his own existence. He must dive into the dark labyrinths of his mind, for the last hope of saving humanity seems to be hidden there.

Can he solve the mysteries of the mystical world and his inner world? Can he complete his journey to the Pole Star and save the world?

A perfect blend of fantasy, mysticism, and spirituality that explores the answer to the eternal question – Who Am I?

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READ AN EXCERPT:

Chapter 1 – The Grass Thief
 

“Watch your left!” shouted the leader of the golden eagles. Before the angel could maneuver to his right, blinding lightning struck across the dark clouds, just missing his left wing. The very next moment, deafening thunder numbed everything. The angel and the accompanying eagles held their nerves and pushed through the expanding wall of clouds. The leader of the eagles anticipated growing dangers and feared they would get lost. He yelled, “I can’t help you if I can’t see where we are going. The storm is escalating into a tornado. We won’t be able to withstand these powerful winds for long. Everyone, move up above the thunderstorm. We’ll resume our journey from there.”

 

The angel and the eagles listened to the leader’s call and flew up above the clouds. Looking down on the thundering clouds, the leader took a deep sigh of relief. He quickly turned his head toward the others to check their condition. “What happened to your wings?” the shocked leader screamed at the angel.

 

The angel looked instinctively on his sides. There were no wings but flapping arms. A sudden gush of panic infused in him as he realized he was just a boy and not an angel. Right away, the horrified boy fell into the dark mushrooming clouds, screaming from the bottom of his gut. His arms and legs kept flailing in despair until he disappeared into the dark swirling storm.

REVIEW:

4 stars!

A whimsical and fantastical tale young readers are sure to enjoy!

Siba – The Eternal Quest by author B. Singh is a fun and fascinating adventure story for middle-grade readers. With both magical elements and an exciting quest in the fantasy plot, young readers will enjoy Siba’s journey, his ability to communicate with animals and The Great Forest, and learn a variety of lessons and nature lore in the process.

I was immediately taken with the story, especially when The Great Forest enabled Siba to communicate with the forest animals. The sights Siba encounters on his journey are fantastic, and I liked that it all started because of his love and compassion for Celine, the hungry sheep at his uncle’s house. Siba is a kind and soft-hearted boy, displayed by his actions throughout the book. Young readers will easily relate to this character and his gentle regard for others.

There is a darker, somber side to the story that, unfortunately, some readers may also be able to relate to. Siba’s uncle is an alcoholic, and the young boy must deal with his drunken and abusive behavior and, later, his death. The boy feels responsible for his drinking and death, but his “found” family of other villagers is there to support and help him overcome this.

With its whimsy, wonder, and lovable main character, I recommend SIBA – THE ETERNAL QUEST to middle-grade and older elementary-level readers.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

 

B. Singh grew up in a small city, Chandigarh, located near the foothills of the mighty Himalayas in northwest India. Since his childhood, he has always had an inquisitive mindset. He doesn’t settle for the pre-existing answers if they don’t make sense to him. Instead, he explores, experiments, and finds the answer himself. He has traveled across India from north to south not only for his education but also to explore different cultures and values. To continue his journey of exploration, he moved from India to Canada. After graduating from the University of Windsor, Canada, he conceived the idea of compiling his learnings in the form of a spiritual fantasy book. This well-crafted and awe-inspiring adventurous journey into a fantasy world is full of chiseled gems of wisdom that will enrich the lives of every human being on earth.

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B. Singh will be awarding a $20 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

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Children's Book Review: Paradise on Fire by Jewell Parker Rhodes

Paradise on Fire by Jewell Parker Rhodes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Exciting and immediately absorbing; I loved it!

Six inner-city teens from the East Coast are flown to California to participate in a summer Wilderness Adventure. The main character, Addy, has never been out of the Bronx and, much like the other city kids, is anxious about the whole trip. Addy is an orphan; her parents died years earlier when she was a little girl, and her grandmother, Bibi, came from Nigeria to take care of her. Addy still has nightmares of losing her mother and father, of the fire, and of needing to know how to escape. Bibi had signed her up for this summer Wilderness Adventure; Addy just wanted to stay home.

Arriving at the Wilderness camp, Addy and the others quickly fall into the routine for the summer program. From the very beginning, Addy realizes that the wilderness, the forest, and the outdoors call to her very soul, and Leo, the camp owner, instinctively sees her as a kindred spirit. Along with Ryder, Leo's dog, the three bond as they begin to systematically explore and map their wild surroundings and record the environmental changes they find - changes to land and animals resulting from never-ending climate change. Leo teaches Addy about maps, topography, and other wilderness skills, and they talk about her returning to continue her studies and work there in the summers to come.

But with the end of summer, the Wilderness Adventure comes to a close, and the teens and their two college-age camp counselors head out for one final challenge, a 3-day hike with overnight tent camping. They've prepared well for this all summer long; however, nothing could prepare them for what they encounter on their first night out.

I loved this book! With interesting young leading characters, all with their own issues and fears, the story evolves, and the tension steadily increases until you find yourself smack in the middle of some honest-to-goodness pulse-pounding action. I almost thought I was breathing the fresh air and, later, choking on ash and embers. The characters were so very engaging that I was much affected as things unfolded. The story easily and totally absorbed me from start to finish.

In addition to the exciting story, the very serious themes of climate change, ecological degradation, and the need for environmental protection come through the action. These concepts with consequences are presented simply and straightforwardly so the youngest readers will understand, and older ones will not feel it's too preachy.

PARADISE ON FIRE is an unforgettable adventure story that is perfect for middle grades, high school, and readers who enjoyed Gary Paulsen's Hatchet.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy through TBR and Beyond Book Tours.

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