Ellis has lived at the Clearwood Home for Orphans for as long as she can remember, but it is only for the past year that she has had a friend. One nig
Ellis has lived at the Clearwood Home for Orphans for as long as she can remember, but it is only for the past year that she has had a friend. One night, though, Lora disappears and no one will tell Ellis where she has gone. Big changes happen. Ellis is sent away to the town to school with a younger student, Pip, who has never spoken. Ellis is to keep Pip out of trouble., but mysterious forces are at work. When Ellis, Pip, and Jasper, a friend from school, are kidnapped under the guise of sending them to camp, they try to escape, but are brought to a desert work camp. They appear to be mining a blue stone that will be presented to a mysterious benefactor, of whom children and guards are alike afraid. When Mother Dear arrives, a strong voice inside Ellis tells them to run, to escape. After many adventures, they arrive at the forests of the night, a last stand of forest from before the Blight. Can Ellis help save the forest from Mother Dear's destruction? I found the premise of this book interesting and some of the action scenes compelling. but couldn't quite get a firm grasp on the margins and substance of the world in which Ellis lived. ...more
Karina has been digging in the Snow for a long time, trying to work herself back into the good graces of her father, the king, and her subjects, to unKarina has been digging in the Snow for a long time, trying to work herself back into the good graces of her father, the king, and her subjects, to undo the terrible act that caused the Snow. At the same time, Ela arrives through the mists that protect the kingdom. Karina immediately realizes that Ela doesn't know her relationship to the kingdom, and that Ela is the key to her forgiveness. Ela, upon her arrival, realizes that Karina is the subject of her mother's book, one that her mother has refused to read to her for a long time. As mystery upon mystery unfold in this fairy-tale like story, Karina learns that her history is not necessarily what she thought it to be and that her future can be changed by her choices. Will Karina choose to rule a barren, empty land, or will she break free of her past and become someone else, not bound by the wishes of her father, the king? Trehan does a wonderful job gradually unfolding and revealing information to satisfy the curiosity of the reader and helps the reader understand that one's fate is not written in a book until the subject of the book takes action, that fate is not predetermined, but can be changed by one's decisions and acts....more
Twelve-year-old Manya is totally embarrassed by her parents. Their joke and prank shop used to be fun, but her parents are too extreme, even teaching Twelve-year-old Manya is totally embarrassed by her parents. Their joke and prank shop used to be fun, but her parents are too extreme, even teaching their parrot how to make farting noises and driving around in an all-too-noticeable car. Most kids Manya's age are embarrassed by their parents, but when police come to the store to investigate an exploding cigar that explodes too much, and then a death at Manya's school from an exploding whoopee cushion, Manya becomes unsure of who her parents really are. With help from her best friend Isaac, Manya races to discover information that will prove her parents aren't sinister pranksters out to murder anyone. In their investigations, Manya and Isaac uncover a plot devised by someone who seeks to murder former scientists who took part in a discredited cancer study years before, a study that Manya's parents were part of. Are Manya's parents the people she thinks they are? Manya and Isaac's detective work using intriguing facts from science, as well as the dangers and pitfalls of conspiracy theories, make for an absorbing and hilarious read....more
Marcella used to crush school and friendships, but now sixth grade, with its changing rooms and schedules, increased homework, and changing friendshipMarcella used to crush school and friendships, but now sixth grade, with its changing rooms and schedules, increased homework, and changing friendships seems like too much to manage, especially when absolutely everything is changing, even her dads' decision to move to a new apartment. As Marcella struggles to understand what is going on with her, competing voices in her head tell her she is a great friend, a bad friend, a good student, a bad student, and more. She is missing assignments and forgetting to study for tests. Marcella's problems come to a head after the move and she isn't ready for a personal essay assignment. Fortunately, she is able to talk with her dads, who take her to get help. Although Marcella's problems don't magically vanish, she is able to be more organized and manage her ADHD brain, to diminish her anxiety and begin to feel better about where she is heading in life. Marcella's story is told with authenticity and compassion and reminds us that we never really completely understand another person's struggles until we ask and they let us in. ...more
Twelve-year-old Zeyna, daughter of Pakistani immigrants to London in 1970, always feels a bit out of place even though she was born there. Maybe that'Twelve-year-old Zeyna, daughter of Pakistani immigrants to London in 1970, always feels a bit out of place even though she was born there. Maybe that's why she overcompensates by detecting. One day while shopping with her mother, Zeyna spots a man with a knife following them. She can't convince her mother of the danger, even when someone breaks into their shed that night and leaves clues that point to an international gang of thieves. Soon after, the family is on their way to Pakistan to attend a family wedding they had not planned to attend. Zeyna's parents appear to have landed right in the middle of the theft of a famous Iranian ruby and flee, leaving Zeyna, her younger brother Mahir, and their cousin Amina to follow clues along the Hippie Trail to Turkey in order to foil the thieves and clear their parents, and causing Zeyna to yearn for the boring old days in London. Along the way, Zeyna gains confidence in her identity as a Pakistani, a Londoner, and, of course, as a detective. The 70s setting is perfect for this story with its emphasis on phone calls, faxes, letter writing, tape recorders and Polaroid cameras. The story has the feel of an old school spy novel and the fast pace of a thriller, but with smart, yet flawed, kids who can accomplish amazing things. The intricacies of the larger-than-life plot and the pacing reminded me a bit of Alistair MacLean. I thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish....more
Fiona has lived with her aunt ever since her parents died. Her Aunt Tanis is very busy and doesn't seem too interested in listening to Fiona, so when Fiona has lived with her aunt ever since her parents died. Her Aunt Tanis is very busy and doesn't seem too interested in listening to Fiona, so when Fiona is signed up for dance class in the first part of the summer, she decides to cancel the class. Since she has to be somewhere, though, Fiona decides to find a place to be--it turns out there is a decrepit house near the waterfront that is a city of cats. Fiona becomes an activist to save the historic building from demolition and to save the cats. This book is filled with interesting characters, both human and feline and the conflicts come to a natural and satisfying resolution. ...more
Fifteen-year-old Dylan has felt increasingly isolated from his grandfather, Pops, after his mother had a severe mental health crisis and left. The onlFifteen-year-old Dylan has felt increasingly isolated from his grandfather, Pops, after his mother had a severe mental health crisis and left. The only times they seem to get along now are while they are working on cars. Pops has extreme views on history, immigration, and how to be manly, and Dylan doesn't fit Pops' mold. Dylan, in fact, loves poetry. As a result, Dylan is also isolated and bullied at school, but that in part is due to other kids not approaching him because of his mother's very public behaviors. Besides poetry, Dylan's solace is birds. Over the course of working through his feelings, Dylan spots an injured red-tailed hawk, which leads him to a bird rescue and kindred spirits. On his return home, Dylan is confronted by the most vocal of his bullies at school, but to his shock, Pops stands up for him. Perhaps Pops and Dylan can find some common ground after all. Although the title focuses on car mechanics, an area that makes sense to Dylan, much more of his thoughts are occupied by birds....more
After her mother's death, Adara's father moves them all the way from California to Michigan to live with his mother. He says it is for Adara's good, bAfter her mother's death, Adara's father moves them all the way from California to Michigan to live with his mother. He says it is for Adara's good, but she doesn't see it that way, especially when her father refuses to talk about anything important. Adara feels isolated and prickly, even with the potential of a new friend. When Adara's father buys her a succulent, in the fashion of her mother's succulent earrings, Adara discovers that she has the same ability of her mother's, to talk to plants who reveal their souls and talk back to her. Unfortunately, her new succulent, Perle, is stuck in the wrong place for her proper growth, and Perle is reluctant to cause more difficulty for her sad friend Adara. Adara, her father, Perle, and her new friend must all learn to communicate honestly so each can live the way they should. It was clever to have spiny tentacles growing out of Adara to show the extent of her emotion....more
Sam has been in foster care since his parents died in a car crash. He has been in a lot of foster homes, actually, partly due to his quick temper and Sam has been in foster care since his parents died in a car crash. He has been in a lot of foster homes, actually, partly due to his quick temper and tendency toward action. However, just a couple of months after starting at yet another new school, his argument with his foster parents about not eating the last two slices of bacon leads him to escalate after a store clerk tries to cheat him out of ten dollars in change. When he exits the store, he accidentally jostles a football player, who makes an issue, and somehow, just like that, Sam is remanded to juvenile detention. While there, he makes enemies (expected), but also friends (unexpected). Can Sam learn from his experience and find a way out and through to a better life? I enjoyed reading a book about someone in foster care and detention who had adults determined to do their best for him. I felt the story was both realistic and hopeful. ...more
One might imagine that being a ghost would be easier than being a human, but for Graciela, who died at just 12 years old, it isn't. She feels just theOne might imagine that being a ghost would be easier than being a human, but for Graciela, who died at just 12 years old, it isn't. She feels just the same feelings as when she was alive, and has the same anxieties to work through, too. For now, she has chosen her work--she uses her teeth, which are turning to pearl, to polish sea glass for decoration. Enter Jorge, the son of a blacksmith, who finds an enchanted harpoon made by an ancestor--a cursed harpoon that can be used to kill sea ghosts and remove their pearl teeth for profit. Graciela and Jorge must cooperate, despite their distrust of each other, to destroy the harpoon before untold harm can come to the sea ghosts and the underwater realm as a whole. This story is a fantastic journey of personal growth and trust, of acceptance and letting go of the past. I thoroughly enjoyed both the text and the wonderful illustrations. ...more
Ming is one of the few Asian kids in school and he hopes to persuade his parents, just this once, to take him shopping for new, not thrift-store, clotMing is one of the few Asian kids in school and he hopes to persuade his parents, just this once, to take him shopping for new, not thrift-store, clothes so he can have a great beginning to middle school. His parents, however, are quite set in their ways. Even so, he is able to make a couple of friends who are misfits just like him. When one of his friends gives him a new haircut, the other friend fixes it. That haircut seems to be the catalyst for a series of changes in Ming that his friends don't like, changes that get both Ming and his friends into trouble, the one thing his parents always tell him not to do. In the end, Ming must decide whether being cool or having friends is more important. I really enjoyed Ming's struggles to fit in and to be content with what he has. My only complaint is that I feel the book ended a bit abruptly....more
Middle school student Carter is stuck at home for at least 6 weeks with two broken legs and nothing to do except Zoom school, which is completely boriMiddle school student Carter is stuck at home for at least 6 weeks with two broken legs and nothing to do except Zoom school, which is completely boring. He is in this predicament due to his fascination with online videos, which caused him to neglect to pay attention while on a skiiing trip. At least his 8-year-old brother Martin is a willing slave, having caused the accident that broke his legs. Desperate for something to do, he discovers and begins using the town's citizen-accessible surveillance cameras. When he discovers his crush hanging out with his nemesis, the ground the cameras cover seems inadequate, so he begins hacking into other, private cameras around town. This downward-spiral into snooping causes him to both help and harm and gets him in big trouble with the police for crying wolf. When Carter uncovers a more sinister scheme, no one will listen, so what can he do? This modern twist on Rear Window is interesting at times, but I was left in some spots like Carter himself, somewhat at a loss for something to do....more
Ella goes to bed in the cellar, looking up through the chimney, but wakes up in a bed. This is only the beginning of the bizarre turn of events for ElElla goes to bed in the cellar, looking up through the chimney, but wakes up in a bed. This is only the beginning of the bizarre turn of events for Ella, who suddenly finds herself in someone else's life. Belle at least had a clue about what happened to her, because she made it happen through magic. As the two tales of Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast combine with a single kingdom at their heart, Ella and Belle learn a great deal about the consequences of curses and forgiveness, of wishes and magic, and of how they intersect with ramifications for far more people and creatures than seems possible. This was a fun story to read, and I look forward to reading more books in the series. ...more
Emma Rockford has a plan to make middle school amazing: she is going to be chosen seventh grade senator and change her school. Luckily, she has two goEmma Rockford has a plan to make middle school amazing: she is going to be chosen seventh grade senator and change her school. Luckily, she has two good friends who will help her make it happen. All they have to do is find the special tree in the forest with the hole that links the human and fairy worlds, make her wishes, and thrown them down the hole. Simple, right? When Emma sees her friends' wishes coming true in August, she thinks her own are not far behind--however, it seems that the new boy, Jackson, who tried to interfere with Emma's wishes, is actually the one receiving them--a complete mix-up! Emma and Jackson team up to try to transfer Jackson's luck to Emma because if Emma's fourth wish comes true, it will destroy Jackson's family. Meanwhile, the question is, who is the fourth person getting their wishes? This book was a very fun read and an interesting exploration of what happens when someone's wishes actually do come true....more
Twelve-year-old Nina always followed her older sister, Lily, who always wanted Nina to get her own life. Lily's wish came true when Lily was killed whTwelve-year-old Nina always followed her older sister, Lily, who always wanted Nina to get her own life. Lily's wish came true when Lily was killed while riding her bike. After, Nina's family and friends really got tired of her constant tears and distanced themselves. When Nina found Lily's lists, and particular the one for her 13th year titled (13 Things to Do Before I Turn 13", Nina decided to follow in Lily's footsteps one last time and complete Lily's list. Her pursuit of the list takes her to Paris (where her family has visited often before Lily's death, but not since) for the summer, to stay with her aunt and attend a summer art experience. Along the way, and with the help of a few glittery visions of the past, Nina finally comes in to her own with her own dreams and ideas, her own art, her own self....more
Oliver and his mom have sofa surfaced for quite a while, ever since Oliver's father died. Now, however, they have been bequeathed the apartment belongOliver and his mom have sofa surfaced for quite a while, ever since Oliver's father died. Now, however, they have been bequeathed the apartment belonging to his mother's aunt. When they have cleaned out the plentiful insect collection and moved in, Oliver starts his new school, tech-heavy and trying to prepare every child to be a powerhouse entrepreneur. Oliver doesn't feel at all at home, but his mother gets a break on tuition because she has a new job as custodial staff. Oliver, whose only dream is to open a restaurant like his father wanted, feels increasingly out of place, except for one new friend, Collette, who is a grade below him. Also, he discovers that someone, somewhere, grants wishes if he places them in the inner wall mail slot in the apartment. Between the increasingly complex instructions for having his wish come true, the nosy neighbor who works for social services and seems faintly sinister, and his friendship with Collette, Oliver is kept busy. However, Oliver soon learns that his wishes come at a cost. The only question is, will Oliver care about that cost to others? I loved this book from start to finish and was increasingly drawn in by the many plot twists and the very satisfying ending....more
This second volume about the three thieves is set almost entirely in one building. A setting such as this takes a great deal of skill for an author anThis second volume about the three thieves is set almost entirely in one building. A setting such as this takes a great deal of skill for an author and illustrator to keep the story fresh and interesting, but Chantler manages both with ease. Dessa moves forward slightly in her goal of finding her brother, while other back story emerges. I look forward to continuing my reading of the adventures of the three thieves. ...more
Valentina has had only one goal in life: continue to be the best fencer at her gym and to go to the Olympics. To this end, and with her parents' commeValentina has had only one goal in life: continue to be the best fencer at her gym and to go to the Olympics. To this end, and with her parents' comments "It's all or nothing, Vale," she has dedicated herself to winning. When an accident happens and bones in her leg shatter, she sustains herself through long months of recovery with the idea of getting back control of her body, of being the best once again. Now, though, her body betrays her and her parents fight about her fencing with her mother telling her to take it easy. Her physical therapist gives her news that she doesn't want to hear, but Vale ignores her, because, if she isn't a fencer, Vale doesn't know who she is. How do you become someone else when your single goal is snatched away? How do you watch other, lesser, athletes, take their physicality for granted. Mixed in with dealing with Vale's discovery journey about fencing are the questions of what to do with a crush, how to form and keep a friendship, and how to learn what you like to do outside of your previously single-minded focus. Much of this novel-in-verse takes place in Vale's mind, and readers are drawn in by her hopes, her fears, and her courage to change....more
Finn has been slipping into trouble since his dad's death two years previous. When he and his mom moved from New York City during the pandemic, he figFinn has been slipping into trouble since his dad's death two years previous. When he and his mom moved from New York City during the pandemic, he figured it would only be for a couple of weeks, but they are still in the small town. He didn't really bother to make friends, and he hasn't worked through his feelings about his father's death. His dad became a hero during 9-11, saving a woman from one of the Towers. He kept being a hero during the pandemic, but it seemed as though he had no time for Finn or Finn's mom. When Finn is caught in an act of vandalism, he is offered the chance for reparations, and that is how he finds himself summitting in one summer all of the Adirondack 46. Along the way, Finn begins to process his grief and manages also to pass seventh grade PE with make up work, and even to complete his seventh grade poetry project about heroes. Messner captured the complexity of grief through her novel in verse and also managed to inspire an interest in the mountains and in making cookies at the same time. ...more
Maudie, her brother Scratch, and their friend Kit have been ghosts for just about a year now. Scratch has huge gaps in his memory--he doesn't rememberMaudie, her brother Scratch, and their friend Kit have been ghosts for just about a year now. Scratch has huge gaps in his memory--he doesn't remember how they became ghosts, but Maudie does. She doesn't like thinking about it, so she invents ghost stories to distract herself, her brother, and their friend. Soon, though, her monster creation, Longfingers, proves to be very real and very dangerous. When Longfingers kidnaps Scratch and Kit, Maudie figures out how to engage the help of a human beyond the veil in order to rescue them and banish Longfingers. Readers discover gradually that very little is as it seems, and that life for ghosts can be more complicated than anyone can imagine. The many layers to Maudie's story and some terrific plot twists, with a suitable helping of creepiness kept me reading right till the end....more