Reading Level: Elementary

The 13th Floor: A Ghost Story

When Buddy Stebbins stumbles onto the thirteenth floor of a shabby old building, he finds himself suddenly transported aboard a leaking pirate ship in a howling storm—three hundred years in the past! Cast adrift with Captain John Crackstone, Buddy washes up in New England, where his plucky ancestor, Abigail, is caught up in the witchcraft mania. In an adventure filled with ghosts, witches, pirates, and razzle-dazzle treasure, Buddy might be able to save his wayward ancestors. But will he find his way back to the thirteenth floor—and home? 

The 13th Floor’s conflict is introduced when Buddy learns that his sister may have to sell the family home. Buddy looks to his dead ancestors for help. For if he can find Captain John Crackstone’s treasure, their home will be saved! But Buddy never expected that he’d go back in time and become part of Captain Crackstone’s crew. Soon, Buddy is climbing the ship’s rigging in a storm and rescuing his sister from death by creating a pirate’s ghost out of a codfish and a Walkman.  

The 13th Floor doesn’t waste words, which creates a fast-paced story that not only includes pirate fights but also fascinating facts about the Salem witch trials. With the help of his sister, Buddy defends Abigail—one of Buddy’s ancestors—against accusations of being a witch. Readers will instantly like Buddy, who is humorous and shows his bravery time after time. And the court scenes are just as interesting as the pirate fights as they shed light on life in the 1690s.  

Along the way, readers are introduced to Buddy’s relatives, Captain Crackstone and Abigail, who are both interesting characters. Captain Crackstone’s cheerful and unflappable nature makes him extremely likable. The captain quickly takes Buddy under his wing and introduces him to pirate life. Once on land, Buddy also meets Abigail, who tries to run away before she can stand trial for witchcraft. Readers will understand Abigail’s desire to hide and admire her trust in Liz and Buddy’s promise to defend her in court. Captain Crackstone and Abigail give two unique views that blend together to make a truly captivating story. 

The 13th Floor is a fast-paced adventure that will captivate readers. By using a thirteen-year-old as a narrator, readers get a unique perspective of the past. In addition, Buddy’s willingness to jump into danger to help his relatives is admirable. Even though The 13th Floor is “a ghost story,” there are no actual ghosts; however, humor is added when Buddy is mistaken as a ghost.  

Anyone who likes a good pirate story will enjoy the blend of humor, action, and adventure found in The 13th Floor. And if The 13th Floor sparks your interest in the Salem Witch Trials, you can learn more about the historical event by reading What Were the Salem Witch Trials? by Joan Holub. 

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • The crew of the Bloody Hand board Captain Crackstone’s ship. Captain Crackstone “came bursting out of the chart house. He was flashing a cutlass in one hand and a knife in the other. He leaped down the stairs and into the invaders. . . [Buddy] could see sparks fly as the blades met and clashed. . . He kept charging one and all, yelling insults as he went.”  
  • As the fight continues, the pirates “kept backing [Captain Crackstone] higher and higher toward the crow’s nest. . .” Captain Crackstone negotiates with the Captain of the Bloody Hand and Captain Crackstone’s men are spared. Captain Crackstone and Buddy are put adrift in a small dinghy.  
  • Buddy and his sister Liz travel to the past just before the Salem Witch Trials began. Liz explains, “The judges were hanging harmless Pilgrims as witches—mostly frail old grandmothers. . . In a week the judges are going to hang their first witch from an oak tree—an innocent old lady named Bridget Bishop.”  
  • Captain Crackstone and his wife, Mrs. Stebbins, are arrested for kissing on a Sunday. As punishment, “The captain and Mrs. Stebbins were outside in plain sight. It was as if their heads and hands had been thrust through an unpainted signboard. They had been clamped in stocks!” 
  • When Abigail is on trial for witchcraft, the judge tells the jury to “decide whether or not this child has by wicked and detestable acts shown familiarity with the devil. Should she be hanged and buried with a stake driven through her heart?” 
  • An unnamed pirate was caught by a Navy ship. “They caught a pirate off New York and hanged him from the mainmast.”  
  • When Liz is accused of witchcraft, the justice plans to make her do the water test. Liz says, “They’re going to tie me up and throw me in the bay. If I drown, it’ll prove I’m innocent. If I float, it will prove I’m a witch.” If she doesn’t drown, they will then hang her. Liz escapes before the test.  
  • Buddy and Liz are trying to find the portal home. They go into the bowels of a ship. A sailor sees them and “drew his knife.” To scare the sailor away, Buddy “jammed the flashlight all the way into my mouth and bared my teeth as if it were Halloween.” The sailor “went clattering up the ladder.”  

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • While in court, a drunk man is sentenced to wear the letter D.  
  • A man claims Abigail turned him into a cat. However, Abigail said when she saw the man, he was “ale drunk as usual.” 

Language  

  • Buddy wants to know if his ancestor was a “nutcake” or “balmy.” 
  • There is some name-calling. For example, Buddy sees himself in the mirror and shouts, “Stebbins, you look like a nitwit! You’re balmy! You’re a nutcake! Your porch light has gone dim.”  
  • Captain Crackstone calls other people names often. For example, Crackstone calls another ship captain “pirate scum” and “that seagoing oaf.”  
  • During a battle at sea, men board Captain Crackstone’s ship. He calls the men, “snorting cockroaches, potbellied muckworms, and puny sea maggots.” 
  • When Liz travels to the past, she meets Abigail, who is being accused of witchcraft. Liz says, “I hope she doesn’t sound off in court and call her neighbors nitwits and jackasses.”  
  • Heck is used once. 

Supernatural 

  • One of Buddy’s ancestors held seances where “he’d lift a ship’s old copper speaking trumpet to his lips and command the dead to talk. He claimed that sometimes they answered back—once through the spout of a brass teakettle in the kitchen.” 
  • A relative who lived 300 years ago calls and leaves a message on Buddy’s family’s answering machine. 
  • Buddy goes into a building and takes the elevator to the thirteenth floor. “I had found the thirteenth floor, and it was a ship at sea.” 
  • When Buddy suddenly appears on a pirate ship, one of the sailors thinks Buddy is a ghost because his shoes glow. The sailor says, “Save me, wretched soul! It’s a ghost crawling up from the bilge! An unholy spirit!” 
  • Liz goes to the thirteenth floor and finds herself in a barn “full of wool and cider barrels.”  
  • According to witnesses, Abigail has performed witchcraft, including spoiling a pail of milk and changing a man into a cat. 
  • Liz is arrested for telling the future. 

Spiritual Content  

  • A Captain of a ship believes Buddy is a ghost and says, “God preserve us all in our right wits.” 
  • When Captain Crackstone makes it home, he sees his wife and says, “God bless my eyesight!” Then he “leaped up the wharf stairs. They fell into each other’s arms, and he kissed her loud.”  
  • Abigail is accused of being an “imp o’ the devil.” 
  • One of Abigail’s neighbors says she saw Abigail with “the devil’s own book. . . Old Beelzebub’s secret book with names of his witches and wizards writ down in his own hand.”  
  • Liz talks about a news story. “Some clods out on the desert burned a pile of green library books. . . They believe it’s the devil’s favorite color.”  

The Pug Who Wanted to Be a Pumpkin

Peggy the Pug’s family are getting ready for Halloween, but Peggy’s human friend Chloe is too scared of monsters to look forward to trick-or-treating. Peggy can’t let her best friend miss out on all the Halloween fun. Peggy will have to conquer her own fears and go trick-or-treating with Chloe to keep her safe. But first, she needs the perfect costume . . .  

The Pug Who Wanted to Be a Pumpkin explores the topic of fear by describing different reasons people and dogs are afraid. Most of the characters overcome a fear—Chloe fears public speaking, Finn fears spiders, Ruby fears heights, and a dog fears that no one will want to play with him. The most prominent fear is Chloe’s fear of public speaking. When Chloe is afraid to speak in public, her dad gives her advice. He tells her that when he has to give a presentation, he pretends “everyone in the audience is in their underwear.” Even though the advice is unconventional, it helps Chloe overcome her fear. Seeing the humans overcome their fears gives Peggy the courage to overcome her own fear of the “spookiest night of the year.” 

Young readers will enjoy the story because of the relatable characters—both human and pug—as well as the familiar conflict. The simple plot is easy to follow and the large text is broken up with black-and-white illustrations that appear every two to three pages. The author is British, and some readers may have a difficult time understanding the British terms. However, many readers will be able to use context clues to figure out the British words. For example, instead of using a leash, the author uses lead. Even though the book is part of a series, the books do not need to be read in any particular order.  

The Pug Who Wanted to Be a Pumpkin will appeal to many readers because of the adorable pug who appears on the cover of the book. However, the story isn’t just cute—it also has several positive aspects. Peggy’s traditional family is portrayed positively even though they have typical sibling conflicts. Peggy’s and the kids’ conflicts reflect each other, which makes the story’s lesson clear: it’s important to overcome your fears.  

If you’d like to read another book that shows someone overcoming fear, check out Princess Posey and the Next-Door Dog by Stephanie Greene and The Witch Who Was Afraid of Witches by Alice Low. However, if you’re ready to brew up a little Halloween fun, fly to the library to check out a copy of Sleepy Hollow Sleepover by Ron Roy and Eva Sees a Ghost by Rebecca Elliot. 

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • Chloe writes a story about a dog who “fell into a lake when its owner wasn’t paying attention and got gobbled up by a hideous swamp monster. Then it came back as a vicious ghost dog to haunt the old house where it had lived.” 
  • Zach, a friend of the kids, dresses up as a ghost. Peggy thinks he is really a ghost and “she growled and sank her teeth into its billowing white form.” The sheet falls off and Zach is uninjured. 
  • Tiger, a grumpy cat, tries to scare Peggy. Tiger points out a frog and says, “it used to be a cute little cocker spaniel named Maisy. She crossed paths with a witch on Halloween night, and her tail ended up in a cauldron. The witch didn’t need her after that so—abracadabra, hey presto—the witch turned Maisy into a toad.”

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None

Language  

  • When Chloe has a sleepover, her brother says, “I don’t want to hang out with you and your stupid friends, anyway.” 
  • When Chloe is afraid of a ghost, her brother says, “Don’t be stupid. There’s no such thing as ghosts.” 
  • Chloe’s brother teases her, saying, “your face will scare people just as it is.” 
  • When Chloe presents her ghost story, it scares a boy, who runs out of the room crying. Chloe’s sister says the boy is a “baby.” 
  • Tiger, a grumpy cat, calls Peggy “Pig Tail.”

Supernatural 

  • A girl and her dog dress up as demon cheerleaders. 

Spiritual Content  

  • None 

Curiosity Killed the Cat

Hannah isn’t thrilled to be moving in with her dad and his new family, who live right next to a spooky cemetery. Luckily, Hannah doesn’t believe all the “ghost cat” stories she’s heard about the graveyard. But it turns out that the cemetery is the least of Hannah’s troubles. Her stepsister, Madison, is the meanest girl in Hannah’s grade. Her cat, Icky, has been missing since the move. And worst of all, Hannah can’t sleep at night because something keeps scratching at her door! Hannah’s starting to wonder – could those scary stories be true after all? 

Curiosity Killed the Cat mixes typical junior high conflicts with a spooky ghost story. Hannah has to deal with a lot of changes — her mom moving to another city, moving in with her mean stepsister, her first crush, and her best friend being too busy to spend time with her. When strange things begin happening to Hannah, she doesn’t feel like she can confide in anyone. At first, Hannah allows fear to control her decision-making. But when Hannah is forced to deal with problems alone, she learns to rely on herself and step out of her comfort zone. It is only by facing her fears that Hannah is able to help herself, as well as the legendary ghost cat.  

Readers who want a spooky Halloween story that won’t leave them with nightmares will find Curiosity Killed the Cat suspenseful but not scary. Because of the story’s brevity, neither the supporting characters nor the plot are well developed. Despite this, the fast-paced story has plenty of suspense that will keep readers flipping the pages. The simple plot line is easy to follow, and readers will learn several important life lessons including not overscheduling yourself, the importance of practice, and not making rash decisions.  

Readers looking for another non-scary ghost story should read The Trail of the Ghost Bunny by Linda Joy Singleton. However, if you’re interested in learning about real-life ghosts and ghouls, you should read Ghostology: A True Revelation of Spirits, Ghouls, and Hauntings by Lucinda Curtle & Dugald A. Steer.  

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • When Hannah was in elementary school, Parker “had been known to chase the girls during recess, trying to kiss whichever ones he could outrun. When he’d come after her, Hannah had been so afraid she had panicked and accidentally punched him in the stomach.” 
  • There is a legend about a ghost cat. People say the cat lured a little girl to her death. “People around here have seen the shadow of a black cat in the cemetery. Anyone who follows the shadow is led to their death. . .” An eight-year-old boy followed the cat “and got lost in the woods for three days. When they found him, he was so dehydrated he almost died.”  
  • Molly, a ghost, reveals details about her death. She took a rowboat out on the lake even though she was forbidden to do so. A storm rolled in and “the boat began to rock back and forth violently. The entire time, I could see Shadow pacing on the riverbank. . . Then a huge wave washed over the boat, and it tipped over.” She drowned and died.   

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None 

Language  

  • On the school bus, Hannah overhears her stepsister and another girl talking about her. They call her a loser and a dork.  
  • OMG and heck are each used once. 

Supernatural 

  • At night, Hannah hears strange scratching noises. Other weird occurrences happen as well. For example, even though the ceiling fan does not work, it turns on full blast and blows Hannah’s schoolwork around. 
  • Hannah wakes up in the middle of the night because she hears the sound of water. She finds out that the water in her bathroom is running, but the door is locked from the inside. When Hannah’s dad appears, the bathroom door is no longer locked, but the water is still running.  
  • Hannah’s dad falls off a ladder when he feels “as if a cat had brushed against my ankles. . . There was something soft and furry and –I don’t know. But there was nothing there — it must have been my imagination.” Afterward, Hannah sees “a trail of paw prints — cat paw prints—leading away from the puddle of paint. The prints didn’t seem to go anywhere — they just got fainter and fainter. . .”  
  • Hannah’s friend researches ways to keep ghosts away. He makes a list that reads, “1. Put salt in your pocket. . . 2. Mint keeps bad spirits away. . . 3. Burning a bunch of pine needles and sage is supposed to clear our home of ghosts and bad luck. . . 4. Charms. I don’t think these are the lucky cereal kind—I think they’re more like poems.” 
  • Hannah puts salt in her pocket and mint tea bags on her windowsill to keep the cat away.   
  • On Halloween night, Hannah and her stepsister Madison follow the ghost cat into the cemetery. Once there, Hannah opens the door of a crypt and the cat disappears inside. “Both girls watched in horror as a shimmery, white ghost stepped out of the tomb” and said, “Do not be afraid. . . I do not mean to harm you. I want to thank you so much for opening my tomb. You let my Shadow [the ghost cat] back inside, and I am forever grateful to you.”  
  • The ghost turns out to be a girl named Molly. Molly says that she has been “living in this tomb for a very long time, trapped between this world and the next. I have been unable to move on without my dear cat.” 

Spiritual Content  

  • None 

Mine

Lily Horne is a drama queen. It’s helped her rise to stardom in the school play, but it’s also landed her in trouble. Her parents warn her that Florida has to be different. It’s a fresh start. No theatrics. But this time, the drama is coming for her.

Lily’s new house is a nightmare. The pool is full of slime, the dock is rotten, and the swamp creeps closer every day. But worst of all, the house isn’t empty . . . it’s packed full of trash, memories, and—Lily begins to fear—the ghost of the girl who lived there before her. And whatever is waiting in the shadows wants to come out to play. 

Readers will instantly sympathize with Lily, who is forced to move to a creepy house full of trash. To make the house livable, Lily and her mother spend day after day throwing out the previous occupant’s belongings. Unbeknownst to her, Lily upsets the ghost of Britney, who is determined to scare Lily out of the house. Soon, strange things begin happening and Lily has difficulties distinguishing between what is real and what is a dream. Even if readers cannot relate to Lily’s ghostly experiences, they will empathize with her struggles. She’s friendless and without Wi-Fi. Her parents think she’s overly dramatic. And she’s trying to atone for a past mistake. In the end, Lily’s bravery and determination to fix her mistake make her an admirable character. 

Full of suspense, surprises, and supernatural events, Mine is not for the faint of heart. Lily’s fear is palpable and the danger becomes too real when Britney tries to harm Lily. When Lily meets the ghost of Brian, a man who died in the house, his dead body is described in detail, which may upset sensitive readers. In addition, Britney’s abusive childhood and her accidental death are disturbing. However, readers who enjoy a good ghost story will quickly be caught up in the book’s spooky atmosphere and the mystery behind the house.  

While Mine isn’t a story for squeamish readers, it’s perfect for readers who want a terrifying and creepy ghost story. The mystery behind the house’s history is intriguing. Plus, the scary scenes give the story a fast pace that will keep readers flipping the pages until the very end. Even though the story is meant to spook readers, it also leaves the reader with a positive message: mistakes happen to everyone, and making a mistake does not make a person bad.  

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • Lily and her friend Rachel use an Ouija board and the ghost of Britney appears. Afterwards, Britney pushes Rachel. “Rachel squeaked and her arms pinwheeled as she floated in space for just a moment before tumbling, flailing down all fourteen steps with a series of sickening thumps. . . Rachel landed on the floor of the den like a broken doll.” The ambulance comes and takes Rachel to the hospital.  
  • Lily tries to befriend Buddy, Britney’s dog. When Lily goes to open the door to Britney’s special place, Buddy begins “barking, growling, frothing at the mouth like he’d gone mad. Lily stood. . . pressed her back against the house. Buddy advanced on her. . . Buddy lunged for her, and she kicked out as hard as she could. . . her foot met his soft body, and he yelped. . .” Afterwards, Buddy runs into the bushes. 
  • In a dream, the angry ghost of Britney appears. Lily “heard squelching footsteps crossing the boards. Her mind showed her images of a drowned little girl, purple lips and gray-white skin stretched and bloated.” Lily runs. “Branches and leaves plucked at her nightshirt, and strange noises echoed through the darkness, animalistic screams and howls. Soon she heard footsteps pounding on the gravel behind her.” Lily’s mom wakes her and the scene stops. 

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • During a car ride, Lily’s parents give her motion sickness medicine. 
  • After Rachel falls down the stairs, paramedics give her pain medicine. 

Language  

  • Crappy and heck are both used one.  
  • Dang is used twice. 
  • Oh God, oh my God, and other variations are used as an exclamation five times. 
  • Lily gets a phone call, but the caller doesn’t speak. Lily says, “You’re being a real butt, you know.” 
  • A girl tells Lily that her brother is a jerk. Later, Lily calls her brother a jerk. 
  • After Rachel falls down the stairs, Rachel’s brother Kyle shows up. Kyle is told not to touch Rachel. He replies, “Don’t touch her. Screw that.” As Kyle leaves, he “shot up his middle finger at Lily.”

Supernatural 

  • When moving into a new house, Lily starts seeing strange things. While cleaning boxes out of the house, Lily sees a shape in the shadows. “It looked like a child curled up . . . And as Lily watched, two green eyes turned toward her, shining like an animal caught in a car’s headlights. . . [the child] began to crawl toward her.” 
  • Lily tries to back away from the child but falls into a box. “A cold hand grasped her ankle, soft and clammy as a mushroom, and a rough voice whispered ‘Are you ready to play with me?’” Lily’s mom comes into the room and the girl disappears.  
  • Lily’s new friend, Rachel, says her brother saw the ghost of a little girl. He said, “The ghost looked like she was confused, looking for something.” According to an urban legend, the girl was murdered. 
  • While Lily is in bed, she hears a whisper, “You wouldn’t go away. I told you to. . . So now we’re going to play. I’m going to show you things.” Lily isn’t sure if she’s seeing things that are not there. But then, “the shadow detached from the door and rose up. Fingers appeared, all white with black at the tips. . . Lily saw hair, dark, ragged hair, rising up as if floating. . .” As the girl comes closer, Lily screams. When Lily’s mom comes, the girl disappears. The scene is described over three pages.  
  • Lily’s friend Rachel finds an Ouija board underneath a loose board in the stairs. Rachel and Lily use it to communicate with ghosts. A ghost named Brian uses the Ouija board to talk to the girls. Through the Ouija board, Brian says, “You Done It Now. . . Britney is coming!” 
  • After using the Ouija board, Rachel wants to leave. “But the door slammed shut in her face. The lights went out, but the ceiling fan turned on and began to twirl faster and faster. . .” The girls hear steps coming up the stairs. “The footsteps stopped in front of the door. . . As they watched, water flooded under the door, dark and dirty, with green scum floating on top. The water smelled awful. . .” A voice asks, “Why did you call me?” Rachel and Lily begin screaming. When Lily’s mom appears, the ghost leaves. The scene is described over a chapter.  
  • Lily is afraid to sleep because she has super vivid dreams and thinks she is sleepwalking. “One time, she fell asleep on the couch in the afternoon and woke up on her belly on the dock, her fingers trailing in the water. Later, Lily discovers that Britney has been possessing her body. 
  • Lily goes to sleep and wakes up in “her swimming pool, the one in her yard, that nasty hole in the ground just brimming with muck. . . This was nasty green sludge chocked with algae and plants and dead things. . . She tried to scream again, but the filthy water ran down her throat, making her splutter.” Eventually, Lily is able to get out of the pool, uninjured. The scene is described over three pages.  
  • Brian, the man who died in the house, comes to warn Lily. “His skin was thick and grayish, pulled tight over his bones and then hanging like melted wax.” Lily tries to run away from Brian, but “she was frozen in place. Her eyes were the only thing she could move.” Brian explains Britney’s backstory and how he found her “just a-floating in the lake face down, dead and still.” 
  • Brian explains that Britney is upset with Lily. Brian says, “Since she couldn’t make you leave, she’s got somethin’ else in mind. And I can’t help you.” Then Brian disappears. The scene is described over seven pages.  
  • Lily finds Britney’s bunny stuffed animal. When she gives the bunny to Britney, the ghost disappears.  

Spiritual Content  

  • None 

A Purr-fect Pumpkin

In Kittentail Cove, Paw-loween is a super fun holiday! Shelly, Coral, and Angel can’t wait to decorate jelly-o-lanterns, dress up in costumes, and go to the Paw-loween festival! But Coral is a little nervous about the Haunted House. Can this scaredy cat learn to be brave so she can see her purr-fect pumpkin on display in the house? Maybe with a little help from her friends! 

Paw-loween mixes the fun of Halloween with the perfect amount of spook factor. Young readers will enjoy the adorably cute costumes the purrmaids wear as well as the jack-o’-lanterns. Even though Coral is afraid to go into the haunted house, she joins her friends as they travel through the house. Along the way, Coral is sure a mummy is following her—and she’s right. In the end, the mummy is revealed to be Coral’s teacher, who is trying to return Coral’s lost gem.  

Being afraid of the haunted house is not Coral’s only conflict. She also feels left out when Shelly and Angel dress up as squids while Coral dresses as a princess. Several times, Shelly and Angel have a conversation without including Coral. While her friends aren’t trying to be mean, Coral still feels bad that she is not included. While this conflict isn’t resolved, the story acknowledges that sometimes friends unknowingly hurt each other’s feelings.   

A Purr-fect Pumpkin is purr-fect for readers because of the relatable conflict. The story has easy vocabulary, short sentences, and cute black-and-white illustrations approximately every three pages. Even though A Purr-fect Pumpkin is part of a series, the stories do not have to be read in order to be understood. Readers who are eager to celebrate Halloween will find A Purr-fect Pumpkin a delightful blend of Halloween cuteness and spookiness. Readers who love mermaids and want more underwater adventures should swim to the nearest library and check out the Mermaids To The Rescue Series by Lisa Ann Scott. 

Sexual Content  

  • None

Violence  

  • None 

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None 

Language  

  • None

Supernatural 

  • None 

Spiritual Content  

  • None 

The Skull: A Tyrolean Folktale

The Skull is a retelling of a Tyrolean folktale, originating out of Austria. Klassen is both the author and illustrator of this book, and his art will certainly draw in young readers’ attention. The art adds to the depiction of the spooky setting of the book, filled with dark colors and shadows and occasional pops of color. 

Klassen’s book follows a young girl named Otilla who has run away from home. While running through the woods, Otilla encounters a large, seemingly empty house. Because she is tired from running all night, Otilla stops and approaches the house. “[Otilla] knocked loudly to see if anyone was inside, but nobody came to the door.”  

Surprisingly, the big house is not abandoned but is home to a talking skull. Otilla meets the skull and asks nicely for help. She says, “My name is Otilla. I ran away, and I need a place to hide and rest.” The skull kindly agrees to let Otilla stay and shows her around his house. Nearly every page of the book showcases Jon Klassen’s amazing artwork; spooky, dark images done in mostly blues and shades of black show readers how scary this unknown place is to Otilla.  

Though the artwork can be dark and spooky, it is not particularly scary, as the skull’s cartoon style makes him less intimidating. Klassen’s full-page illustrations appear about every two pages and feature many shades of gray, blue, and black. There are occasional pops of pink depicting happy scenes. The large text and the way the book is broken up into three clear parts will appeal to younger readers.  

Otilla is an extremely empathetic character, as she is not afraid of the talking skull, and she treats him kindly. The skull tells Otilla that he has been alone in his house for a while: “You are the first person to find [this house] in a long time.”  The skull is afraid of something too – a skeleton that comes to the house every night. Can brave Otilla save them both? 

Throughout the story, Otilla and the skull develop a friendship, and both help each other. For example, without a body, the skull can no longer do things he used to enjoy, like dance. Otilla “carried the skull to the middle of the ballroom. She held him to face her . . . they danced and danced until it got dark.” Ultimately, the skull and Otilla become friends, as Otilla helps the skull solve a problem he has faced every night for a long time. The skull is chased by a headless skeleton every night and Otilla is able to help the skull get away from the skeleton. 

Readers who enjoy spooky stories will enjoy the descriptions of the woods and the big house. The book highlights the importance of having empathy and treating others kindly. Otilla treats the skull with respect and helps him escape the skeleton that chases him. In return, the skull offers Otilla a safe place to stay by allowing her to stay in his home. Readers will be interested in seeing Otilla and the skull develop a friendship throughout the story and will be left imagining the possibilities of what adventures Otilla and the skull will have in the future.  

Sexual Content  

  • None

Violence  

  • The skull tells Otilla, “There is a skeleton that comes here, to this house . . . it is a headless skeleton. It walks around the halls looking for me. When it finds me, it chases me.” The skull tells Otilla that the headless skeleton chases him every night.  
  • The headless skeleton comes and tries to get the skull. “A headless skeleton opened the bedroom door . . . it only shouted one thing: GIVE ME THAT SKULL. I WANT THAT SKULL.” 
  • Otilla runs from the headless skeleton, carrying the skull, but the headless skeleton chases her until suddenly, it falls over a ledge on the roof. “[Otilla] watched the skeleton fall into the dark until they heard it land, the sound of bones hitting the ground. They listened some more, but they did not hear anything after that.” 
  • After the headless skeleton falls off the roof, Otilla decides to make sure the skeleton cannot come back and chase the skull again. “[Otilla] gathered [the skeleton’s bones] into the bucket . . . She took a bone out of the bucket and put it on the rock. Then she took the rolling pin, held it over her head, and smashed the bone. She smashed it over and over, into smaller and smaller pieces . . . she did it to all of [the bones].”  
  • Otilla then burns the smashed bones. “[Otilla] took the bone pieces and threw them into the flames.”  

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None 

Language  

  • None 

Supernatural 

  • The main character in this book is a talking skull. The skull speaks to Otilla and offers to let her rest in his home. The skull said, “I will come down and let you in, but only if you promise to carry me once I do. I am just a skull, and rolling around is difficult for me.”

Spiritual Content  

  • None 

The Legend of Annie Murphy

In 1885, the Murphy mine struck gold. According to legend, Annie Murphy killed her husband out of greed, but just before she was to be hanged for the murder, she escaped. Now, a hundred years later, there have been sightings of Annie Murphy’s “ghost.” The Coopers unwittingly become involved in a mystery that finds them caught between the past and the present. 

The Legend of Annie Murphy is a fast-paced mystery that jumps back and forth between two time periods. While following the “ghost” of Annie Murphy, Jay and Lila accidentally end up a hundred years in the past, while Sheriff Potter ends up in the present with Dr. Cooper and his friend Mac. The different perspectives allow readers to learn the truth about Annie Murphy and the legend, which gives the story an interesting twist. 

While in the past, Jay and Lila explore the town and look for clues about Annie. During their investigation, they learned that Annie was illiterate; however, she was able to tell her life’s story through carvings that she created. This allows Jay and Lila to learn the truth about Annie and her husband’s death. While the mystery is full of intrigue by itself, Jay and Lila have another problem—the townspeople believe they are ghosts! This leads the siblings into some unusual and humorous situations. Even though Jay and Lila are afraid they will forever be stuck in the past, they still trust God and focus on solving the mystery of Annie. 

Back in the present, Dr. Cooper and Mac discover that Sheriff Potter has accidentally traveled into the future. However, the sheriff is reluctant to help the two men investigate what happened to Annie. Through research, the two men are able to discover clues as to who really murdered Annie’s husband. The two men also discuss how the time travel happened. Even though the situation seems outlandish, readers will understand the concepts behind the time travel and will easily follow the story’s many different perspectives.  

The Legend of Annie Murphy will appeal to a wide range of readers because of the mystery, ghosts, and time travel. Plus, the story is full of action, suspense, and surprises. In addition, the time travel aspect gives the story a unique premise that will draw readers in. The story also has a positive message since the events that surrounded Annie Murphy’s life highlight the destructive nature of greed. If you’re looking for a fun and entertaining story, The Legend of Annie Murphy may be the perfect book for you.  

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • Some boys camp out at a graveyard. While there, they tell the story of Annie Murphy. According to legend, Annie Murphy killed her husband. “She cut him up into little pieces with a long butcher knife. . .The next night she came back and this time she wanted the sheriff. He woke up and there she was, standing in his bedroom. She still had the knife.” The townspeople found his body “on Annie Murphy’s grave. He was cold and dead and looked like he’d been scared to death.” 
  • Dustin Potter, a sheriff from the past, ends up in the present time. When he sees Mac and Dr. Cooper, “the sheriff cocked his revolver and aimed it between Jacob Cooper’s eyes.”  
  • The sheriff begins to fade in and out of the time period. “Dr. Cooper and Mac were momentarily puzzled. They could see right through the sheriff as well. Then they realized the sheriff was off guard. . . Dr. Cooper and Mac took full advantage of that and pounced on him. . .Dr. Cooper tried a judo move to bring the sheriff down, but his arms passed through the sheriff’s body. . .” After the confusion, the men talk and begin working together. 
  • The siblings go to investigate Annie Murphy’s bedroom. When they enter the room, a deputy talks to them. “The voice behind them made them gasp, jump, and come down shaking. . . They saw the lanky deputy sitting in a chair behind the door, his six-shooter in his hand. . . [he] then gestured with the gun barrel toward a small couch in the opposite corner.”  
  • When the deputy confronts a judge, the judge begins shooting. “A flash of fire exploded from a gun in the judge’s hand. Deputy Hatch hit the wall from the impact of the bullet.” The judge tries to shoot the kids, but they begin wavering between time periods. “A bullet whistled by their heads. . . The slow sound of a gunshot rumbled behind them.” 
  • When Mac and Dr. Cooper discover the sheriff’s part in Annie Murphy’s story, the sheriff begins to shoot at them. “A gunshot rang out. There was a loud PING! as a bullet hit the steel railing. They instinctively dropped to the platform.” Dr. Cooper “landed on Sheriff Potter and they both went down, grappling, wrestling. Potter still had the gun in his hand.”  
  • Mac and Dr. Cooper run from the sheriff. “They ran through the ruins as one more shot rang out and a bullet nicked Dr. Cooper’s ear. . .” When Dr. Cooper touches his ear, he finds “blood on his fingers.” He is not seriously injured. 
  • As time continues to flicker, Dr. Cooper hears “two gunshots.” Then, “Dr. Cooper looked south, and through a quivering, waving window in time saw Sheriff Potter doubled over, wounded.” In the end, the sheriff kills the judge, and the judge kills the sheriff.  

 Drugs and Alcohol  

  • Lila talks to a man and “she could smell the beer on his breath.” 

Language  

  • A man calls Dr. Cooper an idiot. 

Supernatural 

  • The “ghost” of Annie Murphy appears several times. She appears as “a dim, bluish shape. . . a woman with long hair and a long dress blowing in the wind. She was running, moving in eerie slow motion, her arms outstretched. Her face was etched with fear. . .” 
  • Jay and Lila chase after the ghost of Annie Murphy. Suddenly, all the kids could see “were bright flashes of blue, then white, then blue again as the earth reeled under them. . . from every direction they could hear the ghost of Annie Murphy still crying over and over again.” When the kids wake up, they are in Annie Murphy’s time period. 

Spiritual Content  

  • When people think Jay and Lila are ghosts, Lila says, “Well, we know we’re not ghosts. If we were really dead, we’d be in heaven with the Lord right now. . .” 
  • When the kids realize that they are stuck in the past and the sheriff is in their time period, Lila prays, “Dear Lord, you know all about time and space and little people like us. Help us, Lord. Help us get back home again.” 
  • Mac and Dr. Cooper discuss God’s ability to see “across time. . .He can reach out and help us no matter where we are. . . He knows all things.” The discussion goes on for a page. 
  • After Mac, Dr. Cooper, and the kids solve the mystery of Anne Murphy, Dr. Cooper says, “And God’s justice finally came through. Sometimes it takes a while.”  
  • After everyone is back in their time period, Dr. Cooper prays, “Dear Lord, we thank you that you helped us through this adventure and brought us all together once again.”  

The Haunted Mustache

Wolver Hollow is not a normal town. The adults are too busy shuffling off to work at the old coffin factory to notice or care, but the kids know all about monsters, ghosts, and strange lights in the sky. Strange things happen in Wolver Hollow. Creepy things.

But fifth graders Parker, Lucas, and Samantha are determined to debunk one of Wolver Hollow’s legends: Over a hundred years ago, Bockius Beauregard was vaporized in an unfortunate accident and all that remained was his magnificent mustache. People say it returns every year, on the anniversary of Bockius’s death, seeking a lip to claim as its own! When the boys try to prove the story is fake, they find more than they bargained for. 

Readers who want a humorous, spooky story that won’t leave you with nightmares will enjoy the blend of humor and suspense in The Haunted Mustache. As Parker, Lucas, and Samantha try to solve the mystery behind Bockius Beauregard’s mustache, they attract the attention of the mustache, which is determined to plant itself on one of the kids’ upper lips. The story’s action includes suspense and silly scenes that will keep readers interested until the very end.  

The story’s format will appeal to young readers because it uses large text, short paragraphs, and dialogue that make the story easy to read. In addition, black and white illustrations appear approximately every 5 to 9 pages. The illustrations add humor as well as help readers visualize the characters, who are a diverse group.  

In the conclusion, the kids don’t entirely vanquish the haunted mustache, and the narrator reminds readers, “Be wary, friends. For when the moon is full and the crickets stop chirping, that old mustache may return, forever seeking a new lip to call its own. Maybe even yours. Be ready.” The ambiguous conclusion will make readers eager to read the next book in the series, The Lurking Lima Bean.  

The outlandish events in The Haunted Mustache will entertain readers who will admire the kids’ determination to stop the mustache from haunting their town. Readers who love humorous books packed full of suspense should also read the Notebook of Doom Series by Troy Cummings and the Looniverse Series by Dave Lubar. 

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • The story revolves around Bockius Beauregard, who was killed in an explosion. The only thing that remained was Bockius’ mustache. A farmer found the mustache, which “killed the old man on the spot. He had a heart attack right there.”  
  • After the farmer was killed. The town’s people “pried that bloody mustache out of the farmer’s cold, dead hand and took it up to the cemetery. . . They dug a small hole. Then they set that mustache on fire, and when it was nothing but a pile of ashes, they dumped those ashes in the hole, covered them over, and left them to the worms and grubs.” 
  • The mustache chases Parker, Lucas, and Samantha. “The mustache reached the end of the bridge and leapt into the air, flying after them. It swatted at them with its left curl, then its right, trying to grab Parker off his bike.” The kids run into the junkyard and chain the gate shut. 
  • The kids use a line of salt to keep the mustache in the junkyard. The mustache “floated down and wrapped one curl around a stick, holding it like a pencil. The kids watched in shock as it scratched something in the dirt. Your lip is mine.” 
  • The kids try to trap the mustache. Parker “positioned himself directly in front of the open [car] trunk. He pointed to his lip and stuck out his tongue. The haunted mustache . . . threw itself at Parker’s face.” The mustache flies into the car trunk and Parker “slammed the hatch closed before the mustache could fly back out.” 
  • The kids lead the mustache to Bockius’ old home and run upstairs. “The door flew off the hinges and crashed to the floor. The haunted mustache pulled itself through the open doorway and locked on Parker. . . The mustache twisted its curls and then rocketed towards Parker.” Samantha uses a salt circle to trap the mustache. 

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None 

Language  

  • None 

Supernatural 

  • On the anniversary of Bockius Beauregard’s death, his mustache comes back for a face to attach to. “That magnificent mustache haunts Wolver Hollow, angry at being blown up, burned, blamed for the farmer’s death, and dumped in a hole. That magnificent, remarkable mustache, unable to rest in peace, forever seeks a new lip to rest upon.” 
  • To stop a restless ghost such as Bockius’ mustache, “the restless ghost was drawn to the last place it called home, it had to be trapped in a circle of salt, in full view of the rising sun. Once the sunlight fell upon the spirit, it would find peace. . .” 
  • Parker, Lucas, and Samantha go to the graveyard to find the mustache. “The haunted mustache hovered a few feet from the ground, caked with crumbling grave dirt and glowing with a pale blue light.” The kids run.  

Spiritual Content  

  • According to legend, Bockius’ mustache was able to survive because it was “the devil’s work.” 

The Story of Gandhi

Mohandas Gandhi was one of the “bravest and most outspoken leaders in India and the world,” and his dedication to nonviolent protests for freedom and equality led India to achieve independence from Great Britain. During his life, Gandhi’s efforts brought equality to many struggling minorities, and his peaceful methods of change, like fasting, inspired many other leaders worldwide to adopt other nonviolent manners of opposition. Today, millions of people admire Gandhi’s legacy and impact, and they continue to fight for change through his peaceful teachings. However, Gandhi’s journey wasn’t easy, and his path as a world leader required discipline and courage.  

Gandhi was a shy and curious child born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, India. Although he struggled to talk in public settings, his desire for honesty and equality led him to pursue a life of helping others. Gandhi started a way of life called satyagraha, where he encouraged people to protest unfair laws and discrimination through peaceful, non-violent actions. However, when Great Britain imposed strict laws on the colony of India, Gandhi’s nonviolent manners of change were tested. Would he achieve freedom through his peaceful movements? Or would inequality continue to reign over India? 

The Story of Gandhi tells the biographical story of Gandhi’s rise as a brave and forthright speaker. Told from the perspective of an outside narrator, the book follows Gandhi’s life, starting with his childhood in India and ending with his leadership in the fight for India’s independence. While other characters briefly appear in the story, the story primarily focuses on Gandhi. As a result, Gandhi is depicted as an inspirational figure whose courage through difficulties and dedication to his peaceful protests are admirable and influential for readers. The challenges that arose with Gandhi’s movements also showcase the realistic problems in his life, giving the story an authentic and genuine feel. 

The biography displays a positive outlook on the themes of courage and discipline. Although Gandhi was opposed and repeatedly thrown in jail for his actions, he held firm to his nonviolent protests and continued to protest peacefully despite the danger. His efforts emphasize the book’s message about standing up against injustice, and it challenges readers to fight for equality without violence. After all, Gandhi believed “in words instead of wars, victory without violence, and leadership through love.” 

The Story of Gandhi is part of a series called Story Of: A Biography for New Readers. The story is educationally oriented and includes additional supplementary material, like fun facts, discussion questions, a reading quiz, and a glossary. Simple, colorful illustrations are found on every one to three pages. The back of the book contains a small section for reflection, where the author asks questions for readers to ponder, like “Have you ever stood up for someone who you thought was being treated unfairly?” The book features difficult vocabulary and discusses heavier topics, like discrimination, in a kid-friendly manner, but younger readers may still overlook its significance. Overall, The Story of Gandhi conveys an aspiring tale about one of history’s greatest activists. It’s a motivating story influencing readers to fight for justice and freedom. 

Sexual Content 

  • None

Violence 

  • Gandhi is repeatedly arrested and “thrown in jail for his peaceful protests” in India and South Africa. 

Drugs and Alcohol 

  • None

Language 

  • None 

Supernatural 

  • None 

Spiritual Content 

  • None 

New Kid

Tommy Rust is a pro at being the new kid. So when his dad marches onto his baseball field, he knows that time is up. In his new town, he goes by the name Brock, and he’s having a hard time fitting in. And being friends with the bully from the wrong side of the tracks isn’t helping. But thanks to a prank gone wrong, the baseball coach of the travel team notices Brock’s skills and offers him a place on his failing baseball team. But can Brock prove himself on and off the field before he strikes out and becomes the new kid . . . again? 

Unfortunately, New Kid is an underwhelming book with a shaky premise that makes the story difficult to believe. Brock’s father is on the run and hiding from someone. Despite the imminent danger, Brock’s father leaves him alone for long periods. Brock is expected to keep a low profile by keeping himself isolated from other people. However, Brock’s anger and confusion over his situation causes Brock to rebel. Soon Brock is hanging around Nagel, a troublemaker from the wrong side of the tracks. 

Even though readers will find themselves sympathizing with Brock, his situation is not relatable. The details behind Brock’s constant moving are murky, which makes it difficult to connect with him. In addition, Brock’s new friend Nagel is portrayed as a bully and a troublemaker. While the book hints that Nagel has some redeeming qualities, the story thread isn’t well developed and Nagel never has a time to shine. In the end, Nagel’s involvement in Brock’s life highlights Brock’s desperate need for attention and reinforces the reasons that Brock has begun rebelling. 

The book’s mystery and danger are interspersed with play-by-play baseball action that breaks up Brock’s personal drama. While the coach believes Brock has great potential to be a pitcher, Brock falls apart at his first game and then hides in the bus, refusing to talk to anyone. Brock’s immature behavior makes it difficult to feel sorry for him. Since Brock isolates himself from his teammates, the baseball scenes focus on Brock whose newfound talent isn’t realistic. Then, with a little help from a professional baseball player, Brock overcomes his obstacles and leads his team to a championship. Despite this, the winning has less impact because Brock never connects with the team. 

Readers who want an exciting baseball book with well-developed characters may want to leave New Kid on the shelf. The story’s underdeveloped characters and confusing plot make the story difficult to enjoy. In addition, in one scene Brock’s dad admits that he has killed people and then explains how killing someone in self-defense is not wrong. However, the details are so murky that the purpose of the scene is lost. In addition, the conclusion is rushed and doesn’t resolve any of Brock’s problems. Sports-loving fans can find an array of baseball books to choose from, which makes New Kid easy to pass up. Fast Pitch by Nic Stone, Baseball Genius by Time Green and Derek Jeter, and Heat by Mike Lupica all have compelling stories that readers will cheer for. 

Sexual Content  

  • A girl from school, Bella, and Brock confess that they “like” each other. Then, Brock “closed his eyes until he felt her lips on his cheek.” Then they held hands. 
  • Right before leaving town, Brock “took Bella’s face in his hands and kissed her cheek.”  

Violence  

  • On Brock’s first day at a new school, another student, Nagel pushes Brock. “Brock sprang up off the polished wood and turned to face his tormentor. . . Brock turned and attacked the much smaller boy without hesitation. Nagel landed a quick jab to Brock’s nose on his way in. Brock saw stars. He heard a pop and tasted the warm flow of blood down the back of his throat.” A teacher, Coach Hudgens, breaks up the fight and the boys are suspended.  
  • After the fight, Nagel says Brock gave him a concussion. When Brock apologizes, Nagel says, “Don’t worry about that. . . man gives me one every other frickin’ week.”  
  • Nagel is upset that Coach Hudgens “manhandled” him in order to break up the fight. In retaliation, Nagel and Brock go to the coach’s house and throw rocks at his house. “Brock’s stone hit the shutter so hard it sounded like a gunshot. The window exploded with a tinkling shatter. Nagel whooped and flew.” Nagel runs away, but Brock gets caught. Afterward, the coach’s wife says, “Torturing cats. Blowing up frogs with firecrackers. You’re sick.”  
  • Brock looks into a box that his dad has hidden. In the box is a story “of a young woman brutally murdered, her body found floating snagged by a buoy in the East River. His mother.”  
  • While running away from Coach Hudgens, Brock goes through an alley. “It was in those shadows that he suddenly found himself surrounded by the dark shapes of boys. No, not boys. They were young men. . . One of them stepped forward and shoved Brock backwards with a stiff hand. . . Nagel’s brother gripped the front of his shirt and raised him up off the ground, grinning at him with jagged teeth lit by the moon.”  
  • When Nagel tries to stop his brother, Jamie Nagel, from hurting Brock, “Nagel’s brother sent him flying with a punch to the side of his head. Nagel sprawled on the grass, bawling.” 
  • When Coach Hudgens sees Jamie holding Brock, the coach throws a baseball at him. “THUNK. Jamie Nagel’s chest rang out like a bass drum. He dropped to the grass. . . [he] tilted sideways and collapsed on the grass, gasping for air, then sobbing like a baby.” Coach Hudgens says he didn’t mean to hurt Jamie, just scare him. 
  • Brock and his father are getting ready to eat dinner when they hear “a crash from the garage . . . His father moved like a panther, swift and smooth. In a blink he was in the living room with one hand on the door to the garage. In the other hand was his gun.” They discover the intruder is Nagel; Brock’s father sends him away. 
  • While walking through a field, Brock and his friend Bella are chased by Jamie Nagel and his friends. Brock falls and “hit the ground hard. . . He had almost regained his feet before Jamie Nagel tackled him and knocked the breath from his chest. . . Jamie took a knife out of his pocket and snapped it open. The long thick blade gleamed in the dappled sunlight. . .” When they hear sirens, the boys run. 
  • As Brock’s dad goes into their house, Brock is waiting in the car. A man tapped the window. “In the man’s hand, tapping on the window, was a gun.” When Brock opens the car door, the man grabs him. “With a swish and a snap, swish and snap, the man taped Brock’s hands behind his back, then plastered a piece across his mouth.” The man shoves him in a seat. Brock’s dad hits the man in the head, who then falls to the ground.  

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • Coach Hudgens is known to be a drunk. According to Nagel, Coach drinks right before school, at lunch, and right after school. Nagel also says that at a tournament, the coach “passes out in his bathroom.”  
  • While at home, Coach Hudgens often drinks beer.  
  • While at Brock’s house, Nagel tries to smoke a cigarette. “Brock took three quick steps and slapped the match out of Nagel’s hand.”  
  • While hanging out with Brock, Nagel offers to “swipe some beer from my brother.” Later, Nagel is caught trying to steal a six-pack of beer from Brock’s garage.

Language  

  • At school, someone “flipped the middle finger” at Brock. 
  • Nagel says people think he is “white trash.”  
  • Frickin’, darn, and crap are each used once.  
  • Brock’s friend calls Jamie Nagel and his friends “fatheads” and “losers.” 
  • The kids frequently call other people jerks. Several times someone is called a rat. 
  • Heck is used three times. 
  • Oh my God and God are both used as exclamations once. 

Supernatural 

  • None

Spiritual Content  

  • Before dinner, the coach says a prayer. He thinks family is more important than sports. His niece says, “God, family, school, sports.” 
  • Coach’s wife, Margaret, offered to help take care of Brock. “She said she thought God put you in their lives. She said she loved you the minute she met you.” 

The Trail of Tears

In 1838, settlers moving west forced the great Cherokee Nation, and their chief John Ross, to leave their home land and travel 1,200 miles to Oklahoma. This book introduces the Cherokee’s creation story, how their communities were formed, as well as how they were displaced several times. Each time, the Cherokee were forced to move, the white settlers took the Cherokee’s houses, businesses, farm animals, and other personal belongings.  

The Cherokee Nation had a written language and many of their towns had a Cherokee newspaper. However, when the Cherokees became successful, many white settlers “did not want them around. President Thomas Jefferson believed in a policy called Indian Removal. This meant moving all Indians to Indian Territory. . . Jefferson thought this policy would protect the Indians from dishonest white people who might trick them or kill them for their land.” Many of the Cherokee disagreed on whether they should move or not. In the hope of creating peace, some people moved further west. Unfortunately, this did not solve the problem because the whites continued to move west and continued to take the Cherokee’s land. 

Written by Joseph Bruchac, who is of Abenaki, Slovak, and English descent, The Trail of Tears explains how the Cherokee people lived and worked. Many people may be surprised that the Cherokee towns were very successful and required schoolchildren to learn Latin, algebra, botany, grammar, and geography. Despite the Cherokee’s success, the white settlers and the government broke treaty after treaty and cruelly forced the Indians off their own land. Despite this, the Cherokee Nation continues to thrive today.  

As part of the Step Into Reading 5 Series, The Trail of Tears is intended for readers in grades 2 – 4 who are proficient readers. The book includes large, colored pictures of historical events and several pictures of the Cherokee being mistreated. For example, one illustration shows a woman being separated from her child and the soldiers with guns. Another picture shows people falling off a boat and drowning. Illustrations appear on every page, and some pictures fill an entire page. The book’s oversized text, large illustrations, and short chapters will appeal to younger readers.   

The Trail of Tears presents historical events from the perspective of the Cherokee people and introduces several brave Cherokee leaders who fought for their people. Readers will see how various United States presidents’ policies affected the Cherokee, as well as how the whites betrayed them. The book is written similarly to a history text, describing events in a factual tone. Bruchac leaves the reader with the message: “Lessons can be learned from the bitter journey called the Trail of Tears. One is that when promises are broken, many people may suffer.” Readers interested in United States history or Indigenous people will find The Trail of Tears interesting. To learn more, read Mary and the Trail of Tears: A Cherokee Removal Survival Story by Andrea L. Rogers.

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • After the American Revolution, “American settlers wanted the land owned by Cherokees. There was more fighting, this time against the Cherokees. A thousand Cherokee towns were destroyed.”  
  • Some white settlers killed Indians in order to take their land.  
  • At one point, the Cherokee were taken captive. “They were locked up in stockade forts. They had to leave behind everything except for the clothes they wore and what little they could carry. Groups of white men, following the soldiers, quickly took over the Cherokee homes. . . Many died while being held captive.” 
  • When the soldiers forced the Cherokee off their land, “People were loaded onto large flatboats guarded by troops. . . Some [Cherokee] fell into the water and drowned.” 
  • Some Cherokee resisted being moved off their land. “Two white soldiers were killed. One of the Cherokees, an old man named Tsali, was sentenced to death after he and two of his sons killed a soldier trying to capture them. He was killed by a firing squad of his own people. They knew that they would be shot if they didn’t obey.”

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None

Language  

  • None 

Supernatural 

  • Many Cherokees believed that their trip would be a hard one because there was a roll of thunder and black clouds appeared before they left. 
  • According to legend, “It is said that each drop of blood that fell from the Cherokees turned into a stone rose. Those red stone crystals can still be found along the Arkansas River.” 

Spiritual Content  

  • When the Cherokee Nation was forced to leave Tennessee, John Ross said a prayer. “We ask for God’s guidance on our journey, Amen.” 

American Indian Biographies: Sacagawea

Imagine being captured by your enemies and taken to live in a new village, without knowing if you would ever see your family again. At age 12, Sacagawea was captured by an enemy tribe of her Lemhi Shoshone people. As a teenager, she traveled from a village on the Missouri River to the Pacific Coast, with a baby strapped to her back. During this journey with the Lewis and Clark Expedition, Sacagawea helped by showing them which foods were good to eat and which plants the American Indians used for medicine. She also served as a symbol of peace to American Indian tribes. Today, many people celebrate Sacagawea’s contribution to the Lewis and Clark Expedition. 

As a young girl, Sacagawea was taken captive by a Hidatsa warrior, and then a French fur trader named Toussiant Charbonneau “visited the Hidatsa warrior’s lodge. . . Charbonneau purchased Sacagawea and Mountain Sage from the Hidatsa warrior. They became his wives.” The book doesn’t mention how the Hidatsa warrior or Charbonneau treated her. However, Wallner includes her opinion on how Sacagawea could have felt. For example, after Sacagawea’s village was attacked, Sacagawea saw her mother’s dead body. “It would have been difficult to hold back her sorrow any longer.”  

Most of Sacagawea is told in an informative tone that includes many facts, but it also implies that Sacagawea agreed to travel with Lewis and Clark, when she had no choice. Sacagawea’s emotions are described: “Sacagawea certainly would have been excited to see her family again. But she may also have been worried about making such a long, hard journey with a small baby.” No one knows how Sacagawea felt because the Shoshone people did not have a written history. Unfortunately, Wallner portrays the white explorers as kind and peaceful and doesn’t include any of the white people’s cruelty towards the American Indians.  

The American Indian Biographies lead you through the lives of famous American Indians. You will learn about their families, the types of homes in which they lived, and the chores they performed. Special sidebars will teach you crafts they made, games they played, or recipes they cooked. As you follow these American Indians through their lives, you will get to know their personalities, strengths, and weaknesses. And you will learn how the actions of these native people affect our lives today. 

Sacagawea’s story is told in this easy-to-read biography, which uses large, full-color illustrations on almost every page. The book is divided into short chapters, with oversized text, pull-out quotes, and illustrations and captions that blend to make it visually appealing. A short glossary can be found at the back of the book.  

Sacagawea provides basic facts about Sacagawea’s life after she was kidnapped from the Lemhi Shoshone people. Unfortunately, the book doesn’t include information about her Native community or explain how Sacagawea felt about being forced to live in the white man’s world. Sacagawea is an admirable woman who stayed calm during difficult situations, but she is best known for helping Lewis and Clark navigate during their expedition.  

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • The Hidatsa Indians attacked Sacagawea’s village. “One of the few men in the camp rushed out of his teepee, calling to the others. His warning cries stopped suddenly as an arrow pierced his heart. Women and children fled into the nearby forest.” Later, Sacagawea “noticed the dead body of her mother.” 
  • Sacagawea tried to run away from the Hidatsa Indians. “A Hidatsa warrior reached down and grabbed her. Sacagawea fought hard. She bit and scratched, but the warrior just laughed and held her firmly in front of him on the horse.” 

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • While in labor, Sacagawea was given medicine made with “two dried rings from a rattlesnake’s tail with water.” 

Language  

  • None

Supernatural 

  • None 

Spiritual Content  

  • None

Stone Fox

Based on a Rocky Mountain legend, Stone Fox tells the story of Little Willy, a young boy who lives with his grandfather in Wyoming. Little Willy loves living on the farm with his Grandfather, but one day Grandfather falls ill and is no longer able to work the farm. Little Willy tries to work the farm himself, but then he learns their farm is in danger of foreclosure. If they cannot come up with the money in time, the government is going to take away their home and break up their family.   

Little Willy is determined not to let this happen. Then one day, he discovers a solution. He is going to enter and win the National Dogsled Race, because the prize money will be enough for Little Willy to save the farm and his grandfather! But he isn’t the only one who desperately wants to win. Willy and his brave dog, Searchlight, must face off against experienced racers, including a man named Stone Fox who has never lost a race.  

Stone Fox will keep readers up late into the night because once they start the book, they will not want to put it down. While most readers may not want to read about a potato farmer, Stone Fox makes the protagonist so relatable that his life becomes interesting. Readers will connect with Little Willy because all readers can understand wanting to save someone they love. While Little Willy’s love for his grandfather is admirable, it is his persistence and hard work that make Willy a compelling protagonist.  

Since Stone Fox has never lost a dogsled race, many townspeople tell Willy that he is foolish for entering the race. But this doesn’t deter Little Willy! Instead, he works harder. Readers will root for Little Willy and his dog, Searchlight, but the unexpected tragic ending may leave readers in tears.  

Stone Fox is a compelling story about the love of family and Little Willy’s refusal to give up. When his grandfather becomes sick, Little Willy takes on the responsibility of caring for his grandfather and the farm. Through it all, Little Willy treats others with respect even when he disagrees with them. Little Willy’s action-packed adventure shows that “there are some things in this world worth dying for.”  

When Stone Fox was published in the 1980s, it was well-received and was taught in many classrooms. However, the book describes Stone Fox, a Native American man as “an Indian—dressed in furs and leather, with moccasins all the way up to his knees. His skin was dark, his hair was dark . . . His eyes sparkled in the sunlight, but the rest of his face was as hard as stone.” Due to Stone Fox’s portrayal, some, such as American Indians in Children’s Literature, now believe the book uses stereotypes and should not be read in schools, while others disagree.  

One thing is certain: Stone Fox is an exciting book that adults can discuss with their children. If you’re looking for a book that portrays Indigenous people in a more diverse light, you can read Rez Dogs by Joseph Bruchac and Mary and the Trail of Tears: A Cherokee Removal Survival Story by Andrea L. Rogers. If you’re interested in Navajo mythology, read Race to the Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse. 

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • When little Willy gets home, a man is standing at the door, “holding a small derringer and pointing it at Searchlight. His hand was shaking.” An illustration shows the silhouette of the man holding the gun. 
  • The town drunk tells a story about Stone Fox. There “was this time in Denver he snapped a man’s back with two fingers.” But people don’t believe the story.  
  • Willy hears dogs barking in an abandoned barn. He goes in and sees Stone Fox’s dogs. When Willy “held out his hand to pet them. . . There was a movement through the darkness to Little Willy’s right. A sweeping motion. . . A hand hit Little Willy right in the face, sending him over backward.” That night, “Little Willy couldn’t sleep—his eye was killing him.” The next day, Little Willy’s eye is swollen shut. 
  • Little Willy thinks about how he killed a bird with a slingshot. He never killed another animal again. 
  • At the end of the race, Searchlight “gave it everything she had. She was a hundred feet from the finish line when her heart burst. She died instantly. There was no suffering.” 
  • To allow Little Willy time to carry Searchlight across the finish line, Stone Fox draws a line in the snow. When the other racers appeared, “Stone Fox fired his rifle into the air. They came to a stop. Stone Fox spoke. ‘Anyone crosses this line—I shoot.’”

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • While at Little Willy’s house, Clifford Snyder, a tax collector, “lit up a long, thin cigar and blew smoke toward the ceiling.”  
  • Little Willy goes to the bank to see Mr. Foster, the president of the bank. “Mr. Foster was a big man with a big cigar stuck right in the center of his big mouth.”  
  • Before the race, Little Willy sees Mr. Foster “chewing his cigar” and the town drunk, “took a powerful swig from a whiskey bottle.” 
  • The town drunk is mentioned several times. 

Language  

  • Doc Smith tells Willy, “I think you’re a darn fool for using your college money to enter that race.” 

Supernatural 

  • None 

Spiritual Content  

  • None 

Native American Heroes: Osceola, Tecumseh, & Cochise

Osceola, Cochise, and Tecumseh are three Native American heroes who fought valiantly for their land and people. This book is divided into three parts—each part recounting the life of one of these great heroes.  

Osceola, a Seminole leader, fought to keep his people’s native land and to protect all Seminoles, including those who had black skin. The Seminoles were not just fighting the army; they were also fighting the slave traders who wanted all black Seminoles turned over to them. The whites wanted the Seminoles to sign a treaty, agreeing to move to lands in the West. One of the reasons Osceola refused to sign a treaty was because the treaty said “that no Seminole who had the blood of the black man could go to the western country. How this would tear brother from brother! Child would be torn from parents!” 

Thompson, an American general, pretended that he wanted to discuss the treaty with Osceola, and instead, Thompson had Osceola put in irons and thrown into prison. A soldier who witnessed the capture of Osceola wrote to a friend: “I shall never forget that day, nor the sad, disappointed face of Chief Osceola and the other Indians. We were outraged by the cowardly way he was betrayed into capture.” Osceola died in prison, and many of the Seminoles agreed to move west.   

Tecumseh was born into a world of war between the Shawnee Nation and the Americans. The men of his tribe taught Tecumseh how to be a warrior, but his sister “taught him to be honest, to respect the rights of others, and to obey his elders.” Even though the Shawnee Nation and the Americans were at war, Tecumseh still had compassion for the enemy and did not let his men torture captives. Tecumseh tried to unite all of the tribes; however, he was unsuccessful. Despite this, “Tecumseh was a great man. He was truly great—and his greatness was his own, unassisted by science or the aids of education. As a statesman, a warrior, and a patriot, we shall not look upon his like again.” 

Cochise, an Apache leader, brought peace to his people by cooperating with the whites. “Not all of the Chiricahua warriors believed that peace was the way to survive. . . But every warrior knew that Cochise had pledged to keep his peace and that he would never break that pledge. Truth and honor had a value among all Apaches, but in no man was it stronger than in Cochise.” Unfortunately, Cochise’s honesty and cooperation weren’t enough to keep the peace, and fighting resumed. After Cochise’s death, the Americans broke their promises and the Apache “were driven out of their mountain home and moved to a distant reservation.”  

Native American Heroes is a tragic and true story that highlights the violence and racism that the Indigenous people endured. Osceola, Cochise, and Tecumseh are heroes who fought to keep their tribes from being pushed off their native land. The trickery and deceit that the Americans used against the Indigenous people is heartbreaking. These tragic stories include violence but do not include gory details.  

Native American Heroes teaches about history by using black-and-white original source materials, including photographs, maps, portraits, and newspaper articles, to supplement the narrative text. This engaging and educational book will help readers understand how the colonization of America affected the indigenous tribes. In addition, the book doesn’t shy away from showing the cruelty that the white man inflicted upon the Native Americans.  

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • Osceola would not sign a treaty with Thompson, who represented the United States. Thompson then had Osceola arrested. “It took four soldiers to subdue Osceola. They put him in irons and threw him in prison.” 
  • Chief Emanthla agreed to give Black Seminoles to the whites, who would sell them into slavery. “To Osceola, this act of betrayal was punishable by death. Osceola raised his rifle and fired.”  
  • The whites captured Osceola’s wife, Morning Dew, because “her mother was believed to have been a black woman, so in the eyes of the white men, Morning Dew was a slave.” This caused Osceola to wage war against General Thompson and the whites.  
  • Osceola and a war party hide in the woods waiting for Thompson to go on his usual morning walk. “It was Osceola who struck down the general. And it was the Seminole war cry – Yo-ho-ee-tchee! — that Thompson heard as he fell dead.”  
  • After Thompson was killed, General Clinch arrived with his army. The Seminoles watched as the army began crossing a river. “Suddenly the Seminoles came out from their hiding places and attacked. The general’s army was now split in two. The five hundred men who were unable to cross the river watched helplessly as their comrades and the Seminoles fired at one another.” One hundred whites were killed that day. 
  • As the war continued, the whites “died as often from the bites of the snakes and the mosquitoes as they did from the weapons of the Seminoles.” 
  • Slave traders wanted all black people to be turned over to them. The slave traders couldn’t tell if a black person was a runaway slave or a Seminole so they “seized anyone with black skin.” 
  • General Hernandez asked Osceola and other Seminole leaders to discuss a peace treaty, but then Hernandez ambushed them. “Hernandez gave the signal. His troops, hidden nearby, moved in. Osceola was captured, together with twelve chiefs, seventy-five warriors, and six women.” Osceola was put in prison, where he eventually died. 
  • The Shawnee leader Cornstalk is killed while visiting an American fort. “A mob of soldiers, angered by the killing of a white man, had shot the Shawnee leader.”  
  • When war came to the Shawnee’s territory, Tecumseh “watched his village vanish in flames, as American soldiers drove the Shawnees from their homes.”  
  • To protect their land, the Shawnees attacked the flatboats carrying the settlers down the Ohio River. “After one such attack on a group of settlers’ boat, the Shawnees burned a captive at the stake. Tecumseh watched in horror.” 
  • The battle of Tippecanoe “lasted only a day. . .[General Harrison was] not satisfied with smashing the houses, Harrison’s army also destroyed all of the corn the Shawnees had harvested.”  
  • Tecumseh returned to the fort to find “a group of Native Americans was torturing twenty American soldiers. Tecumseh charged at them at a gallop. He grabbed a knife from one warrior and sent others sprawling to the ground.”  
  • A white man accused Cochise’s men of kidnapping his son. Lieutenant Bascom asked Cochise to meet with him. Cochise took his family with him. Bascom tried to take Cochise and his warriors as prisoners. When Cochise “cried to his people to run,” Bascom’s guards started shooting. “One of [Cochise’s] brothers’ sons was stabbed in the stomach with a bayonet. His wife, brother, and nephews – and Cochise’s son — were seized.” 
  • Cochise tried to take several of Bascom’s men. “An Apache warrior fired and one of the white men fell dead.” Later, the Apache took several of Bascom’s men captive. “They killed the four white men and left their bodies there as a message to Bascom and his men. . .  In retaliation, they hanged the male Apache hostages.” Cochise “saw, hanging from a tree, the bodies of his relatives along with three other Coyoteros Apaches that had been captured.” 

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • The white men introduced whiskey to the Native Americans. The whiskey “destroyed their bodies” and “turned brother against brother.”  
  • Governor Harrison met with several chiefs to convince them to sign a treaty. “Harrison may have first supplied the chiefs with whiskey and then pressured them to sign this new treaty.”

Language  

  • None 

Supernatural 

  • None 

Spiritual Content  

  • Tecumseh’s brother, Laulewasika, “gave up whiskey and turned to religion.” Laulewasika had many followers. Laulewasika told “his people to stop warring among themselves and to stop drinking the white man’s whiskey.” 
  • Laulewasika was called the Shawnee Prophet.  
  • The Shakers may have influenced Laulewasika.  
  • Governor Harrison told the Delaware Indians that if Laulewasika was really a prophet, he could cause “the sun to stand still, the moon to alter its course, the rivers to cease to flow or the dead to rise from their graves.” Laulewasika used the solar eclipse to prove that he was a prophet.  
  • The Native Americans did not understand why the whites owned land. Tecumseh said, “Sell a country? Why not sell the air, the clouds, and the Great Sea as well as the earth? Did not the Great Spirit make them all for the use of his children?” 
  • Tecumseh tried to unite all of the Indians. He said, “This is the will of the Great Spirit.”  
  • After Cochise’s relatives were killed, the dead men’s faces were painted. They were dressed in their finest clothes “so that they would look their best for the long journey to the gods. . . Everything the dead men had owned was thrown into the flames.” 

Wilma Mankiller

The descendant of Cherokee ancestors who had been forced to walk the Trail of Tears, Wilma Mankiller experienced her own forced removal from the land she grew up on as a child. As she got older and learned more about the injustices her people had faced, she dedicated her life to instilling pride in Native heritage and reclaiming Native rights. She went on to become the first woman Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. 

Wilma faced many hardships in her life, including breaking both of her legs in a car accident. After the car accident, Wilma was able to persist because she “focused on ‘being of good mind’ as Cherokee elders teach using this experience as something to move forward from in a positive way.” Despite her injuries, Wilma never gave up and continued to help the Cherokee people. Wilma used her grant-writing abilities to help her community get “indoor plumbing for kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms in every home, so residents could stop hauling water to use for everything.” Through community projects, Wilma was able “to bring Cherokee people together and address their own challenges.” 

Wilma recognized the importance of writing about the Cherokee Nation and other tribal societies. Most written material about the Cherokee nation was not written by the Cherokee people. Wilma recognized that “the voices of our grandmothers are silenced by most of the written history of our people.” This caused Wilma to write and speak about the Cherokee Nation and the contributions of its members. For Wilma’s contribution to society, President Clinton gave her the Presidential Medal of Freedom. 

To help keep readers engaged, Wilma Mankiller has short chapters and black-and-white illustrations that appear every three to five pages. However, some readers will have difficulty with the advanced vocabulary and complex sentences. The book ends by listing ways you can persist, just like Wilma. For example, “Visit with your family and elders. Listen to their stories. Create stories of your own.” 

Wilma left a lasting legacy by helping improve the lives of all Cherokee. Her story teaches Cherokee history and will motivate readers to make an impact on their community. Readers who are interested in learning more about Cherokee history should also read Mary and the Trail of Tears: A Cherokee Removal Survival Story by Andrea L. Rogers. You can also learn about another inspirational Indigenous woman by reading She Persisted: Maria Tallchief by Christine Day. 

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • “In 1838, the US government rounded up Cherokee people like Pearl’s ancestors at gunpoint to force them to move west. . . Over four thousand Cherokee young and old—died during the roundup before the forced march and also along the way.” 
  • Wilma was in a car accident and “suffered a lot of injuries—two broken legs, many broken ribs, and a crushed face.” The driver of the other car died.

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • When Wilma was diagnosed with a disease, “Wilma required surgery—followed by strong medicine to help her body recover.” 

Language  

  • None 

Supernatural 

  • None 

Spiritual Content  

  • When Wilma died, “Indigenous leaders across the planet lit fires to help Wilma on her journey home to become an ancestor.” 

The Storyteller

The Storyteller centers around Ziggy, a Cherokee boy in sixth grade, who is living in Poisonberry, New Mexico. Ziggy and his sister, Moon, are dealing with a tragedy. As Ziggy says, “When Moon and I were little, our mom disappeared. Native women go missing all over the country. Nobody seems to be doing much about it.” Ziggy, Moon, and two of their close friends decide to go on a search for any clues about Ziggy’s mom’s whereabouts.  

The Storyteller brings up a prevalent issue in real life: the unsolved cases of Native women going missing. Ziggy explains, “In my mom’s case, the sheriff and the police have given up trying to find her. But it’s not just her. My friend Sheila has an aunt who’s missing. A few other Native kids at my school have relatives who are missing. It’s been going on way too long.”  

Ziggy juggles starting middle school while also longing for answers about his mom; he also discusses how his anxiety affects his life. After his mom goes missing, Ziggy and Moon see a therapist. Ziggy says, “My therapist, Kari, says I have anxiety, which can make school and life harder in many ways,” but that “it’s nothing to be ashamed of.” Ziggy describes what his anxiety is like in a way that will allow readers to relate to him. Ziggy worries that because of his anxiety “all the other kids will think I’m dumb. The teachers won’t like me . . . Someone will beat me up or say something to embarrass me in front of everyone.” Even though he struggles with anxiety, Ziggy conquers his fears about making friends and befriends a girl from his class named Alice. 

Alice, who is Cherokee and has hearing aids, offers him important and emotionally charged advice that will allow readers to empathize with both characters. Alice says, “We must protect each other. There are plenty of people who will tell lies about [Cherokee history]. There are many who don’t want our history to be a part of theirs. But we cannot give up. We take the truth of the past with us, and preserve it from being forgotten.” 

Readers may be disappointed that Ziggy does not find his mother. However, readers will feel the warmth and love present in Ziggy’s family as Ziggy bonds with his dad. Ziggy’s dad tells him, “You can have my stories [about your mom] and the ones Grandma tells you. There are other people who knew her, too. If we can’t find your mother, we’ll find more stories.” This comforts Ziggy as he is worried that “Mom will disappear” because he does not have memories of her since he was so little when she went missing. Ziggy ultimately realizes if his mom were alive, she’d say, “Don’t be afraid. . . Live your life.”  

The Storyteller uses fantasy tropes to educate readers about the historically prejudiced treatment of Indigenous people. Ziggy might not have any control over the past — but if he learns the lessons of the storytellers, he might be able to better shape his future and find the friends he needs. Learn more about the importance of telling stories by reading Rez Dogs by Joseph Bruchac 

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • Ziggy’s friend, Alice, says that she once used berries to try to poison someone. Alice says, “I tried to poison a bad man once . . . I put the [poison berries] in his tea when he visited my mother.” Alice explains that the man “was trying to hurt someone I was protecting. The berries made him sick, but he didn’t die.” 
  • Ziggy’s sister, Moon, explains, “Andrew Jackson ordered the removal of Native tribes from their land. They were forced to migrate and leave.” 
  • Ziggy and his sister recall a story their grandma told them about a dangerous group of people called the Raven Mockers. In the story a young boy is asleep and “the [Raven Mocker] ripped out his heart with her claws and ate it.”

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None

Language  

  • None

Supernatural 

  • There are several instances of Ziggy and his friends encountering animals that can speak to them. For example, “The old buzzard opens his mouth and speaks: ‘Y’all headed out yonder to find the Storyteller?’” These animals guide Ziggy and his friends and offer words of advice. 
  • Ziggy and his friends encounter an armadillo that speaks. The armadillo says, “My name is Andrew Jackson,” and he wants “to separate the Indians from immediate contact with the settlements of whites.” Ziggy and his friends leave the armadillo alone. 

Spiritual Content  

  • Ziggy explains that his grandma told him stories of the Cherokee Nunnehi. “Nunnehi lived in underground tunnels and traveled around to help our ancestors when called upon. They were spirits, mostly invisible, but they could appear in human form if they wanted.” 
  • Grandma tells Ziggy about how Nunnehi helped other Cherokee people. The Nunnehi “found joy in being tricksters, like turning themselves into coyotes or hawks. They chased the soldiers and frightened them.” 

Pocahontas

As the young daughter of a powerful Powhatan leader, Pocahontas befriended the English settlers in Jamestown, Virginia. Although she helped them survive their difficult first years, and she may have saved settler John Smith’s life, they took Pocahontas captive. After her release, Pocahontas married an English settler and journeyed to England. Although she was just twenty-one years old when she died, Pocahontas changed American history through her compassion and friendship. 

The first year the English arrived, the Powhatan people helped them survive through winter. Soon after, the Powhatan and the English were fighting. However, Pocahontas was curious by the English, so she helped the settlers many times. Without Pocahontas’s intervention, the Powhatan and English would have fought each other because the English did not respect the Powhatan people, and “they demanded corn even when the Powhatans had none to trade.” John Smith “wanted to capture Powhatan [the chief] and steal his corn.” The English also captured some of the Powhatan people, including Pocahontas. “The friends she had helped so many times were holding her for ransom. They wanted Powhatan to trade English prisoners and guns for his daughter.” Pocahontas finally agreed to marry an English man, allowing the Powhatans and English to live peacefully. However, that peace ended when Pocahontas died.  

As an On My Own Biography, Pocahontas will appeal to early elementary readers because of the book’s format. The text is oversized, and each page has a large full-color illustration. The illustrations will help readers understand the text and showcase the period’s clothing and houses. The author acknowledges that much of the information cannot be verified because the Powhatan did not write, so many of the stories were told by the English.  

Readers interested in Pocahontas will enjoy the simple story that takes the reader on a walk through history. To learn more about influential Indigenous women, read She Persisted: Maria Tallchief by Christine Day and Classified: The Secret Career of Mary Golda Ross, Cherokee Aerospace Engineer by Traci Sorell. 

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • The Powhatan took Captain John Smith prisoner. “Powhatan ([Pocahontas’ father] talked about killing the prisoner . . . Then two large stones were brought in. John Smith’s head was placed on them. Powhatan’s men raised their clubs.” Pocahontas saved John Smith’s life. However, the book acknowledges that the event may have been a story John Smith made up.  

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None

Language  

  • None

Supernatural 

  • None 

Spiritual Content  

  • When Pocahontas was taken prisoner, a minister taught her “about the Christian religion.” Later, she was “baptized as a Christian. She was given a new name, Lady Rebecca. Rebecca’s teachers boasted that she had given up her belief for theirs. But no one knows what she thought.” An illustration shows Pocahontas being baptized. 

Remember

Remember is a picture book adaptation of Joy Harjo’s original poem, gorgeously illustrated by Caldecott Medalist Michaela Goade. In Remember, Harjo asks readers to appreciate the beauty of the world and acknowledge the fact that we are a natural and important product of this life cycle. For example, the text reads: “Remember the sky you were born under,” Harjo begins. “Know each of the star’s stories.” From here, Harjo asks the reader to reflect on the Earth’s many other wonders, from the luminescent moon to the setting sun, and ultimately reflect on the undeniable beauty of their own existence. “Remember your birth, how your mother struggled to give you form and breath,” she writes. “You are evidence of her life, and her mother’s; and hers.”   

Harjo recalls the basic, universal aspects of life, but describes them with such passion that she conveys the wonder of our existence which is so often taken for granted amidst our busy lives. The book is accessible to younger readers, with only one to three short sentences per page.   

Illustrator Michaela Goade brilliantly visualizes the poem. Goade reflects the beauty described by Harjo by using an intricate mix of colors for each page such as violets and reds for the night sky, deep shades of blue and green for the ocean. Just as Harjo describes nature and life with equal passion, Goade personifies every subject discussed in the poem. She draws faces in the sun and moon and draws the waves of a river and the leaves of a tree in the form of animals, visualizing Harjo’s message that everything is united by its place on Earth.  For example, in a page depicting a mother and daughter planting seeds into the ground, they are illustrated with roots beneath them, showing that they too are products of the Earth and must take care of it.   

Remember is a beautifully written and illustrated picture book that asks young readers to appreciate the beauty of the world and their own existence. This year, Remember received the American Indian Youth Literature Award, a biennial award that honors the best books for youth by and about Native American and Indigenous peoples of North America. Although it was created as a children’s book, its universal message resonates with readers of all ages. Pair Remember with We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom to teach young readers that people and nature are intertwined. 

 Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • None 

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None 

Language  

  • None 

Supernatural 

  • None

Spiritual Content  

  • None

Sal and Gabi Fix the Universe

Following the events of Hernandez’s previous novel, Sal and Gabi Break the Universe, Sal and Gabi are dragged into even more multiverse shenanigans when versions of Gabi from other universes begin showing up in their universe. Sal is approached by a Gabi from another universe who says that she wants to help Sal protect his universe from meeting a terrible fate like hers. While Gabi from another universe, whom Sal calls “FixGabi,” claims to want to fix holes in the universe, Sal realizes that she is tricking him and hiding her true intent. Sal realizes, “FixGabi, it turned out, was a supervillain bent on cosmic destruction.” To protect the universe, Sal and Gabi must enlist the help of their families, as well as their understanding of what Sal’s Papi calls “Calamity physics.” 

Considering the perspectives of others is one of the major themes in the novel. For instance, one of Sal’s teachers explains, “People make art because they want you to learn what life feels like to them. Sometimes it’s funny, sometimes it’s scary, sometimes it’s sad or uplifting or gross or deep or a million other things. But whatever it is, it’s always about what the artist thinks of life.” This theme becomes specifically important to Sal later when he interacts with FixGabi. Even though FixGabi has tried to trick Sal and cause havoc in his universe, Sal realizes that FixGabi “has lost a lot of loved ones. She’s seen her world ravaged by rips in the universe. She felt helpless and afraid. But rather than give in to those feelings, she fought back, as hard as she could.” Sal and his friends accepting FixGabi makes her decide that, “I want to make up for everything . . . I was so lonely.” 

Another major theme is friendship and found family. Just like in the previous novel, Sal and Gabi support their friend, Yasmany, as he struggles with problems at home that ultimately culminate in Children’s Services removing him from his home. Yasmany reveals that he has nowhere to live because “My [grandparents] are trying to get me to move back in with Mami. They said they’re too old. They can’t handle me . . . I got nowhere to be. Why doesn’t anybody want me?” But Sal and Gabi are great friends to Yasmany; Sal offers to let Yasmany stay with him for a few nights and Gabi’s parents ultimately decide that Yasmany will come live with them. When Yasmany asks Gabi’s family why they would do this for him, Gabi tells Yasmany, “You deserve a family that deserves you.”  

Readers who loved the first book in this two-part series will be thrilled by Sal and Gabi Fix the Universe. Sal and Gabi’s friendship gets even stronger and readers will be compelled by their friendship and how they always have each other’s best interests in mind. For instance, Sal tells Gabi, “There’s no one like you in the world, Gabi Reál. You are one of a kind.” And Gabi tells Sal how much she appreciates him, saying, “You saved my baby brother, Sal, and therefore my whole family. Thank you. Thank you forever.” Hernandez’s novel will appeal to readers because it has science fiction, theatre productions, and amazing friendships.  

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • Following up on a situation discussed in the previous novel, Sal describes how his friend, Yasmany, had to leave home for his own safety. Sal says, “[Yasmany] was living with his abuelos now because life with his mami had gotten intolerably bad. I don’t know why exactly, since Yasmany wouldn’t go into details, but I knew Children’s Services had gotten involved.”  
  • When Yasmany witnesses Sal’s dad ground Sal for messing with his calamity physics equipment, Yasmany says to Sal, “Nothing got broken; no one got hit. It was just, like, normal talking at the kitchen table.” Sal realizes the dark implication of what Yasmany said.  

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • Sal is upset with his Papi because he found him smoking a cigar. Sal’s dad says, “My team and I might very well be nominated for a Nobel Prize before I die . . . I guess I wanted to celebrate a little.” Sal angrily says, “Even though you swore to Mami when she was dying in the hospital that you’d never smoke a cigar again?” Papi tells Sal that his experience trying a cigar again after all those years was “terrible.” 

Language  

  • None 

Supernatural 

  • None 

Spiritual Content  

  • When talking with their school janitor, Mr. Milagros, Sal and Gabi discover that Mr. Milagros’ wife, Lourdes, passed away. Mr. Milagros exclaims, “She’s not with the devils, Gabi. She’s with the angels. Lourdes is in heaven.” 
  • Gabi thinks, “I don’t even believe in heaven . . . but I’m sure Lourdes is there.” 

Trouble at School for Marvin & James

Trouble at School for Marvin & James is an enchanting narrative that takes readers on a captivating journey with the unlikely duo of Marvin, a small, intelligent beetle, and his human best friend, James Pompaday. The story unfolds as Marvin and James embark on a typical day at school, filled with learning, fun, and the occasional challenge. 

The day starts with them heading to school, both equally excited for the day’s activities. One highlight of their day is art class, where they indulge in the joy of creativity. Together, they work on creating a vivid picture of a butterfly. Their camaraderie and shared enthusiasm for art is evident in their teamwork. 

However, their day takes a sudden turn when lunch arrives. Disaster strikes in the most unexpected way when Marvin, with his tiny size and unsuspecting nature, finds himself trapped inside a cafeteria trash can. The story then spirals into a thrilling adventure as Marvin tries to navigate this predicament. Ultimately, Marvin finds his way back to James. 

Without a doubt, readers will find themselves falling more deeply in love with the exquisitely crafted characters, Marvin and James. Their enduring friendship, which is tested and proven throughout the narrative, is the heart and soul of the story. Despite the challenges they face, their unwavering determination to reunite serves as a testament to their unshakable bond, beautifully illustrating the true essence of friendship. Their story is not just a thrilling adventure, but also a heartwarming exploration of love, loyalty, and the lengths to which one will go for a friend. 

This enchanting tale offers more than just an engaging narrative that captivates the reader’s attention. It is subtly embedded with important life lessons that children can easily understand. The story beautifully illustrates the concept of friendship, showing the bonds between characters and how they care for one another. It also presents problem-solving in a way that is relatable for kids, demonstrating that challenges can be overcome with determination and creativity. Most importantly, the story underscores the value of experiencing school life, depicting the joy of learning and the precious memories made within the classroom’s walls. In essence, this charming story is a rich tapestry of lessons and experiences, wrapped up in an appealing narrative that children will undoubtedly enjoy. 

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • None 

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None 

Language  

  • None 

 Supernatural  

  • None 

Spiritual Content  

  • None 

James to the Rescue

James to the Rescue is an engaging and delightful sequel to the enchanting story of Marvin, the beetle, and his human friend, James Pompaday. This captivating installment delves deeper into the life of Marvin’s beetle family, shedding light on their daily escapades and activities, offering readers a charming and intimate glimpse into their world. 

The narrative takes a turn when Uncle Albert, a beloved beetle, accidentally falls onto a pair of scissors posing a major threat to his life. It’s here that Marvin turns to his trusted human friend James, seeking his assistance in this dire situation, further solidifying the enduring bond of friendship shared between them. 

The story is a masterful blend of thrilling adventure and heartwarming friendship, and it’s certain to deepen readers’ fondness for both Marvin and James. The narrative is beautifully interwoven with camaraderie, bravery, trust, and love, making it a compelling read for audiences of all ages. This installment stands as a testament to the power of friendship, underscoring its significance even in the smallest and most unexpected corners of life. 

Readers will fall even more deeply in love with Marvin and James. They will connect  with Marvin’s unwavering love and trust towards his human friend, and admire James’s courage as he steps up to save his tiny friend’s life, demonstrating the true essence of friendship. 

Overall, James to the Rescue is an effortless read. The book is filled with adorable black-and-white illustrations that are subtly highlighted with hints of blue. These artistic elements add depth to the narrative, helping to bring the story to life, and making it a truly immersive experience for readers. This adorable story can be enjoyed on its own, or as a part of the larger series. The charm and warmth of James to the Rescue are truly hard to resist, making it a must-read for anyone seeking a heartwarming tale of friendship and adventure. 

Sexual Content  

  • None

Violence  

  • Marvin’s Uncle falls onto scissors injuring his shell. “He falls against the sharp point of the scissors. ‘Oomph! Ohhhh!’ He cries. Oh no! The sharp point of the scissors has pierced Uncle Albert’s shell. Marvin can see the yellow goo oozing out.” Marvin, his father, and Elaine worked to wrap Uncle Albert’s wounds. Uncle Albert’s wounds heal with the help of James.  

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None

Language  

  • None 

Supernatural  

  • None

Spiritual Content  

  • None 

The Golden Ghost

Delsie knew it wasn’t a good idea to dare her best friend Todd to explore the abandoned houses by the old mill. But she couldn’t back down after the words slipped out of her mouth. Together, the two friends bike to the mill and try the door of each abandoned house. They are all locked . . . except one. Delsie and Todd sneak inside and discover two strange things. Someone is living there. And something doesn’t want Delsie to leave. It’s a dog, a strange golden dog, that only Delsie can see!

Newbery Honor-winning author Marion Dane Bauer spins a fourth spooky tale to complement her previous stories, The Blue Ghost, The Red Ghost, and The Green Ghost. The Golden Ghost will grab readers’ attention right from the start and keep them reading until the very end. Many readers will relate to Delsie, who wishes she could have a dog. However, her dad says, “No dogs. No cats. No hamsters. No guinea pigs. No bunny rabbits. No little white mice. No groundhogs. I’m allergic.” Instead of having a pet, Delsie must be content spending time with her friend Todd and his dog, Bug.  

When Delsie begins to see a ghost dog, it looks like “a collection of fireflies, glimmering in the evening light.” Delsie confides in her best friend Todd, and at first, he thinks Delsie is “positively nuts.” The mystery of the dog and the friendship conflict combine into a compelling story. In the end, Todd proves he is a true friend by believing Delsie even though he cannot see the ghost dog himself. In addition, the heartwarming conclusion shows how a dog’s love can transform a person’s life.  

Readers who are ready for chapter books will enjoy The Golden Ghost’s format because of the short chapters, large font, and illustrations. The Golden Ghost is perfect for readers who want to explore the world of ghosts without being frightened. The suspenseful story explores the bond between a person and their pet. Unlike the companion books, The Golden Ghost doesn’t have a positive life lesson. However, the enjoyable story will appeal to readers who love animals, as well as those curious about ghosts. For more ghostly fun, read Ghost Ship by Erin Soderberg and Francine Poulet Meets the Ghost Raccoon by Kate Dicamillo.  

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • When a dog named Bug begins jumping near an older man, the man “swung at Bug. First, he swung one of his bags of groceries. The bag missed. Then he swung a booted foot. The foot connected. Bug yelped, a single piercing cry. He turned and barreled back toward the house.” 

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None 

Language  

  • When a dog named Bug begins jumping near an older man, the man yells, “Dad-blasted dog! Get away from me!” Later the man thinks to himself, “Blasted kids!” 
  • When Delsie tells her best friend that she sees a ghost dog, her friend says, “Sometimes I think you’re nuts. Positively nuts.” 

Supernatural 

  • None 

Spiritual Content  

  • None 

At the Bottom of the World

Jack and his foster siblings, Ava and Matt, are not your typical kids—they’re geniuses. Well, Ava and Matt are. Ava speaks multiple languages and builds robots for fun, and Matt is an expert astronomer and math whiz. As for Jack, it’s hard to stand out when surrounded by geniuses all the time.

Things get more complicated when the trio start working for Dr. Hank Witherspoon, one of the world’s leading scientists. They travel to Antarctica with Hank for a prestigious award ceremony—but they quickly find that not all is as it seems. A scientist has gone missing and it’s up to Jack, Ava, and Matt to find her . . . and discover who’s behind it all.  

In the Jack and the Geniuses Series, readers join Jack, Ava, and Matt on adventures around the world to tackle some of science’s biggest challenges, including new ways to create clean drinking water, generate clean and renewable energy, and provide information access to the entire planet. Each book in the series includes cool facts about the real-life science that’s found in the story, plus a fun DIY project. 

At the Bottom of the World is told from Jack’s point of view. He uses a self-deprecating tone that adds humor to the action. Jack’s impulsive nature and curiosity make him a relatable and likable protagonist. Even though he is not as intelligent as Ava and Matt, he often becomes the leader. Jack, Ava, and Matt all work together and use their different skills to solve the mystery.

While in Antarctica, the kids learn about living in the harsh environment. The science is presented in a kid-friendly manner that is easy to understand. For example, Antarctica is “as large as the United States, not counting Alaska, and 98 percent of it is ice. If the whole thing were a pizza, and you cut the pie into a hundred slices, all but two would be frozen.” The fun facts are accompanied by references to real people and places, such as McMurdo Station in Antarctica, Ernest Shackleton, and Jules Vern.  

The action-packed story incorporates science into a fun mystery with plenty of twists and turns. Readers will find the three siblings—Jack, Ava, and Matt—to be interesting characters who each contribute to solving the mystery. Even though Ava and Matt are geniuses, they are likable and relatable. Plus, the three kids complement each other, and each adds a unique aspect to the story. 

Anyone interested in gadgets, science, and visiting new places will find At the Bottom of the World an enjoyable read. In the next book, In the Deep Blue Sea, readers will be eager to join Jack and the geniuses on their adventure to the Hawaiian islands. Readers who enjoy At the Bottom of the World can find more adventure by reading The Max Tilt Series by Peter Lerangis, the Masterminds Series by Gordon Korman and Survival Tails: Endurance in Antarctica by Katrina Charman. 

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • Jack, Ava, and Matt break into a building when a “humanoid opened a compartment in his chest. . . The robot pulled something out and flung it at us. I ducked the shot, and a yellowish clump splattered on the dark wood paneling behind me. . . The machine threw something, striking Matt in the chest. My brother shouted and fell to the floor.” The robot is throwing pizza dough; no one is injured.  
  • The villain leaves a woman far from the base and other humans. He reveals, “I didn’t really leave her out here to die. I left her out here to freeze.” 
  • The villain points a gun at Jack, Ava, Matt, and Hank. The villain plans to strand the group so they cannot walk to shelter. 
  • As the villain leads the group further from civilization, Jack pretends to be too tired to walk. The villain “pressed his foot against my back and pushed me forward. I threw out my arms to stop myself from face-planting.”  
  • As the group walks, Matt breaks a hole through a trapdoor that a seal made. The villain’s “foot struck the newly opened trapdoor, he lost his balance and toppled forward. His eyes flashed with a mix of terror and confusion as he plunged down through the slush, falling up to his waist in the ice water.”  
  • Before the villain completely sinks, one of his “huge gloved hands wrapped around [Jack’s] ankles with the force of a boa constrictor death-gripping a helpless rat. My heels lost their grip as he yanked me down.” Jack and the villain are saved; they are cold but otherwise uninjured.  The scene with the villain takes place over a chapter. 

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None

Language  

  • None 

Supernatural 

  • None

Spiritual Content  

  • None 

A Tale of Witchcraft

Brystal Evergreen knew that becoming the icon of the fairytale world was going to be a large responsibility, but the immense pressure as the newly-appointed “Fairy Godmother” is more than she can handle. In addition to public appearances, fixing local issues, and campaigning for fairy rights, she’s also the new headmaster of The Celeste Weatherberry Memorial Academy of Magic, which has gone from ten students to a thousand overnight. Additionally, a sect of revolutionaries called the Righteous Brotherhood are rising, ready to return magic to the crime it once was.  

If that wasn’t enough, Brystal’s resolve falters when Lucy and Pip, two of her trusted friends, decide to leave the Academy to join a strange woman named Mistress Mara at her school for witches, Ravencrest. As Brystal fails to juggle these tasks, thoughts of inadequacy and giving up start to plague Brystal’s mind. The one break in Brystal’s constant onslaught of responsibilities is her budding romance with “Seven,” otherwise known as Prince Gallivant, seventh in line for the throne of the Southern Kingdom.  

Meanwhile, Lucy begins to practice witchcraft at Ravencrest, trying her best to put her life as a fairy behind her. However, Mistress Mara’s teachings start to rub Lucy the wrong way. Witchcraft requires Lucy to hurt others, and it’s not without a price – Lucy starts to change physically too, growing feathers instead of hair. Skeptical, Lucy decides to investigate Mistress Mara’s affairs, and uncovers a secret plot to curse Brystal and destroy the reputation of the fairies. She flees from the academy to warn Brystal but it’s too late: Brystal has already fallen into the Righteous Brotherhood’s trap.  

Mistress Mara and Seven, who reveals himself as the Righteous Brotherhood’s leader, have cursed Brystal to think negative thoughts. After Seven frames Brystal for the King Champion’s murder, her weakened resolve from the curse and Seven’s betrayal compels her to surrender. Seven, having also killed his other six siblings, kills Brystal and aims to turn public opinion against the fairies. However, Brystal postpones her death by making a mysterious deal with Death himself facilitated by Mistress Mara, and comes back to life just in time to be rescued by Lucy and her allies, The Fairy Council. Reconnected with her friends, Brystal remembers why she works so hard: to give others hope. With renewed willpower, Brystal is ready to fight her curse and stop the Righteous Brotherhood from destroying everything she’s built.  

In the sequel to A Tale of Magic, the drastic changes made at the end of the last book – such as the rapid growth of the academy and the legalization of magic, have brought new challenges to Brystal’s door. It’s natural that she starts having some reservations. Brystal is now facing tougher challenges than ever, and the curse that afflicts her brings these questions to the forefront of her mind: “Am I good enough? Can I save everyone? What happens if I fail?” Brystal says, “I got so busy changing the world I forgot to change myself with it.”  

We all might not have experience changing the world, but anyone can relate to the feeling of the world moving on without you; where you wish you could stop time and get ahold of your own feelings before tackling another issue. Brystal has to learn the hard way that time doesn’t stop for anyone, magical or not. The way she struggles through these issues and moments of weakness make her a well-rounded and relatable narrator.  

While the conflict with the Righteous Brotherhood is the main event of the story, Brystal’s mental state, as well as her relationship with Lucy, is at the forefront. Early on in the story, Lucy discovers that Brystal has been keeping Madame Weatherberry’s identity as the Snow Queen a secret. She lashes out at Brystal and Brystal has her removed from the Fairy Council, which prompts Lucy to leave and join Mistress Mara’s school of witchcraft. This test in their relationship weighs on both their minds, as they had come to trust and support one another, but they are both left without their best friend in such a trying time. Brystal leans on Madame Weatherberry’s advice: “The only thing in life that lasts forever is the fact that nothing lasts forever. . . Just like the weather, people have seasons, too – we all go through periods of rain and sunshine – but we can’t let a particularly rough winter destroy our faith in the spring, otherwise, we’ll always be stuck in the snow.”  

As she spends time away from Lucy, Brystal decides to let go of her anger. Brystal and Lucy don’t let one bad “season” spoil their friendship. Because the emotional development between the characters takes the stage over battles and new plotlines, this book is a bit more mature, yet even more purposeful than Colfer’s Land of Stories Series. Beyond a compelling world of magic is an inspiring girl on a journey to discover herself, who demonstrates fierce loyalty to her friends, and can find hope even in the darkest of times.  

 Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • Prince Gallivant, aka Seven, describes how he lost his family in an attack. “When I was three, we [the royal family] were travelling to the countryside when our carriage was attacked by an angry mob. . . I don’t remember much besides all the screaming. My parents shielded me, otherwise I wouldn’t have survived.” 
  • The Righteous Brotherhood attacks Brystal while she’s at her brother’s wedding. “In a matter of seconds, the wedding became a war zone. . . Brystal spotted a row of smoking cannons on the top of a nearby hill. . . BOOM! A cannonball whirled right past Brystal’s head. . .” They use cannons and crossbows to fire at her. “The [soldier] fired his first shot. Seven jumped in front of Brystal, and the arrow hit the front of his leg. He fell to the ground screaming in agony.” After Seven is shot, the attackers retreat. He is the only person mentioned who is injured. Brystal later finds out this attack was a ploy to help build her relationship with Seven. 
  • Seven kills Mistress Mara. “FWITT! Suddenly, Mistress Mara felt something hit her chest. She looked down and saw an arrow was sticking directly into her heart. . . The witch dropped to her knees and black blood poured down her body. . . Her eyes rolled into the back of her head, she collapsed, and then became deathly still. Like a dying fire, her body started to smoke, then she slowly disappeared from sight.” 
  • When the Fairy Council rescues Brystal from the clutches of the Righteous Brotherhood, Mrs. Vee, the cook at the academy, comes too, fighting more ruthlessly than anyone. “The bubbly housekeeper twirled her arms like a maestro conducting an orchestra as she assaulted the Brotherhood with her kitchen supplies. She smacked their faces with wooden spoons, she beat them over the head with baking sheets, and she poked their eyes with whisks and forks. Mrs. Vee unleashed such a powerful and ruthless attack the fairies almost felt sorry for the Brotherhood.” 

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • Lucy compares flying on a broomstick to Fabubblous Fizz, a bubbly drink, but it’s unclear if this is alcoholic or not. She says, “I feel like I just drank a barrel of Fabubblous Fizz!” 

Language    

  • While repairing a dam with the Fairy Council, Lucy says, “Dam!” Brystal says, “Watch your mouth, there are children—” Then, Lucy says, “No! Look at the dam!”  
  • Lucy says Tangerina “sounds dumb” when she speaks.  
  • Seven calls his soldiers “idiots.”  

Supernatural  

  • In the Fairy Tale world, magic exists. Magic is mentioned frequently in the story and used for everything from household chores to fighting. Every member of the Fairy Council uses magic that has to do with a ‘specialty,’ such as Tangerina, who controls bees and has hair made of honey. 
  • Brystal uses magic to repair a cracked dam. “Brystal waved her wand at the damage below her. The giant crack was magically filled with a golden seal. . . [and] the spewing water finally stopped. . . To help matters more, Brystal flicked her wand again and this time sent a powerful breeze through the city that dried up all the streets, shops, and homes.” 
  • Many magical creatures are mentioned in the book, such as unicorns and trolls. Unicorns are sometimes mentioned as means of travel or messengers, such as when a unicorn delivers a letter from the Fairy Council to a king. 
  • Mistress Mara, a witch, travels in a large carriage with wooden, spider-like legs that operates by magic. “[The] large carriage was shaped like a human skull. . . [it] crawled on eight wooden legs like a massive spider.”  
  • Brystal’s usual means of travel is by bubble. She creates a bubble with her wand and floats from place to place, able to steer it with her wand. “She quietly opened the windows of her office and floated outside in a large bubble. . . She landed on a snowy mountainside and popped the bubble with her wand.” She does this a few times in the story. 
  • Brystal visits Madame Weatherberry, the Snow Queen, who is living far from civilization in a cave in the mountains. Madame Weatherberry has used a spell to separate herself from the Snow Queen. She appears as a ghost-like figure to Brystal. “Brystal ran across the cavern to embrace her former mentor, but she passed through Madame Weatherberry like she was made of air. . . ”  
  • Madame Weatherberry explains how she became a ghost. “Living in seclusion made the Snow Queen stronger. . . I searched the mountains for a place to imprison her and discovered this cavern. I froze myself in a wall of ice to trap her, and just in case it melted, I blinded myself so she would never find a way out. With my last bit of strength, I performed a detachment spell to separate us. As long as the Snow Queen exists, I’ll exist like a phantom outside of her.”  
  • Ravencrest, Mistress Mara’s school of witchcraft, has an invisible butler, moving paintings, and staircases that move in all directions.  
  • Mistress Mara distinguishes witchcraft from fairy magic by four things – jinxes, hexes, potions, and curses. There is a lesson for each in the story. Jinxes alter one’s appearance, behavior, or function in a negative way, such as when Pip, a student, jinxes a mirror to show an ugly reflection. A hex is a jinx applied to a living creature. Pip hexes someone to have two left feet. Potions are non-magical. Lastly, a curse is a long-lasting or irreversible spell that can take over an environment, inanimate object, or a living thing, and is fueled by anger.  
  • Lucy curses girls who used to make fun of her by turning them into swans. Curses leave something called a “curse counter” behind, a token of the cursed person that shows how long the curse will last. Whenever Mistress Mara curses someone, a jack-o-lantern appears. If its candle is burning, then the curse is still active. 
  • Witchcraft also causes a “recoil” effect to those who use it. The spellcaster’s body is altered with non-human traits. When Lucy uses witchcraft, she grows feathers like a goose. When Pip uses witchcraft, she starts to grow whiskers. Mistress Mara has cast so many spells that she looks like a skeleton. The witches use magical golden necklaces to conceal their true appearances. 
  • Lucy and the witches travel by broomstick once in the story.  
  • Mistress Mara curses Lucy to contain a Shadow Beast, a creature that is used as a sacrifice for an incredibly powerful spell. Lucy has the Fairy Council expel the Shadow Beast from her. “Lucy’s body surpassed her original height and weight and kept growing as she blew up like an enormous balloon. The fairies were shocked as Lucy swelled before their eyes. They could hear something growling inside of her. . . The fairies grabbed hands and recited the chant. . .  Lucy’s body stopped expanding. The Shadow Beast started to howl from inside her. . . Lucy’s body started to twitch and shake. . . Suddenly a dark vapor erupted out of Lucy’s mouth. Her body deflated and she shrank to her original size. The Shadow Beast whirled around the office like a black cloud.” It escapes out the window and finds Mistress Mara.  
  • Mistress Mara sacrifices the Shadow Beast to raise an undead army of former members of the Righteous Brotherhood. “The witch twirled her arms through the air and the Shadow Beast grew into a massive cyclone. The storm whirled around the courtyard. . . The Shadow Beat split into ferocious animals. The creatures scattered to different parts of the fortress and disappeared into the walls and sank into the ground. . . Suddenly, hundreds of decaying hands emerged from the dirt and shot out of the stone walls. . . corpses clawed their way out from their resting places. The corpses faced their leader and saluted him, like a platoon of skeletal soldiers.” 

Spiritual Content  

  • After Seven kills Brystal, she goes to a place in between life and death. She describes it as a “gray field with a perfectly smooth surface.” There, she meets Death, a ten-foot-tall hooded figure with a cloak made of “darkness itself.”  
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