Reading Level: Elementary

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  

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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  

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Language  

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Supernatural 

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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  

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Violence  

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Drugs and Alcohol  

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Supernatural 

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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  

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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  

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Supernatural 

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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  

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Violence  

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Drugs and Alcohol  

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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  

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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  

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Supernatural  

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Spiritual Content  

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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  

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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  

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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 

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Spiritual Content  

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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  

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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  

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Language  

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Supernatural 

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Spiritual Content  

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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  

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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.”  

Into the Shadow Mist

Plum and her friends are traveling to the misty Bokati Island. There they will study with the mysterious Guardian Master Em, who is the keeper of the ancient forest there. The field trip comes just in time for Plum, who still can’t figure out why she’s so different from the other Novices on Lotus Island. 

At first, Plum doesn’t know what to make of this quiet and sometimes gloomy place. But it doesn’t take long to discover that Bokati is brimming with an incredible array of fascinating animals and plants. When an unseen force begins to destroy the trees, putting the entire ecosystem at risk, Plum and her classmates must spring into action. Plum is determined to help, even though she’s hiding secrets about her own Guardian powers from even her closest friends. 

Since the story is told from Plum’s point of view, readers will learn more about Plum’s struggles with feeling different. Because Plum’s Guardian powers are unique, Plum worries that something is wrong with her. This is why, when Plum learns that she can enhance other Guardians’ powers, she tries to keep it secret. But Plum’s secret has become “like a thorn in the bottom of my foot.” Even though she might get into trouble, Plum realizes she can’t “keep the secret inside anymore.” When Plum finally reveals her secret, she finds peace with her powers.  

Into the Shadow Mist follows Plum and her friends as they travel to a new island, where they learn that everything is connected. If you hurt one plant, you hurt the entire habitat. While Plum and her friends—Cherry, Sam, and Salan—explore the forest, they discover several Bokati trees have been cut down. To save the trees, the group must stop the person responsible. The story’s action focuses on the trees and readers will find themselves deeply invested in the trees’ plight.  

At the end of the story, Plum discovers that the villain is Rella—a student expelled from the Guardian Academy. Even though Rella used her Guardian powers to harm the Bokati trees, Plum wonders if she and Rella are similar. Both girls are trying to find their destiny. In the end, Plum lets Rella escape. However, Plum confesses, “I don’t know why I did it. I let my grip on her arm loosen.” This sets up the conflict that will appear in the next book, City of Wishes, and leaves readers questioning if Rella acted on her own or if the powerful Lady Ubon is the mastermind behind the destruction of the Bokati trees.  

Into the Shadow Mist takes readers onto the island where the Bokati trees live. Although the island is not a typical island paradise, Plum and her friends come to love the forest. And while the mystery revolves around trees, the book’s setting and characters will enchant readers and keep them invested in the story.  Plum is the only character who is developed in detail. However, adding a new teacher, Master Em, adds interest to the story. Black and white illustrations are scattered throughout the book to give  readers a visual of the diverse characters and some animals unique to Bokati Island. Since the characters and Guardian powers are introduced in the first book, The Guardian Test, the series should be read in order because the plots are connected. Readers who want to jump into an imaginative world full of magic will find Legends of the Lotus Island an enjoyable series.  

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • Someone is sneaking onto the island and cutting down Bokati trees. Master Em and a group of Guardians follow a buzzing sound through the forest and find hoverbots. “Cherry rushed towards the hoverbots, claws out. She swatted the bot away from the Bokati tree. The bot spun out of control and slammed into the ground.” 
  • Another student, Mikko, “rushed to Cherry’s side and grabbed a hoverbot. He slung it away from the tree so hard that it slammed into another bot with a loud crash. Metal parts flew through the air in all directions.”  
  • After disabling several of the hoverbots, Plum follows a mysterious mist. The mist “swirled away from me like smoke through the trees, faster and faster. . . A figure stepped out of the disappearing mist. It was a large gray leopard. With a shake of its smoke-gray coat, the leopard shifted to human form.” The person escapes the island. 
  • When the bots come back to cut down another tree, Master Em and the Guardians are ready to attack. “When our homemade pomelo bombs hit the hoverbots, they burst open, sending clouds of spores into the air. . . [the spores] stuck to the hoverbots” which made them easier to see. After smashing several hoverbots, “a large net of woven Bokati fibers dropped own onto the hoverbots, trapping them.”  
  • Plum and another Guardian follow the shadow form of Rella through the woods. “Finally, the shadow vanished and the form of the gray leopard appeared. Sam pinned the big cat down, growling above her.” When Sam goes to get help, Plum lets Rella escape the island.  

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None 

Language  

  • Heck is used once.

Supernatural 

  • According to stories, when “the Great Beast carried the people and animals across the sea from the Old Home, he allowed them to bring only one thing with them . . . during the long journey.” One of their great-great-great grandmothers brought a “rootlet of a Bokati tree. . . Every Bokati tree you see is descended from that root.”  
  • The Great Beast is mentioned several times. The Great Beast “bestowed his powers upon the Guardians, he gave them their ability to turn into extraordinary creatures so we could protect all the ‘normal’ animals.” 
  • There are different types of Guardians. “Breath Guardians learned to control their power of the mind and senses. Hand Guardians sharpened their powers of strength and agility. And Heart Guardians. . . worked to strengthen their healing powers.”  
  • When the lotus plants become unhealthy, the Guardians must heal them. One of the teachers, Brother Chalad, demonstrates. He “scooped up some water in his furry kinkajou hand. He sprinkled water onto a specked lotus pad. Then he placed his palm on the leaf and breathed out slowly. After a moment, vibrant green life began to flow out from the center of the leaf, erasing the brown spots one by one.”   
  • The students can turn into Guardian animals that have unique powers. For instance, Cherry turns into a gillybear. Cherry “began her transformation. Fluffy cream-colored fur burst out all over her legs, and her hands widened into paws. Her face elongated into a bear snout with a wet black nose. And she grew big, big, and bigger still.”  
  • While in her Guardian form, Plum discovers that she can enhance the other Guardian’s powers. In addition, her antlers can “glow like a torch.” When Plum uses her power, her “antlers thrummed like a pure note played on a piano. I could feel the electric tingle run through me, through Cherry, through Hetty, through each of us.” 
  • Master Em has the power of intuition and can see into the future. 

Spiritual Content  

  • None

A Daring Rescue

Abby’s family has just moved to the Florida Keys to run an island resort. She’s excited to feel the surf, sand, and ocean breeze every day! And when Bella, a visitor to the island, discovers a hidden cove that’s home to a pod of dolphins, Abby knows she’s right where she should be. But Bella makes Abby swear to keep the dolphins a secret. Can Abby keep her promise, or will their friendship be over for good?  

Abby is a relatable character who is eager to be friends with Bella. Even though she is eight, Abby is given a phone because she is responsible. Abby helps at the resort when needed and is kind to the workers. However, Abby doesn’t always follow her parent’s rules. For instance, even though Abby knows it is wrong, she wades into the water to get closer to the dolphins. And when Abby’s parents discover that Abby is keeping secrets and disobeying their rules, they don’t discipline her.   

Unfortunately, Bella isn’t a good friend because she is secretive and dishonest. Bella keeps sneaking off to see the dolphins. Abby tries to find out why Bella keeps disappearing, but Bella doesn’t tell her the truth. When Abby discovers the dolphins, Bella makes Abby promise to keep the dolphins a secret. Bella says she’s afraid that if others come to the secret cove, the dolphins will leave. Even though Abby makes the promise, she is conflicted and, in the end, she accidentally tells her parents about the dolphins.  

A Daring Rescue’s plot is easy to understand, but readers may struggle with the advanced vocabulary. Black and white illustrations appear every eight to nine pages. The illustrations focus on the characters in the story and give the reader a visual of the island’s habitat. Each of the twelve chapters has five to nine pages, which makes A Daring Rescue a great book to read as a bedtime story.  

A Daring Rescue will appeal to young readers because of the dolphins and the mystery of the parrot. Abby’s adventures on the island are suspenseful and the surprising ending will leave readers with a smile. However, adults may want to discuss when it is acceptable to keep secrets as well as the danger of swimming alone. Splash into more ocean-related books by reading The Wishing Pearl by Paula Harrison, Lana Swims North by Lisa Ann Scott, and The Secret Explorers and the Lost Whales by SJ King. 

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • A raccoon tries to eat a parrot named Bogart. “The raccoon was there—and he was creeping toward Bogart! The macaw edged toward the water, dragging his injured wing.” Abby and Bella save Bogart. The raccoon chase is described over four pages. 

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None 

Language  

  • A kid tells Abby that, “Mr. Robinson was kind of a jerk. . . He was rude to everyone.” 
  • Bella apologizes by saying, “I’m sorry I was such a jerk.” 

Supernatural 

  • None 

Spiritual Content  

  • None 

The Terror of the Southlands

Hilary Westfield is a pirate. In fact, she’s the Terror of the Southlands. She’s daring, brave, fearless, and . . . in a rut. Okay, maybe Hilary hasn’t found any treasure lately. And maybe she isn’t fighting off as many scallywags as she’d like. But does that mean she and her loyal crew deserve to be kicked out of the ranks of the Very Nearly Honorable League of Pirates (VNHLP)? 

There is only one thing to do—find a daring mission worthy of her fearless reputation. With the help of her first mate Charlie, finishing school friend Claire, and a self-proclaimed intrepid gargoyle, Hilary sets sail on a swashbuckling expedition that may or may not involve a kidnapped Enchantress, bumbling inspectors, a mysterious group called the Mutineers, and—the most terrifying of all—a high Society ball. 

To prove herself worthy of being a pirate, Hilary sets off on another fast-paced adventure with her friends Charlie and Claire. The three must follow the clues to find the missing Enchantress, Miss Pimm. This is complicated because while Charlie may not be afraid of walking the plank, he is afraid of Claire. Miss Pimm’s disappearance adds mystery to the story while Charlie’s fear of girls adds humor. The two plots converge to show the importance of supporting your friends through thick and thin. 

The Terror of the Southlands brings back most of the characters from the first book, Magic Marks the Spot. However, several new and interesting characters are added to the cast. While Hilary’s focus is on being bold and daring, she also must navigate the complications of friendships, especially when there are disagreements. While the pirate elements of the story add excitement, the friendship element makes the story relatable. Through Hilary and her crew’s experiences, readers will see that pirates may not always follow the rules, but that doesn’t make them villains. While the true villains in the story are predictable, readers will still cheer when Hilary and her friends thwart their evil plans.  

The book includes the Gargoyle’s memoir, which recaps the backstory of the series. Despite this, The Very Nearly Honorable League of Pirates Series is a continuous story that should be read in order. To help readers keep apprised of the inspector’s investigation, additional information is given in the form of reports written by the queen’s inspectors. While the reports do contain important information, the queen’s inspectors are portrayed as bumbling fools, which adds to the story’s humor.  

Adventure-seeking readers will enjoy following Hilary and her crew as they take to the high seas in search of the Enchantress. The story’s humor and suspense will keep readers engaged until the very end. The story concludes with an enjoyable epic battle between the pirates and the villains. One fun aspect of the conclusion is that each character has a unique quality that makes them special. For instance, Hilary’s mother uses her skill as a hostess to get guests out of harm’s way, while Claire discovers her extraordinary ability to use magic, allowing her to vanquish the mutineers. In the end, Hilary proves that she is indeed bold and brave enough to be a pirate, even when she is wearing a dress that makes her look like a cabbage.  

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • Someone shoots cannonballs at Hilary’s boat, Squeaker. “Then a tremendous splash drenched [Hilary] from her hat feather to her boot buckles, and the Squeaker rocked perilously from side to side. . . Another cannonball splashed in front of the ship, nearly grazing the Gargoyle’s Nest on the way down. The gargoyle yelped and buried himself as well as he could under his hat.” The other ship pulls close to the Squeaker and the ship’s occupants invite Hilary and her crew to their house.  
  • The president of the VNHLP, Captain Blacktooth, orders Hilary to abandon her quest. When Hilary refuses, Captain Blacktooth’s crew “advance toward Hilary. . . She raised her cutlass as a pirate with a parrot on his shoulder stepped in front of her. . . But the pirate didn’t back away. Instead, he swung his sword toward Hilary, clipping the end of her braid and knocking her cutlass to the floor. . .” Hilary’s governess, Miss Greyson appears and stops the pirates from hurting Hilary.  
  • When Claire tries to use magical coins, they explode. No one is injured. 
  • At the beginning of the story, Hilary’s friend Jasper disappears. Later, Jasper reveals that he was kidnapped. The villains “confiscated my sword, bound my wrists and ankles, and tied me to a rather uncomfortable palm tree. . . The pirates kept me well fed, at least.” When the pirates decided to leave the island, Jasper got out of the ropes and followed. 
  • When Miss Pimm is kidnapped, Hilary tracks her down. Miss Pimm’s “wrists and ankles were bound with thick ropes, her eyes were closed, and she was snoring softly.” She is weak, but uninjured. 
  • Miss Pimm explains, “I tried to stick [the kidnappers] to the ground with my crochet hook, and I did stop a few of them, but the others pulled the hook out of my hand. They picked me up, which must have been quite a challenge for them, since I confess I was kicking and scratching in a terribly unladylike way.” Someone hit Miss Pimm on the head and she woke to find herself tied up. 
  • While trying to sneak into a house, Hilary and her friends meet a coachman named Lewis. Before he can yell, “Hilary pulled her cutlass from her waistband and pressed the tip into Lewis’s shoulder, not hard enough to slice through his livery, but hard enough to show she meant business.” 
  • While trying to get Lewis to leave his guard post, the gargoyle “leaned toward Lewis, baring his teeth, crossing his eyes, wiggling his ears, and flapping his wings so violently. . . His snout touched Lewis’s nose, and he let out a great breath. . .” Lewis faints. 
  • While at a party, Hilary and her friends discover that the Mutineers, Mrs. Tilbury, Philomena, and Nicholas conspired to kidnap Miss Pimm so Philomena could be the next Enchantress. “Mrs. Tilbury, Philomena, and Nicholas raised their magic piece in the air. Hilary raised her cutlass. . .” Suddenly, a group of pirates crash through the windows and a fight ensues.  
  • During the fight, “Miss Greyson was using her crochet hook to blast several of them off their feet, while Claire jabbed all the guards within reach with two of her very sharp hairpins. . .” Captain Blacktooth corners Hilary. “He held his sword frighteningly close to her chin, and his expression was so fearsome that she froze. . .” Another pirate jumps in and saves Hilary. 
  • Philomena uses magic to put Claire in the air. Then Philomena begins taunting Claire. “Hilary grabbed Philomena from one side just as Charlie grabbed her from the other. They both held up their swords. . .” Philomena drops Claire, who “crashed to the floor” and “yelped in pain.” 
  • Claire stops the pirate fight when she grabs a magic item and says, “I wish all you dratted Mutineers would disappear to some horrid little deserted island and leave me alone!” Then, “with a very loud pop, Philomena (and the other villains) vanished.” The battle is described over 13 pages. 

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • Some of the adult pirates drink Grog. 
  • At a party, some of the guests have champagne. 
  • Hilary gives Miss Greyson a cup of ginger beer. 

Language  

  • There is some name calling including sea cucumber, rogues, and slime. 
  • Drat and blast are used as exclamations frequently. 
  • “Oh, Crumbs” and “oh curses” are both used as an exclamation once. 
  • Pirates are often referred to as scallywags, scoundrels, and rapscallions.  
  • Hilary’s father, Admiral Westfield calls the Enchantress, “That Meddling Old Biddy.”

Supernatural 

  • Magical items exist. Claire tries to use a magic crochet hook to order “a tray of egg sandwiches.” Unexpectedly, a ball of light appeared and “flared up around Claire’s crochet hook so furiously that Hilary could hardly look at it. Then a tremendous bang shook the trees to their very roots, and the hook exploded.” Afterward, Claire’s fingers were red.  
  • While investigating Miss Pimm’s disappearance, Hilary uses magic to stop the queen’s inspectors. Hilary’s “cutlass floated out of its sheath and hovered in front of the inspectors, directing its point at their chest when they attempted to move. . . Hilary’s arms felt weak from the magic, and her breath was strained, but she had more than enough strength left to grin.” Hilary eventually lets the inspectors go.  
  • Hilary uses magic to pick a lock. 

Spiritual Content  

  • None 

Wrath of the Exiles

Coop Cooperson thought he was settling into life as the only human at Dungeoneer Academy, but no one will even remember his Mushroom Maze victory if he keeps failing Riddles and Runes class. Adding insult to injury is the new kid, Kody, who everyone—including Coop’s best friends on the Green Team—thinks is so great…but Coop is convinced there’s more to Kody than meets the eye.

But it’s not just the arrival of Kody; other things seem off at the Academy. After a serious incident at the school dance, Coop, Oggie, Daz, and Mindy, plus a few other students new and old, realize they must step up to try and stop whoever’s wreaking havoc. But the villains are even more dangerous than anyone realizes . . . and they have a serious vendetta against Dungeoneer Academy.

Coop and his friends put their best junior dungeoneer skills to the test, but their foes are always one step ahead. Can they figure out how to stop them and save Dungeoneer Academy before it’s too late? 

The second installment of the Dungeoneer Adventures will quickly capture readers’ attention with a new twist—Coop wants to ask Daz to the homecoming dance, but the task seems more difficult than facing monsters. Mixed into the story is a little jealousy when the new kid, Kody, dominates Daz’s and Oggie’s attention. Middle school readers will relate to Coop’s insecurities and conflicts, which are presented humorously. 

Despite the drama of the homecoming dance, the action never takes a break. Soon, Coop and his friends—the Green Team—are off on a wild adventure trying to stop the villain, Rake, from acquiring a piece of the wishing stone. As the friends travel into an icy abyss, they meet a robot named Victor Seven. The robot wants to be a hero; this thread allows the book to explore the theme of heroism. In the end, Victor learns that “Being a hero isn’t about never failing. It is about always trying.”  

Wrath of the Exiles’ rich language adds to the story’s fun tone. The book is wonderful to read aloud because it’s filled with alliteration, onomatopoeias, silly names, and made-up words. However, some readers will struggle with the liberal use of idioms such as knock you down a peg, a walk in the park, etc. In addition, the story uses difficult vocabulary such as cacophonous, surmises, perpetual, precipitous, extrapolate, and gobsmacked. Despite this, there are context clues that will assist readers in understanding the story. The story’s black-and-white illustrations also help readers understand the text and visualize the imaginative world. The Dungeoneers Adventures Series must be read in order because each book builds on the same story thread.  

While Wrath of the Exiles has many of the stereotypical characters—a bully, an evil villain, a bookworm, an awkward boy, etc.—each character has unique qualities that make them loveable and, at times, surprising. The magical world, fast-paced battle scenes, and fight against evil make Wrath of the Exiles hard to put down. The story’s message about friendship, trust, and listening gives the story heart. The Dungeoneer Adventures books will have readers laughing out loud one moment, and biting their nails the next. Additionally, the conclusion reinforces important lessons about friendship that will leave readers with a smile as they reach for the next book in the series.  

Sexual Content  

  • After Coop shows Daz his support, she “gives me a peck on the cheek. My brain short-circuits for a second, and I suddenly feel like doing somersaults.”  

Violence  

  • Zeek, the school bully, purposely trips Coop in the cafeteria. Afterward, Coop describes, “I stand up amidst the crowd, dripping with slime, and as I stumble out of the cafeteria, their scolding turns into laughing. Needless to say, it doesn’t feel so good.” 
  • At the homecoming dance, someone puts a potion into the punch and it turns everyone into stone.  
  • While trying to figure out who turned everyone into stone, Coop and his friends go into the school’s vaults and discover a “mechanical behemoth” which is “a sputter-guardian. . . the newest sputter-spark technology that the realm of Shyrm has to offer.” The sputter-guardian attacks Coop. “A barrage of arrows peppers the ground behind my feet as I hop, skip, and jump out of the way. The machine lurches after me.” 
  • Oggie jumps into the fight and “the sputter-guardian spins like a top, striking out with limbs, like each has a mind of its own. One swats Oggie, and he goes crashing into the stone slab that Ingrid’s hiding behind. With a swift tug, she pulls him clear of another blow.” Ingrid is another member of the Green Team. 
  • The sputter-guardian tries to zap the kids with a laser blast. Coop attacks with his sword. “With a clamorous BOOM the sputter-guardian falls to the ground, missing a leg. . . Angerly its red eye heats up and starts rapid-firing in all directions.” Daz pushes Coop out of the way and “with both of her daggers drawn, she dives spectacularly for the glowing eye and shatters it.” The battle is described over six pages. No one is injured.  
  • As Coop and his friends enter further into the vault, they find Zeek and his friend Axel trying to steal an answer key. Then, Coop explains, “I dive as a wrecking ball swooshes past me, tousling my hair. Then a bunch of buzz saws spring at me from the floor and walls.” Daz pushes Coop out of the way. 
  • Axel “tries to avoid a whizzing buzz saw, a wrecking ball clips him from behind and he tumbles to the ground. Zeek scrambles like a cockroach to save himself.” Oggie saves Axel. No one is injured. 
  • A group of students jump into “a black vortex,” which is a portal to the underworld. When they come out of the other side, an exile, Dorian Rider, puts them in chains. 
  • Coop goes after Dorian Rider and another exile. Before he can attack, “everything turns dark as I crumble to the floor. What just happened? The last thing I see is Zeek standing over me with a wooden club in his hand.” 
  • Coop and the Green Team run from a “mutant troggle” that is a “sentient ape” that has been “lobotomized. Turned into a machine.” Coop explains, “With alarming speed, the monster’s giant axe-hand swipes towards me . . . . All I can do is duck and wince. But when I look up, I see the force field from Mindy’s ring repel the attack.” 
  • The ape grabs Oggie and starts to squeeze him. Oggie yells, “You’ll have to do better than that, banana breath!” The angry ape “flings Oggie at the wall, where he clatters into a rack of weapons. . . Oggie looks up in fright as the mutant troggle raises its cruel axe. . .”  
  • In an attempt to stop the ape, the Green Team lets a nether bharg loose, but unfortunately it goes after them. “The nether bharg’s jaws are mere inches away from gnashing at us when Daz steps forward, raising her arms, revealing the strange eye patterns on her cloak. . . the nether bharg freezes in its track, recoiling in fear.” The Green Team escapes. The scene is described over five pages. 
  • The Green Team enters a tomb and faces a group of ghosts who “are her loyal servants. . . even in death.” A ghost asks the group what they wish for and Oggie thinks about food. An avalanche of food begins to fall. Daz is “pelted with a carton of Nork’s Noodles. . . Mindy shouts as she uses her magic ring to conjure a force field above us like an umbrella. A giant tube steak falls like a wiggly tree trunk and bounces off the shield.” 
  • When the kids are about to be smothered in food, their robot friend Victor “leaps clear of a titanic cupcake, carrying Daz, Mindy, and Ingrid over his shoulders.” Victor forces the door open and everyone gets out except for him. 
  • In a multi-chapter battle, Coop and his friends battle for their lives. As the Green Team enters the next level of the maze, the exiles surround them. “In seconds, their weapons are pointed at us from all sides. . . The exiles waste no time and charge us, weapons drawn and magic items humming to maximum power. [Coop] fall[s] back, barely avoiding a swipe from Kodar’s [an exile] axe.” 
  • During the fight, “Mindy shouts, firing bolts into the hanging icicles. A few razor-sharp shards of ice crash down to the floor, keeping Kodar and the others at bay.”  
  • Coop is caught when Dorian’s “grappling gun entangles me. The squeeze is so strong that I can’t move my arms. . .”  
  • The leader of the exiles, Rake, goes after Oggie. Rake “strikes Oggie so hard with his augmented arm that the blow sends my friend sprawling. Oggie slams against a gagged stone, magic armor crumpling.” Someone gives Oggie a Courage Potion and he wakes up.  
  • A trap is set off unleashing “Audrastica’s ice golems” that attack the exiles. Then a huge “behemoth” ice golem appears, but Victor runs to the rescue.  

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • Coop and his class are learning how to make a courage potion that includes “doohagenberry plant,” which has extraordinary healing properties. 

Language  

  • There is often name calling such as jerk, goon, turncoat, loser, and scumbag. 
  • Kodar mocks Coop by calling him little guy. 
  • Heck and dang are both used several times. 
  • Zeek overhears Oggie (who has fur) talking about asking a girl to the homecoming dance. Zeek scoffs and says, “She’d never go to the dance with an overgrown hairball like you!” Oggie’s friend jumps in and says, “Oh yeah, and who would ever want to go to a dance with a couple of puke-breath bullies like you two.” 
  • Zeek calls Coop “Pooperson.” 
  • While learning about a famous dungeoneer, Shane Shandar, Coop thinks, “I, Coop Cooperson, Junior Dungeoneer, am going to the same school as Shane flippin’ Shadar.” 
  • Zeek accuses the new girl of being an evil witch. 
  • “Holy cats” is used as an exclamation twice.

Supernatural 

  • The dungeoneers must take a Riddles and Runes class. Their teacher explains that, “Runes are magic. Specifically, magic words, or strings of words. And they have many complete meanings pertaining to spells, enchantments, or curses.”  
  • Someone steals the Arkimunda Coagudex, a book of spells, from the library. “Supposedly the Arkimunda Coagudex was written by a powerful sorcerer hundreds of years ago. . . It is full of recipes to create things like curse potions, corrosive acids, and dangerous poisons.” The book also has “hexes, boons, enchantments, and curses.” 
  • Ingrid, uses the Arkimunda Coagudex to make a Campfire Potion. She says, “We can grind up frostfoil and mix it with melding powder and water to create a potion that wards off the cold.” 
  • Kodar, who is an exile, uses an amulet of focused “trasnsmogrification” to disguise his identity. 

Spiritual Content  

  • None 

Jasmine Toguchi, Drummer Girl

It’s time for the talent show at school, and eight-year-old Jasmine Toguchi is excited to show her stuff. But as Jasmine thinks about her strengths—tree-climbing, mochi-making, collage—none of them feel quite right to perform on stage. Jasmine’s friends already have talents: Tommy yo-yo’s, Daisy dances, and Linnie plays piano. Plus, Maggie Milsap (aka Miss Perfect) is saying she’ll have the best talent of them all.

When Jasmine’s mom introduces her to the taiko, a traditional Japanese drum, Jasmine finally finds an activity that feels just right. But will she be good enough at taiko in time to beat Maggie Milsap?  

Jasmine feels as if she is the only person in her class who isn’t talented. She also believes that all her classmates are talented and don’t have to practice. However, her sister Sophie helps Jasmine realize that “talent” doesn’t make a person good at a skill. Instead, “practice is what makes you good.” With Sophie’s encouragement and her parents’ support, Jasmine is (mostly) ready to go on stage. And most importantly, Jasmine has fun during her performance. She describes, “My arms were strong. My voice was loud. My heart lifted.” Through her experiences, Jasmine discovers the difference between being the best and trying your best. 

The story is accessible to fluent readers who are ready for a book with multiple plots. Black and white illustrations appear every two to three pages and show Jasmine’s daily life. Many of the illustrations show the characters’ facial expressions which will help readers understand the characters’ emotions. Another positive aspect of the story is that most of the Japanese words are explained within the text. In addition, readers can use context clues and illustrations to understand the unfamiliar words’ meanings. For more fun, the back of the book has directions on how to make a hacchi-maki, which is a headband. Even though Jasmine Toguchi is a series, the books do not need to be read in order because each book focuses on a new storyline.  

Young readers will relate to Jasmine’s insecurities and admire her determination to learn a new talent. While some of the story takes place at school, readers also get a glimpse into Jasmine’s home life, where she is surrounded by supportive adults and a bossy big sister. However, all of them encourage Jasmine to try her best and none of them expect her to be perfect. When Jasmine is afraid of making a mistake, her mom tells her, “Nobody ever died from embarrassment. I’ll be proud of you just for being on that stage.” As Jasmine learns how to play taiko, she learns the importance of practicing and having fun.  

Jasmine Toguchi, Drummer Girl is an engaging book that showcases a spunky protagonist, who is extra loveable because she’s imperfect. While young readers will enjoy the plot, adults will appreciate the story’s positive life lessons. If you’re looking to teach a child about the importance of perseverance and practice, grab a copy of the nonfiction books A Girl Named Misty: The True Story of Misty Copeland by Kelly Starling Lyons and She Persisted in Sports by Chelsea Clinton.  

 Sexual Content  

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Drugs and Alcohol  

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Supernatural 

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The Brink of War

Even an accidental invasion has dire consequences . . .

After their daring escape from Atlantis, Lewis, Hanna, and their resourceful Atlantean friend, Kaya, find themselves pulled between two worlds. Trapped on the surface under the watchful eyes of government officials, the three adventurers receive an urgent call to return their stolen warship to Atlantis—or risk starting an all-out war. Will they find Lewis’s injured father and return the warship in time?

Aided by a billionaire with unclear intentions, the trio embark on an all-new journey through Atlantis, from the sunken underwater world of Evenor to the tunnels below Ridge City. As shadowy agents known as Erasers work to stop them, Lewis and Kaya begin to question whether they’re really on the same side of the potentially devastating fight. 

The second installment of the Atlantis Series mostly focuses on Lewis’s point of view, while Kaya’s voice is heard far less. Using Lewis as the main narrator shifts the story’s tone to one that is rambling and less serious. At the beginning of the book, Kaya thinks Lewis is annoying. This is a sentiment that many readers will agree with.  

Despite being chased by the Erasers, who want to imprison Lewis and his friends, Lewis doesn’t act with a sense of urgency. For example, while being chased by the Erasers, Lewis sneaks into a large meeting room where a woman is giving a presentation. When the Atlanteans notice Lewis, he gets up and dances for the crowd, drawing all eyes toward him. Luckily, the people in the meeting room stop the Erasers long enough for Lewis to escape. Another flaw is that many of Lewis’s inner thoughts are childish and ridiculous. Plus, his inner monologue slows down the action and suspense that made the first book in the series so enjoyable.  

One positive aspect of the story is the interesting futuristic technology that both the humans and Atlanteans use. This technology can be used for good or for evil—depending on the person using it. The story also gives readers insight into how technology can be used to invade a person’s privacy. Both the Atlantean’s and Sun People’s cool tech will leave readers dreaming about creative ways to use technology. 

The Brink of War highlights the danger of misunderstandings; both the Atlanteans and the Sun People mistake each other’s intentions which almost leads to war. Unfortunately, instead of the three kids working together, they have a more antagonistic relationship in this book. So while they end up stopping the war between their two worlds, the conclusion is far less celebratory. In the end, readers will wonder if the two worlds can come together and have lasting peace.  

Readers who want to read another interesting story based on Atlantis should also read Atlantia by Ally Condie. 

  Sexual Content  

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Violence  

  • Lewis meets three siblings who help him fly a warship. At one point, the siblings argue and one of the brothers “reached into one of the crates, pulled out a codfish the size of Lewis’s thigh, and began slapping Rass in the head with the silvery swimmer.” 
  • While trying to get away from the Erasers, Lewis is shot with a sonic blaster, a non-lethal weapon. Lewis’s “left foot tingled and turned numb.” 
  • In a long chase scene, the Atlanteans use sonic blasters. After being captured, Lewis begins to talk and “one of the Erasers pressed a sonic pistol against his ribs.”  
  • Kaya and her friend, Rian, are trying to get to an important meeting, while the Erasers are trying to arrest them. Rian “was busy escaping from a pair of Erasers . . . He dropped to the ground and grabbed one of the men by the back of his knees. He pulled both the man’s legs forward, toppling him.” 
  • An Atlantean, Demos, wants to take over the Atlantean government. To keep Atlantis’s council members from talking, Demos puts collars on them. “The collars lock their jaws and mute their voices.” 
  • A scientist named Reinhold tries to grab Lewis, who is wearing a gravity suit. “Lewis powered up the thrusters, planted his bare foot on the bald spot at the back of Reinhold’s head, and pushed off . . . Reinhold crashed into the opposite wall. . .”  
  • One of the Erasers shows up after a fight. “Her face red and newly swollen below one eye.”  
  • The book’s conclusion ends with a confrontation where Demos and his Erasers use their sonic blasters to control others. 

Drugs and Alcohol  

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Language  

  • Lewis thinks a group of adults are jerks. 
  • An adult calls Lewis a little rat. 
  • Demos appoints himself emperor over Atlantis. When someone questions his ability to pull off his scheme, Demos says the people of Atlantis are “brainless fish. They’re mindless urchins, all of them!” 

Supernatural 

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Spiritual Content  

  • Before Kaya jumped off a cliff into a river, she “prayed that she’d read it right, that the water was safe and clear.” 
  • Rian’s parents had “joined some weird new religion” that believes crystals are important. Rian wonders, “Couldn’t they just worship whale spirits like normal Atlanteans?” 
  • Before Rian’s parents leave for a vacation, Rian’s mom gives him a crystal. “Both his parents held their hands out and whispered another one of their prayers: ‘May the Earth spirit and rockglow lead you safely through the waters.’”

Lucy Maud Montgomery: A Writer’s Life

Lucy Maud Montgomery believed that one day she would be taken seriously as a writer. Despite facing many obstacles, Montgomery not only earned a good living as a writer but also became famous after creating Anne of Green Gables—one of the most popular books ever written that has been translated into over 20 languages and earned Montgomery worldwide recognition and appeal.  

As a girl growing up in the 1800s, Montgomery’s dream of becoming a writer was unthinkable—at this time, only men were authors. However, when Montgomery was 16, she published her first poem. When she was in her 30s, Montgomery was writing “silly stories. Potboilers she called them, because they earned money to keep the pots boiling on the stove with enough food for her and her grandmother.” However, many people believed “she was odd because she earned her living as a writer, so they snubbed her.” 

Getting rejections from publishers was disheartening for Montgomery. However, she was determined to write a book. The first book that Montgomery published was Anne of Green Gables, which launched Montgomery into the limelight. Despite Montgomery’s success as a writer, she still lived with her grandmother, who “wouldn’t let her make any changes to their house to make it more uncomfortable.” In addition, her grandmother still gave her a bedtime and only allowed Montgomery to take a bath once a week.  

Lucy Maud Montgomery is only 32 pages, but it’s packed full of information about Montgomery’s life. Each two-page spread weaves the real events of her life into the fabric of her fiction using photographs, excerpts from newspapers, and actual journal pages. This biography explores Montgomery’s struggle and determination to realize her dreams. Despite difficulties in her private life, Montgomery continued to find success as a writer and became famous in Canada and Europe. 

Lucy Maud Montgomery: A Writer’s Life is part of the Snapshots: Images of People and Places in History Series and includes a concise timeline and a listing of pertinent websites. Anyone who has ever dreamed of being a writer or who has read Anne of Green Gables will be fascinated by Montgomery’s life. 

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Strike Zone

Twelve-year-old star Little League pitcher Nick Garcia has a dream. Several in fact. He dreams he’ll win this season’s MVP and earn the chance to throw out the first pitch at Yankee Stadium. He dreams he’ll meet his hero, Yankee pitcher Michael Arroyo. He dreams they’ll find a cure for Lupus so his sister won’t have to suffer. But mostly, he dreams that one day his family can stop living in fear of the government.  

For one kid, it’s almost too much to bear. Luckily, Nick has his two best friends, Ben and Diego, to keep him balanced. But when Nick notices a mysterious man lurking on his street corner, his worst fears are realized. But just when it seems there’s no one they can trust, an unexpected hero emerges and changes everything. 

Baseball-loving fans will instantly connect with Nick Garcia and his baseball ambitions. Nick is a kind protagonist who has a caring support system that includes friends, families, and neighbors. Despite his support system, Nick constantly worries that others will discover his family’s secret—both of his parents are illegal immigrants. This conflict weaves its way into almost every aspect of Nick’s life. At times, the story’s explanations of complex immigration problems including immigration raids, detention centers, and the legal system overshadow the baseball story thread. However through Nick’s experiences, readers will empathize with Nick and his family and learn about the harmful aspects of the immigration system. 

Nick and his two best friends, Ben and Diego, support each other and show readers the positive aspects of being part of a team. During their team’s games, most of the action focuses on Nick’s pitching ability. While this gives the reader an inside view of Nick’s emotions, the book lacks a broader sense of the team working together. There is play-by-play baseball action, but these scenes focus mainly on Nick and the other players are seldom mentioned. The narrow focus on Nick removes some of the joy from the game scenes.  

Strike Zone weaves the different aspects of Nick’s life together, showing how community surrounds Nick and his family in times of trouble. Nick has many trustworthy people in his life; however, he is surprised when his favorite Yankee, Michael Arroyo, steps in to help as well. Readers who have read the book Heat will understand how Michael’s and Nick’s stories connect, but the books don’t need to be read in order to enjoy Strike Zone. Both Michael’s and Nick’s stories show that achieving one’s dream is possible. However, it takes dedication, perseverance, and community.  

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • Nick and his father take his sister Amelia to a free clinic. As they are leaving, a drunk man pushes her. “Amelia lost her balance and almost went down, but Nick caught her by the hip.” 
  • Afterward, the drunk man “swung at Nick’s father. It was a wild swing, one the man had telegraphed, and Nick’s dad easily avoided it. But missing the punch just seemed to make the big man angrier. He clumsily lowered his shoulder and drove into Victor, bringing them both violently to the ground. With Victor Garcia pinned beneath him, the man grunted, throwing punch after punch. . .” Both men are arrested. 
  • When Nick is sliding into home plate, “Eric slapped a hard tag on Nick. Right across the face. Nick’s head snapped to the side, and he immediately cupped his jaw in pain.” Nick has a bruise but is otherwise fine.  

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None 

Language  

  • Heck is used once.  

Supernatural 

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Spiritual Content  

  • Nick’s coach tells him, “I honestly believe the good Lord has blessed you with a right arm like Michael Arroyo’s left.”  
  • Nick’s dad tells him, “God gives the heaviest burdens to the strongest backs.” 
  • Nick tells his neighbor about his hardships. She says, “When I was a little girl in Mexico, my mother used to read me a poem. It was about doing the right things to get into heaven so that one day God could answer all our questions about why things in our life happened the way they did.”  
  • Nick’s father talks about being an illegal immigrant. He says, “We have to put our trust in God until my beautiful daughter turns twenty-one.”  

The Story of Neil Armstrong: A Biography Book for New Readers

Neil Armstrong is one of the most famous astronauts in history. He became the first person to walk on the moon because of his hard work, admirable fortitude, and determined attitude. His experience with NASA changed the course of space exploration forever and he cemented a legacy that continues to be recognized and praised to this day. However, Armstrong’s journey to this life-changing moment wasn’t easy, and his life was full of ups and downs.  

Born on August 5th, 1930, Armstrong grew up in the small town of Wapakoneta, Ohio, during the Great Depression. Despite the challenging economic times, Armstrong loved airplanes, and his dedication to studying and flying them led to his eventual enrollment in college and the Navy. Armstrong’s life took a turn when he applied to become an astronaut for NASA. He was dedicated to NASA’s big mission: to land a man on the moon. But NASA’s training proved difficult for Armstrong, and he struggled to balance his economic issues, familial matters, and astronaut training. How did Armstrong handle the pressure to become the first person to reach the moon? 

The Story of Neil Armstrong is a biographical story about Neil Armstrong’s journey as an astronaut. Told from the perspective of an outside narrator, the book follows Armstrong’s life, starting with his early childhood and ending with his retirement from NASA. While other characters appear throughout the story, such as Armstrong’s wife, Janet, the story mainly focuses on Armstrong. As such, Armstrong is portrayed as an aspiring leader whose dedication to succeed will inspire and motivate readers. Although readers won’t be able to relate to Armstrong’s experience as an astronaut, they can relate to the ups and downs that accompanied him during his life. In fact, it is because of his successes and failures that his life comes across as very realistic and genuine.  

The biography displays a positive outlook on the themes of exploration, fortitude, and perseverance. Although Armstrong encountered difficult situations, his calming attitude and unbreakable courage highlight the book’s message about pursuing one’s dream and never giving up. The Story of Neil Armstrong challenges readers to chase after their passions and not shy away from trying new things. After all, Neil Armstrong is known “as the man who led the way.” 

The Story of Neil Armstrong is part of a series called Story Of: A Biography for New Readers. As such, the book is educationally oriented and includes additional supplementary material like fun facts, discussion questions, a reading quiz, and a glossary. Hand-drawn illustrations are sprinkled in every one to three pages, and the back of the book contains real-life photographs that highlight the important aspects of Armstrong’s life. While some of the text may be challenging for younger readers, The Story of Neil Armstrong presents an exciting tale about one of history’s most famous astronauts. It’s an engaging story that will hook readers, young and old, from page one and challenge them to shoot for the stars. 

To learn more about space exploration and Neil Armstrong, read Apollo 13 by Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld and The Race to Space Countdown to Liftoff by Erik Slader & Ben Thompson. 

Sexual Content 

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Drugs and Alcohol 

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Supernatural 

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Ballerina Dreams: From Orphan to Dancer

At the age of three, Michaela DePrince found a photo of a ballerina that changed her life. She was living in an orphanage in Sierra Leone at the time, but soon she was adopted by a family and brought to America. Michaela never forgot the photo of the dancer she once saw, and she quickly decided to make her dream of becoming a ballerina come true. She has been dancing ever since and is now a principal dancer in New York City. She has also been featured in the ballet documentary First Position, as well as Dancing with the Stars, Good Morning America, and Oprah magazine. 

Ballerina Dreams is told from Michaela’s point of view. The story uses a friendly tone that makes the reader feel as if they know Michaela personally. While in the orphanage, Michaela’s teacher said, “You can become a ballerina, too, if you take lessons for many years, if you work hard, and if you practice every day.” While Michaela’s story has a happy ending, she acknowledges her fears and explains how she overcame them. Her motivational story shows the importance of hard work and perseverance.  

As part of the Ready To Read Level 4 Series, Ballerina Dreams is intended for children who can read independently. The story is told using short chapters. The paragraphs are short and use simple sentences. Most pages have full-color illustrations or photographs of Michaela to break up the text. However, some pages do not have pictures.  

Ballerina Dreams is an inspiring story that encourages readers to aspire to great heights. The informative book explains how Michaela was able to make her dreams come true. Michaela encourages readers by saying, “It doesn’t matter if you dream of being a doctor, a teacher, a writer, or a ballerina. Every dream begins with one step. After that, you must work hard and practice every day. If you never give up, your dream will come true.” For another inspirational biography, pair Ballerina Dreams with A Girl Named Misty by Kelly Starling Lyons. Readers who love ballet should also read the picture books Tallulah’s Tutu by Marilyn Singer and Parker Shines On by Parker Curry & Jessica Curry. 

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • Michaela was born in Sierra Leone and her parents “died there in the ongoing war.” 

Drugs and Alcohol  

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Language  

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Supernatural 

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Spiritual Content  

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One Tiny Turtle

Unlike their notoriously slow counterparts on land, sea turtles travel thousands of miles each year. This makes them very difficult to research, and much is still unknown about their mysterious lives. In One Tiny Turtle, zoologist and author Nicola Davies describes the known life cycle of the loggerhead turtle, one of seven species of sea turtles. Readers will follow the turtle from her time as an infant living beneath a patch of seaweed to her adulthood when she lays her own eggs on a beach before disappearing back into her mysterious life beneath the sea. 

One Tiny Turtle is an informative book that grabs readers’ attention through Davies’ beautiful prose and illustrator Jane Chapman’s vibrant, realistic art. Like all books in the Read and Wonder series, One Tiny Turtle includes a fun fact about its subject on every page. For example, in a page describing the loggerheads’ swimming process, a small caption informs readers that sea turtles can spend hours underwater while asleep and only come up for air every four or five minutes while awake.   

One Tiny Turtle is an accessible book for younger readers, with one to eight short sentences per page. A prolific children’s author, Davies captures young readers’ imagination through her rich and descriptive writing. For example, she describes a baby turtle as “not much bigger than a bottle top, she hides in the green shadows.”  The colorful and detailed illustrations help readers understand the turtle’s life and habitat. Chapman’s photorealistic sea creatures blend beautifully with the greens and blues of the sea.  

Although it is a nonfiction book, One Tiny Turtle is sure to engage readers’ curiosity and leave them wondering about a species whose mysteries are still being uncovered. As part of the Read and Wonder Series, One Tiny Turtle is meant for younger readers. It is intended to be read aloud to a child, rather than for the child to read it for the first time independently. The book is fascinating and educational and will help readers understand the mysteries of turtles.  

Introduce your young readers to more lovable sea creatures by reading Otters Love to Play by Jonathan London. Sea-loving readers can also learn life lessons by reading the Pout-Pout Fish Adventure picture book series by Deborah Diesen.  

Sexual Content 

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Violence 

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Drugs and Alcohol 

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Language 

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Supernatural 

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Nowheresville

Nat is proud of her mom for getting her dream job. But did she have to move them out of Philadelphia and into a small town in rural Pennsylvania? Who would choose to leave behind their friends, favorite falafel spot, and fun block parties for green fields and grazing cows? Nat is convinced there isn’t anything to love about her new hometown. . . but then she meets her cute next-door neighbor and his even cuter horse, Ghost. Can they help Nat embrace her new life as a small-town girl? 

Anyone who has dealt with moving will relate to Nat’s difficulty adjusting to a small town. Like all preteens, Nat worries about meeting new friends and fitting into her new community. It doesn’t take long for Nat to meet Logan, her cute neighbor, or for two mean girls to target her. The two mean girls trick Nat into flirting with Logan. While Nat’s attempt at flirting is embarrassing, Logan kindly tells Nat that he just wants to be friends. Nat’s relationship with Logan is sweet, and Nat realizes “I wasn’t ready for all that boy-girl stuff yet . . . That didn’t mean I wanted to stop hanging out with Logan.” In the end, the two end up developing a friendship through their love of horses.   

Nat is a very likable protagonist. One reason Nat is so likable is because she is an unselfish friend who empathizes with others. When a mean girl tells Nat, “If anyone saw you with Horrid Harper, your reputation would be totally nerfed,” Nat doesn’t allow the girls to influence her decisions. Instead, she quickly returns to her conversation with Harper. In addition to being a good friend, Nat is also a hard worker. When Nat discovers that Ghost is going to be sold, she brainstorms ideas to make enough money to buy Ghost herself. With the help of her new friends and her old friends from Philadelphia, Nat earns enough money to become a horse owner. 

Nowheresville will have wide appeal because of the likable characters, the relatable conflicts, and the cute horses. The easy-to-read story has a straightforward plot that teaches the value of hard work. While none of the supporting characters are well-developed, they’re unique enough to add interest to the story, and they highlight the importance of having strong friendships. Readers will enjoy seeing Nat learn about life in rural America and will fall in love with Ghost alongside her. If you’re looking for more horse stories, try jumping into these books: Hollywood by Samantha M. Clark, Horse Girl by Carrie Seim, and Ride On by Faith Erin Hicks.  

Sexual Content  

  • One of the girls has two moms.  
  • When Nat meets the boy next door, she wonders if he was flirting with her. Nat thinks, “What did flirting look like anyways? I’d heard Johari’s sister talk about it, but I still wasn’t sure.”  
  • In an attempt to embarrass Nat, two mean girls show up at Logan’s barn and ask if Nat and Logan have been kissing.  

Violence  

  • While Nat is caring for the horses, two mean girls show up. After a brief conversation, the girls “were trying to scare the horses through the broken fence! When one of the girls tossed a handful of dirt into the paddock, Belle bolted wildly, bucking and snorting. She kicked out at Ghost as she passed, sending him jumping to one side.” Ghost gets out of the paddock, but Nat is able to calm him down and return him safely.  

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None 

Language  

  • A mean girl tells Nat, “If anyone saw you with Horrid Harper, your reputation would be totally nerfed.” 
  • Nat thinks, “What the heck?” 
  • The mean girls give Nat bad advice on purpose. When Nat figures it out, she thinks, “Those rats!” 
  • Nat calls the mean girls jerks.  

Supernatural 

  • None

Spiritual Content  

  • One of Nat’s friends goes to church on Sundays. 

Dinosaurs: The Fastest, The Fiercest, The Most Amazing

Which dinosaur could run as fast as a modern-day racehorse? Which dinosaur used its razor-sharp claws to rip apart its prey? Which dinosaur laid eggs as big as watermelons?  

You’ll find the answers to these questions—and more!—inside Dinosaurs: The Fastest, The Fiercest, The Most Amazing. Readers will meet 21 of the most amazing dinosaurs ever to roam the earth. Spectacular illustrations bring all of the excitement and drama of the prehistoric era to life. Plus, there’s a combination timeline and comparative size chart that will help readers imagine how they would feel standing next to a Seismosaurus (which was half as long as a football field) or a Compsognathus (which was as small as a pigeon). 

Dinosaurs is similar to a picture book because each page has a full-page illustration with a short paragraph about the dinosaur that appears on the page. The realistic dinosaur illustrations make readers feel as if they have stepped into the dinosaurs’ world. The illustrations also allow readers to see each dinosaur’s habitat. Several pages include fighting dinosaurs, but only one illustration shows blood.  

Any readers who are interested in learning more about the dinosaurs who roamed the earth millions of years ago should read Dinosaurs. The book includes interesting facts about each dinosaur. Many of the passages explain details in easy-to-understand language. For example, the Gallimimus could race “as fast as any racehorse” and the Pterosaur was “as big as a small airplane.” The book is organized in a way that helps readers make comparisons. For instance, the fastest dinosaur and slowest dinosaur appear on the same two-page spread. Because the book’s format focuses on the illustrations, the book is a quick read that doesn’t go into extensive detail about each dinosaur; this makes the book perfect for young readers as well as reluctant readers.  

Dinosaurs will take readers on a walk from the Triassic Era to the Quaternary Era. The wonderful illustrations will give readers a sense of being in the scene, and the facts are interesting and educational. Each dinosaur is only given a paragraph of facts, but readers can learn more by reading 

Finding the First T. Rex by Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld and Ancient Animals: Plesiosaur by Sarah L. Thomson. However, if you want some fabulous dinosaur fiction instead, take a bite out of Don’t Disturb the Dinosaurs by Ada Hopper or The Dino Files Series by Stacy McAnulty.  

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • Dinosaurs’ eating habits are discussed. For example, “Tyrannosaurus attacked other dinosaurs by running into them with its jaws wide open. Then it used its tiny but strong front arms to hold on to its dinner.” The illustration shows the Tyrannosaurus stepping on a dead dinosaur.  
  • The Deinonychus “held on its dinner with its strong fingers and used the big claw on each of its back feet to rip apart its prey.”  
  • The Triceratops had “the biggest skull of a land animal ever found. Some skulls have been found with holes in them, which tells scientist that Triceratops also used their horns when fighting each other.” 

Drugs and Alcohol  

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Supernatural 

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Spiritual Content  

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Mission Manhattan

Thirteen-year-old Rio—known by his cover name, Rafael Rocha—is a skilled street magician who loves all things food and has the ability to charm almost everyone who crosses his path. Such is the case when the City Spies travel to Venice to protect a young environmental activist named Beatriz. Thrilled to meet a fellow Brazilian, Beatriz invites Rafael to her appearance at a nearby United Nations conference. When Rafael spots a bomb on their boat, his quick thinking helps get everyone evacuated safely. Rafael is hailed as a hero and thrust into the spotlight—which is the last thing any spy would ever want. 

With the activist still in danger, the City Spies follow her first to Washington, DC, and then to New York City as she continues to speak out for her cause. Thanks to Rio’s heroic efforts, they have to work extra hard to maintain their cover. And when unforeseen circumstances take both adults, Mother and Monty, out of commission, the spies’ skills are put to the ultimate test. Can they succeed in one of their most complex missions to date, without the adults’ help?   

The fifth installment of the City Spies Series is another fast-paced mystery that will keep readers entertained until the very end. Mission Manhattan and the other books in the series must be read to understand the City Spies’ background and dynamics. In Mission Manhattan, the kids break into two groups. One group must keep Beatriz safe until she speaks to the delegates of the United Nations. The second group must find Mother, who was kidnapped. During the City Spies’ complex mission, they rely on a host of people to assist them. The large cast of characters and the complicated plot add interest, but may be difficult for some readers to follow.  

The City Spies’ job is to keep Beatriz, a young environmental activist, safe. Despite this, Beatriz and her cause are not the main focus. Instead, the City Spies spend much of their time trying to discover who wants to stop Beatriz from speaking to the United Nations. Nevertheless, Beatriz’s message is clear: to protect the environment, young people must speak up. Beatriz says, “The temperature is rising. The oceans are rising. But the young people of the world are rising too. We are rising to our feet to demand action from our leaders.” While the story doesn’t give examples of how readers can help the environment, readers will be inspired by Beatriz, who is determined to make an impact on the world.  

Mission Manhattan highlights the importance of teamwork and the importance of trusting yourself. The book’s conclusion shows the City Spies becoming an even closer family who now fully trust their newest member, Cairo. But be warned! The book ends on a cliffhanger that will leave readers wondering if Cairo’s mother will be the next big threat to the City Spies.  

Sexual Content  

  • None

Violence  

  • Rio and other climate change activists are on a boat, heading to speak to world leaders. Rio finds a bomb and everyone jumps out. “BOOM! Rio was frantically swimming away from the boat, so he didn’t see the explosion. . . a plume of smoke coming from the stern indicated that there was now a fire where they’d been standing moments before.” No one is injured. 
  • After being poisoned, Mother wakes up with “something pinching his wrists and ankles and realized that he was tied to a chair.” His captors had used zip ties, duct tape, and rope. Later, “Mother couldn’t feel his fingertips, and that was troubling. Not only had he been poisoned by Ferreira, but the others had also injected him on two separate occasions with some sort of drugs that knocked him unconscious for a couple of hours.”  
  • Cairo finds Mother and starts to cut him loose. A bad guy, nicknamed Jelly, “raced into the room and tackled Cairo. Cairo and Jelly wrestled on the floor for a moment, yelling and screaming while they did. And then, suddenly Jelly went limp.” Mother had injected Jelly with the poison. 
  • After Jelly is drugged, the City Spies bind and gag him. Then, they take Jelly to the Italian embassy, where he is arrested. 
  • To warn Beatriz of danger, the City Spies must talk to Beatriz alone. To do so, the City Spies purchase tickets to a gala that Beatriz is speaking at. Then, Brooklyn “accidentally” spills tea on Beatriz and they go to the restroom to clean up the mess. When Rio steps out of a bathroom stall, Beatriz “looked like she was about to shriek, but Sydney put a hand over her mouth. . . She went to yell anyway, so Sydney clamped harder, and Beatriz tried to break free.” After a few minutes of struggling, Beatriz decides to trust the City Spies and leaves the gala. 

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • One of the bad guys, Ferreira, poisons Mother’s tea. Mother’s “speech began to slur, and his vision turned blurry. One of the last things he saw was the empty vial in Ferreira’s hand as the poison took effect.” When Mother wakes up, “there was a throbbing pain in his head and a bitter taste on his tongue. He felt like he was in a fog.” Later, Mother is taken to the hospital to make sure the poison doesn’t have long-lasting effects. 

Language  

  • None 

Supernatural 

  • None 

Spiritual Content  

  • None 

Ants in Your Pants, Worms in Your Plants!

Gilbert has trouble coming up with ideas. He couldn’t think of a springtime poem, and now he needs an idea for an Earth Day project! Everyone else in Mrs. Byrd’s class is busy working on posters about recycling, saving water, and electricity—but Gilbert wants to do something original. When a distressing class picnic becomes a source of inspiration, Gilbert finally comes up with an Earth Day project that even Mrs. Byrd thinks is the best idea yet!  

Gilbert is a loveable and relatable protagonist who has difficulty concentrating in class. Gilbert “wiggled, and jiggled and squirmed in his seat.” Throughout the day, he tries to come up with an Earth Day project, but he doesn’t have any good ideas. But then, Gilbert sits down and gives himself time to think, and he finds the perfect solution. Readers will be eager to see Gilbert’s Earth Day project, but it’s not revealed until the end of the story. This keeps readers in suspense as they learn about the other students’ projects. 

Readers will learn how simple actions can make a big impact in caring for the earth. From recycling to riding bikes, and turning off lights. All of the ideas presented are easy enough to be implemented by young readers. Gilbert’s project—planting a tree—shows that while the tree is small, “someday it will be big enough to shade this hill and make it a perfect place for a picnic.” Even though Ants in Your Pants, Worms in Your Plants! teaches the importance of caring for the planet, the lesson is never preachy. Instead, each character gives an example of how they can make the world better. 

Ants in Your Pants, Worms in Your Plants! is intended for readers five and older. Beginning readers will need help because of the book’s complex sentences and unfamiliar words. While the book is engaging, it will not make a good bedtime story due to the text-heavy pages, which have up to five long sentences. Each page has a full-page illustration that uses bright colors. The illustrations will help readers understand the plot as well as visualize the many animal characters.  

Learn about Earth Day and conservation by reading Ants in Your Pants, Worms in Your Plants! Much of the story’s action takes place at Gilbert’s school, but his two-parent family is also portrayed positively. When Gilbert is unable to come up with an Earth Day project, his family gives him suggestions, but Gilbert doesn’t use any of them. Instead, he uses quiet time to come up with his own idea. Ants in Your Pants, Worms in Your Plants! is an excellent book to read with a child. If you’d like to encourage readers to care for the earth, add Rocket Says Clean Up by Nathan Bryon to your reading list. If you’d like to introduce readers to more educational subjects, Mr. Tiffin’s Classroom Series by Margaret McNamara would be a good series to check out. 

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • None 

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None 

Language  

  • None 

Supernatural 

  • None 

Spiritual Content  

  • None 

Sports Illustrated Kids Pro Files: Baseball

Sports Illustrated Kids Pro Files: Baseball is a must-have book for every young baseball fan and player. The book profiles seven of the big leagues’ hottest stars and features SI Kids’ signature content: great writing, fun trivia, amazing statistics, and dynamic photography. But Pro Files: Baseball also delves deeper, providing insider tips from major league coaches on how to hit, pitch, and field just like the stars in the book. Experts help break down each baseball skill so that young players can learn to play like the pros.   

Each player—Albert Pujols, Evan Longoria, Roy Halladay, Joe Mauer, Josh Hamilton, Justin Verlander, and Joey Votto—has six pages dedicated to them. The first two-page spread includes an illustration of the player in action and basic facts such as height, weight, hometown, etc. The second two-page spread includes information about their early careers. There are also career stats and random insider information such as the player’s favorite cereal and the athlete they admired as a kid. In addition, readers will learn more about the players’ skills and why they love the game.  

Pro Files: Baseball uses a reader-friendly format similar to a picture book, which will appeal to even the most reluctant readers. Each page uses bright colors, infographics, and photographs of the players in action. While the book includes a lot of information about the players, each section is broken into small parts with a headline. In addition, most of the sports statistics are put in infographics which make them easy to understand. Best of all, Pro Files: Baseball shows the unique skills that players use for their specific positions, such as what skills make Joey Votto an amazing first baseman.  

Readers who love baseball will want to read Pro Files: Baseball because it’s packed full of interesting facts. Another positive aspect of the book is that it shows the hard work and dedication involved in making it to the major leagues. Plus, Pro Files: Baseball shows obstacles that the players had to overcome on their way to the pros.  

Any reader who wants to learn more about the game of baseball should put Pro Files: Baseball at the top of their reading list. Baseball fans can also learn about one of the most legendary baseball players of all time by reading Babe Ruth and the Baseball Curse by David A. Kelly. However, if you’d like to add some more historical fiction to your baseball reading list, The Brooklyn Nine by Alan Gratz is a must-read. 

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • None 

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None

Language  

  • None 

Supernatural 

  • None 

Spiritual Content  

  • None 
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