Supernatural mysteries, thought-provoking historical fiction, and light reads perfect for lazy summer days—there’s something for just about every reader in the latest crop of middle grade titles out in June.
Avi. School of the Dead. 288p. ebook available. HarperCollins. Jun. 2016. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9780061740855. Pop
Gr 5-7–“The first time Uncle Charlie came to live with us, he was alive. The second time, he was
dead.” So begins Tony’s story, one filled with mystery and danger, and one where the dead come to prey on the living. His great-uncle Charlie is old, infirm, and a bit odd, so Charlie’s parents decide that he’ll move in with them. Though at first cautious, Tony and Uncle Charlie become fast friends, bonding over junk food and a shared appreciation for scary stories and the paranormal. When Uncle Charlie dies, Tony is devastated—and he soon starts seeing his uncle’s ghost everywhere. While he finds the presence comforting, his parents are concerned and continually pressure Tony to move on and let go of the past. Soon, the moody seventh grader learns that he’s been accepted at his great uncle’s alma mater, the Penda School in San Francisco. On his first day in the posh new school, he sees another ghost. As Tony learns more about the school and its checkered past, he fears that there is nobody whom he can trust. Things come to a head on Halloween, when Tony discovers some of the dark secrets harbored by the school and his connection to a missing student. Avi takes readers on a wild ride where the dead do far more than haunt the living. VERDICT Hand this spine-tingling and occasionally grotesque work to readers who have embraced Ransom Riggs’s Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children and Cornelia Funke’s Ghost Knight.–Wayne R. Cherry Jr., First Baptist Academy Library, Houston
Beckhorn, Susan Williams. The Wolf’s Boy. 240p. Disney-Hyperion. Jun. 2016. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9781484725535.
Gr 4-7–Kai was born with a club foot and should not have lived. His mother left him with the yellow 
wolf mother, who had two cubs of her own, believing this was certain death for her young baby. Instead, the wolf mother nurtured Kai, and one day his human mother returned to the den to reclaim the baby she left for dead. Now, Kai is ridiculed and tormented by the other boys, including his older brother Sen. They call him “Wolfboy.” He longs to join the hunt, but tradition forbids him from even touching any of the weapons. Kai often finds himself back in the company of the yellow wolves, the only place he feels truly at home. When he happens upon a cub in need, Kai decides to take the tiny creature back to his takka and nurse her back to health. With his father’s approval, Kai keeps the cub and names her Uff. The two become instant companions. But as Uff grows, she becomes more threatening. When a terrible accident leaves Sen scarred, Kai knows that he must leave for good, embarking on a dangerous journey into the North. Beckhorn weaves together a striking account of survival and an engaging look into how the wolf became such an integral part of human life. Set in prehistoric times, Kai’s story is based on modern discoveries in France, where fossilized footprints of a boy and a canine were found walking side by side. VERDICT Strong writing and character development combined with a little-seen setting in middle grade historical fiction make this a first purchase.–Annette Herbert, F.E. Smith Elementary School, Cortland, NY
Bishop, Jenn. The Distance to Home. 240p. ebook available. Knopf. Jun. 2016. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9781101938713; lib. ed. $19.99. ISBN 9781101938720. Pop
Gr 4-6–A year after the death of her teenage sister, 11-year-old Quinnen is still grieving and adjusting to her new life as her parents’ only child. Complicating matters is that at the time of Haley’s death, Quinnen, in a fit of jealousy over her sister’s boyfriend, does something hurtful. Before Haley’s death, Quinnen had been the star pitcher of her Little League team, the Panthers, and an enthusiastic fan of the Tri-City Bandits, the local minor league farm team, but Quinnen can’t bring herself to play baseball without her sister cheering from the stands. Quinnen’s parents, in an effort to rekindle their daughter’s love of baseball, agree to become a host family to one of the Bandits’ minor league players, Brandon. It is through her friendship with Brandon and another player, Hector, that Quinnen finds the courage to get back on the diamond. In chapters that alternate between the summer Haley dies and the following summer, Bishop portrays a girl and her family in transition. Ultimately, it is Quinnen’s love for the game of baseball that helps her to forgive herself and appreciate the bond she shared with Haley. Though the supporting characters are not nearly as well developed as Quinnen herself, readers will find themselves moved by the protagonist’s journey toward “home.” VERDICT Recommend this poignant novel to fans of Keeping Score by Linda Sue Park and The Thing About Jellyfish by Ali Benjamin.–Shelley Sommer, Inly School, Scituate, MA
Butler, Dave. The Kidnap Plot. 304p. (The Extraordinary Journeys of Clockwork Charlie). ebook available. Random. Jun. 2016. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9780553512953; lib. ed. $19.99. ISBN 9780553512960.
Gr 4-7–Charlie Pondicherry, the son of an inventor, lives a cloistered life in a back alley of London until his father is kidnapped and he is thrown headfirst into a series of adventures as he tries to rescue him. As Charlie travels through London, he meets a colorful cast of characters and learns that he might not be quite the boy he thinks he is (hint: the spoiler is in the title). The story is action packed and throws readers right in, but the world-building can feel overly busy, particularly since this version of steampunk London is populated not just by humans but also pixies, trolls, hulders, kobolds, and more, each with their own particular habits, dialect, and political subplots. An open ending promises more to come. VERDICT A page-turning adventure for ambitious readers who don’t mind a bit of a learning curve.–Eliza Langhans, Hatfield Public Library, MA
Cirrone, Dorian. The First Last Day. 240p. S. & S./Aladdin. Jun. 2016. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9781481458139.
Gr 4-6–Saying goodbye to summer is not easy for 12-year-old Haleigh Adams. She is not looking forward to her future. Thoughts of moving to a new town, meeting new friends, and losing old ones make her uptight. She treasures the languid days at the Jersey shore making sci-fi movies with her best friend, Kevin. Their last day together is one she would like never to end. In this delightful and observant tale, Haleigh gets her wish. A set of old paints strangely end up in her backpack, and she uses them to create a painting of their last summer day together. The paints have a magical effect: every day Haleigh wakes up, it’s the last day of summer. This satisfying tale moves at a leisurely pace. Readers get to know the fine-tuned cast of characters and enjoy them as much as Haleigh does. While the end of that last summer day is always bittersweet, Haleigh finds comfort in the sameness. Readers will feel for Haleigh as she sees her situation from the viewpoint of everyone affected. The mystery of the magic paints pleasantly resolves itself. The writing is realistic and easygoing. The character development rings true as Haleigh slowly discovers that she can handle whatever life brings. VERDICT This will appeal to reluctant readers and those looking for a fun summer read with a twist. A heartfelt novel loaded with wonderful character development.–Sada Mozer, Los Angeles Public Library
Cushman, Karen. Grayling’s Song. 224p. ebook available. HMH/Clarion. Jun. 2016. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9780544301801.
Gr 3-6–Grayling’s mother, a healer and wise woman, is turning into a tree, and Grayling is the only one who can save her. It all started when a shadow attacked and burned their cottage, stole their grimoire, and rooted her mother into the ground. Sent with only a basket of spells and her mother’s powerful songs, Grayling must find a way to stop the shadow. Rich in details that bring to life the magical woodland setting, Cushman’s latest novel is full of adventure and clever characters. Readers are also introduced to memorable secondary characters, including a shape-shifting mouse, a radiant enchantress, and a wizard who uses cheese to tell the future, each of whom finds their way to Grayling through her enchanted song. VERDICT Young fans of magic will revel in delving into this new world with its cast of unique characters.–Kris Hickey, Columbus Metropolitan Library, OH
Downey, Jen Swann. Sword in the Stacks. 400p. (The Ninja Librarians: Bk. 2). Sourcebooks/Jabberwocky. Jun. 2016. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9781402287732.
Gr 4-6–After being temporarily barred from Petrarch’s Library, Dorrie and her brother Marcus are thrilled to resume their training as apprentice lybrarians. As excited as they are to rejoin their friends, and to help writers under threat throughout the ages, danger is waiting. The evil Foundation threatens to reverse the Library’s successful missions, putting countless lives, and history, in jeopardy. A multitude of wherens, historical figures, and surprises are woven seamlessly, so that each part comes together in a satisfying, action-filled conclusion. Dorrie trusts her instincts and intellect, which get her into and out of trouble, and make her a character worth rooting for. The incorporation of historical information feels organic to the narrative, so readers will absorb facts without being pulled out of the story. The dialogue, especially Marcus’, is snappy and the plot moves without pause, making this a fun, charming read. VERDICT Put this in the hands of adventure-lovers who like a little substance with their time travel and swordplay.–Marian McLeod, Convent of the Sacred Heart, Greenwich, CT
Eland, Lindsay. Five Times Revenge. 384p. ebook available. HarperCollins/Greenwillow. Jun. 2016. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9780062397300.
Gr 4-8–Five eighth-grade students plot and pull off an audacious revenge plot against the two biggest bullies at their school: classmate Hill Parmar and his father, the school’s racist, embezzling principal. The story proceeds from a vicious bullying incident, in which Hill “persuaded [a protagonist’s developmentally disabled brother] Tommy to play hide-and-seek after school, then locked him up in a utility room, with a sign that said ‘Kick me, I’m retarded.’ ” While everyone involved has suffered some degree of bullying at the hands of Hill Parmar and his father, this incident proves a bridge too far. Rather than offering intricate plotting, this upper–middle grade novel focuses on the five protagonists’ growth and development. How these characters come together to confront bullying and end up better understanding themselves and one another is what will pull tween readers in and keep them engaged when this fairly lengthy story’s pace flags on occasion. Eland creates a cast of relatively fleshed-out, largely empathetic protagonists to whom a wide range of readers will be able to relate, with laudable attention paid to the microaggressions dealt with by the story’s biracial violin prodigy. VERDICT Recommended for most public and school library collections with demand for upper–middle grade novels about bullying.–Ted McCoy, Springfield City Library, MA
Fitzgerald, Laura Marx. The Gallery. 336p. Dial. Jun. 2016. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9780525428657.
Gr 5-8–At 100 years old, Martha O’Doyle decides to record the story of the most eventful six-month period in her life, a period that taught her to be the hero of her own story. Expelled from catechism class in 1928 for questioning the story of Adam and Eve, 12-year-old Martha takes a job as a maid in the Sewell mansion, where her mother is housekeeper. Mr. Sewell is a prominent newspaper magnate, and his supposedly “mad” wife Rose is kept under lock and key in her room with her beloved paintings. Martha is incredibly curious about Rose Sewell, particularly after she escapes her room one night and nearly sets fire to the mansion. She suspects Rose is trying to relay messages through the paintings she chooses to send down to the gallery, and Martha is determined to discover the truth about Rose’s “madness.” With a narrative voice in Martha that is equal parts pragmatic and wry, Fitzgerald weaves an engaging mystery set in New York City in the Roaring Twenties. Rose’s plight challenges readers to think about gender inequity during the time period, and they will be further encouraged by references to stories such as that of Proserpina and Jupiter. Current events of the day are incorporated into the plot, and an author’s note describes how the story grew from newspaper headlines, biographies, and memoirs. VERDICT A solid, fast-moving mystery for historical fiction fans, with nods to art history and mythology.–Amanda Raklovits, Champaign Public Library, IL
Galante, Cecilia. The World from Up Here. 320p. Scholastic. June. 2016. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9780545848459; ebk. $16.99. ISBN 9780545848541.
Gr 4-7–Galante introduces readers to Wren, a fearful and anxious sixth grader at a rural Pennsylvania school. After Wren’s mother is hospitalized to treat her own anxiety and depression, Wren, her younger brother, and their dog move in with their aunt Marianne and cousin Silver. Silver’s bravery inspires Wren to take more risks, including defending herself, and Wren discovers she is braver than she thought. For a school assignment, Silver decides to interview local legend Witch Weatherly, who reportedly lives in a house on Creeper Mountain. Despite Aunt Marianne’s disapproval, Silver and Wren make the treacherous journey up the mountain. Silver and Wren’s friendship deepens as they motivate and confide in each other along the way. Wren’s courage is tested when their journey takes a dangerous turn. Galante’s novel features likeable and realistic characters, with a hint of thrill, magic, and mystery. VERDICT An uplifting and inspiring read that will be especially appreciated by readers struggling to find their bravery.–Jess Gafkowitz, New York Public Library
Kuenzler, Lou. Princess DisGrace: A Royal Disaster. illus. by Kimberley Scott. 240p. (Princess Disgrace: Bk. 1). ebook available. Random. Jun. 2016. Tr $12.99. ISBN 9780553537758; lib. ed. $15.99. ISBN 9780553537765.
Gr 3-5–This first book in a series features princesses both traditional and nontraditional. When Grace arrives as a first year student at the Tall Towers Princess Academy, she doesn’t quite fit in. She is clumsy, messy, and unconcerned with the usual “princessy” ways. Most of the other girls make her a figure of mockery, though her two roommates see past her awkwardness to the good, funny, creative person inside. The Fairy Godmothers who run the school reflect the students’ differing opinions of Grace. Reluctant readers who like a little princess power will devour this book, relating to its messy protagonist and chuckling at the supporting characters, such as Grace’s unicorn, Billy. VERDICT Grace is no precious or pretentious princess. Values such as honor, true friendship, and bravery shine through in this light but enjoyable read.–B. Allison Gray, Goleta Public Library, CA
Lane, Kathleen. The Best Worst Thing. 208p. Little, Brown. Jun. 2016. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9780316257817; ebk. $9.99. ISBN 9780316257831.
Gr 4-6–Right after 11-year-old Maggie and her two sisters return from the neighborhood Mini Mart, they learn it was robbed and the cashier shot and killed. The murderer fled on foot down Elm Street—Maggie’s street! In the days following the crime, she imagines the killer in her house and checks the doors, under the beds, and in closets several times each night. Middle school brings more anxiety as she experiences other situations that are out of her control. Her best friend begins to hang out with the popular girls, a bully from her class is turning 12 and receiving his first gun (which she worries he may use on her if he gets mad enough), and her older neighbor who raises rabbits sells the “leftover” ones to the market for food. Maggie becomes increasingly dependent on performing routines and rituals to ease her anxiety; she counts to herself repeatedly while making sure things are evenly numbered. Lane interlaces a minor character, Gordy Morgan the bully, into the plot with finesse, offering a nuanced depiction instead of a mere archetype. The protagonist is able to use the strength she finds in a budding friendship to foster a positive change in her perspective of the world. Not only can this book serve as bibliotherapy for those with obsessive-compulsive disorder and high anxiety, but readers of all kinds will also find much here to ponder and discuss. VERDICT Thoughtful characterization and relatable themes make this a strong purchase.–D. Maria LaRocco, Cuyahoga Public Library, Strongsville, OH
Larson, Hope. Compass South. illus. by Rebecca Mock. 224p. (Four Points: Bk. 1). Farrar. Jun. 2016. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9780374300432. POP
Gr 4-8–In this fast-paced, high-energy tale, 12-year-old twins Alex and Cleo Dodge find adventure—and trouble—as they search for their father and, at times, each other. The siblings join the Black Hook Gang, but Alex is soon arrested for stealing. The twins leave town, yet there’s still more excitement to come. Has the key to finding a lost pirate treasure been in their possession all along? Set in 1860, the story includes stops in Manhattan, New Orleans, and even a pirate ship on the high seas. Larson, best known for her graphic novel adaptation of A Wrinkle in Time, weaves a wonderful, vivid story, assisted beautifully by Mock’s illustrations, which take the twins from murky back alleys to bright and vibrant ocean scenes. VERDICT A charming choice for elementary and middle school library graphic novel collections.–John Trischitti, Midland County Public Libraries, TX
Messner, Kate. The Seventh Wish. 240p. Bloomsbury. Jun. 2016. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9781619633766.
Gr 4-6–In this realistic novel with a whimsical twist, 11-year-old Charlie catches a magical wishing fish and tries to use it to solve all her problems. Her wishes range from getting rid of her fear of the ice to getting her sister to come home from college for a visit. Not surprisingly, poor phrasing causes her wishes to go wrong, and she ends up making things worse instead of better. The plot covers a lot of ground, ranging from Charlie struggling to save enough money to buy a dress for her Irish dancing performance to helping one of her classmates learn English. The most serious subplot involves the discovery of her older sister’s heroin addiction and her subsequent treatment. Charlie eventually decides she does not need to rely on making wishes to solve her problems. Though somewhat sanitized, the gentle portrayal of heroin addiction may serve as a good way to introduce this serious issue and engender discussion. VERDICT A charming fantasy story with threads of several deep themes that could serve as the basis for thoughtful discussion.–Eliza Langhans, Hatfield Public Library, MA
Nobleman, Marc Tyler. Brave Like My Brother. 112p. Scholastic. Jun. 2016. Tr $15.99. ISBN 9780545880350; ebk. $15.99. ISBN 9780545880374.
Gr 3-6–In a series of letters home to his younger brother, Charlie, Joe describes life as an American soldier stationed in England during World War II. “War is just life with bigger bullies,” he writes, encouraging Charlie to stand up to his tormentors, and sharing his own struggles working alongside a bully. He writes about the mud and rain, details of civilian life like rationing and blackouts, and a dog the soldiers adopt. When Joe and his bully are sent on a secret assignment, Joe faces risks that threaten the mission and his life. Except for letters from Charlie that bookend the story, the exchange goes one way, with Joe referring to Charlie’s letters to fill in details of life back home. The format removes readers from the action and creates emotional distance. The approach of this high-interest, low-level book creates a story appropriate for younger readers but lessens its appeal as an action-packed war novel. The book is historically accurate beyond the license the author takes, and acknowledges, about how much information about D-Day preparations the censors would have allowed. VERDICT Slightly older readers looking for a moving account of life in wartime England will do better with Kimberly Brubaker Bradley’s The War That Saved My Life, but Nobleman’s book serves its purpose as a gentler introduction to the genre for younger children.–Suzanne Myers Harold, formerly at Multnomah County Library System, Portland, OR
Penney, Mary. Eleven and Holding. 256p. ebook available. HarperCollins. Jun. 2016. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9780062405470.
Gr 4-6–Macy is feeling overwhelmed by change. There’s the recent death of her grandmother, a new baby brother, and the reality that her best friend Twee won’t be going to middle school with her in the fall. And it gets worse. While her dad has been away for much too long on “important business” following his discharge from the Marines, her mom seems to be spending too much time with the guy who bought Nana’s coffee shop over the determined wishes of Macy. Her birthday is just days away, but Macy refuses to turn 12 until her dad can be with her to celebrate. She and Twee soon meet an old woman named Ginger who seems to suffer from some kind of dementia and is offering a reward for the recovery of her lost dog. Macy decides that searching for Ginger’s lost dog may be the perfect cover for her true mission: finding her dad. Twee, who was born in Vietnam and adopted by an American family as a baby, tends to be the voice of reason. Despite Twee’s influence, the jumble of issues and the mystery about Macy’s dad’s absence doing “hush hush” work for the military combine to push Macy to ignore all sanity and make some questionable decisions—heading off to the big city with a skateboarding underage boy on a motorbike promises high jinks and additional troubles to overcome. The blend of ordinary and unexpected events is appealing. Middle graders will relate to the theme of resisting change and accepting hard truths. VERDICT An emotional coming-of-age tale that will resonate with readers who appreciate contemporary, realistic, character-driven novels.–Carol A. Edwards, Formerly at Denver Public Library, CO
Russell, Rachel Renée. The Misadventures of Max Crumbly: Locker Hero. illus. by Rachel Renée Russell. 320p. S. & S./Aladdin. Jun. 2016. Tr $13.99. ISBN 9781481460019.
Gr 4-6–From the creator of the “Dork Diaries” comes a new series starring a lovable new hero. Max’s transition from home schooling to public school is rocky, especially since he has asthma and an irritable bladder triggered by social anxiety. His plight deepens when a stereotypical bully, Thug, harasses Max and locks him in his locker—twice. The first time, Max is freed by his crush, Erin, and the two forge a connection. The second time, Max is stuck after school for hours. When he finally manages to escape, he discovers hidden sections of the ill-maintained school building. He also discovers inept criminals stealing the school computers . With Erin’s help, he manages to save the day. The character development is light and the style is conversational. Fans of Janet Tashjian’s My Life as a Book will be drawn to the book’s journal-style format and crisp, manga-inspired line drawings. Fans of the melodramatic middle school mayhem in Chris Rylander’s The Fourth Stall or Varian Johnson’s The Great Greene Heist will appreciate Max’s chuckle-worthy adventures. VERDICT A solid purchase for middle school libraries where “The Dork Diaries” are popular. Max’s goofy, embarrassing adventures will make this a popular and high-circulating item in most collections.–Karen Yingling, Blendon Middle School, Westerville, OH
Shearer, Alex. The Ministry of Ghosts. 256p. Sky Pony. Jun. 2016. Tr $15.99. ISBN 9781510704732.
Gr 4-6–Curious minds throughout history have questioned, examined, and flirted with the idea of the paranormal. Mr. Copperstone, Miss Rolly, Mrs. Scant, and Mr. Gibbings work at the Ministry of Ghosts to research, record, and find proof of the existence of ghosts. The British government believes the organization is a “relic from another age” and eventually gives the group an ultimatum; the Ministry of Ghosts must in three months’ time capture a ghost as evidence of their usefulness or be disbanded. After much discussion, the group decides to hire two children to help with the quest: a headstrong girl who smells of strawberries, and a boy who is not afraid of anything. Author Shearer employs an antiquated British writing style along with descriptive, elevated vocabulary to establish the authentic feel of a classic English mystery. Using detailed description, humorous conversations between ministry employees, and details of everyday events, Shearer reveals the abnormal hidden among the normal. While the plot is slow at times, readers will delight in the ghost-hunting adventures. The omniscient narrator deliberately drops strong hints to develop character and setting as well as offer clues to the surprise ending. VERDICT A fun twist on the classic ghost story, with humor, wit, and a new perspective on ghosts, that will appeal to budding supernatural fans.–Mary-Brook J. Townsend, Episcopal Collegiate School Library, Little Rock, AK
Souder, Taryn. How To (Almost) Ruin Your Summer. 240p. Sourcebooks/Jabberwocky. Jun. 2016. pap. $7.99. ISBN 9781492637745.
Gr 4-6–Souder’s third book brings fun and laughter to middle grade readers. In this adventure, Chloe is sent away to sleepover camp for two weeks while her parents are on a cruise. She dreads the idea of going to camp. Once there, Chloe gets into all kinds of high jinks. For example, on arrival, she is attacked by a goat named King Arthur, has a food fight with her arch nemesis Victoria, and attempts to put Director Mudwimple’s underwear up the flagpole. Each time, Chloe is caught doing something mischievous, she gets a demerit. Worst of all, her school crush is at camp and she keeps embarrassing herself in front of him. Tweens will relate to Chloe’s angsty journal entries and her friendship with Pogo, and laugh at all the silly situations she finds herself in. A quick and easy summer read with likable characters. VERDICT An entertaining and lighthearted choice perfect for summer readers looking for breezy titles to take to the beach (or summer camp).–Megan McGinnis, Sachem Public Library, Holbrook, NY
Springstubb, Tricia. Every Single Second. illus. by Diana Sudyka. 368p. ebook available. HarperCollins/Balzer + Bray. Jun. 2016. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9780062366283.
Gr 4-6–Nella has grown up in an insular Little Italy neighborhood of a large city. Her father is the caretaker of a cemetery across the street from her house. Nella has recently traded in her shy, lifelong best friend Angela for a cooler, shinier model, and she’s sure her four younger brothers are complete barbarians and that her great-grandmother is impossible to please. All that is about to change. With her Catholic parochial school slated for closure, Nella will be forced into the wider community. A secret revealed about her father’s past alters her feelings for him, and then her old friend Angela’s brother, Anthony, accidentally shoots and kills an African American man seeking help after a late-night car crash. Nella has always adored Anthony, and the way he is portrayed by the news media enrages her. She is eventually forced to reexamine much of what she believes about her family, friends, neighbors, and God. Fluctuating in time between Nella’s earliest school years and her seventh-grade present, this work raises questions about fate, faith, loyalty, and justice. The ghosts of the past—of racial tensions from decades before and consequences of mistakes made years ago—reverberate throughout the novel. Adult and child characters alike are shown as complex and conflicted. Overriding all is the notion that what occurs in a single second can change the course of events. Readers may find the constant swiveling in time to be disorienting, and frequent interruptions for observations by a statue in the cemetery serve little purpose. The focus is squarely on the protagonist and her struggle to understand how race and history play into the tragic events. VERDICT Springstubb admirably takes on a sensitive and difficult contemporary American issue. Sure to spark discussion in classrooms and book clubs.–Miriam Lang Budin, Chappaqua Library, NY
Venditti, Robert. Rise of the Robot Army. illus. by Dusty Higgins. 304p. (Miles Taylor and the Golden Cape: Bk. 2). S. & S. Jun. 2016. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9781481405577. POP
Gr 5-7–This follow-up to Attack of the Alien Horde relies on alternating sections of text and comics to continue the adventures of a middle schooler who can transform into a superhero. Miles has spent the summer using a magical cape to secretly change into the powerful Gilded and save his fellow citizens of Atlanta from crime and natural disasters. But when he starts eighth grade, he finds he’s still an average kid. Embarrassed by the school bully and hurt by his mother’s move to Florida, Miles uses the cape to cheer himself up. This attracts the attention of a megalomaniacal U.S. Army general intent on destroying Gilded with the titular Robot Army. It’s an exciting premise with appealing characters, but the first 20 pages of the book contain little action as they detail the evil general’s motivations and the protagonist’s backstory. The pace picks up once the comic inserts start, and Miles, along with old friend Henry and new ally Lenore, battles the general, with a satisfying conclusion. The illustrator has chosen to draw Miles as a light-skinned boy and his alter ego Gilded as a bald, dark-skinned man, a detail that’s not addressed anywhere else in the novel. VERDICT The slow start will make this title most appealing to fans of the first book.–Beth Wright Redford, Richmond Elementary School Library, VT
Womack, Darryl. The Tales of Westerford: Dragons, Knights, and Kings. 220p. Elevate. Jun. 2016. pap. $10.95. ISBN 9781943425297.
Gr 4-7–Young Nat has always dreamed of becoming a noble and courageous knight and living a life filled with honor and duty. With his humble background, however, he is convinced his dreams will never be realized. A serendipitous discovery of a large egg changes everything, and Nat soon finds himself raising a young dragon. He christens his new companion Danby, and the two quickly become bonded. It isn’t long before they have their first adventure, rescuing the kingdom from an invading army. When the king himself learns of their valor, Nat is propelled into the life he has always dreamt of. He sets his sights on winning the hand of the king’s niece, Charis, and thus begins fulfilling his destiny. Womack’s freshman entry is a strong middle grade fantasy. With short, fast-moving chapters, this is a classic adventure story of old delivered in small bites. This is well suited for those fantasy fans not ready to tackle heavier tomes or who are not inclined for more explicit violence. VERDICT With its high vocabulary and short tales, this is an adventurous journey that young fantasy lovers will enjoy.–Amy Nolan, St. Joseph Public Library, St. Joseph, MI