The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest by Aubrey Hartman

 

Over the weekend, I finished reading The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest by Aubrey Hartman. This animal fantasy is about Clare, the undead fox of Deadwood Forest, a place where leaves grow in a constant state of fall. When he was a kit, he was struck by a car and given the choice to either move on into the Afterlife or become an Usher to guide wandering souls. He chose the latter to avoid the realm of Pain. When he meets Gingersnipes, a badger soul, he can't usher her into the Afterlife and she is unable to leave Deadwood. Clare is astounded by this dilemma because it's never happened before, so he and Gingersnipes go on a dangerous journey to find the visionary grouse named Hesterfowl and learn more about a prophecy that could be fulfilled on All Hallows' Eve. What Hesterfowl reveals leaves Clare devastated and furious and he conspires with Nine, a trashrat, to rid Deadwood of Gingersnips on All Hallows' Eve when all four realms are open until midnight. As Deadwood Forest becomes less stable, he grows fond of Gingersnipes and begins to consider her a friend. Soon, he becomes reluctant to carry out his plan and wonders if changing his fate is really what's best for himself, Gingersnipes, and Deadwood.

I absolutely adored reading this book because it deals with death, grief, and loss of purpose in a kid-friendly way. I loved Clare and Gingersnipes and thought they were wonderful main characters, flaws and all. I especially enjoyed the adventure and magic of Deadwood Forest. Because Clare is undead, he can interact with both living and dead animals and it definitely leads to some wild events. Although his appearance reflects his death, he's not really the monster that the human children sing about. He also shows a great deal of growth from the beginning of the story to the end when he has to make a big decision and do the right thing. Additionally, I really liked that he helped Gingersnipes see that she's not really useless like her father called her, especially because he saw her as annoying at first. Gingersnipes's kindness really shines throughout the story and I'm happy that she grew on Clare. The ending was bittersweet, but it felt right. Finally, I was curious about the identify of the narrator, so the narrator's note was a pleasant surprise afterwards. All in all, any kid who has dealt with loss or simply enjoys animal stories should real The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest.

And Then, Boom! by Lisa Fipps

 

Yesterday, I finished reading And Then, Boom! by Lisa Fipps. This realistic fiction novel in verse is about Joseph "Joe" Oak, an eleven-year-old boy who lives with his grandmother because his mom leaves him whenever she gets "the itch" and copes with his feelings by drawing and making references to comic book characters. After Joe and Grandmum lose their house, Joe's friend, Nick, helps them find a home in his trailer park. When tragedy strikes, Joe's mom is suddenly in his life again. Joe is hopeful that maybe this time will be different and she'll stay, but soon she leaves again and he is left to fend for himself. Keeping his circumstances a secret because he's afraid of foster care, he rescues a dog and her two puppies. Although he's less lonely, it becomes increasingly harder for him to survive as his home's utilities are shut off due to bill's not being paid and he briefly resorts to dumpster diving for food. With the arrival of a storm after his twelfth birthday, Joe must make quick decisions to save himself and his dogs. While things seem lost afterwards, a new opportunity is presented to Joe.

Although this story is heavy at times, it was engaging and inspirational. I was truly devastated when Grandmum passed away and tears may have been shed, but I cared so much about what happened to Joe as he struggled from poverty. I enjoyed his friendships with Nick and Hakeem and he had some amazing adults in his life who looked out for him, including his sixth grade teacher, Mrs. Swan, and the owner of the mobile home park, Uncle Frankie. I also liked how Joe took care of a family of dogs even though he could barely take care of himself. The story definitely reminded me a lot of the book I read just two weeks ago, The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman, because the two books have similar themes. Joe and Hank even have one of the same interests: playing basketball. The climax of And Then, Boom! was absolutely terrifying, but Joe showed a lot of courage and I loved the ending so much, even if it left me with the question of where his mom went. I'd definitely recommend this book to any kid experiencing poverty and those who like stories of found family.

The Partition Project by Saadia Faruqi

 

Over the weekend, I read The Partition Project by Saadia Faruqi. This realistic fiction novel is about Mahnoor "Maha" Raheem, a twelve-year-old Pakistani American girl who loves journalism. Over winter break, Maha's grandmother, Dadi, comes from Pakistan to move in with her and her family. At first, Maha hates the idea of spending time with Dadi after school and at the senior activity center on Saturdays. She's also struggling to come with a topic for her documentary for her media studies class, but as Dadi begins talking about her own childhood and how she had to move with her family from India to Pakistan after the Partition in 1947, Maha is fascinated by the Partition and decides to use the topic for her documentary. As the weeks go by, making the documentary starts to take over her life and she has to learn how to balance family, friendship, and school work.

Overall, I thought this book was fantastic. I enjoyed learning more about the Partition, a lesser known historical event here in the U.S., and following Maha's progress for making a documentary about it. I loved her passion, but not how it distracted her from her best friend, Kim Hoang, and their book report for English class. I also found her unlikable at times because of how dismissive she was of fiction, particularly fantasy. On the other hand, I did like how she befriended Ahmad Mirza, the new boy in her grade who moved from Pakistan. I think they had a lot in common because of their shared cultural background. Additionally, I appreciated how her media studies teacher, Mr. Goode, pushed her to think about media studies in new and different ways. He was definitely a great teacher. I'd be remiss if I didn't mention her relationship with Dadi, though. Although Maha is initially reluctant to hang out with Dadi, it was beautiful how they connected as Dadi told Maha stories from her childhood when she was the same age as Maha. Because the stories are tragic, painful, and scary at times, I did wonder a bit about how Dadi would feel about Maha sharing the stories in her documentary, but I figured it would work out even if there was some conflict. Finally, it was nice how Dadi moving in brought Maha closer with her parents and older brother, Talha. In conclusion, The Partition Project is an excellent choice for anyone who enjoys family and friendship stories that demonstrate the links between the present and the past.

The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman by Gennifer Choldenko

 

Last week, I read The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman by Gennifer Choldenko. This realistic fiction novel is about Hank Hooperman, an eleven-year-old boy whose mom often leaves him in charge of his three-year-old sister, Boo. Hank hates making mistakes, but when his mom doesn't come back after several days and the apartment manager lets them know they're being evicted the next morning, he decides to take a bus with Boo to find Lou Ann Adler, the woman listed as an emergency contact on his field trip form. Although Hank finds it hard adjusting to Lou Ann's rules at first, Boo thrives while they're living with her. Hank is also anxious about what will happen if Lou Ann decides she doesn't want them anymore, but their time with Lou Ann goes from days to weeks and Hank begins making friends and getting involved at his new school and connects with Lou Ann's neighbor, Ray. Hank desperately misses his mom, so he tries to find her with Ray's help. His search isn't initially successful, but soon he has a breakthrough and must decide if living with his mom is the right thing or a huge mistake for himself and Boo.

This novel deals with some tough stuff, like child neglect, but I enjoyed reading it. I thought Hank's relationship with Boo was adorable and felt so bad that they have a mom who just can't keep it together. They definitely deserved a better life, but I wasn't sure if it would be with their mom, Lou Ann, or someone else. As I read the story and Ray became like a father figure to Hank, I began to realize that he might be a good option for them, but things got pretty tense and I definitely wasn't positive where Hank and Boo would find a home or if they would even be able to stay together. I also liked Hank's new friends, especially Ana Lopez because I thought their crushes on each other were sweet. On the other hand, I found Lou Ann to be a difficult woman to like because of her skepticism about Hank even though she was what Boo needed at the time, helping her learn to go to the bathroom consistently and write her name. Besides that, I thought it was cool that Hank discovered that he was good at basketball and wanted to try out for the team. I hoped that would work out for him because it was a way he could just be a kid after all he's been through. The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman is an excellent story about what it's like to experience neglect, homelessness, and the foster care system as a kid, and I would recommend it to anyone, especially those who are having a rough time at home to let them know that they're not alone.

365 Days to Alaska by Cathy Carr.

 

Last week, I read 365 Days to Alaska by Cathy Carr. This realistic fiction novel is about Rigel Harman, an eleven-year-old girl who loves living in the wilderness of Alaska. After her parents, Bear and Lila, divorce during the summer, Lila takes Rigel and her two sisters, Willow and Izzy, to Baldwin, Connecticut, to live with their grandma. Before they leave, Bear promises Rigel that she can return to Alaska in a year as long as she keeps it a secret from everyone else until he can talk to Lila about it. Rigel hates living in Connecticut at first, especially because it's challenging making new friends and the food isn't as good, but she finds joy in taking care of an injured crow outside her new school by feeding it whenever she can. As the months go by and Bear's communication with her and her sisters decreases, she wonders whether or not Bear will really keep his promise and if she'll have adjust to living in the suburbs more permanently.

I was really looking forward to reading 365 Days to Alaska because its main characters are from Alaska, so I wasn't surprised by how much I enjoyed it. Although I've never had to move as far from home as Rigel, I could relate to her struggles because I moved from Ohio to Illinois at a similar age. My favorite part of the whole book was her friendship with the crow whom she named Blueberry. This friendship was definitely the emotional core of the story for me and I got a bit teary-eyed near the end knowing it couldn't last. It also felt poignant how her relationship with her dad, Bear, changed as time went on and she began to realize that not going back to Alaska the next summer was a real possibility. I love that Rigel eventually found some friends among her classmates, though, because she was having a rough go of it before she received a surprise Christmas gift. 365 Days to Alaska is a wonderful story about truth, belonging, and discovering beauty anywhere and anyone who enjoys family and friendship stories should read it.

Summer Reading 2026

 

Welcome back to school, everyone! Here is an update of the middle grade and YA books I read over summer break. Early in June, I finished reading Magic Has No Borders edited by Sona Charaipotra & Samira Ahmed. This story collection features a wide range of fantasy and science fiction tales that reimagine South Asian folklore, legends, and epics. Some of the stories take place in the past, while others take place in the present or the future. All of them are by bestselling, award-winning, and emerging writers who have roots in southern Asia. The stories in this collection were quite enjoyable and I especially like that each one had an illustration after its ending. I didn't expect that when I decided to read this book. I also feel like I learned more about South Asia culture although I had some background knowledge from taking an Asian mythology class in college. Anyone who enjoys fantasy and adventure should read this story collection. I can't recommend it enough. Some of my favorite stories were "Kiss Me Goodbye" by Tracey Baptiste, "Chudail" by Nikita Gill, "A Goddess of Fire and Blood" by Tanaz Bhathena, "Infinite Drift" by Olivia Chadha, "Dismantle the Sun" by Sangu Mandanna, "Shamsuddin-Jalal" by Tahir Abrar, "Poetry of Earth" by Swati Teerdhala, and "Mirch, Masala, and Magic" by Nafiza Azad.

In June, I also read Elatsoe by Darcie Little Badger. Taking place decades after Sheine Lende, this paranormal fantasy is about Elatsoe "Ellie" Bride, a seventeen-year-old Lipan Apache girl who can raise the ghosts of dead animals, a skill that has been passed down through generations of her family. When her beloved cousin, Trevor, is mysteriously murdered in what appears to be a car accident, Ellie decides to investigate with her dog, Kirby, and her best friend, Jay. As they uncovered the truth about Dr. Abraham Allerton, the father of one of Trevor's students, and the seemingly perfect town of Willowbee where he lives, Ellie must also protect her family and friends. I was really excited to read this novel after I finished reading Sheine Lende back in May, and it did not disappoint. I especially enjoyed Ellie's determination to find out what really happened to Trevor, and Jay was great comic relief. Given the combination of fantasy and mystery elements, the story was quite tense, especially towards the end during the climax because Dr. Allerton wasn't the only antagonist after a plot twist that was heavily foreshadowed. If you like fantasy and mystery or have already read Sheine Lende, like I had, you should definitely check Elatsoe out!

Additionally, I started reading The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare this summer. This paranormal fantasy series is about Clary Fray, a soon-to-be sixteen-year-old girl who learns that the world is protected from demons by a group of warriors called the Shadowhunters. In the first book, City of Bones, she witnesses a murder at the Pandemonium Club in New York City. Because she shouldn't have been able to see the murder, Jace Wayland, a seventeen-year-old Shadowhunter she met that night, brings her into his world. After her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon, she has to figure out why they're being targeted because she always thought that they were normal. She also feels an undeniable attraction to Jace. Then, in City of Ashes, the second book, someone in New York City is murdering young vampires, werewolves, and faeries. The Inquisitor accuses Jace, so Clary must track down who is actually responsible for the killings. In the next book, City of Glass, Clary is still working towards saving her mom. To find the person who knows how, she travels to Alicante, the capital of Idris, where she learns more about her family's past and encounters Sebastian, a mysterious Shadowhunter who seems to be an ally.

I'm about halfway through this series and it has been thrilling and absolutely wonderful. I adore the world-building and the romance between Clary and Jace, even though it seems impossible for a while because of the reveal at the end of City of Bones. I have watched the movie and the TV series, so I wasn't completely unfamiliar with the story, but the movie only covers the first book and it's been a while since I saw the show. I was definitely getting impatient for Clary and Jace to realize that the villain lied to them. Anyways, the fight scenes are excellent and I like the growth of the characters so far, including Clary's best friend, Simon. I can't wait to finish the rest of the series. It's the perfect choice for anyone who enjoys paranormal fantasy and romance.

In July, I read an advance reader copy (ARC) of The Sixth Faction by Veronica Roth, which is not officially released until October 6! This dystopian novel takes place in an alternate universe of the Divergent series. Instead of leaving Abnegation and her family by joining Dauntless, Beatrice "Tris" Prior makes a different choice during her Choosing Ceremony after tragedy strikes and she loses a friend. Although she tries hard to make it work, it's not the right fit, especially when she can't lie to herself about what her father tried to do to her. With her mother's support, she decides to become Factionless. Being Factionless has its own challenges, but she makes new friends and connects with Four, a Dauntless boy who happened to help rescue her during the attack on the Choosing Ceremony. As Tris learns secrets about both the five factions and the Factionless, she must decide which side she's on.

Because I enjoyed reading the Divergent series years ago, I was ecstatic to revisit the universe when I learned about the new duology and snagged an ARC in June at the ALA Annual Conference. So far, I think it's even better than the original series, although I'm still very anxious that it will end the same way. I'm not going to say too much because I don't want to spoil anything about either version of the series, but the progression of Tris and Four's relationship is a lot more satisfying in The Sixth Faction. I found Insurgent, the second book in the Divergent series, frustrating, even if the third book, Allegiant, was a huge improvement on that front. Also, I expected events to occur differently, but I was blown away by the huge twist at the end and desperately want to talk about it with someone. Anyone who liked the original series or is a fan of dystopian science fiction should read The Sixth Faction.

Last week, I read Worst-Case Collin by Rebecca Caprara. This realistic fiction novel in verse is about Collin, a twelve-year-old boy whose mother died in a tragic car accident. Because he's worried about another incident happening and wants to be better prepared, he keeps a worst-case scenario handbook. His best friends, Liam and Georgia, even nickname him Worst-Case Collin. Although his handbook covers many disasters, like avalanches, earthquakes, and riptides, and he uses swimming as a refuge, he still struggles with avoiding bullies, hiding his dad's hoarding habits from everyone, and telling Georgia he likes her more than a friend. As summer break approaches, Collin dreads having to spend more time at home where his dad just keeps accumulating more and more junk and the living conditions become increasingly unbearable. When another disaster strikes, Collin must find a way to be honest with his loved ones.

This novel was an emotional read in which family and friendship were major themes along with mental health and bullying. I like that it was in verse because the format let Collin's personality shine. The story itself dealt with hoarding, which is a mental health issue I've never encountered in fiction before, even though my maternal grandmother suffered from a form of it. I enjoyed Collin's friendship with Liam and Georgia and thought it was pretty cool that they were all on the swim team. On the other hand, the relationship between Collin and his father made me feel very sad. I know from experience that it can be hard when a parent has a mental health issue that he isn't acknowledging. Through the writing, the growing distance between the Collin and his dad was a tangible thing, even though I could tell that they still loved each other very much, especially when they went out to eat together. It was also interesting how they responded differently to the death of Collin's mom: Collin through his worst-case scenario handbook to cope with anxiety and his dad through hoarding stuff he doesn't need and letting the the disorganization of their house get out of control. Finally, I thought the climax was terrifying because it tied into one of my greatest fears, but it didn't surprise me because of how bad the situation had gotten in Collin's home. Overall, I definitely recommend Worst-Case Collin to any kid who has a parent who's struggling.

Sheine Lende by Darcie Little Badger

 

Over the last few days, I read Sheine Lende by Darcie Little Badger. The prequel to Elatsoe, this fantasy novel is about Shane, a seventeen-year-old Lipan Apache girl who helps her mom, Lorenza, track down missing persons with their two living dogs, Neal and Nealey, and ghost dog, Nellie, in an alternate version of 1970s Texas in which extradimensional magic and supernatural beings, like fae and vampires, exist. When two siblings, Donnie and Bobby Park, vanish along the railroad tracks running behind their house in Less Crossing, Lorenza leaves to investigate but disappears herself. With the help of her younger brother, Marcos, and unreliable Grandpa Louis, they discover a mysterious group of mimic rings that look like fairy rings. Although Shane is able to find Donnie quickly in the Ozarks when she is accidentally transported by one of the mimic rings, Bobby and Lorenza are still missing. Over the next week, Shane, Marcos, Grandpa Louis, Donnie, Donnie's grandparents, and Shane's friend, Amelia, work together to figure out where Bobby and Lorenza are, or if they're even together, and rescue them. As they learn more from the people they meet along their journey, Shane begins to realize that Bobby and Lorenza may not be anywhere in this world or place in time.

Although I generally like books that mix fantasy and mystery elements, I was a tiny bit apprehensive before reading this book, but it was much better than I expected. I especially loved the world building, which was inspired by Lipan Apache oral history. Shane was an amazing character and I admired her determination to find her mom and Bobby no matter what it took. Her story was especially emotional because her family was displaced after Hurricane Alda flooded their home in la rancheria de los Lipanes and her father and three of her grandparents soon passed away. I also liked how the story took Shane to different parts of America. The road trip to Tanner, Colorado, was especially revealing because they visited the location of the Longfire Incident with Dr. Richards, a man who had done biological research relating to what exactly happened there. Additionally, I enjoyed Shane's friendships with Donnie and Amelia and her relationship with Marcos, and it felt realistic when she confronted Grandpa Louis about abandoning her family. The one part of Sheine Lende that I'm not sure how I feel about is the very end because I found it somewhat cryptic regarding Shane's mom. I don't want to spoil anything, so I'm not going to say anything else besides that I did like how the epilogue connected to Elatsoe, the original book in the series. The line drawings at the beginning of each chapter were a nice touch, as well. Finally, I read an advance uncorrected proof and there's a note on the title in the back of the book. As a young adult fantasy, I recommend Sheine Lende to mature middle school students who enjoy fantastical stories that mix mystery and adventure with alternate history.

Facing the Enemy: How a Nazi Youth Camp in America Tested a Friendship

 

Over the weekend, I read Facing the Enemy: How a Nazi Youth Camp in America Tested a Friendship by Barbara Krasner. This historical fiction novel in verse is about Tommy Anspach and Benjy Puterman, two teenage boys who are growing up in Newark, New Jersey, in the 1930s. Despite the fact that Benjy is Jewish American and Tommy is German American, they are best friends, at least until Tommy's dad forces him to start going to Camp Nordland, a camp for kids with German parents that opens in July 1937. Tommy doesn't realize that it's a Nazi youth camp, but he quickly learns that Jews are the enemy. Meanwhile, Benjy is hurt by the loss of his best friend and decides to form a version of the Newark Minutemen, an anti-Nazi vigilante group, for teens to help close down Camp Nordland. Over the next few years, Benjy hopes that Tommy will abandon his extremist beliefs so that they can be friends again, but they continue to grow apart until a series of events convinces Tommy to run away from the camp.

This book was such a compelling read and I devoured it because I had no idea there were actual Nazi youth camps in the United States during the late 1930s and early 1940s. I enjoyed how the author told the story from both Benjy's and Tommy's perspectives because it showed the impact of Nazism on young people on both sides. It's a highly relevant topic these days because I've heard about teenage boys being exposed to right-wing extremism on the Internet. It seems like although the methods have changed, young people have always been targeted by those who don't have their best interests at heart. I thought that was interesting. It was heartbreaking as Benjy fought for their friendship, even though Tommy refused him so many times. There were definitely moments I wasn't sure if it was worth it because Tommy said some things that were downright cruel. I desperately wanted them to repair their friendship, though, and continued to hope that Tommy would see the light. The climax of the story was actually pretty terrifying, revealing just how horrible the camps were, but it showed how Benjy would do anything for Tommy. Benjy's courage and forgiveness were definitely the highlights of the story. I also liked how some of the poems gave historical context to the story by describing what was happening in Europe at the time. The copy I read is an advance uncorrected proof and the back matter includes an epilogue describing what happened after Camp Nordland closed, images, an author's note explaining her inspiration, a glossary, a timeline of events, source notes, a bibliography, a list for further reading/viewing, and picture credits. Facing the Enemy is a powerful story and anyone who enjoys friendship stories and/or World War II fiction should read it.

You Are Here: Connecting Flights edited by Ellen Oh

 

This week, I read You Are Here: Connecting Flights edited by Ellen Oh. This realistic fiction story collection is about twelve young Asian Americans who all happen to be in a crowded Chicago airport on the same date when flights are delayed and cancelled due to a thunderstorm. The series of events kicks off when Paul's grandma brings her late husband's ashes in a coffee canister through the TSA checkpoint without declaring what she's carrying to an airport official. Paul's sister, Jessie, wanders off by herself in the midst of the chaos and rumors begins to spread throughout the airport, impacting the young Asian Americans and their families. As their paths cross in the airport, they meet fellow travelers that are helpful or hostile and grow from their experiences, discovering courage and belonging.

This book was such a fun read because it reminded me of Grounded by Aisha Saeed, Huda Al-Marashi, Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, and S.K. Ali, a book I read two years ago. Airports are definitely a great setting for a story because a lot of crazy events can happen. While Grounded is about Muslim kids, You Are Here focuses on kids whose family roots are in East and Southeast Asia. Unlike most of the story collections I've read, all of the stories in You Are Here are interconnected. It's similar to a traditional novel, but a different author wrote each of the chapters. You definitely can't skip any because the main character from one story may make a cameo appearance in one or more of the other stories. I also liked how several of characters found the courage to stand up to racism even though they're just kids. Some of the characters needed courage to speak up to family and friends, as well. For example, Mindy wasn't ready to go to Korea with her dads and Natalie got into a serious argument with her friend, Beth. While I enjoyed all the stories, the one with the most unique format was Ari's, narrated completely in lists. Out of the boys, I loved Paul's relationship with his grandma and Jae made the right decision to leave the employee break room to look for Jessie and return her to her family, even though he didn't have permission. Jae's interactions with Jessie were very sweet and I was relieved when he wasn't in too much trouble after the ordeal. The stories demonstrate how Asian Americans have variety of interests, too. While Lee plays guitar, AJ plays basketball, as just two examples. The last story, which is about Soojin, ties everything together nicely and is among the most emotional in the collection. I felt so bad that Soojin and her mom were moving to Korea even though Soojin really didn't want to leave her dad and New York. For most of the story, I wasn't sure that things would work out in her favor, but the climax ended up being fantastic. Finally, I would like to note that You Are Here factors in the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on Asian Americans, which I think was very important to show because it's been a huge part of their experiences in recent years. At the end of the book, there is a note from the editor that explains the inspiration behind this story collection. Overall, You Are Here is a wonderful choice for anyone and can be an excellent conversation starter between children and adults.

The Mystery of the Radcliffe Riddle by Taryn Souders

 

Last weekend, I read The Mystery of the Radcliffe Riddle by Taryn Souders. This mystery is about Grady Judd, a boy who lives in the small town of Gifton, Georgia, and inherits a sampler from the town eccentric, Eudora "Kooky" Klinch, after she passes away and includes him in her will. The first night that Grady and his dad are in possession of the sampler, someone tries to break into their home. Grady's dad has been struggling to make ends meet ever since Grady's mama died, so he asks Grady the next day to take the sampler to the Hairless Monkey to pawn it, but Grady is reluctant because the note left with it explained that it's a treasure map and he wants to save his family from having to move. Grady hides the sampler in his ammo box, puts his mama's Civil War replica in the original frame, and brings it to the Hairless Monkey instead. With help from his friends, Thad and Clemmie, and the town dog, Ophelia, he works on solving the riddles from the sampler to find the treasure. When the Hairless Monkey is burglarized overnight and its co-owner, Arliss McGinter, ends up dead after a confrontation with the intruder, Grady realizes that his life might be at stake as he continues his search for the treasure.

Reading this book was so exciting for me because it combined a treasure hunt with a murder mystery. It was suspenseful and I was on the edge of my seat waiting for the reveal of who was responsible for Arliss's murder because they wanted the treasure map so badly. There were several suspicious characters, but they felt like red herrings and I was genuinely surprised by who actually did it. I was also rooting hard for Grady to find the treasure because I didn't want him to have to move away from his friends. The book didn't end exactly how I expected, but it was still super satisfying. All of the characters had unique personalities and I loved the small town setting because everyone knows everyone. It seemed like it would be hard to keep a secret like murder for very long. Additionally, I liked how the story incorporated the real-life history of the War of Jenkins's Ear, which was a lesser known conflict between the British and the Spanish that happened before the American Revolution. I had never heard of it before, so I was fascinated reading the section about it after the last chapter. The back matter includes a list for further reading, as well. I recommend The Mystery of the Radcliffe Riddle to anyone who enjoys a mystery with both treasure and murder.

It Found Us by Lindsay Currie

 

Yesterday, I finished reading It Found Us by Lindsay Currie. This horror novel is about Hazel Woods, a 12-year-old girl who wants to launch a podcast called What Hazel Knows and enjoys solving mysteries even if some consider it snooping. After she overhears her brother, Den, on the phone talking to his best friend, Everett, about going to the graveyard for a game of hide-and-seek, she secretly follows him that evening because she wants to figure out if it's really haunted. When the game ends and Hazel and Den see no sign of Everett, they realize that Everett has vanished. Although there is a search party, which includes Hazel and Den's parents, looking for Everett, they decide to do their own investigation, along with Hazel's best friend, Maggie, to find him. As the ghost of a child haunts them and terrifying clues, like the smell of smoke, footprints, and smiley faces, are revealed to them, they must solve the mystery relating to the history of the cemetery to save Everett before it's too late.

I was so excited to read this novel for a long time because I had previously read Scritch Scratch by the same author and it exceeded all my expectations. It Found Us was perfectly creepy and I really enjoyed the mystery of why Woodlawn Cemetery is haunted. I don't want to say too much, but it incorporated the real life tragedy of a train wreck and I found it utterly fascinating. I also really liked the characters. Even though Hazel and Den sometimes have trouble getting along as siblings, it was truly satisfying how solving the mystery of Everett's disappearance brought them together. Maggie was really awesome, as well. She's a good listener and her knowledge of everything going on in their town came in handy. I'm glad the siblings had her help. There were also two standout adults, Mrs. Forster, a woman who used to work in the front office of the cemetery, and Mr. Jeffries, a groundskeeper. Hazel was able to interview them to gather more clues. The suspense built over the course of the story and things became quite terrifying before the climax, but I loved the ending because it shows how important forgiving yourself is when feeling guilt. I highly recommend reading the author's note at the back of the book because she shares a little bit about how the "lost" history of the Hagenbeck-Wallace train wreck inspired the story. Additionally, I read an advance reader's copy. Anyone who enjoys a mix of horror and mystery should read It Found Us.

Hollow Fires by Samira Ahmed

 

Yesterday, I finished reading Hollow Fires by Samira Ahmed. This paranormal thriller is about Safiya Mirza, a 17-year-old high school senior who dreams of becoming a journalist and making the world a better place. She is the editor of the Spectator, the newspaper at her private high school, DuSable Prep, in Chicago and has a crush on Richard Reynolds, the captain of the swim and lacrosse teams. After the website for the Spectator is hacked, someone spray-paints a swastika on the facade of her school, and Jawad Ali, a 14-year-old boy who built a cosplay jetpack that a teacher mistook for a bomb, goes missing, Safiya is determined to figure out what is going on at school and in her community and what happened to Jawad. With the help of her friends who also work on the Spectator, she follows the clues left by Ghost Skin, who wrote the racist manifesto posted to the Spectator website. She is immediately suspicious of Nate Chase, a boy in her current events class who comments about how they lack freedom of speech at school and quotes Nietzsche, and his friend, Joel, but as she gets deeper into the mystery, she begins to suspect someone closer to her. When she follows the guidance of Jawad's ghost and finds his body in a culvert in Jackson Park, she seeks to expose his murderers and remember his life.

This novel was absolutely riveting. I was intrigued at the very start when it was immediately revealed that Safiya found Jawad's body and had to know everything that happened leading up to that point. I also really enjoyed the innovative format of the novel. In addition to traditional chapters from Safiya's and Jawad's perspectives, there were news articles, interview transcripts, phone call transcripts, diary entries, and more. I especially liked the drawing of Jawad's cosplay jetpack that was shared during his first chapter because it proved that it didn't look anything like a bomb. I began suspecting the identity of the second murderer less than halfway through the book, so I can't say I was surprised when Safiya figured it out, but I was still on the edge of my seat because I was afraid she would get hurt during her investigation. I don't blame her for not trusting the police, though. The story really emphasizes the harms of bigotry (especially Islamophobia and white supremacy) and alternative facts, the privilege of white men and boys, and how they can get away with hate crimes and murder if not for the persistence of those who are dedicated to finding and sharing the truth. Not to mention, tt's chilling how evil can hide in plain sight. I certainly admired Safiya's courage, even while Jawad's story left me heartbroken. Included at the end of the book are a historical note explaining the true crime on which Jawad's murder is based and an author's note sharing her inspiration for writing Hollow Fires. Although the story is quite dark and does have swearing, it's not particularly graphic, so I think it can be enjoyed by most teens who have an interest in social justice and/or crime.

Those Who Saw the Sun: African American Oral Histories from the Jim Crow South by Jaha Nailah Avery

 

Earlier today, I finished reading Those Who Saw the Sun: African American Oral Histories from the Jim Crow South by Jaha Nailah Avery. This nonfiction book is a collection of ten oral histories from Black people who grew up in the South during Jim Crow. The author, Jaha Nailah Avery, has family roots in North Carolina dating back 300 years and compiled these interviews as a personal passion project as she's traveled across the South to meet with elders and listen to their stories. Through their oral histories, the interviewees recall their childhoods, educational experiences, and careers, reflect back on how racism and activism affected their lives, share their thoughts on segregation and integration, and answer whether or not they believe Dr. Martin Luther King's dream is possible in America.

Those Who Saw the Sun was excellent. Although I've read a few books about the Civil Rights Movement over the years, this book was the first time I read interviews with Black elders who experienced the hardships of the Jim Crow era. I really enjoyed all ten oral histories and I liked being able to compare and contrast the experiences and opinions of the interviewees. Although they do have similarities, they also have a lot of differences. I particularly found it surprising to learn that there were actually pros to segregation and integration made some things worse. That had never crossed my mind before, but it makes sense that they often felt more supported in their communities. They all faced so many obstacles and I can imagine it was sometimes hard to find joy. It was also interesting how most of them didn't know anyone personally who was lynched. While lynchings are awful, I hadn't expected that. I think it demonstrates how vast the Black community is, but they did suffer in other ways. Another intriguing part of the oral histories was learning if they believed that Dr. King's dream is possible in the U.S. Although some of them were optimistic, quite a few towards the end were pessimistic. In my opinion, that just goes to show that although strides have been made forward, racism is still an issue in this country and it would take an effort to change hearts, not just the law. Although there weren't that many, I loved that this book included photographs. At the end, there is an appendix that briefly describes important people, places, events, groups, organizations, magazines, newspapers, laws, and more. The copy I read is an uncorrected proof. Those Who Saw the Sun shows the importance of recording the memories of Black people, and it's an exceptional choice for anyone who has an interest in Black and civil rights history.

Amira & Hamza Duology

 

Over the past few weeks, I read the Amira & Hamza duology by Samira Ahmed. This fantasy series is about the summer adventures of Amira Majid, a 12-year-old girl, and her younger brother, Hamza. In the first book, The War to Save the Worlds, Amira and Hamza are at the Medinah Temple in Chicago with their parents to observe a rare super blue blood moon eclipse when they drop al-Biruni's Box of the Moon while fighting over it. Suddenly, the box is activated and everyone except the siblings are under a sleep spell. Making things worse, a chunk of the moon has broken off and is heading toward Earth. At first, Amira and Hamza have no idea what is really going on, but then they are whisked off to a mystical land called Qaf by two jinn, who reveal that the siblings are the Chosen Ones and play a role in an ancient prophecy. On a journey in which they confront terrifying jinn, devs, and ghuls, they have to find and defeat Ifrit, a terrible and cruel dev, in order to prevent the moon from breaking completely apart and releasing what's trapped within.

In the second and final book, The Quest for the Ring of Power, it is now the last weekend before school starts back up. Since their journey to Qaf, the summer has been peaceful and ordinary. Hamza desperately wants to go on one last adventure, though, to check out Palmer Castle in Jackson Park and hopefully battle a ghost. When Amira rejects his invite and Hamza decides to go alone, Ifrit's father, Ahriman, kidnaps him to find the three pieces of Suleiman's oculus that will reveal the location of the Ring of Power after the parts are brought together and placed in the Star Axis. With the help of Aasman Peri, a friend from Qaf, Amira goes on a country-hopping adventure to save her brother and obtain the Ring of Power before Ahriman does.

I absolutely adored Amira & Hamza from the very beginning. I totally related to Amira's interest in astronomy and science and Hamza's interest in superheroes and science fiction. The pop culture references were so much fun and I thought Hamza was hilarious. Like Amira, I also have a younger brother, so I know how they can sometimes be annoying, though. While reading, it was fascinating learning about fantastical creatures from Persian mythology and real life historical figures who lived in the Middle East. The world-building was amazing! Most of all, I enjoyed the adventure and how Amira and Hamza had to get past their differences and work together as a team to defeat their foes. There were so many heartwarming and emotional scenes in addition to action sequences and plot twists and it was easy to root for the siblings, especially when Ifrit and Ahriman were so dastardly. Some of the creatures were quite scary, too, although my favorite, a simurgh, really saved the day in the first book. I also really liked the three-eyed winged horse that Hamza named Zendaya after the actress. There was one moment in the first book that was really devastating, but a reveal in the second book did help me accept the loss. The last thing I'd like to mention is how thrilled I was when Amira and Hamza had to go to the Louvre in Paris for the third part of the oculus because I had been there just two years ago. I don't blame Amira for being so excited to see the Winged Victory because I was, too. Both books include an author's note and a further reading list at the end. Overall, the Amira & Hamza duology is an excellent fantasy series, and I can't recommend it enough to anyone who enjoys fantasy based on mythology.

Buffalo Dreamer by Violet Duncan

 

Two days ago, I finished reading Buffalo Dreamer by Violet Duncan. This realistic fiction novel is about Summer and her family who spend summer vacations on the Cree reservation in Canada where her mom's family lives. Before Summer even arrives at the reservation, she begins having vivid dreams about a girl who is running away from the real-life residential school that is near the reservation. Soon, she learns that unmarked graves were discovered at the residential school, and she and her cousin Autumn decide to investigate what happened in their community's painful past and how it relates to Summer's dreams. More elders are starting to share their experiences, and Autumn encourages Summer to ask Mosom, her grandfather, about his early life. When the community plans a march and rally to raise awareness of the discovery at the reservation, Summer is eager to participate and share her hopes for the future, especially after one of the elders, Kokom Rose, reveals the source of her dreams.

Although this novel is very short, it was quite profound and I was surprised by how intriguing it was because it had a bit of mystery with the identify of Buffalo Dreamer, the girl in Summer's dreams. Most of all, I really enjoyed following Summer during her summer vacation and learning about her Cree heritage. I especially found it relatable when Summer went picking for Saskatoon berries with Kokom, her grandmother, because I picked raspberries, gooseberries, and currants at my grandma's house during the summers when I was a kid. I also adored Summer's relationship with Autumn because they are cousins who seem more like best friends. This novel is painful at times, though, and I did get a tiny bit teary-eyed learning about what happened to Native children at residential schools and how much trauma Indigenous peoples still feel to this day. I wish I had learned more about recent Native American history when I was in school. The hardships still continue to this day and it breaks my heart knowing that. The climax of this book was wonderful and it was a great idea holding a march and rally to raise awareness of the children who died at the local residential school. At the end of the book, there is glossary and an author's note, although it would have been helpful if the glossary also included pronunciation. Buffalo Dreamer is a powerful story, and anyone who enjoys family stories and learning about Native American history should read it.

The Misfits Series by Lisa Yee & Dan Santat

 

Over the past month, I read The Misfits series by Lisa Yee & Dan Santat. This adventure series is about Olive Cobin Zang, a twelve-year-old girl who often experiences weird things even though she typically isn't noticed much. In the first book, A Royal Conundrum, Olive is coping with the loss of her beloved grandmother, Mimi, and wishes her parents were around more because they're always going on business trips. When her mom, Dr. Cobin Zang, drops her off at RASCH, a strange boarding school that used to be a prison and now claims to be a "reforming arts school", Olive is more than a little apprehensive. The school isn't what it seems, though, and she is selected to fight crime along with four other kids, Phil, Iggy, James, and Theo, who don't quite fit it. They decide to call themselves the Misfits, and after the Royal Rumpus necklace is stolen from Dame Gloria Vanderwisp, a woman who helps fund RASCH, at the school's gala, the Misfits have to find the thief to save the only place where they've ever really belonged from being closed. In the second book, A Copycat Conundrum, Olive's friend, Zeke, starts receives threatening notes and San Francisco is experiencing localized earthquakes while priceless art disappears. The Misfits have to figure out if there's a connection between who is targeting Zeke and who is behind the art heists in the city and how to stop them. In the third book, A Sea Monster Conundrum, RASCH students claim they see a ghost around an abandoned lighthouse. While taking a group of tourists to explore the Donut Trespass zone of the island, they learn more about what could be causing the appearance of a ghost. After multiple news reports about sightings of a sea monster, nicknamed Frannie, in the San Francisco Bay, they investigate to determine if Frannie is real or an elaborate hoax. When Olive and Iggy make a shocking discovery at Marine World, a theme park owned by the self-centered billionaire Oscar "Odious" Odion, it is up to the Misfits to come up with a scheme for a rescue mission.

I had so much fun reading this book series because the action and adventure of the Misfits' NOCK missions was absolutely exhilarating. Although Olive and the other Misfits have such different personalities and would sometimes argue, they always came together to save the day. I also really enjoyed the other characters' quirkiness, allies and villains alike, especially the Misfits' team leaders, Modest Cusak and Monica LaMonica, who are husband and wife. What surprised me the most by A Sea Monster Conundrum was how much I grew to care about Bee, a super-small, super-stealth drone that Phil invented to look like a bee. In general, I thought Phil's gadgets were the coolest and they always came in handy when the Misfits were in a tight spot. Out of the three books, A Sea Monster Conundrum felt the most emotional because the Misfits weren't just dealing with robberies and it revealed how big of a heart Iggy has. She likes to seem tough, but the third mission really brought out the best in her. Additionally, the plot twists kept me guessing when it came to the mystery elements of this series. Finally, I can't forget to mention how awesome I thought it was that Mimi taught Olive the tricks of trapeze, tightrope, and other acrobatics. Olive's athleticism was so crucial to the success of their missions, especially during the most critical of moments. Weirdly enough, the epilogue of the third book had a huge cliffhanger, but I did some research and there are no current plans to extend this trilogy into a longer series. Despite that, The Misfits is a terrific choice for anyone who likes adventure, mystery, and unique characters.

How It All Blew Up by Arvin Ahmadi

 

Over spring break, I read How It All Blew Up by Arvin Ahmadi. This realistic fiction novel is about 18-year-old Amir Azadi who is faced with the reality of coming out to his Iranian American family. During his senior year of high school after moving to a new school, he secretly dates another boy, Jackson Preacher, for the first time, but when two classmates, Ben and Jake, plan to blackmail him by showing a picture of him kissing Jackson to his parents on graduation day, Amir decides to run away to Rome. In Rome, he meets a community of young queer men and begins to feel more comfortable with his identity. He even considers what it would be like to stay long-term. Meanwhile, his younger sister, Soraya, investigates to find out why Amir ran away and where he is. After she spills the news to their parents, everything comes crashing down on Amir and he and his family are stuck recounting their story to U.S. Customs officers.

When I started reading this book, I had no idea what to expect, but I ended up enjoying it even though there were times when I wanted to yell at Amir to stop making bad choices. I actually really felt for Amir because it seems really hard to feel like you have to keep a big secret about yourself from parents that have demonstrated that they have conservative views due to their culture and upbringing. I absolutely loved that he ran away to Rome, though, because I myself visited Italy less than two years ago. As I was reading, I definitely felt like I was back there. I also thought it was interesting how the story reveals that the lives of Amir's new friends aren't as perfect as he originally thought. He learns to see them as people who have struggles, too. Additionally, I really adored Soraya because she was sassy and immediately accepting of Amir after she learned about his sexuality. She's an amazing younger sister and I could tell how much she and Amir care about each other even when they were reluctant to admit it. While Amir's dad was frustrating at times, I did understand the perspectives of him and Amir's mom. I think it can be hard for parents to learn that their children have hopes and dreams that differ from their expectations. Amir's relationship with his mom seem to be in a good place at the end of the story, but his dad definitely still has room to grow. I don't want to say too much, but the very last chapter was bittersweet, as well. It made me wish Amir was still in Rome. Due to swearing and some suggestive content, I recommend How It All Blew Up to mature readers who enjoy friendship and family stories that have a dash of romance.

All the Blues in the Sky by Renée Watson

 

Last week, I read All the Blues in the Sky by Renée Watson. This realistic fiction novel that combines verse and prose is about Sage, a girl whose best friend, Angel, was hit by a drunk driver on the way to her house for her thirteenth birthday. To cope with her grief, guilt, loneliness, and anxiety, Sage has been going to a counseling group with four other girls, Ebony, Zay, Ana, and DD, at school. Of the other girls, Ebony understands Sage best and DD also spends time outside of grief group with them, but it's still not the same as having Angel around. Although Sage initially believes her pain is different from Zay's and Ana's because Angel died suddenly, she grows to realize that just because the circumstances of their losses are different doesn't mean it hurts less for them. Meanwhile, she begins to fall for a boy, Kofi, who plays basketball at Morningside Park. As time goes on, Sage learns that she can feel many emotions at the same time.

Although this novel is poignant, I enjoyed reading it from the very first lines. I could relate to Sage because, like her, I first experienced loss at a relatively young age. I felt awful that she blamed herself for Angel's death. Although I've never had counseling for grief myself, I liked how the author had Sage join a grief group with other girls who had lost someone. Besides Aunt Ini, it seems like Sage would have been quite alone otherwise. I liked how the counselor, Ms. Carver, could help Sage process her feelings even when Sage was angry. It definitely seemed important for Sage to have another supportive adult in her life, especially given the twist at the very end of the story. Additionally, it made me happy that Sage was able to genuinely become friends with Ebony, DD, Zay, and Ana, despite her initial reservations. Her connection and romance with Kofi was sweet, too. In conclusion, anyone should read All the Blues in the Sky, especially those who have experienced loss, whether it was a friend, a family member, or a beloved pet.

Greenwild Series by Pari Thomson

 

Yesterday, I finished reading the Greewild series by Pari Thomson. This fantasy series is about Daisy Thistledown, an eleven-year-old girl whose mother has been keeping big secrets as they travel the world for Ma's journalism career. In the first book, The World Beyond the Door, Daisy is left in the care of a boarding school in London when Ma goes on a trip to Peru for a dangerous job. After Ma mysteriously disappears, Daisy is on the run from Mr. Craven, Ma's new editor who is determined to stop her from learning the truth about her mom. When she goes through a mysterious hidden doorway at Kew Gardens seeking safety, she finds herself in Mallowmarsh, a community in the Greenwild. As Daisy spends time in this land of green magic, she discovers that Artemis White, the commander and head mallow, may have information about what happened to Ma and that someone wants to destroy the Greenwild. While learning the truth about who she is, Daisy befriends Indigo, the Prof, Acorn, and a vain cat named Napoleon to save the Greenwild. In the second book, The City Beyond the Sea, Daisy and her friends desperately leave the safety of Mallowmarsh to join the expedition to find Daisy's mom and the other missing Botanists. Pursued by the dangerous Grim Reapers and seeking Iffenwild, the legendary capital of the Marindeep, for help fighting their enemies, they end up with the Nautilus Theatre Company, a group of Moon Travelers that can travel between pockets of the Greenwild and the Marindeep. Daisy also meets Max, a twelve-year-old boy who is on the run from a man named Jarndyce. They hate each other at first but grow closer as it becomes clear that Iffenwild is also in danger. In the third and final book, The Forest in the Sky, Daisy, Max, the Prof, Indigo, Acorn, and Napoleon finally go on the long journey to Amazeria, a Greenwild community in South America, for aid in finding the Botanists, including Daisy's mom. Although they are split up on the rescue mission, they learn more about the Reaper King and must prepare for a great battle.

I enjoyed this series so much because it reminded me a little of the Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis, especially The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. The world-building was breathtakingly wonderful and it made me wish that green and blue magic were real. I especially loved the protagonists, their friendships, and how they would do anything for each other. All of them were courageous in their own ways, but Daisy, Max, and Napoleon were definitely my favorites. This series was also a roller coaster ride. There were so many twists and turns, especially in the second and third books, but I loved the battle scenes, even when I was on the edge of my seat hoping that Daisy and her friends would be able to save the Greenwild and the Marindeep. The only thing that didn't quite sit right with me was the reveal of the Reaper King's identity. It didn't make sense to me because I feel like it left some plot holes and the foreshadowing was a bit lacking. I'm not sure who else it could have been, though. I think the end was bittersweet, as well, with the characters that died during the final battle. I had grown fond of them. Although I knew that not everyone could survive, it made me super sad, even though the reunions were heartwarming. All in all, the Greenwild series is an enchanting choice for anyone who loves fantasy.

Outsider Kids by Betty C. Tang

 

Last week on Sunday, I read Outsider Kids by Betty C. Tang. The sequel to Parachute Kids, this historical fiction graphic novel is about the Lin siblings after they have spent seven months as undocumented immigrants and adjusted to their new lives in California. While Jia-Xi (Jesse) has a new job and Ke-Gāng (Jason) has a new crush, Feng-Li (Ann) is looking forward to her birthday and enjoys hanging out with her new friends and playing flute in band. Although they're still waiting for their parents to receive visa approval in Taiwan, they try to help each other out and avoid the attention of immigration authorities. When their stuck-up cousin Josephine, who is a violin prodigy, moves in with them, she gives them all a rough time, but Feng-Li is especially disappointed because she and Josephine used to be friends. As things become tumultuous once again, they wonder if they'll have to give up the lives they have built.

This sequel was fantastic. I enjoyed spending more time with the Lin siblings and seeing Feng-Li go trick-or-treating with her new friends at the beginning. It was also a lot of fun when the three siblings celebrated different American holidays for the first time. Because they're undocumented immigrants, I suspected that their stability wouldn't last, but I could have never predicted how chaotic their lives became after Josephine was left with them when her mom went back to Taiwan because of Wai Gong being deathly sick. Even though she is given some depth late in the book, Josephine was a complete brat and there are no excuses for how she treated Feng-Li. I definitely wanted her to be gone. It's just unfortunate how much damage she did in the time she lived with the Lin siblings. On the other hand, I really liked that Ke-Gāng had a positive romantic experience in this book. I just felt very bad for him by the end. I also had mad respect for Jia-Xi retaking the S.A.T. to raise her score so that she could improve her chances of going to Harvard. The ending is bittersweet, but there is going to be a third book, so I'm not too sad. I would recommend Outsider Kids to anyone who enjoyed the first book in the series.