Mary R. Lanni's Blog, page 2

Uncle Jed's Secret

Twelve-year-old Jason Hardwick loves to visit his Uncle Jed, especially because they share a deep love of video games and horror movies. But Uncle Jed’s wife passed away not long ago, and Uncle Jed is behaving differently from normal. He does not offer Jason his favorite meal, he openly scorns the video games and movies he and Jason used to enjoy, and he spends a great deal of time asking Jason about his relationship with God. When the unthinkable happens, Jason finds himself lost and alone, managing the events that have taken place alongside his apparent involvement in them. Jason must come to terms with what happened while simultaneously getting to the bottom of why his uncle is behaving so strangely if he ever expects his life to return to normal. This spooky younger middle grade short novel is an excellent tale for fans of the Goosebumps series and strange, inexplicable occurrences. While it is part of a series, all of the books can be read in any order; one book does not directly relate to any of the others. Newer middle grade readers will appreciate the pacing of this story along with the fact that the level of terror it includes is relatively minimal. Jump scares are not a primary feature of this story; instead, the fear factor comes from the unexplained behaviors Jason witnesses from people he knows and trusts. The narrative itself is built primarily upon dialogue and observation, and Jason recounts the story from a first-person perspective. Conversations around God and religion make their way into the story, which enhances some of the frightening elements of the story while giving readers a chance to consider what entities may have power and influence over human lives. Intriguing and slightly scary, this series is a natural next step for middle grade children after reading Goosebumps and other shorter, series literature.

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The Tarnished

If you haven't read Book 1: The Blameless yet, check out more about it here!

The land of Predonia is divided: on one side, the evil Vaylec leads the people through fear and distrust. On the other, rebels hold out hope for the return of Princess Briana to restore peace and prosperity to her war torn homeland. But Brie is once again on the run, protected by her three stalwart uncles and unshakable best friends. As they journey across the countryside, Brie begins to realize the true gravity of her role as the last of her ruling line and just how much of the populus supports her efforts. With each passing day, the stakes are driven ever higher, and Brie must embody both strength and leadership to become the queen her people need her to be.

This second in the Blameless series begins not long after the first book ends and focuses a great deal on the relationships and feelings that will become necessary for Brie's ultimate success. From the very beginning, readers get a strong look at the people surrounding Brie and believing in her–often more than she believes in herself. The beginnings of romance are budding between Brie and Taeo, and Brie's uncles all have lives of their own beyond protecting her. At fourteen years old, Brie does not visualize herself as the leader of a country, but she begins to realize just how important she is to a positive future for Predonia.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KgaSNBLbkPQ

It is important to have read the first book in the series before beginning this second one, and even if it has been a while since reading the initial installment, this book does a good job re-immersing readers in Brie's world. Believable dialogue and a strong plot keep readers engaged throughout the story, and though the novel is primarily focused on building a foundation for the dynamic conclusion to come, it is nonetheless enjoyable in its own way. Heartwarming and cinematically written, this series is excellent for early young adult readers who are prepared for the challenge of more difficult literature with a plot that is well suited to a younger audience. This is a highly recommended fantasy adventure series for young adult readers.

Dream Spies

I got to read book one of this series last year, and I’m glad to have continued the series with The Dream Spies! The premise of this series revolves around dreams, and the main characters craft sachets that permit people to experience a tailored and specific dream depending on their desires. In book one, readers learn about this unique skill and how it can go haywire if in the wrong hands. This second book takes readers into a summer camp where nefarious intent is behind the dreams being crafted there. It is up to the main characters to discover exactly what is happening without getting caught and while protecting their new friends. Younger, more advanced middle grade readers are especially well-suited to this series. Please see my full review below!

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It is summertime, and siblings Maren and Hallie have no big plans besides helping their grandmother in her dream shop. Gran-Gran is famous for the dreams she creates and sells, and Maren and Hallie are preparing to follow in her footsteps. When Gran-Gran comes across a summer camp for creating dreams, she is immediately intrigued and applies for a job to learn more about it. Begrudgingly, Maren and Hallie’s parents permit them to tag along, joined by their friend Amos. Nothing at the camp is what it appears, and it is up to Maren and her companions to get to the truth and save the other campers before it is too late.

The second in its series, this story transports readers back into the magical reality of Maren and Hallie’s life. Reminders of events from book one are strategically placed within the narrative, and readers will easily reconnect with each of the characters. Gran-Gran’s pet parrot Henri provides especially charming comic relief as he shouts insults in both French and German while supporting the action within the story. The stakes in this second installment are higher than in the first book, giving middle grade readers an emotional challenge as they graduate to this sequel.

Maren is the focal point of this story, and readers are exposed to her range of emotions as she grows and matures throughout the narrative. While she is excited about attending camp, she is nervous about being away from home and the comfort of her own bed. However, she works hard to step outside of her comfort zone and solve the mystery taking place around her, becoming a more independent young adult in the process. Young teen readers will recognize many of Maren’s sentiments throughout her adventure and will be inspired to showcase bravery of their own.

This book reads easily, capturing readers’ attention from the very first chapters. While the story can be read on its own, it is best to read The Nightmare Thief first to understand all of the references in this book. The climactic action sequences are compelling and unique, tossing characters into and out of dreams with some frequency. Placed in a familiar summer camp setting, this story adds a spin of mystery and magic that will happily engage middle grade readers. This is a lovely companion story that is well suited to young readers who are transitioning to more complex and lengthy narratives.

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Winnie Zeng Unleashes a Legend

It is the beginning of sixth grade, and Winnie Zeng is determined to do her best to succeed in her myriad endeavors and make her family proud. But when her intellectual nemesis David appears in the halls of her new school and people begin making fun of her because of the food she brings for lunch, Winnie wonders if she is up to the challenge. If only she could be like the superheroes in the manga and anime stories she enjoys so much… A class bake sale inspires Winnie to explore some of her family's treasured recipes, which leads her to a very special book tucked beneath several others in the kitchen. Unbeknownst to Winnie, the choice to use this cookbook will link her to her family in more ways than she expects, and surviving middle school will quickly become the least of her problems.

This fast-paced middle grade story explores many of the complicated feelings and events inherent to middle school amidst the excitement of supernatural powers and Chinese legends. As part of a Chinese-American family, Winnie straddles two cultures throughout this story. Attending both American and Chinese school is only one piece of the equation, though; she must also balance American and Chinese cuisine alongside western and eastern folkloric traditions. Additionally, she feels suffocated by the high expectations placed upon her by her family, especially as she is often compared to others in her vicinity who are more successful than she is. These many feelings come to light throughout the novel, and Winnie attempts to work through each of them while beginning to come to terms with who she truly wants to be.

Fans of folklore and superheroes will fall for Winnie and her spirit from the first pages of the book. She is not perfect, but she is always working hard for what she wants. References to video games, manga, anime, and pop culture appear throughout the book, grounding readers to reality as Winnie's story takes on a supernatural twist. The legend of Hou Yi and Chang E is likewise woven into this story, which is enjoyable for anyone who is familiar with Chinese legends or has seen Over the Moon. And, as food is such a strong element of this story, recipes for two treats described in the book are found at the end for readers to try on their own. This is a stunning overture to the Winnie Zeng series, and it is a delightful inclusion to libraries for middle grade readers.

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Author Feature: Hermione Lee

Fourteen-year-old Alexandria Richardson has had a rough childhood. Raised in an orphanage surrounded by people who treated her badly, Alexandria somehow manages to survive thanks to the depth of her willpower. In the Name of the Otherworld is a fantasy adventure that focuses on redemption and friendship, transporting readers to a complex parallel world. I enjoyed the overall concept of the book very much and while more can be done to amplify the story, this book shows great promise. Please see my full review here.

The Otherworld is in trouble, and it is up to fifteen-year-old Alexandria and her friends to journey into the Underworld and protect their home at all costs. It has been a little over a year since Alexandria last visited the Otherworld and learned of her epic lineage. Now that she has been practicing her skills and is more aware of the dynamics and creatures in her home world, she is better equipped to solve the problems plaguing it. Accompanied by a troupe of companions, Alexandria braves the unknown with strength and wit in order to bring peace back to the Otherworld. This second in the Otherworld Trilogy is based in equal parts on dialogue and action. Within the dialogue, readers will find British colloquialisms and references which place the narrative in a familiar setting for readers from the UK. The writing has matured noticeably from the first installment, and readers will enjoy getting to know the characters in more detail in this book. As the story progresses, the lengthy chapters alternate points of view, using first-person writing to convey each character’s thoughts. Though these segments would benefit from clearer differentiation in the voices of the characters, it is nice to have different perspectives throughout the novel. Younger middle grade readers will appreciate the varied approach to the storytelling along with the dramatic action sequences and chaste romantic moments included within the plot. This is an engaging second installment in an upper middle grade trilogy written by a young author.

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Shine On, Luz Veliz!

Before, Luz Véliz was a soccer star, her dad’s pride and joy, and a light in the neighborhood. But after Luz suffers a traumatic injury on the soccer field, everything changes, and she is left feeling set adrift in a world filled with disappointment. Luz must decide whether to continue attending soccer practice only to sit on the sidelines or to find another outlet for her energy and intelligence. Luckily, Luz has a kind and supportive neighbor who recognizes Luz’s affinity for gadgetry and helps to kindle an ember that begins to form within her. As Luz attempts to fill in the holes left behind from her injury, she finds the world to be a more complex and beautiful place than she ever imagined.

This early middle grade contemporary fiction story introduces readers to a girl named Luz whose life has been turned upside down at the age of 11 due to an injury that prevents her from continuing to pursue her passion for soccer. The disappointment and frustration Luz feels is amplified by both her adolescence and an added familial complication, and readers will recognize Luz’s emotional upheaval as she attempts to come to terms with the changes happening both in her world and in her relationships with her parents. The writing perfectly captures the intensity of these feelings, embedding them deep within the reader’s psyche before offering constructive solutions for managing them. Luz begins to undergo internal change with the help of a shift of focus to coding, and even readers unfamiliar with coding languages will feel comfortable with the level of detail and explanation included in this book.

Short chapters and engaging writing give this novel a rhythm that is easy to fall into. Younger middle grade readers will feel especially comfortable with the design of the book, though the content speaks to older readers, as well. At the center of this story, Luz is beginning to discover who she is while building herself into the person she wants to become. The world is opening up for her at the same time, though, and this is often a challenging and uncomfortable experience. As the complexities of family dynamics, global violence, illness, and the threat of deportation arise, Luz’s personal struggles are put into perspective, which inspires both Luz and the reader to think differently about their own lives. At the end of the book, readers find recipes for some of the foods described in the story, a list of famous scientists mentioned in the narrative, and an author’s note with more information about the impetus of the novel. This is an emotional and heartfelt addition to libraries for early middle grade readers.

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Author Feature: Jodi Auborn

It is the summer before ninth grade, but fourteen-year-old Kat Normith has bigger things on her mind than high school. She loves living out in the country with her dad and younger brother, and she especially loves horses. Unfortunately, their neighbor is notorious for her mistreatment of her own horses, and Kat is determined to rescue her favorite horse Stormwind from her neighbor’s clutches. At the same time, Kat’s father has invited his young girlfriend to stay with them for the summer, and she is not all she seems. Kat is overwhelmed by the lies and deception surrounding her, and she decides to run away in order to help her father see the truth. This early young adult novel is a fit for readers who enjoy nature and horses, especially those with a passion for animal activism. Though the book gets off to a rocky start, it finds its strength in the descriptions of Kat’s travels through the woods on her way from upstate New York to Canada. Written much like a diary might unfold, readers are given a first-hand look into Kat’s feelings and experiences as she travels and overcomes obstacles along the way. Readers should be aware that there are mentions of both animal and human cruelty within the novel in case readers are sensitive to descriptions of those things. Many of the characters in the story exhibit impulsive behavior, but it is not always the youth who find themselves in this situation. As Kat comes into her own as a young woman, she discovers that adults are not infallible, and everyone must recognize their own shortcomings in order to find balance in their lives. This book is well suited to young adult readers who enjoy horses and adventures in the great outdoors.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6sj7-JAeRRo

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It is the summer after fourth grade and ten-year-old Dylan and his family have been in the car for hours traveling from New York City to Salvation Point, Maine. Dylan’s father has inherited an old cabin from his uncle that is situated at the base of a lighthouse, and the cabin comes with more than just some old cobwebs and dusty knickknacks. The cabin is said to be haunted, and Dylan and his family discover the truth behind that rumor first-hand. As they navigate the mysterious events taking place around them, the family must simultaneously protect their land from villains who would choose to destroy it for their own personal gains. This fast-paced middle grade novel appears as a ghost story at first glance, but it is truly more of a human tale of redemption and self-discovery. Unlike a typical ghost story, there are few moments of shock or horror within the book; instead, Matthias is a fixture of the narrative almost from the very beginning. Dylan and his family do not have the same interactions with Matthias, but he is an important element in the transformation Dylan undergoes that summer. Because the chapters are long and the text is small and close together, this book is best suited to more confident middle grade readers. Scenes of action and a compelling relationship between Matthias and Dylan keep readers engaged throughout the book, and the well-rounded nature of the story is satisfying for all. Middle grade readers with an interest in human-centered tales that incorporate ghosts, pirate treasure, and more than a little excitement will appreciate getting to know Dylan and his adventures through this charming book.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GzzSNEa8b4

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Monsters in the Mist

For the past few months, thirteen year old Glennon McCue has been living with his sister and mother on the mysterious Isle Philippeaux in the middle of Lake Superior. His dad is teaching overseas, and because their grandmother has passed away, Glennon’s Uncle Job has offered to host his family through the semester. As the day of their departure grows closer, though, strange events begin taking place on the island, leading Glennon and his family to meet unusual characters even as a general feeling of wrongness settles over the isle itself. Ominous messages cause Glennon to investigate his surroundings more closely, and when it looks like the mysterious Waning may take place before they are able to depart the island, Glennon bravely seeks answers to his most pressing questions.

Due to the complexity and depth of the storytelling, this book is best suited to more confident upper middle grade and young adult readers, especially those who enjoy tales that examine layers of the human mental condition. From the very beginning of this book, beautifully descriptive writing makes each moment in the narrative tangible, especially as myriad inanimate objects are personified. The story begins slowly, much like the placidity of a lake in the calm before a storm hits. As more details come to light, the intensity of the narrative increases, buffeting readers in the gales existing both outside the isle and inside Glennon’s own mind. Readers are carried along for the ride, and they will be compelled to determine what is really going on and where the boundary between reality and fiction truly lies. Clues emerge from unusual circumstances within the novel that provide some insight into how the story will play out, but readers are primarily working alongside Glennon to discover the truth of his situation.

The stakes are high in this suspenseful upper middle grade novel. On its face, it is a spooky ghost story that incorporates ongoing feelings of danger and mystery throughout. Beneath this, though, is a sense of foreboding not just for the characters in Glennon’s immediate vicinity, but also for real players in Glennon’s life outside the isle. An author’s note at the end of the book speaks to the emotional abuse referenced throughout the novel, encouraging readers to seek support if they find themselves in a similar situation. The multifaceted approach taken in this novel transforms the story into one that can be interpreted at several levels and can, under the right circumstances, help guide readers toward healing. This is a powerful and thought-provoking novel for confident upper middle grade readers who enjoy novels with high-intensity storytelling.

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Frankie's Wish

It is Frankie’s birthday, so it is the perfect day to go in search of a famed magical blue feather that is said to be found on an island to the east of where Frankie lives. After packing up, Frankie sets off on an adventure with some helpful wisdom provided by Auntie Duke—a special loved one who has walked this path before. A series of clues is laid out before Frankie, providing guidance while Frankie navigates a magical forest full of helpful and unexpected creatures. And as Frankie nears the end of the journey, Frankie begins to think differently about the feather and the wish it can bestow. This newest entry in the Once Upon a Dance canon is particularly enjoyable, using a well-crafted plot to encourage readers to believe in themselves just as Frankie does. Presented as a gender neutral character, Frankie can be anyone and everyone as Frankie goes through each step of this adventure. Like the others in this series, this book is set up in three parts: the first is a full page illustration depicting a particular moment in the narrative, the second is the narrative itself, and the third is an invitation for movement that unites both photographs of Ballerina Konora in action and matching text to help augment readers’ understanding and ability to participate. Rich color is found in each of the digitally-rendered illustrations of the story, which offers readers the feeling of a magical forest filled with wonder. This book is best suited to older readers because of the length of the story and the depth of the message shared within the narrative. Fans of Konora’s other books will find this one to be charming and inspiring, especially as it is filled with opportunities to solve puzzles along with Frankie. This is a delightful book for readers who appreciate both an uplifting story and the invitation to interact with it using both their bodies and their minds.

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The Rabbit's Gift

A delicate balance exists between the humans who long for babies and the Angora Roux rabbits who cultivate them. In exchange for bunches of purple carrots, the Angora Roux bring Chou incubators to waiting human parents who are ready to welcome a child. But when the balance shifts and the rabbits are no longer receiving adequate compensation for their important work, the precarious relationship begins to crumble. And the question arises: will a human girl and an Angora Roux be able to see past their differences to reconcile the challenges they face before it is too late?

This heartfelt story is told from two perspectives: one human, one Angora Roux. Both characters are the heroes of their own stories, but each of their behavior adversely affects the other as the story progresses. Readers are immersed in a world over which the Great Maman presides, where humans and nature must work harmoniously together in order to survive. Carefully crafted details make this setting come alive, and readers will find themselves in a curious blend of Alice in Wonderland and King Louis XIV’s France, all under a unique and fantastic umbrella. Utilizing a blend of both real and creatively fictional French words, this story takes a familiar French term of endearment—mon petit chou—to a charming and unexpected destination.

While this story is a companion to The Wolf’s Curse, it is a standalone novel that readers can enjoy in any order. Many moments of the narrative are connected to events happening in the real world, from conflicts over goods and services to religious beliefs to the treatment of nature. On its surface, this book tells a fantastic interpretation of how human babies are made; beneath that, it is a guide for readers to look past their individual experiences to spend time walking in others’ shoes. Only by empathizing with others will humans gain the perspective necessary to make the changes that will protect the Earth in the long term. Middle grade readers will appreciate the footnotes peppered throughout the book that provide greater context for the story, and the lengthy chapters will especially appeal to more confident readers who enjoy immersive tales. This is a thought-provoking title to include in library collections for middle grade readers.

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