Top Middle-Grade Reads of the Month (Oct 2017)

My favorite middle-grade books from this month are definitely on the suspenseful side--spooks, high adventure, demons, mind games, betrayal, ghosts, and even evil robots. Maybe the Halloween spirit was hitting me a little early?

The Empty Grave
(Lockwood & Co. #5)
Jonathan Stroud

My rating: ★★★★★

ISBN: 978-1484778722
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Date of publication: September 12, 2017
Age: Grades 5 - 9
Genre: Horror
Format: personal purchase

Themes: ghosts, hauntings, experiments, business practices, friendship, London

"Five months after the events in THE CREEPING SHADOW, we join Lockwood, Lucy, George, Holly, and their associate Quill Kipps on a perilous night mission: they have broken into the booby-trapped Fittes Mausoleum, where the body of the legendary psychic heroine Marissa Fittes lies. Or does it? This is just one of the many questions to be answered. Will Lockwood ever reveal more about his family's past to Lucy? Will their trip to the Other Side leave Lucy and Lockwood forever changed? Will Penelope Fittes succeed in shutting down their agency forever? The young agents must survive attacks from foes both spectral and human before they can take on their greatest enemy in a climactic and chaotic battle. And to prevail they will have to rely on help from some surprising—and shadowy—allies."

Perfect. I'm serious. It was like...everything I ever wanted. And, really, I'm sorry if you're just now joining me (here, why don't you check out my reviews for book 1, 2, 3, and 4—yes, I've reviewed every one of them on here and I love 'em all). In this, the concluding book of the series, Lucy builds an even stronger bond to those around here (which, in turn, made me, as the reader, build my own stronger bond with these characters), the intrigue is in full force, key ghosts make their appearance, and the climax? Well, it was definitely the right way to end the series. Hugely recommended, especially before Halloween—read this series NOW.

Find it at your library or on Amazon

Guardians of the Gryphon's Claw
(A Sam London Adventure)
Todd Calgi Gallicano

My rating: ★★★★

ISBN: 978-1524713652
Publisher: Delacorte
Date of publication: August 29, 2017
Age: Grades 4 - 7
Genre: Fantasy
Format: ARC from publisher

Themes: mythological creatures, adventure, curses, national parks

"Haunted by a dream of a mythical gryphon, Sam London uncovers an ancient secret that will change the way he sees the world forever. Recruited by Dr. Vance Vantana, an eccentric zoologist and park ranger sent by the government, Sam is whisked away on an adventure that takes him to the farthest reaches of the globe. Along this journey, Sam learns an incredible truth: mythical creatures are real and living among us in our national parks. A special department in the U.S. government ensures that their existence remains hidden. But Sam’s dream is an omen that the secret may now be in danger. Someone seeks the power to expose these creatures and overthrow humankind—and that power can only be found in a magical talisman known as the gryphon’s claw."

A brilliantly done, epic fantasy adventure that brings the likes of Percy Jackson series to mind. Sam himself, though, is a character unlike most I've seen—his insecurities, home life, questions, doubts, struggles and joys really make him relatable and realistic (yes, even in a fantasy novel). I really enjoyed him, as well as Vance (who has great character history). I also really enjoyed the story and how it was presented (that the author is merely compiling the case files received from the U.S. Department of Mythical Wildlife with "dramatic interpretation") and its thorough details. The storyline, however, was what lost me just a bit, with a lot of hops, skips, and jumps (e.g. breaking the narrative to refer to a future plot point). My biggest complaint (which is still small in the whole scheme of things, mind you) is the presence of a double climax. It almost felt like the book could've ended in the middle and the sequel begun. Still, high excitement, frighteningly detailed creatures, and courageous characters makes for an easily recommendable fantasy adventure.

Find it at your library or on Amazon

The World's Greatest Adventure Machine
Frank L. Cole

My rating: ★★★★

ISBN: 978-0399552823
Publisher: Delacorte
Date of publication: August 8, 2017
Age: Grades 4 - 8
Genre: Science Fiction
Format: eBook from publisher

Themes: special abilities, amusement park rides, friendship, virtual reality

"CastleCorp and the famous Castleton brothers are unveiling the World’s Greatest Adventure Machine! The roller coaster is an experience like no other, and four lucky kids have won the chance to be the first to ride it.There’s Trevor, whose latest stunt got him in trouble at school again. There’s Devin, whose father is pushing him to be the next Internet sensation. Nika’s wealthy grandfather isn’t too pleased about her participation. And Cameron, he’ll be the first to tell you, is a certified genius.

"The whole world is watching. But as the kids set off on their journey, they begin to realize that there is perhaps more to their fellow contest winners than meets the eye. And the Adventure Machine? It might just have a mind of its own. Join the contestants on their wild ride if you dare. Your adventure starts now!"

Oh man, what a ride (pun intended). This was one that I was sad to finish and still thinking about long after I'd read the last page. While it can be hard to balance a book between four main characters and their varying points of view, I would say that Cole managed it quite well. Each had their own secrets, histories, and abilities that shaped them in unique ways to drive the story forward. And then there's the story itself—wow! It's got some trippy mind benders that really get you wondering and puzzling. While the Jurassic Park and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (and Mr. Lemoncello's Library, too, now that I think of it) plot points are there, the actual concept is fascinatingly unique and often had me guessing what, exactly, was reality (to the point where it might have been a bit tough for me to follow what was happening exactly). Overall, the Adventure Machine is one super creepy ride—kids will love it.

Find it at your library or on Amazon

Top Early Readers/Chapter Books of the Month (Sept 2017)

This post seems to be a bit dominated by small rodents. But don't worry, I threw in a ghost story, just to keep you on your toes.

There's a Pest in the Garden
Written and illustrated by Jan Thomas

My rating: ★★★★½

ISBN: 978-0544941656
Publisher: HMH Books
Date of publication: June 6, 2017
Age: Grades K - 2
Format: library book

Themes: vegetables, gardening, animals, humor

There’s a pest in the garden and he’s eating all the vegetables! The beans, corn, and peas are rapidly disappearing! Good thing, then, that Duck has a plan to save the day (well, sort of).

I'm always a fan of Jan Thomas because I'm always a fan of funny books. And boy did this one fit the bill! I love it when a story takes unexpected, hilarious turns, which this book does beautifully. The illustrations feature her traditional characters and style, with bold colors and lines simply done. Really, the story is short, sweet, and great for beginning readers--and also totally hilarious. As a readaloud, this would be a lot of fun to encourage predictions and questions from your storytime crowd. Definitely recommended.

Find it at your library or on Amazon

Fergus and Zeke
Written by Kate Messner, illustrated by Heather Ross

My rating: ★★★

ISBN: 978-0763678463
Publisher: Candlewick
Date of publication: June 13, 2017
Age: Grades 1 - 3
Format: library book

Themes: field trips, mice, classroom pet, museums, friendship

Fergus loves being the class pet in Miss Maxwell’s classroom. He does everything the students do, until the teacher plans a field trip to the museum — without Fergus! He doesn’t want to miss the fun, so he stows away in a backpack and sets off for an adventure. When he arrives at the museum, Fergus finds it a little overwhelming — huge and full of exciting things to see. Luckily, he meets a new friend, Zeke, who knows the ropes, and together they explore everything from moon rocks to butterflies to a giant dinosaur skeleton ("A playground!" says Zeke). But when the time comes for the bus to leave, Fergus is worried that he’ll be left behind. Will he make it back to school to take his place as class pet once more?

A traditional story of friendship that has all of the classic elements. These two mice are hardly alike, but of course, opposites attract and they enjoy a simple adventure, much in the vein of Frog and Toad. I was not overly wowed because its traditional feel also means that it felt a tad unoriginal and predictable. However, it could make for a good pre-field-trip read or is a great recommendation if for a reader that's really into mice books (because, my goodness, there are a lot).

Find it at your library or on Amazon

Ghost Attack
(Monster Itch #1)
David Lubar

My rating: ★★★★

ISBN: 978-0545873482
Publisher: Scholastic
Date of publication: June 27, 2017
Age: Grades 2 - 4
Genre: Mystery, Horror
Format: library book

Themes: ghosts, allergies, cousins, mystery

When Alex and his cousin Sarah are visiting their grandparents, Alex gets terrible red, itchy hives. Yikes! He's allergic to a ghost! Even worse, the ghost won't leave him alone -- he wants Alex and Sarah's help. Can they solve the ghost's mystery and get rid of Alex's awful rash before it ruins everything?

A little creepy at the beginning, an intriguing mystery in the middle, and thoroughly satisfying by the end--a fun read to recommend! A touch of humor keeps things light as Alex and Sarah figure out the clues to helping a haunting ghost. It keeps readers engaged; it's easy to solve the mystery right along with the characters. While I do hope these two main characters gain a little more depth in the subsequent sequels (there's little hints about their strong loyalty to each other, even as the play jokes and have fun, which I think is brilliant and should be further developed), I admit that it's a great story and perfect for the upcoming Halloween season.

Find it at your library or on Amazon

A True Home
(Heartwood Hotel #1)
Written by Kallie George, illustrated by Stephanie Graegin

My rating: ★★★★½

ISBN: 978-1484731611
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Date of publication: July 3, 2017
Age: Grades 2 - 5
Genre:
Format: library book

Themes: mice, hotels, forest animals, courage

When Mona the Mouse stumbles across the wondrous world of the Heartwood Hotel in the middle of a storm, she desperately hopes they'll let her stay. As it turns out, Mona is precisely the maid they need at the grandest hotel in Fernwood Forest, where animals come from far and wide for safety, luxury, and comfort. But the Heartwood Hotel is not all acorn souffle and soft moss-lined beds. Danger lurks, and as it approaches, Mona finds that this hotel is more than a warm place to spend the night. It might also be a home.

You know when you feel all warm and cozy with your hot chocolate by the fire and a blanket in your lap and loved ones all around? That's what this book does to you. Okay, I may be exaggerating a bit, but this is definitely a heart-warmer. Mona is so sweet, brave, and kind (maybe too much so a time or two, even?), and her past so tragic, that you can't help but love her. The story itself is well developed, with Mona gaining more and more courage with each opportunistic event, culminating in a fantastic climax. Truly, this was a joy to read and I highly recommend it (it's especially perfect for fall).

Find it at your library or on Amazon

Top Middle-Grade Fiction of the Month

Oops, this was supposed to go up last week. But guess who just started her brand new job as an elementary school librarian?? That's right. This girl. Dream job: attained. So, yeah...I may be a littel swamped at the moment. But! I'm excited for lots of new content for the blog (for example, the decorating of my new library) and to review even more books as I share them with students. So, of course, here are some more reviews! My favorite middle-grade reads from the month...

Beyond the Doors
David Neilsen

My rating: ★★★★

ISBN: 978-1101935828
Publisher: Crown Books
Date of publication: August 1, 2017
Age: Grades 4 - 7
Genre: Horror, Mystery
Format: ARC from author

Themes: family relationships, memories, nightmares & monsters, humor, doors

"When a family disaster forces the four Rothbaum children to live with their aunt Gladys, they immediately know there is something strange about their new home. The front entrance is a four-story-tall drawbridge. The only food in Aunt Gladys’s kitchen is an endless supply of Honey Nut Oat Blast Ring-a-Dings cereal. And strangest of all are the doors—there are none. Every doorway is a wide-open passageway—even the bathroom! Who lives in a house with no doors? When they discover just what Aunt Gladys has been doing with all her doors, the shocked siblings embark on an adventure that changes everything they believe about their family and the world."

This is the second book I've reviewed of Mr. Neilsen's (see Dr. Fell back here), and may I say, his writing is still so fun. It's creepy, yes, but with just the right amount of funny. I mean, how would you like it if you were stuck eating Honey Nut Oat Blast Ring-a-Dings cereal for every meal? I also enjoyed his ability to tell the story from the point of view of each of the four siblings (alternating between the four with each chapter), each with their own unique personality and depth. It made it even more interesting and, at times, totally hilarious (I mean, one of the characters is a seven-year-old girl obsessed with all things cute and fluffy). His strong writing voice, reminiscent of Lemony Snicket, is sure to please readers of all ages.

I will admit, though, that I wasn't quite as much of a fan of the story itself as I was his first. The writing, yes, but the plot... The premise of this story, while very original and unique, became a bit difficult for me to follow. The traveling through space and time and memory became very layered very quickly (think like the movie Inception) and I was a bit lost trying to follow along. I hope younger readers would not be daunted by it. Still, I would be quick to recommend it to fans of Lemony Snicket, Neil Gaiman, and the like. And, if you can listen to the audio book, DO, because Nielsen is a very talented performer.

Find it at your library or on Amazon

The Dragon with a Chocolate Heart
Stephanie Burgis

My rating: ★★★★½

ISBN: 978-1681193434
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Date of publication: May 30, 2017
Age: Grades 3 - 7
Genre: Fantasy
Format: ARC from publisher

Themes: dragons, chocolate, responsibility, failure & success

"Aventurine is a brave young dragon ready to explore the world outside of her family's mountain cave . . . if only they'd let her leave it. Her family thinks she's too young to fly on her own, but she's determined to prove them wrong by capturing the most dangerous prey of all: a human.

"But when that human tricks her into drinking enchanted hot chocolate, she's transformed into a puny human without any sharp teeth, fire breath, or claws. Still, she's the fiercest creature in these mountains--and now she's found her true passion: chocolate. All she has to do is get to the human city to find herself an apprenticeship (whatever that is) in a chocolate house (which sounds delicious), and she'll be conquering new territory in no time . . . won't she?"

Dragons and chocolate? I mean, honestly, what's not to love? And that's just the premise. Then you start reading it and it just wins you over that much faster. Burgis' character voice (in this case, it being an extremely frustrated dragon-turned-human who thinks chocolate is manna from heaven) is spot on. Aventurine is hilarious. And sassy, spunky, scared, sad, and all sorts of other "s" adjectives. She experiences a full range of emotions and wonderful development. Really, it wouldn't have been a successful story without such a strong main character; it's so well done. Kids will love it and I will definitely recommend it.

Find it at your library or on Amazon

Posted
John David Anderson

My rating: ★★★½

ISBN: 978-0062338204
Publisher: Walden Pond Press
Date of publication: May 2, 2017
Age: Grades 6 - 9
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Format: Library eBook

Themes: bullying, friendship, middle school, written communication

"When cell phones are banned at Branton Middle School, Frost and his friends Deedee, Wolf, and Bench come up with a new way to communicate: leaving sticky notes for each other all around the school. It catches on, and soon all the kids in school are leaving notes—though for every kind and friendly one, there is a cutting and cruel one as well.

"In the middle of this, a new girl named Rose arrives at school and sits at Frost’s lunch table. Rose is not like anyone else at Branton Middle School, and it’s clear that the close circle of friends Frost has made for himself won’t easily hold another. As the sticky-note war escalates, and the pressure to choose sides mounts, Frost soon realizes that after this year, nothing will ever be the same."

Ah, middle school. Boy, does it suck. And here is a novel that really makes you think about why that is. What I loved most about this book were the characters—each with their own quirks and talents, but overall, written in a way to be widely relatable. It was easy to put one's self into the story. I also appreciated the philosophical undertones, especially in regard to words. Because, honestly, whoever came up with "sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me" saying should, himself, be stoned. Words do hurt. And this story carefully examines the ramifications of all sorts of words—words said to friends, whispered behind a back, or written anonymously for all to see.

On a more critical note, however, this wasn't as perfect as I would've hoped. The ending seemed to drag, especially with a bit of a double climax (in fact, there seems to be two parallel storylines, which both had to be wrapped up). And the way Anderson kept referring to the "war" of words was a bit overly dramatic—not the metaphor, but the referencing to it and how it began, because he just kept repeating himself. Overall, it's not one that I would be quick to recommend to my elementary school students, but I can see it being a fantastic classroom study in a middle school class. Also, a definite recommendation to those who enjoyed Sticks and Stones or Goodbye Stranger.

Find it at your library or on Amazon

Reviews of the Week 3/6

Hello and happy Monday! My reviews this week have quite the spread between topic and rating. That's all I have to say, really, because...it's Monday. 

Reviews of the Week 10/17

Yeah, I had Ghosts by Raina Telgemeier last week, and now I'm back with even more terrifying ghosts: the newest Lockwood & Co. book! Oh man, so good, so worth the wait...

  

Reviews of the Week 10/10

My fravorite read this week? Ghosts, by Raina Telgemeier. Perfect, short, sweet read that can get you in the right mood for Halloween! I'd add it to my ghost-story book list and middle-grade spooky book list for sure.

  

Review: The Curse of the Were-Hyena (and giveaway!)

You guys, full moon means only one thing right? Well, if you thought werewolf, think again. Yep, it's the Full Moon of the Were-Hyena (even more creepy than the werewolf, seriously). This blog tour goes all month long and is all over the interwebs. As for me? Check out my review below and a giveaway! Also, stay tuned for an interview with Bruce Hale that is in the works!

The Curse of the Were-Hyena
Bruce Hale

My rating: ★★★★

ISBN: 978-1484713259
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Date of publication: July 5, 2016
Age: Grades 3 - 6
Genre: Mystery, Horror
Format: ARC from publisher

Themes: shape-shifting, monsters, friendship, teachers, curses, humor

"What do you do when your favorite teacher starts turning into a were-hyena?

a) Flee in terror?
b) Try to cure him?
c) Bring him carrion snacks?

Mr. Chu, the coolest teacher ever, has developed some very unusual habits, like laughing hysterically for no reason, sniffing people's homework, and chasing chickens. When best friends Carlos and Benny decide to find out what's happening to him, they get caught up in some moonlight madness. And it looks like just the beginning of the weirdness that has arrived in the town of Monterrosa. . ."

Hilarious and creepy. Yes, two for one special! Turning into a hyena makes for some terrifying situations...but with a lot of laughs. I mean, it is a hyena after all. But seriously, Carlos and Benny keep things light at the right times, while also have some great depth as characters. I also really enjoyed the character, Mrs. Tamasese, who (while being totally kick-butt awesome) provided a little of the needed adult supervision. Along those lines, it did bother me a bit that the kids' parents were (once again) totally ignorant or absent or silly, but I realize kids like reading about being the heroes in such situations.

Otherwise, the story is quick-paced and starts off immediately with an action-packed grabber. The mystery of who's behind it all kept me guessing through most of the book, too. There's some scattered illustrations throughout the book that also help keep the story going. Overall, kids will have a lot of fun with this one, especially if they're looking for scary (but not too scary). Great for reluctant readers, too, with the quick, high-action storyline. Definitely give this one a try!

Find it at your library or on Amazon

The Full Moon of the Were-Hyena Howling Good Giveaway!

★ ★ ★ ★

Ten winners will receive a copy of Bruce Hale’s The Curse of the Were-Hyena. Four Grand Prize winners will receive The Curse of the Were-Hyena plus an advance reading copy of the second book in the series, Mutant Mantis Lunch Ladies! And as a bonus, Grand Prize winners will also get a signed photo of Bruce Hale disguised as a were-wolf!
Click here to enter!

Dr. Fell and the Playground of Doom

Dr. Fell and the Playground of Doom
David Neilsen

My rating: ★★★★½

ISBN: 978-1101935781
Publisher: Crown Books
Date of publication: August 9, 2016
Age: Grades 3 - 6
Genre: Mystery, Horror
Format: ARC received from author

Themes: playgrounds, childhood, friendship, monster, good vs evil, community

When the mysterious Dr. Fell moves into the abandoned house that had once been the neighborhood kids’ hangout, he immediately builds a playground to win them over. Soon, kids from across the city are flocking to the ever-expanding structure to play for hours on end. But it's only a matter of time before someone gets hurt. In a flash, Dr. Fell has them fixed up—totally healed!—and only Jerry, Nancy, and Gail find it odd. In fact, these three seem to be the only people in the whole neighborhood not bewitched by Dr. Fell and his extravagant wonderland. As the number of injuries increases, they alone must find a way to uncover the doctor's secret healing power—and his darker ulterior motive—without falling under his spell.

This book is amazing. Creepy, hilarious, exciting, disturbing, and completely brilliant all in one. Yes, it is that awesome. I read it practically in one sitting. While it is a spooky mystery, the humor is what really made me love it. With a bit of a parody undertone (what with the kids attending McKinley Grant Fillmore Elementary or Washington Madison Hoover Elementary or Lincoln Adams Coolidge Elementary), it definitely feels like Jerry, Nancy, and Gail (I mean, seriously, even their names) fell right out of Beaver Cleaver's neighborhood into the 21st century. I seriously laughed more with this book than any I've read in a while. Granted, I was picking up on a lot of the satire that may be missed by some younger readers, but kids will still get plenty of laughs.

Okay, but beyond the humor, there was a wonderful dose of creepy. The story moves along quickly, leaving just enough hints and ideas to keep the reader guessing at the mystery of Dr. Fell. There's some truly eerie scenes that will keep even the most reluctant of readers on edge. And the characters themselves were surprisingly deep; Neilsen could've easily stuck in some flat caricatures to go with the Beaver Cleaver theme and gotten away with it. But Jerry, Nancy, and Gail each have some insecurities and fears that really made it easy to be invested in their characters.

My only complaint—the tiny, half-star complaint—was the ending. Definitely exciting and scary, but let's just say Neilsen left room for a sequel, which left me a bit frustrated. On the whole, I seriously want kids to read this. They'll have a lot of fun, especially with the recent rise in popularity of spooky stories, or titles like Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library and Scavenger Hunt.

Find it at your library or on Amazon

Hey I'm participating in Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday! Check it out here!

The School is Alive!

The School is Alive!
(Eerie Elementary #1)
Written by Jack Chabert, illustrated by Sam Ricks

My rating: ★★★

ISBN: 978-0545623926
Publisher: Scholastic
Date of publication: June 24, 2014
Age: Grades 1 - 4
Genre: Horror
Format: library book

Themes: elementary school, responsibility, monsters/haunting, friendship

Sam Graves is Eerie Elementary's newest hall moniter. And besides having to wear a horrible bright orange sash, he soon finds the role will earn him some enemies—the first and foremost being the school itself! Barely surviving the playground quicksand and the tentacle-like fire hose, Sam's not sure he can take on this monster of a school—especially when it seems no one else notices what's going on. Yet, with the help of the wise old caretaker and Sam's friends, Sam trains for the day the school will make its most dangerous attack. Will he be ready to fight?

I've been seeing books in this series pop up more and more and decided it was about time I gave it a try. And wow, this was creepier and more exciting than I expected! The high-action plot, bold onomatopoeia, and plentiful illustrations is sure to keep young readers engaged and excited. I really enjoyed some of the scares and thought the illustrations did a good job of balancing the scary with some cartoonish fun. The story, in the end however, was not my favorite. Such a high action plot leaves a lot to be desired in the characters. Sam has some key moments of bravery and humor, but that's about it. His two friends, Antonio and Lucy, are especially flat. I'm hoping the later books in the series do them more justice.

Overall, the complaint about the characters is my own preference. Really, kids are going to enjoy this. And parents will appreciate the good vocabulary and page count. It's a great precursor to Goosebumps and other such horrors.

Find it at your library or on Amazon

10 Ghost Stories for All Ages

Today is Friday the 13th. And it's the only Friday the 13th this whole year. Yeah. So I had to do something spooky to commemorate it, right??

Well, turns out I did a book list for the Cybils blog a while back all about ghosts and thought I'd re-post it here (with a few tweaks). Because ghost stories and Friday the 13th are like best buds. And because I LOVE ghost stories.

Also, I did it for a range of ages, from picture books to YA. Because really, I think kids of all ages should be able to enjoy a good ghost story! Just remember to leave the lights on…

The Hollow Boy

The Hollow Boy
(Lockwood & Co. #3)
Jonathan Stroud

My rating: ★★★★★

ISBN: 978-1484709689
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Date of publication: September 15, 2015
Age: Grades 5 and up
Genre: Horror

Themes: ghosts, mystery, camaraderie, 

As a massive outbreak of supernatural Visitors baffles Scotland Yard and causes protests throughout London, Lockwood & Co. continue to demonstrate their effectiveness in exterminating spirits. There is a new spirit of openness in the team now that Lockwood has shared some of his childhood secrets, and Lucy is feeling more and more at home. That is, however, until Lockwood hires an annoyingly perky and efficient new assistant, Holly Munro. Amid reports of many new and dangerous hauntings—and an un-paranormal assassination attempt during a carnival in the center of the city—the team struggles to get past their personal issues to save the day on all fronts. Because if they're not careful, the bad feelings will attract yet more trouble...

Oh man, are the ghosts back in full force! Stroud is back with a vengeance! This books was positively terrifying from the first scene and the whole book was action-packed. Strategically placed flashbacks and observations from Lucy (our narrator) still give the book the depth and intrigue needed to give the story more feeling than just utter terror. Basically, I still love all of the characters (I especially appreciated the new understanding we gain of Lockwood) and yet, I still was scared out of my wits. So fantastically done. What else would you expect from Stroud?

See my rave reviews for book 1 & book 2.

Find it at your library or on Amazon

Serafina and the Black Cloak

Serafina and the Black Cloak
Robert Beatty

My rating: ★★½

ISBN: 978-1484709016
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Date of publication: July 14, 2015
Age: Grades 4 - 7
Genre: Horror, Historical Fiction

Themes: identity, paranormality, friendship, family, Biltmore Estate, missing children

When children at the Biltmore estate start disappearing, only Serafina knows who the culprit is: a terrifying man in a black cloak who stalks Biltmore's corridors at night. Following her own harrowing escape, Serafina risks everything by joining forces with Braeden Vanderbilt, the young nephew of Biltmore's owners. Braeden and Serafina must uncover the Man in the Black Cloak's true identity before all of the children vanish one by one.

While the story line was suspenseful and the tale rather creepy, the book felt too random and disjointed for me to fully enjoy it. There's the demonic nature of the cloaked man, and then the bleeding forest (were the leaves really bleeding? I'm still confused at the part). And then there's a catamount... There seemed to be too many things going on at once. The mystery of disappearing children, the mysterious identity of the cloaked man, the mysterious origin of Serafina...it was too much for me to create a fluid story.

As for the characters: Serafina, when we are first introduced to her, is hard for me to imagine—she's repeatedly referred to as strange in appearance and actions. I couldn't connect with her, but her "huntress" persona did drive the story along. Braeden seemed way too friendly to someone who is supposed to be strange and shunned by everyone else. He came off pretty flat, as the overly kind hero of the story.

I appreciated the look into the workings of the Biltmore Estate and the history of the area. I enjoyed the scary parts. Overall, I might recommend it to a certain few, especially those that enjoyed The Night Gardener (Jonathan Auxier) or Boys of Blur (N.D. Wilson).

Find it at your library or on Amazon

The Spookiest New Stories for Middle-Grade Readers

I really enjoy a good scary story, whether it's told in a movie, by the campfire, or in a book. Which brings me to this list, of course. There's been a lot of good, creepy middle-grade fiction the last couple years. Perfect for fans of Neil Gaiman or R. L. Stine, this list has some of my favorite favorites.

The Night Gardener

The Night Gardener
Jonathan Auxier

My rating: ★★★★

ISBN: 978-1419711442
Publisher: Henry N. Abrams
Date of publication: May 20, 2014
Age: Grades 4 - 7
Genre: Horror

Themes: wishes, consequences, storytelling, truth

With the Irish famine wiping the landscape, Molly and Kip are forced to travel to England to find whatever work they can. They are hired as servants in a creepy, crumbling manor house where nothing is quite what it seems to be and the locals avoid at all costs. Soon the children are confronted by a mysterious, dark specter and an ancient curse that threatens the lives of everyone in the house.

Oh man, I should not have started this book late at night! Not even kidding, I had the heebie-jeebies by the second chapter. Which, of course, is one of the main reasons this book is so great. Once the kids discover more about the dark specter, the goosebumps go down but the concern for the welfare of these characters is forefront. At one point, I, myself, was feeling pretty depressed as I read, as Molly tries to deal with the depressing consequences of her choices. On the one hand, that shows excellent skill in writing and character development. On the other...it's depressing. Obviously. But, of course, the ending makes up for it, so I'd definitely recommend it. To the person who can take a scare.

Find it at your library or on Amazon

Nightmares!

Nightmares!
Written by Jason Segel & Kirsten Miller, illustrated by Karl Kwasny

My rating: ★★★

ISBN: 978-0385744256
Publisher: Delacorte
Date of publication: September 9, 2014
Age: Grades 4 - 7
Genre: Horror

Themes: fear, family, monsters, courage, depression

Charlie can't sleep. Not that he doesn't want to, but even little naps put him in a terrifying nightmare with a witch ready to eat him—a witch that sure looks a lot like his step-mom! And when his nightmares start entering the real world, he's sure "Step-Monster" is to blame. But then his little brother is kidnapped by the witch and taken to the Netherworld, and Charlie knows he has to go after him. Even if it means he has to face his worst fears.

This book is pretty dark and depressing at first; Charlie is sleep-deprived, depressed, angry, and having terrible nightmares. Also, it's loooooong. Like, almost-didn't-finish long. The beginning seriously drags, and the actual conquering of fears requires a lot of work. So I was a little surprised that it's targeted to kids as young as 8 years (according to the publisher).

But still. I did appreciate its message. It takes a lot of courage to face one's fears, whatever they may be. By the end, I was feeling pretty favorable towards the book. Once I got past the slow, depressing beginning, and Charlie was on the mission to save his brother, the plot was exciting and more upbeat. There were some pretty awesome characters. In the end, I say it's up to you. Pick it up if you like!

Find it at your library or on Amazon

Boys of Blur

Boys of Blur
N. D. Wilson

My rating: ★★

ISBN: 978-0449816738
Publisher: Random House
Date of publication: April 8, 2014
Age: Grades 5 - 7
Genre: Horror

Themes: football, folklore, family, courage

Charlie has just moved to Taper, Florida—a small town isolated by everglades and swamps, and covered in sugarcane. It breeds the fastest runners and football players in the state, boys that chase muck rabbits in the fields when the cane is being burned and harvested. But it also breeds a dark secret, growing under the ancient mounds and roaming the cane at night. Together with his cousin, Charlie will hunt the secret and try to save those he loves.

This book has popped up a few times as a possible Newbery nominee, which is why I read it. And I can see why: it combines the ancient epic of Beowulf with African American lore in an engaging way. But it also combines child abuse, race relations, the South's love of football, zombies, blended family relationships, and more. In 200 pages. Yeah. There's a lot of gaps, jumps, and confusing little twists. Not to mention I was just really blind-sided by the zombie aspect: nothing on the cover, summary, or elsewhere led me to believe it was a horror story.

The characters came off flat, probably because there just wasn't time to develop them. Charlie's tumultuous relationship with his birth father comes to a head quite suddenly and ends just as quick. His mother makes, like, two appearances, even though her son is running all over creation with zombies. There's just too much crammed into one little book. With a big dose of weird. I didn't much like it.

If you really want to, find it at your library or on Amazon

The Grisha Trilogy

Three-for-one! What a deal! Okay, I thought I'd try something new and review an entire series at once.

ISBN: 9780805094596
Published: June 5, 2012

ISBN: 9780805094602
Published: June 4, 2013

ISBN: 9780805094619
Published: June 17, 2014

The Grisha Trilogy

Leigh Bardugo

My rating: ★★

Publisher: Henry Holt & Co.

Age: Grades 9 and up

Genre: Fantasy, Horror

Themes: dark vs. light, betrayal, uprisings, power, loss, heartbreak

Alina Starkov has just discovered her new power as a Sun Summoner. The only one of her kind, the country has begun to worship her because she alone may be able to finally banish the Shadow Fold, a completely dark void that cuts the country in half and is infested with monstrous creatures. Of course, the Darkling takes special interest in her. As the ruler of the second army and a darkness summoner, he may have finally found his equal. But instead of aligning herself with him, she flees, seeking to strengthen her power against him. And so the Darkling begins his uprising against the king, releasing untold evil into the land and reigning with darkness and terror.

It's hard to review these books. I'm conflicted. Obviously, the reason that I am reviewing all three at once is that it took me less than a week to read through all of them. So there was a part of me that had to find out what happened. Thus, it has the excitement/grip factor. But now that I've finished, I don't feel better about myself. I never want to read them again. So what does that say? Let's try going through this book by book...

In Shadow & Bone, I was pulled in. The characters that were introduced were intriguing--betrayal and lies, a deeper purpose to their actions. They weren't the best I've read (like, say, Throne of Glass, which had very similar characters and situations, and played it out in a way I liked more), but I still wanted to see what happened to them. I finished the book in a day or so.

And so I start the second, Siege & Storm, and it was. So. Hard. To read. I can't quite put my finger on it... The story was so depressing. Alina is soooo conflicted and troubled. It was hard to read. And SO so dark. Evil. And the ending! My gosh, blood and fury everywhere. So disturbing.

And so I read the third, Ruin & Rising, so that I could see the good triumph over the evil. Because that is how the story must end, right? And so it did. But HOLY COW it took a lot out of me to get there. Am I glad I read it? Probably not. My rating reflects my preference.

But would I tell someone not to read it? Really, as a librarian, if there was someone who preferred these types of stories, I would recommend it. The writing is good (enough) and enticing. You do get attached to characters. It draws out your emotions. Some people would really enjoy these books. So...to each their own!

Warning: Explicit Content
Sexuality

Find it at your library or on Amazon

The Whispering Skull

The Whispering Skull
(Lockwood & Co. #2)
Jonathan Stroud

My rating: ★★★★

ISBN: 9781423164920
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Date of publication: September 16, 2014
Age: Grades 5 and up
Genre: Horror

Themes: ghosts, haunting, black market, mystery

Anthony, Lucy, and George of Lockwood & Co. have been continuing to thrive in the ghost hunting and eradicating business--with only a few flops here and there. Or more. Really, it's because Quill Kippes and his team of Fittes agents keep interfering. Lockwood finally calls to settle the matter with a little wager: they go on the same case and whomever loses has to admit defeat in the newspaper. The investigation however? It involves the most dangerously haunted artifact Lockwood & Co. has ever encountered. And it seems as though a certain skull in their possession has something to say about it.

It's good. Of course it's good. It's amazing. Once again, I love Stroud's ability to create a situation that feels terrifyingly realistic. The characters are complex, lovable, and well written. The last page had me gasping aloud and wanting the next book already. But I may have been a little too excited and built it up too much in my mind. It was a little slow to get started, unlike the first one in the series. The first one also felt a bit more scary, more dangerous and thus, more exciting. This one definitely goes into the character's stories--their strengths and weaknesses--more than terrifying ghost battles. Which is great, don't get me wrong, just not what I expected. So now I know. And you do, too. So you should go read it.

Check out my rave review for Book 1.

Pre-order now on Amazon!
...or wait on the hold's list at your library

(Digital ARC provided through NetGalley)

The Naturals

The Naturals
(The Naturals #1)
Jennifer Lynn Barnes

My rating: ★★★★

ISBN: 9781423168232
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Date of publication: November 5, 2014
Age: Grades 7 and up
Genre: Mystery

Themes: serial killers, FBI, criminal psychology, murder, identity

Cassie is pretty good at reading people, piecing together tiny details to create a picture of their lives. It turns out, however, that this skill has led the FBI to peg her as a Natural. Naturals are teenagers with skills in criminal psychology, unpolluted by formal education. Cassie finds herself recruited as a Profiler and is starts working with a group of other teens to solve cold cases. What she doesn't realize is that the FBI's current case will test all of her skills as a serial killer makes her the next target.

First of all, I already really enjoyed watching murder/detective shows, Criminal Minds and Lie To Me being some of my favorites. So this book, which is kind of like one giant Criminal Minds episode, was already a winner in my mind. Barnes NAILED it: super suspenseful, unpredictable, and she has the creepy ability to get you inside the psycho serial killer's head (she DOES have a PhD in psychology...). Of course, there's no way the FBI would actually hire teenagers. But hey, the rest of it is believable. The story wrapped up nicely while still leaving you wanting more. There are more mysteries left unsolved, after all. Recommended for sure.

It is all about teens, for teens, but it is nothing-held-back gruesome serial killer. So while no bad language or sex, you may want to take that into consideration

Find it at your library or on Amazon

Oldies: Bunnicula

Bunnicula
(Bunnicula and Friends #1)
Deborah and James Howe
Illustrations by Alan Daniel

Atheneum (1979)
Age: Grades 3 - 7
Genre: Mystery

Themes: vampires, pets, vegetables, misunderstandings

Harold the dog and Chester the cat are the beloved pets of the Monroe family, until the day the family brings home a suspicious looking rabbit and name it Bunnicula. The boys love it, but Chester is not so sure. And then there are the colorless, sucked-dry vegetables being left in the kitchen. With his fangs, nocturnal wanderings, and strange markings in his fur, is Bunnicula a vampire or not?

It's a classic, and I'll be honest, this was a reread. Because it makes me laugh! And I love books that make me laugh. With just the right amount of mystery, spook, and humor, the Howes deliver a fantastic story. Is it just a coincidence that the family found him while out to see Dracula at the movie theater? Can their be vampire rabbits? Well you'll just have to read it to find out. Definitely recommended. It's part of a series, too, so kids will have more to read after they finish this one.

So, if you're curious, my rating is: ★★★★

Find it at your library or on Amazon