EYES OF THE FOREST by April Henry

 

Fair warning - once you pick up this book, make sure your schedule allows uninterrupted reading time. I couldn't read EYES OF THE FOREST by April Henry fast enough. Reading until midnight and knowing I need to get up early the next morning. Taking it along when the dog goes to the groomer but not having time to read because she's right on schedule so I don't have to wait. Carrying it to my doctor's appointment, but having to chat with the med student rather than read until the doc comes in. People, I just want to finish this book!

R. M. Haldon's fans reach across the globe. His fantasy series has inspired a TV series, online gaming, and cosplay for both young and old. Super fan Bridget spent hours read and rereading the series to her mother who was dying of cancer. While at an author event, Bridget so impressed Haldon with her vast knowledge of characters, plot, and details that he hired her to compile information in a searchable database. After her mother's death, Bridget's connection to the man she knows as Bob helped her deal with her grief.

Now everyone is waiting for the next and final book Eyes of the Forest. Bob's publisher is on his case about missed deadlines, and he is complaining of continued writer's block. He hatches what he believes is a clever idea that will put on the pressure and force him to write this long-awaited book, but his plan turns into a scary, life-threatening ordeal.

YA mystery writer April Henry may have outdone herself with this one. Written in alternating voices, readers will hear the story from Bridget, R. M. "Bob" Haldon, Derrick and his crazy mother, and Ajay, Bridget's new friend. Reminiscent of Stephen King's Misery, EYES OF THE FOREST will have readers on the edge of their seats wishing they could turn the pages faster with each chapter.

SMALL SPACES by Katherine Arden

 

Found another good spooky mystery for middle grade readers! Like I've mentioned before, scary books for these readers are sometimes difficult to find. Late elementary and middle grade readers may not be ready for Stephen King, but they are interested in being scared by a good book. SMALL SPACES by Katherine Arden offers just the right amount of fright for this group.

Ollie still struggles with the death of her daring mother. Some of the struggle has resulted in a hair trigger when it comes to dealing with the bullies at school. She is thought of as strange by her classmates so she spends most of her time alone. A walk in the woods lands Ollie face-to-face with a crying woman. Much to Ollie's shock, the woman is about to hurl a book into the nearby stream. Ollie's instinct is to rescue the book and take off.

The book titled Small Spaces is a slim volume with a scary plot involving a smiling man and some creepy ghosts. Why was the woman about to throw it away? Why was she crying? Ollie hopes to finish the book on the bus as she and her classmates head off on a field trip to a local farm. 

Creepiness truly sets in when the book and the field trip begin to twist and turn into similar scenarios. Ollie and two classmates disobey orders to remain on the bus after it breaks down on the return trip. They find themselves battling scarecrows and darkness in their quest to stay alive. 

SMALL SPACES is perfect for fans of Goosebumps, and blurb quotes like "scared the snot out of me" make this worthy mystery material.

PINE ISLAND HOME by Polly Horvath

 

* Review copy courtesy of ALAN 2020 book box. Thank you!

I immediately fell in love with the four McCready sisters. Fiona, Marlin, Natasha, and Charlie each have their own unique personalities that add depth to PINE ISLAND HOME. With the help of several other quirky characters, they bring the novel to life in ways that are sure to stay with me.

The sisters are about to make a life-changing move. As the children of missionaries, they are used to moving around the world, however, this move is different. They are leaving Borneo headed to British Columbia, Canada, to live with an aunt they have never met or even heard of. Tragedy is the reason for the move. Their parents both lost their lives in a tsunami leaving the girls orphaned.

For a year the girls' temporary guardian contacted distant relatives searching for a new home for the girls. It wasn't until the last resort, Aunt Martha, expressed the willingness to take on the orphans. The good news lasted only until the four arrived in the tiny Canadian town. They were greeted by the news that Aunt Martha had suddenly died mere weeks ago.

As the oldest Fiona must decide their fate. She definitely wants to avoid social services since there is no guarantee that the sisters will stay together if placed in foster care. That leaves an intricate path of lies to hide that fact that they are living at Aunt Martha's farm without an adult present. An agreeable school principal, Aunt Martha's reluctant lawyer, and a cranky, old author in a nearby trailer all play parts in the deception to keep the McCready sisters together.

Clever scenarios and plot twists combine with creative ideas to make PINE ISLAND HOME a pleasure to read. Author Polly Horvath will have readers flipping pages as they chuckle, worry, and cheer for Fiona and her sisters.

HEROES OF WORLD WAR II: 50 Inspiring Stories of Bravery by Kelly Milner Halls

 

Author Kelly Milner Halls has written another sure-to-be popular nonfiction title. HEROES OF WORLD WAR II features an amazing group of individuals who left their marks on history. I highly recommend this one to not only history lovers, but also history teachers looking to share tidbits of history with their students. Each hero is highlighted in a two page tribute detailing a bit of personal history as well as each person's contribution during the war.

Mariya Borisovna Bruskina was the first Russian killed resisting the Nazi occupation, Jacklyn "Jack" Lucas lied on his enlistment papers just months after his 14th birthday. Jack saved a number of his fellow soldiers when he jumped on a grenade. He was the youngest at age 17 to be awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. Dorie Miller made his mark in the Navy. Being black he was not allowed to train as a regular sailor, but he left his cleaning detail to man an antiaircraft gun saving countless lives. Even Marcel Marceau is included in this collection of 50 heroes. He helped over 70 Jewish children escape to Switzerland. His skill as a mime came in handy as he entertained the children and kept them quiet during their escape.

These are just a few of the many heroes featured in this book. The well-researched and carefully recorded information contained in HEROES OF WORLD WAR II will help this period in history live on for countless readers now and in the future. Thank you to the publisher for the review copy.

DELICATES by Brenna Thummler

 

DELICATES is the graphic novel sequel to SHEETS. Once again Marjorie Glatt is dealing with the ghosts that live in the laundry her family owns and operates. Since her mother's death, Marjorie has been trying to hold things together for her grief stricken father and her little brother. She is also managing an often unruly ghost named Wendell and his fellow "sheets."

Added to Marjorie's problems is Eliza, daughter of the school's phys ed teacher. She is odd in the way she dresses as well as the fact that she is obsessed with her camera and trying to capture a ghost on film. She spends most of her time either wandering with her camera or developing pictures in the school's darkroom. Marjorie observes their fellow students as they bully and tease Eliza. Having frequently been the outcast herself, Marjorie attempts to include Eliza or at least take the focus away from the girl's strangeness. 

Author Brenna Thummler stays true to the dedication in DELICATES. "For anyone who feels lost, hurt, or alone. You matter." The feelings Marjorie deals with in SHEETS prompt her to take a stand when she believes others are suffering the same.

THE UNDROWNED by K.R. Alexander

 

Finding scary stories for middle grade readers isn't always easy. THE UNDROWNED by K.R. Alexander is definitely one to put on your list. A quick read with just the right amount of scariness, it is a perfect addition to any classroom library.

Samantha is known around school as a bully. She wasn't always a bully, but the thing that happened with her ex-best friend Rachel turned her into one. If you come too close in the hallway, Samantha will shove you out of the way. If you look at her wrong, she'll knock your books on the floor. Best advice - stay out of her way.

At home Samantha has to listen to the constant fighting between her parents. They are always criticizing her grades and her attitude and comparing her to her perfect little sister Jessica. She's just been grounded and told she won't be able to attend the amusement park trip planned for the weekend. Samantha is MAD!

When Samantha heads down to the lake for some peace and quiet, she finds Rachel on the dock with her sketchbook. Samantha has had it with being nice. She gives Rachel a shove that sends her splashing into the lake. Minutes pass and Rachel doesn't surface. It's too late to dive in after her and calling 911 will only present questions Samantha doesn't want to deal with so she decides to remain silent.

Imagine Samantha's surprise when Rachel shows up the next day at school. What is going on? You'll have to read THE UNDROWNED to find out.

IVY ABERDEEN'S LETTER TO THE WORLD by Ashley Herring Blake

 

Ivy thought her life was complicated when her mother recently gave birth to twin boys. Now she and her older sister Layla seem to be taking a backseat to these two little babies and all the time and attention they require. Things get even worse when a tornado forces them into the storm cellar as it completely destroys the only home Ivy has ever known.

Now two adults and four children are crammed into one motel room as insurance companies are consulted and damage is assessed. Ivy finds comfort in her drawing notebook until it mysteriously disappears during their one night in the shelter/elementary gym the night after the storm. Ivy fears the drawings will fall into the wrong hands. Not just everyone will understand the secret Ivy has revealed in the detailed artwork in this precious notebook.

Ivy feels completely ignored by her family as she tries to solve the mystery of who took her drawings. One by one the drawings are being slipped into her locker with strange notes from someone called the Keeper. Ivy has several suspects, one of which is a new girl, the daughter of a local doctor. Ivy thinks June is beautiful and when she invites Ivy to her treehouse and asks for help on a new school project, Ivy begins to have feelings she thinks might mean she has a Crush on June.

Talking about something as big as the fact that Ivy might like girls is not something easy to discuss. Her parents are preoccupied with the babies and the storm damage. Her sister recently reacted strangely when her best friend came out as gay, and Ivy's best friend Taryn is more interested in a boy from their class than she is listening to Ivy's problems.

Author Ashley Herring Blake explores the confusing feelings of sexuality in IVY ABERDEEN'S LETTER TO THE WORLD. Her descriptions of Ivy's artwork leap off the page, and readers exploring their own sexual feelings will totally relate to Ivy's struggle. This middle grade novel will help any questioning readers find inspiration and courage to be themselves.

PAX by Sara Pennypacker

 

Huge thanks to Colby Sharp, 5th grade teacher in Michigan, for book-talking PAX on his YouTube channel and highly recommending it. He wasn't wrong. PAX is phenomenal! 

Peter lives with his father. After rescuing a fox kit, Peter raises it and the two become incredibly close. Pax is never far from Peter. Unfortunately, war calls Peter's father to duty so Peter must go to live with his grandfather. Peter's father is determined that Pax will be better off being released into the wild. On the day Pax is left in the woods, Peter knows it is a terrible mistake. 

Peter is barely with his grandfather a day when he packs his backpack and sets out to find Pax. The journey is dangerous and the worst happens. Peter is injured and unconscious when he is discovered by an ex-soldier who takes him into her home. As she treats his injury, the two form an odd, but close friendship. Peter knows he must continue his search as soon as possible if he hopes to find Pax alive.

As Peter is recovering and learning skills from his new friend, Pax is learning what it takes to be a fox in the wild. Pushed by hunger, fear, and the desire to find his way back to his human, Pax struggles to learn the ways of wild foxes from several new friends he meets in his travels.

It will only take readers the first powerful chapter to become hooked on Pax and Peter's story. Readers will also be thrilled to learn Pax will soon be returning in a second book by Sara Pennypacker.

FUN HOME: A Family Tragicomic by Alison Bechdel

 

*Trigger Warning: Sexual themes appropriate for ages 17+.

Alison Bechdel shares her life experiences living with a father, though physically present until his suicide, but not always emotionally present for his wife and children. In this graphic novel Bechdel deals with the realization that she is a lesbian and the difficulty she had coming out to her parents. 

The title FUN HOME plays on the fact that Alison's family ran the family business, a funeral home. She shares her feelings about being in the presence of caskets, funerals and viewings, and dead bodies. Her own guilt after father's untimely death revealed family problems she hadn't realized as she grew up.

FUN HOME is pointed and graphic at times, but would be helpful reading for older teens and young adults grappling with sexuality and personal identity.

DEAD WEDNESDAY by Jerry Spinelli

 

There are two reasons for Worm Tarnauer to be excited. One is the fact that summer vacation is a mere seven days and a wake-up away. The other is today is a half day known throughout the town as Dead Wednesday.

Every year at this time the outgoing eighth graders are dismissed early. When the day begins, each 8th grader is given the name of a teen who died the previous year. The deaths aren't from natural causes but rather preventable accidents like texting or drinking while driving. Each student wears a black shirt and is treated as "dead" by everyone at school and in town. On this special Wednesday Worm and his classmates are supposed to reflect on the unfortunate passing of unlucky teens.

Worm is shy so being ignored seems perfect. His hope is to survive the half day and then meet up with his best friend Eddie to watch an after school fight that has been predicted between a couple of the 8th grade boys. Hearing that his mother expects him home immediately after school to help out with chores doesn't exactly thrill Worm. He knows she's mad when he tells her no, but this day only happens once and he wants to enjoy it.

Rebecca Ann Finch is the name on the card Worm is given. It says she was 17 when she died in a car crash. When Worm slips on the black shirt, he isn't expecting much, but that soon changes. With the appearance of what he can only call Becca's "ghost," Worm's day becomes anything but normal. Is he supposed to help Becca or is she here to help him? Worm's view of the world is about to change.

Well-known author Jerry Spinelli may have just topped his popular book STARGIRL. Readers will be immediately drawn to Worm and captivated by the deceased Becca Finch. DEAD WEDNESDAY is the perfect book for readers about to move into the world of adolescence and all the emotional and physical changes they will face. Worm's transition is sure to inspire courage and self-esteem.

SURRENDER YOUR SONS by Adam Sass

 

Connor Major's boy friend tells him everything will get better if he comes out to his mother. Well, that advice definitely backfired. It's probably because Connor's mother is tight with the local Reverend that he finds himself being kidnapped and hauled off to a camp specializing in conversion therapy.

Shortly after coming out, Connor is grabbed from his bed in the dark of night and loaded up all while his mother watches. Even more frightening is the fact that his kidnappers make sure they have his passport. Where are they taking him? Travel by road, by plane, by boat, and again by road takes Connor and a girl named Molly to Costa Rica. They join a small group of kids and some threatening councilors on a jungle island. 

What follows is a terrifying experience that combines physical and emotional abuse. When a mystery surfaces involving Ricky Hannigan, a handicapped man Connor met delivering meals on wheels, Connor is determined to figure out the connection between Ricky, the Reverend, and the horrific island camp. It will take murder and mayhem to solve the mystery and assure the safety of Connor and his new gay friends.

In SURRENDER YOUR SONS author Adam Sass brings attention to the horrors of conversion therapy. Mostly, whispered about and ignored, religious beliefs that gay individuals can be converted to straight behavior are part of a culture that needs to be exposed and eradicated. This a must read and an important addition to any collection.