James Ponti does it again in his new series

 

The Sherlock Society
Sherlock Society #1
By James Ponti
Publisher: Aladdin
Publication date: September 3, 2024
Print length: 352 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1665932530
Reading age: 8 - 12 years
Grade level: 3 - 7

 Publisher’s Blurb:

Siblings Alex and Zoe Sherlock take their last name as inspiration when choosing a summer job. After all, starting a detective agency has to be better than babysitting (boring), lawn mowing (sweaty), or cleaning out the attic (boring and sweaty). Their friends Lina, an avid bookworm, and Yadi, an aspiring cinematographer, join the enterprise, and Alex and Zoe’s retired reporter grandfather offers up his sweet aquamarine Cadillac convertible and storage unit full of cold cases.

The group’s first target is the long-lost treasure supposedly hidden near their hometown Miami. Their investigation into the local doings of famed gangster Al Capone leads them to a remote island in the middle of the Everglades where they find alarming evidence hinting at corporate corruption.

Together with Grandpa’s know-how and the kids’ intelligence—plus some really slick gadgets—can the Sherlock Society root out the conspiracy?

 My Thoughts:

With the last name of “Sherlock” starting your own detective agency is kind of a no-brainer. Of course, if you’re in middle school, you’ll need a driver. No problem if your 70-something former-journalist grandfather has an ultra-cool vintage Cadillac convertible!

 All four of the kids in the Sherlock Society have a desire to earn some summer money. When Alex and Zoe’s attorney mom shuts them down from taking cases from strangers, Grandpa introduces them to his files of notes from an illustrious journalism career and invites them to choose an unsolved mystery. While searching for Al Capone’s lost treasure, they stumble across—and solve—a real mystery, though not without getting in a little trouble with the Department of the Treasury.

 James Ponti is a master of writing suspenseful stories for the middle-grade audience. The wonderful thing is that I find his work equally entertaining for me—very, very removed from middle grades. Although he’s a bit far from middle school as well, he has a great grasp of the emotional and intellectual lives of the age group. There’s a reason I don’t teach middle school—it’s a really difficult age for the kids and for the adults around them. Ponti handles the questions of self-worth and friendship in a consistently realistic manner.

 Any time someone is asking for book recommendations for middle schoolers, I say “anything by James Ponti.” This book is no exception. This one has some fun callouts to classic children’s literature, and a very cute “Who’s on First”-type scene.

 Possible objectionable material:

The kids deceive their parents a little bit. Some interpersonal struggles with very mild, indirect bullying. Perilous situations, including an explosion. Some minor deception of other adults. Discussion of a Sasquatch-type creature. Mentions of segregation.

 Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an advanced reader copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.

 #NetGalley #Biblioquacious #BookReview #SherlockSociety #JamesPonti #MiddleGrades #Mystery

 

Hurricane Heist
Sherlock Society #2
By James Ponti
Publisher: Aladdin
Publication date: September 2, 2025
Print length: 320 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1665932561
Reading age: 8 - 12 years
Grade level: 3 - 7

 Publisher’s Blurb:

When a category three hurricane hits Miami Beach, it uncovers a body buried at the renowned Moroccan Hotel. The body is identified as the man who served as the hotel’s bell captain sixty years ago…and the presumed culprit of the million-dollar jewel heist that took place just before his disappearance.

Since the bell captain clearly didn’t take off with the goods as had been long believed, the Sherlock Society sets their sights on uncovering the real culprit of the theft. But when the thief may also be implicated in the bell captain’s murder, even sixty years later, there are people who want the truth to stay buried.

 My Thoughts:

 This book picks up almost immediately after the previous book. The Society is still disappointed about not finding Al Capone’s treasure. School is about to start, but first they have to get through a hurricane. Wyoming transplant Lina is quite nervous about her first hurricane. There’s also a flashback to 1964, when Grandpa Pete was a youngster going through a similar hurricane.

 And now the scene is set for a new mystery, one that’s very personal to Grandpa.

 I love watching the kids learn to research and form hypothesis, then work on proving them. It’s a wonderful process to watch. Grandpa is such a patient teacher, knowing when to lead and when to get out of the kids’ way.

 The kids themselves complement each other in their abilities and personalities. It’s especially interesting watching Zoe balance between her popular friends and her enjoyment of solving mysteries.

 Ponti has created vibrant personalities and given them interesting challenges. As always, Ponti brings us another winner.

 Possible Objectionable Material:

Dangerous situations, a possible murder (in the past), mention of the Cuban Revolution, climate change, and segregation. Perilous situations.

 Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

 #NetGalley #Biblioquacious #BookReview #SherlockSociety #JamesPonti #MiddleGrades #Mystery

Back to School

 Schooled
By Jamie Sumner
Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Publication date: August 26, 2025
Print length: 224 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1534486058
Reading age: 10 years and up
Grade level: 5 - 6

 Publisher’s Blurb:

Eleven-year-old Lenny Syms is about to start college—sort of. As part of a brand-new experimental school, Lenny and four other students are starting sixth grade on a university campus, where they’ll be taught by the most brilliant professors and given every resource imaginable. This new school is pretty weird, though. Instead of hunkering down behind a desk to study math, science, and history, Lenny finds himself meditating, participating in discussions where you don’t even have to raise your hand, and spying on the campus population in the name of anthropology.

But Lenny just lost his mom, and his Latin professor dad is better with dead languages than actual human beings. Lenny doesn’t want to be part of some learning experiment. He just wants to be left alone. Yet if Lenny is going to make it as a middle schooler on a college campus, he’s going to need help. Is a group of misfit sixth graders and one particularly quirky professor enough to pull him out of his sadness and back into the world?

 My thoughts:

As a teacher, I love the premise of a sort of experimental middle school on a college campus. It’s an interesting idea! For Lenny, though, it’s not at all what he wants. He’s dealing with some pretty big grief from his mother’s death, and his father’s distance. It doesn’t help that many of the professors on campus remember his mother—it’s where she and his father went to school.

 Each of the children involved in the school is dealing with some personal issues regarding parental expectations, and they eventually grow together and help each other.

 Lenny’s relationship with VW, a professor, is a sweet moment, and his concern for VW near the end of the book is very touching.

 Eventually, Lenny comes to accept his new life, and he and his father are able to reconnect and, to a degree, work through their grief.

 Although the story focuses on Lenny, the other students, colorful instructors, and side characters are interesting, not just cardboard cutouts filling space.

 Possible objectionable material:

Mention of the “f-word”. One character is kind of new-agey, burning sage, talking about crystals, etc. Mention of a very religious family that doesn’t allow their child to read Harry Potter. Mention of witches and beheading (in the context of fairy tales). Death of a parent and spouse (before the story starts). Two middle schoolers hold hands. Skipping school.

 Who might like this book:

This is a fun story with many different types of kids. Anyone who is interested in an unconventional school.

 Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

 #NetGalley #BookReview #Biblioquacious #JamieSumner #MiddleGrades #Schooled

A Whole Story Universe

 Maggie and the Story Shadows
By Annabelle Oh
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Publication date: August 12, 2025
Print length: 272 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1368114141
Reading age: 8 - 12 years
Grade level: 3 – 7
 

Publisher’s Blurb:

Land of Stories meets From the Desk of Zoe Washington in this fantastical middle grade mystery where three kids' search for a missing mother leads them to a world where every story ever told is real—making a hit web series about their search along the way.

Five months ago, Maggie Woodrow’s mom disappeared without a trace. Now, the world has given up the search and Maggie and her dad may lose their house. But Maggie has a plan: hire a private investigator, find her mom, and everything will go back to normal.

When the private investigator wants $3,000 to take on Maggie’s case, she knows just who to turn to: Griffin, the school’s entrepreneur-influencer. Maggie and her friend Petra approach him for help. Intrigued by Maggie’s mom’s story, Griffin agrees to film the investigation and create a web series, splitting the profits with Maggie.

Except their search takes a totally unexpected turn when they are sucked into a world where every story ever told is real—and so is magic. From Sherlock Holmes to Baba Yaga to terrifying mythical monsters, Maggie and her new friends never know what’s around the corner. Still, they are determined to work together and uncover the truth about Maggie’s mom.

As Maggie, Griffin, and Petra close in on the answers they seek, a mysterious (and dangerous) man known as The Reaper sends increasingly deadly threats after them. Will they find Maggie’s mom? Or will their own disappearance become the latest mystery?

 My Thoughts:

Maggie is a loner. She’s the new kid at school, having had to move after her mother’s disappearance, and she’s tired of being gossiped about, so she’s really not interested in making friends. There is one girl, Petra, who insists on being her friend though. Maggie is also certain that her mother is still alive, though he doesn’t talk to her father about it, and she’s resisted getting counseling.

 Griffin, a business tycoon in the making, is not someone Maggie would choose to befriend, but he’s clever and resourceful and she grudgingly agrees to work with him.

 As the kids come closer to the truth about what happened to Maggie’s mother, they also find themselves in danger from “The Reaper”. Maggie also has to face the truth about how she has judged people around her, and learns to be a better friend to those who have stuck by her.

 This story ends VERY abruptly, and it is obvious that there is more to come. I’ll definitely read the next book!

 Possible objectionable material:

An alternate universe where stories come to life. Adults threatening children. One kid is a hustler—not quite cheating other kids out of money, but close. Some violence. Maggie and her father live in near-poverty and are going to lose their house. Fantasy elements. Lying to adults.

 Who might like this book:

Lovers of the power of story. Those who like stories about developing friendships and solving problems.

 Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an advance reader copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

 #NetGalley #BookReview #Biblioquacious #MiddleGrades #Representation

Mythology comes to life

 

The Island of Forgotten Gods
By Victor Piniero
Publisher:  Sourcebooks Young Readers
Publication date:  August 5, 2025
Print length:  304 pages
ISBN-13:  978-1464237980
Reading age:  8 - 12 years
Grade level:  3 - 8

Publisher’s Blurb:

Nico wants to be a famous film director. He's pretty sure if he can make the right movie, and soon, his life will completely change. The catch? His parents are sending him to Puerto Rico for the summer to stay with his iconic, but old-school, Abuela Luciana, and his awesome, but unpredictable cousins. Still, the show must go on.

Until Nico and his cousins awaken a monster. A monster that looks an awful lot like the infamous Chupacabra. And it turns out this isn't a chance encounter. The creature begins stalking them all over Puerto Rico, turning up on every dark corner, sandy beach, and moonlit night. To make matters worse, a shadowy cult enters the chase, intent on capturing them before the Chupacabra can.

 Soon they are thrown into an adventure that brings them face-to-face with the ancient Taino people, even more ancient Taino gods, and the mysterious Chupacabra, who is somehow linked to everything. Nico keeps his camera rolling, hoping the epic documentary will catapult him to stardom. But in the end, it's the island's fate that hangs in the balance, as they face down the very gods that created Puerto Rico.

 My Thoughts:

This is another book that teaches some of the culture and history of a country that is often overlooked: Puerto Rico. It’s a United States territory with a rich history. It has also dealt with a lot of tragedy, most recently a horrific earthquake and Hurricane Maria, as well as the influx of wealthy Americans buying up property and forcing locals out of their own towns. This all plays into the story.

 Nico’s parents need time to work on their marriage, so he’s sent to stay with his grandmother in PR for the whole summer, not just a visit. His cousins are also there—and their parents are also in the midst of a breakup. The three (ages range from about 9-14) are allowed to roam on their own much of the time as Nico attempts to make a film about the island that will get him into a prestigious arts high school.

 One on of their first outings, they come across a supernatural creature. This continues to haunt them—literally and figuratively. This is the mystery they end up trying to solve, and there are people actively working against them. There is danger along the way, as wells as some amazing revelations about their grandmother.

 I learned a lot about Puerto Rican history and culture, and particularly about the native people who lived there before colonization.

 For me, the two cousins came off as a little older than their actual age, especially the youngest, Nessi. The older sister, Kira, is manically energetic, and I found her a difficult to tolerate at times.

 Overall, though, it was a strong story that kept my attention throughout, with a satisfying ending.

 Possible objectionable material:

Parental marriage problems, including possible infidelity. Smoking and drinking are mentioned. One character lived through a hurricane, and his descriptions are a bit terrifying. Kids run around unsupervised a lot. Supernatural elements, including gods from old native lore. Some people are virtually naked—wearing only loincloths.

 Who might like this book:

Those who like learning about other cultures, histories, and mythologies.

 Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an advance reader copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

 #NetGalley #BookReview #Biblioquacious #MiddleGrades #PuertoRico

A Passion for Fashion

The Other Side of Imani
By Lisa Springer
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication date: July 29, 2025
Print length: 256 pages
ISBN-13: 978-0063288782
Reading age: 8 - 12 years
Grade level: 3 - 7

 

Publisher’s Blurb:

Ever since she could remember, thirteen-year-old Imani has wanted to be a fashion designer.

 

But fashion designers are bold, out-there, and in your face. And despite her unique sense of style, Imani has trouble fitting in, let alone standing out. Entering her new school’s design competition for a scholarship to the nearby arts high school seems like the perfect way to make new friends and get closer to her dream of being a designer.

 

Then Imani’s designs are stolen by one of her classmates, and Imani is forced to enter the competition anonymously, under a virtual persona of her own creation—“Estelle.” When Estelle then goes viral, Imani must figure out how to be her “real” self as she finds her true friends and her voice... all while hoping to win the competition.  

 

My Thoughts:

Being new at a school is rough. Imani is overjoyed to find another girl who is as interested in fashion and design as she is, and she excited to be invited to the other girl’s house to work on their designs for their school’s competition. (I find it a little hard to believe that everyone in their middle school is so excited about this competition.)

 

As an adult reading this book, I saw the theft of Imani’s designs coming. Her resolution of the situation is what the real story is about.

 

Honestly, the fact that all these middle-schoolers are so heavily engaged in the story’s equivalent of Instagram is a little disturbing. I mean, yes, my high school students are super into it. But to have 11-14-year-olds so invested…oof.

 

As is the case with so many middle grade novels, Imani feels she must solve her problem by herself. Of course, if she just confided in her parents or her older sister, we wouldn’t really have a story.

 

There are some awesome supporting characters. And some—like the school principal—that you’ll love to hate.

 

Possible objectionable material:

Bullying. Sneaking around. Lying. Way too much social media use.

 Who might like this book:

Those who like fashion and creative expression. This one’s probably going to be of interest to more girls than to boys.

 Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

#BookReview #NetGalley #MiddleGrades #TheOtherSideOfImani  #LisaSpringer #HarperCollins #biblioquacious

Solving a Parisian Mystery

The House of Found Objects
Bea Bellemore Mysteries #1
By Jo Beckett-King
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Publication date: July 29, 2025
Print length: 288 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1665967174
Reading age: 8 - 12 years
Grade level: 3 – 7

 

Publisher’s Blurb:

Twelve-year-old Bea from Passaic, New Jersey, is visiting her family in Paris for the summer when her grandmother’s most precious heirloom—a drawing by Henri Matisse—goes missing. After a cryptic clue arrives on Bea’s doorstep suggesting its whereabouts, Bea is determined to pursue the lead.

Without the French skills to navigate her way around the landmarks of Paris, she teams up with her cousin, Céline, whose clear-eyed French directness makes her a perfect partner for curious, problem-solving Bea. The girls embark on a city-wide search, deciphering riddles, solving puzzles, and cracking codes as they try to locate the Matisse, find a thief, and identify their mysterious benefactor.

 

My Thoughts:

Bea is bummed. She was supposed to be having lots of fun adventures with her aunt. Her parents are on a trip (without her), and sent her to stay in Paris. Sounds great, right? Well, her aunt, a journalist, keeps having to work. Her grandmother is busy running her secondhand/antique shop. And her cousin doesn’t seem to have much in common with Bea.

 

And then disaster strikes. Bea accidentally allows a man to take a box that contains the family treasure, a portrait of Bea’s great-grandfather, created by famous artist Henri Matisse.

 

And thus begins Bea’s true adventures in Paris. A mysterious note is left for her which indicates that, if she unravels the clues she will be able to recover the portrait. But Bea’s French is rudimentary, so she must enlist Celine’s help. The two visit sites around the city—although Bea is not supposed to leave the neighborhood without her aunt.

 

There are red herrings and misdirections along the way. But with the help of a couple of clever—and cute—French boys, Bea and Celine just might win the day.

 

We feel Bea’s frustration with being limited to her aunt’s flat and her grandmother’s shop all day while the aunt is at work. I’d be frustrated too! We also understand Bea’s guilt at having—however accidentally—allowed the painting to be taken.

 

Descriptions, characterizations, and conversations were well-done.

 

Possible objectionable material:

A tweenage kiss. Sneaking around and going places without adult permission. Lying.

 

Who might like this book:

Anyone interested in Paris or who likes solving a mystery. I’d say that the grade levels provided by the publisher are pretty accurate.

 

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

 #BookReview #NetGalley #MiddleGrade #TheHouseOfFoundObjects #JoBeckettKing #SimonAndSchuster #biblioquacious

Middle Grade Novel in Verse

Aarzu All Around
By Marzieh Abbas
Publisher: Salaam Reads / Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Publication date: July 29, 2025
Print length: 384 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1665970419
Reading age: 8 - 12 years
Grade level: 3 - 7

 

 Publisher’s Blurb:

Living with her aunt and patriarchal uncle in Karachi, Pakistan, recently orphaned twelve-year-old Aarzu detests the way she and her younger sister get treated like extras and excluded from all the fun stuff. Aarzu dreams of playing cricket, just like her male cousins and the neighborhood boys in the streets, but her uncle will hear nothing of it. According to him, girls ought to master the art of making round rotis, not play sports.

When her sister requires urgent medical treatment but finances are tight, Aarzu decides to earn money herself. She hears of a part-time job at a bungalow near her school—but it’s only open to boys. Aarzu has no choice but to disguise herself as a turban-wearing boy to get the gig.

Now, Aarzu must find a way to balance school, work, chores, and secret cricket practices—all without burning out or getting caught by her uncle—or else her dreams of making the girls cricket team and her quest to save her sister will crumble around her.

 

My Thoughts:

Thiswas a difficult book for me to read, for two vastly different reasons.

 

1.     It’s a novel in verse. While I love reading poetry, I find that verse novels don’t really work for me. Poetry is about packing a great deal of meaning into a few carefully chosen words. In narratives, I feel that many times depth of description and emotion can suffer when told in verse.

2.     Aarzu is in just such a sad situation. Her parents were killed in an earthquake, and she lives with her mother’s sister and her husband and sons. The uncle is very patriarchal and has strong ideas about the roles of girls and women. The older son is a bit of a bully. And Aarzu’s sister suffers from a debilitating and potentially fatal kidney disease. They live in near poverty; the uncle’s income comes from taking tourists around in his rickshaw, and the aunt sells items she has embroidered.

 That said, don’t think I didn’t like this story. Aarzu is resilient, and devoted to her sister. Her indomitable spirit shines out in this story.

 Like so many middle-grade novels, there is a subplot of a friendship nearly broken by jealousy, but Aarzu comes to realize her faults and the friendship survives.

 The book also features an explanation of how the game of cricket works, a glossary of Arabic/Pakistani terms, and—best of all to my English teacher heart—a list of the various forms of poetry used to tell the story.

 Possible objectionable material:

Loss of parents, misogyny, domestic abuse (not shown). Aarzu does some serious sneaking around. Chronic illness.

 Who would like this book:

If you like stories of courageous young people who find a way to rise above their difficulties, this would be a good one for you. And if you like or are interested in cricket, give it a shot.

 Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

 #BookReview #NetGalley #MiddleGrade #NovelInVerse #MarziehAbbas #AarzuAllAround #SimonAndSchuster #biblioquacious 

May 27, 2025 Releases

 I only had two ARCs for this week. One I loved, the other I had issues with. Let's go!

Bashir Boutros and the Jewel of the Nile
Bashir Boutros 1
George Jreije
 Publisher: HarperCollins

Publication date: May 27, 2025
Print length: 288 pages
ISBN-10: 0063382245
ISBN-13: 978-0063382244
Reading age: 8 - 12 years
Grade level: 3 – 7

 Publisher’s Blurb:

From George Jreije, author of the acclaimed Shad Hadid and the Alchemists of Alexandria series, comes the first book in a new high-stakes middle grade fantasy. Perfect for fans of Percy Jackson and the Rick Riordan Presents line! 

 Ten-year-old Bashir Boutros dreads going back to America after an amazing summer in Lebanon. He’s always felt invisible back home, where he doesn’t have any real friends. Then, Bashir makes a lucky discovery—a long-lost ring containing a jinn whose magical aura brings power to those who wield it.

 But the ring’s untold power makes Bashir a target for monsters—including Ali Adin, the world’s most dangerous demon. When Ali Adin kidnaps Bashir’s parents, Bashir joins forces with an ancient society sworn to protect the world from supernatural beings. Together, they set off on a race to stop Ali Adin from conquering the world as Bashir attempts to harness the ring’s abilities.

 But great power comes at what cost? 

 My Thoughts:

This book was kind of a mixed bag. On the one hand, the constant harping over what a forgettable loser Bashir was—frequently done in his presence—really began to grate on me. I get it. No one likes him. Everyone overlooks him. He’s completely ordinary. On the other hand, his insistence on doing as little harm as possible was a refreshing change. Despite having a great deal of power at his disposal (once he figured out how to use it), he managed not to let it go to his head.

 Another drawback is the frequent reliance on “instincts” and “gut feelings.” A little bit is fine. But it becomes a crutch for allowing Bashir to take actions he couldn’t otherwise explain.

 There are some typical tropes here: kidnapped parents, a surprise betrayal. There’s a pretty equal balance of female and male characters, which is commendable.

 The adventure of overcoming obstacles, finding pieces of the Jewel of the Nile, and defeating the bad guy is all fine. My problems lie more in the execution.

 Possible Objectionable Material:

Mythological creatures, including demons. Battles. Kids running around unsupervised. No swearing, nothing too gory.

 Who Would Like This Book:

Those who like stories based in mythology. If you like seeing the “little guy” gain confidence, you’ll enjoy Bashir.

 Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a digital advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

 

 

The Midwatch Institute for Wayward Girls
Judith Rossell
 
Publisher: Dial Books
Publication date:  May 27, 2025
Print length:  320 pages
ISBN-13:  979-8217002405
Reading age:  8 - 12 years
Grade level:  3 - 7
Lexile measure:  660L

 Publisher’s Blurb:

A whimsical, adventure-filled mystery about a young orphan at the edge of society who finds herself at the center of a city's secrets. For fans of The Swifts and A Series of Unfortunate Events.

"I was hooked from the beginning … Move over Lemony Snicket!" —Karen Foxlee, award-winning author of Lenny’s Book of Everything

Maggie Fishbone is not expecting much when she’s sent to the Midwatch Institute for Orphans, Runaways, and Wayward Girls—the last resort after causing a ruckus at the orphanage where she was living. Except . . . the Institute isn’t some dreadful, dreary place like she thought.

Instead it’s full of curious girls training to solve mysteries, fight bad guys, and keep the city safe. In between fencing lessons and discovering all the shortcuts in the building, Maggie finds herself making friends at the Midwatch and finally feeling like she’s home. And when a woman goes missing, Maggie’s off on her first assignment, with each step leading her deeper into the secrets of the city.

With gorgeous black-and-white illustrations and pages of “Useful Things Every Girl Should Know” (like how send messages in morse code and how to shout extremely loudly), The Midwatch is a whimsical, adventure-filled mystery from internationally bestselling author-illustrator Judith Rossell.

My Thoughts:

With a slight resemblance to the Lemony Snicket books, this one was a delight. Orphaned Maggie, who was a troublemaker at her old orphanage, expects things to be even more dire at Midwatch. And that’s just what its headmistress wants her former guardians to think.

 Midwatch is actually wonderful. The food is good and plentiful. And the lessons. Let’s just say they’re unlike anything Maggie might have imagined.

 You see, the girls of Midwatch are training to be crime fighters. And they’re pretty good at it too. After all, who pays any attention to little girls with dolls?

 The characters are vibrant. The eccentric headmistress is just enough without being ridiculous. The plot proceeds without getting bogged down in trivia or over-description.

 My biggest quibble is really just that the translations of the ridiculous German phrases Maggie learns are all at the back of the book, at least in the ARC I read.

 This is the kind of book that might capture a reluctant reader. Bring on the next one!

 Possible Objectionable Material:

Perilous situations. Little girls fighting crime. Mean orphanage matrons. Loss of parents (not described.)

 Who Would Like This Book:

Even though this school is all girls, the adventures and problem solving would appeal to anyone. If you enjoyed Lemony Snicket, this should satisfy. I think this could really grab some reluctant readers.

 Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a digital advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

 

New releases!

 

Asking for a Friend
By Kara H. L. Chen
Publisher: Quill Tree Books (July 23, 2024)
Language: English
Hardcover: 336 pages
ISBN-10: 0063237881
ISBN-13: 978-0063237889
Reading age: 14 - 17 years
Grade level: 9 - 12

 Publisher’s Blurb:

This charming YA rom-com follows a strong-willed, ambitious teen as she teams up with her childhood frenemy to start a dating-advice column, perfect for fans of Emma Lord and Gloria Chao.

 Juliana Zhao is absolutely certain of a few things:

She is the world’s foremost expert on love.

She is going to win the nationally renowned Asian Americans in Business Competition.

When Juliana is unceremoniously dropped by her partner and she’s forced to pair with her nonconformist and annoying frenemy, Garrett Tsai, everything seems less clear. Their joint dating advice column must be good enough to win and secure bragging rights within her small Taiwanese American community, where her family’s reputation has been in the pits since her older sister was disowned a few years prior.

Juliana always thought prestige mattered above all else. But as she argues with Garrett over how to best solve everyone else’s love problems and faces failure for the first time, she starts to see fractures in this privileged, sheltered worldview.

With the competition heating up, Juliana must reckon with the sacrifices she’s made to be a perfect daughter—and whether winning is something she even wants anymore.

My Thoughts:

I loved this book, but it stressed me out! Also, I don’t think the blurb really does it justice.

Juliana feels all the pressure to live up to the expectations of not just her Taiwanese-American family, but the whole Taiwanese expat community. Which means winning the business competition that her beloved father founded basically on his deathbed.

The pressure is even worse, since her big sister—gasp!!!—dropped out of med school because she was pregnant and unmarried. Juliana’s mother basically pretends the sister doesn’t exist.

As Juliana and Garrett work together on the competition and at the Taiwanese Community Center, Juliana learns that maybe it isn’t all about living up to expectations. She learns that her father maybe wasn’t so perfect, and that she’s allowed to want things for herself. It’s a difficult lesson for her to learn, and it’s full of big feelings that she isn’t always ready to feel.

Seeing the enormous pressures that Juliana’s mother and community placed on her was super stressful for me. I just wanted to give her a hug. Watching her grow and learn that there’s more than one way to do things, and more than one way to be, was a satisfying journey. The conflicts in the story pushed the plot along; her actions were realistic based on her circumstances. Of course, as an adult reading the book, I was ready to yell a few times, but I’m not exactly the target market. I feel like Juliana doesn’t reach a true resolution with her mother, but it’s a lot to expect.

Possible Objectionable Material:

Parental death. Unwed pregnancy. Same-gender couples. Lying to parent. Social pressure. Some swearing. Kissing.

Who Might Like This Book:

Those who like stories about over-achievers and having to deal with parental pressure. Those who like coming of age stories, or stories with a competitive element.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

 

Near Misses & Cowboy Kisses
By Katrina Emmel
Publisher: Delacorte Romance (July 23, 2024)
Language: English
Paperback: 288 pages
ISBN-10: 0593708148
ISBN-13: 978-0593708149
Reading age: 12 - 17 years
Lexile measure: 870L
Grade level: 7 - 9

 Publisher’s Blurb:

A swoon-worthy YA rivals-to-lovers romance between a Nebraskan cowboy and California girl, thrust together on the Oregon Trail.

Anything’s possible under a prairie sky…

Riley Thomas is feeling stuck—she’s moved from California to Nebraska, she’s on a weeklong Oregon Trail family bonding excursion, and her luggage is lost. There’s no one her age on the trip except a tall, dark and irksome cowboy who wrongly assumes she has zero ability to handle the great outdoors. She can’t wait for this misery to end—even though going “home” isn’t even possible anymore.

Lone wolf Colton Walker loves the simpler life of the plains and his family’s tourism business that helps protect them. He’s a stand-up guy—not a love ‘em and leave ‘em type like his rival, Jake. And he knows better than to take his chances with a prairie princess like Riley.

But Riley’s got more sense than Colton thinks--and he’s not nearly as inflexible as he seems. And under a wide prairie sky of puffy clouds and bright stars, everything comes into focus--including a cowboy’s heart.

Katrina Emmel’s Near Misses and Cowboy Kisses will take you on a sweeping journey across the American prairie . . . once you love a boy in a Stetson, you’ll never be the same.

 My Thoughts:

Imagine having to move to a different state right after your junior year of high school! (Actually, one of my speech and debate students this past year did exactly that.) That’s exactly what happens to Riley, and even though she understands her parents’ reasons, she is NOT happy about it.

 Even worse: during the week between arriving in their new state and having their furniture catch up with them, they’re going on a pioneer wagon train reenactment! Riley is even less happy.

 And when her suitcase doesn’t catch up with her…yeah.

 Told both from Riley’s and Colton’s POV, this story is about first impressions. Neither of them got a very good first impression of the other. Colton thinks Riley is a spoiled city girl, and she think he’s a judgmental jerk.

 As their week on the prairie progresses, they discover that they’re both wrong. I really love the scene where they go fishing for dinner—probably my favorite in the whole book.

 As is the standard, there are misunderstandings and mistakes. Of course, if one important fact had been communicated far earlier, we’d have missed the third-act breakup and subsequent resolution.

 Background and secondary characters were all well-done. Dialogue rings true. And the descriptions of the beauty of the prairie were lovely.

 Possible Objectionable Material:

Family drama (minor). Misunderstandings. A big flirt. Kissing. Some dangerous situations.

 Who Might Like This Book:

Those who like American history (particularly the Western pioneers), nature, and, of course, stories about high school love.

 Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

 

 

Bodega Cats: Picture Purrfect
By Hilda Eunice Burgos
Illustrated by Siara Faison
 
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR) (July 23, 2024)
Language: English
Hardcover: 144 pages
ISBN-10: 1250903742
ISBN-13: 978-1250903747
Reading age: 7 - 10 years

Grade level: 3 - 4

 Publisher’s Blurb:

In the Heights meets Front Desk in this heartwarming and funny illustrated story about the friendship between a bodega owner's kid and his newly-adopted furry friend, with a focus on family and community.

Miguel Rosado wants nothing more than to see and draw the world… or, at least anywhere beyond the four walls of his family’s bodega in Washington Heights. Too bad his mami and papi have him working long hours after school, hoping he’ll appreciate the sacrifices they’ve made to keep the store afloat. For street-savvy and newly-adopted cat Lolo, that sounds just perfect if it means he’s far, far away from the hungry, lonely nights he once spent in the freezing cold outdoors.

But when Miguel ditches his responsibilities and lies to his parents about joining art club, his dream of juggling it all comes crashing down. Lolo will have to decide if he's willing to be there for his new friend Miguel through anything―even venturing back into the frightful outdoors and busy New York City sidewalks. Can they trust each other enough to take on this adventure together?

 My Thoughts:

I have been a fan of the Bodega Cats Instagram account for years. Bodega cats serve an important function for the little neighborhood bodegas in big cities by keeping the stores free of vermin. So when I saw “bodega cats” in the title, well, I had to request it!

 This sweet middle-grade story is about Miguel, who really wants to be an artist, and his Dominican immigrant parents who want him to have a better, more stable life. As with so many of the MG and YA stories I’ve read lately, this one also focuses on a child who is trying balance parental expectations with what they truly want for themselves.

 The illustrations frequently take the form of Miguel’s comics about his life. They are fun and energetic and definitely add to the storytelling. The story is told from both Miguel's and Lolo's points of view.

 The story was a very quick read for me. I think both the material and the actual writing would be easily accessible for grades 4 and up. For me, an adult reading a story meant for children, I was really struck by the parent angle on this. I understand the desire to give your kids a good life, but it has long been my philosophy that our children aren’t our possessions, and we must listen to what it is they want out of life. Advise, don’t demand! So many of these fictional parents need to learn that lesson.

 Possible Objectionable Material:

An animal is in danger. Miguel lies to his parents about an after-school club. An elderly person starts a fire.

 Who Might Like This Book:

People who like animal stories.

 Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.