A Bundle of Books from One of My Favorites

 I’m a huge Shannon Hale fan. She has the gift of being able to write for all ages, from early elementary to adult. The books featured here fall into three groups: YA, middle-grade graphic novel, and elementary. All except the first one here also feature illustrations by Hale’s frequent partner, LeUyen Pham. Their collaboration is strong!

 Kind of a Big Deal
By Shannon Hale
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press; Illustrated edition (August 25, 2020)
Hardcover: 400 pages
ISBN-10: 1250206235
ISBN-13: 978-1250206237
Reading age: 12 - 18 years
Grade level: 7 – 9
 
Publisher’s Blurb:

There's nothing worse than peaking in high school. Nobody knows that better than Josie Pie.

She was kind of a big deal―she dropped out of high school to be a star! But the bigger you are, the harder you fall. And Josie fell. Hard. Ouch. Broadway dream: dead.

Meanwhile, her life keeps imploding. Best friend: distant. Boyfriend: busy. Mom: not playing with a full deck? Desperate to escape, Josie gets into reading.

Literally. She reads a book and suddenly she's inside it. And with each book, she’s a different character: a post-apocalyptic heroine, the lead in a YA rom-com, a 17th century wench in a corset.

It’s alarming. But also . . . kind of amazing?

It’s the perfect way to live out her fantasies. Book after book, Josie the failed star finds a new way to shine. But the longer she stays in a story, the harder it becomes to escape.

Will Josie find a story so good that she just stays forever?

 My thoughts:

This book was an interesting departure from Hale’s other work. It’s trying to be a lot of things at once—teenage coming of age, fantasy, a little romance. Add to that Josie’s immersions in various genres of books and Hale’s imitation of those styles, and you get a potpourri that is entertaining, albeit occasionally confusing.

 I particularly enjoyed the setting, having lived in Montana not too far from where Josie is nannying. I miss my mountains, so it was fun to experience the beauty of western Montana through Josie’s eyes.

 Josie’s struggles with being part of a larger world after having been a very big fish in a pretty small pond ring true, as do her anxieties about the boyfriend she left behind.

The sudden twist near the end with an unexpected antagonist was, to be honest, maybe one thing too many in this book.

 Possible objectionable material:

There is no swearing in this book. Josie is dishonest with people back home, because she’s ashamed that she hasn’t “made it.” There are some crushes and some kissing, particularly when she finds herself in a romance novel.

 Who might like this book:

People who love getting immersed in a book. Fans of coming of age novels.

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

Real Friends (Real Friends #1)
By Shannon Hale; Illustrated by LeUyen Pham
Publisher: First Second; Illustrated edition (May 2, 2017)
Paperback: 224 pages
ISBN-10: 1626727856
ISBN-13: 978-1626727854
Reading age: 8 - 12 years
Lexile measure: GN290L
Grade level: 4 - 6
 
Publisher’s Blurb:

Shannon and Adrienne have been best friends ever since they were little. But one day, Adrienne starts hanging out with Jen, the most popular girl in class and the leader of a circle of friends called The Group. Everyone in The Group wants to be Jen's #1, and some girls would do anything to stay on top . . . even if it means bullying others.

Now every day is like a roller coaster for Shannon. Will she and Adrienne stay friends? Can she stand up for herself? And is she in The Group―or out?

 My thoughts:

This book came at the perfect time for my daughter. This semi-autobiographical graphic novel about Hale’s childhood echoes some of the problems my highly anxious child had to deal with. It is honest, and not every problem is easily fixed. Being the kid who doesn’t fit in is hard, and Hale confronts those problems head-on as she takes us through Shannon’s efforts to find true friendship.

 Possible objectionable material:

This book hints at mental illness (obsessive compulsive disorder). There is some bullying and exclusion, classic “mean girl” behavior. Young Shannon talks to Jesus—Hale’s Twitter account indicated that some people thought she should keep religion out of it.

 Who might like this book:

If you’ve ever felt like you don’t fit in, this book will resonate. Although the protagonist is a girl, many boys will be able to relate to the situations here as well.

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

Best Friends (Real Friends #2)
By Shannon Hale; Illustrated by LeUyen Pham
Publisher: ‎ First Second; Illustrated edition (August 27, 2019)
Paperback: ‎ 256 pages
ISBN-10: ‎ 1250317460
ISBN-13: ‎ 978-1250317469
Reading age: ‎ 8 - 11 years
Lexile measure: ‎ GN380L
Grade level: ‎ 3 – 6
 
Publisher’s Blurb:

Follow your heart. Find your people.

Sixth grade is supposed to be perfect. Shannon’s got a sure spot in the in-crowd called The Group, and her best friend is their leader, Jen, the most popular girl in school.

But the rules are always changing, and Shannon has to scramble to keep up. She never knows which TV shows are cool, what songs to listen to, and who she’s allowed to talk to. Who makes these rules, anyway? And does Shannon have to follow them?

 My thoughts:

My daughter didn’t love this book as much as she did the first one. Shannon’s efforts to fit in and be cool weren’t quite as relatable for her, but there are many young readers out there who will completely empathize.

 This is a continuation of the story begun in Real Friends, and we continue on with Shannon as she becomes a full-fledged tween. The tween years are probably the toughest for kids, and Shannon is no exception as she frequently struggles to understand the dynamics of relationships and social interaction.

 Those of us who are far past that part of our own lives can recognize ourselves and our own struggles in what Shannon goes through. I still don’t understand all the rules!

 Possible objectionable material:

There is some bullying and exclusion, classic “mean girl” behavior. Some low-key pranks and other slightly naughty behavior

 Who might like this book:

If you’ve ever felt like you don’t fit in, this book will resonate. Although the protagonist is a girl, many boys will be able to relate to the situations here as well, although it might be a little more difficult for them than in the first book.

 

Friends Forever (Real Friends #3)
By Shannon Hale; Illustrated by LeUyen Pham
Publisher: ‎ First Second (August 31, 2021)
Language: ‎ English
Paperback: ‎ 304 pages
ISBN-10: ‎ 1250317568
ISBN-13: ‎ 978-1250317568
Reading age: ‎ 10 - 14 years
Grade level: ‎ 4 - 6
 
Publisher’s Blurb:

Shannon is in eighth grade, and life is more complicated than ever. Everything keeps changing, her classmates are starting to date each other (but nobody wants to date her!), and no matter how hard she tries, Shannon can never seem to just be happy.

As she works through her insecurities and undiagnosed depression, she worries about disappointing all the people who care about her. Is something wrong with her? Can she be the person everyone expects her to be? And who does she actually want to be?

With their signature humor, warmth, and insight, Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham have crafted another incredible love letter to their younger selves and to readers everywhere, a reminder to us all that we are enough.

 My thoughts:

The final installment in the series, we see Shannon finishing those horrible middle school years. Her struggles definitely aren’t over. Like so many kids in that age range, she wants to be someone’s special someone. She wants to be popular. She wants people to value her. I think these are pretty universal struggles.

 As in the other two books, Hale doesn’t hold back in presenting the good, the bad, and the ugly of adolescent life, which makes all of the characters—not just the protagonist—relatable.

 Hale's afterward about how she actually spoke to the real people who inspired these books and their memories of events were especially enlightening!

Possible objectionable material:

This book hints at mental illness (obsessive compulsive disorder). There is some bullying and exclusion, classic “mean girl” behavior. Faith and religion are present, which some people object to.

 Who might like this book:

If you’ve ever felt like you don’t fit in, this book will resonate.

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

 

 The Princess in Black Takes a Vacation (Princess in Black #4)
By Shannon Hale and Dean Hale; Illustrated by LeUyen Pham
Publisher: Candlewick; Illustrated edition (March 21, 2017)
Paperback: 96 pages
ISBN-10: 0763694517
ISBN-13: 978-0763694517
Reading age: 5 - 8 years
Lexile measure: 340L
Grade level: Kindergarten – 3
 
Publisher’s Blurb:

After battling monsters all night, a sleepy Princess in Black decides that she needs a vacation. After all, the Goat Avenger, a new hero who looks oddly familiar, has offered to protect the goats while she takes a much needed break. The very next day Princess Magnolia rides her bicycle to the seaside, where the air is salty, the sun is shiny, and the sea is as blue as monster fur. But just as Princess Magnolia is about to take a nap on her hammock, she hears a “ROAR!” Seriously? A monster? On the perfect beach? Impossible! Could a sea monster really ruin this vacation for the Princess in Black?

 My Thoughts:

Every superhero needs some time off. And if you have backup—such as the Goat Avenger—to cover for you while you’re away, even better. And finding a fellow princess at the beach? Sweet!

 Of course, it’s not that simple, as a sea monster wants to eat the beachgoers. Good thing Princess Magnolia brought her superhero disguise.

 These simple but fun books continue to show that appearances can be deceiving. Princess Magnolia may look all pink and frilly, but she can boss monsters around with the best of them. The B plot of the Goat Avenger shows that the connections we make with others can be what saves the day.

 Princess Magnolia finally finds her quiet vacation, and is able to rest up before her next adventure—and the idea that we don’t always have to be busy is one that many children will be happy to hear.

 Possible Objectionable Material:

Monsters and the deception of having a secret identity.

 Who Might Like This Book:

Children who love superheroes. Don’t be afraid of the title “Princess”—boys have enjoyed this books every bit as much as girls.

 The Princess in Black and the Science Fair Scare (Princess in Black #6)
By Shannon Hale and Dean Hale; Illustrated by LeUyen Pham
Publisher: Candlewick; Illustrated edition (May 14, 2019)
Paperback: 96 pages
ISBN-10: 1536206865
ISBN-13: 978-1536206869
Reading age: 5 - 8 years
Lexile measure: 500L
Grade level: Kindergarten – 3
 
Publisher’s Blurb:

Princess Magnolia is excited. Excited and nervous. She’s going to the Interkingdom Science Fair today to present her poster about seeds and plants, and when she arrives, she sees that her friends are there too! Princess Honeysuckle made a mole habitat, Princess Sneezewort has built a blanket fort, and Tommy Wigtower has a talking volcano that’s saying “EAAAAT!” Wait, what? A surprise goo monster makes this a job for the Princess in Black, and the Princess in Blankets is on the scene to lend a hand. But will two masked heroes be enough to save the science fair? A little scientific problem-solving — and a lot of princess power — will make the sixth entry in the New York Times best-selling series a smash hit.

 My Thoughts:

My daughter will tell you that there are too many princesses in this book and that it gets a little confusing. But it’s fun to see the princesses of many ethnicities—all named after flowers, and all with different interests.

 I also love that our superhero princess is nervous about something—the science fair. It also gives the message that girls are not excluded from scientific activities just because they’re girls.

 This time, the lesson is that you don’t have to be a superhero in order to help

 Possible Objectionable Material:

Monsters and the deception that comes with being a superhero.

 Who Might Like This Book:

Kids who like science. Superhero fans. Boys and girls alike. Just because it’s about a princess doesn’t mean it’s “girly”!

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

 

 The Princess in Black and the Giant Problem (Princess in Black #8)
By Shannon Hale and Dean Hale; Illustrated by LeUyen Pham
Publisher: Candlewick (October 6, 2020)
Hardcover: 96 pages
ISBN-10: 1536202223
ISBN-13: 978-1536202229
Reading age: 5 - 8 years
Grade level: Kindergarten – 3
 
Publisher’s Blurb:

The Princess in Black is ready for her snowy playdate with the Goat Avenger and the Princess in Blankets. It’s a perfect day to build snow monsters and battle them for practice. But just when they’re about to wage battle, a huge foot smashes their snow monster. “SQUASHY!”

It’s a giant, and it’s smashing everything in its path! The giant is too strong for the three friends, so the Princess in Blankets has an idea: it’s time to light the Sparkle Signal and summon help. With a rising crescendo of a plot and a delightfully surprising ending, the latest adventure in the New York Times best-selling series features all the Princess in Black’s friends as heroes for the first time.

 My Thoughts:

All those princesses who helped out in the Science Fair Scare? They’re superheroes now too! (And my daughter says it’s too much, but I like letting everyone have their own way to be super.)

 Once again, we learn about the importance of cooperation and everyone having a part to play in solving the problem. It is an ongoing theme, and an important one in our current climate of  “everyone for themselves”.

 Possible Objectionable Material:

Secret identities, a giant, and fairy-tale peril.

 Who Might Like This Book:

As with the others, boys and girls alike. If you like superheroes and/or princesses, this is for you!

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

For fans of less-than-happy endings

The Mirror: Broken Wish
By Julie C. Dao

Publisher: ‎ Disney-Hyperion (October 6, 2020)
Hardcover: 320 pages
ISBN-10: 136804638X
ISBN-13: 978-1368046381
Reading age: 14 - 18 years
Grade level: 9 – 12
 
Publisher’s Blurb:

Sixteen-year-old Elva has a secret. She has visions and strange powers that she will do anything to hide. She knows the warnings about what happens to witches in their small village of Hanau. She’s heard the terrible things people say about the Witch of the North Woods, and the malicious hunts that follow...

When Elva accidentally witnesses a devastating vision of the future, she decides she has to do everything she can to prevent it. Tapping into her powers for the first time, Elva discovers a magical mirror and its owner―none other than the Witch of the North Woods herself. As Elva learns more about her burgeoning magic, and the lines between hero and villain start to blur, she must find a way to right past wrongs before it’s too late.

My Thoughts:

This story does not live up to expectations—and I mean that in the best possible way. People make bad choices, and they have to reap the consequences of those choices. A promising romance goes sour. And the character who tries so hard to heal those who have been damaged…doesn’t get the reward she deserves.

Because Dao keeps things unpredictable, the book is hard to put down. I was sneaking pages during class, during my lunch, passing period…you get the idea.

Characters are very human—which makes them wonderful, relatable, and flawed. Dao is able to help us empathize with them, even when we’re mad at them. Even Elva, who could easily be too good to be true, makes mistakes and second guesses herself.

The first part of the book is a little slow, but it’s crucial setup for when Elva comes into the story.

Possible Objectionable Material:

Magic. Threats and mild violence. Social isolation.

Who Might Like This Book:

Those who like flawed characters. It has a fairytale feel to it, so if you like fairytales, you will probably enjoy this. Those who don’t have to be given a happy ending.

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

The Mirror: Shattered Midnight
By Dhonielle Clayton
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion (January 18, 2022)
Hardcover: 304 pages
ISBN-10: 1368046428
ISBN-13: 978-1368046428
Reading age: 14 - 18 years
Grade level: 9 – 12
 
Publisher’s Blurb:

Zora Broussard has arrived in New Orleans with not much more than a bag of clothes, a beautiful voice, and a pair of enchanted red shoes. Running from a tragic accident caused by her magic, Zora wants nothing more than to blend in, as well as to avoid her overbearing aunt and mean-spirited cousins. Music becomes Zora’s only means of escape, yet she wonders if she should give it all up to remove the powers that make her a target, especially as a Black woman in the South.

But when Zora gets the chance to perform in a prominent jazz club, she meets a sweet white pianist named Phillip with magic of his own, including a strange mirror that foretells their future together. Falling into a forbidden love, Zora and Phillip must keep their relationship a secret. And soon the two discover the complicated connection between their respective families, a connection that could lead to catastrophe for them both. In the era of segregation and speakeasies, Zora must change her destiny and fight for the one she loves . . . or risk losing everything.

My Thoughts:

This second installment of “The Mirror” sees us move forward in time to the descendants of characters from the first book. They are still reaping the consequences of the bad decisions made in the first book, even though much of that history has been lost to them. Important relics—Mathilda’s mirrors—remain.

Because the characters don’t know the full history, they are doomed to make similar mistakes. Zora breaks a promise, and, once again, the outcome is not good.

Dhonielle Clayton also brings in important social issues of race. This book is set in Prohibition-era New Orleans, and the racial issues of the time and place are an important part of what drives the action.

As with the first book, things are not tidy. Once again, the heroine is betrayed by a man she trusted.

The ending to this book is a happier one than the first, but it is definitely far from a happy ending.

This book is the second in a planned four-book series, each from a different author. There has been some foreshadowing of what’s to come. I can’t wait to see where it goes next.

Possible Objectionable Material:

Magic. Drinking. Sneaking around. One character works with the Mob. Prejudice. If you don’t want to think about racial prejudice of the past, you might be made uncomfortable.

Who Might Like This Book:

This one has less of a fairytale feel, but magic is still an important factor. Those who like stories that span generations.

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

 

The Ghoul of Windydown Vale
By Jake Burt
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends (January 25, 2022)
Hardcover: 304 pages
ISBN-10: 1250236576
ISBN-13: 978-1250236579
Reading age: 10 - 14 years
Grade level: 4 - 6
 
Publisher’s Blurb:

In this action-packed mystery from award-winning author Jake Burt, Copper Inskeep holds Windydown Vale's deepest and darkest secret: he is the ghoul that haunts the Vale, donning a gruesome costume to scare travelers and townsfolk away from the dangers of the surrounding swamps. When a terrified girl claims she and her father were attacked by a creature - one that could not have been Copper - it threatens not just Copper's secret, but the fate of all Windydown.

 My Thoughts:

This was quite a ride! The setting alone becomes a character, with its treacherous mud as a constant hazard to all those who have carved out a living in Windydown Vale.

 Copper, our protagonist, has a secret: he’s the ghoul that terrorizes the vale. He is the third generation in his family to take on that role, to keep the people safe from the mud and to bring travelers to the safety of his family’s inn.

 Because of the mud, there is only one other person his age in town—Liza. Everyone has assumed that the two will one day marry. Enter Annabelle, whose father has been taken by the Ghoul. Except—Copper knows there is no ghoul.

 A larger-than-life figure comes to town and promises to exterminate the Ghoul. For a price of course. It’s not hard for the reader to figure out that he’s a fraud. But who’s helping him? And why do Copper and Annabelle find corpses in the mud outside of town?

 The real secret isn’t the Ghoul. It’s why it was created in the first place. And it’s not what you expect.

 This is another book where the ending is bittersweet. It’s about trust, and betrayal, and expectations. And sometimes, you just can’t stay quiet anymore.

 Possible Objectionable Material:

Violence. Secrets and betrayal. Very mild cursing. A little kissing.

 Who Might Like This Book:

Those who like stories about family dynamics. Those who like mysteries. Those who like things a little spooky.

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

 

 

January 11 releases

 

Bad Luck Bridesmaid
By Alison Rose Greenberg
Publisher: ‎St. Martin's Griffin (January 11, 2022)
Paperback: ‎320 pages
ISBN-10: ‎1250791596
ISBN-13: ‎978-1250791597

 Publisher’s blurb:

It’s official: Zoey Marks is the cursed bridesmaid that no engagement can survive. Ten years, three empire waist dresses, and ZERO brides have walked down the aisle.

After strike three, Zoey is left wondering if her own ambivalence towards marriage has rubbed off on those she loves. And when her building distrust of matrimony culminates in turning down a proposal from her perfect All-American boyfriend, Rylan Harper III, she and Rylan are both left heartbroken, leaving Zoey to wonder: what is it exactly about tying the knot that makes her want to run in the opposite direction?

Enter Hannah Green: Zoey’s best friend, who announces that she’s marrying a guy she just met (cue eye roll). At a castle. In gorgeous, romantic Ireland, where Rylan will be in attendance, and Zoey will be a bridesmaid. It’ll be fine.

Okay, the woman definition of fine (NOT FINE).

Determined to turn her luck around, Zoey accepts her role and vows to get Hannah down the aisle―all the while praying her best friend’s wedded bliss will allow her to embrace marriage and get Rylan back.

But as the weekend goes on, Zoey is plagued with more questions than answers. Can you be a free spirit, yet still want a certain future? Can you have love and be loved on your terms? And how DO you wrangle a bossy falcon into doing your bidding?

 My thoughts:

I really loved the premise of this book, and I really wanted to like the book.

I quit about 12% of the way through. I tried, but why would I want to spend several hours of my life immersed in the life of someone so unlikeable?

Zoey has a real chip on her shoulder about the idea of not just marriage, but even committing to a long-term relationship. Her parents are very happily married, and she just sort of assumes that she can’t get anything close to their relationship.

She’s a self-made success in advertising because she thinks outside the box, and she’s decided marriage is a box that she will never fit into. She has to have everything her way, she’s kind of snotty about some of her clients, and she’s not willing to compromise. At all. Even when she finds a really perfect guy.

After the 12% mark, I read a few pages here and there, but there was nothing there that convinced me to dive back in.

Possible objectionable material:

Based on the 12% I read, a lot of swearing, drinking, sex, and talking about sex. One character is lesbian.

Who might like this book:

If you like rom-coms and don’t mind unlikable protagonists, sure, give it a try.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the EARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Dream Spies
The Nightmare Thief #2
By Nicole Lesperance
Publisher: ‎Sourcebooks Young Readers (January 11, 2022)
Hardcover: ‎368 pages
ISBN-10: ‎1728215374
ISBN-13: ‎978-1728215372
Reading age: ‎8 - 12 years
Grade level: ‎3 – 8
 
Publisher’s blurb:

Maren's life has finally gone back to normal. Her sister, Hallie, is doing much better, she's still allowed to work in her family's dream shop, and there's been no sign of Obscura, the evil nightmare thief.

 

But when Lishta, Maren's grandmother, finds an ad for a sleepaway camp designed for dreamers, alarm bells start to ring. Lishta's never heard of the camp directors, and she's worried and wants to investigate. Maren and Hallie pose as campers with Lishta taking a job as the lunch lady.

 

Almost right away something seems off. Campers all wake up humming the same song, a whole bunk of girls does their hair the exact same way, and everyone seems to have had the same dream. And things go from bad to worse when Maren discovers most of the camp population has been sleepwalking.

 

As the girls investigate the camp, Maren and Hallie discover a nefarious plot that could affect the entire world. Maren will have to figure out who's really behind the camp and stop them from turning more dreamers in sleepwalking zombies, before it's too late.

 My thoughts:

I have not read the first book in this series and my library did not have it. Nonetheless, the action of this book was easy to follow. There were mentions of the previous book, but I was able to get along fine without having read it.

The worldbuilding was interesting, with the idea of being able to custom craft dreams as one might compound a recipe or a medicine. Maren is still clearly feeling some guilt and trauma from events of the previous book. She’s also jealous of her twin’s popularity. While this is mentioned several times, it is not an actual part of the action of the book, and nothing comes of these unresolved feelings.

When Maren, twin Hallie, and best friend Amos, go undercover with “Gran-Gran” Lishta to a sleep-away camp all about dreaming, they find that things are definitely veering more into the nightmare category. The dreams seem to be affecting campers waking lives. Then they start sleepwalking…and some of them won’t wake up. It is up to Maren and company to figure out what’s going on. Maren has to decide who at camp is trustworthy and whom to avoid.

The actual plot behind this camp was telegraphed fairly well, and I was unsurprised when the baddie announced their evil plan. (As baddies are wont to do.) Getting the problem solved took a lot of ingenuity and some backbone that shy Maren, in contrast to her popular sister, didn’t always have.

The characters are fun and realistic for their age. The spunky grandma is a bit cliché for my taste. But her parrot, Henri, who can insult everyone in both French and German, is a delight.

If another book in this series comes up on my NetGalley lists, I’ll be sure to request it.

Possible objectionable material:

As with so many middle-grade novels, sneaking around is an issue. People lie. The kids break into an office. There is no swearing, no romance. There is the magic of making dreams.

Who might like this book:

If you like adventure and solving a mystery, this is a good selection, especially if you like to have fantasy elements to go along.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the EARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

My Fine Fellow
By Jennieke Cohen
Publisher: ‎HarperTeen (January 11, 2022)
Hardcover: ‎352 pages
ISBN-10: 0063047535
ISBN-13: ‎978-0063047532
Reading age: ‎13 - 17 years
Grade level:  8 – 9
 
Publisher’s Blurb:

It’s 1830s England, and Culinarians—doyens who consult with society’s elite to create gorgeous food and confections—are the crème de la crème of high society.

 Helena Higgins, top of her class at the Royal Academy, has a sharp demeanor and an even sharper palate—and knows stardom awaits her if she can produce greatness in her final year.

 Penelope Pickering is going to prove the value of non-European cuisine to all of England. Her contemporaries may scorn her Filipina heritage and her dishes, but with her flawless social graces and culinary talents, Penelope is set to prove them wrong.

 Elijah Little has nothing to his name but a truly excellent instinct for flavors. London merchants won’t allow a Jewish boy to own a shop, so he hawks his pasties for a shilling a piece to passersby—but he knows with training he can break into the highest echelon of society.

WhenPenelope and Helena meet Elijah, a golden opportunity arises: to pull off a project never seen before, and turn Elijah from a street vendor to a gentleman chef.

 But Elijah’s transformation will have a greater impact on this trio than they originally realize—and mayhem, unseemly faux pas, and a little romance will all be a part of the delicious recipe.

 My Thoughts:

I received this as both an EARC and an audio ARC—read by an AI voice.

 I have discovered that I’m hopeless at audio books. They just take too darned long. It took me four hours of ironing to get through the first six chapters. Fortunately, I was able to also snag the text version—it took fewer than four hours to read the entire book.

 This book was charming. The inspiration from My Fair Lady was very clear. Fortunately, the ending was not as contrived as the movie. Nor was it exactly like the ending of the source material, George Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion.

 Helena Higgins is very much like Henry Higgins. Convinced (perhaps rightly so) of her own brilliance, bossy, self-centered. Unlike Henry, she does learn some valuable lessons about herself and actually shows growth.

 Penelope Pickering is a delight. Of a mixed-race background in this alternate-universe Britain of the 1800s, she has her own challenges to deal with. And those challenges have made her kind and patient as she helps Helena to instruct Elijah.

 And of course, Elijah. Here is a young man who truly wants to raise his station in life. Like Penelope, the situation of his birth has left him with obstacles. Like Eliza Dolittle, he wants more from his life than just to be a street vendor. Like Eliza Dolittle, he is put into a situation where he can’t go back to his old life, and he’s not sure he wants the life that Helena has planned for him.

 In addition to well-constructed characters and good dialogue, this book talks a lot about food. A lot. And if you’re a food lover, plan to feel hungry as you read. I wish culinarians were a real thing, because I would want to be one. 

The author does include a recipe at the end of the book, so we can all be Helena, Penelope, and Elijah for a while.

 Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the EARC and AARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

 The Wedding Setup
By Sonali Dev
ASIN: ‎B09GPDK237
Publisher: ‎Amazon Original Stories (January 11, 2022)
 
Publisher’s Blurb:

Ayesha Shetty lost her brother seven years ago, the same time she lost everything else important to her: her dreams, her fierce independence, and the man she loved. Not wanting to see her mother hurt anymore, she put her wild self away and became the dutiful daughter her mother needed and took on her brother’s role in the family business.

 Now her best friend’s big, fat Indian wedding is a chance to get away from her endless duties at the restaurant and maybe even have some fun (if she remembers how). But a setup arranged by her mother, with a doctor no less, is the last thing she needs. The fact that he checks all her mother’s boxes just makes everything better…and worse.

 Then Emmitt Hughes shows up. Her brother’s best friend. The love she once chose over family duties and her responsibilities. The one she asked to leave, and who did. The one who knows the real Ayesha. Torn between a love from the past that could cost her the only person she has left and her sense of obligation to her mother, will Ayesha find the strength to stop thinking about what everyone else wants and finally put herself first? Or is the old Ayesha truly gone for good?

 My Thoughts:

I have enjoyed Sonali Dev’s Jane Austen-inspired novels, so I was pleased to get a chance at this short story. Like her novels, this one includes Indian culture and food. Unlike the novels, I didn’t notice a Jane Austen connection.

 Dev really packed a lot into this short story. After Ayesha’s brother dies, she subsumes her entire personality into being a good daughter and helping her mother to run their restaurant. She even breaks off with her boyfriend, since he’s not Indian and her mother is opposed to their relationship.

 Seven years later, it’s time for Ayesha’s best friend to marry, and Ayesha and Emmitt are thrown together again. The chemistry is still there, he still loves her, but she tries—really hard—to push him away. He’s not going to go, though, and Ayesha finally decides that she’s ready to let go of her grief and take her chance at living her own life.

 The second chance at romantic love is nice, but it’s the second chance to repair her relationship with her mother that really got my tears going.

 Possible objectionable material:

A fade-to-black sexual encounter. Death. Recovery.

 Who might like this book:

Sonali Dev fans will not be disappointed. Anyone who loves second chances, steadfast love, and family love.

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

Welcome to the Thousand Worlds

Dragon Pearl
The Thousand Worlds #1
By Yoon Ha Lee
Publisher: ‎Rick Riordan Presents; Illustrated edition (January 15, 2019)
Hardcover: ‎320 pages
ISBN-10: ‎136801335X
ISBN-13: ‎978-1368013352
Reading age: ‎8 - 12 years
Lexile measure: ‎780L
Grade level: ‎3 – 7
 
Publisher’s Blurb:

Rick Riordan Presents Yoon Ha Lee's space opera about thirteen-year-old Min, who comes from a long line of fox spirits. But you'd never know it by looking at her. To keep the family safe, Min's mother insists that none of them use any fox-magic, such as Charm or shape-shifting. They must appear human at all times.

 Min feels hemmed in by the household rules and resents the endless chores, the cousins who crowd her, and the aunties who judge her. She would like nothing more than to escape Jinju, her neglected, dust-ridden, and impoverished planet. She's counting the days until she can follow her older brother, Jun, into the Space Forces and see more of the Thousand Worlds.

 When word arrives that Jun is suspected of leaving his post to go in search of the Dragon Pearl, Min knows that something is wrong. Jun would never desert his battle cruiser, even for a mystical object rumored to have tremendous power. She decides to run away to find him and clear his name.

Min's quest will have her meeting gamblers, pirates, and vengeful ghosts. It will involve deception, lies, and sabotage. She will be forced to use more fox-magic than ever before, and to rely on all of her cleverness and bravery. The outcome may not be what she had hoped, but it has the potential to exceed her wildest dreams.

 This sci-fi adventure with the underpinnings of Korean mythology will transport you to a world far beyond your imagination.

 My Thoughts:

This book was a lot of fun for me, as I was only vaguely familiar with Korean mythology. Lee has given us a look at his mythology and culture in a way that is very accessible for the target audience. It’s also a fun and occasionally nail-biting adventure.

 In order to find her brother and clear his name, Min finds herself getting deeper and deeper into deceiving those around her. She gets into a lot of scrapes. She makes some good friends, and feels bad that she does so while pretending to be someone else—and she does face consequences for her deception.

 While she does ultimately triumph in the end, the road to that resolution is a bumpy one, and not all in this story is a “happily ever after.”

 Secondary characters are all round, complex individuals. I especially enjoyed Min’s bunkmates.

 Possible Objectionable Material:

Min basically runs away from home. Lots of lying and deception. Some violence, not graphic. No swearing, no romance. There are nonbinary characters who use they/them pronouns, and this is taken as a matter of course, nothing exceptional. Those who have strong ideas about gender might find this offensive. And, of course, mythology and magic may offend some readers.

 Who Might Like This Book:

Those who like space, adventure, mythology, and learning about other cultures. Min is female, but the story is very accessible to both boys and girls.

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

 Tiger Honor
The Thousand Worlds #2
By Yoon Ha Lee
Publisher: ‎Rick Riordan Presents (January 4, 2022)
Hardcover: ‎256 pages
ISBN-10: ‎1368055540
ISBN-13: ‎978-1368055543
Reading age: ‎8 - 12 years
Grade level: ‎3 – 7
 
Publisher’s Blurb:

Sebin, a young tiger spirit from the Juhwang Clan, wants nothing more than to join the Thousand World Space Forces and, like their Uncle Hwan, captain a battle cruiser someday. But when Sebin's acceptance letter finally arrives, it's accompanied by the shocking news that Hwan has been declared a traitor. Apparently the captain abandoned his duty to steal a magical artifact, the Dragon Pearl, and his whereabouts are still unknown. Sebin hopes to help clear their hero's name and restore honor to the clan.

Nothing goes according to plan, however. As soon as Sebin arrives for orientation, they are met by a special investigator named Yi and Yi's assistant, a girl named Min. Yi informs Sebin that they must immediately report to the ship Haetae and await further instructions. Sebin finds this highly unusual, but soon all protocol is forgotten when there's an explosion on the ship, the crew is knocked out, and the communication system goes down. It's up to Sebin, three other cadets, and Yi and Min to determine who is sabotaging the battle cruiser. When Sebin is suddenly accused of collaborating with the enemy, the cadet realizes that Min is the most dangerous foe of all...

My Thoughts:

This second tale from the Thousand Worlds gives us a young relative of the villain of the first book, trying to restore their family’s honor. Themes of loyalty to family are strong in this book, and Sebin has to figure out when loyalty to family has to be set aside. Sebin also is forced to confront prejudices—such as those against Foxes—in order to do what is right.

It was good to see Min return, and see that she is thriving, although not without challenges. But this story is Sebin’s and I might like it even more than the first book. Watching Sebin try so hard to do right by both family and the Space Forces, with all the challenges that entails, was enjoyable.

As with the first book, the secondary characters are all well-drawn. Again, Sebin’s fellow cadets are a varied and interesting group. Our protagonists are not superior to the other characters, just different, and they are able to recognize that each person has skills to bring to the table. I also enjoyed seeing the antagonist come to a realization about his behavior.

As with Min, Sebin’s resolution is not entirely tidy, but it is satisfying.

Possible Objectionable Material:

Some violence, not graphic. No swearing, no romance. Sebin and other characters are nonbinary and use they/them pronouns, and this is taken as a matter of course, nothing exceptional. Those who have strong ideas about gender might find this offensive. And, of course, mythology and magic may offend some readers.

Who Might Like This Book:

Those who like space, adventure, mythology, and learning about other cultures. Those who read the first book should enjoy seeing “what happened next.”

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