Review of Legends of the Sky

Legends of the Sky

Author: Liz Flanagan

Publisher: David Fickling Books

Publication date: October 2019

Milla might be seen as just an ordinary servant. She is not a native of Arcosi, the island where she lives, rarely gets a break from her work, and is looked down upon by the slightly older servant who works with her. But Milla is not ordinary. That’s because she has found something that no one else has even laid eyes upon for a century. No one who lives on Arcosi, anyway. Milla has found dragon eggs. Her battle to protect the eggs propels her into adventures that she never could have imagined - flying, living in a palace, and fights for her life and that of the dragons. “We aren’t born knowing things: that’s what life’s for.” Along the way, Milla learns about her heritage and the secrets of Arcosi that the duke has been hiding. She must return the dragons to their ancestral home or else risk their final disappearance. Filled with mystery, unexpected discoveries, and adventure, Legends of the Sky is an exciting read that makes you want to keep turning pages. I highly recommend this book to readers who are not afraid of some suspense and who appreciate the purpose of fantasy - to help us step out of our ordinary world into another.

D. K. Nuray, age 12

Review of Cogheart

Cogheart

Author: Peter Bunzl

Publisher: Usborne Publishing Ltd

Publication Date: February 2019

Where to begin? Mechanical animals? Men with mirrored eyes? Set in an intriguing alternate London with steampunk elements, Cogheart is the story of one girl’s journey to find her father, and in turn, find out the truth about her past. Lily Grace Hartman, also known as Miss Grantham at Miss Scrimshaw’s Finishing Academy for Young Ladies (which she hates), is not your average English girl. She loves gory comic books and working with her father, who makes mechanical people and animals. She never realizes that his work might endanger his life - until it does. A strange, remarkable, and perilous new world is suddenly unveiled to Lily. Fleeing her home with her new friend Robert, she soon realizes that the people meant to protect her are the ones who are the most willing to do the opposite. A thoughtful story with engaging characters, Cogheart is a great read for middle grade readers who enjoy realistic fiction and adventure.

D. K. Nuray, age 12

Review of Titans

Titans

Author: Kate O’Hearn

Publisher: Aladdin

Date of Publication: July 2019

My first thought when I finished this book was “What? No!” Fortunately, it is only the first book in the Titans series. In this book, readers get introduced to the titans Astrea and Zephyr, whose society has quarantined Earth and disdains humans. But the Titans’ planet, Titus, has problems too - quarrels with Olympians, detention, and secret prisons. Both humans and titans are forced to put aside their disputes when their worlds are brought together by alien invaders. Titans is a roller coaster of a story filled with interesting characters. It captures with humor the fine line between assumptions and reality. I highly recommend this story for readers in grades 4-10 with a soft spot for mythology and excitement.

D. K. Nuray, age 12

Review of Skychasers

Skychasers

Author: Emma Carroll

Publisher: Chicken House

Publication Date: June 2019

“Families, I reckon, are overrated.” It’s not a surprise that Magpie, an orphan thief in the streets of France, thinks this. What she doesn’t reckon is that she’ll wind up being a part of one. When Magpie is told to steal a box from the Montgolfiers, she thinks it will just put some more coins in her pocket and feed her for another day or two. Instead, she fails to get the box and is forced to go back to the house, only to save their child from near-death and become the Montgolfiers’ maid. In this whirlwind story, an ordinary family goes to the king’s court, an orphan becomes an inventor, and anyone can fly. Perhaps best for younger readers but also enjoyable for middle school readers looking for a fun read with interesting characters in a historical setting.  

D. K. Nuray, age 12

Review of Voyage of the Dogs

Voyage of the Dogs

Author: Greg Van Eekhout

Publisher: HarperCollins

Publication Date: September 2018

When the spaceship Laika is breached and the dogs Champion, Lopside, Bug, and Daisy are left alone without their humans, they must decide which is more important - their mission or their family. Or is it possible for them to save both? The four dogs you meet in this book have been handpicked and trained specifically for space travel. They are the bravest and smartest dogs on Earth (or off). They have been prepared for any and every situation that could happen. That is, as long as their humans were still on board. But when that changes, the pack must find ways to survive with minimal supplies and a collapsing ship. Voyage of the Dogs is a heartwarming story of love and survival against all odds. I recommend this tale for readers ages 9 to 13, and for science-fiction readers and dog-lovers who enjoy personification and suspense.

D. K. Nuray, age 12

Review of the original Frankenstein

Frankenstein

Author: Mary Shelley

Publisher: Lackington, Hughes, Harding, Mavor, & Jones

Date of Publication: technically 1818

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein will bring your thoughts about anything else to a complete pause. It is powerful, shocking, and brilliant. Written in the early 1800’s by a nineteen year old woman, it is a story of the limits of human ambition, and how humanity is about more than just being human. Victor Frankenstein is the scientist who creates a monster and gives it life, and then is haunted by his own creation. While its appearance is horrific, the creature begins as innocent and kind, but is not accepted by anyone and slowly begins to magnify and reflect the cruelty inflicted on him. This is what ultimately makes his actions as monstrous as his appearance. Both the scientist and his creation turn blind to almost all of the people around them, focused only on revenge on each other. The ending has a gravity to it that will weigh on your thoughts and feelings. Despite the thought-provoking moral weight of the story, Frankenstein is above all exciting, suspenseful, and frightfully compelling. 200 years and countless retelling have done nothing to dull the original tale.

D. K. Nuray, age 12

Review of The Mad Wolf’s Daughter

The Mad Wolf’s Daughter

Author: Diane Magras

Publisher: Kathy Dawson Books

Date of Publication: March 2018

A gripping tale of adventure and courage filled with plot twists, deceptions, and history mysteries. The heroine of the story, Drest, lives an isolated life with her family on a Scottish headland in a Medieval setting, with castles and knights. She has grown up with the stories of her father and her brothers, a great war-band. But when they are captured, she is the only one who can save them. As she sets off on her journey, she meets new people who tell her stories inconsistent with the ones her father told her. She must decide whether her warrior father and brothers are heroes or villains, and must also decide her own way of life and fighting. A wonderful pick for any middle-grade reader who enjoys adventure, plot twists, heroines, and intricate legends.

D. K. Nuray, age 12

Review of The Serpent’s Secret

The Serpent’s Secret

Author: Sayantani DasGupta

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Date of Publication: February 2018

“We go now to that dark and terrible origin place where all spells meet their end. (Oh, and make sure to take your gummy vitamins every morning.)” The first in a series, The Serpent’s Secret is a fantastical adventure based on bits and pieces of multiple Hindu tales. Told from the perspective of a 12 year old Indian girl, this story is about her as she realizes what her true identity is, and the journey she takes to prove herself and unite her family once more. It is equal parts humor, danger, and inter-dimensional confusion. Think Rick Riordan with a Hindu twist. I would recommend this book to any fourth-eighth grade who enjoys plot twists, fun, and fantasy.

D. K. Nuray, age 12

Review of Harbor Me

Harbor Me

Author: Jacqueline Woodson

Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books

Date of Publication: August 2018

“The Familiar popped like a bubble above our heads. But we held tight to our knapsacks and kept on walking.” Heart-wrenchingly realistic, this piece of writing will make you think and feel about what we value and how we look at one another. Harbor Me is the gripping story of six sixth-graders, all deemed “special,” because of their academic challenges. All of them have faced hardships in their lives. But when they are forced into a room together, their stories unite them, and help them find strength in each other and themselves. A wonderful pick for any middle grade reader who enjoys realistic fiction, heart-warming experiences, and intriguing thoughts.

D. K. Nuray, age 12

Review of Dactyl Hill Squad

Dactyl Hill Squad

Author: Daniel José Older

Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books

Date of Publication: September, 2018

The first in a thrilling new series of historical fantasy. When dinosaurs and colored orphans are mixed in New York during the Civil War, something has to go wrong. Filled with kidnapping magistrates, self-conflict, and plot twists, this story was exciting and fun to read. I found myself struggling to put it down. A great choice for any fourth-to-ninth grader who enjoys a skillfully-written blend of mystery, magic, fantasy, and history.

D. K. Nuray, age 12

Review of What NOT To Do If You Turn Invisible

What NOT To Do If You Turn Invisible

Author: Ross Welford

Publisher: Schwartz & Wade Books

Date of Publication: October, 2018

This is the story of a girl who has to turn invisible to find herself. This book will keep you trying to predict what will happen next. The main character, Ethel, will burrow her way into your heart. Over the course of the story, she finds out who her parents are, cures her terrible acne problem, and develops more confidence in herself and her choices. While lacking illustrations or fancy chapter titles, this book does have interesting characters. A suitable pick for any kid who enjoys fun, evolving characters, and fantastic events.

D. K. Nuray, age 12

Review of Aru Shah and the End of Time

Aru Shah and the End of Time

Author: Roshani Chokshi

Publisher: DisneyBooks

Date of Publication: March, 2018

A thrilling and witty mashup of socially awkward adolescents, Hindu mythology, and saving the world from evil demons. With two heroines racing to find clues and keys to stop a worldwide threat, the back-talk and excitement never ends. The first book in a series, you’ll find yourself gasping, shaking your head, and laughing.  This is an entertaining pick for any reader who enjoys amusing heroines and adventure.

D. K. Nuray, age 11

Review of Time Castaways: The Mona Lisa Key

Time Castaways: The Mona Lisa Key

Author: Liesl Shurtliff

Publisher: HarperCollins

Date of Publication: September, 2018

Adventurous, funny, and brilliant. This time travel mystery was filled with false personas, hidden keys, and young sword fighters. When you’re on a shape-shifting ship bouncing through time, anything can happen. As the plot develops, it gets more and more exciting. The story pulled me in, and I didn't come out until the very end (maybe not even then). This book is the first in a series. A delightful read for any young adult who likes humor, mystery, action, and a complicated, fantastical plot.

D. K. Nuray, age 11

Review of The Law of Finders Keepers

The Law of Finders Keepers

Author: Sheila Turnage

Publisher: Kathy Dawson Books

Date of Publication: September, 2018

“We only need one yes to take me home to you.” Author Sheila Turnage delivers yet another engaging Mo and Dale Mystery. Although the main characters were introduced in previous books (Three Times Lucky, The Ghosts of Tupelo Landing, and The Odds of Getting Even), you do not need to read it to enjoy this story. With Mo looking for both treasure and her Upstream Mother, this book will have you swept up in the current of events in no time. I found myself picturing every minute experience, from the small-town-vibe cafe dinners to frantic survival efforts. I thoroughly enjoyed this adventure. A great pick for any fourth-to-seventh grader who enjoys realistic fiction with a hint of the fantastical and a good mystery.

D. K. Nuray, age 11

Review of Furyborn

Furyborn

Author: Claire LeGrand

Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire

Date of Publication: May, 2018

“Her rage holds a delight, a hunger....” Alluring, dangerous, and exciting.  Told from the perspective of two main characters, each with fierce passions. Each grows into who they are meant to be over the course of the story. The perspective alternates between two girls in their early twenties. As the plot develops, threads connecting these two young women of different times start to make themselves apparent. A wonderful selection for young adult readers who enjoy fantasy, plot twists, and powerful feminine characters.

D. K. Nuray, age 11

Review of Ink

Ink

Author: Alice Broadway

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Date of Publication: January 2018

This book was an intricately woven tale of mystery, belief, and long lost stories. A sixteen year old girl grows up in a town where people’s lives are shown on their skin as tattoos. Her faith and perspective are upended as she learns that large parts of her life are based on lies. A stunning story of “blanks” (the un-tattooed), stolen identities, and government tricks falls into place throughout the book. The plot and characters will keep you thinking and feeling. A great pick for young adults who enjoy realistic fiction.

D. K. Nuray, age 11

Review of The Legend of Greg

The Legend of Greg

Author: Chris Rylander

Publisher: Penguin Random House

Date of Publication: June, 2018

This book was packed with plot twists, evolving characters, and had a cliffhanger ending.  All this along with talking battle axes, liquid magic, and dwarves being hunted by polar bears.  Amusing chapter titles (like “The Grand Spectacle of Borin Woodlogger’s Big Toe”) help keep you curious and reading on. The main character, Greg, finds out more and more about his family history as the plot develops. He has multiple multifaceted problems to deal with, and maintains the admirable qualities of perseverance, faith, and humor while trying to solve all of them. I would recommend this careening adventure for kids right around my age.

D. K. Nuray, age 11

Review of The Hotel Between

The Hotel Between

Author: Sean Easley

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Date of Publication: September, 2018

“The vacation of your dreams, located halfway between here, there, and everywhere… I grab the crystal handle, and turn.” Unpredictable, fascinating, and engaging is the only way to describe this book. It’s main characters are multi-faceted, and grow over time. The author created a skillful blend of magic, mystery, and anticipation. With each flip of the page, I found it harder to extract myself from the pull of the plot. I would recommend this book for anyone around my age.

D. K. Nuray, age 11

Review of Heartseeker

Heartseeker

Author: Melinda Beatty

Publisher: Penguin Books

Date of Publication: June, 2018

Colored lies, soldier princesses, and kidnapping kings. This book was thrilling and heart-wrenching. A beautiful cover invites you. Complex characters keep you in. I found myself picturing the flow of events as scenes in my head. A great pick for tweens.

D. K. Nuray, age 11

Review of Grenade

Grenade

Author: Alan Gratz

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Date of Publication: October 9, 2018

From my seventh grade perspective, this book was engaging and revealing. The story alternates between the perspectives of a young US Marine and a teenage Okinawan civilian. This gives the reader a window into both of their lives and two very different views of World War II. It is a book that makes you think and feel. A good piece of historical fiction suitable for young adults.

D. K. Nuray, age 11

Review of Nadya Skylung and the Cloudship Rescue

Nadya Skylung and the Cloudship Rescue

Author: Jeff Seymour

Publisher: Putnam

Date of Publication: May 2018

Cloudships, sky pirates, resourceful orphans (some with gills), and daring rescues. A fun, easy, and whimsical read. It also has an attractive cover and beautiful black-and-white illustrations throughout. A good choice for anyone with a taste for fantastical adventure.

D. K. Nuray, age 11

Review of A Perilous Journey of Danger and Mayhem: A Dastardly Plot

A Perilous Journey of Danger and Mayhem: A Dastardly Plot

Author: Christopher Healy

Publisher: Walden Pond Press

Date of Publication: September 2018

From my seventh grade perspective, I found this to be fun to read and uniquely engaging. It involves plot twists, confusion, trials of family bonds, and brilliant women inventors. I found myself trying to figure out the plot as I was reading, and felt pulled into the story with vigor and enthusiasm. This book is the first in a series. A fun and engaging mystery.

D. K. Nuray, age 11

Review of The Thrifty Guide To Ancient Rome

The Thrifty Guide To Ancient Rome: A Handbook for Time Travelers

Author: Jonathan W. Stokes

Publisher: Penguin Books

Date of Publication: January 2018

From my seventh grade perspective, this book was engaging, interesting, and fun to read. It explores multiple aspects of Ancient Rome, from Cleopatra’s life all the way to what “fast food” at that time would be like. It is a good way to learn, if you are okay with losing a few details to dry humor. To summarize, I found it to be an engaging book even though some historical detail and subtlety is traded for a laugh and an easier read.

D. K. Nuray, age 11

Review of The Remarkable Inventions of Walter Mortinson

The Remarkable Inventions of Walter Mortinson

Author: Quinn Sosna-Spear

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Date of Publication: April 2019

Walter Mortinson is just becoming a teenager. But his room is already stuffed with remarkable inventions and his heart is just as crowded with conflicting emotions. Deeply touching, Quinn Sosna-Spear’s story manages to harmonize love, despair, humor, and human sympathy. You will read about Cordelia Primpet, who you’ll learn to like as she skirts death. You will read about Horace Odwald Flasterborn, the renowned, self-centered inventor. And you will read about the Mortinson family, their triumphs and their tragedies, and their concealed past. The Remarkable Inventions of Walter Mortinson will take you to places you’ve never been, but the characters will make it feel like home. I liked the way the story ended, open to possibilities but not as a cliffhanger. I recommend this book for grades 4 and up, and for anyone who likes relatable characters and is not uncomfortable with some bittersweet mixed with whimsy.

D. K. Nuray, age 12