Truly Lovejoy is back in this second installment of the Pumpkin Falls Mystery series. Readers do not need to have read book one, Absolutely Truly, in order to follow the storyline of this book. The author references elements of book one, but provides context so book one details do not detract from this story. In the second book, Truly learns about her namesake and the history of the house she now calls home in Pumpkin Falls, New Hampshire. As the story develops, there are multiple mysteries that interconnect to reveal the rich history of the area and the founders of the town. Truly and her friends call themselves the Pumpkin Falls Private Eyes, and they work together to crack a maple syrup crime and settle a town feud. Along the way, Truly also investigates her family’s history, uncovering a local connection to the underground railroad and uses her quick wit to find her younger sister when she goes missing. With a complex mystery to solve, historically accurate details, and engaging and realistic family and friendship complications, this book will be a winner with mystery, historical, and realistic fiction readers.
Bubonic Panic: When Plague Invaded America
The book explained the Bubonic Plague, and how it happened really well. The author really went in depth on how the plague affected the world, how the rats had spread the disease, and how the scientists figured out how to deal with it.
The writing style the author had used was really interesting, one thing that confused me was the time jumps. The author skipped to different times in the book. It took me a while to figure out why I kept getting lost. So I had to go back and re-read some of the parts in the book, but I eventually figured it out. If you like science and/or history this book is definitely for you. Watch out for the time jumps though.
Z.S.
The Enemy Above: A novel of World War II
It started as rumors that the Nazis were coming ,until the gunfire got louder and closer. On the run, being chased and hunted to be killed or captured after have to flee from their home. All for being born Jewish. What first caught my eye looking through the pile of books was the book cover. When I read the summary it sounded like a action packed story which is why I chose it. One thing I loved about the book was when it got into the action it was really good and every big moment connected to the others very well. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes books with real life facts in it but also somewhat fiction in the book.
W.G.
The Scourge
Ani Mells falls from one small problem into an entirely different, huge problem. After falling from a tree, she is taken into custody to be tested for The Scourge – the fatal and incurable disease sweeping through the land. Her best friend, Weevil, seeing her capture finds a way to join Ani. Together they find themselves in a holding cell, waiting to be tested. Not new to close scrapes, the two escape. Unfortunately Ani is recaptured, tests positive, and is sent away to finish her days with other Scourge victims. Ani doesn’t know how to be a compliant, docile captive and Weevil finds a way to join Ani in captivity. Together, they plan to escape, disease and captivity. During their time in the isolated Scourge colony, they begin to piece together the mystery of the disease, the care and the treachery of Governor Felling and the lengths to which she will go to remain in power. Ani, a natural leader, along with Weevil, plot to unite the colonist and foil the Governor’s plan. The story is action packed and readers won’t want to put it down. Another hit by Jennifer A. Nielson.
The Gathering
Five kids, living in different parts of the country, who do not know each other, are each drawn to Larkspur House. For Poppy, who is at an orphanage, Larkspur is a connection to her past. To Marcus, Larkspur is an opportunity to study music, unhampered by his family. To Azumi, it represents distance from a family tragedy. To Dylan and Dash, the Hollywood twins, it is another chance to star in a movie. Whatever the pretense, each child makes his/her way to Larkspur where nothing is as it seems and nothing is as promised. Broken promises yield to Larkspur’s dark past and the kids must band together to survive the hauntings of Shadow House. Kids who are looking for a thrill will like this book. Complete with the Shadow House app, available for free download, kids will enter the haunted world through the written word and augmented reality software.
The Skeleth
An epic tie into the Nethergrim, bringing Matthew Jobin into an even brighter light than before. As Edmund, Katherine, and Tom very narrowly escape the clasping jaws of the Nethergrim, a new danger emerges from the shadows; The Skeleth. Taking over any and all control of their victim, the Skeleth turns the man inside into a ruthless killer. Bus as Edmund searches for an answer, the Skeleth draw newer , supposedly led by a new king. The action and adventure is the perfect amount, making the reader sit on the edge of their seat, wanting so much more. Those who seek for adventure and mystery will thoroughly enjoy The Skeleth.
M.C.
First Class Murder
Journey back in time to Europe in the 1930’s and take a train ride on the Orient Express. Our heroines, Hazel Wong and Daisy Wells, just finished school term and are taking a journey with Hazel’s father. They have been given strict instructions to avoid detecting. This is something they cannot do when a mystery lands in their laps. In order to find a murderer and a spy, they must employ their deductive reasoning skills once again even at the risk of upsetting Hazel’s father and placing themselves in danger. The title can stand alone or may be read in order with the other books in the Wells and Wong Mystery series. A recommended read for who-done-it enthusiasts.
Unidentified Suburban Object
The title invoked a colorful mix between science fiction and everyday life. The blurb addressed “not fitting in”, a concern for many middle schoolers and diversity in a small town.
The plot focuses on Chloe Cho who despite being extremely successful in everything she does is frustrated because she has no one to talk with about her cultural background. She is the only Korean girl in town, and her parents don’t talk about their heritage, so when a new teacher, also Korean, arrives, Chloe is anxious to learn from her. However, the plot twist comes when Chloe soon discovers more about her family than she ever wanted to know. Chloe struggles with the new knowledge and her status as “the best” at everything also suffers. In the end, Chloe has to come to terms with who she is and what it means to “fit in”.
The reader initially sympathizes with Chloe as a girl who is just trying to learn more about her background. However, through the plot twist, Chloe becomes harder to like, as her narrative becomes completely selfish. The reader starts to side with her parents. The plot twist does keep you on your toes, and Chloe’s reactions are normal for a teenager, it just would have been a more enjoyable read if Chloe had been a little more relatable.
If you enjoy realistic fiction with a science fiction twist, then Unidentified Suburban Object is the book for you!
S.H.
Some Kind of Happiness
“Some Kind Of Happiness“ written by Claire Legrand is story about young girl’s real life mixed with mystery and fantasy, who tried to struggle with her anxiety and overwhelmingly difficult days all by herself, keeping her secret only in the notebook through imaginary stories.
The book is best summed up in author’s pre-words/preview:
“If you are afraid, sad, tired, or lonely
if you feel lost or strange
If you crave stories and adventure,
And the magic possibility of a forest path —
this book is for you.“
Finley, 11 year old girl, who has been sent to her unknown grandparents’ house (Hart’s House “enormous and white, the largest house I ever seen in real life…”), from her father’s side for the whole summer, until Finley’s mom and dad can solve their relationship problems. This little girl tried to escape reality through her imagined tales, which helped her deal with real life problems, like dealing with her previously unknown cousins or her weird neighbors ( children of Bailey’s family ), who go on to become her best friends. Through her stories, she creates an imaginary kingdom of Everwood – “towering green place full of sunlight”, where she pretends to be “an orphaned girl”, while everyone else had their own roles in the story. Meanwhile she tries to uncover an old secret , why her father’s family got separated. Her imaginary game ends up uniting the feuding families after years of avoiding each other. This feud inspired her to seek out, what caused the falling out between these families ( Hart’s and Bailey’s ), which heavily involves her father.
This book spans three generations of her family, showing that family secrets can become huge issues, even between the closest family members. But even with all the issues within the families, the children still love and cherish their parents, no matter their flaws.
In my opinion this story is very informative and educational to the young readers for several reasons. Firstly, it shows how the reader can organize all their thoughts . Secondly, it introduces interesting words in a way that sticks with the reader, expanding their vocabulary in the process ( “ … one of my favorite words, a nine-letter word for “slow, heavy, rhythmic” : ponderous.” ). Thirdly, it encourages the young readers to use their imagination to create fun and adventurous games in real life.
Reading as an adult, it was interesting to see the world through 11 year old Finley’s eyes, especially the way she sees adults in her life, bringing me back to my own childhood and various games we used to play. It was fun.
I would highly recommend this book for young readers (middle school age) as well, as for adults. This book manages to be both relaxing and breathtaking at the same time, gripping the reader with its mysteries and memorable plot . I really enjoyed this book.
M.M.
Hooray for Books!
Turtle is looking for his book that he loaned to Zebra. Zebra says he doesn’t have it anymore, but maybe he would like to read another great book. Turtle says no because his book is his favorite. Turtle goes through asking his friends if they have his book. No one does, but they all suggest other books. Finally Turtle finds his book and he rereads it several times. He hears his friends talking about their books and decides to try a new book.
While geared toward a younger age group, this book could work well as a beginning of the year book for kindergarten and first grade.