MG review of Toro by Andrew Avner

Toro by Andrew Avner 

Format:  E-ARC

Publisher:  Black Rose Writing

Number of pages:  114

Published:  September 17th, 2020

Source: Herrea Agency in exchange for an honest review 

Opening Lines:  "Bright rays of sun bore down on sharp young shadows at the break of dawn."

Toro is set in Pamplona, Spain just before Feria del Toro or the Festival of the Bulls is to begin.   Alicía Catalina Cortés has a dream to take after her father and compete in the running of the bulls.  She has the speed, tenacity and will, but given she's a cow, it's forbidden for her to compete.  Per tradition, only the bulls have the honor of representing their family and running in the race.  Alicía's father, Don Cortés tries to get her to "embrace her fate" by marrying her off to Don Juliaín, but Alicía can't bear the thought of being forced into marriage, so she runs away.   

Diego Del Toro is a bull who is being forced to run in Pamplona, when his dream is to perform in an American rodeo.  Despite his family wanting him to compete, his heart is just not in the race so Diego also runs away.  Along the way, Diego witnesses Don Juliaín attacking Alicía for running away from him, and Diego helps her to escape.  As the two begin to talk about their dreams,  Alicía begins to see an opportunity to replace Diego in the race by disguising herself as a bull.  Diego is free to find a rodeo to perform in and she can go on to Pamplona to live out her dream.  Yet unbeknownst to Alicía there is still something she doesn't know about the race, a secret her father never mentioned about the race, and by planning to run with the bulls she is putting herself in grave danger.

I think at one time or another everyone has heard of Pamplona's Running of the Bulls, or maybe even seen images of the bulls chasing down spectators and participants during the race.  It's a rite of passage, or perhaps a personal challenge, but I don't think there are many that have seen it from Avner's perspective, or from the perspective of a Vaca or cow.  This certainly was an interesting way to present the theme of overcoming obstacles, striving for your dreams, and gender equality.  

 Alicía is feisty, strong willed and determined to break away from her father and the festival's tradition.  Early on we see her skills as she races her brothers across the farm, she's faster and very capable.  When her father forbids her from competing, she's upset with how he infers she's not able to do what they do and instead should embrace breeding strong sons and learn to obey her soon to be husband.  Alicía is an empowering character who never backs down, even when she's bruised and battered by Don Juliaín.  I quite liked Diego as well.  Especially when he makes the distinction between "what you are" and "who you are." Which you'll have to read the book to understand for yourself.    Overall Toro was a highly entertaining read and I especially enjoyed learning more about the Spanish tradition of running of the bulls and containing both the Spanish and English translations for the various words used added to my overall enjoyment of the story.  From the reviews I've read the audiobook is also very well done.  TORO  has been nominated for a Cybils Award in the Elementary/Middle Grade Speculative Fiction category, for which I am a second round judge, and is being considered for the Odyssey Award, Newbery Medal, and National Book Award.  ** Thank you to the author and Herrea Agency for my review copy. ** 

MG Historical Ficiton review of Malcolm and Me: A Novel by Robin Farmer

Malcolm and Me: A Novel by Robin Farmer 

Format:  E-ARC 

Publisher: SparkPress 

Number of Pages: 240 

Publishing:  November 17th, 2020 

Source: Publisher via Negalley 

Opening Lines:  "The penguin is in a wicked mood today, Geoffrey whispers, as he passes my desk in eighth grade history class on the way to the pencil sharpener." 

Malcom and Me takes place in 1973 in Philadelphia, some time after the Watergate Scandal broke.   Roberta Forest attends a private Catholic school and is excited about her upcoming thirteenth birthday, as well as a writing contest that she can't wait to enter.  Roberta generally enjoys school, but dislikes that she is only one of a few black girls who attend.    In school they've been learning about the Declaration of Independence and Thomas Jefferson.  During one of their group discussions, Roberta refers to the former president as a hypocrite for saying that "all men are created equal" while at the same time owning slaves.  Her comment doesn't sit well with Sister Elizabeth who responds by using a racist insult and then proceeds to slap Roberta.  When Roberta tries to defend herself, she is kicked out of class and sent to Mother Superior.  Following their disagreement, Sister Elizabeth takes ill and Roberta's faith in God is shaken.  Angry, hurt and feeling a little guilty about what transpired, Roberta turns to the words of Malcolm X and starts reading his autobiography.  She also writes poetry to help her cope with her feelings.  While at home, her relationship with her mother becomes further strained, and her parents begin to argue making an already difficult situation that much worse.  After her suspension from school is over, Roberta learns that she is no longer eligible to compete in the school's writing contest.  Devastated by the news, Roberta once again feels hurt that she seems to be the center of everything going wrong in her life.

Malcolm and Me is based off of an experience the author had in the sixth grade.  It's an impactful story that discusses issues of racism, religion and parental separation.  At first glance, the cover makes this look as if it's a YA book, but it's really geared toward middle grade, those kids who are interested in more meaty topics with engaging characters.  Roberta is a talented, strong minded girl, who's very proud of being black.  Sister Elizabeth see's her as being defiant, willful or rebellious, someone in need of discipline.  Even Roberta's mother calls her mouthy and they both try to punish her, hoping it will bring her under control.  I really liked Roberta, the way she stands up for what she believes in.   She is instrumental in getting the school to reevaluate some of their practices.  The events that transpire are seen through Roberta's perspective, providing a glimpse of what it is like to be a teenage girl of color during the time period of hot pants, ten speed bikes, Mission Impossible and Kool-Aid.  I really felt sorry for Roberta as she began to question her faith in God, wondering whether the Catholic school was the right place for her.  Her sadness over her parents arguing was also palpable.  I'd pair Malcolm and Me with Blended by Sharon Draper or maybe The Only Black Girls in Town by Brandy Colbert.  A lovely #ownvoices story that draws inspiration from the authors own lived experience.    

MG Contemporary Review of On A Good Horse by Darby Karchut

On A Good Horse by Darby Karchut

Format:  E-ARC

Publisher:  Owl Hollow Press

Number of pages:  246

Publishing:  November 10th, 2020

Source: Publisher via Netgalley

Opening Lines:  "The sorrel horse eyed the man.  Not foe, but not friend.  Nope.  Not even a little.  Well not yet, anyway." 

After Alex Nash's mom suddenly dies, his father flies him out to Colorado to live with him for the summer.  Initially it's only meant to be a temporary solution, or at least until custody can be determined.  Alex is very apprehensive at first.  Wondering why he can't just stay in New York with his Aunt and Uncle?  They clearly prefer that he live with them.  Alex hardly even knows his father,  Rob Nash,  he's just the man that he shares DNA with.  All this is happening while Alex is still trying to process his mom's death and dealing with his own grief.  He's even questioning whether living with his dad was something his mom would have ever wanted.  Then Alex's dad surprises with a very special gift, his very own horse named  Rio.  Rio is meant as a peace offering between the two, but maybe it can turn into just the something that they both needed.  

On A Good Horse is told in the dual perspective of Alex mixed in with chapters that feature the internal dialogue of Rio.  Rio is sympathetic to Alex's grief and always expresses a desire in wanting to help him overcome his sadness.  Rio's also the first to recognize that Alex and his father need to mend their relationship.  He's sort of a link between the two where they can share information and Alex can become more "horse savvy."  For Rio he just wants to ride fast across the open range and share that feeling with Alex.   Karchut wonderfully captures that feeling of what riding a horse feels like for the very first time.  The nervousness, anticipation and slight fear.  For Alex it's developing a trust between the two.    As Alex begins to take over more and more of the daily chores and care of Rio, he starts to learn more about his father, what his job entails,  why his parents split apart and just what kind of man his father is.  The relationship between Alex and his father and even Rio and Alex grows slowly.  At first there are those awkward pauses and silences, even misunderstandings between father and son, and then you start to see these beautiful moments where they begin to connect with one another on a more personal level.  This is such a beautiful story, about family and the things that connect us, I just adored the relationship that developed between Alex and his dad.  Especially the moments when Alex's dad was teaching him how to shoe a horse, talking him through the steps, teaching him how to do one and then allowing him to take over and do one of his own.  On A Good Horse will appeal to readers who love reading books about horses, and is perfect for someone who enjoys the complexity of familial relationships and stories about repairing the relationship between a father and son. 

**A huge thank you to Owl Hollow Press and NetGalley for the E-ARC **

Hollowpox: The Hunt for Morrigan Crow (Nevermoor #3) by Jessica Townsend

Hollowpox: The Hunt for Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend

Format:  E-ARC

Publisher:  Little Brown Books for Young Readers

Series:  Nevermoor #3

Number of Pages:  560

Publishing:  October 27th, 2020

Source:  Edelweiss Plus

Opening Line: "On a glossy black door inside a well-lit wardrobe, a tiny circle of gold pulsed with light and at its center was a small glowing W."

Hollowpox is the third book in the Nevermoor trilogy, I highly recommend starting with the first book in the series, The Trials of Morrigan Crow.  In book two, we saw Morrigan and her friends finally being inducted into the elite Wundrous Society after having successfully completed a series of trials and proving their loyalty to Unit 919.  Although certain revelations also led some of the scholars in the society to begin to despise and fear Morrigan.  

It's the start of Unit 919's second year and they're ready to take on more responsibility.  However, just as Morrigan begins to learn more about the Wretched Arts and how to hone her skills to become an accomplished Wundersmith, a strange illness begins to target Wunimals.  Where the Wunimals were once peaceful, self-aware animals with human like characteristics, the illness reverts them to a Unnimal state, causing them to behave in a bizarre, violent fashion, attacking with a ferocity meant to kill.  As the attacks begin to  increase in frequency and the number of infected rise, fear begins to take hold,  pitting Wunimals against the high council and the citizens of Nevermore.  When someone close to Morrigan is infected, it brings a new urgency to locating a cure.   Morrigan is even willing to make a deal with her worst enemy if it means she can save her friend.

Diving back into the world of Nevermore was a bit of a slow start for me.  This was purely a me thing,  too much time having passed between reading Wundersmith: The Calling of Morrigan Crow and Hollowpox.  I started to get confused by all the names and it took me a little while to get into the swing of things.  But then the various attacks in the story began to happen and with it came the realization that a pandemic or outbreak type situation was happening.  I will totally admit I was surprised by the parallels I was feeling between the story's plot and the current pandemic.  I kept wondering whether Townsend planned to include these things or was it just coincidental?  The way she captured the fear, speculation and rumors surrounding the unknown.  How there were theories circulating about what caused the infections, the need to quarantine, and how physicians were franticly searching for a cure.  Even the connections she made to the current political climate, how there were two competing governments, the free state and republic that were unable to work together for a common goal, and instead questing for power over each other.   And although things were strikingly similar to our current pandemic and political environment, somehow it didn't get in the way of my enjoyment of the story.  I think everyone, including the Wunimals are waiting for a day where we can return to some form of normalcy.

Morrigan is defiantly the star of this story, although Hotel Deucalion and Fenestra are a strong second.  Who couldn't love a "living building" that adjusts to your mood, changing the interior design every day based on the guests and the hotels desires?  And a Magnificat that is part body guard and one hundred percent feisty.  Even riding on the Wunderground train system and having a cool knack like inferno?  And then there's Morrigan's training in the Wretched Arts picking up new skills and gaining confidence in her abilities.  I totally enjoyed my return to Nevermore,  the story is exciting, suspenseful and that ending has me screaming for the next book in the series. If each book was a little shorter,  I'd defiantly be re-reading Hollowpox before the next one comes out and even still I might make the time for that re-read.  

A few Elem/Middle Grade Speculative Fiction suggestions for the Cybils Awards

There's one week until nominations for the Cybils close and so many wonderful books out there that have yet to be nominated.  I really hope you'll consider nominating your favorites in children and YA!!   We're looking for books published in the U.S. or Canada between October 16, 2019, to October 15th, 2020 (one book nomination per Category per person).  Nominations will only stay open until October 15th, so don't delay.  Publishers and authors will begin their nominations on October 16th.        

 There are lots of different categories to choose from and you can get more information here about each category.  Plus a list of what books have been nominated thus far.   

   

This year I'm a round two judge for elementary/mg speculative fiction category!  Here's the category description    

With that in mind, might I make a few suggestions of books that haven't been nominated yet.  Some I've read and others I would like to read, or better yet, nominate your favorite!  For more suggetions and ideas for yet unnominated books check out Charlotte Library's   and A Library Mama's list

                      

                     

                     

MG review of The Daring of Della Dupree by Natasha Lowe

The Daring of Della Dupree by Natasha Lowe

Format:  Hardcover

Series: Book four of the Poppy Pendle series 

Publisher:  Simon and Schuster

Number of pages:  272

Published:  July 21st, 2020

Source: Author in exchange for an honest review

Opening Lines:  "Della Dupree, Pay attention, Miss Barlow snapped.  This is the history of magic class, and you've been staring inside your pocket for the last forty-five minutes." 

Della Dupree had always disliked her name, why did her parents have to name her after the most famous witch and founder of the prestigious Ruthersfield Academy school for witchcraft?  It's a name that despite her best attempt's she's been struggling to live up to.  Then one day, while Della is working on a school project, she discovers a reference to The Book of Spells, an important book that is said to contain the personal conversations of Witch Dupree and hold valuable information about the founder of the Academy.  Unable to contain her excitement, Della races off to the library, hoping to find any details she can use for her presentation.  However, the book of spells only confirms that little is known about Ruthersfield's founders life.  Not easily dissuaded, Della then borrows an amulet from the fortune telling lab, using it to travel back in time to 1223, hoping that speaking with Witch Dupree in person will give her all the information she needs.  Unfortunately, upon her arrival in Potts Bottom,  Della's amulet is stolen and now she risks being stuck in the year 1223.

The Daring of Della Dupree is the fourth book of the Poppy Pendle series, which can be read as a stand alone.  Other titles in the series include The Power of Poppy Pendle, The Courage of Cat Campbell, and The Marvelous Magic of Miss Mable.  The books have been described as "Matilda meets The Penderwicks."  From what I can tell from the books summaries, The Poppy Pendle series seems to carry the important messages of friendship, bravery, compassion and believing in oneself.  All empowering ideals. 

The story begins with Della in present day at Ruthersfield Academy preparing for an upcoming school project where she's supposed to present on what it was like for Witch Della living in the Middle Ages.  Della Dupree is a sort of timid and insecure young witch.  She hasn't developed confidence in her magical abilities and feels like she'll never compare to Witch Dupree.  She's also a bystander while one of her classmates, Katrin is being bullied by Melanie, a notoriously mean witch.  Despite liking Katrin, and empathizing with how she must feel being teased on a daily basis, Della lacks the strength to stand up to Melanie.  

Then Della makes the decision to travel back in time to talk with her namesake, and lands in Potts Bottom during a time where witches were feared, even persecuted for having magic.  A stark contrast with how things are during present day.   Della also meets Mary, a young untrained witch.  Mary and several of the young girls from Potts Bottom are deathly afraid of their family finding out about their magic.  Being untrained, their magic is wonky, out of control and becoming harder and harder for them to conceal.  Della provides some much needed strategies to keep their magic under control so they wont be carted off to Scrubs Prison.  

Della is a very kind hearted girl, who loves animals, often taking them under her wing and nursing them back to health.  She's disturbed by the girls of Potts Bottom's plight and is the one who ultimately changes the villagers mind about witches not being bad or evil.   The story was an interesting look at the historical perceptions of witches in the middle ages from the vantage point of a young witch from present day.  I absolutely loved the ending with how Della was able to find her voice and ultimately challenges Melanie.   Included at the end of the book are recipes for Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins and Pottage, with instructions for making a Pomander Ball.  With Halloween quickly approaching, give this to someone who enjoys stories with witches, empowering messaging or a unique historical perspective of witches from the middle ages.  

**A huge thank you to Natasha Lowe for my review copy. I'm looking forward to baking those Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins soon!!**

MG review of Midnight at the Barclay Hotel by Fleur Bradley

Midnight at the Barclay Hotel by Fleur Bradley 

Format:  Hardcover

Publisher:  Viking Books for Young Readers

Number of pages:  320

Published:  August 25th, 2020

Source:  Author in exchange for an honest review

Opening Lines:  "The invitations went out on Tuesday afternoon, because statistically speaking, that's the best time to offer someone a weekend getaway."

 

Five invitations went out by courier from the renowned Barclay Hotel inviting each of its guests for a special weekend getaway.  The first invitation went to Jackie Jacobson, CEO of the PB&JJ restaurant chain, next was rancher Cowboy Buck, children's librarian Ms. Chelsea Griffin, retired detective Frank Walker and finally Fiona Fleming, an actress and part-time psychic.  One of the guests, Emma lives at the hotel and was excited to learn that there will be two "stragglers," or kids who will be coming, JJ and Penny,  Mrs. Jacobson's son and Mr. Walker's granddaughter, who were hoping to explore the legendary Barclay Hotel.  JJ envisioned a weekend of practicing his ghost hunting skills, and what better place then a hotel that is rumored to be haunted?  Penny wanted to spend the time perusing the library, as she loved to read and Emma was just happy to have some company for a change.   However, once all the guests arrive the butler informs them that they were invited to the hotel because four of them had past dealings with the owner, Mr. Barclay and one of them murdererd him.  Mr. Walker was only invited to help investigate the suspects, hoping that he could figure out who the killer was.  Rather than a getaway weekend, the guests have stumbled into a murder mystery.  

I immensely enjoyed reading Midnight at the Barclay Hotel not only does it have this atmospheric location that is based off the historic Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado, it also had an interesting murder mystery to solve by piecing together the clues to find out who had the motive and opportunity to kill Mr. Barclay.  Which is not as easy as it may seem because everyone was harboring a secret, even Penny, JJ and Emma.  As the story progresses and the guests begin to interview each other, it's determined that four of the suspects defiantly had a reason to be angry with Mr. Barclay, but was it enough to kill him?  Then additional clues come to light, pointing toward the chef and the butler, Mr. Clark as suspects complicating things further. When the guests get stranded at the Hotel because of a snow storm, the killer among them begins to get nervous that they'll get caught and tries to hide their identity.   I really loved how Bradley preserved some of the original rumors of hauntings at the Stanley Hotel, the flickering of lights, voices of children and the hedge maze.  I especially enjoyed Peggy, JJ and Emma, our amateur sleuths and ghost hunters.  JJ for his passion of ghost hunting,  with his voice recorder, EMF detector and infrared camera and Penny for her love of books.  I so loved the location of the Barclay Hotel which sounds like such a fun place to explore, with its swimming pool, hot tub, bowling alley, carousel and even a Cupcake Shoppe!  Such a fun read, reminiscent of something like Greenglass House by Kate Milford or Winterhouse by Ben Guterson, with some Agatha Christie and the board game Clue vibes.  Perfect kind of story if you enjoy old hotels, murder mysteries, ghosts and hauntings, and a story with a some pleasant twits and turns, and a little suspense but nothing too frightening.  A huge thank you to Fleur Bradley for my review copy.