Take It From the Top by Claire Swinarski

 Take It From the Top by Claire Swinarski
Publisher:  Quill Tree Books/Harper Collins
Format:  E-ARC
Number of pages:   256 pages
Publishing:   November 19th, 2024
Source:  SparkPoint Studio via Netgalley 

Opening Lines: "When I was five years old, I got lost in the historic Leighton Theater."

This will be Eowyn and Jules sixth summer at Lamplighter Lake Summer Camp for the Arts.  Eowyn can't wait to reach her cabin, reunite with Jules, and dive into eight weeks of musical theater, dance, vocal training and acting.  Escaping the shadow of her older brother, an accomplished Broadway actor and singer, will also be a welcome change.  At camp, the busyness helps to ease the pain of her mother's death, yet Eowyn finds herself grappling with an unexpected performance anxiety. Receiving only a spotty few texts from Jules since last summer has not made the situation any easier.  But when the two girls get to camp, their reunion is awkward and feels off.  Why is Jules being super friendly with everyone else, and standoffish with her?  She will barely even look at Eowyn and she can't figure out why.    

Take It From the Top spans across six summers at camp, told through flashbacks from present day— their sixth year— to previous summers spent together.  At one time the girls shared a really strong bond, they even dreamed of performing Wicked on Broadway together one day.  The flashbacks reveal how their friendship evolved and how the current rift developed between them.  How Jules' experiences during the times between camp were very different than Eowyn's.  Jules family is struggling financially and getting the money for camp has been a huge strain.

Meanwhile Eowyn comes from a place of privilege, her dad is a doctor, her brother is a famous actor, and she's able to take private lessons.  What is missed in this equation is that both girls think that the others life is so much better than their own.  Eowyn is envious of Jules' extended family, how her parents are always present at her shows.  Just once she would like her dad to make an effort to come.  She feels quite alone and misses her mom.

Jules is upset because she was told by one of the instructors that she'll have to work twice as hard as Eowyn to prove herself because things will just be handed to Eowyn.  She resents having to work so hard to find ways around her family's money problems to get her headshots, to have proper name brand clothing and to improve her singing without lessons.  I felt like Eowyn seemed to be trying harder to reach out to Jules and make amends.  It was difficult because she's also slightly clueless to her privilege which is worsened when she lets the source of Jules' scholarship slip.   

The story made for a really good summertime read; it had the whole summer camp vibe going for it, minus all the pranks that are usually associated with being at camp.    It's perfect for fans of the theater, musicals or acting with lots of references to Wicked.  Which is especially timely given that the movie will be coming out soon.  

There are demanding teachers and kids doing something that they feel passionate about.  I think kids will relate to the feeling of wanting to be successful, receive praise and recognition.  Both Eowyn and Jules were searching for a moment in the limelight and a chance for that opening role.  While also balancing their hurt feelings and trying to not let it overwhelm all their senses.  Their friendship was complex and yes messy but eventually they learned how to let go of the hurt and began to see the good moments that they previously shared.  Overall, a really fun story with lots of theater kid appeal.       

** A huge thank you to SparkPoint Studio for the E- ARC in exchange for an honest review**  

 I hope you'll check out all the other Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday posts at Greg Pattridge's blog HERE   

Haru: Book 2: Summer by Joe Latham

 

Haru: Book 2: Summer by Joe Latham
Publisher:  Andrews McMeel Publishing
Format:  E-ARC
Number of pages:   227 pages
Publishing:   October 22nd, 2024
Source:  NetGalley

Opening Line: "When the choking dust spread, the humans that could afford to left."

Haru is a beautifully illustrated graphic novel, intended as a coming-of-age story showcasing the four seasons. The series began with the Spring volume and has now been followed by Summer.  Each book should be read in order.    

The first couple of pages of the book are black and white or a blue tinged with a white feature of billowing clouds.  A rocket ship is seen taking off and the message alludes to centuries of life slowly coming back, via sprouts returning with color. Meanwhile something sinister is seen lurking, waiting for its strength to build. The story then jumps ahead to a midnight blue or night scene of a ghost bird in search of Haru.  Haru and Yama are seen leaving the mall from the previous book as they continue their quest toward the Beacon, following the clues of the Oracle.  Frei (a small fly) is trying to get Herb to help locate Goose who is in danger, while in an all-red cave a skeleton-ish creature has captured Haru's brother.       

The colors of each page vary dependent on where each of the characters are. They are often bright and vibrant shades.  Although this is titled Summer, it would work for a Halloween read because of the darker, more menacing tones of this book.  There are eerie pages dripping in red and the Blight's new hunter is well, menacing.  Summer to me was meant to highlight the sibling bird's relationship, familial bonds, their caring, love and sacrifice for one another.  The plot moves along with the introduction of new characters and the shifting in action between Yama running off, Haru at the ancients and Goose being captured.  The curse item Yama is stuck with gives off some Harry Potter (HP) vibes in that it seems to be changing them and not for the better.  Like in HP they have to trade off wearing it.  Herb begins using self-depreciating statements and his words bleed off him withering the plants and killing all that they touch.  And he begins to grow, or as the sadder he gets, the taller he seems to become.  It's like all light is being absorbed and "negativity is being spread."  

The artwork conveys a lot of darker versus lighter shades and there is a lot still to be explored in the story.  The ending felt a little rushed to me (the new addition of the mice and ancients needed a little more explanation) and what was with that cliffhanger?  I'm also a little confused because the third book appears to only be 52 pages, and I can't fathom how that will bring things together more clearly.  Summer will appeal to readers that have already read the graphic novel, Spring, enjoy the artists illustrations, and like me, want to continue with the series.  I will probably need to start from the beginning again before the third book releases, but it's well worth it for the illustrations alone.    

Unsinkable Cayenne by Jessica Vitalis

Unsinkable Cayenne by Jessica Vitalis
Publisher:  Greenwillow Books
Format:   E- ARC
Number of pages:  304
Source:  NetGalley via Publisher
Publishing:  October 29th, 2024

Opening Line:  "I don't know what the owners have against trees, but I wish they'd plant a few between their squished sites."

Cayenne, along with the twins Bear and Sossity, and their parents, lived in a 1969 van traveling from one place to another until their father found a job working at a Sawmill in Montana.  Her dad is a Vietnam vet on disability and their mom is a free spirit, carefree, adventurous and doesn't want to be tied down.   It's the first time that they will have a place with a roof over their heads that isn't moving, and room for their new dog, George to roam.

Seventh grade presents many challenges for Cayenne, yet she's thrilled by the prospect of making new friends and finally fitting in. However, this proves difficult as the house they rent is run down, and her hippie parents constantly embarrass her by keeping chickens in the front yard and sending her to school with vegan lunches.

Soon, she meets Dawn, a bookish outcast, and Tiff, who appears to be popular.  Cayenne takes up playing the flute and develops an interest in a cute boy named Beau, she just wishes that she had the courage to talk to him.  In social studies they're studying about the sinking of the Titanic and the new wreckage that was recently discovered. 

Will Cayenne fulfill her dreams to fit in with the popular crowd?  And are the rumors that Beau might actually like her back true?  Is living in this town everything that she thought it would be or does she want to return to a time when she didn't have to worry about fitting in so much?

Unsinkable Cayenne is a beautiful novel written in verse that explores wealth inequality, first crushes, the challenges of making new friends, fitting in, and family.  Other books by Jessica Vitalis that I've read and enjoyed include The Wolf's Curse, Coyote-Queen, and The Rabbit's Gift. 

Having this set in 1985 brought back so many memories, it had all the vibes of this time period with references to the clothing, perms, pooling together your change to buy a new pair of shoes, and even secretly piercing your own ears.  The crush on Beau was really sweet and I loved that Cayenne finally found a supportive circle of friends.  The classroom discussions about the Titanic were interesting and really highlighted the stark differences in class systems or how where the passengers stayed on the ship correlated to differences in the number of fatalities that were reported.  Cayenne's story will resonate with kids whose families are struggling financially and those kids who want to fit in at school.  Readers will appreciate that the author utilized her own life experiences when writing the book and I sincerely hope for more books about Cayenne, as her story deeply moved me.

*A huge thank you to Jessica Vitalis and her publisher for the E-ARC of Unsinkable Cayenne, in exchange for an honest review. *  

 I hope you'll check out all the other Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday posts at Greg Pattridge's blog HERE   

The Shape of Lost Things by Sarah Everett

The Shape of Lost Things by Sarah Everett
Publisher:  Harper Collins
Format:  E-ARC 
Number of pages:   272 pages
Publishing:   October 22nd, 2024
Source:  Spark Point via NetGalley 

Opening Lines:  I think it's safe to say I hate September."  

Four years ago, Skye Nickson's father kidnapped her brother, Finn and they disappeared.  Every September, their mom throws a MIA birthday party for him, and she's reminded of how much they miss him and just how difficult his absence has been on their mom.  Finn has always been her favorite person.  Usually, Skye could rely on her best friends, Reece and Jax to cheer her up, but recently, Reece has been acting differently.  Mom's new boyfriend, Roger helps to fill in some of mom's loneliness and their cat, Catastrophe has been a nice addition too.  Roger even asked Skye for her permission to marry her mom.     

When news arrives that Finn has been found, everyone is elated, but this new Finn is nothing like he was before.  He's grown taller, is secretive and he doesn't appear to remember any of the special moments they spent together growing up.  He's forgotten the family game of "Did you Know" and all the inside jokes they used to share.  And what is it with his late-night phone calls and losing things?  Skye tries to recapture the Finn of four years ago, but time didn't stand still.  Finn has had his own series of events that has shaped him into who he is now and yet Skye can't understand why he isn't happy to be home with them.

Skye loves to take photographs with an old Polaroid camera, she feels that they capture the things we can't see in the moment.  And she hopes that by taking pictures of Finn she'll be able to understand him better, but all it does is make her even more suspicious that this Finn can't really be her brother.  He doesn't even have the same scar that he had as a kid.  She knows that Finn has been in contact with their father, and that he's been lying about it and because she can't trust this new Finn, she even tries to get the police to investigate.   When Finn fails to come home one night, everyone begins to suspect foul play.  Recalling Finn's phone, Skye manages to contact their dad, and she begins to piece together some of what Finn was going through while he was with their dad.  Skye is instrumental in finding Finn and the whole family begins to receive therapy. 

Change is a huge theme throughout The Shape of Lost Things.  I especially liked the emphasis that "change doesn't have to be a bad thing.  It can just be a fact.  Like day and night, or the fact that some people are cat people, and some people are not."  Friends may change, Skye's brother changed, everyone around them may be changing and sometimes even our memory about events can change, but some changes are natural, and we need to adapt with them.  Keeping dialog open.  

Overall, the story is a little sad but does manage to resolve on a happier note.  Skye and her brother learn they had similar feelings of abandonment.  Skye feeling that she wasn't "special enough" for her dad to even take her with them.  While Finn struggled over his feelings about how no one found him and that it wasn't a choice for him to go.  Despite the tight bond they shared being disrupted by their dad's apparent mental health issues, and processing the kidnapping differently, it was nice to finally have them see both sides of the story and to have glimpses of the old Finn emerge.  This quick read may delve into some emotionally complex topics like a parent's mental illness and a sibling's abduction and return, but it also includes topics like a first crush, evolving friendships, and a parent's remarriage that kids can easily identify with.  I hope you'll have an opportunity to read it and would look forward to reading your thoughts.  Feel free to leave me a comment. 

** A huge thank you to the Spark Point for the E-ARC in exchange for an honest review**  

Check out all the other Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday posts at Greg Pattridge's blog HERE           

Diet Soda Club by Chaz Hayden

Diet Soda Club by Chaz Hayden
Publisher:  Candlewick Press
Format:  Paperback-ARC
Number of pages:   320 pages
Publishing:   October 8th, 2024
Source:  Publisher 

Opening Lines:  "Most kids probably wake up to the sound of an alarm clock or the smell of breakfast cooking."  

Reed Beckett is the primary caregiver for his ten-year-old sister, Beatrice, who was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) at a young age.  Bea has been in and out of the hospital with recurrent pneumonias and Reed has always been by her side.  Their father died after a car accident, and their mom has been overwhelmed working double shifts at a bar.  Reed and Bea share a very special bond, his utmost priority is ensuring Bea is never left alone, even if it means sacrificing his schoolwork.

After Bea's latest stint in the hospital, they learn that as soon as she has recovered from her lung infection, she will need surgery to correct the scoliosis in her spine.  Struggling to process the news, their mom starts spending more and more time with her new boyfriend, Seth.  She even goes so far as to announce that she's spending the weekend away with Seth, leaving Reed responsible for all his sister's medications, breathing treatments, and daily care. When the weekend is over and their mother is still a no show, Reed begins to realize that she's left them to fend for themselves.

Reed takes up more of the slack from their mom's absence and begins to worry as there food and money is beginning to dwindle.  Also, there's the pending surgery for his sister which requires a five-thousand-dollar downpayment, an amount that seems unattainable.  When their mother still hasn't returned, Reed and Bea develop a system so that he can go back to school.  Reed gets up early to take care of her morning routine, during school, Bea will have access to his laptop so that he can call her, and Reed will skip lunch and head home to give Bea a bathroom break.  To raise money, Reed begins making and selling fake I.D.'s.  At first, he makes one to two but as news spreads, he begins to make more because they desperately need the cash in order to pay for their rent and to buy food.  To keep his side business a secret, he enlists the help of Helena, a previous friend who he had a falling out with in the past.  She has access to all the equipment that he needs and hopefully she'll help cover up his illegal activity.  At first it appears that Reed has found a solution to their money problems but keeping up the secrecy of their mom being absent possess to be a huge challenge.

I first heard about Diet Soda Club back in March when Candlewick Press had their Fall Fiction Preview.  The title and cover really piqued my interest and I wanted to know more.  Then the author, Chaz Hayden spoke during the event and provided a synopsis of his book.  He discussed having Spinal Muscular Atrophy and how he had always explored the idea about writing a book that included the caregiver's experience, expressing that he was hopeful that others will better understand SMA.  It was such a compelling plot, so I jumped at the chance for an ARC.

Beatrice is such an incredibly bright ten-year-old girl.  She never really gets down about spending too much time in and out of the hospital.  Sure, she has moments where she gets frustrated by a breathing treatment or scolds her older brother for spending all his time with her, but Bea is a fairly upbeat kid.  She's a whiz with computers (a mini hacker Reed would say) and better than even him at his math homework.  Reed is the worrier who takes everything on his shoulders.  He cares deeply for his sister and there really isn't anything that he wouldn't do for her.  They're both put into a difficult situation by their mom's negligence, yet somehow, they make the best of it.  Overall, this is the kind of story that will stick with you with characters that you won't be able to forget.  It's well written, providing positive representation of disability, and written by an author from their own personal experience.  Can't wait to check out Chaz's previous book, The First Thing About You next.        

   ** A huge thank you to the Candlewick Press for the paperback ARC in exchange for an honest review**         

Thea and the Mischief Makers by Tracy Badua

Thea and the Mischief Makers by Tracy Badua
Publisher:  Harper Collins
Format:  E-ARC
Number of pages:   240 pages
Publishing:   October 15th, 2024
Source:  Books Forward

Opening Lines:  "Two kids and five feet stand between me and utter social failure."

Thea is in her second week at the Junior Stunt Warrior Summer Camp, following her transfer to the private Pacific Academy middle school.  Her new friends, Brooklyn and Rex convinced her to join, and she wants to make a good impression on them.  Thea is disappointed to find out that her former friend, Evan has also joined.  At Pacific, she feels popular and noticed because of her wins in Brazilian Jui-jitsu.  But Evan is so clumsy and falls as soon as he makes his first jump in class, so Thea tries to keep her distance from him, so he won't embarrass her.  Class has been difficult enough because of her fear of heights and she really wants to keep that a secret so Rex and Brooklyn will still hang out with her.  Then Thea's mom drops some bad news, without even consulting her, she's invited Evan to come over to their house every day after practices.  How will she be able to distance herself from him now?

Making the most of her mom's decision, Thea decides that they should make an obstacle course in the backyard.  Although Evan is not super excited with the idea, he'd much rather hang out relaxing, he finally helps her with construction.  Thea's father cautions them about being careful around the calamansi tree in the backyard, according to her grandfather it's rumored to house duwendes, goblins from Filipino folklore, tricksters seen as protectors of the tree.  Thea scoffs saying that it's just an old superstition and cuts off a branch from the tree.  That night, two duwendes appear in Thea's bedroom wreaking havoc with her bookcase, smashing her trophies.  She awakes to shattered glass and is told by the two duwendes, siblings Dante and Dora that she ruined their home so they will ruin hers.  Thea attempts to apologize, but the siblings in no uncertain terms tell her that her apology lacks sincerity.  They give her one week to provide an apology that includes "words, an offering and heart."  Whatever that means, Thea wonders?  

Thea tries to come up with a solution that will satisfy the duwendes, but each attempt seems to anger Dante more.  They begin to exact revenge on Thea's neighbors, escalating to include the town.  While Dora is amendable to the idea of forgiving Thea, especially when she introduces her to mac and cheese, Dante can't be bribed by food.  When Dora reveals that locating Dante's solokot (a hat) will appease her brother, Thea sets out to find it for him.  

From the author of The Cookie Crumbles comes her latest book, Thea and the Mischief Makers, a story filled with hijinks, mischief, and Filipino folklore.  I adored how the emphasis of the story was on being genuine and that to truly apologize means more than just saying the words, that the person that you're apologizing to has to feel it.  Thea makes numerous mistakes in her interactions with Dante and Dora, the biggest when she taunts them by saying that there isn't anything worse that they can do to her than what they've already done to her room.  It takes her quite a while to figure out how she will make amends and understanding why a true apology is so important.  I liked how the more Thea and Evan began to hang out together, laughing and joking around, Thea begins to see remnants of their past friendship and even questioned what things she had to give up in order to be liked.  Was excluding Evan and making him feel unwelcome the kind of person she wanted to be?  

Sweet Evan, I loved his attitude, he's not fazed by how other people feel about him.  His concern was what Thea thought of him, and he's perfectly fine with not being considered cool.  Geeky and clumsy are ok too.  Overall, this was a fast read and I really enjoyed the messaging.  This reads a little on the younger side because of the goblins but a lot of the friend dynamics and concerns about one's image and being popular track more middle grade.  Still a very nice mix of fantasy, martial arts and adventure.     ** A huge thank you to Books Forward for the E-ARC in exchange for an honest review**  

I hope you'll check out all the other Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday posts at Greg Pattridge's blog HERE    

It's Marvelous Middle Grade Monday with a review of Answers to Dog by Pete Hautman

Answers to Dog by Pete Hautman
Publisher:  Candlewick Press
Format:  Paperback-ARC
Number of pages:   240 pages
Publishing:   October 1st, 2024
Source:  Publisher 

Opening Lines: "The white dog showed up on a chilly autumn morning, just as Evan Dunn was leaving for school."

Previous books that I've read, reviewed and enjoyed by Pete Hautman include Slider and Otherworld.  (With links to my reviews).

Evan's dad, once a lawyer, now spends his time crafting dragon models in the back garage and prefers Evan to call him Sam. His mom, primarily a homemaker, sticks to a routine of preparing the same weekly meals, seldom venturing out except for her Quaker meetings and an occasional doctor appointment. At school, Evan tries to stay under the radar to avoid the school bully, Adam.  He sits at the back of the bus, keeps his head down in class and spends what free time he has with his friends, Calder and Kellan.

Everything changes when a white border collie, with one black ear and fur matted with thick layers of burrs, shows up at Evan's doorstep. Initially, he can't be bothered by the dog, he knows his parents would never let him keep him anyway.  However, the dog keeps showing up when Evan is running, and he can't seem to stop himself from thinking about him, making Evan miss its presence.  

Evan's curiosity eventually drives him to track down the dog to the Happy Dog, a puppy mill on the outskirts of town.  There Evan is horrified to witness how the owner has been neglecting the animals by failing to provide sufficient food and water, even going so far as to abuse them. Evan makes a desperate plea to save the dog that sought him out, but is met by the owner, Peter Grey's demand for $5,000, otherwise he won't give him up.  Money which Evan knows he doesn't have. 

While riding on the bus to school after his encounter with Mr. Grey, Evan begins discussing the dog with his friends and is overheard by Hana.  She seems to know a lot about animals and gives Evan some valuable tips about caring for dogs.  Then the dog mysteriously shows up again at Evan's house, leading him like Lassie back to Happy Dog, where Evan finds Mr. Grey lying on the ground unconscious with his leg badly injured.  Evan manages to call 911 and noticing the animals still haven't been taken care of he cleans their cages and makes sure they're fed.  

Evan is a conscientious kid; he tries to enlist a veterinarian to check on the animals, asks for more advice from Hana and confides in Sam about Mr. Grey being in the hospital.  Eventually, Mr. Grey's wife, Deni arrives and hires Evan and Hana to take care of the animals while her husband recuperates.  Evan's life then begins to take some dramatic changes, because of his relationship with the dog he even finds a passion for running at school.  The story shows how animals have a way of bringing people together.      

Answers to Dog alternates between the perspectives of Evan and the dog, who's name we learn later in the story.   I found that the opening pages from the dogs POV really immersed me into the life of a stray.  Complete with all the sights and sounds, like the blaring trucks and that lone bag of fries that was meant to satisfy dogs' hunger.  It also captures the surge of fear when the man in the white van appears, triggering the dogs' instinct to flee.  The difficulties of being unsheltered and the challenges of living in the wild are depicted.  And yes, there are a few instances of violence that may be a little unsettling to sensitive readers, yet they're handled with great sensitively too.

My favorite thing about the story were all the changes that occurred within Evan and his family because of the dog.  Evan initially was just getting by.  He liked to run but had no interest in running around a track.  His parents were caught up in their lives and although they didn't technically neglect him, they still didn't pay him too much attention either.  He seems to feel empty, like people are disinterested in him.  He's even frustrated with his dad, Sam and how he only cares about his carvings and can't even try and make his mom happy. (She seemed to be suffering from depression).  

Caring for the dog changes everything in Evan.  He takes action, he shows responsibility and stands up for the animals.  He makes a new friend who is just as passionate as he is about ensuring the dogs safety.  He attracts the attention of Coach Raley who encourages him to join track, and even gives him the proper size shoe to make sure he shows up.  It's like Evan's eyes are opened to all of the possibilities around him.  Those feelings of being helpless and empty begin to disappear.  Evan's parents begin to notice the changes within him, and they too start to be changed.  Which is a beautiful thing. 

This is truly a story for animal lovers, the length is perfect and it's such an uplifting story that I thoroughly enjoyed reading.  While dog initially had a difficult experience in the wild it was comforting to witness how he eventually found a home and friend in Evan, as well as partner to run side by side with.  How happy they appeared to be.  It just goes to show that dogs really can sense someone's character, and they'll respond to the kindness that they receive.  

** A huge thank you to the Candlewick Press for the paperback ARC in exchange for an honest review**  

 I hope you'll check out all the other Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday posts at Greg Pattridge's blog HERE