Early Book Review: Frizzy by Claribel A. Ortega, Rose Bousamra

Frizzy is a middle grade graphic novel by Claribel A. Ortega and Rose Bousamra that is currently scheduled for release on October 18 2022.  Marlene loves three things: books, her cool Tía Ruby and hanging out with her best friend Camila. But according to her mother, Paola, the only thing she needs to focus on is school and "growing up." That means straightening her hair every weekend so she could have "presentable", "good hair". But Marlene hates being in the salon and doesn't understand why her curls are not considered pretty by those around her. With a few hiccups, a dash of embarrassment, and the much-needed help of Camila and Tia Ruby—she slowly starts a journey to learn to appreciate and proudly wear her curly hair.

Frizzy is a wonderful graphic novel that had me fighting back tears more than once. While I have never been in Marlene's position regarding something so much a part of me as my hair, I have felt othered and looked down on by those that should have been my safe place. I could understand how she felt when her family made comments about being more lady like and trying harder to fit in. I think just about everyone can think of a time, particularly in our childhood and teen years, when we felt like the world was against us and everything is unfair, and every reader is likely to be able to relate to the story a bit.  I was glad to learn a bit more about how hard it is to take proper care of curly hair, and how it feels to have something that is a part of you have so many connotations and perceptions by just about everyone. I knew about fights about school and work dress codes in regards to hair styles, and I understood on some level about some of the thoughts and feelings surrounding hair, but I was glad to get such a better understanding of it.  I think that the story and art are paired perfectly and tell a highly engaging story. I hope some readers see themselves in this story and have the bravery and support to do what they feel best about in regards to their own self, the willingness to try new things, and the ability to find and have the courage talk to a trusted adult and friend about all the things going on in their heads and hearts. 

Frizzy is a great graphic novel about loving yourself, and being brave enough to make the changes you want. 

Book Review: Mind Games: 10 Fun Optical Illusions and Perception Projects by Scientific American Editors

Mind Games: 10 Fun Optical Illusions and Perception Projects by Scientific American Editors is a children's nonfiction book. What concepts are behind the creation of cartoons and the ability to seemingly make a dot on a page disappear? Readers will learn the answers through the ten hands-on activities featured in this intriguing title. Each optical illusion is broken down using step-by-step instructions paired with helpful illustrations. Accessible text reveals the important scientific ideas behind each activity, such as the principles of human vision, perception, and light.

Mind Games is a well organized and accessible book that would be a good classroom, homeschooling, and public library addition.  I thought the book is well formatted, with well written text that explains the concept and related experiment well. I thought the extended information to help formulate a science fair project or further experimentation was a nice touch. The tools and items needed for the experiments were all things most likely already in the home, which makes the experiments so much more doable, and repeatable as desired. I also liked that an explanation of the scientific method was included, for those that might think they know what it is but need a bit more detail to be able to apply or explain it themselves. I also liked that a glossary and resources for further research were included as well. 

Book Review: Wait Till Helen Comes by Mary Downing Hahn

Wait Till Helen Comes by Mary Downing Hahn is a graphic novel adaptation by Scott Peterson, Meredith Laxton, and Russ Bedgett of what is often considered Mary Downing Hahn's spookiest and most popular tale. Two siblings must save their stepsister from the clutches of a vengeful ghost. When their mom remarries, Molly and her brother, Michael, try to make friends with their new stepsister, Heather. But Heather only wants to make trouble for them. She lies and tattles and misbehaves, and somehow they always get the blame. They know she’s trying to drive a wedge between her father and their mother so she can have her father all to herself—and it seems to be working. Then, Heather starts playing in the graveyard behind their new house. She claims she can talk to a ghost named Helen, and her behavior gets even stranger. Michael doesn't believe in ghosts and thinks their new little sister is just looking for more attention. But Molly isn't so certain, especially when Heather threatens that Helen is going to come for them and make them sorry. It seems as though things can’t get any worse—but they do. When Helen comes.

Wait Till Helen Comes is a graphic novel with some great art, and a faithful retelling of a classic children's horror story. I have never been a big horror fan, but Hahn was one exception even when I was in the target audience, because of the amount of real feelings ands character development that she packed into each story. I could easily put myself in Molly's shoes the first time I read this story, and even now as a parent I could still see pieces of myself in the story. The scary moments are well done, with a nice build up and culmination of action. I also love the way the conclusion includes a wrap up for family dynamics and some look at how things played out in the aftermath. The story is compelling and complete with a satisfying conclusion. 

Wait Till Helen Comes is a great adaptation of the novel, with a great balance of creepy and character development.

Early Book Review: Buzzkill: A Wild Wander Through the Weird and Threatened World of Bugs by Brenna Maloney

Buzzkill: A Wild Wander Through the Weird and Threatened World of Bugs, written by Brenna Maloney and illustrated by Dave Mottram, is currently scheduled for release on October 11 2022.  The praying mantis is the only animal on Earth with one ear, and it’s in the middle of its chest. Aphids are born pregnant. Moths can’t fly during an earthquake. If you didn’t know these things, you soon will. Packed full of jaw-dropping facts, Buzzkill presents the big picture on bugs. You might think ew, gross. Insects are icky. Or scary. Or dangerous. They can be. But there’s so much more you need to know. Insects play a critical role on our planet, from sustenance to pollination to medicines and more. Brenna Maloney tackles both the wacky and weird, as well as threats to insects and their habitats, their possible extinction, and ways that everyday people, like you, can prevent their decline.

Buzzkill is very well written. The author has a conversational tone, with some sardonic humor through out the book, to keep readers engaged and interested. I do think that this book would be best suited for the middle school and older crowd, but younger readers that are interested in the topic will likely enjoy the read as well. I have read up a bit on creepy crawlies, and I have to admit that even though some of the facts in the book were things I knew, I still learned a great deal of information, and more importantly was able to put what I already knew and what I just learned into a larger context for a bigger picture. I loved the occasional illustrations in the book, and I thought they were charming and fun. I only wish that some of the more unusual insects had illustrations as well rather than suggestions to go Google them on my own. Some readers will not have a phone or computer handy to do that while they are reading for a variety of reasons. That being said, I greatly enjoyed the read and think a number of children, teens, and yes adults will find an education and entertainment from this read.  

Buzzkill is an entertaining and informative read that will teach every reader a little something about insects.

Audiobook Review: Relatively Normal Secrets by C.W. Allen, Narrated by Ivy Tara Blair

Relatively Normal Secrets is a middle grade book written by C.W. Allen, and the audiobook is narrated by Ivy Tara Blair. It is currently scheduled for release on September 7 2022. 

Tuesday and Zed Furst are perfectly normal children with perfectly strange parents. Their father won’t discuss his job, their mother never leaves the house without her guard dog, and the topic of the family tree is off limits. When a last minute “business trip” gets the adults out of the way, Zed and Tuesday decide to get to the bottom of things once and for all. Too bad some thugs with shape-shifting weapons have other ideas. Their escape leaves them trapped in the modern-meets-medieval Falinnheim, where everyone insists their father is a disgraced fugitive. They hope whoever is leaving them coded clues may have some answers, but they’re not sure they’re going to like what they learn. If they ever want to see their parents again, they’ll need the help of a smuggler with a broken compass, their unusually talented dog, some extremely organized bandits, and a selection of suspiciously misquoted nursery rhymes. Zed and Tuesday may not have all the answers, but one thing is certain—when it comes to normal, everything is relative.

I thought Zed and Tuesday's story was well done. I liked the premise and the characters. I thought the slow reveal was handled well, and I liked the way the siblings worked together even when they did not necessarily agree. I liked the combination of action, fantasy, science, and mystery and think that it will appeal to a wide range of middle grade readers. I did have some trouble pinpointing the kid's ages, and I thought some of the things included in the story were a little too predictable or common for the genre, but I am also someone that has read more than my share of it and middle grade kids are likely to find it much newer and fresh than I did. I like that the book wrapped up the immediate questions, giving readers a satisfying ending but still leaving plenty of room for sequels. 

I liked the narrator's inflections and the spirit she put into the work. However, I have to admit that sometimes when she  I would not be able to make out what she was saying, no matter how high my volume was. It could very well be my hearing, but when certain characters were talking I had to work really hard to make out what was being said, and sometimes I still missed words or phrases. I would turn up the volume and then Tuesday would be talking and I would have to turn it back down. It become very frustrating especially since I listen to my audiobooks in the car and cannot often rewind to catch up with what was missed.

Relatively Normal Secrets is a good middle grade fantasy, but I think I would recommend reading a print copy rather than listening to the audiobook. 

Book Review: World of Weird: A Creepy Compendium of True Stories by Tom Adams, Celsius Pictor

World of Weird: A Creepy Compendium of True Stories written by Tom Adams and illustrated by Celsius Pictor, It is a compellation of unusual and somewhat creepy artifacts and stories from the past framed as a 21st century a scientist uncovering their Victorian ancestor’s notebook in a box. The ancestor is Dr. McCreebor; an eminent explorer, philosopher, and collector of the very strange and truly creepy. Dr. McCreebor's book is filled with the dark and disturbing stories he has collected on his travels around the world. Discover the fascinating stories behind a series of objects, people, and places in every chapter. McCreebor writes from a Victorian perspective – and his descendant isn't afraid to write notes in the margins, bringing the science into the 21st century. Uncover Artificalia (man-made objects), Naturalia (natural creatures and beings), Spiritualis (the spirit world), ScelereSupplicium (crime and punishment), Scientifica (scientific tools), Magicae (magical objects), and Morteum (skulls, bodies, and more). Steampunk illustrator Celsius Pictor intricately illustrates McCreebor’s sketches, maps, records, and photographs. From shrunken heads to witches’ charms, saints’ blood to graverobbers’ remains, hangman’s salve to trepanning tools, this book is a peek into our grisly and macabre past.

World of Weird is a book that will appeal to readers of all ages that enjoy learning about some of the darker and stranger ideas in history. I did not find any of the stories or artifacts described to be terribly unknown or gruesome, as these are the types of historic nonfiction that I tend to gravitate toward, but some of the information might be new to other readers. I thought the urging of respect for the dead not taking chances in messing with ghosts or other people's beliefs to be very respectful and responsibly handled. I also thought that the text and illustrations were well suited to the subject matter and accessible to a wide range of readers. I found text and art are well paired to keep the readers attention, and are done in nice small subtopics so that no one looses interest of focus and can read the book in small doses if that is what works best for them. I liked that a glossary was included as well.  I think this book will see regular check outs in school and public libraries and be a favorite read for many. 

Book Review: Bright Eyes (A Kunoichi Tale) by David Kudler

Bright Eyes is a Kunoichi Tale by David Kudler. The future of Japan hangs in the balance, and it's up to a girl who likes to climb to save the day. Two armies have descended on the Full Moon, and the war that has torn Japan apart for over a century threatens to destroy Lady Chiyome's school for young shrine maidens (and assassins). In this thrilling sequel to Risuko: A Kunoichi Tale, Risuko must face warlords, samurai, angry cooks, a monster in the hills, the truth about her father, a spy among the kunoichi, and a murderer. Someone kills a Takeda lieutenant, staging it to look like suicide. Can Risuko figure out who would do such thing? And can she keep it from happening again?

Bright Eyes is a book that I desperately wanted to read as soon as I saw it existed, and dreaded reading since it had been so long since I had read Risuko. which I remember loving but worried that I would not remember enough to follow this sequel or that it would not live up to my expectations. I should not have worried, or put of starting the book because of those worries for so long. I enjoyed this read just as much as Risuko, and honestly look forward to more. I thought the continued character development for the major characters was well done, and the mystery was handled very well. There were clues, red herrings, and interesting information about all the major players through out the book leaving readers wondering which were the really important bits for the mystery and which were there to help us understand the characters and situation even better. Even though I felt like it had been too long since I read the first book there were little hints about what had happened. Just enough to remind me, but not enough that would bore or bother readers reading the books back to back. In fact, I know there are a few novellas or short stories tied into this series , which I now need to go find and read as soon as possible. I really enjoyed the read and think it will be a hit with a wide range of readers. 

Bright Eyes is an engaging and entertaining read that delivers a rollercoaster of emotion. 

Early Book Review: The Wolves and Moose of Isle Royale: Restoring an Island Ecosystem by Nancy Castaldo

The Wolves and Moose of Isle Royale: Restoring an Island Ecosystem by Nancy Castaldo is currently scheduled for release on August 6 2022. Journey to the isolated islands of Isle Royale National Park where the longest predator/prey study in the world is being conducted along with a controversial genetic rescue to save not only the wolves and moose, but the entire island ecosystem. For over sixty years, in what has been known as the longest study of predator and prey in the world, scientists have studied the wolves and moose of Isle Royale and the island’s ecology to observe and investigate wildlife populations. But due to illness and underlying factors, the population of wolves on the island has dropped while the number of moose has increased, putting the Isle Royale ecosystem in jeopardy. Now, for the first time ever, scientists are intervening. If they can successfully relocate twenty to thirty wolves from the mainland to Isle Royale, scientists can potentially restore the balance among wolves, moose, and trees of the island's ecosystem. Now the living laboratory experiment begins.

The Wolves and Moose of Isle Royale is a nonfiction book that can be understood and enjoyed by middle grade readers and older., including those of us that have been out of school for longer than we might want to disclose. I thought the text was well written and accessible, and the combination of photographs, sketches, and info boxes help keep the readers focused and interested without overwhelming them. I thought the research was fascinating and I thought the information on the researchers and the next steps were interesting. This isn't a project that is over, it is a work in progress, and effort in motion, and something interested readers can follow in the years to come to see what worked, what did not, and how the ecosystem in fairing, This makes me more excited and invested in the read,  more so that when I read about completed research studies in far off places with vague commentary about what might come next. I love that the endpages include not only the expected glossary and index, but also a bibliography and sources for further information. This always makes me a happy reader, more so when it comes to nonfiction for children. 

Book Review: Sorceline by Sylvia Douyé, Paola Antista

Sorceline, written by Sylvia Douyé and illustrated by Paola Antista, is a middle grade graphic novel that is the first in a series. Welcome to the Island of Vorn, where mythical creatures roam free and only the brightest students are invited to study them. For as long as she can remember, Sorceline has had a knack for the study of mythical creatures. Now a student at Professor Archibald Balzar’s prestigious school of cryptozoology, she’s eager to test her skills and earn a spot as one of Balzar’s apprentices. But for all her knowledge of gorgons, vampires, and griffins, Sorceline is mystified by her fellow humans. While she excels in her studies, she quickly clashes with her classmates, revealing her fiery temper. When one of her rivals suddenly disappears, Sorceline must set aside her anger and join the quest to find her. But the mystery only deepens, leading Sorceline on a journey far darker and more personal than she expected. 

Sorceline is a beautifully drawn graphic novel with some fun twists and turns, layers of mystery, and characters with potential for great growth and challenges. I enjoyed the story on several levels. First off the art work is wonderful, and I thought the use of cursive writing for Soceline's thoughts was very well done, but might throw some readers that have had less exposure to it. I thought the school themes of friendship and rivalry, and relationships in general was well done, but left many loose threads that will need to be looked at again in upcoming volumes. I liked Sorceline's personal journey of trying to figure out the mysteries surrounding her, and her own story and skills. II did think there could have been a bit more character development and world building, just a bit more set up, but I think it all still came together well and I trust there will be some questions answered along the way.  thought everything was well balanced and highly engaging. I was left wanting more, and will be on the look out for future volumes. 

Sorceline is a stunning read, both in artwork and story. I think many readers middle grade and older will greatly enjoy it. 

Early Book Review: Slip by Marika McCoola , Aatmaja Pandya

Slip by Marika McCoola is a graphic novel from Eisner-Award nominated writer Marika McCoola and debut artist Aatmaja Pandya.  It is currently scheduled for release on June 7 2022. 

Right before Jade is about to leave for a summer art intensive, her best friend, Phoebe, attempts suicide. How is Jade supposed to focus on herself right now? But at the Art Farm, Jade has artistic opportunities she’s been waiting for her whole life. And as she gets to know her classmates, she begins to fall for whimsical, upbeat, comfortable-in-her-own-skin Mary. Jade pours herself into making ceramic monsters that vent her stress and insecurities, but when she puts her creatures in the kiln, something unreal happens: they come to life. And they’re taking a stand: if Jade won’t confront her problems, her problems are going to confront her, including the scariest of them all, if Jade grows, prospers, and even falls in love this summer, is she leaving Phoebe behind?

Slip is a beautifully written and drawn story. Jade is struggling on multiple fronts. She is worried about her friend, and if she could have, should have, been able to see what was coming and stop it. Many of us have had these kind of crisis, weather it is about a friend or family member struggling with mental heath, or an accident, or really any traumatic event. Even when we could have had no impact on an event or outcome, the what ifs often eat at us. Jade has to shoulder these thoughts while worrying about leaving her friend behind, guilt over forgetting for even a moment, and doubts about her own art and talent. All of these layers of worry, doubt, and fear would be a lot for anyone to handle, but in your formative years when you are just starting new friendships and maybe more it is even harder. I thing the story and fabulous artwork do a great job of capturing the turmoil and helping readers feel and understand it in a safe way. I think this read is something many readers will relate to on different levels, and can help some come to terms with and face their own issues that might relate to or mirror some of what Jade is sifting through. It is engaging, sweet and funny at times, while also being very deep and sometimes heartrending. I think it might be a hard read for some that are still struggling with related issues, but I think it could be a helpful read when they are ready for it. 

Slip is an emotional story that can speak to readers on a multitude of levels. I recommend it for middle school through adult readers. 

Early Book Review: The Midnight Orchestra (The Mystwick School of Musicraft) by Jessica Khoury

The Midnight Orchestra by Jessica Khoury is the sequel to The Mystwick School of Musicraft. I do recommend reading in order. 

Amelia must master the magic of Composing to help her school win a magic competition—and save her friends from a mysterious evil. Things are finally looking up for Amelia Jones: she's officially a Mystwick student, and she even has a teacher to help her learn how to use her rare Composing magic. When Mystwick enters an international magic competition, it’s Amelia's chance to Compose something that will help them win the day. The only problem is that she still doesn’t understand how her powers work. But then she hears about a super exclusive Midnight Orchestra—half performance, half magical black market—and Amelia is sure that’s where she’ll find the answer to her Composing problem. But the Midnight Orchestra is far more sinister than it initially appears and if Amelia can’t unlock her Composing powers, not only will Mystwick lose the musicraft competition, she won’t be able to rescue her friends from the danger unleashed in this thrilling adventure.

The Midnight Orchestra starts off right after the first book ended, and I will admit that it took me a bit to remember just where everyone and everything left off. However, once I got back into the swing of things I was again empathizing with Amelia and all her insecurities and feelings as she tried to work through so many things at once. Her struggles with friendship are something that many readers can relate to, and the complicated feelings about family and the trustworthiness and intelligence of the adults around here is equally understandable. I was engaged in her struggles quickly, and while some of the big reveals I had figured out much earlier, I think that is more because of the number of magic and mystery books that I have read rather than any flaw in the writing. I think that Amelia continues to grow as a character and that fans of the first book will definitely want to pick this one up as well. 

The Midnight Orchestra is a charming continuation of the series, and will please fans of the series.  As a side note- if you enjoy audiobooks, a version of this title (with music) is already available via Audible. 

Early Book Review: Peach and the Isle of Monsters by Franco Aureliani, Agnes Garbowska

Peach and the Isle of Monsters is a graphic novel written by Franco Aureliani and illustrated by Agnes Garbowska. It is currently scheduled for release on March 15 2022. Meet Peach. How did she get her name? What's her secret? What have the Monsters taken from her village? Seeking independence, and prove she's a warrior, Peach begins her quest to save her village from the Monsters from Monster Isle... and meets some interesting people along the way! 

Peach and the Isle of Monsters starts by answering all of the questions in the description and then quickly jumps into the adventure. I liked the art, and thought the color and style took a great deal of talent. I thought it ran very text heavy, particularly for an adventure graphic novel. It felt like the majority of the story was simplified and shuffled into the text bubbles without allowing the art to do its share of story telling. I could not get interested or invested in the story since it fell into the trap of telling rather than showing for the majority of the story. It was more than a little disjointed, and parts of it felt very rushed and like the author had no plan going into the story. I liked the art, and thought the story of a girl that thought she was underestimated and abandoned has some potential but it just did not shake out for me, although I think some middle grade readers that share some of those feelings might appreciate it much more. 

Early Book Review: Wingbearer by Marjorie Liu, Teny Issakhanian

Wingbearer, written by Marjorie Liu and illustrated by Teny Issakhanian, is currently scheduled for release on March 1 2022.It is the first book in a new middle grade graphic novel series. 

Zuli is extraordinary—she just doesn’t realize it yet. Raised by mystical bird spirits in the branches of the Great Tree, she’s never ventured beyond this safe haven. She’s never had to. Until now. When a sinister force threatens the life-giving magic of the tree, Zuli, along with her guardian owl, Frowly, must get to the root of it. So begins an adventure bigger than anything Zuli could’ve ever imagined—one that will bring her, along with some newfound friends, face-to-face with an ancient dragon, the so-called Witch-Queen, and most surprisingly of all: her true identity.

Wingbearer is a beautifully drawn and colored graphic novel with fantastic writing. I was engaged in the story from the very beginning, ad my only complaint is that now I have to try and wait patiently for the next installment. Zuli and the the characters that she meets on her journey are well written and complex, with very few good/evil absolutes. The world building, as revealed through the characters and their interactions, was very well done. I feel like I have a reasonable grasp of the important aspects of the world, and never felt like there was an info dump. It was reveals as things became important in a way that really made sense and felt natural. Although, I will admit that I saw the big reveal (not telling), or something very close to it coming on a couple levels. However, I think the way it was done was smart and will keep readers hooked and invested in continuing the series. I think this series will be a new favorite for a wide range of readers and I look forward to seeing what happens next.

Wingbearer is a wonderful start to a new series. I look forward to reading what comes next.

Early Book Review: Girls Solve Everything: Stories of Women Entrepreneurs Building a Better World by Catherine Thimmesh, Melissa Sweet

Girls Solve Everything: Stories of Women Entrepreneurs Building a Better World, written by Catherine Thimmesh and illustrated by Melissa Sweet, is currently scheduled for release on March 1 2022. Women all over the globe are asking questions that affect lives and creating businesses that answer them. Like, can we keep premature babies warm when they're born far from the hospital? Or, can the elderly stay in their homes and eat a balanced diet? Women are taking on and solving these issues with their ingenuity and business acumen. How did they get their ideas? Where does the funding for their projects come from? And how have some of these businesses touched YOUR life? Girls Solve Everything answers these questions, inspiring today's kids to learn from entrepreneurs and take on some of the world's biggest problems, one solution at a time.

Girls Solve Everything is a collection of short biographies feature women that have shown perseverance and made impacts on the world through their discoveries, inventions, and more. I like how the book illustrated that a small idea, class assignment, or serious problem can spark the inspiration for real change, and that anyone can make that change with the right tools. I thought the illustration work was extremely well done and matched the content and tone of the text perfectly. I think this book would be a great addition to school and public libraries, as well as home libraries. I have to admit that my digital copy had some formatting issues, which made it challenging to enjoy, but I know these issues will be resolved well before the final copy hits the shelves. 

Girls Solve Everything is a book that shows some of the many accomplishments of women, and just might inspire current and future generations to make their own marks on the world. 

Book Review: The Secrets of the Heart (School of Love) by BeKa, Maya

The Secrets of the Heart is the first volume in the School of Love graphic novel written by BeKa and illustrated by Maya. Linon and Garance are best friends with very different ideas about love. To get to the bottom of what all this romance stuff is really about, they decide to conduct an investigation into some of the older students at their middle school. Why are certain kids more popular than others? Why do some already have a “bad reputation” by the 8th grade? Why is everyone so obsessed with appearances? Along the way, the pair discover that, for best friends who are supposed to share everything, they’ve both been keeping some pretty big secrets of their own.

The Secrets of the Heart is a cute graphic novel for the middle grade and older set. Garance and Linon are trying to figure out love, not an easy task for adults never mind kids that are still figuring out who they are. In the process they learn more about themselves and each other, and they figure out that things are rarely as simple as they appear. People act a certain way for a variety f reasons like expectations and self protection, and sometimes because they are just afraid to be made fun of or rejected. I liked the way Linon and Garance figure things out together and grow their friendship as they find out more about others. I will be honest that I thought Linon was going to have another secret or feeling to share, but I think the book played out perfectly well without that additional twist. I loved the artwork, and think it capture the emotional tone of the story and the characters perfectly. I can see this story resonating with a wide audience and gaining a number of fans for the series as it continues. 

The Secrets of the Heart is a sweet graphic novel about friends and love. 

Early Book Review: Soaring in Style: How Amelia Earhart Became a Fashion Icon by Jennifer Lane Wilson, Lissy Marlin

Soaring in Style: How Amelia Earhart Became a Fashion Icon, written by Jennifer Lane Wilson and illustrated by Lissy Marlin, is currently scheduled for release on February 1 2022. Long before Amelia Earhart became a superstar, she was a girl who longed to touch the stars. But the dresses women had to wear at the time made those dreams seem almost impossible. Amelia didn’t let that stop her. As a young aviator breaking records and expectations, she learned to fly her plane with flair. Later, she dared to create a trendsetting fashion line for active women like herself. Soaring in Style tells the groundbreaking story of how Amelia Earhart defied expectations in the air and on the ground to become America’s first celebrity fashion designer.

Soaring in Style is a well written, and beautifully illustrated, nonfiction book. I think the narrative style make for an engaging and accessible read. I was glad to see this book, and learn something new. Like most, I had heard plenty about Earhart's dedication to flying. I had not heard about her clothing designs, although her desire for clothes that are both functional and fashionable seems to be something many of us still seem to dealing with. I thought the text and illustrations matched well, and I loved the personality that seemed clear to me in all of the images of Earhart. I greatly enjoyed the read, and learned a few new things. 

Book Review: Heroes (Royal Academy Rebels) by Jen Calonita

Heroes is the third book in the Royal Academy Rebels series by Jen Calonita. I highly recommend reading this series in order, and perhaps reading the Fairy Tale Reform School series first as well, because the two come together in this installment. 

Princess Devin didn't come to Royal Academy for fame, glory, or a crown. All she's ever wanted is to be a Magical Creature Caretaker. Just when Devin gets up the courage to ask about following her passion, disaster strikes. The evil Rumplestiltskin and Alva cast a curse that nearly destroys Enchantasia, a new villain is on the rise, and the students of Royal Academy find they now have to share their castle with the delinquents from the notorious Fairy Tale Reform School.Devin feels stuck—how can she think about going her own way when her kingdom clearly needs her now more than ever?

Heroes is an entertaining and engaging read, and a wonderful addition to the series. Devin is still trying to find her way to being an animal caretaker, but the world still seems to be in danger and everything seems to be problematic. She does not know who to trust, including herself. I liked that she has some serious character development in this book, even if she really frustrated me at many, many points in the story. I enjoyed getting to see Anna and Tara more in this book, but would have enjoyed more character development or depth from the rest of the group. I thought the mystery and danger aspects were well done, and thought there were some surprises in play, for instance some that I thought would be involved with the big bad were not, and some that I did not suspect at all were. I liked the way the story and world were build and grew. I think fans of the two series thus far will need to read this, and that this series might just be a favorite for a large group of middle grade and teen readers.

Heroes is another great installment to the series and world that Calonita has created. I hope to revisit this world and its characters again soon. 

Early Book Review: Tiger Honor by Yoon Ha Lee

Tiger Honor by Yoon Ha Lee is a companion to the best-selling and award-winning Dragon Pearl  (which I loved) and is currently scheduled for release on January 4 2022. This is another space opera inspired by Korean mythology,but told from the point of view of a nonbinary tiger spirit. 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 his 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 might be the most dangerous foe of all.

Tiger Honor was a hard start for me, mainly because I had to go back and reread my review of Dragon Pearl and remember what I knew about some of these characters and this world, and were we all left off in the first book. Once I got back into the setting and characters were settled on my head I was able to get lost in that world again. I liked the character development for Sebin, and seeing a different perspective of the Star Forces and systems and relationships involved. I thought Swbin had a relatable story arc, as we have all had our expectations and thoughts of someone we loved and trusted challenged at some point in our lives. This exploration of world views and the larger picture is important, and well done here. I thought the character building for Sebin's fellow cadets, and the challenges they faced was also well done, with a nice balance of adventure or danger and introspection. I am hoping that the series is continued, as I just felt like I was getting to know the characters as a group when this installment of the story ended. I enjoyed the read, and think it was well done. I do recommend revisiting Dragon Pearl before reading this, or enjoying it on its own with no prior knowledge of the other book. It can be fully enjoyed in either fashion.

Tiger Honor is a well written and entertaining read. 

Early Book Review: Blowholes, Book Gills, and Butt-Breathers: The Strange Ways Animals Get Oxygen by Doug Wechsler

Blowholes, Book Gills, and Butt-Breathers: The Strange Ways Animals Get Oxygen by Doug Wechsler is currently scheduled for release on December 7 2021. This is the latest installment of the How Nature Works series. 

Explores a question unasked by any other book for young readers: What can we learn about nature and evolution from the bizarre and exotic ways some animals have evolved to get life-giving oxygen? It is an inquiry-based book designed to stimulate active minds; a STEM offering from a celebrated nature photographer and writer, featuring some spectacular nature photography. Weird and wonderful, as only nature can be!

Blowholes, Book Gills, and Butt-Breathers is more straightforward and scientifically presented that I expected from the title and illustrated cover. I was expecting more  puns and jokes about the more unusual ways animals get their needed oxygen. I started the book expecting it to be an easy, fluffy read, and was happily surprised to see some detailed explanations about how bodies use oxygen, and just why it is such an important part of life on this planet. I found the information to be well written and accessible to the middle grade and older crowd. There are moments that might give readers the giggles, because of the subject matter. I found the photographs to be extremely well done, and their placement helps keep the reader's focus and attention on the subject matter. I loved that the author included a glossary and list of materials foe further reading. That always makes my geeky little heart happy.

Book Review: Better Angels: A Kate Warne Adventure by Jeff Jensen, George Schall

Better Angels: A Kate Warne Adventure, written by Jeff Jensen and illustrated by George Schall, is a graphic novel inspired by the true story of Kate Warne, America’s first female detective and her signature achievement--cracking a plot by Confederate radicals to kill Abraham Lincoln. America is at a crossroads. Secession is spreading. And the nation’s newly elected president is the target of a conspiracy to assassinate him and trigger a Civil War. The safety of Lincoln and his family—and the future of the American experiment—hinges on the success of a new kind of lawman, known by a word still novel in the culture of the time: detective. But there was only one who would prove to be up to the task—an individual whose extraordinary cleverness and resourcefulness would alter the course of history from deep within the shadows of domestic spycraft. Her name was Kate Warne. This is the story of America’s first female detective, a trailblazing working woman trying to make a living and do some good in a tumultuous, sexist age, and whose mysterious life and tall tale exploits are truly the stuff of legend.

Better Angels: A Kate Warne Adventure is a historical graphic novel that shares a bit of history many might not know. The truth of female detectives and what women went through in that time is something people do not always know, or think about if they know. I found the story of Kate and her found family to be fascinating, and while I know much of it was likely embellished or altered for a good story, the important truths are in there as well. I thought the artwork was extremely well done, capturing the period and emotions of the story with great effect. My biggest issue with the story is that I wanted more about Kate and her group after the adventure with the Lincolns, but before the scenes that framed the story here. I need more about what happened with each of her group, because I found myself just as concerned with the secondary characters as the main players. I think this will be a hot with many readers, and might start some into researching more about the female agents of Pinkerton. 

Better Angels: A Kate Warne Adventure is an engaging graphic novel.