Book Review: We're Not From Here

We're Not From Here, by Geoff Rodkey, is a middle grade novel that is outside the box. Even out of this world.

This novel takes place after Earth has been destroyed and a small fraction of humans are living on Mars. Food and resources are running out, and humans are at a disagreement as to what to do next. Our main character, Lan, and her family choose to live on the planet Choom that is populated by giant insects.

The problem is, it takes 20 years to get there, and when they do, the government of the planet Choom changed their mind. Now Lan and her family have to convince the hostile inhabitants of that planet that humans are not violent.

This book was completely different and fun to read, and probably has a lesson in there on accepting people of different cultures. The ending was a bit predictable, but very satisfying.

Book Review: All of Me

The middle grade novel, All of Me, by Chris Baron is a sweet, summery tale of self acceptance.  It is written in verse with short, free-verse poems.

Ari is uncomfortable with his body. He hates that his belly spills over his shorts. He doesn't like his love handles. Other kids tease him because of how he looks.

His mother suggests he starts a diet, and it seems to be working. But a diet can't fix everything. Over the course of one summer, Ari finds a way to accept his parents' divorce, his first crush, and himself, just the way he is.

Book Review: Over the Moon

Over the Moon, the newest middle grade novel by Natalie Lloyd, is a magical adventure with Pegasus horses they call starbirds.

Mallie is brave, doing anything she can to save her little brother from being sent to work in the mines. She joins a dangerous mission to earn extra feathersworth to buy his freedom. What she discovers is a thicket of lies, and the determination to bring the stars back again.

"You don't have to believe the story you are given!"

Book Review: Shouting at the Rain

Shouting at the Rain is the newest middle grade novel by Lynda Mullaly Hunt, author of Fish in a Tree and One for the Murphys. Set in a fishing town in Cape Cod, this is a delightful summer read about how people can look at the same situation and see different things.

It's summer, and Delsie is looking forward to seeing her friend Brandy come back to town. But Brandy has changed, and starts hanging out with Tressa, who is downright mean. She also meets Ronan, a new kid in town people don't quite trust.

This book is great for any kid who lost a friendship or feels left out. Another neat fact about it is the author included anagrams in the book. Be sure to read the author's note at the end.

"The sun is always in the sky, it just gets hidden sometimes."

Book Review: Because of the Rabbit

Because of the Rabbit, by Cynthia Lord (author of Rules) is a charming story about a girl who finds a pet rabbit the night before she starts going to public school for the first time. Up until this point, Emma was homeschooled. She worries about being different and not making friends.

Drama happens, both with Emma's attempts to make friends at school and with the bunny. What Emma is going through feels very universal, as is the message that to make a friend, you have to be a friend.

At 183 pages, this is a quick, fun read, and you might learn a little about rabbits.

Book Review: The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise

"The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise" by Dan Gemeinhart is deep, and surprising, and fun, and terribly sad. I picked up this book because of the title. It looked like the perfect summer read, and I was right, mostly. This isn't a light read, in spite of the fun names, the fact that they live in a school bus, and the first chapter is about slushies and kittens.

Coyote lives on the road with Rodeo, a hippie who happens to be her father, on a renovated school bus they call Yager. Their road life has rules, and most of them are about avoiding the reality that Coyote isn't her real name, as Rodeo isn't her dad's name, and they are running away from the tragedy that took Coyote's mom, her two sisters, and essentially, her real name.

Coyote finds her way home, with some help from friends and beasts. You will leave this book with a greater appreciation of goats.

Book Review: The Collectors

"The Collectors," by Jacqueline West creates a magical world that exists out of sight for most, but not Van. He sees creatures others can't and can hear their adorable companion animals speak. It's like a wish come true, which Van soon learns is not always a good thing.

This is the first book in a series, and the ending sets us up for the next adventure in a land where wishes run wild.  It is an imaginative choice for middle grade readers that features a main character with hearing loss and no desire to change the way he perceives the world.

Book Review: A Heart in a Body in the World

A Heart in a Body in the World by Deb Caletti is a contemporary realistic young adult novel layered and deep and full of emotions. Annabelle Agnelli takes off on a whim when she decides to run 2700 miles from Seattle to Washington DC, skipping the end of her senior year and her graduation.  The idea is not well thought out, and even Annabelle wonders if it is even possible, but she has plenty of support from her family, friends, and fan page.

The road is not easy, and sometimes impossible. But the story isn't only about Annabelle's run, but what she's running from, and who she's running toward.

Book Review: The Book of Boy

"The Book of Boy," by Catherine Gilbert Murdock is an adventurous middle grade novel that dabbles in religion, fantasy, history, and a touch of philosophy.

Boy is a humble goat herder who is ridiculed for the hump on his back.  Boy is called a monster wherever he goes, and he believes them. He doesn't touch his hump or even look at it, keeping it covered by his cloak day and night.

When a pilgrim arrives and asks him to join him on a quest to steal the relics of St. Peter, Boy doesn't want to go. That quickly changes and their journey becomes a quest for salvation, for both of them.

Boy is a lovable character who goes through a miraculous transition. And we are cheering for him all along the way, along with the herds of animals who stop to help him. Who wouldn't want to wake up in a pile of sheep?

Book Review: What the Night Sings

"What the Night Sings," by Vesper Stamper, was a finalist for the William C. Morris Debut YA Award in 2019.  In addition to being the author, Vesper produced the illustrations for this novel, adding to the feel that this isn't just a book, but a work of art.

It isn't a happy tale as we follow Gerta and her father into Auschwitz and another camp during the Holocaust. It's heartbreaking. But this isn't about the Holocaust, but what comes after, because Gerta is freed.

What happens after you leave a concentration camp? How did Holocaust survivors re-enter society after such terrible treatment?  It's a question I haven't seen before in literature, and this book is a lovely, if not painful, exploration.

My local library says this is YA fiction, and Gerta is a teenager, but the story feels very adult-like with romance and marriage a central theme.

Book Review: Darius the Great is Not Okay

"Suicide isn't the only way you can lose someone to depression." Stephen Kellner tells his son, Darius while sitting on a rooftop in Iran.

It was a lovely moment in Adib Khorram's YA novel, "Darius the Great is Not Okay," the story about a boy who discovers who he is, and that he is okay with that, during a trip to Iran to visit his dying Babou.

Darius doesn't consider himself a true Persian. He doesn't speak Farsi like his mom and sister. He was born in Portland and has exactly one friend. Things change for him when he meets Sohrab, who may be the first true friend he ever had.

Darius is a funny, self-effacing narrator who walks the reader through Persian customs, celebrations, and food while trying to be okay with himself, his faults, and being a Fractional Persian. Meeting Sohrab may be the best thing that ever happened to him, and the story.

Book review: Strange the Dreamer

Laini Taylor's "Strange the Dreamer" was nominated for the Michael L. Printz award in 2018. It is a modern day fantasy about a young librarian on a quest to find a mythic lost city. While Lazlo Strange is interested in finding out the lost name for this city, his traveling companions are intent on destroying it and taking back the sky.

Unbeknownst to any of them, a group of five blue skinned gods live in the floating citadel, survivors of a mass murder. Lazlo is first made aware when he sees the Muse of Nightmares in a dream.

This starts out as a quest, and turns into a beautiful love story. Be aware that this is the first book in a series, and even after 500+ pages, it ends with a cliff hanger.

Laini Taylor authored the popular "Daughter of Smoke and Bone" series, which may be worth your while checking out if you enjoy this read.

Book Review: Love Hate & Other Filters

A great example of diversity and #ownvoices, Love Hate & Other Filters by Samira Ahmed is about an aspiring film maker struggling with her aspirations, the expectations from her Indian-American Muslim family, and hatred that could put the safety of herself and her family at risk.

“It’s selfish and horrible, but in this terrible moment, all I want is to be a plain old American teenager. Who can simply mourn without fear. Who doesn’t share last names with a suicide bomber. Who goes to dances and can talk to her parents about anything and can walk around without always being anxious. And who isn’t a presumed terrorist first and an American second.” -  Maya Aziz

This young adult novel has a little bit of everything. Seventeen-year-old Maya dares to dream of an impossible future for herself, and navigates romantic relationships. At times, the inner reflections can feel repetitive and slow the pace. Still, this is worth a read for its fresh perspective and it charming main character you can't help but root for.

Book Review: The Unforgettable Guinevere St. Clair

True to its title, "The Unforgettable Guinevere St. Clair," by Amy Makechnie, is memorable story about a very spirited Gwyn who moves from New York to flat, boring, small-town Iowa. Her father, Jed, hopes living in their hometown will help Gwyn's mother, Vienna, regain the memories she lost after suffering a brain injury. 

Gwyn makes some friends and an archenemy, Gaysie Cutter, who she believes is responsible when a neighbor, Wilbur Truesdale, goes missing. Gwyn, an aspiring lawyer, is certain she is the one to find the evidence to prove it. 

The more she investigates, the more questions arise about her father's involvement, Gaysie Cutter, and the mother she never got a chance to know. 

Book Review: The Astonishing Color of After

"The Astonishing Color of After" by Emily X.R. Pan is not a light read. In the aftermath of her mother's suicide, Leigh is certain her mother embodies a beautiful red bird that is sometimes there, and sometimes not.

On top of that, Leigh meets her grandparents for the first time in Taiwan, and she isn't fluent in their language.

This book alternates between past and present, real and dream-like sequences, and a burgeoning romance that may or may not be real. The language is beautiful, with color saturating the pages.

Book Review: The Benefits of Being an Octopus

Author Ann Braden shows what it is like to live in poverty, and how being an octopus could make life a bit easier, in her stunning debut middle grade novel, "The Benefits of Being an Octopus."

Zoey is a seventh grader who doesn't have time for boys or even her homework sometimes, she has other things she has to do. Like take care of her three younger siblings while her mom works her shift at Pizza Pit. When her teacher suggests she join the debate club, the logistics seems impossible, and Zoey isn't as confident and capable as the other members. But it turns out that Zoey has a lot to say.

This is a poignant and important read about standing up for the ones you love, including yourself.