Review: The Jumbies

The Jumbies by Tracey Baptiste
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Oooh I loved this one! Corinne lives on an island with her father, hearing the stories about jumbies but not believing them. She follows an agouti in the forest one day, and senses something but can't see it. The jumbies are real...and they found her.

I was especially a fan of the alternating perspectives in this story. It's not always a device I enjoy, but I think it worked well here. I also appreciated learning more about what kinds of stories are native to the Caribbean, and enjoyed this fairy tale based on one.

It will pair well with Little Man for you Maine Student Book Award readers.

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Review: School for Sidekicks

School for Sidekicks by Kelly McCullough
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I found this one to be very slow starting, to the point where I almost gave up on it. However, once some weird things started happening to Evan Quick, I began getting into the story. With the introduction of Foxman, I was much more interested.

Two things I especially liked about this story: the view of a recovering alcoholic with Foxman, and the fact that the issue of consent is addressed, even with something as innocent seeming as a kiss. It doesn't turn out to be a big deal, but the kiss-ee stands up for their own bodily autonomy and the kisser realizes that it's not cool to do that. Amazing to see that in any novel, but especially a middle grade.

I received my copy as a galley from NetGalley in return for my honest review.

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Review: A Handful of Stars

A Handful of Stars by Cynthia Lord
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Cynthia Lord writes another beautiful story, this time set in the blueberry barrens of Maine. Growing up here, I had never really thought about how blueberries were picked, and only very recently learned that migrant workers often did the hard work of raking. Learning a bit about their lives, combined with a story about loving a dog and it's a winner for me!

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Review: Bayou Magic

Bayou Magic by Jewell Parker Rhodes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I will always happily read anything Jewell Parker Rhodes writes. I have been in love since Ninth Ward. Bayou Magic continues the trend with Madison (or Maddy), the youngest daughter off to meet her grandmother for the first time in the bayou of Bon Temps, Louisiana. In this magical place, Maddy will discover things about herself and the world.

There was one section that I found to be more unbelievable than others, even in a magical realism story, about Bear and his pa. I don't want to say more for fear of spoilers, but it resolved too easily for me.

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Review: The Queen of the Tearling

The Queen of the Tearling by Erika Johansen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Loved this book! I loved Kelsea's transition from listening to her foster parents to listening to herself, loved the glimpses of other characters thoughts, loved the way it was medieval yet in the future. I'm excited to read the second one, although also a little nervous because the third book isn't out yet!

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Review: Chasing Secrets

Chasing Secrets by Gennifer Choldenko
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this one a lot, although for some reason I kept thinking, "Is it really the plague? I think it might be typhoid fever." Must be all the typhoid fever books coming out this year and invading my brain!

Lizzie Kennedy loves joining her father on his rounds as a doctor. Though a bit sad about the fact that her mother died and not enjoying boarding school at all, she has her brother, Billy, her father, and Uncle Karl and Aunt Hortense, as well as a favorite servant named Jing in her life. When Jing disappears at the same time a quarentine is called, she takes action to try to find him. Is there really the plague? Or is it something else?

I'm a historical fiction fan so this wasn't a hard sell for me. I think the mysteries in the story will draw kids in who might not otherwise like historical fiction. A solid choice.



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Review: The Iron Trial

The Iron Trial by Holly Black
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. It definitely had Harry Potter-like elements, but enough twists to distinguish it from other fantasy series. I look forward to the second one.

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