Review: The Shrunken Head

The Shrunken Head by Lauren Oliver
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Thomas, Pippa, and Sam all live at Dumfrey's Dime Museum. The museum is kind of like a Ripley's Believe It or Not!: there are lots of strange artifacts and a show every night with bearded ladies, giants and mentalists. Thomas, Pippa, and Sam are all part of the show. One night, the mysterious Max shows up and is added to the group. Around the same time a mysterious shrunken head is added to the museum. Murders and misdeeds soon follow. Will the kids find out who is behind the attacks before the museum goes under?

I like the start of Oliver's new series. Each character has their own unique talent, and there are reasons for that. It wasn't knock-your-socks-off, stay-up-all-night reading, but I did enjoy it and will be interested to see where the story goes from here.

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Review: Child Soldier: When Boys and Girls Are Used in War

Child Soldier: When Boys and Girls Are Used in War by Michel Chikwanine
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A powerful graphic novel about one person's experience being a child soldier. One day Michel stays too late at school and is kidnapped into the army. He is given cocaine, and forced to do a horrible deed almost right from the start. He eventually finds the strength to escape, and to forgive himself for what happened at that time. The back matter discusses the problems survivors face when trying to go back to their own community.

I would say it's definitely appropriate for 4th-5th graders, as most violence happens off-page.

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Review: The Soul of an Octopus: A Surprising Exploration into the Wonder of Consciousness

The Soul of an Octopus: A Surprising Exploration into the Wonder of Consciousness by Sy Montgomery
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

So good! Montgomery's affection for octopuses is contagious. Even I, who was scared of the sting rays at the Mall of America aquarium, wanted to touch one.

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Review: The Nest

The Nest by Kenneth Oppel
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What is this book? It is creepy and captivating. Steve just wants his younger brother to be okay, for life to go back to normal. He thinks the mysterious angel of his dreams will help him get there. However, their offer to fix his little brother might be more than meets the eye. Klassen's illustrations enhance the story, bringing it to life. Comparing it Coraline feels apt.

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Review: A Nearer Moon

A Nearer Moon by Melanie Crowder
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a beautiful story of magical realism. I unintentionally gobbled it up in an evening. I love Luna as a character: full of fire and love for her home and her family in a place that is "cursed." If you drink the water it makes you sick. One day her sister Willow accidentally drinks the water, and Luna sets off to figure out a way to save her. Chapters of Luna's story alternate with a story of sprites getting ready to leave this world for a place that humans have not ruined.

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Review: Shadowshaper

Shadowshaper by Daniel José Older
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

There were a few moments where the narrator discovered things that I didn't really follow her process, but overall, this is an excellent fantasy book that isn't dystopian, has mostly nonwhite characters, and I love the setting. An excellent choice.

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Review: Winter

Winter by Marissa Meyer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I'm glad there will be a collection of short stories coming out, because I'm not ready to leave this world yet.

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