Rutabaga's Reads 2018: Part 3

For this compilation post, I am happy to present a compilation featuring a few middle-grade books from authors I enjoy. If you have read any of these stories, please add your opinions in the comments below. And, if you have any to recommend – or avoid! – please let me know that in the comments as well!

            Please also beware of spoilers if you haven’t read the previous stories in each of these series. I do avoid spoilers as best I can, so know there aren’t major spoilers. I don’t, say, give away the endings of the stories.

The Empty Grave (Sept. 12, 2017) by Jonathan Stroud.

There is nothing quite like a nighttime masquerade into a heavily guarded mausoleum. Those at Lockwood & Co. are adept and therefore manage to get into the mausoleum undetected. They are looking for the body of a certain someone, and they find a body, but it’s not the one that should be there. And so begins their secretive research (they are being sporadically watched and followed) – “their” being Anthony Lockwood, Lucy Carlyle, George Cubbins, Holly Munro and Quill Kipps. This is on top of their usual jobs from a Lurker in an apartment above a Chinese restaurant to La Belle Dame Sans Merci and jobs in-between. But it’s what they’re researching that may pose the biggest threat to them all. These young operatives will have to survive attacks from foes of both the spectral and human varieties to overcome the real cause of the Problem.

            This group headquartered at 35 Portland Row, London, are an eclectic and crafty bunch. The author has created distinctly different characters with their own strengths and weaknesses. My one bother of the entire series is the lack of diversity. Holly’s character is the only notable one that lends a speck of diversity to a landscape that is both realistic and otherworldly. Having now read all five stories in the Lockwood & Co. series (this being the ultimate story), this is disappointing, as Stroud is so otherwise masterful with this series. It is clever and clandestine, haunted (literally, in locations), humorous and delightfully creepy. Stroud’s writing sucks you into a believable world and spits you back out, though hopefully without being ghost-touched and with all of your appendages intact.

The Ship of the Dead (Oct. 3, 2017) by Rick Riordan.

Thor. Odin. Loki. Valkyrie. Valhalla. Before Riordan’s Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard series, that’s about all I could tell you about Norse mythology. But now, the things I know! (Okay, that was an exaggeration, though I definitely know more about Norse mythology than I did.)

            “The Ship of the Dead” is the final book in the trilogy. Do I wish this series were continuing? Naturally. In the first book, Magnus turned 16. While he should have been awaiting his driver’s license, he’d already been homeless for two years, as his only living parent (mom) had been killed two years before. But he had his best homeless buddies, Blitz and Hearth, to look out for him. And at his ripe old age, his life turned into, “Now that you’re 16, there’s a good chance you’ll die soon. Surprise! Have a happy birthday!”

            So Magnus dies and winds up in Valhalla, thanks to a Valkyrie named Samirah al-Abbas. He learns that he’s the demigod son of Frey, the god of spring and summer. In truth, Magnus is a Vanir (gods of nature) demigod, and their afterlife is overseen by Magnus’ aunt Freya (goddess of love and twin of Frey) in Folkvanger. Yet he is in Valhalla, which is the army that serves Odin. He also learns that Blitzen is actually a svartalf (a.k.a. dark elf, but still actually a dwarf) and Hearthstone is an elf. Hearth is deaf, which his father found embarrassing and appalling, and Blitz has an amazing sense of style. Magnus is also armed with Jack (a.k.a. Sumarbrander, the Sword of Summer).

            By the third book, Magnus has his best floormates: TJ (Thomas Jefferson, Jr., a dead Civil War soldier), Mallory Keen (of Irish descent who wields knives very well), Halfborn Gunderson (a berserker) and Alex Fierro (he/she is gender fluid). Much of the time, they spend their days in Valhalla doing battle to the death (whether actual battle, yoga, pottery, etc. – it sounds quite intense) and getting reincarnated. But they also go on quests. In this book, on “The good ship Mikillgulr!” which, as a nickname, is the “Big Banana,” but the better translation means “big yellow.” Magnus dreams of Loki and his nasty ship of the clipped toenails and fingernails of the dishonorable dead, Naglfar, which means, naturally, the Ship of Nails. Yuck.

            Loki, being free, is trying to start Ragnarok. But before they can attempt a flyting with him, they’ve gotta survive Aegir’s vengeful giant daughters, a tveirvigi with another giant, vatnavaettir (water horses), Hearth’s dragon-dad, thrall giants (i.e. giants that are slaves), more giants in general that mean them harm and a meeting with Njord (Vanir god of the sea) and his beautiful feet who also happens to be Magnus’ grandfather.

            Like in Riordan’s other books, “The Ship of the Dead” is full of action and adventure right from the first chapter. I am always impressed by the diversity of characters he creates and appreciate him more for it. Because not only are his characters diverse, they are complex, each with distinct personalities and backgrounds. You never think, “Wow. Halfborn is pretty much the same as Alex.” Nope. Never. And while many of the problems are on a fictionally gigantic scale centering on the end of the world as everyone, including us non-magic mortals, knows it, there are also things that people may relate to. For instance, Hearth and his maltreatment by his father. So what if he’s an elf? Bullying is no small thing, and in Riordan’s world, it extends past the world of humans. This novel is resplendent in its wit and prose, and it never ceased entertaining me.

The Silver Mask (Oct. 10, 2017) by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare.

Magical prison is not like television prison at all. Well, except for the main character being framed and all that. But Callum “Call” Hunt finds himself in the Panopticon until he isn’t. (Thank goodness for a Devoured of fire!) Call has been blamed for a devastating death, and he’s also feared for the soul they think he houses. But Call is just Call. He leaves one prison for another, and he’s tasked to do the unthinkable; it is something that not even Constantine Madden achieved. The power of chaos can work for good, but is so often thought of as wicked, because even in the best of times, chaos magic is destructive. And Call isn’t the only one wielding chaos magic, only the other person wasn’t imbued with it from birth, nor was it willingly granted to him with, say, a chaos mage’s soul. No. It was stolen, and that mage died.

            Just like I would’ve loved an acceptance letter to Hogwarts, so, too, would I have gladly been an aspirant hoping to be selected by a senior mage as an apprentice and to learn at the Magisterium for five years. The fourth story in the Magisterium series, I read through it almost as swiftly as a Devoured of fire can destroy a magical prison. While middle-grade, this series ramped up its intensity.  It’s not about learning how to control and use magic in the Magisterium anymore; in fact, Call’s never there in this story. Life has reached critical mass when it comes to the nature of a soul, the dignity of life and death and what it is to secure true friendship, especially when that friendship is severely tested. Like the others, this story is filled with magic and wonder, and I can’t wait to read what happens next!

Rutabaga's Reads 2018: Part 2

When I save blog-related documents that I intend to be compilations, I save them with a nickname. It’s very basic, so this one I dubbed “Part Chapter Books.” However, looking at the few books I have here, I could’ve easily termed it “Part American Girl Books.” Consider it however you’d like.

            Please note that I am not a spokesperson for American Girl or Mattel and am in no way associated with either company. I’ve read these books since I was a young girl, and my loyalty to books is apparently very strong!

American Girl: Tenney Shares the Stage (Apr. 25, 2017) by Kellen Hertz.

The recording contract is signed, and Tenney Grant cannot wait to make an album. She always pictured herself as a solo artist, but she’s been partnered with Logan Everett for months. They should be songwriting and harmonizing as equal partners, but they’re out of tune. Both are stubborn, both each think themselves the correct one, Logan thinks Tenney’s songs are too sappy, and she thinks his are too hard-edged. And now, of all things, Logan keeps bailing or he has to rush off to who knows where, and he checks his phone all the time. Will this affect their contract? Tenney originally wanted to go solo, but is their music actually stronger together?

            The third story in the Tenney series from American Girl, Tenney and Logan continue to struggle with being as harmonious off the stage as they are on. As young as they are, the author gives us a look at two fictional characters doing what so many adults have to do: find a work-life balance. It also includes finding professionalism when what one wants to do is speak harshly or, dare I say, stomp one’s foot. The story is also about knowing your passion and using it to help others. For anyone familiar with the American Girl character books, this is another charming story to add to the ranks. The story also celebrates, as American Girl aims to do every day, “a girl’s inner star.”

American Girl: Tenney: A Song for the Season (Sept. 26, 2017) by Kellen Hertz.

The duo known as Tenney and Logan have embarked on their first tour. However, the transportation is far from the tour bus that Belle Starr rides around in, and their hotel accommodations are far from elite (one hotel doesn’t even have a pool). Plus, Tenney didn’t realize how hard touring would be, and she isn’t even leaving the state of Tennessee! Both she and Logan have strong cases of homesickness, though neither is quick to admit it to the other. It simply shows through their tension and arguments. They’re cracking under the pressure. Can they find their balance and holiday spirit before they jeopardize their careers before they’ve barely begun … and in time for Christmas?

            Hertz remains consistent with her main characters. Tenney continues to think she’s the one who’s trying the hardest, Logan continues to be moody, and both are still too stubborn and proud to confide in the other. They’re young, I get that, but youth would not have stopped my parents from reminding me that I needed to halt the uppity attitude and shape up. I wish one of Tenney’s parents would do the same. Aside from that small gripe, it’s a sweet story that has ups and downs. It includes real-life stress that I imagine every performer has experienced and worried about, and I appreciate that the author included such scenarios (e.g. audio issues a.k.a. “every performer’s worst nightmare”). It’s probably too sugar-cookie-sweet for some, but for those who are dedicated to American Girl books, you’ll want to add this one to your ever-increasing collection.

American Girl: Z on Location (Sept. 12, 2017) by J.J. Howard.

Going on a road trip seems like the perfect opportunity for Z Yang to have many #summeradventure moments, as inspired by her favorite superstar vlogger, Winter Costello. Unfortunately, Z has trouble being in the now, and her unofficial title of production assistant for her mother’s film documentary photo shoots is in jeopardy. Will her fervor for the online world and connecting with her Z’s Crew ruin her chances of showing her mom that she’s professional and responsible enough to connect with her vlog idol at VidCon?

            As someone who’s not overly tech-savvy, I am impressed with this character’s passion for vlogging, and I love that her inspiration comes from her mother, an intelligent, strong woman. The author handles the balance very well between Z’s online tech world and the overall story, for never once did I feel overwhelmed by any “tech-speak.” Z makes mistakes, but she ultimately learns from them, which is what I always hope happens when I make mistakes – that I learn from them and grow with those experiences. The author also captures how easy it can be to get caught up in the online world, though without the tantrum-throwing dramatics we’ve probably all cringed at when we’ve seen segments on the news. This is a candid but nice story and is the second in Z’s collection.

            My favorite moment in the story reminds me of so many dogs, especially my parents’ dog, Ellie. A character asks Z if her dog is licking the camera in the picture of her that she has. Z replies, “Yes, Popcorn always wants to check to see if everything is edible.” How true that is!

Rutabaga's Reads 2018: Part 1

It’s been awhile since I’ve done a compilation of any kind, much less picture books, so here one is! It’s a post for anyone who has young kids or grandkids, is an aunt or uncle or other relative, is an elementary school educator or just loves books for all age groups. Enjoy!

The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend (Apr. 8, 2014) by Dan Santat.

The story opens on an island where imaginary friends are born. Here they live until they are imagined by a real child and journey to the real world. But the turn never comes for one imaginary being, so he takes it upon himself to venture to the real world. He is unimaginary since no one has imagined him, and even in the real world, still no one claims him. Until one day, where he finds himself named … Beekle.

            I love this story. It is clever and sweet. I would hope it would propel children to make new friends. I count myself as having an imaginary friend when I was young, and this story affirms that there’s nothing strange about having imaginary friends in one’s youth. They can bring conversation or at least friendship and comfort. Minds are sharp and creative, and there are no age restrictions on imagination.

The Animals’ Santa (Oct. 21, 2014) by Jan Brett.

There is always a doubter, and Little Snow is it. His brother, Big Snowshoe, believes in the animals’ Santa, but without proof, Little Snow isn’t a believer. Their other animal friends speculate what type of animal the animals’ Santa could be, but Little Snow still thinks it’s all stuff and nonsense. Can he be convinced?

            I am a fan of Jan Brett books. The way she weaves her stories are delightful and almost majestic. Her brilliant illustrations help my opinion as well, for her illustrations do not simply highlight the words on the pages, as she tends to have other little stories going on along the edges. Her creativity lights up the world, and in a world where there seems to be so much darkness, this is no small thing.

Big Words for Little Geniuses (Sept. 4, 2017) by Susan ^and James Patterson.

   Hsinping Pan, illustrator.

Like the title says, this picture book contains big words for little geniuses! There is a big word for each letter of the alphabet with an illustration to represent it. There are even a couple extra pages at the end with 26 additional big words for little ones to learn.

            I normally do not see an ad for a book in a magazine and immediately think that I must get it. But there’s a first time for everything, and when I saw the title of this picture book, having become a first-time aunt last fall, I knew right away that I wanted it. Naturally, as a proud auntie, I automatically considered my nephew a genius before he was born. And, as a self-professed logophile, purchasing this book seemed like a no-brainer. I expect his first words will be “mama” and “dada.” Next, “Auntie Lisa” and probably “tractor.” And then, how about “bumfuzzle” and “dulcifluous?” *grins widely*

Peanut Butter & Cupcake (July 29, 2014) by Terry Border.

Peanut Butter is new to town, and he’s looking for a friend. He’s got the new soccer ball he received for his birthday and an introductory rhyme for when he encounters prospective friends. But everyone he comes upon seems too busy or unwilling to give him a chance. Is there a friend for Peanut Butter out there?

            I found this story to be superb. The storyline is uncomplicated – a youth (albeit an edible one) new to town wants to make new friends and is having a hard time finding even one – but it’s the images that make the story pop. The illustrations are not something drawn or painted; they’re photographs. The author is known for his Bent Objects, and he has photographed these objects to create the illustrations. It’s clever and fresh; the pages are visually entertaining. I hope no one takes issue with the lack of healthy food objects such as carrots or celery and instead note the value of entertainment. I think preschoolers will be amused by the zany photos, but the droll food comedy may be for those reading the story aloud to the children.

The Pout-Pout Fish Goes to School (June 24, 2014) by Deborah Diesen.

   Dan Hanna, illustrator.

It is Mr. Fish’s first day of school, but everything is hard. He starts by getting lost, and it dominos negatively from there. Will he find his classroom? Or should he forget it and swim home?

            I have always enjoyed rhymes, and this picture book is written in such a form. It flows well and has a great message: you shouldn’t give up on anything, especially when you haven’t learned it yet! This message isn’t just important to instill in young children, but a good reminder for adults as well. Although the pictures are still, they feel animated to me. I think that youngsters will be fascinated by these exaggerated sea creatures with their big eyes and expressive faces.

Skippyjon Jones: Snow What (Oct. 21, 2014) by Judy Schachner.

A Siamese kitty boy who envisions himself as the “handsomest Chihuahua of all” is Skippyjon “Skippito” Jones. Skipping out on listening to the story of ‘Snow White’ with his mom and sisters, he retreats to his room, enters a deep, dark forest, comes across his amigos, Los Chimichangos, and faints on a mission to save Nieve Qué (Snow What). Thoughts of princesas are a snore to Skippito, the idea of tights is humorously offensive, and kissing is gross. So how’s he going to save a princesa when he thinks such tales are fuzzy, shmuzzy?

            Schachner’s Skippyjon Jones stories are so entertaining, and they work very well when reading aloud. The linguistics of the story feature dual-lingo words and puns, which I believe lend the story more verve. This story does not disappoint me with its adventurous main character and the illustrations that work so well with the tale because the author is also the illustrator. ¡Muy divertido!