Rutabaga's Reads 2022: Part 5

For me, one of the fun things about working at a library has been reading ARCs (Advance Reader Copy). This is actually the second batch of ARCs I’ve been given to read, but I’m posting it first, as there were far fewer books in this batch than the first one (which will be split into two posts). These three came from Chronicle Books.

            Note: What I read were unfinished proofs. No quotes will be provided, as nothing has been checked against any final copies.

            Disclosure: I’ve NOT been asked to provide reviews by the publisher, authors or the local Children’s Librarian. All opinions are expressly my own.

The Callers (Apr. 5, 2022) by Kiah Thomas.

   Genre: Middle-grade fantasy fiction

   Type: Chapter book

            The ability to Call (summon objects) is a coveted skill, the people of Elipsom depending on Callers’ abilities to sustain their way of life. Quintus Octavius is going to be the first in his illustrious family (his sister is a Calling prodigy; their mom has been Chief Councilor for a decade) without the ability. Everything changes when Quin winds up in Evantra, on the other side of the planet from Elipsom. He didn’t know Evantra existed. It appears that nothing can come from nothing. Elipsom’s Calling isn’t free; it’s continually taking from Evantra, and the Vine is dying. Quin envisions living on Evantra; he feels anchored there, and he befriends an Evantran named Allie. I thoroughly enjoyed this middle-grade tale. It’s fantasy, but it shines a light on consumerism, how easy it is to exploit natural resources and wanting more than is needed. It reads quickly and the magic sweeps you up, but it’s all balanced with hard truths that make a person think. A strong story for anyone who enjoys fantasy, adventure and magic. P.S. I want to meet a rhinodrite.

Harvey and the Collection of Impossible Things (Apr. 19, 2022) by Garret Weyr.

   Minnie Phan, illustrator.

   Genre: Middle-grade fiction, animal perspective

   Type: Chapter book

            The narrator of this tale and the main character, Harvey, is a city cat. He lives on the streets and has a collection (list) of impossible things, such as “Catch safety.” Harvey isn’t shy about relaying how dangerous it is to live outside, though he loves life under the sky, but one needs luck to find food, find safety and find warmth. He’ll tell you about how Chester taught him that to be attached is to be brave, how he found the “woman in the blue shirt,” and how he’s friends with three sparrows. Here is a story of a homeless cat surviving and how he isn’t some creature to treat poorly. Like our own beloved pets, he is an animal of worth, deserving of kindness and empathy. Despite the cute kitty on the cover, this is not a fluff tale. The author advocates for adoption and fostering.

            (I’ve done neither; I’ve also never bought cats. Sadly, the cats that I’ve taken in – my family, too – have always been strays or the kittens of stray mamas. Oftentimes, we suspect those cats have been dumped, as most of those times, the cats have been tame, not feral. For the record, my three cats are fixed.)

Shine On, Luz Véliz! (May 3, 2022) by Rebecca Balcárcel.

   Genre: Middle-grade realistic fiction

   Type: Chapter book

            It’s After. After is the time after Luz Véliz blows out her knee. She’s a soccer star who’s been sidelined by injury, and she doesn’t know who she is without her sport. Her dad never seems to be around for her anymore. But thanks to a chance encounter with R2-D2 propping open a classroom door and her neighbor, Mr. Mac, Luz discovers an interest and skill for coding and robotics. Being able to present at the May Showcase, only weeks away, may allow her to skip a level, impressing not only the teacher, Ms. Freeman, but a certain boy in robotics named Trevor. She pictures her parents cheering her on like they did when during Before, when she played soccer. But how will that picture work when Solana arrives? No one expected Luz to have a half-sister, especially not Luz. How can she create a new self with all of this extra in her life? This middle-grade story is realistic and this STEAM-positive story showcases a female youth who’s encouraged to develop that interest. Her only hindrance is the bitterness and close-mindedness within herself. It’s a story of human connection, not only in families, but with surrounding people one never gave a chance of friendship to. There’s heritage to explore and change to grow with. It’s a smart, charming story.