Rutabaga's Reads 2022: Part 13

While I’ve received many books over the years from a publisher or two to read and review, they’ve always been finished books. This is the first time I’ve read ARCs, and I was given the box to read per the Children’s Librarian. This is actually the second ARCs post, though I received this batch first (the first ARCs post only contains three). I split this batch into two posts.

            Considering the amount of reading I do outside of work and regular life stuff, these are being posted well after they’ve all released.

            Please note: I won’t provide any quotes, as what I’ve read have been unfinished proofs.

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

Belle Morte (Apr. 5, 2022) by Bella Higgin.

   Genre: Young-adult vampire fiction

   Type: Chapter book

            At Belle Morte, in England, Irene “Renie” Mayfield is no Vladdict, but she’s applied to be a donor to the vampires of this house, one of five in the U.K. alone, because she’s searching for her sister. June went in five months ago and was sending letters … until she suddenly wasn’t. Those that have the answers – like Ysanne Moreau, Lady of the House, and Edmond Dantés, Ysanne’s longtime friend – aren’t readily open with Renie. But Renie is determined, and she will find the truth. She won’t be like those Vladdicts who treat vampires like gods; they’re her enemy, though there’s something about Edmond. She could get lost in him ... Admittedly, my first reaction was, “Oh great, another vampire novel.” They are overdone, but I was pleasantly surprised by the story’s arc. Yes, insanely gorgeous vampires inhabit the story, and none of the donors sound like they’re anything less than attractive, but there was grit to this story. If you’re a vampire novel enthusiast, this one may be your type.

Isla to Island (Mar. 15, 2022) by Alexis Castellanos.

   Genre: Middle-grade historical fiction

   Type: Graphic novel

            Cuba is a vibrant country with people, flowers and food that Marisol Alabarce loves, but when Fidel Castro comes into power in 1959, parents are afraid their children will be taken from them and send their kids to the United States in an exodus that becomes known as Operación Pedro Pan (or Operation Peter Pan). Nothing in Brooklyn, NY, is familiar to Marisol – not the language, her Caucasian foster parents or even the flora. School isn’t engaging; life looks cold and gray until she discovers the library. Text within this graphic novel is sparse, and what’s present is sometimes English, sometimes Spanish. Despite it being mostly wordless, this graphic novel shows Marisol’s alienation in an unfamiliar environment. It is impactful and encourages empathy. Though a work of fiction, it is inspired by the author’s family’s experiences, making the story authentic.

Once Upon a Tim (Mar. 1, 2022) by Stuart Gibbs.

   Stacy Curtis, illustrator.

   Genre: Illustrated middle-grade fantasy fiction

   Type: Chapter book

            The start of a new series, this once-upon-a-time is the story of Tim. Tim is a peasant, and he has the opportunity to better his station by going on a quest with his best friend, Belinda (posing as a boy), to save Princess Grace, who’s been snatched by a nefarious monster. This story is a witty romp in a medieval setting that will find an audience with kids who want a quirky, funny read. They may not notice the lessons on unconscious bias and stereotyping, but the madcap adventure will draw them in. I enjoyed the inclusion of IQ Boosters, enhanced words the readers may find challenging. This isn’t a regular once-upon-a-time story: the prince isn’t courageous, the wizard can’t do more than card tricks, the stinx isn’t so nefarious, the village idiot may actually be intelligent, and there’s really no happily ever after. Are you ready for the Kingdom of Wyld?

            P.S. I recommended this one to the local Children’s Librarian, and it’s now in circulation!

Rima’s Rebellion: Courage in a Time of Tyranny (Feb. 15, 2022) by Margarita Engle.

   Genre: Young adult historical fiction

   Type: Verse novel

            Spanning a decade from 1923, when Rima Marín is 12, until 1933, Rima looks toward a better future in Guanabacoa, Cuba. During that time in Cuba, females have zero right to vote, and Rima will have even fewer rights, as she is a natural child, an illegitimate one. She is bullied and shunned, including by the church. She knows her father. Rima, her mother and abuela (grandmother) live on property owned by her father, but he does not give her his last name. That’s why Rima only has one last name. She loves to ride her horse, Ala, and rides alongside las mambisas, fierce women who fought during Cuba’s wars for independence. She wants to see the day where there’s no fear or shame in being a woman, nor in being natural, and the Adultery Law is abolished. This YA novel is told in verse, but not of the rhyming variety. Though much of the story is turbulent, there is hope and even falling in love. It’s a feminist tale and a worthy read, though with the verse design and the decade that passes in around 200 pages, the fast-paced plot did move too quickly.

The Summer of June (May 31, 2022) by Jamie Sumner.

   Genre: Middle-grade realistic fiction

   Type: Chapter book  

            11-year-old June Delancey is a wonder to behold. It's the top of summer. She's shaved her head, which she later regrets and winds up with an electric blue wig. She plans to beat her anxiety. She meets poetry-loving, soccer-playing Homer Juarez going about her volunteering at the library where her single mom works as the young adult librarian at Columbia Public Library (Columbia, Tennessee) and learns from Luis Silva about how to care for plants, finding that her secret garden brings respite from her extreme anxiety. She impulsively stops taking her meds and continues to get little sleep at night with disastrous results. Sumner creates a vivid piece of fiction that gives a realistic portrayal of the weight an extremely over-anxious mind can have. It encourages openness about and discussion around the topic of mental health and highlights the power of friendship. It isn't a story all about anxiety; it is a hopeful story, too. 

The T. rex Attack (Apr. 12, 2022) by Rex Stone.

   Louise Forshaw, illustrator.

   Genre: Children’s dinosaur fiction

   Type: Middle-grade chapter book

            The first in the Dinosaur Club series, this story follows Jamie (who’s new to Ammonite Bay) and Tess as they discover a secret cave that leads them into a world of dinosaurs, some carnivorous (like the Tyrannosaurus Rex) and others herbivorous (like the Wannanosaurus). While some of the dinosaur names may be difficult for emergent readers without assistance, the chapter book appears to contain fun “Dino Data” facts at the end, and the story itself is adventurous without being scary. I expect my nephew will like this book when he reaches chapter book level. (P.S. I thought this might be considered an early reader book, but the libraries in the region classify it as middle-grade/juvenile fiction.)