"Anything but Plain" by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Anything but Plain (Oct. 4, 2022) by Suzanne Woods Fisher.*

*This is a standalone ​ novel with overlapping characters.*

Being the bishop’s daughter isn’t easy, but it’s especially tough for Lydie Stoltzfus. She never remains in a job for more than a month or two before getting let go. All she does is disappoint her family and her Amish community, which she’s decided makes leaving Stoney Ridge, Pennsylvania, a necessity. But first, she’s filling in at her doctor-aunt’s practice. Ruth “Dok” Stoltzfus is Stoney Ridge’s only doctor. All Lydie has to do is be “reliable, dependable, nondistractable,” all things which she is not. As she works for Dok, Dok recognizes the symptoms of a disorder rarely diagnosed amongst the Amish. She asks Lydie’s dad, David, to have her tested, but he is adamant that she not be, because, “Labels are for cans and jars.” Dok encourages Lydie to read a book and it’s like reading a book about herself, which is often out-of-order within the conforming Old Order ​Amish community she lives in. Will Dok’s willingness to work with her convince Lydie she can stay? Or will she continue to think on how she’s going to say goodbye to her neighbor, Nathan Yoder? They both clearly care for each other, but Lydie believes she’s not good enough for him. As Nathan wonders about Lydie, he’s also focusing on his goal of Black Gold Farm becoming certified organic, but with his dad and older brother, Mick, the top users in farming chemicals in their community, he’s got his work cut out for him. Additionally, it wrenches his heart that Mick has seemingly captured Lydie’s heart.

            Every story I read from Woods Fisher grabs my interest, whether it’s Amish-driven, contemporary-focused or historical-based. Woods Fisher’s protagonists in this story are ones you want to root for. Lydie is a square peg trying to fit in a round hole, and it’s not an occasional thing, but an overwhelming, all-the-time thing she lives with. The story brims with compassion, but also contains the tension that so easily occurs when others try to “fix” instead of understand and support. Lydie’s character, with her strengths and her struggles in relation to a disorder not oft seen in storylines, is engaging and humble. Her dynamic with others is fascinating to read, whether the other party is trying to improve her, is frustrated with her or simply loves her. “Anything but Plain” roots deep into a reader’s heart with its sweet/spunky/salty characters (not to mention Hank Lapp, who’s just LOUD), the picturesque landscape of Stoney Ridge, the excitement and stress of a new Farmer’s Market and love that already has buds waiting to fully bloom. It’s a story that reminds us all to practice mindfulness, cherish others (differences and all) and focus on God as a farmer “walks the beans.”

* Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions are expressly my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

"Padawan" by Kiersten White

Padawan (July 26, 2022) by Kiersten White.

*This is a standalone​ novel.*

There was a time when Obi-Wan Kenobi wasn’t a Jedi Knight. Once he was a 16-year-old Padawan learner, more than an initiate, but not yet a Jedi. His path seems unclear on Coruscant. He feels like he’s failing as a Padawan, which means he’s failing Jedi Knight and Master Qui-Gon Jinn, which would make sense why they never go out on missions. Obi-Wan can’t even manage to meditate properly, though he’s excellent with lightsaber forms (not that Qui-Gon has had him doing anything beyond basic forms). Whereas the other Padawans that he grew up with as initiates seem to balance well with their Jedi Masters, Obi-Wan wonders why Qui-Gon would choose him when they are not well-matched. When Obi-Wan discovers a long-forgotten planet mapped along a wall by Orla Jareni, a Wayseeker, Obi-Wan believes that this is the mission he’s been waiting for. The Force has guided him to it, but that might be more Obi-Wan’s wishful hoping than actual guidance by the Force. The ship is ready, and he has A6-G2 (or Aces or Aysix) along. Qui-Gon gave his permission for the mission, but he’s nowhere to be found the day they’re to set off. It’s against protocol, but Obi-Wan, rigid rule-follower, sets off without Qui-Gon. After going through a rather violent asteroid belt, he breaks the planet’s atmosphere and winds up on Lenahra. There are a dozen young people inhabiting it, along with gobblers, rolling avalanche critters that are unexpectedly furry and possible killer trees. When Obi-Wan is alone, a gobbler is practically tame and the trees and furry, rolling critters leave him alone. What incites them to be hostile? What causes a planet to randomly create a sinkhole that tries to take you down? Obi-Wan plans to investigate. There are drawings in a ship that the dozen Lenahrans say they’ve never stepped foot in, as their ancestors disallowed going in it, but the drawings are telling. Obi-Wan comes to the realization that his time with the ragtag group of Lenahrans - like leader Audj and her brother, Casul, Zae-Brii, who can take on another’s face, and Shush, Trill and Whistle, the latter three who must usually remain in water unless they want to experience much pain - is at an end. He prepares to slip away and sneak off in secret, but something will prompt him to remain. If there’s a threat, how will the planet respond?

            It’s the power of White’s writing that prompted me to buy this book, for I admit that I am not much of a Star Wars fanatic. Reading Obi-Wan’s story through White’s prose makes him more relatable. Discovering that a character wasn’t always the calm but fierce, totally-connected-to-the-Force guy he appears as a Jedi Knight makes readers feel like they, too, have a chance to ... also become Jedi Knights. (Maybe that’s a stretch.) I did find the pacing to be swift, the characters varied in appearance, gender orientation, etc., and the world-building to be intricate enough while still giving readers space to fill in other details with their own imaginations. Aces could easily become the fans’ next favorite droid. It’s a rollicking adventure, and while there are run-for-your-life runs, the one ultimate battle may leave battle-hungry fans wanting. There isn’t as much lightsaber work as I would expect from a Star Wars novel, so if I think that as a fantasy reader and not as a hardcore fan, take that how you will depending where you fall on the fandom scale. And, as always, may the Force be with you!

            Favorite lines: “No offense, sky trash, but you weren’t really my type. You have too much hair. And also too little. You’re very confusing, visually.” --Casul to Obi-Wan

Rutabaga's Reads 2022: Part 16

With all of the other posts floating around my blog this year, I almost considered forgoing a “Hodgepodge” compilation. As it were, I like the variety that tends to come with a hodgepodge post, both in terms of age range and genres. Happy reading!

Cat & Cat Adventures: The Goblet of Infinity (June 7, 2022) by Susie Yi.

Graphic novel fiction.

*This is the second graphic novel in a series.*

What would pair well with the Potion of Unlimited Snacks? The Goblet of Infinity, of course! Squash and Ginny portal to the Land of the Unibears, one of the “most beautiful forests in the spirit-magic universe!” The two locate the chest, but it’s empty. Fern, a Unibear, informs them that the Goblet must be with the evil Dragon Witch. On their journey to the Dragon Witch, they encounter King Bum Bum (a bullfrog) of Bum Bum Bog, helping to clean up and undo the waste caused by a magic converter (Fern helps reluctantly). Then they meet Cinder, a demon, who’s having trouble rolling a wheel of cheese up a steep hill. Fern doesn’t trust the Dust Demon, but Squash and Ginny want to help. At the top, they’re introduced to the Dragon Witch, and she’s … not scary! She’s happy to entertain guests, share lots of good food and provide a safe spot for a sleepover. The Dragon Witch has enchanted cookware, but she does not have the Goblet of Infinity. If she doesn’t, who does?

            I’ve never purchased a graphic novel, and this is only the second one I’ve checked out from the library. When I saw my library had this one, I grabbed it because I found the first one to be so delightful. Fortunately, this one follows the delightful thread. Not only are the graphics colorful and simple yet bold, but the text is easy to understand. The story moves seamlessly. I like that it’s not only about obtaining the Goblet, but showing kindness and friendship, focusing on the characters and not their outward appearances, and being deserving of second chances. This story is PAWsitively adorable and completely family-friendly.

            Book 1: The Quest for Snacks

Harry Potter: Friends & Foes: A Movie Scrapbook (May 24, 2022) by Jody Revenson.

Film scrapbook –  nonfiction, but is likely grouped with other Harry Potter fiction.

*This is a standalone, but the author has written extensively about the Harry Potter films.*

Anyone who’s read all of the books or watched all of the movies – or both – will already be familiar with the relationships surrounding Harry Potter, friend and foe, classmate, Hogwarts professor or staff, etc. But this book delves further, giving some behind-the-scenes information. There are quotes from the actors and concept art, amongst other features.

            Like the other Revenson film book I’ve read, I checked this out from my local library. While I don’t feel the need to own them, they’d add to a diehard fan’s memorabilia collection nicely. I appreciate that the profiles aren’t lengthy, yet feel detailed. While I’m familiar with all of the characters featured, it was fun to see concept art photos, though the ones of Dobby, well, let’s just say I’m really glad that they settled on the version of Dobby that they did!

            Also by Jody Revenson in: Rutabaga’s Reads 2022: Part 6

Never After: ​The Stolen Slippers (Feb. 1, 2022) by Melissa de la Cruz.

Middle-grade fantasy fiction.

*This is the second ​ novel in a series.*

What Filomena Jefferson-Cho thought to be true has been turned on its head yet again. Cinderella is no servant with an evil stepmother and two wicked stepsisters. No. Cinderella is the villain; she’s a thief. Her twin stepsisters, Hortense and Beatrice, are delightful, caring and beautiful. Filomena, together with Jack the Giant Stalker, Alistair (Jack’s trusted wingman) and Gretel (the Cobbler’s fashionable daughter), must find a way onto the Queen of Hearts’ grounds in Leastphalia​ without, well, losing their heads. This is after their calamitous candy house escape (but the candy and sweets sure tasted good). Filomena and her friends want to retrieve the slippers, as they are rightfully Hortense’s. Hortense is in love with Prince Charlemagne (Charlie), also dubbed Prince Charming.

            While I know twisted fairytales aren’t for everyone, I tend to enjoy them, and I enjoy this series immensely. The author is wildly imaginative and brings her stories to life with her vivid world-building and themes at once familiar and topsy-turvy. There are also struggles, like when Jack wonders what it means to be a hero, and life lessons, such as Filomena learning that words can completely change a story, in taking truths and making them lies, for example. The story is filled with plucky banter and fast-paced action on top of a fractured plot that is, like the first book, filled with the fantastical, fantasy, magic, strongly fleshed out main and supporting characters and an expected amount of middle-school angst. This is, after all, a middle-grade novel. It will have wide appeal, but not for those looking for an intensely dark novel. With adventure and whimsy, Never After is a place I’d happily visit, as long as ogres aren’t out to eat me.

            Book One in the Never After series: The Thirteenth Fairy

The Silver Secret (Dec. 1, 2020) by Astrid Foss.

   Monique Dong, illustrator.

Chapter book fantasy fiction.

*This is the first book in a series.*

There is a selfish witch (Veronika, the Shadow Witch), and she’s managed to abduct Nordovia’s Keeper of the Lights, Freya Aurora, and her husband, Magnus Aurora. The Everchanging Lights sustain and protect the island, but Freya traps them in three orbs of light to keep them away from Veronika. Freya’s and Magnus’ triplet daughters, all green-eyed and looking toward coming into magical powers as they celebrate their twelfth birthdays, must go on a quest to locate the first orb. All three must be retrieved before the Day of the Midnight Sun, which brings strong magic, and is only a few weeks away. Ida (blond-haired), Magna (brown-haired) and Hannah (red-haired) set off with their polar bear cub, Oskar, who can magically grow in size, as all Nordovian polar bears have this ability, and come across Gregor, the falconer’s apprentice.

            The first in the Snow Sisters series is cute, and the pacing is steady and fast-moving. The prose is complemented by illustrations created with a light touch and delicately sweeping lines as opposed to heavy, bold ones. The main characters all read as a white default, though one scene involving a crowd shows some diversity. This isn’t a series I plan to continue, but it might be right up a young reader’s alley if that person appreciates magic, lovely gowns, arctic animals and snow.

To Steal a Heart (Nov. 17, 2020) by Jen Turano.

Christian historical fiction.

*This is the first novel in a series.*

It’s been years since Gabriella Goodhue was a street thief. That was in her childhood (she dressed as a boy and went by Gabe back then), but when a fellow resident (Jennette Moore) at the boardinghouse she resides at is unjustly accused of the theft of precious diamond and sapphire jewels, Gabriella puts her old skills to use. While investigating under the hastily-named Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency (it’s the boardinghouse), Gabriella encounters Nicholas Quinn. He was her best friend when they were child-sized street thieves, both under the guidance of Humphrey Rookwood. Nicholas was taken under the wing of a gentleman professor soon after Gabriella was caught thieving in their childhood. She’d always wondered why Rookwood never came for her and Nicholas never looked for her. While their reunion is fraught with tension, it is clear that they still care for each other. Together, they will clear Jennette’s name, along with the help of many others, most of whom are friends that Gabriella was afraid to let become friends (like Daphne Beekman, also a boardinghouse resident, Eunice, the woman who runs the boardinghouse, and Monsieur Phillip Villard, who isn’t actually French, but effects a French accent at the dress shop he owns and Gabriella works at). They know Jennette is innocent, so who is the Knickerbocker Bandit who’s already been involved in at least two dozen thefts? The Pinkertons have been called to help investigate. With Gabriella and Nicholas reunited, their childhood affection will have the chance to grow into newfound love, but can it survive the truths about their pasts that they will discover? Will they survive the danger that lurks closer than they think?

            This Gilded Age-era novel takes place in late 1886. I always appreciate Turano’s feisty, independent female protagonists, clever dialogue and fast-paced storylines. I thrill when the antagonists get their due (yes, even if an antagonist dies, because no one wants a violent, retaliatory antagonist on the loose). “To Steal a Heart” is the first in Turano’s The Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency series, and it’s a literary showpiece. Her tale is expressive, and the scenes are lavishly-imagined, especially those that involve balls and historical details that must’ve taken research to create. I want to be friends with the assorted group from the Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency, and I look forward to the key players in the next stories, all of whom I’m guessing we’ve already met in this opening novel.

Rutabaga's Reads 2022: Part 15

Here continues my middle-grade (MG) reading momentum with this second MG compilation post!

Born Behind Bars (Sept. 7, 2021) by Padma Venkatraman.

*This is a standalone novel.*

Now that Kabir Khan has turned nine, he’s too old … to continue living in the Chennai prison with his amma (mother). But that prison is the only place he knows since he was born there. He and his mom share a cell with three women Kabir’s dubbed Grandma Knife, Aunty Cloud and Mouse Girl. Unlike his cellmates, he is allowed to cross the prison grounds to the schoolroom and his teacher, Bedi Ma’am, with his friend Malli, who’s younger than he is. When Kabir learns he must leave the only place he’s ever known, he’s devastated, but reminds himself that he will free his mom someday. Still, finding himself on the streets is no easy thing after escaping from Fake Uncle. Fortunately, Rani (of the Roma community) and Jay, her parrot, come to his aid. Rani is a slingshot-wielding girl of 12 or 13, and she is street smart. She likes to sleep in trees and can recite the names of her ancestors going back ten generations. She doesn’t want to get Kabir’s hopes up, but she will go to Bengaluru (where his paternal grandparents were known to be) with him, if only they can earn the money. They can’t simply walk there, as Bengaluru is in another state. Kabir will not be deterred, for he is convinced that he will get his mom out and be together in a world that they both deserve to flourish in.

            Venkatraman isn’t one to avoid weighty themes, having been inspired to write this story after reading a BBC news report about a boy in India who had been born in jail. It’s realistic fiction that one wishes was only fable. It’s a riveting, gritty, evocative novel with distinct characters and a fast-moving plot. Kabir is determined and hopeful yet understandably vulnerable and overwhelmed. He’s a survivor, and he’s still a young boy. This story is an immersive experience that isn’t without horror and danger. It’s an important book for people to read. Yes, it’s a fictitious story, but it reads so authentically, and I appreciate that my local library has this book available for patrons to check out.

            Note: Kabir’s character is half Hindu, half Muslim. His mom said that she married his dad in secret, knowing his Muslim parents wouldn’t find it acceptable that their son had married a Hindu woman. As it were, the name Kabir is a name that both Hindus and Muslims use.

Lia Park and the Missing Jewel (May 3, 2022) by Jenna Yoon.

*This is the first novel in a series.*

Overprotective parents are the worst! Lia Park is 12 years old and has an invite to a birthday party for the most popular girl in her class. She thinks she should go, because even though it’s her dream to attend the International Magic Agency’s (IMA) school, with her lack of a manifested magical ability, she’s stuck being a regular person. She’ll still take the entrance exam ... or maybe not. After defying her parents and going to the party, which was disastrous, Lia comes home to a dead IMA agent, a ransacked home and coalescing smoke. Her parents are missing and a vengeful spirit called Gaya expects Lia to bring her the missing jewel. Too bad Lia’s parents have kept her in the dark all these years, and she has zero idea what the jewel looks like, much less how to retrieve it. Fortunately, her best friend, Joon, is along with her when they magically transport to Korea. She gets to see her halmoni (grandma) in-person. The quest isn’t easy, and Lia must rely on her skill with riddles and a discovered ability that’s been kept hidden, not to mention a destiny she never could’ve anticipated (hint: Hwarang).

            I have no problem admitting that I checked this book out because it features a Korean-American main character. While her destiny feels ancient, her surroundings are normally modern. I really appreciate and enjoy how fast-moving this story is, mixing the contemporary world with mythology and magic. The text does include romanized Korean words and phrases, which may be tricky for some to read, but definitely helps tie Lia to her Korean culture alongside her American life. The language, also used for spells, plays an essential role in the story. While Lia struck me as a brat in the first few chapters, her resilience, strength and love of others (especially her parents and best friend) grow exponentially throughout the story. This is an excellent middle-grade, fantasy adventure, and I hope it’s a ride that readers can continue on.

Pahua and the Soul Stealer (Sept. 7, 2021) by Lori M. Lee.

*This is the first novel in a series.*

Even without her ability to see spirits, like her best friend, cat spirit Miv, Pahua Moua is known as a weirdo amongst her classmates. She is an 11-year-old Hmong girl, the lone Asian American in her sixth grade class at her Wisconsin school. With a single mother who picks up extra shifts to make ends meet, Pahua often babysits her younger brother, Matt. Their mother has reminded them multiple times to stay away from the bridge, but Pahua, being so lonely and desperately wanting friends her age, goes to the bridge with a group of girls, one a new classmate and the others known bullies. She accidentally untethers the bridge’s malevolent spirit (a poj ntxoog, pronounced paw zhong), and not only does she not know what to do, but her brother falls deathly ill. Thinking she can fix what she did, she finds her aunt’s old shaman tools in her mother’s closet. But ... she has no idea how to use them and summons a demon instead. Fortunately, a young shaman warrior who needs an attitude adjustment arrives on-scene to save Pahua. Pahua and Zhong will need to wend their way through the spirit world (Dab Teb, pronounced dah thay) to rescue Matt’s soul before it can no longer return.

            What a fantastic middle-grade debut from Lee! This story has something for many readers, whether they’re fans of fantasy and magic, Hmong or Asian American representation, an adventure story set between the Midwest and Dab Teb or any or all of the above. Kicking off the Pahua Moua Series, this novel reads quickly with Lee’s clever writing, the humorous dialogue bringing levity to the challenges the girls encounter, the Hmong-mythology-filled plot is rich in world-building and imagination, and the characters are engaging and relatable (from Pahua’s struggles with identity to Zhong wanting to prove herself to Pahua’s mom working incredibly hard to provide for her family). There are themes of family, friendship and identity. Yes, identity is prevalent in many BIPOC stories, and I often get the impression that my identity as a Korean adoptee is different from those who’ve grown up as non-adoptees. I’d have been Pahua’s friend for sure if she’d been my classmate (I know for a fact that my mom would’ve encouraged it, as she always seemed to have a sixth sense for scoping out loneliness amongst my peers when I was young). For those unfamiliar words, there is a handy glossary included in the back matter. A high-spirited story, this shouldn’t just be on all library shelves, it should be consistently checked out! Another standout for the Rick Riordan Presents imprint!