Rutabaga's Reads 2023: Part 3

It is a quick thing to whip through a chapter book. The volumes are slim and contain some illustrations to complement the stories. Presenting a compilation of chapter books!

The Mysterious Moonstone (Apr. 26, 2016) by Eric Luper.

   Lisa K. Weber, illustrator.

*This is the first story in a series.*

Discovering a secret library in one’s school should be exhilarating, and it is, but it’s tempered when Cleo and Evan find a note from their favorite librarian, Ms. Hilliard, who mysteriously exited her role. It turns out it wasn’t by choice, as she’s vanished within the pages of one of the stories. Cleo and Evan find themselves swept up in a story, too. In this one, a priceless gem – a moonstone – has been stolen in 19th-century England. Cleo, Evan and their new, rigid librarian, Ms. Crowley, must become their characters in order to solve the mystery. Cleo and Evan become junior assistants to a rookie detective, Artie Baker, who must solve the case or be fired as a detective. It’s imperative that Cleo and Evan find the stolen moonstone and obtain the key, lest they, too, become stuck in a story.

            A series first published in 2016, my local library only recently acquired at least the first couple books in the Key Hunters series, and I’m glad they did. This chapter book in the mystery genre has twists and tricks, falling chandeliers, a rampaging cart and a list of suspects. The humor is appropriate for the age group, and the twisty plot isn’t so challenging that younger readers can’t keep up. It’s not a flashy story, but it’s exciting and is like solving a game of “Clue.” It has the potential to have varied appeal to a slew of junior detectives.

Tae Kwon Do Champs (Aug. 1, 2021) by V.T. Bidania.

   Evelt Yanait, illustrator.

*This is part of a series of books.*

Twins Astrid & Apollo Lee are about to participate in their first tae kwon do tournament. Just because it’s their first one doesn’t stop them from wanting to win a trophy for the shelf. It used to be their dad’s, and he had his trophies on it, but his trophies were all lost. Astrid & Apollo are determined to earn trophies in their specialties - Astrid: forms and Apollo: board breaking - but the tournament does not go according to plan. They feel like they have failed their dad, but they’ll learn that being a winner doesn’t always mean winning the top award.

            My first Astrid & Apollo story, I like how engaging this story is and easy to read, even for new chapter book readers. Bidania’s writing showcases that a tae kwon do competition can be a new adventure and a learning opportunity. The series features a Hmong-American family that resides in Minnesota. As a Minnesotan, I love that these characters live in this state, but I especially appreciate that it showcases a main character family of color. I’m not Hmong (Minnesota has an excellent Hmong population), but I know my kid self would’ve gravitated toward books with Asian main characters, no matter their specific nationality. I will say this until I’m blue in the face, but representation matters! A lively chapter book that should have a broad range of readers based on the other book titles I noticed at my local library.

A Triceratops Charge (Apr. 26, 2022) by Rex Stone.

   Louise Forshaw, illustrator.

*This is the second book in a series.*

More adventure is afoot for Jamie and Tess as they return to their new favorite place, and it happens to contain actual dinosaurs! They reunite with Wanna, a Wannanosaurus. They also encounter a herd of Triceratops. The two Dinosaur Club members experience riding on the back of a younger one, but a situation at a grouping of tall, strange mounds causes the Triceratops herd to charge. They’ll have to hang on tight or risk being trampled by stampeding dinos!

            I originally read the ARC for the first book in this prehistoric book series and enjoyed the modern tale that contains Dino Data, a section of scientific facts and discoveries, a quiz too, but also blends in fiction. It is a fictional tale, after all, not an encyclopedia. The black-and-white illustrations are a perfect accompaniment to the prose, detailed without creating too-busy illustrations. It’s a fun series for a young audience. I haven’t yet introduced my five-year-old nephew to these books, but he loves dinosaurs. So much!

Rutabaga's Reads 2023: Part 2

Hello to the first picture books compilation of 2023! This post includes picture books that I checked out from my local library.

The City Tree (Apr. 4, 2023) by Shira Boss.

   Lorena Alvarez, illustrator.

There’s a hole in front of Dani’s apartment building that is one day home to a city tree (or street tree). She loves the tree where birds now chirp and cheep, which she can also use as a weather vane (“…leaves fluttering said breezy today, its branches bending said bundle up.”). That city tree is Dani’s haven from noise and grime, but the tree sometimes needs tending to, as not every passerby is kind to the tree. Dani encounters more magnificent trees at the park, but this tree is the most special. In the spring, it’s a garden. In summer, an oasis. In fall, a treasure chest. And in winter, it’s starlight. No matter the day or the season of year, “the tree was a good friend.”

            This unfussy story is a beautiful celebration of the importance of greenery in cities, of community and of life and growth. Where Boss writes in praise of city green spaces with her immersive writing, Alvarez’s illustrations are what really bring the reader into the story. Her illustrations are lush, colorful and detailed. Dani and her community are a melting pot of skin tones, ages and body types, and the pictures teem with diversity. Back matter includes information on street trees. As someone who grew up rural and still lives rural, this book shows me that I definitely take for granted the nature all around me compared to one who may be closed in by large buildings and concrete, the noise of big cities and the pollution that can be more noticeable with them. This book is delightful, and I’m so pleased that it caught my eye at my local library.

Dim Sum, Here We Come! (Jan. 3, 2023) by Maple Lam.

Every Sunday, the main character’s multigenerational family meets at the local dim sum restaurant, because “sharing dim sum means I love you.” But what to eat? What will get stamped on the dim sum card? Pork dumplings, shrimp dumplings or char siu (sweet pork) buns? Taro dumplings, spring rolls or egg tarts? Chive dumplings, lotus leaf sticky rice or turnip cakes? What about rice noodle rolls? … How about all of the above?!

            If this story doesn’t have you wanting dim sum, I don’t know what will! Whether or not readers are familiar with dim sum, the author/illustrator’s love for dim sum and family is obvious and infectious in this mouth-watering cultural tale. Food transcends cultures, and that’s showcased in this ebullient story with its bustling illustrations. Those familiar with the customs will appreciate the cultural details woven seamlessly into the story, like tapping one’s fingers on the table to mean thank you. I thoroughly enjoyed the endpapers, too. The first set show 18 dishes to relish, while the back ones show the now-empty vessels with positive reviews. Now, who wants to go out for dim sum?

Dragon Noodle Party (Dec. 13, 2022) by Ying Chang Compestine.

   Paula Pang, illustrator.

Gather round for a party, friends! The 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac are coming together for a feast. Each animal comes bearing something, usually a food ingredient, including the dragon bearing long (or longevity) noodles. It’s a nod to celebrating birthdays, Lunar New Year and other festive occasions.

            A charming yet resourceful story that will resonate with those familiar with Chinese and/or Lunar New Year customs is also an excellent multicultural resource. The author’s simple writing and the illustrator’s bright, bold, full-page pictures craft a vivid, warm tale. An author’s note, note regarding the zodiac animals and a recipe for Dragon Beard Noodles are included at the story’s end.

Heart String (Dec. 20, 2022) by Brooke Boynton-Hughes.

No matter where someone is, in a bustling city or on a desert plain, surrounded by a multitude of people or going it alone, “There is a string, an invisible string, that ties my heart to yours.” In this story, readers follow the thread as it connects us to those we know and those we don’t and the world that we’re all a part of.

            This sweet story encourages the idea that all human beings are linked, no matter one’s age or skin color or socioeconomic status, etc. With its graceful verse and soft artwork, “Heart String” is heartwarming and positive. It promotes global citizenship. And while it’s a story to advance world harmony, without an actual plot, parents will find themselves wanting to craft their own teaching moment, should they so choose.

The Umbrella (Mar. 21, 2023) by Beth Ferry & Tom Lichtenheld.

It turns out that “Dreary./Weary,” “Dim./Grim” weather is no match for one young girl and her pup. After all, where there’s a dog, “Gotta go–/rain or snow.” When thunder sends them under the awning of a curios shop, they spot a tattered yellow umbrella. It’s “FREE!” and the cashier wraps it up. Unfortunately, their newfound treasure falls apart as they dash away, leaving a “Trail of tatters.” Days later, they discover that those tatters have magically grown into a field of yellow umbrellas. They pull them up and distribute them to the community, thus chasing the clouds away.

            Ferry’s concise, rhyming text is simple enough for young readers to sound out, and the words seem to have their own rhythm. Lichtenheld’s pencil and watercolor illustrations are uncomplicated while still coming across as expressive and complement the text perfectly. The story unfolds even in the inside covers: dreary purplish-gray at the beginning and a sunny yellow at the end. In the story, the only pop of bright color comes from the umbrella(s). This buoyant story encourages each of us to be bright lights to others, for eventually those gray days will turn to sunshine’s rays! And that is a good reminder for every age!

"Blind Trust" by Natalie Walters

Blind Trust (Apr. 11, 2023) by Natalie Walters.*

*This is the third novel in a trilogy.*

She knows she has a reputation for being impulsive at the [fictional] SNAP (Strategic Neutralization and Protection) Agency, but Lyla Fox always jumps in feet first and faces the threat head on, no matter how dangerous the situation. But even Lyla is given pause when she receives a threatening note from a man she helped put in prison along with a busted windshield, and the inmate turns up dead by apparent suicide. There are other situations, too: vehicles following her and shots fired with her as their target. She can’t uncover what’s going on by herself. She’s going to need the entire trusted SNAP Agency team, especially Nicolás Garcia (formerly had a brief career in the Army Explosives Ordnance Disposal (EOD) branch), who’s always the most bothered by her recklessness and doesn’t seem to trust her. The rest of the team includes cyberguru Kekoa Young, team leader Jack Hudson and SNAP Agency Director Tom Walsh. Nicolás has dealt with bombs and knows how dangerous they are, but working with Lyla is just as dangerous.

            My first full-length novel from Walters, I found it to be dramatic and fairly fast-paced with a snappy cast of protagonists (Kekoa is easily my favorite) and antagonists. Trust is a theme and fear is present, too. It’s not a rollicking adventure, more a slow-build with bursts of adrenaline and pulse-pounding scenarios. Faith is there in multiple characters, but not in an overbearing way. The danger is well-balanced with humorous interjections. When it comes to romantic suspense, I prefer Dani Pettrey’s novels, but Natalie Walters has made a strong case with this novel that I read. My only gripe is that Lyla’s impulsivity sometimes grated on my nerves, so I didn’t connect with her character as well. I get that she’s in a profession where she’s sometimes got to make split-second decisions where there isn’t time for thinking, but that impulsivity seems to be her default.

            Standout line: “The woman owns real estate on the edge of risk, and next to her I look like Mr. Rogers.” --Nicolás to Jack (p. 160)

            Previously read: Targeted: Caught in the Crosshairs (a novella)

* 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.”

"Stars and Smoke" by Marie Lu

Stars and Smoke (Mar. 28, 2023) by Marie Lu.

*This is the first novel in a series.*

Chinese American Winter Young is a 19-year-old global pop phenomenon, the most famous superstar in the world. He’s a spy, too, having been approached by the Panacea Group to infiltrate the crime world syndicate of Eli Morrison. His one weakness is his daughter, Penelope, though Eli is anything but weak. The criminal tycoon has no qualms about having adversaries tortured or entire families assassinated. Penelope is Winter’s biggest fan, and for her birthday celebration, Eli is indulging an extremely exclusive private concert with the one and only Winter Young. Panacea Group has been trying for years to get evidence to bring Morrison down. The CIA has too much red tape, so that’s when they call in Panacea, as they have the power to choose what is right over what is diplomatic. The covert spy operation works out of the [fictional] Claremont Hotel in St. Paul, Minnesota. Winter will need to use all his fame, charisma and newfound spy skills to pull off a successful mission. He won’t be alone, as he’ll have Sydney Cossette posing as his bodyguard and taking on the persona of Ashley Miller. Sydney is Panacea’s youngest spy, and she’s keeping a big secret from them, lest they release her from their employ (and no, the secret isn’t her petty thievery). Infiltrating Eli’s inner circle and attending Penelope’s extravagant birthday celebration takes the group to London. His manager, Claire, is along, as are two of his closest back-up dancers, Leo and Dameon. On their list of Eli’s closest associates is Connor Doherty, the accountant who has beautifully expensive taste in accessories, and who appears to have a secret relationship with Penelope. It’s a high-stakes, life or death mission. Can Winter and Sydney survive each other? Can they just ... survive?

            The new series starter from Lu is a rip-roaring adventure containing espionage, mystery, enough advanced gadgetry to make any techie jealous, glamour and danger. Where superstar Winter is Chinese American, polyglot spy Sydney is cued white with a nice range of ethnic diversity amongst the plentiful supporting cast and queer inclusivity, too. Winter’s compassionate, down-to-earth character is a good balance to Sydney’s abrasiveness. The story is clever and fun with intense scenes and a nail-biting plot. It’s propulsive and gripping. Lu remains one of my top authors of YA.

            Standout line: “Optimism is my hidden power.”