The Candle and the Flame by Nafiza Azad

As a child, Fatima’s family was murdered outside the city of Noor by Shayateen Djinn, bloodthirsty magical beings. Ghazala, an Ifrit djinni warrior, finds Fatima close to death. Ghazala sacrifices herself by merging her powerful Ifrit magic into Fatima’s failing body. Fourteen years later, Fatima is scraping a living in Noor while struggling to hide her Ifrit powers. Meanwhile, Noor is protected from the Shayateen by the maharajah’s troops and Ifrit warriors, with Zulfikar as the Ifrit Captain. When an Ifrit spiritual leader is murdered, Zulfikar needs to quickly fill the vital vacancy. Surprisingly, he finds his candidate in Fatima. Totally unprepared to be in Noor royal society, Fatima feels lost and unsure of her blossoming Ifrit abilities, but Zulfikar helps to build her confidence. Threats soon come against the maharajah’s family which strain human and Ifrit alliances. Only Fatima can keep the peace between human and Djinn powers by finding the real traitors threatening the city and the people she loves. 

Azad’s novel is an immersive fantasy into worlds few authors have trod. Azad takes readers along the Silk Road to an alternate India where god-like beings either protect or destroy the humans struggling to survive. In the city of Noor, the vibrant and colorful worlds of Muslim culture and Indian folklore cement together to build the foundation of Fatima’s story. With this rich undergirding, readers experience real diversity with cultures and traditions not commonly highlighted in young adult fantasy. But Azad goes further, sweeping away common Muslim stereotypes by making many of her characters strong, independent women that are nurtured by supportive men. Azad freely uses culture-specific vocabulary throughout her story. Readers unfamiliar with her terminology can refer to a glossary at the end, which can require some patience. One criticism is that maps of Noor and the outlying area would have been extremely helpful in knowing where Fatima traveled within the story. It can be confusing to keep track of each character’s movements. With mild violence, gore, and suspense, this book is appropriate for ages 15 and up.

The Thief Knot: A Greenglass House Story by Kate Milford

Ever since her adventures at Greenglass House, Marzana yearns to solve another mystery. Surprisingly, one falls into her lap, or, actually, her parents’ laps. A politician’s daughter, Peony Hyde, has been kidnapped. Because the kidnapping was so near the sanctuary city of the Liberty of Gammerbund, law enforcement are not allowed to go searching there for Peony. While Marzana’s parents start their investigation, Marzana and her best friend, Nialla, put together a group of eager young detectives. Calling themselves the Thief Knot, the tween investigators decipher clues and traverse forgotten paths to Peony’s whereabouts. However, after finding Peony, Marzana does not believe the case is solved. 

The Thief Knot harkens back to Milford’s original genius in Greenglass House. Readers are treated to a story set in the asylum city of the Liberty of Gammerbund, a place Milford addressed in previous books. Marzana hungers for some action in her life even though she is the daughter of a legendary smuggler. But like the Liberty, Marzana has been protected from her mother’s pirating past. Throwing away that protection, Marzana is thrilled to sleuth again on the kidnapping case. However, she soon learns that lives are at risk if she makes any wrong moves. Realizing the dangers, Marzana clears her mind to see the faults in their past investigation and leads her crew safely to the correct resolution. Something that would have engaged readers more with the story would have been maps showing key places above and below ground where the Thief Knot crew go to in the book. Several maps are mentioned in the storyline, so there could have been opportunities for readers to solve clues with Marzana instead of waiting for Marzana to figure things out. With some mild language usage, The Thief Knot is appropriate for ages 12 and up.   

The Lost Wonderland Diaries by J. Scott Savage

Celia has moved to a new town, which means trying to hide her dyslexia from everyone. Just before starting school, Celia is stuck at her mother’s new job in the public library. While there, Celia meets Tyrus, a boy obsessed with books. A voice leads them to her mother’s office where they find a small chest. They open the chest, find four old diaries, and open one of them. Together they are transported into Wonderland. Sylvan, a white rabbit who led them to the chest, tells Celia and Tyrus that a destructive plague is infesting Wonderland. It is prophesied that Wonderland will end unless another “Alice” saves Wonderland from its fate. Tyrus wants to help, but Celia only wants to go home. However, the Red Queen is hunting them down thinking Celia and Tyrus can open portals outside Wonderland. Constantly on the run, they meet several familiar characters who help them find answers to Wonderland’s troubles.

Savage introduces a new generation of readers to Wonderland, a place where behaviors do not make sense, but the world is surprisingly ruled by mathematical principles. Lewis Carroll, the author of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and whose real name was Charles Dodgson, was also a mathematician. Math is critical to the story because Celia uses her mathematical talent to tackle problems she and Tyrus face. Savage includes this important plot point to prove that someone with dyslexia can still comprehend complex issues when shown in a way other than the written word. Savage makes many references to Carroll’s original story, with several characters readers would not recognize if they have not read Carroll’s book. However, any reader with some familiarity of Wonderland, from seeing film adaptations, would still understand and enjoy Savage’s story. Coming out in September with three other books to follow.

Behind the Canvas by Alexander Vance

While touring her local art museum, tween Claudia Miravista catches a glimpse of a boy in the background of a painting. That same boy reappears inside a painting in Claudia’s bedroom. The boy’s name is Pim and he tells Claudia about the world behind the canvas. Long ago a group of magical artists—known as Artisti—crafted a parallel dimension where their oil paintings could truly come to life. In the 1600s, Pim was cursed by an evil Artisti, Nee Gezicht, who trapped him inside this world using his will to fuel her power. With the help of another Artisti, Claudia is given an ointment to help her enter the oil painting dimension. Claudia’s mission is to stop Nee Gezicht by breaking her magical staff which will finally free Pim. But when Claudia enters the oil painting world, it is not at all how she imagined.

Behind the Canvas is a fun fantasy adventure with some very unique world-building. Vance creates a new dimension where all the oil paintings in the world collide creating an ongoing panorama of color, style, and vibrancy with a cast of some very familiar faces. However, there is a major downside to this story from the start because Vance’s world-building is based on such important visuals. Any reader who isn’t familiar with all the artists or styles mentioned in the story could easily feel lost in Vance’s narrative. What is the Fireside Angel? What does Cubism look like? Vance tries to “fix” this by including footnotes explaining artists or artistic movements. However, this doesn’t help readers to truly visualize the world Vance created, no matter how good his written descriptions are. This problem could have been resolved by including actual images or placing QR codes inside the narrative for readers to follow, like in The Van Gogh Deception by Deron Hicks. This would have solidified Vance’s world building and help teach readers art history in a unique way.

Nazi Saboteurs by Samantha Seiple

During World War II, Eight men—born in Germany but lived in America—volunteered to infiltrate the United States and bomb key factories and railroads. On a secluded estate in Germany, these men learned how to fight, spy, and to become experts with explosives. The men were divided into two teams: Four men would infiltrate the US from New York City while the other would come in from Florida. Once everyone was comfortably situated in American society, they would begin their sabotage. The two groups were dropped off by submarine off the coasts of New York and Florida. Each group were given explosives and money to help in their efforts. Unfortunately, the New York group were discovered soon after their landing. The four men fled into New York City to hide amongst the crowds. The Florida group had no problems.

Nazi Saboteurs highlights a snippet of WWII history that many people don’t know about. Through Seiple’s fast-paced and intriguing narrative, readers learn Hitler’s twisted plans to plunge America into chaos. Seiple opens the mind and motivations of each sabotage member, showcasing why they agreed to fight for the Führer in this way. Many wanted to get out of the slums of war-torn Germany and be back in the plentiful United States. Peter Burger was forced to join to prove his loyalty after being imprisoned under falsified charges. Several felt they deserved extra prestige, honor, and funds because of their knowledge of America. With all these different motivations for joining, no one trusted anyone. This distrust was the group’s ultimate downfall and demise. A fascinating non-fiction read for any WWII history fans. Suitable for ages 12 and up.

Wizard for Hire: Magic Required by Obert Skye

A strange package arrives for Ozzy Toffy. Inside is a pair of plaid trousers, which means Ozzy has officially become a novice wizard. But a secret note in his trouser pocket leads Ozzy and Sigi on another adventure related to his parents’ past. This time they want to stop the evil and reclusive billionaire, Ray Dench. Ray wants to use Ozzy’s ability with mind control—a result of his parents’ testing—for world domination. Using his limitless resources, Ray’s men track down Ozzy, Clark, Sigi, and Rin but their efforts are miraculously thwarted. Unbeknownst to Ozzy and Sigi, Rin has recruited four Quarfelt wizards to help him end Ray’s plans for Ozzy.

The final book in Skye’s Wizard for Hire does not disappoint. Along with the thrilling adventures, consumption of breakfast foods, and magical polyester pants, readers join Ozzy and Sigi as they delve deeper into Rin’s sobering past. Sigi meets Ray’s mother, a racially prejudiced heiress who can’t stand how low Rin stooped in marrying Sigi’s mother. Ozzy finally sees Rin’s home—a Victorian mansion at an abandoned amusement park. But Ozzy and Sigi’s biggest challenge is coming to terms with Rin’s time at a mental institution. Ray has had extensive research done on Rin and he uses that information to not only track down Rin but to also discredit him in Ozzy’s eyes. Sigi and Ozzy’s faith in Rin is shaken, but their love for the wizard helps maintain their trust in his magical promises. A great end to this fast-paced fantasy series for ages 12 and up.

The Greatest Treasure Hunt in History: The Story of the Monuments Men by Robert M. Edsel

On December 29, 1943, General Dwight D. Eisenhower sent an order to all Allied commanders, “Today we are fighting in a country which has contributed a great deal to our cultural inheritance, a country rich in monuments which by their creation helped…the growth of civilization which is ours. We are bound to respect those monuments so far as war allows.” This was a lesson sadly learned after Allied Forces had bombed several culturally significant buildings throughout Europe. To repair their mistakes, the Monuments Men division was established to have art experts on the front lines protecting architecture, monuments, artwork, and archives from the ravages of war. But the scope of the Monuments Men’s work exploded as they tackled the Nazi’s strategic plundering for Adolf Hitler’s Führermuseum, Hermann Göring’s artwork obsession, and for eliminating the Jews’ existence in Europe.

Edsel’s book is a young readers version of his New York Times best-selling novel, The Monuments Men. Edsel composes a well-documented and visually abundant story that breathes life into this little-known excerpt in history. At the beginning of the book, readers are introduced to key Monuments Men and major Nazi leaders, all listed with their photographs, a small biography, and their locations during World War II. Also included are maps showing the movements and discoveries made by the Monuments Men. Filled with impactful visual aids, Edsel’s story places young readers right alongside these heroic men and women as they fight to save Europe’s history from the greedy hands of Nazi invaders. For young readers unfamiliar with terms of the period, Edsel includes a helpful glossary near the end of his book. A fascinating read sure to develop a deeper love of history and a richer appreciation for the arts. Appropriate for ages 14 and up.

Secret Soldiers by Keely Hutton

Thomas’s elder brother, James, is missing in action during World War I. Thomas believes he must find James so his struggling family can be strong again. Thomas secretly goes to London hoping a recruitment officer will ignore his thirteen-year-old features. Thankfully, Thomas meets street-savvy teen, George, who knows a way underage boys can join the war. Thomas and George and two other underage soldiers, Charlie and Frederick, are assigned to work with the clay kickers, a secret unit tunneling under the Western Front in France. Their mission is to stealthily dig to the German trenches and blowup the enemy’s lines. During their breaks, Thomas, George, Charlie, and Frederick scour the trenches for news about James.

Hutton’s story showcases four narratives representing why a quarter of a million underage British boys left their childhoods behind to fight in World War I. Thomas feels it’s his duty to join the war to find his missing brother. As a street urchin and orphan, George enlists for the sake of new clothing, pay, and three meals a day. Charlie signs up to escape an abusive home. Frederick enrolls so he can join his rich family’s legacy of glorious war heroes. Each boy comes with different intentions, but they all learn that their main goal is survival. Banding together as brothers helps each boy endure their small part in this world conflict. Hutton’s book is an eye-opening story revealing a part of the Great War that has not been showcased before in young adult literature. Because Secret Soldiers is a war novel, there are violent and graphic scenes that exhibit the hell of war, making it appropriate for ages 13 and up.

Words on Fire by Jennifer A. Nielsen

Russian invaders hope Lithuania will disappear by outlawing all aspects of Lithuanian life. Lithuanians rebel by smuggling in anything that maintains their culture. Audra’s parents are book smugglers and Audra yearns to help. Unfortunately, her chance abruptly comes when her parents are arrested by Cossack soldiers. Audra is left carrying a book her parents beg that she get into safe hands. While avoiding the Cossacks, Audra meets Lukas, a boy who leads her to Milda, another book smuggler and secret teacher. Both Milda and Lukas introduce Audra to book smuggling and teach her the power of reading. Unfortunately, the Cossacks are closing in, burning all Lithuanian books and the homes of anyone hiding them.

Based on true events, Nielsen highlights a forgotten piece of history that testifies to the power of the written word. When Russian authorities issued a press ban on Lithuania in 1865, they were hoping to turn Lithuanians into Russian citizens. Lithuanians fought back and the knygnešiai, or book carriers, were born. Audra’s fictional story begins 28 years into the ban. Audra’s parents keep her secluded on their farm to shelter her from Russian influences. However, Audra is soon left alone to face a troubling world using her grit to guide her. Because of her lacking education, Audra doesn’t understand how a book can be a weapon against Russian occupancy. That is until she learns to read. Soon courageous stories fuel her efforts and she passes that strength on to those who desperately need it. Nielsen’s powerful girl-power novel is a great introduction to a lost but important piece of history. A map showing Audra’s travels would have helped to showcase Audra’s heroic efforts in fighting for Lithuanian freedom. Appropriate for ages 12 and up.

Charlie Thorne and the Last Equation by Stuart Gibbs

For seventy years, the CIA have been searching for Albert Einstein’s final equation, Pandora—a shortcut for harnessing atomic energy. Einstein left a clue to Pandora on his deathbed, but no one has solved it. Unfortunately, a German terrorist group, the Furies, is on the trail. To get ahead, CIA Agent Dante Garcia brings someone as smart as Einstein into the CIA’s confidence: twelve-year-old prodigy, Charlie Thorne. Charlie has used her genius to get away from her uncaring parents and fulfill her juvenile needs. When CIA Agents Dante Garcia and Milana Moon find Charlie, she resists. Once they explain their predicament, she agrees to help, especially since Dante is her half-brother. Working together they solve Einstein’s clue, which leads them to Jerusalem. However, the Furies are there too. A violent struggle ensues attracting Israel’s own covert agency, the Mossad, into the equation hunt.

Gibbs’ book is a seriously satisfying and entertaining espionage thriller. But there’s a deeper side to this spy adventure. Charlie might have Einstein’s IQ, but she is far from being wise. She is still a twelve-year-old girl who wants to have fun and be a kid. Being a genius has both blessed and burned her. She takes outrageous risks knowing her brain will automatically calculate all possible solutions. But her aptitude thrust her into a cut-throat world where adults, including her parents, took advantage of her skills. With no trust for authority, Charlie attempts to fly under the radar and uses her skills when she wants something. When Charlie is reunited with Dante, he pushes her to fulfill her full potential by helping others. Even though this book is targeted for middle-grade readers, the violence level is more for ages thirteen and up. Fans of Roland Smith and Ron McGee will enjoy this book.

Potion Masters: The Seeking Serum by Frank L. Cole

Gordy’s life has drastically changed. His entire family is on the run from a newly corrupted B.R.E.W. and from his grandfather’s henchmen. It’s an incredibly tense time knowing that Mezzarix has the Vessel—the beating heart of the potion world. With that kind of power, Mezzarix could overthrow anyone or anything. With no official aid from B.R.E.W., Wanda and Aunt Priss make an unusual alliance with the Swigs—a resistance group of underground potion-makers—to help fight against Mezzarix’s growing forces. Wanting to help during this precarious period, Gordy, Adilene, Max, and Sasha try to brew a seeking serum to find Mezzarix. After several failed attempts while being continually attacked by Mezzarix’s followers, the friends finally succeed at locating him. 

Cole’s final book in his Potion Masters trilogy is a satisfying conclusion to a wonderfully imagined and expertly crafted fantasy. What makes this fantasy so deep and complex are the real-life problems that youth face during times of war and unrest. This includes living life as a refugee, finding allies in unlikely places, and uncovering skeletons in a family’s past. Cole shows that even during times like this, Gordy and his friends discover an inner strength to face it all, including facing the man behind the war. This confident strength comes from knowing that their priorities are pure and right. So by combining their individual gifts, Gordy and his friends are able to stop a war and help rebuild a promising future. With such richness in Cole’s writing, readers will definitely be clamoring for more adventures with Gordy, Adilene, and Max. A fun-filled, action-packed fantasy series great for ages 12 and up.

Dragonwatch: Master of the Phantom Island by Brandon Mull

Unknowingly kidnapped by Ronodin, Seth is taken to Phantom Island, the gateway of the Under Realm. Once there, Ronodin takes advantage of a memory-wiped Seth by developing Seth’s darker powers. Seth and Ronodin sneak inside Blackwell Keep where Seth unleashes the evil undead onto the residents. Kendra sees Seth during the chaos but barely escapes with some of her companions. With Wyrmroost fallen, Kendra and her companions go to the island sanctuary of Crescent Lagoon to help restore the island’s protective power, the Sunset Pearl. Back in the Under Realm, Seth searches for answers to his past from the prisoner Bracken. Bracken desperately explains Seth’s past and Ronodin’s true nature, but their interview is cut short.

In Mull’s third installment of his Dragonwatch series, fans will be taken on a wild ride towards tropical islands, evil underworlds, and into enchanted seas. But there is a deeper side to this story than a grand adventure of stopping dragons from ruling the world. Mull explores the emotional wars a volatile Seth is fighting inside himself. With his memories totally gone, Seth is duped by Ronodin into thinking they are brothers fighting against Kendra’s tyranny. Seth has no choice but to believe Ronodin and together they wreak havoc on Wyrmroost. As time goes by, Seth begins to see Ronodin’s true character through his lies. Seth realizes he is mentally and emotionally wounded from the verbal and emotional abuse dealt out by Ronodin and from living in the oppressive Under Realm. He doesn’t feel comfortable going back to his real friends and family until he can heal some of those wounds and atone for the evil choices he unknowingly made.

Wizard for Hire: Apprentice Needed by Obert Skye

Ozzy Toffy believes his past life is totally behind him. During his adventures in New Mexico, Ozzy learned that his parents are dead, killed by the company that wanted to manipulate their scientific research for financial gains. So Ozzy has moved on, finding a new life and home with Clark, Sigi, and Sigi’s mother. However, Ozzy begins to experience hypnotic trances that draw him unwittingly into the ocean. These life-threatening experiences plunge Ozzy, Rin, Clark, and Sigi back into the world Ozzy’s parents were trying desperately to escape.

Skye reintroduces readers into Ozzy’s magically adventurous coming of age story. At the start of this book, Ozzy has accepted a magical happy ending with his parents is totally gone. This makes him pursue his own realistic ending, thinking it involves living the life of a normal teenager and staying away from anything that once involved his parents. Unfortunately, his parents’ past just won’t leave him alone once the hypnotic trances begin. So more detecting and deduction needs to happen before Ozzy unknowingly drowns himself. Ozzy eventually accepts that his normal life is totally gone when Rin returns and brings magic into Ozzy’s life again. Once he makes this mental switch, Ozzy finds that he has his own fantastical secrets to uncover. This thoughtful and whimsical read will have fans begging for the final book.

Ryan Quinn and the Rebel's Escape by Ron McGee

After living all over the world, eighth-grader Ryan Quinn feels like he can finally call New York City his home. Ryan’s family moved back to the United States when his father began working for the United Nations. While Ryan’s dad is on a UN trip, mercenaries led by General Aung Win, break into Ryan’s home and kidnap his mother, holding her hostage until Ryan can reach his father. After the break-in, Ryan discovers a secret room which holds information on the Emergency Rescue Committee (ER). Ryan’s family is apart of this underground organization dedicated to rescuing key individuals threatened by their tyrannical countries. Ryan's dad is on a secret rescue mission that has gone horribly wrong and only Ryan can fix it.

McGee’s middle-grade series is an action-packed thrill ride from start to finish. Readers are introduced to Ryan Quinn, a good kid who naturally fights for the underdog and cleverly outwits his attackers. Ryan’s tactical gifts are skills his parents trained him to do to survive his global childhood. Unfortunately, these skills are not always appropriate in a school setting. This causes Ryan to feel torn about when he should and shouldn’t fight for others who need help. However, when Ryan is plunged into the world of the Emergency Rescue Committee, he realizes his true calling. Many adventure books have the protagonists miraculously developing stellar survival skills during their times of crisis, which makes the characters less believable or relatable. However, McGee expertly weaves those skills into Ryan’s foundational being making his feats seem more natural and believable. A great read for fans of globe-trotting adventures like Roland Smith’s Peak series or Ally Carter’s Heist Society series.

Potion Masters: The Transparency Tonic by Frank L. Cole

Life has somewhat calmed down for Gordy and his friends since stopping Esmeralda from overthrowing B.R.E.W. (Board of Ruling Elixirists Worldwide). Because of his potion-mixing skills, Gordy is working on becoming an Elixirist with the help of his two best friends, Max and Adilene. While concocting his potions, Gordy goes into a hypnotic state or “Blind Batching” and unknowingly creates some destructive brews. Because of this, Gordy’s mother loses her job at B.R.E.W. and it’s Chamber President eventually puts a warrant out for Gordy’s arrest.

Cole’s second book in the Potion Master’s series is a thrilling read full of dilemmas and betrayals, but it is also a story about the power of consequences. All Gordy wants to do is hone his natural potion-making skills to become a master Elixirist. While trying to impress the snotty daughter of the new Chamber President by Blind Batching, his actions lead to disastrous consequences. Like many who are naturally gifted, Gordy’s decision to Blind Batch is two fold: to test his limits and gain acceptance from others. Even though Gordy is confident in his skills, it doesn’t mean he’s confident emotionally. Gordy’s closest friendships get sorely tested as he rises too quickly from exploiting his talents. Luckily, Gordy doesn’t fall too far from grace because the consequences of his actions directly affect his family. His unshakeable love for them and his friends’ loyalty help Gordy realign his priorities for using his gifts. This well-written and well-developed book will have readers anxiously anticipating Cole’s next book in his Potion Masters’ series.

Squint by Chad Morris and Shelly Brown

Flint hates middle school. All he wants to do is draw the comic book adventures of his superhero, Squint. Flint once liked school and was popular, but that changed when he developed an eye disease that made him lose most of his sight and all his friends. Unfortunately, everyone calls him Squint because he constantly squints behind his thick glasses. Luckily, Flint found purpose in creating his comic book. One day at lunch, a girl named McKell sits by Flint and asks him to complete some random challenges with her. Intrigued, Flint helps McKell even though his eye sight is getting steadily worse. However, through accomplishing these challenges with McKell, Flint learns to find his inner superhero and face down the villain of his self-doubt.

There are two unique ways Morris and Brown have set their story apart. First is that throughout the book Flint shares his life’s lessons by listing humorous yet insightful rules for surviving middle school, understanding relationships, and crafting comic books. Finally, chapters jump from Flint’s real-life challenges to the conflicts the superhero, Squint, faces. At the beginning of the book, Flint retreats from his own trials. Instead he tackles them by turning them into super villains and having Squint fight out a resolution. When McKell enters Flint’s life, Squint’s comic book story changes by including a sidekick, Diamond. Diamond watches Squint’s back and gives him a clearer perspective to the people he once viewed as villains. As Flint grows in confidence and strength, so does Squint. Any fans of comic books and contemporary fiction will enjoy this heartfelt and insightful middle-grade read.

Check out the authors' Blog Tour going on for their book!

League of Archers: The Stolen Crown by Eva Howard

Ellie and her League of Archers have been fighting against Lord de Lay by providing a haven for destitute villagers affected by his tyranny. Ellie’s goal is to create a self-sustaining farm inside Sherwood Forest, but they lack money. With no other choice, the League begins stealing from the rich to help the forest refugees. One of Ellie’s stealing adventures goes horribly wrong when she witnesses King John’s murder, a plot devised by de Lays to take over the throne. Luckily, de Lays’ son, Stephen, helps Ellie escape and then later begs to join the League. Ellie reluctantly agrees, and Stephen’s presence begins to splinter the League’s tight knit bond.

Just as adventurous and suspenseful as the first book, Ellie and her League of Archers get caught up in another evil plot with Lord de Lays, only this time it has royal consequences and friendship casualties. When Ellie lets Stephen de Lays join the League, the only thing she is sure of is his hatred for his father. But Ellie soon learns that Stephen’s hatred doesn’t mean he agrees with every decision Ellie makes as the League’s leader. Stephen’s influence sparks a harsh division between Ellie and her dearest friends, causing the League to almost fall apart. Only by fighting for what she knows is right and finding common ground with Stephen does Ellie finally gain healing and unity with her beloved League of Archers. Another thrilling ride-of-a-read, League of Archers: The Stolen Crown is a fantastic follow-up from Howard’s first book. Appropriate for ages 12 and up.

The Art of the Swap by Kristine Asselin & Jen Malone

Hannah Jordan is a huge history buff. Luckily, Hannah receives a daily helping of the past because she lives inside a museum with her caretaker father. The Elms, a mansion-turned-museum, was once the home of the prestigious Berwind family during the 1900s. Hannah’s favorite Berwind story concerns the stolen Mary Cassett portrait of the Berwind’s niece, Maggie Dunlap. While walking the hallways of The Elms one night, Hannah looks in a mirror and sees Maggie’s reflection. When both girls touch the mirror, Hannah and Maggie switch bodies and centuries. With no idea how to switch back, the two girls try to play the part of the other person but it’s a difficult adjustment. To ease their transitions, Hannah and Maggie work on solving the art heist from their respective time periods.

The Art of the Swap is a delightful read full of suspense, fun, and friendship. Asselin and Malone do a great job at creating the awkwardness of being placed into a different time period. But there is a real richness to how both Hannah and Maggie are affected by their time-swapping. Hannah can’t act like her usual boisterous, driven self while transplanted into 1905. She must subdue her personality and passions to coincide with the confining social rules of Maggie’s world. Maggie, on the other hand, receives revelations about the freedoms girls have in Hannah’s world. When Maggie returns to the 1900s, she spends her life advocating foundational freedoms for women. Not only is the book about solving an art heist, it is also about appreciating the freedoms women do have today. One item that would have strengthened the story would be to include floorplans of The Elms in the different centuries to better solidify where Hannah and Maggie spend their time in the book.

Monsterland by James Crowley

Charlie Cooper is still grieving for his beloved cousin Billy. On Halloween night, Charlie sees a figure that reminds him of Billy. Charlie follows the figure and he is led along an unfamiliar path deep into a neighboring mountain valley. But when Charlie catches up with the figure, he’s shocked when he sees a hideous vampire. The vampire, known as the Prime Minister, governs a monster sanctuary called Vampyreishtat or Monsterland. The Prime Minister asks Charlie about why he followed him, so Charlie tells him about Billy. In Monsterland there is an island where lost souls reside and the living can see them again. The Prime Minister says that Charlie can go there because one of his trusted associates is journeying that way. That associate is the monster created by Dr. Frankenstein. Charlie joins the monster’s expedition and together they encounter many dangers along the way.

Monsterland is a fantastic coming-of-age story about finding the courage within oneself while overcoming grief. Charlie keenly misses Billy and feels somewhat responsible for his cousin’s death. So when the Prime Minster gives Charlie a chance to see Billy again, Charlie is more than willing to encounter any hardship just so he can find peace with himself. The reason why Charlie prospers in Vampryeishtat is because of his grief. Charlie can look past any monsters’ grotesque facades and see that many are grieving in their own ways. With this special perspective, Charlie is able to sympathize and connect with them. What makes Crowley’s story so rich and helps Charlie’s character to beautifully develop, is the clever, solid world Crowley has created. Crowley takes the monsters of old horror stories and turns them into relatable, flawed characters who just want to live as normal of an existence as they can. Any fans of Brandon Mull or Jennifer Nielsen will thoroughly enjoy this adventure through Monsterland. For ages 12 and up.

Sink or Swim by Steve Watkins

Twelve-year-old Colton Graham admires his older brother, Danny. Danny has worked hard to provide for Colton and their mother ever since their father died. To bring in better income, Danny enlisted in the Navy soon after Pearl Harbor. But before Danny leaves for boot camp, he is seriously injured in a boating accident. With Danny in the hospital and their family desperately needing money, Colton takes Danny’s enlistment papers and his identity.

Sink or Swim is a gripping novel loosely based on the true story of Calvin Graham. Twelve-year-old Calvin ran away to join the Navy and was injured while serving in the South Pacific. Thinking Calvin was living with relatives, his mother saw a newsreel showing Calvin after he rescued several of his shipmates. She contacted the Navy and, at thirteen, Calvin was sent home but not before receiving a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart for bravery. It is very apparent that Watkins did extensive research to authentically showcase what many WWII sailors experienced during that time. On this bed of fruitful research, Watkins can spend quality time developing Colton’s character and crafting a meaningful read. A fantastic historical-fiction story for ages 12 and up.