A Secret Escape (The Liars Society #3) by Alyson Gerber

What worked:

The book does a decent job of recapping previous events, so new readers won’t feel totally lost. The story alternates between Jack and Weatherby’s points of view, as they’re thrown into the middle of family and Liars Society drama. Jack’s father is one of the leaders of the society, but Jack hates his father’s ruthlessness and malevolence. His father will do anything, including murder, to maintain power and leverage over others. Weatherby’s father also detests him, even though they’re brothers. Weatherby would like to be closer to her father, but she barely knows him. She doesn’t think he’s capable of killing, but it bothers her that she can’t be certain.

Jack and Weatherby don’t want to live in a family where deceit has kept their fathers estranged and feuding. The cousins hope to discover a secret truth that will bring their fathers down. In addition, they’re competing with other new members of the Liars Society, with the reward being money and power. Jack and Weatherby team up with close friends, but the prize can’t be shared among them. Some members of the Liars Society don’t agree with this competition, and the cousins are threatened by an anonymous person. They assume the threat comes from an individual who committed a recent murder. They pursue the reward despite this danger, and they’re not sure how their fathers would react to them trying to reveal the family secret. They wouldn’t kill their own children, would they?

The plot is a blend of quest and mystery, as the characters follow a path leading to the ultimate prize. Characters failing to collect small stones at each step are eliminated, as they won’t uncover the next clue. However, the instructions say there aren’t any governing rules, and anything goes. Jack and Weatherby get help from their friends, and some competitors think that’s cheating. Nope! Readers may be surprised as secret alliances are revealed, and they won’t know who can be trusted. They’re all part of the Liar’s Society, so that shouldn’t come as a surprise. Jack and Weatherby eventually learn the family secret, but readers should know that there will be a fourth book.

What didn’t work as well:

There are many characters, and it’s not always easy to understand their relationships. Jack and Weatherby can’t be totally honest with their friends, and this causes conflict between Weatherby and a former close friend.

The final verdict:

I didn’t read the first two books in the series, but readers can still enjoy this one independently. This strategy may leave readers with questions about the characters, so it’s not my recommendation. The plot is intriguing and dramatic, as the characters follow the clues to uncover the family secret. I recommend you read this book after starting the series from the beginning.

Into the Fire (Westfallen 2) by Ann and Ben Brashares

What worked:

This series offers an innovative twist on time travel books. Characters don’t move to different time periods, but kids living in 2023 can communicate with characters living in 1944. Westfallen is the name used instead of the United States after the Nazis win World War II in an alternate timeline. Henry, Frances, and Lukas live in Westfallen, and they’re the only characters in 2023 who know history has been altered. Their mission is to discover what happened 79 years ago that changed the outcome of the war. Then, they must send the information via “magic” radio to Alice, Lawrence, and Artie in 1944 and hope they can fix the historical timeline. To complicate matters, Henry, Francis, and Lukas are living in the bodies of their Westfallen personas, but they don’t know the history of those versions of themselves. Also, Lawrence is black, and Lukas is Jewish, so they have additional struggles in the Nazi society.

The most entertaining aspect of the story is its similarity to a mystery. The kids in 2023 are the detectives, as they try to figure out the time-changing event that happened in 1944. It’s a challenge to locate clues in the present that affected events 79 years ago. Henry thinks he finds a witness in a retirement home, but the man is reluctant/terrified/angry when Henry repeatedly tries to talk to him. Henry and Francis think an accident may be the critical event, but they don’t know why. How can three kids stop the event from happening when the clues aren’t clear? The climax reveals they may not have all of the necessary information, and things don’t go as planned.

The plot offers an innovative twist on a familiar science fiction topic, as the characters communicate across time without needing to travel. In most books, characters are careful not to change events due to unforeseen consequences, but this time, characters do it intentionally. However, they’re still not sure what will happen, and this uncertainty fuels the series. The author introduces things later in the story that once seemed impossible, and the plot’s resolution opens a significant new chapter to the conflict.

What didn’t work as well:

There are six main characters in the two time periods, plus many additional minor characters. The present and the past have several subplots, too. Overall, readers will need to be mentally engaged to keep everything organized in their minds. However, the effort is worth it!

The final verdict:

Readers should start with the first book, Westfallen, or they won’t fully understand what’s happening. The story addresses the question, “What if Germany had won World War II?”, and uses unique ideas to develop compelling alternate realities. I recommend you give the series a shot.

The Big Book of Pi: The Famous Number You Can Never Know by Jean-Baptiste Aubin and Anita Lehmann

What worked:

All middle-grade readers have heard of Pi, but the only thing they probably know is that it equals 3.14. This book takes readers back to the creation of the concept and describes its evolution over the years. Why is it called Pi and not something else? Mathematicians throughout history have tried to understand Pi and calculate its value as exactly as possible. The fact that its value is infinite and non-repeating means no one can ever find an exact number. The book shares different strategies used by ancient Egyptians and Babylonians, Archimedes, and other people around the world. Some pages apply the concept to calculate values related to curved objects and solve mathematical questions.

The book is loaded with colorful illustrations and diagrams to help readers understand Pi. The diagrams are helpful when explaining strategies and applying them to solve problems. Definitions of mathematical terms are found at the bottom of the pages where they’re used and at the back of the book. “Fun facts” and other interesting information can also be found at the bottom of some pages. Did you know Pi Day is celebrated on March 14 (3/14)? A couple of pages share a Pi-related “magic” trick and Pi-related jokes. The official creatures of Pi Day are octopi.

What didn’t work as well:

Describing the methods people used to calculate the value of Pi becomes redundant. It’s interesting, but there’s a limit to the attention span of young readers. A redeeming factor is that the authors have a sense of humor, so the narrative is light-hearted and fun.

The final verdict:

This book is most appropriate for upper middle-grade readers. It won’t appeal to the general audience, but I recommend it to readers with a love for math. Dare I say math nerds?

Sneaks by Amy Tern

What worked:

The alliance between Valory and Rook is unlikely due to their diverse family situations. Rook’s family is wealthy, and everyone in it has musical talent. Rook is a piano prodigy, but he doesn’t like how it makes his mother overly protective. Valory’s mother cleans the home for Rook’s family, and the book’s opening finds Valory helping her mother. She hates that she’s accused of stealing an ancient coin, mostly because she’s guilty. Rook is surprised when he lies to cover Valory’s crime, and that begins their partnership. Rook needs help investigating a possible crime, and Valory is equally intrigued about the problem he describes.

Alternating chapters focus on Valory or Rook, allowing readers to see inside their minds. Valory’s mother is dating a policeman, which is ironic considering Valory isn’t an upstanding, honest student or girl. She can get good grades at school, but she doesn’t always follow the rules. Valory doesn’t like her mother’s new boyfriend, and it creates a conflict for her. Rook is the opposite of Valory, and she’s amused by his need to be perfect. Rook can’t believe Valory rides the bus by herself, but admires her ability to go out into public. He loves to play the piano, but he doesn’t always get to play the songs he wants. Rook’s relationship with his mother is conflicted and will need to be resolved in the end. Valory’s trying to behave better to earn the trust of others, and Rook takes chances he’s never taken before. Their alliance to solve a crime is complicated when their parents forbid them from seeing each other.

The clues of the kidnapped girl are circumstantial, so the mystery isn’t easily solved. Rook thinks he sees a young girl in the apartment across the alley, but she’s never seen outside. He assumes something’s wrong and begins to notice other things. A woman leaves the apartment building at the same time every day, and she certainly behaves oddly. Valory helps Rook investigate, but they still make many assumptions. Readers won’t know the real story until the plot reaches its climax.

What didn’t work as well:

Valory and Rook’s characters aren’t developed as much as readers might like. There are some explanations for their behaviors, but it still feels like more is needed. They’re complex characters.

The final verdict:

The author develops a plot that seems to have a clear direction, but some clues don’t make sense. That’s because the story isn’t as clear as anticipated. I suggest you try it for yourself.

The Aftermyth #1 by Tracy Wolff

What worked:

The book’s opening pages foretell the creative adventure awaiting the characters. Penelope and her twin brother, Paris, head to Anaximander’s to develop their powers, but they must first eat a doughnut hole before crossing the bridge that leads to the school. Penelope is attacked by snakes and faces other obstacles, but Paris doesn’t have any trouble and doesn’t understand why it takes her thirty minutes to cross the bridge. Is something happening to her, or is it her imagination? The new students must locate a coin to identify the house they will join, but Penelope’s coin is much more elusive than the others. She shakes hands with a hologram and rides a waterfall as it flows up, not down. The way her experience differsfrom anyone else’s is puzzling, but it continues throughout the plot and adds mystique to the story.

Students are told that they’re assigned to the house they need, and Penelope is placed with Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty. This creates a huge internal conflict, since she’s dead-set on joining other Athenas in their house of logic and wisdom. Imagine the embarrassment of having to tell her parents the disappointing news. Readers will follow her transformation from an intense, super-serious student into an emotional, caring person. Penelope is forced to reflect on her situation and modify her view of the school and its students. She finds herself in many confusing, strange circumstances, and Penelope and readers will wonder what’s going on and why she’s singled out. There’s clearly something special about her character, but she also has remarkable abilities that will slowly emerge.

Penelope’s roommate is an unexpected treat. Fifi is enthusiastic and impulsive, two qualities lacking in Penelope. Fifi immediately says Penelope’s name will be Ellie, and it’s easier to go along with it than to fight it. Fifi is flamboyant and has knowledge about Anaximander’s that Penelope needs. Fifi has strong emotions, and she’s quick to share them, whether they result from kindness or anger. The roommates are joined by Arjun, a boy who has good thinking skills and is often able to understand Penelope’s strange ideas. Fifi and Arjun don’t dismiss Penelope when she claims to see and hear things others cannot. The trio forms the core group of characters that will guide the plot.

What didn’t work as well:

It takes Penelope until the book’s second half to finally wonder why strange things are only happening to her. Readers will wonder about that when she first crosses the bridge, and that question keeps readers mentally engaged throughout the story. The plot is more about what’s happening than Penelope’s school experience.

The final verdict:

Unexpectedly, one major god has been forgotten, and it seems to be Penelope’s job to correct the myths being told. I highly recommend this book for mystery, magic, and Greek myth lovers.

Rebellion 1776 by Laurie Halse Anderson

What worked:

The book offers young readers a glimpse into the country’s conditions as it struggles for independence from England. Many people don’t support the rebellion, as they’re Loyalists, loyal to the King of England. The story opens with the British controlling Boston and the colonists firing their cannons into the city. Elsbeth, the main character, is hired by Mister Pike, who once spied on the British army. Loyalists hate him for working against the king, while colonists dislike that he worked with the enemy army and lost his fortune in the process. Missus Pike is livid that she can’t associate with the wealthy class, and the family’s financial issues put a hardship on the entire family. However, readers get a perspective of the range in standards of living, as the family’s wealth fluctuates. They’re also caring for Hannah, a young girl due to inherit money, as her guardian is away.

Details regarding the smallpox epidemic will have readers appreciating the marvels of modern medicine. Most people fear the disease and avoid traveling to Boston, where the more dense population makes it easier to catch. Inoculations for smallpox have recently been developed, but many people fear them. Receiving the inoculation is more painful than modern medicine’s simple shots. Sanitation is important, but advancements in this field are limited. Access to doctors is not widespread, as many of the trained physicians work for the military. Many readers will be shocked by the primitive methods of treating serious medical conditions.

Elsbeth narrates her story as she struggles to locate her father and become a seamstress. The status and role of women during this time period are addressed, and their opportunities and freedom are limited. She accepts the work and abuse in her position as a maid to remain in a stable living situation. Women are subservient to men, and most are expected to become wives. It’s inappropriate for single women to be seen in the company of men without a chaperone present. Hannah takes Elsbeth as her personal assistant, and the pair finds their alliance equally beneficial. The way Hannah is treated by her guardian and the Pikes may be even more disturbing than Elsbeth’s situation. Elsbeth has a special friend, but being a homeless orphan forces him to make questionable choices.

What didn’t work as well:

The plot is not fast-paced, as Elsbeth deals with many challenges. There isn’t a clear climax, although Hannah’s illness creates suspense. The final chapter brings resolution to any unanswered questions. It might have been more entertaining to make them part of the plot.

The final verdict:

While it takes place during the Revolutionary War, the story deals more with the role of women, social perceptions, greed, and surviving the smallpox epidemic. I recommend this book for older, middle-grade readers. 

The Second Life of Snap by Erin Entrada Kelly

What worked:

The author creates a dynamic relationship between Zuzu and Snap. Zuzu hates robots, especially when her teacher tells the class they’ll eventually take over the world. Her father brings one home after losing his job and says it will become Zuzu’s guardian. That means it will go everywhere she goes and tell her father when she wants to go to the salvage yard, or the Sal. It cannot lie. However, something happens to it, and it protects Zuzu by not telling the truth. Zuzu starts calling it Snap, and she becomes more protective of the robot. Zuzu and her three friends call themselves Valley Cats, and they enjoy visiting the Sal. Snap comes along to help collect and carry trashed items, and he wants to learn more about being human. He competes in a storytelling game and asks about the taste of pears. Snap is naïve about life, but his blunt statements and questions help Zuzu navigate her issues.

The author makes a clear distinction between the society’s haves and have-nots. The wealthy citizens reside in Bountiful where they are shielded from harsh weather elements and enjoy a life of leisure. The have-nots live in Barren where the dusties’ flimsy, tin homes do little to keep out the Texas heat and dust. The whole story is set in Barren, so the only information about Bountiful is learned from the characters. Drones monitor citizens’ behaviors and zoom in to notify them when they’ve violated a rule or law. The one Barren doctor is punished for visiting patients in their homes. Speaking against the government is prohibited, with Dusty settlements widely separated and no way to communicate. Society is organized to keep the Dusties oppressed and suppressed. However, Zuzu hears rumors about something coming soon that will change everything.

What didn’t work as well:

The “climax” and resolution are not satisfying. The plot is building toward a major event to change society, but it never happens. It skips that part and ends six months later.

The final verdict:

The dynamic relationship between Zuzu and Snap is heartwarming, and readers will feel a sense of sadness as Snap’s battery runs down. However, the end of the book will have many readers feeling cheated, since the result is anticlimactic. Readers are left to fill in the blanks themselves.