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READING STYLE GUIDE

I Need a Hero

11/17/2021

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The Cursed Carnival and Other Calamities:
New Stories About Mythic Heroes
edited by Rick Riordan

A book that's like a box of chocolates.
An anthology, like a box of chocolates, consists of tasty little morsels. The one you select may consist of creamy sweetness, rich darkness, or be a little bit nutty. All look so tempting. Which one will you pick?
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Discover new adventures from the worlds of: Sal and Gabi, Aru Shah, Zane Obispo, Tristan Strong, Nizhoni Begay, Paola Santiago, Sikander Aziz and Riley Oh. Bet you can't pick just one!​
If a hero isn't ready to lose everything for a greater cause, is that person really a hero?
Jason Grace, The Tower of Nero
Rick Riordan Presents includes stories by Carlos Hernandez, Roshani Chokshi, J.C. Cervantes, Yoon Ha Lee, Kwame Mbalia, Rebecca Roanhorse, Tehlor Kay Mejia, Sarwat Chadda, Graci Kim, and SURPRISE! Rick Riordan, who introduces an Irish hero: boy a marked for death before he was born. Is he destined for greatness or destruction?
The multiverse is home to an assortment of fascinating characters: Gum Baby will give you two pieces of her mind "one for now, and one to take home and enjoy later." Riley is the only member of her family who does not possess supernatural powers, or does she? Nizhoni battles a demon-possessed drum that contaminates everything, including the fry bread she loves to eat.
There are numerous ways to enter these mythic worlds:
Relax and plunge through the floor into a different universe. Take the elevator to the Lower Levels of Hell. Descend six thousand feet to face plant on Seventh Avenue. Visit a New York deli to find a "Demon in the Trash." Locate the red cactus flower that your mind envisioned. Slip in and sample any one of the selections, finding stories that pique your interest. They can be read in any order.
The Cursed Carnival and Other Calamities is an introduction to mythologies and cultures that invite further exploration. Fans of the Riordan series will relish these stories chronicling additional adventures for characters featured in the addictive series. ​ It's an enchanting potpourri brimming with danger, humor, courage, friendship, and magic.
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Uncorrected copy provided by publisher.
Pub date: September 28, 2021  Publisher: Rick Riordan Presents  ISBN: 978-1368070836
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Moonstruck!

10/18/2021

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The Children’s Moon by Carmen Agra Deedy art by Jim LaMarche

It’s not often that you will find a picture book that is a literary gem brimming with sparkling personality,  folktale-like mythology, poetic language, luminous art, and a STEM component. Deedy's enchanting storytelling and LaMarche's exquisite illustrations combine to tell a wondrous origin tale.
Text consists of a dialog between the moon and the sun.
As the moon rises, she hears a noise "like the daintiest of silver bells" and wonders what makes that sweet music. The sun informs her that the sound is made by children. Moon laments that she is unable to see the children and they cannot see her. Is there a way for her to see the children? Sun adamantly retorts that this is not possible.
​The day is mine.
​The night is yours.
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With inventive thinking, the two devise a plan that will allow the sun to view the stars gleaming in the night sky.  Then the sun will shine on his friend in such a manner that the moon can see and be seen by the children.
It a beautiful mythology that explains an astronomical phenomenom.
Back matter includes detailed information on how to view a "children's moon" in the night sky, an infographic explaining phases of the moon, a collection of interesting scientific factoids about the moon. For example, the moon not only reflects light, it also radiates light. Interestingly, the moon is not a sphere, but egg-shaped. Links to online resources are provided.
The Children’s Moon is the perfect bedtime story and is also an excellent companion to an astronomy lesson.
Uncorrected copy provided by publisher.
​Pub date: October 19, 2021 Publisher: Scholastic Press ISBN: 978-1338216394
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Power of Story

10/8/2021

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The Last Cuentista by Donna Barba Higuera

A world without story is lost.
A stunning and richly symbolic cover sets the stage for a Latinx sci-fi saga written for middle-grade. It's a daunting task, but Higuera pulls it off, sending readers on a heroic journey of mythic proportions.
When earth is destined for destruction, Petra and her younger brother Javier are selected to join an elite group that will travel through space, bound for the planet Sagan. Organizers hope to establish a thriving intergalactic colony. It will take 380 years to reach Sagan, so travelers are placed in individual hibernation pods for the journey.
On waking, Petra discovers that a group known as the Collective has assumed control of the spaceship. Adults have been eliminated and the minds of younger passengers are being reprogrammed. This carefully cultivated society will have no knowledge of the past.
Petra is determined to resist mind control. She clings to the stories told by her grandmother and shares tales of heritage and culture to a few of the ship’s young travelers, hoping to reawaken their knowledge of the past. 
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Outwitting the Collective becomes increasingly dangerous. Petra’s plan to escape, taking a few individuals with her to a nearby planet, is a high stakes gamble. She must keep her objective a secret until her group is safely beyond the reach of those who seek to destroy her and her knowledge of the past. Several shocking plot twists and tension-filled scenes will keep readers rapidly turning pages.
Those familiar with children’s literature will be pleased to note the homage to several contemporary classics: Dreamers by Yuyi Morales, Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman, A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula Le Guin. Authors Douglas Adams and R. L. Stine are also mentioned.
Books became our language. Books became our home. Books became our lives.
The Last Cuentista is a tribute to the enduring power of stories. ​The saga combines Latinx folklore and culture with travel through time and space. Higuera has created an intriguing genre for young readers: Latinx Space Opera.
Never be ashamed of where you come from, or the stories your ancesters bring to you. Make them your own.
Uncorrected copy provided by publisher.
Pub date: October 12, 2021  Publisher: Levine Querido  ISBN: 978-1646140893
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Bird's-eye View

5/21/2021

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Homer on the Case by Henry Cole

Meet Homer, a carrier pigeon with extraordinary abilities. He always finds his way home, even when he must travel long distances. He also possesses a most unusual trait: Homer reads.
It began when he noticed the newspapers lining his cage. Homer recognized people and places in the newspaper’s photos. Eventually this smart bird connected the pictures with their printed captions. Viola! He became a reader. In addition to news reports, Homer discovered the funny pages and now follows the exploits of comic strip detective Dick Tracey.
Enter a partner: Homer meets Lulu, a parrot who perches on the shoulder of her owner Charlotte. The birds become fast friends and look forward to friendly avian conversations whenever their owners are in the park.
A series of outdoor jewelry thefts come to the attention of Homer and Lulu. They decide to investigate the robberies.
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The story’s premise is ingenious. A pigeon has a bird’s-eye view to possible crimes and can fly around, gathering evidence without arousing suspicion. His accomplice has an extensive human vocabulary. These savvy spies find clues and piece together the evidence. Here's the complication: Homer and Lulu must communicate their discoveries, reveal the perpetrators, and recover the stolen jewelry. There is an element of danger, but these are brave little detectives. Homer on the Case is an engaging sleuthing adventure for young readers. Let's hope that there will be more mysteries for this detective duo.
Listen to the author read as he draws a pigeon.
Learn some surprising facts about homing pigeons.
Uncorrected copy provided by publisher.
Pub date: April 1, 2021  Publisher: Peachtree Publishing Company  ISBN: 978-1682632543
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It Takes a Thief

3/30/2021

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Hello, Cruel Heart by Maureen Johnson

Sixteen-year-old Estella is an orphan living on the streets of London in the 1960’s. She lives with two sleight-of-hand con artists in the crumbling remains of an abandoned building. The trio’s principal source of income is derived from carefully planned and brilliantly executed pickpocketing. These lifters are masters of their craft. But Estelle is more than a common thief.
Her passion is fashion. She designs and constructs stunning one-of-a-kind styles. This clever seamstress scouts high-end establishments for luxurious fabrics, furs, lace, and elegant accessories. With the help of her accomplices, she nicks the best materials and takes them back to the sewing machine in her grimy little hovel. The resulting ensembles are amazing.
Estelle has a dark secret. There is another personality residing inside this resourceful girl-of-the-streets. It’s Cruella, a vicious and spiteful evil twin who occasionally pops into her head offering diabolical suggestions. Usually Estelle can keep Cruella in check by saying to her alter ego “Thank you for coming, but you may go now.”
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One day she is noticed by two wealthy siblings who take a fancy to this odd young woman with exceptional style. They invite her into their world of excess and decadence. Soon her days are spent lounging in their posh residence and her nights are devoted to an endless stream of parties. She becomes a dressmaker for the elite, creating couture for members of London’s hip social set. There are stolen kisses with the guitarist of popular band. It’s a life that she never dreamed could be hers.
Until...Estelle’s world of opulence evaporates. All gone. Literally overnight.
Johnson brings readers along for Estelle’s journey from rags to riches.  In the "I never saw that coming" catagory, there is an unexpected plot twist in the book's final pages. Hello, Cruel Heart is filled with fascinating characters, 1960's trivia, and vivid scenes contrasting abject poverty with exorbitant wealth. A cinematic tale that is as savvy as Estelle’s fashions.
Post Script: The story features two dogs. Buddy, Estelle’s dearest companion was rescued from a trash heap. Wink is a a one-eyed Chihuahua. Estelle clearly loves both of these canines. There is no depiction or suggestion of animal cruelty throughout the tale.
Uncorrected copy provided by publisher.
​Pub date: April 6, 2021  Publisher: Disney Press   ISBN:  978-1368057769
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Mysterious & Magical

3/18/2021

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The Stolen Prince of Cloudburst by Jaclyn Moriarty

Esther is the middle child, sandwiched between thirteen-year-old Imogene and younger sister Astrid. She is the ordinary one, nondescript, often overlooked by her mother.
What should have been a normal year at boarding school opens with several unexplained incidents. Esther’s best friends do not return for the next school term. Two new students have taken the absent girls’ places. A tiny little woman with a bizarre ritual for greeting her students is Esther’s teacher. Life seems to have taken an unsettling turn. School is the same. Only it is not.
Set in a land of Empires and Kingdoms, it's a tale of mystery and magic. Mythological creatures abound. A Water Sprite absconds with a young child. ​ There are Faeries, Ogres, Whisperers, True Mages, Spellbinders, and Shadow Mages such as Radish Gnomes and Sterling Silver Foxes. They usually inhabit realms far away from Esther’s school. But lately they are sighted nearby.
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The Stolen Prince of Cloudburst is a story of a girl who doubts herself. Her supportive family is occasionally dysfunctional. Boarding school is rife with rumors. An earth-shattering event stuns the community. These disparate elements are woven together to create a compelling mystery.
Moriarty's storytelling technique is dazzling. The narrative asserts a generally agreed-upon statement as true. This is immediately followed by a detail which turns the truism on its head. Readers will wonder about the veracity of what they witness through Esther’s eyes. Is her recital of events based on partial knowledge, personal bias, or second-hand information?
And that, as I said, was the happily ever after...
​But was it?
First person voice allows readers to see not only the world from Esther’s point of view, but to witness her evolving comprehension of what is happening. At times she makes mistakes in judgement. Others thwart her efforts. But she remains determined to learn the truth.
I adore Esther. As she considers the strange, sometimes frightening events which topple her world and threaten its existence, she must summon a courage she never knew she possessed to save herself and those she loves. She becomes the hero that she was always meant to be.
The title was a puzzle. This is really Esther’s story. She narrates the account which takes place primarily at her school. References to a prince are few with seemingly little relevance to her life. But all is revealed on the final pages of the book. Readers are rewarded with a conclusion that is logical, anticipated, yet in some ways unexpected. It all fits neatly together, creating a satisfying conclusion.
Uncorrected copy provided by publisher.
​Pub date: March 23, 2021  Publisher: Levine Querido  ISBN:  978-1646140763
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Painting With Words

2/23/2021

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Mr. Tiger, Betsy, and the Sea Dragon
​by Sally Gardner ill by Nick Maland

"Painting with words"
From the brilliant mind and wild imagination of Sally Gardner come Mr. Tiger and Betsy books. This is not your ordinary garden-variety tale of a princess who must be rescued from an evil witch.
Told by the letters of the alphabet, it’s a fantasy jam-packed with a delicious blend of stuff and nonsense.
The story takes place on an island that has been left off the map of the world. Betsy K. Glory’s father creates the most amazing ice creams and her mother is a mermaid. With the help of mum’s tin bathtub on wheels, they make the marriage work. There is also a princess who was once a toad, a sea orchard of golden apples, and the debonair Mr. Tiger. Did I mention that there are two pages devoted to a discussion of the word “discombobulated?”
Plot centers around a sea dragon’s egg. The captain of a pirate ship arranges for his pastry chef to steal the precious egg. He plans to exchange the embryonic dragon for a golden apple.
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A running subthread features girls and women as decisive individuals who determine their own fates and positively impact the lives of others. In a critical scene Betsy must perform a dangerous rescue mission that no one else can accomplish. She is terrified. Mr. Tiger encourages her.
Betsy K. Glory, you are the bravest girl I have ever known. You can do this.
Of course, there is a happy ending. The pirates are defeated. The baby sea dragon egg is returned to its dragon parents. There is a lovely wedding. And everyone enjoys a new flavor of ice cream that tastes like happy-ever-afters.
"Just because you're dyslexic does not mean you can't be a writer."
Sally Gardner is dyslexic. The book’s appearance reflects her sensitivity to readers who have difficulty navigating pages of text. Mr. Tiger, Betsy, and the Sea Dragon is printed in blue and uses the Dyslexie font.
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Look at the dust jacket. Don't you love how the dragon straddles the spine and bridges the gap between land and sea?
​Nick Maland’s blue-hued line drawings match font color and add the perfect touch of whimsy.

Further Adventures for Mr. Tiger and Betsy

Discover the origin of Mr. Tiger and Betsy stories.
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C​opy provided by publisher.
​Pub date: February 23, 2021  Publisher: Penguin Workshop  ISBN: 978-0593095850
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Beastly Feast

1/12/2021

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The Beast and the Bethany
​by Jack Meggitt-Phillips ill by Isabelle Follath

Ebenezer Tweezer, a young man with golden hair and a mansion filled with everything he desires, has a secret. In reality he is almost 512 years old. He owes his youth, stunning art collection, and grand piano to a hideous monster who lives in the top floor of a mansion. In this reimagining of the classic Faustian bargain, Ebenezer must regularly feed the monster in exchange for a potion that grants him eternal youth.
The beast's appetite has increased over time. Where once a tasty morsel satisfied, sacrificial offerings are currently demanded. First it was small animals but now the beast wants a child. Tweezer realizes that he is crossing into territory that strains his sense of morality. He rationalizes that if he can find a truly despicable youngster the world will be rid of one nasty human. That's not so bad, is it?
His search for a suitable child eventually leads him to an orphanage run by the loathsome Miss Fizzlewick. There he meets Bethany, an obstinate and obnoxious girl who alienates everyone she comes in contact with.  She will be the perfect meal.
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Back at the mansion there are complications. The beast decides that Bethany is too thin and needs fattening up. Ebenezer complies with her request for mountains of chocolate cake and ice cream with treacle toffee sauce. He reasons that this is a good thing. She will quickly become a large and tasty meal. Bethany is bewildered. Instead of annoying an adult, her atrocious menu pleases him.
But this is a redemptive tale and as Ebenezer waits for his prospective meal to get fatter, he begins to enjoy spending time with his charge. Bethany, a girl that is determined to antagonize everyone, starts to care about others in small meaningful ways. Eventually Tweezer divulges the Beast's ultimate objective. The two devise a plan to save Bethany from becoming a beast feast.
Like Roald Dahl books, The Beast and the Bethany features a revolting child (think Veruca Salt), an authority figure who delights in making children miserable (think Miss Trunchbull), and outrageous quantities of chocolate cake. 
The narrative steadily leads the reader from one horrific scene to the next and will keep readers turning pages. Isabelle Follath's black and white drawings liberally sprinkled throughout the short chapters are spot-on.
Things don't go as planned. There are several heart-pounding moments when it appears that Bethany and Tweezer are doomed. Then Meggitt-Phillips, that fiendish devil, adds a final plot twist that leaves readers with a frightful chill. The author's note at the conclusion is a must read!
Deliciously dark and delightfully devious. If you like your fiction with a macabre twist, Meggitt-Phillips has just the story you are looking for. ​
Uncorrected copy provided by publisher.
Pub date: December 8, 2020  Publisher: Aladdin  ISBN:  978-1534478893
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Journey to Kiev

1/4/2021

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Anya and the Nightingale
​by Sofiya Pasternack read by Laura Knight Keating

Continuing the remarkable saga that began with Anya and the Dragon, young Anya is bound for Kiev with her friends Ivan the fool and Håkon the dragon. She hopes to find her father who was conscripted into the tzar's army.
The journey is filled with peril: a forest filled with spirits, an underground dungeon, a horrific monster...and magic. There is a lot of magic: sound magic, water magic, healing magic, to name just a few. It seems that everyone has the gift of magic except Anya.
However, this thirteen-year-old adventurer possesses a clear head in the face of danger, courage, loyalty, and a willingness to attempt what seems to be impossible. Anya is an intrepid traveler, working through her own fears while battling foes and outwitting those who stand in her way.
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Anya and the Nightingale introduces an interesting diversity of characters who interact with one another in natural ways while retaining their uniqueness: a blind grandmother who creates healing potions for villagers, a deaf elf who communicates with hand signals, a bisexual character, and a dragon who must choose between living in animal or human form.
Pasternack introduces multiple belief systems that co-exist and intersect comfortably in Anya's world. She is a devout Jew living in a community with no Rabi. The Russian priest is a community spiritual leader. Local Slavs have their forest spirits. There are animals which take human form and vice versa.  Anya retains her own religion, while acknowledging the beliefs of others, including a Sabbath observance quite different from what she has experienced.
Keating's performance brings the story to life, with the individual voices for each character. Anya's wonder, confusion, and determination shine through. Pacing is excellent, sometimes hinting at sarcasm. Accents highlight differences in Eastern European and Jewish communities in a country that will eventually become Russia.
Magnificent imaginative graphic design captures the magic and mystery of Anya.
A fantasy series filled with history, folklore, and adventure. Readers will be enchanted. 

Encore Anya, Encore!

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Read the first book in the series to learn more about Anya, Ivan and ​Håkon.
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Listen to an audiobook sample.
Audiobook accessed via NetGalley.
Release date: November 10, 2020  Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc
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Star Wars: The Saga Continues

12/28/2020

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Star Wars The High Republic: A Test of Courage
​by Justina Ireland

"For over a thousand generations, the Jedi Knights were the guardians of peace and justice in the Old Republic.
​Before the dark times. Before the Empire."   Obi-Wan Kenobi
Long ago or not so long ago, depending on how you measure time, a group of creatives met at Skywalker Ranch and brainstormed the development of a multimedia, multi-publisher, multi-package Star Wars mythology.  While each story would stand alone, they were to be part of a sweeping interconnected Star Wars story arc.
The result: A Star Wars epic that takes place two centuries prior to events in the Skywalker film saga. It tells the story of Jedi Knights who lived during a period known as The High Republic.
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Star Wars: The High Republic debuts with A Test of Courage. Sixteen-year-old Vernestra Rwoh has recently completed Jedi Knight training and received her first assignment. She is to accompany a senator and her impetuous daughter as well as a delegation of ambassadors to witness the launch of the Starlight Beacon,  symbol of hope that will serve as a Republic temple and sanctuary.
Two saboteurs onboard the ambassadorial transport bound for the Starlight Beacon destroy the ship, killing almost everyone. Vernestra, three young passengers, and one droid survive the explosion. They escape the wreckage and are trapped on a maintenance ship. To their horror, they learn that they are the next targets marked for death.
This recently-knighted young Jedi must lead an unlikely fivesome: a Padawan mourning the loss of his mentor, an angry ambassador's son seeking revenge , an innovative tech-savvy girl, and a droid with canny human sensibilities. Vernestra must summon the Force's power, rescue two runaways, outwit Nihil pirates, and guide this rag-tag crew to the Starlight Beacon. That's a lot to ask of any young teen. But this is no average girl and she is no ordinary Jedi Knight.
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Ireland keeps the story moving forward with action, intrigue, and a host of futuristic technologies. There are pirates, a heart-stopping light saber battle, and a massively destructive explosion.   Sign me up. I'm ready for this to join with the High Republic.

The Force is Strong 

"Maybe on the edge of the galaxy you'll find what you're looking for..."
Uncorrected copy provided by publisher.
​Pub date: January 15, 2021  Publisher: Disney LucasFilm  ISBN:  978-1368057301
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    Barbara Moon

    I like talking about books and  interesting ideas. I like thinking about how books affect my life. Not particularly interested in giving out stars or in rating books. 

    Audio Publishers Association
    2013, - present  Audies judge 
    American Library Association Book Awards and Lists 
    ​2017 YALSA Award Nominating Committee
    2016 Excellence in Nonfiction 
    2014 Margaret Edwards Award
    2012 Odyssey Awards.  
    2009, 2010, 2011 Great Graphic Novels for Teens.

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