ALL THE WAYS TO GO, by Jessie Janowitz, Sourcebooks Young Readers, Sept. 3, 2024, Hardcover, $16.99 (ages 8-12)

A chess prodigy struggles to tell his mom he wants to quit the game in All the Ways to Go, a middle-grade novel by Jessie Janowitz.

Milo Bloom, chess prodigy, has a secret: he doesn’t want to play chess anymore. So, he blows a major tournament on purpose instead of telling anyone. If no one knows he wants to quit, then no one can be disappointed.   

The problem is, winning that tournament was a ticket to chess camp, and the loss means his summer plans are shot. Enter Roxie, a girl he’s never met, who shows up at his door to tell him he and his mom will be spending the summer at her house…what? 

Surprise! Before Milo knows what’s hit him, he’s living at Roxie’s house, where creepy cats rule, meat products are banned, and Roxie, who doesn’t seem to understand the concept of personal space, won’t give him a second alone.  

 But when Milo and Roxie stumble across two people playing a fascinating game they’ve never seen before, they become determined to learn the ancient game of Go. Between late-night library adventures and creating a Go club at their camp, Milo and Roxie form an unexpected friendship, but none of that matters if Milo can’t face his fears and tell his mom how he really feels. —Synopsis provided by Sourcebooks Young Readers

Sometimes you’re really good at something, but your heart isn’t in it. Maybe you started out loving it, but something changes, making it a chore rather than a passion.

That’s what happens to Milo in All the Ways to Go. Milo’s life used to revolve around chess — the strategies, being in the zone. Chess is what defined him. Now, not so much. Milo’s predicament is relatable — both to kids and adults.

Milo is smart, likeable kid with a great dislike of cats. Roxie is the kind of kid that would get labeled “odd.” She doesn’t understand social cues and has a great love for cats. The two of them make for a compelling pair. And though Milo is the star of All the Ways to Go, Roxie is as equally well developed. There’s a large cast of supporting characters that really round out the story, providing humor and heart.

Go becomes a metaphor for real life as Milo and Roxie progress, learn and teach the game. I’d never heard of the game before, but author Jessie Janowitz explains it in such a way that it’s easy to follow.

All the Ways to Go is a quieter contemporary fiction novel. There are no explosions or magical wizards. Janowitz, however, creates a kind of magic of her own with a story about friendships, family and choosing your own path.

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

The post Jessie Janowitz’s All the Ways to Go is strong contemporary MG appeared first on www.crackingthecover.com.

A girl’s pesky little brother inspires her to fight climate change in Gracie Under Waves, by Newbery medalist Linda Sue Park.

Inspired by her own experience, author Linda Sue Park tells the story of a girl learning how to impact a cause she cares about while navigating the ups and downs of a sibling relationship and turning disappointment into opportunity.   

Gracie loves snorkeling! She loves it so much, she convinces her parents to let her plan a family vacation to Roatán, Honduras, where they can all snorkel together. She even makes a new friend there. Now, if only her irritating little brother would leave her alone, everything would be perfect. Then Gracie hurts her leg, and all her carefully made plans start to come apart. Worse still, she learns the reef itself is in serious danger. Gracie wants to help the reef . . . but she’s just a kid. What can she do to make a difference? Fortunately, her new friend has a few ideas!  —Synopsis provided by Allida

Gracie Under Waves is a warm novel with themes of climate change, family, friendship and sibling dynamics.

Gracie is a spunky main character who knows what she wants and goes after it. She’s got flaws, and a little brother who gets on her nerves, both of which will endear her to readers.

One of the book’s biggest draws is the snorkeling element, and Linda Sue Park does a great job transporting you to the ocean floor. Park incorporates a lot of science/environmental issues here that many readers will find fascinating and would work well with different units within school curriculums.

Gracie Under Waves is a fairly short novel (176 pages) that moves quickly. It will particularly appeal to kids that enjoy a good story without all the tween drama/angst.

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

The post Linda Sue Park explores climate change in Gracie Under Waves appeared first on www.crackingthecover.com.

KAREEM BETWEEN, by Shifa Saltagi Safadi, G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers, Sept. 10, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 8-12)

A seventh-grade Syrian American boy navigates middle school in Kareem Between, a novel by Shifa Saltagi Safadi.

Seventh grade begins, and Kareem’s already fumbled it.

His best friend moved away, he messed up his tryout for the football team, and because of his heritage, he was voluntold to show the new kid—a Syrian refugee with a thick and embarrassing accent—around school. Just when Kareem thinks his middle school life has imploded, the hotshot QB promises to get Kareem another tryout for the squad. There’s a catch: to secure that chance, Kareem must do something he knows is wrong.

Then, like a surprise blitz, Kareem’s mom returns to Syria to help her family but can’t make it back home. If Kareem could throw a penalty flag on the fouls of his school and home life, it would be for unnecessary roughness.

Kareem is stuck between. Between countries. Between friends, between football, between parents—and between right and wrong. It’s up to him to step up, find his confidence, and navigate the beauty and hope found somewhere in the middle. —Synopsis provided by G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers

Kareem Between has been longlisted for 2024 National Book Awards, Young People’s Literature. And there’s good reason. Author Shifa Saltagi Safadi is a talented storyteller. Her main character loves American football. That’s what motivates him. It’s a sport I just don’t care about. But in Safadi’s deft hands, I cared about Kareem. I cared about his life. I cared about his story so much, that my apathy toward football fell by the wayside. That’s what good writing can do.

A novel in verse, Kareem Between, moves quickly. Safadi deftly explores friendship, community and family. Kareem is straddling that line between childhood and young adulthood where everything feels possible and impossible at the same time. His growth throughout the novel is beautiful to watch unfold.

Kareem Between is the type of book that you want your kid to read. It would be an excellent classroom resource, as well as appealing to independent readers.

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

The post Shifa Saltagi Safadi’s Kareem Between is must-read middle grade appeared first on www.crackingthecover.com.

THE WITCHING WIND, by Natalie Lloyd, Scholastic Press, Sept. 3, 2024, Hardcover, $17.99 (ages 8-12)

Two girls wonder if an unusual weather phenomenon has anything to do with the upheaval in their lives in The Witching Wind, by Natalie Lloyd.

Eleven-year-old Roxie was excited to start sixth grade… until a mortifying incident at a pool party turns her into a middle school laughingstock. Roxie can’t imagine enduring a full year of bullying and body shaming, so when her country music star Granny invites Roxie to join her on tour, she jumps at the chance to leave her troubles behind. But then Granny—who’s been struggling with memory loss—goes missing, leaving Roxie without an escape plan… and without her best friend.

Grayson doesn’t mind being sent to yet another foster home. Her older sister, Beanie, is about to turn eighteen, which means she’ll be able to become Grayson’s guardian. It won’t be long until they live in the same house again. It won’t be long until they get to be a real family. But when Beanie’s birthday finally arrives, she doesn’t show up to collect Grayson. She doesn’t respond to calls or texts. It’s almost like she’s just… vanished.

Roxie knows Granny would never leave without saying goodbye. And Grayson is certain Beanie would never abandon her. So, when the new friends learn about the Witching Wind that “steals” what people love most, Roxie and Grayson are certain they’ve discovered the truth. Granny and Beanie didn’t just disappear—they were taken. And it’s up to Roxie and Grayson to outwit the Witching Wind before it’s too late. —Synopsis provided by Scholastic Press

Author Natalie Lloyd (Hummingbird) is known for the magic she infuses into her stories — both in her writing and in the stories she weaves.

The Witching Wind is no different. A special kind of wind that takes things away, but also carries them back. It’s a great setup.

The wind itself almost becomes a character. But it’s Grayson and Roxie who steal the show. Told through alternating voices, you are given a front-row seat to their hopes, fears and even dreams.

While it might seem as if the Witching Wind is central to this story, it’s more the framework that carries Lloyd’s story of family and friendship and how those bonds motivate actions.

The Witching Wind is a fast-moving middle-grade read that will appeal to fans of magical realism.

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

The post Natalie Lloyd’s The Witching Wind celebrates friendship and family appeared first on www.crackingthecover.com.

THE SHERLOCK SOCIETY, by James Ponti, Aladdin, Sept. 3, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (Ages 8-12)

Four kids and a grandfather set out to solve a decades-old mystery in The Sherlock Society, the first book in a new middle-grade series by James Ponti.

Siblings Alex and Zoe Sherlock take their last name as inspiration when choosing a summer job. After all, starting a detective agency has to be better than babysitting (boring), lawn mowing (sweaty), or cleaning out the attic (boring and sweaty). Their friends Lina, an avid bookworm, and Yadi, an aspiring cinematographer, join the enterprise, and Alex and Zoe’s retired reporter grandfather offers up his sweet aquamarine Cadillac convertible and storage unit full of cold cases.

The group’s first target is the long-lost treasure supposedly hidden near their hometown Miami. Their investigation into the local doings of famed gangster Al Capone leads them to a remote island in the middle of the Everglades where they find alarming evidence hinting at corporate corruption.

Together with Grandpa’s know-how and the kids’ intelligence—plus some really slick gadgets—can the Sherlock Society root out the conspiracy? —Synopsis provided by Aladdin

I love a good mystery. And one that includes some old-fashioned journalistic research is even better. Add in themes of family, friendship and independent and group thinking, and you’ve got the recipe for a page-turning read.

The Sherlock Society is one such book.

The story is told from Alex’s point a view, but Zoe, Lina, Yadi and Grandpa are equally as well realized. Each has their own quirks and talents, and Grandpa is a hoot.

The thing that makes The Sherlock Society really work is author James Ponti’s story feels completely realistic. His use of history, geography, science, technology and the five Ws (who, what, when, where and why) is compelling. And it’s not inconceivable that a grandparent would foster this kind of summer project.

The book is set in South Florida, and offers a wealth of information along with adventure, making kids want to keep reading. It’s fast-paced and engaging from beginning to end. This would make a fun classroom read and will appeal to a large cross-section of readers. I look forward to more books in this series.

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

The post James Ponti’s The Sherlock Society is enticing MG mystery appeared first on www.crackingthecover.com.

THE SECRET DEAD CLUB, by Karen Strong, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, Aug. 20, 2024, Hardcover, $17.99 (ages 8-12)

A girl discovers she’s not the only one at her new school who can see ghosts in The Secret Dead Club, by Karen Strong.

Wednesday Thomas sees ghosts. But that doesn’t mean she has to talk to them.

After a terrifying experience in an Arizona state park with a wicked ghost, Wednesday and her mother Olivia sell their RV and move back south to the family home in Alton, Georgia. Wednesday’s determined not to use her gift anymore—until she meets a group of girls who also know about the spirit realm.

There’s free-spirited Miki Okada and Southern belle Danni-Lynn Porter who seem to know about the ghosts who roam the school’s hallways, popular girl Alexa Scott who tells Wednesday to stay away from Miki and Danni-Lynn and not draw attention to herself, and mysterious neighbor Violet Delgado who died last year but still haunts the house across the street. Wednesday feels these girls have some kind of shared history, but it isn’t until Miki gives her an official invitation to the Dead Club that she starts to understand there’s a lot more going on with the ghosts in Alton and the girls who can see them.

And when another malevolent ghost threatens to harm Wednesday, it will take the help of new friends both living and dead to save her and banish the evil being to the spirit realm where it belongs. —Synopsis provided by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

With a name like The Secret Dead Club, you know kids are going to be drawn to Karen Strong’s new book about friendship, fitting in, and the mysterious forces that control the afterlife.

Strong balances the mysterious with mundane daily life and does that against the backdrop of kids figuring themselves out. In fact, Strong’s writing style reminds me of one of my childhood favorites — Mary Downing Hahn. Wait Till Helen Comes, anyone?

Where Strong excels is balancing the creepy with lighter notes, creating a spooky atmosphere without making things too scary for readers. This balance comes from various sources — extended family, new friends, spirits with unfinished business.

Strong’s writing is clear and inviting. She sets the stakes early on, and makes readers want to keep reading.

As we enter the Halloween season, The Secret Dead Club is the perfect novel to set the tone.

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

The post Karen Strong’s The Secret Dead Club has spooky vibe appeared first on www.crackingthecover.com.

39 CLUES: ONE FALSE NOTE: A Graphic Novel, by Gordon Korman and Hannah Templer, Graphix, Sept. 3, 2024, Paperback, $12.99 (ages 8-12)

Orphan siblings continue to race around the world in search for family history in the 39 Clues: One False Note, a graphic novel by Gordon Korman and Hannah Templer.

Amy and Dan made the choice of a lifetime when they gave up a million dollars in favor of a Clue and joined a competition unlike any the world has ever seen. After barely escaping Paris with their lives, now they’re in Vienna to discover the truth about their famous ancestor, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and the long-buried secrets connected to his equally talented but overlooked sister, Nannerl.

But with their enemies closing in, Amy and Dan must decide how much they’re willing to risk to find the clues, and who they’re willing to betray in the process… —Synopsis provided by Graphix

I handed my 10-year-old an advanced reader copy of One False Note, which is the second book in the 39 Clues graphic novel series, on a recent camping trip, and she read it “at least 15 times” during our vacation. It’s pretty much all she wanted to read. Here’s her review:

One False Note continues the journey of Dan, Amy, Nellie (their au pair) and Saladin (the cat).

I like how they get ahead of the other teams on their quest for finding the power of the Cahills. It’s an adventure mystery. But it’s easier to read if you’ve read the first one (The Maze of Bones).

I loved the first book. I love graphic novels. I wanted to find out if Dan, Amy and the rest of the team succeed.

The Maze of Bones was written by Rick Riordan and illustrated by Ethan Young. One False Note is written by Gordon Korman and illustrated by Hannah Templer. I like how they traded off the authors and illustrators. I wanted to see how different people imagined the characters, see what different styles they have.

My favorite part is when the kitty — who has been on a hunger strike for a bunch of weeks — finally gives in, and he likes it: “Gobble Gobble Snarf Snarf Snack.”

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

The post 39 Clues: One False Note is exciting graphic novel appeared first on www.crackingthecover.com.

THE CROSSBOW OF DESTINY, by Brandon Hoang, Scholastic Press, Aug. 6, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 8-12)

A Vietnamese American girl travels through Vietnam in search of an ancient magical crossbow in The Crossbow of Destiny, by Brandon Hoang.

When Vietnamese American Freddie Lo finds herself in Vietnam for the first time since she was little, she’s not quite sure how to feel. The memories of her extended family are more like distant echoes; she has a tough time speaking Vietnamese; and she can’t help but feel like she just isn’t Vietnamese enough. Still, this is her chance to reconnect with her family, especially her Ong ngoai — or grandfather — who is receiving a big award.

That’s when Ong ngoai reveals his secret: He knows the location of an ancient legendary crossbow, one with the power to decimate armies — and he’s hidden it away from those who intend to use its magic for evil. But when Ong ngoai is kidnapped, it’s up to Freddie, her cousin Lien, and a mysterious boy named Duy to get to the crossbow before it ends up in the wrong hands. 

In this Indiana Jones-style adventure, readers will travel through Vietnam — from its seaside villages, to the swamps of the Mekong Delta, to the majestic Marble Mountains of Da Nang — as Freddie learns what it takes to be a hero. —Synopsis provided by Scholastic Press

The Crossbow of Destiny starts off with a bang — a Vietnamese ruler saves his kingdom with a magical crossbow, but the power goes to his head, and everyone he loves ends up dead. Fast forward 2000ish years and Freddie must find the same crossbow and save her grandfather.

This adventure-filled story is fast-paced and full of surprises.

Author Brandon Hoang’s writing is clear and accessible. His pacing is strong and his ability to set a scene makes you want to visit Vietnam. The sights, smells and sounds are all there.

I read an advanced copy that didn’t have a glossary, but the final copies do. This is a great addition for kids not familiar with Vietnamese. Although, Hoang does provide a lot of context around that vocabulary making it fairly easy to understand what’s going on.

At approximately 250 pages, The Crossbow of Destiny is a good length for middle-of-the-road middle readers. It’s a strong standalone novel that will appeal to a large cross-section of readers.

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

The post Brandon Hoang’s Crossbow of Destiny is enticing adventure appeared first on www.crackingthecover.com.

WE ARE BIG TIME: (A Graphic Novel), by Hena Khan and Safiya Zerrougui, Knopf Books for Young Readers, Aug. 6, 2024, Paperback, $13.99 (ages 8-12)

A Muslim teen as she joins an all-girls, hijab-wearing basketball team in We Are Big Time, a graphic novel by Hena Khan and Safiya Zerrougui.

Aliya is new to Wisconsin, and everything feels different than Florida. The Islamic school is bigger, the city is colder, and her new basketball team is…well, they stink.

Aliya’s still excited to have teammates (although the team’s captain, Noura, isn’t really Aliya’s biggest fan), and their new coach really understands basketball (even if she doesn’t know much about being Muslim). This season should be a blast…if they could just start to win. As they strengthen their skills on the court, Aliya and the Peace Academy team discover that it takes more than talent to be great — it’s teamwork and self-confidence that defines true success. —Synopsis provided by Knopf Books for Young Readers

We Are Big Time is a fictionalized story based on the real-life experiences of the Salem School girls’ varsity high school basketball team in Milwaukee, Wis., during their 2018-19 season. Author Hena Khan interviewed the coach and several players, and used their answers as inspiration for the book.

Because of this, We Are Big Time feels weighted in reality. And while basketball is the central topic running through the book, it goes beyond sport. Themes of family, friendship, culture, finding your place on a team and differentiating yourself all come into play, and they all feel well explored and authentic.

Safiya Zerrougui’s illustrations are a great extension of Khan’s text. Her linework is smooth and her characters are expressive.

We Are Big Time is an uplifting graphic novel that will appeal to athletes, girls and fans of contemporary stories. It’s a great option, especially now, with so many kids buzzing about all the action they saw during the Olympics.

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

The post Hena Khan & Safiya Zerrougui’s We Are Big Time is uplifting graphic novel appeared first on www.crackingthecover.com.

WILD WAVE, by Rodman Philbrick, Scholastic Press, Aug. 6, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 8-12)

Two kids try to survive in the aftermath of a tsunami in Wild Wave, the third book in Rodman Philbrick’s The Wild series.

When a tsunami heads for the coast, Nick Chase and Jess Hardy must run. They make it into the woods above the bay—only to witness the sea flooding their neighborhood along the shore. Destroying everything.

In the broken landscape that’s left behind, the two must try to find their way to safety. But when they come across a stranded elderly couple, it’s up to Nick and Jess to work together and get help so that they can all make it out alive. —Synopsis provided by Scholastic Press

I haven’t read the first two books in Rodman Philbrick’s The Wild series — Wildfire and Wild River — but if they’re anything like Wild Wave, then they’re nail-biting adventures, too.

While Wild Wave is about Nick and Jess, the story is told from Nick’s point of view. Because it’s told in first-person, you get an inside look at his fear and courage as the two work together to escape the Tsunami’s wild wave and the ensuing chaos caused by it.

Philbrick does an excellent job setting the scene. You immediately feel as if you, too, are buried under a forest of uprooted trees. He quickly sets the stakes as Nick and Jess move from one dangerous situation to the next, providing both characters and readers moments of rest while never allowing them to completely let their guard down.

Wild Wave is perfect for fans of the I Survived or Survivor Diaries series. At approximately 175 pages, it’s an accessible length, and the short chapters provide for natural stopping points. The book is full of adventure and tension and Philbrick allows his characters to work out problems on their own. This would make a great addition to a classroom library.

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

The post Rodman Philbrick’s Wild Wave is an exciting MG survival story appeared first on www.crackingthecover.com.