STAR STRUCK! (THE COSMIC ADVENTURES OF ASTRID AND STELLA BOOK #2 (A HELLO!LUCKY BOOK)), by Hello!Lucky, Harry N. Abrams, March 21, 2023, Hardcover, $12.99 (ages 6-9)

Fire up the turbo pumps and blast off with Astrid and Stella on their next adventure!

Astrid and Stella are best friends and intergalactic heroes. But sometimes, even this dynamic duo needs a reset. After drifting into a dangerous force field powered by misunderstanding, it will take total teamwork to get back on track!

Once they’ve recovered from that detour, a run-in with a fur-miliar villain and the rescue of an intergalactic pop star are enough to keep things interesting for Astrid, Stella, and their trusty robot sidekick, Bobo. They just need to remember what’s most important—friendship and being true to yourself! Astrid and Stella just might surprise themselves by learning a few new things along the way, too.

LINK + HUD: HEROES BY A HAIR by Jarrett Pumphrey and Jerome Pumphrey, Norton Young Readers, March 7, 2023, Hardcover, $16.95 (ages 6-10)

Meet Link and Hud―brothers causing chaos in the first of a new middle grade series from real-life brothers Jarrett and Jerome Pumphrey.

Lincoln and Hudson Dupré are brothers with what grown-ups call “active imaginations.” Link and Hud hunt for yetis in the Himalayas and battle orcs on epic quests. Unfortunately, their imaginary adventures wreak havoc in their real world. Dr. and Mrs. Dupré have tried every babysitter in the neighborhood and are at their wits’ end.

Enter Ms. Joyce. Strict and old-fashioned, she proves to be a formidable adversary. The boys don’t like her or her rules and decide she’s got to go. Through a series of escalating events―told as high-action comic panel sequences―the brothers conspire to undermine Ms. Joyce and get her fired. When they go so big that even Ms. Joyce can’t fix it, suddenly she’s out. Finally, success! Or is it?

With warm and authentic humor, Jarrett and Jerome Pumphrey have blended prose and graphic novel-style illustrations to craft a unique and subversive new series full of brotherly mischief and mayhem.

ZARA’S RULES FOR LIVING YOUR BEST LIFE, Book 3 of 3: Zara’s Rules, by Hena Khan, S&S Books for Young Readers, March 21, 2023, Paperback, $6.99 (ages 7-10)

From the award-winning author of Amina’s Voice and Amina’s Song comes the third book in the middle grade Zara’s Rules series following Zara as she tries to save her spring break!

It’s spring break and Zara and Naomi have big plans…until Zara finds out that Naomi’s parents are sending her to camp and Zara and Zayd are going to spend the week with their grandparents. Zara’s pretty sure it’s a rule that spring break is supposed to be full of fun and adventure—not doing chores for Naano and watching Nana Abu doze on the couch! But ever since Nana Abu retired, it seems all he wants to do is eat and sleep, and Zara’s worried their grandfather has lost his mojo.

Meanwhile, Naomi’s having a blast at her day camp. Since Zara can’t join her, can Zara find a way to bring the fun of camp to her grandparents’ home? With a little help from Zayd, Zara concocts a plan that just might save her vacation—and help her grandfather start living his best life.

THE FIELD GUIDE, by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers; Reissue edition, Feb. 21, 2023, Paperback, $8.99 (ages 6-10)

Celebrate the 20th anniversary of the #1 New York Times bestselling Spiderwick Chronicles and get ready for the series soon to be streaming on Disney+ with this first installment in the adventures of the Grace children featuring an all-new look.

After finding a mysterious, handmade field guide in the attic of the ramshackle old mansion they’ve just moved into, Jared; his twin brother, Simon; and their older sister, Mallory, discover that there’s a magical and maybe dangerous world existing parallel to their own—the world of faerie.

The Grace children want to share their story, but the faeries will do everything possible to stop them…

Copyright © 2023 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.

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ACROSS A BROKEN SHORE, by Amy Trueblood, North Star Editions, Nov. 5, 2019, Softcover, $14.99 (young adult)

Amy Trueblood explores parental expectations and familial obligations in her latest historical fiction novel, Across a Broken Shore.

The last thing 18-year-old Wilhelmina “Willa” MacCarthy wants is to be a nun. It’s 1936, and as the only daughter amongst four sons, her Irish-Catholic family is counting on her to take her vows—but Willa’s found another calling. Each day she sneaks away to help Doctor Katherine Winston in her medical clinic in San Francisco’s Richmond District.

Keeping secrets from her family only becomes more complicated when Willa agrees to help the doctor at a field hospital near the new bridge being built over the Golden Gate. Willa thinks she can handle her new chaotic life, but as she draws closer to a dashing young ironworker and risks grow at the bridge, she discovers that hiding from what she truly wants may be her biggest lie of all. —Synopsis provided by North Star Editions

I’ve always loved a good historical fiction novel, and Across A Broken Shore swept me away. I found the historical elements about the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge and medical practices of the time fascinating, but it’s Willa’s story woven throughout that really makes it worth your time.

Everyone knows about expectations — self-imposed or not — which makes Willa all the more relatable. Amy Trueblood’s prose is warm and inviting, and her character building is strong, particularly with her main characters. I look forward to reading more from Amy in the future.

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INK, by Alice Broadway, Scholastic Press, Jan. 2, 2018, Hardcover, $17.99 (young adult)

There are no secrets in Saintstone.

From the second you’re born, every achievement, every failing, every significant moment are all immortalized on your skin. There are honorable marks that let people know you’re trustworthy. And shameful tattoos that announce you as a traitor.

After her father dies, Leora finds solace in the fact that his skin tells a wonderful story. That is, until she glimpses a mark on the back of his neck . . . the symbol of the worst crime a person can commit in Saintstone. Leora knows it has to be a mistake, but before she can do anything about it, the horrifying secret gets out, jeopardizing her father’s legacy . . . and Leora’s life.

 — Synopsis provided by Scholastic Press

“Broadway uses her unsettling premise to contemplate grief and loss, attempts to neatly categorize people and decisions as right or wrong, and the courage to push against norms in ways big and small.” — Publishers Weekly

FLIGHT SEASON, by Marie Marquardt, Wednesday Books, Feb. 20, 2018, Hardcover, $18.99 (young adult)

Back when they were still strangers, TJ Carvalho witnessed the only moment in Vivi Flannigan’s life when she lost control entirely. Now, TJ can’t seem to erase that moment from his mind, no matter how hard he tries. Vivi doesn’t remember any of it, but she’s determined to leave it far behind. And she will.

But when Vivi returns home from her first year away at college, her big plans and TJ’s ambition to become a nurse land them both on the heart ward of a university hospital, facing them with a long and painful summer together – three months of glorified babysitting for Ángel, the problem patient on the hall. Sure, Ángel may be suffering from a life-threatening heart infection, but that doesn’t make him any less of a pain.

As it turns out, though, Ángel Solís has a thing or two to teach them about all those big plans, and the incredible moments when love gets in their way.

—Synopsis provided by Wednesday Books

“Marquardt once again writes a touching and authentic exploration of immigration, love, and loss.” —Kirkus Review

WHERE I LIVE, by Brenda Rufener, HarperTeen, Feb. 27, 2018, Hardcover, $17.99 (young adult)

Linden Rose has a big secret–she is homeless and living in the halls of her small-town high school. Her position as school blog editor, her best friends, Ham and Seung, and the promise of a future far away are what keep Linden under the radar and moving forward.

But when cool-girl Bea comes to school with a bloody lip, the damage hits too close to home. Linden begins looking at Bea’s life, and soon her investigation prompts people to pay more attention. And attention is the last thing she needs.

Linden knows the only way to put a stop to the violence is to tell Bea’s story and come to terms with her own painful past. Even if that means breaking her rules for survival and jeopardizing the secrets she’s worked so hard to keep.

—Synopsis provided by HarperTeen

“A frank and emotional portrayal of a very real, very prevalent, but often unspoken problem in the United States, Where I Live is long overdue in the young adult world.” — Sadie Trombetta, Bustle

THIS HEART OF MINE, by C. C. Hunter, Wednesday Books, Feb. 27, 2018, Hardcover, $18.99 (young adult)

Seventeen-year-old Leah MacKenzie is heartless. An artificial heart in a backpack is keeping her alive. However, this route only offers her a few years. And with her rare blood type, a transplant isn’t likely. Living like you are dying isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. But when a heart becomes available, she’s given a second chance at life. Except Leah discovers who the donor was ― a boy from her school ― and they’re saying he killed himself. Plagued with dreams since the transplant, she realizes she may hold the clues to what really happened.

Matt refuses to believe his twin killed himself. When Leah seeks him out, he learns they are both having similar dreams and he’s certain it means something. While unraveling the secrets of his brother’s final moments, Leah and Matt find each other, and a love they are terrified to lose. But life and even new hearts don’t come with guarantees. Who knew living, took more courage than dying?

—Synopsis provided by Wednesday Books

“Writing from personal experience, Hunter delivers a read that’s both absorbing and honest.” — Kirkus Review

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“THE STORY OF DIVA AND FLEA,” by Mo Willems and Tony DiTerlizzi, Disney-Hyperion, Oct. 13, 2015, Hardcover, $14.99 (ages 6-8)

For as long as she could remember, Diva, a small yet brave dog, lived at 11 avenue Le Play in Paris, France. For as long as he could remember, Flea, a curious streetwise cat, also lived in Paris, France — but at no fixed address. When Flea fl neurs past Diva’s courtyard one day, their lives are forever changed. Together, Diva and Flea explore and share their very different worlds, as only true friends can do.

My thoughts: I’m a Mo Willems fan, so this was a no-brainer for me. This is a fun story, and it’s paired with charming illustrations

Here’s what Kirkus had to say about “The Story of Diva and Flea”:

“Clever plot twists are woven into the storyline, as is the occasional French word, including the chapter headings. Willems’ adroit storytelling is on display as Flea encourages Diva to try flâneur-ing herself and helps her overcome her fear of feet, while Diva encourages Flea to try indoor living complete with regular Breck-Fest—a novelty in Flea’s scavenging street life—and helps him overcome his fear of brooms.”

“THE TALE OF RESCUE,” by Michael J. Rosen and Stan Fellows, Candlewick, Oct. 13, 2015, Hardcover, $14.99 (ages 10 and up)

A family — a mother, a father, and their 10-year-old son — have come all the way from Florida to the Appalachian foothills to experience the wonder of a snowy weekend. At a nearby farm, a cattle dog is working, as she does every day, driving her forty head of cattle from pasture to corral and back again. And then, suddenly, a blizzard descends. The family is trapped outside, disoriented in the whiteout. They are panicked, exhausted, freezing and stranded in waist-deep drifts. From off in the distance, the cattle dog has heard their faint, snow-drowned cries. Her inexhaustible attention turns to saving them. This stirring tale is both a compelling story of survival and a meditation on the tremendous will of man’s best friend.

My thoughts: “The Tale of Rescue” garnered a place on Kirkus Reviews Best Children’s Books of 2015, and for good reason. At 100 pages, it’s a fairly short book, but it packs a punch. Thoughtful prose is enhanced by equally thoughtful illustrations.

Kirkus gave it a starred review calling it “A fine, superbly illustrated tale of adventure, bravery, and loyalty.” Publisher’s Weekly also gave it a starred review adding, “Fellows’s watercolor illustrations add an ephemeral quality to the fleeting story, helping create the distant but satisfying tone of this lovely prose-poem adventure.”

“FEARSOME CREATURES OF THE LUMBERWOODS: 20 CHILLING TALES FROM THE WILDERNESS,” by Hal Johnson and Tom Mead, Workman Publishing Company, Sept. 8, 2015, Hardcover, $14.95 (ages 9 and up)

Just for kids, 20 bone-chilling tales about the most dangerous fantastical beasts in American folklore. Meet the Snoligoster, who feeds on the shadows of its victims. The Hodag, like a spiny-backed bull-horned rhinoceros. The Hoop Snake, which can chase prey at speeds of up to 60 miles per hour and then, with one sting of its tail, cause it to turn purple, swell up, and die. The book was originally published in 1910 by William Thomas Cox and is now retold by Hal Johnson. The creatures are all scales and claws, razor-sharp teeth and stealth, camouflage and single-minded nastiness. Straight out of the era of Paul Bunyan, they speak to an earlier time in American history, when the woods were indeed dark and deep and filled with mystery.

My thoughts: This book has been in my TBR pile for quite some time. Though I haven’t had a chance to sit down with it yet, I’m excited by its look — very much something I would have read at this age. The illustrations are exciting, and the bit of text I’ve gotten to has a delicious amount of snark to it.

Here’s what Publisher’s Weekly had to say about “Fearsome Creatures of the Lumberwoods” in its starred review:

“Off-kilter typography gives the stories an additional air of sur­reality, while Mead renders the creatures with expressive detail, bringing them (or the unfortunate aftermaths of their encounters) to life in creepy b&w cartoons. These are stories to be read late at night to an audience willing to be surprised, startled, and kept up wondering about what might lurk nearby.”

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“A HANDFUL OF STARS,” by Cynthia Lord, Scholastic Press, May 26, 2015, Hardcover, $16.99 (ages 8-12)

When Lily’s blind dog, Lucky, slips his collar and runs away across the wide-open blueberry barrens of eastern Maine, it’s Salma Santiago who manages to catch him. Salma, the daughter of migrant workers, is in the small town with her family for the blueberry-picking season.

After their initial chance meeting, Salma and Lily bond over painting bee boxes for Lily’s grandfather, and Salma’s friendship transforms Lily’s summer. But when Salma decides to run in the upcoming Blueberry Queen pageant, they’ll have to face some tough truths about friendship and belonging. Should an outsider like Salma really participate in the pageant-and possibly win?

My thoughts: The description of this one has had me hooked. It’s been in my to-read pile for a long time. Based on the reviews I’ve read, it looks like it will be moving to the top of that pile.

Here’s what Kirkus had to say about “A Handful of Stars”:

“Lord tenderly explores Lily’s growing understanding of her own emotional boundaries, defined by her frustration over never having known her mother, fear of expressing her individuality, and wariness of change—all aspects of her personality that Salma gently reveals to her. Lily’s likable voice believably discloses her maturing awareness of the limitations she’s built around herself while also offering an accurate and appreciative depiction of a unique setting: the blueberry barrens of Downeast Maine. This sensitive coming-of-age tale compassionately explores prejudice and multiculturalism. “

“MARK OF THE THIEF,” by Jennifer A. Nielsen, Scholastic Press, Feb. 24, 2015, Hardcover, $17.99 (ages 9-12)

When Nic, a slave in the mines outside of Rome, is forced to enter a sealed cavern containing the lost treasures of Julius Caesar, he finds much more than gold and gemstones: He discovers an ancient bulla, an amulet that belonged to the great Caesar and is filled with a magic once reserved for the Gods — magic some Romans would kill for.

Now, with the deadly power of the bulla pulsing through his veins, Nic is determined to become free. But instead, he finds himself at the center of a ruthless conspiracy to overthrow the emperor and spark the Praetor War, a battle to destroy Rome from within. Traitors and spies lurk at every turn, each more desperate than the next to use Nic’s newfound powers for their own dark purposes.

In a quest to stop the rebellion, save Rome, and secure his own freedom, Nic must harness the magic within himself and defeat the empire’s most powerful and savage leaders.

My thoughts: Jennifer A. Nielsen is a chameleon, creating vastly different worlds while maintaining top-notch writing. I read “Mark of the Thief” some time ago, and the story has stuck with me. It’s always a top middle-grade recommendation for me when someone asks.

Here’s part of “Mark of the Thief’s” starred review from Kirkus:

“The fast-paced, ingenious plot, charismatic hero and highly diverse cast of characters—including the ancient, eternal city itself—make this series opener a captivating joy ride.”

“FROM THE NOTEBOOKS OF A MIDDLE SCHOOL PRINCESS,” by Meg Cabot, Feiwel & Friends, May 19, 2015, Hardcover, $16.99 (ages 8-12)

Olivia Grace Clarisse Mignonette Harrison is a completely average twelve-year-old: average height, average weight, average brown hair of average length, average brown skin and average hazel eyes. The only things about her that aren’t average are her name (too long and princess themed), her ability to draw animals (useful for her future career as a wildlife illustrator), and the fact that she is a half-orphan who has never met her father and is forced to live with her aunt and uncle (who treat her almost like their own kids, so she doesn’t want to complain).

Then one completely average day, everything goes wrong: the most popular girl in school, Annabelle Jenkins, threatens to beat her up, the principal gives her a demerit, and she’s knocked down at the bus stop …

Until a limo containing Princess Mia Thermopolis of Genovia pulls up to invite her to New York to finally meet her father, who promptly invites her to come live with him, Mia, Grandmère and her two fabulous poodles …

Maybe Olivia Grace Clarisse Mignonette Harrison isn’t so average after all!

My thoughts: I came to the world of the Princess Diaries through the movies. But after reading “From the Notebooks of a Middle School Princess” I definitely want to go back and read the originals. I have a feeling some things were lost in the movie-making process. I had a lot of fun reading this one.

Here’s the Kirkus review for “From the Notebooks of a Middle School Princess”:

“While readers who already know the Princess Diaries might find this fairy tale a bit too retold, young newcomers to the Cabot magic will be charmed. A sweet fantasy, both funny and highly satisfying. “

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“A SCHOOL FOR UNUSUAL GIRLS: A STRANJE HOUSE NOVEL,” by Kathleen Baldwin, Tor Teen, May 19, 2015, Hardcover, $17.99 (young adult)

It’s 1814. Napoleon is exiled on Elba. Europe is in shambles. Britain is at war on four fronts. And Stranje House, a School for Unusual Girls, has become one of Regency England’s dark little secrets. The daughters of the beau monde who don’t fit high society’s constrictive mold are banished to Stranje House to be reformed into marriageable young ladies. Or so their parents think. In truth, Headmistress Emma Stranje, the original unusual girl, has plans for the young ladies-plans that entangle the girls in the dangerous world of spies, diplomacy, and war.

After accidentally setting her father’s stables on fire while performing a scientific experiment, Miss Georgiana Fitzwilliam is sent to Stranje House. But Georgie has no intention of being turned into a simpering, pudding-headed, marriageable miss. She plans to escape as soon as possible-until she meets Lord Sebastian Wyatt. Thrust together in a desperate mission to invent a new invisible ink for the English war effort, Georgie and Sebastian must find a way to work together without losing their heads-or their hearts….

My Thoughts: I love history, and I enjoy mysteries and adventure, but what drew me to “A School for Unusual Girls” is the celebration of intelligence. The book is fast-paced and infinitely interesting. I’m looking forward to more books in this series.

Here’s what Lisa Von Drasek said about “A School For Unusual Girls” in the New York Times Sunday Book Review:

“’A School for Unusual Girls,’ by Kathleen Baldwin, is enticing from the first sentence: ‘What if Sir Isaac Newton’s parents had packed him off to a school to reform his manners?’ … Baldwin has an ear for period dialogue as she draws us into this world of sharp, smart young ladies who are actually being trained and deployed for the British war effort by the mysterious headmistress, Miss Stranje.”

“HIT COUNT,” by Chris Lynch, Algonquin Young Readers, May 19, 2015, Hardcover, $17.95 (young adult)

Arlo Brodie loves being at the heart of the action on the football field, getting hit hard and hitting back harder. That’s where he belongs, leading his team to championships, becoming “Starlo” on his way to the top. Arlo’s dad cheers him on, but his mother quotes head injury statistics and refuses to watch games. Arlo’s girlfriend tries to make him see how dangerously he’s playing; when that doesn’t work, she calls time out on their relationship. Even Arlo’s coaches begin to track his hit count, ready to pull him off the field when he nears the limit. But Arlo’s not worried about tallying collisions. The winning plays, the cheering crowds, and the adrenaline rush are enough to convince Arlo that everything is OK—in spite of the pain, the pounding, the dizziness, and the confusion.

My thoughts: I am not a fan of football, but like almost every other student at my high school, I got caught up in the excitement. I was even part of the drill team that performed at all the home and playoff games. So even though I’m not particularly interested in the sport, I am interested in what makes the players tick and how that can effect them for the rest of their lives.

Here’s some of what Paul Volponi had to say about “Hit Count” in the New York Times:

“But perhaps Lynch’s biggest accomplishment is perfectly pegging that football mentality of playing through the pain, no matter how intense, until you’re carried off the field on your shield. … In ‘Hit Count,’ Lynch offers a penetrating view into the kind of difficult situation that occurs regularly on high school fields, undocumented by any camera. He makes us feel the predicaments of the players, parents and coaches — without ever easing up on the complicated passions that drive them to stay with the game.”

“ALL WE HAVE IS NOW,” by Lisa Schroeder, Point, July 28, 2015, Hardcover, $17.99 (young adult)

There are 27 hours and fifteen minutes left until an asteroid strikes North America, and, for Emerson and everyone else who didn’t leave, the world will end. But Emerson’s world already ended when she ran away from home last year. Since then she has lived on the streets, relying on her wits and her friend Vince to help her find places to sleep and food to eat.

The city’s quieter now that most people are gone, and no one seems to know what to do as the end approaches. But then Emerson and Vince meet Carl, who tells them that he has been granting people’s wishes. He gave his car away so a woman could take her son to see the ocean for the first time, and he gives Emerson and Vince all the money he has in his wallet.

Suddenly this last day seems full of possibility. Emerson and Vince can grant a lot of wishes in 27 hours — maybe even their own.

My thoughts: I don’t think there’s anyone who hasn’t wondered “what if?” But I wonder how many people have turned the negative around as the main characters in “All We Have is Now” do. It’s an intriguing idea.

Here’s what Kirkus had to say about “All We Have is Now”:

“Schroeder also focuses on the positive in this spin on the end-times theme. Interspersed snatches of free verse express the emotions of her characters and make her point that life is best lived in the moment. If the book’s conclusion takes some liberties with coincidence, who cares?”

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What a Hoot! by Frann Preston-Gannon, POW!, June 16, 2015, Boardbook, $12.95 (ages 2-5)

A companion to the best-selling Hot Dog, Cold Dog, Frann Preston-Gannon’s new lap-sized boardbook, What a Hoot! explores opposites through the antics of adorable owls. Wide-eyed and plump, Frann’s colorful little owls cavort happily through these pages–sloshing through the mud in a pair of rainboots (“This one’s dirty”) or nose-to-nose with a rubber ducky in a sudsy tub (“That one’s clean”), they embody simple opposites that kids will immediately appreciate. A surprise ending adds to the read-aloud fun.

My daughter loves this one for one thing alone — the picture of a soccer ball. She doesn’t really care about it otherwise. The illustrations are cute, though, and I’m hoping when she’s older, she’ll pay more attention to the book as a whole.

Here’s the review from Publisher’s Weekly:

“As she did in ‘Hot Dog, Cold Dog’ (2014), Preston-Gannon uses an animal and some peppy rhyming to highlight a range of activities, opposites, and interests. The verse is initially as precise as a classic nursery rhyme (“Owl is dirty./ Owl is clean./ Owl is blue./ Owl is green”), though it breaks down a bit later on (“Owl who pushes./ Owl who pulls./ Owl is big./ Owl is small”), deflating the fun somewhat. Even so, there are several entertaining moments along the way—an “owl who stands out in the crowd” wears a top hat and bowtie as it tries to blend in with some penguins.”

Counting Dogs (Numbers Storybox Book) by Eric Barclay, Cartwheel Books, May 26, 2015, Boardbook, $10.99 (ages 3-5)

Follow ten adorable dogs as they learn to count from one to ten using the animals around their neighborhood. A simple counting story brillianty packaged in a unique, hands-on Storybox format with die-cut, tabbed board pages that will keep kids learning and having fun!

This is part book, part box, and it’s lots of fun. At first, my daughter just loved turning the tabbed pages, but now that she’s a little older (18 months), she enjoys looking at the dogs in more detail.

Here’s what Kirkus Reviews says:

“A sense of fun, clear, uncluttered design, and construction that should hold up to heavy use make this board book’s relatively high price well worth the extra expense.”

How Tiger Says Thank You! (Little Traveler Series) & How Penguin Says Please! (Little Traveler Series) by Abigail Samoun and Sarah Watts, Sterling Children’s Books, May 5, 2015, Boardbook, $6.95 (ages 2-4)

“How Tiger Says Thank You!” Spasibo, arigato, shukran, merci! Tiger’s taking a trip—and everywhere she goes, from the market in Moscow to a boat on Egypt’s Nile River, she says “thank you” to the friendly people she meets. And, as they follow her round the world, children will learn to how to say thanks in seven different languages, too: French, Russian, Arabic, Hindi, Mandarin, Japanese, and Spanish. Each “please” word is translated and has a pronunciation guide, and an illustrated map follows Tiger’s travels.

“How Penguin Says Please!” Por favor, s’il vous plaît, ching: this adorable board book teaches preschoolers how to say “please” in seven languages! Join Penguin as she enjoys pastries in France, explores the Hermitage in Russia, sees Mount Fuji in Japan and the Pyramids in Egypt, buys fish in China, sips chai in India, visits relatives in Argentina—and remembers her manners everywhere she goes! Each “please” word is translated and has a pronunciation guide, and an illustrated map follows Penguin’s travels round the world.

These simple books have yet to appeal to my 18-month-old. I suspect they will grab her attention as her language skills grow. Other books in the series include, “How Gator Says Hello” and “How Hippo Says Good-bye.”

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“TROLLHUNTERS,” by Guillermo del Toro and Daniel Kraus, Disney-Hyperion, July 7, 2015, Hardcover, $18.99 (young adult)

Jim Sturges is your typical teen in suburban San Bernardino-one with an embarrassingly overprotective dad, a best friend named “Tubby” who shares his hatred of all things torturous (like gym class), and a crush on a girl who doesn’t know he exists. But everything changes for Jim when a 45-year old mystery resurfaces, threatening the lives of everyone in his seemingly sleepy town. Soon Jim has to team up with a band of unlikely (and some un-human) heroes to battle the monsters he never knew existed.

“Trollhunters” is a book I was looking forward to reading. The authors, the description, the illustrations … what’s not to like. And I did in fact read the first 80 or so pages. The prologue is awesome. It had me hooked. But somewhere along the way, my interest waned. I don’t think this had anything to do with the writing style or plot in general. It just isn’t my kind of book. That doesn’t mean it won’t be yours, though.

Here’s what Leigh Collazo, Dulwich College, Suzhou, China, wrote in the School Library Journal:

“This work features an eclectic and endearing cast of troll and human characters. Even though the pacing is a bit choppy, moving from fast-paced in one chapter to slow in the next, the heart-pounding opening chapter would make an excellent library or classroom read-aloud. This funny, gory first series installment may engage reluctant readers, particularly those familiar with del Toro’s horror films. Beautifully creepy, full-color artwork is sprinkled throughout, but it often appears well after the scene it depicts. VERDICT: More gruesome than scary, this title will be a hit with teens and adults who love action-packed, dark fantasy adventures.”

“LOVE, LUCAS,”  by Chantele Sedgwick, Sky Pony Press, May 5, 2015, Hardcover, $16.99 (young adult)

When Oakley Nelson loses her older brother, Lucas, to cancer, she thinks she’ll never recover. Between her parents’ arguing and the battle she’s fighting with depression, she feels nothing inside but a hollow emptiness. When Mom suggests they spend a few months in California with Aunt Jo, Oakley isn’t sure a change of scenery will alter anything, but she’s willing to give it a try. In California, Oakley discovers a sort of safety and freedom in Aunt Jo’s beach house. Once they’re settled, Mom hands her a notebook full of letters addressed to her—from Lucas. As Oakley reads one each day, she realizes how much he loved her, and each letter challenges her to be better and to continue to enjoy her life. He wants her to move on. If only it were that easy.

“Love, Lucas” is a book I was planning on reading. At one point it was even near the top of my to-read pile. Then my own brother became ill. He spent six weeks in the hospital before passing away. By the time I came back to “Love, Lucas” I just couldn’t bring myself to pick it up. Things are just too fresh right now. I’m holding on to it for a later date.

This is what Aly at The Booklanders thought of “Love, Lucas”:

“While ‘Love, Lucas’ is primarily a sad book, it is also the story of Oakley moving on and working through Lucas’ death. At times I would be laughing, at times sighing even when I had tears pouring out of my eyes. And that was good. My emotions didn’t feel all over the place in a crazy way but in a way that just made me feel better afterwards. ‘Love, Lucas’ was a beautiful, touching story about one person’s grief and her journey through it. I admit that while you should have kleenex handy you also should give this book a read. It’s beautiful and just I can’t tell you how good this book was!”

“THE ENCHANTED FILES: DIARY OF A MAD BROWNIE,” by Bruce Coville, Random House Books for Young Readers, June 30, 2015, Hardcover, $16.99 (ages 8-12)

Introducing The Enchanted Files! Told in diary entries and more, it’s a new magical, modern-day comedy series by Bruce Coville. In the first hilarious Enchanted Files, Angus is a brownie. No, not the kind you eat! He’s a tiny magical creature that loves to do chores. Angus has just “inherited” a new human girl, Alex. To say that Alex is messy would be an understatement. She’s a total hurricane-like disaster—and she likes it that way, thankyouverymuch! Living with each other isn’t easy but Angus and Alex soon learn there is a curse that binds them. What’s worse, it threatens Alex’s family! Working together, Angus and Alex will set out to break the curse . . . without killing each other first . . . hopefully.

Bruce Coville is the author of more than 100 books for children and young adults. He’s kind of a rock star. The concept behind this series looks like a lot of fun. I look forward to reading it when I get the chance.

Here’s what Robin Willis at School Library Journal thought:

“I have long been a fan of Bruce Coville’s writing. While humorous and engaging, his work also has a genuine and caring heart to it. This book more than lived up to my expectations. The fact that it is written in varying formats (diary entries, memos, letters, etc.) adds greatly to its charm. It is a good addition to any collection serving 8 to 11 year old readers, and would even be a good read aloud for a younger audience.”

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