WAVE

Posted on March 27, 2022 by Greg Pattridge

A novel in prose has to have several qualities to capture my interest. Like all story telling formats, there needs to be a connection to the characters. Next, the prose has to go beyond being a collection of poetic lines—a flow that makes for a page turning experience. Finally, telling the story in verse should not make you wish it had been done in a more traditional fiction type novel.

WAVE won me over on all accounts.

Thirteen-year-old Ava loves to surf and to sing. Singing and reading Rumi poems settle her mild OCD, and catching waves with her best friend, Phoenix, lets her fit in—her olive skin looks tan, not foreign. But then Ava has to spend the summer before ninth grade volunteering at the hospital, to follow in her single mother’s footsteps to become a doctor. And when Phoenix’s past lymphoma surges back, not even surfing, singing, or poetry can keep them afloat, threatening Ava’s hold on the one place and the one person that make her feel like she belongs. With ocean-like rhythm and lyricism, Wave is about a girl who rides the waves, tumbles, and finds her way back to the shore. 

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Wave will appeal to an upper middle grade audience or ages 10-15. The setting is one I have not seen too often in MG: A Southern California beach town in the 1980s. You feel for Ava’s misery with a dad far away she’s not connected with, a mom who is pushing her toward a career as a doctor—not a good fit for Ava, and the often racist taunts when she is at the beach with her best friend Phoenix.

A gut wrenching reality takes hold when Phoenix has another battle with the relentless cancer invading his body. Ava is there for him but will it ever be enough to save her only connection to the world she has been put in?

The spacing and layout of the prose goes along with Ava’s emotional journey. No worries if you shy away form 300+ page books as the poetic styling never fills up an entire page and won’t take you long to read. Occasional illustrations also provide a nice accompaniment.

Here’s hoping to hear more from Ava as she is a character worth anyone’s time. Another WAVE would be welcome.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: March 29, 2022 PAGE COUNT: 320

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT WAVE by Diana Farid

  1. The Persian culture is brought forth in a wonderful fashion. Many of the words I had never heard but were thoughtfully explained in footnotes.
  2. MG readers will be amazed at the effort it took in the 80s to save a series of favorite songs. No instant downloads of your favorites. Instead, you had to tape them yourself from the radio and hope the disc jockey doesn’t blab while the song is playing. After days or weeks of effort you’ve hopefully created a nice cassette tape to share. Wave also has me now listening to an 80’s FM station and it really was a great musical time period.
  3. I’ve never surfed but the experience seemed exhilarating. It also served to connect me to the time period and place—one so different from where I grew up.
  4. Ava’s poetic narration takes you on your own wave of emotions.
  5. The song Ava writes is saved for the end as it should be. There is also a fun listing of the cassette tape music tracks chosen my Phoenix and Ava for each other.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Diana Farid is the author of When You Breathe, named a 2021 Notable Poetry Book by the National Council of Teachers of English; it was also awarded the California Reading Association’s 2021 EUREKA! Gold Award for nonfiction children’s book. She is a poet and a physician at Stanford University. Wave is her first middle grade novel. For more information, visit dianafarid.com.
Twitter and Instagram: @_artelixir


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I received a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review. Comments are always welcome!

ALSO: BE SURE TO STOP BY THIS WEDNESDAY AS I’M HOSTING A BLOG TOUR STOP FOR “NO BOUNDARIES” with a GIVEAWAY!

Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 7 Comments

REBEL GIRLS—CLIMATE WARRIORS

Posted on March 25, 2022 by Greg Pattridge

In paperback format, this eye opening account of 25 woman explains how the world’s leading activists, authors, and scientists are helping combat climate change. I spotted a few recognizable names like Greta Thunberg and Margaret Atwood, but most were my first introduction to their work.

Each outstanding individual is given a two-page spread with their story opposite an illustrated picture. Learn how Zoologist Lucy King figured out an ingenious way for elephants and farmers to live side by side; How Anne Hidalgo became the mayor of Paris and enacted many environmental policies; or discover Angelina Arora who has created a plastic that breaks down in just 33 days (compared to 400 years) and the chemicals actually help plants grow.

It’s exciting to see most of these woman were inspired by what they experienced in their younger life as middle graders and teens. Dreams can become realities.

Along the way are extra QR codes that lead to audio stories of other trailblazing women. Bonus material in the back page invite readers to create their own story and portrait. Next comes a CELEBRATE NATURE piece with activities to learn about and advocated for nature and wildlife. The last page has many ideas to LIVE GREEN.

You can view all the books in the REBEL GIRLS series at rebel girls.com. There is even an app available.

Rebel Girls—Climate Warriors is an inspiring look at what one can do with purpose and drive. Most important, it will inspire others to do the same.

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Blogging about middle grade books or authors next week? Join the celebration.

Thanks for spreading the middle grade love and for being a part of this awesome tradition begun by Shannon Messenger and carried on here at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE! (CLICK HERE FOR PAST MMGM POSTS)
*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.
Posted in Uncategorized | 4 Comments

MMGM for March 21, 2022

Posted on March 21, 2022 by Greg Pattridge

Spring into some great MG reviews. Click on a sun to reach a blogger’s post:

In case you missed her comment on last week’s MMGM, Suzanne Warr shares a heartfelt tribute to Apricot Kitty, a beloved book reviewer always up for giving two cents worth of advice.

At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of Kelcie Murphy and the Academy for the Unbreakable Arts by Erika Lewis.

Author June McCrary Jacobs has Show Me a Story. This book focuses on creating handmade literacy activities for children to use while learning to tell and write their own stories.

Patricia Tilton at Children’s Book’s Heal reviews Pighearted by Alex Perry, a heartwarming story that tackles difficult topics, including medical ethics.

Carol Baldwin features another young reviewer. This time around, Elliott Kurta’s younger brother, Blake, reviews I Escaped the California Camp Fire.

Maria Antonia reviews WHEN STARS ARE SCATTERED by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed.

Valinora Troy is back this week with a review of WULFIE-A GHOSTLY TALE.

Rosi Hollinbeck reviews IMAGINARY by Lee Bacon. Rosi also shares three links of interest for her writing friends.

Alex Baugh at Random;y Reading returns to the MMGM lineup this week with a review of Wave by Diana Farid.

Andrea Mack shares her review of Rescue at Lake Wild by Terry Lynn Johnson.

Kim Aippersbach also returns this week with a review of THE BARREN GROUNDS by David Alexander Robertson.

Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads always has a fantastic MMGM book to share. Be sure to check it out along with her other reviews from last week including Sunday’s MEANT TO BE.

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(Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and please don’t forget to say what book you’re featuring)
Thanks for spreading the middle grade love and for being a part of this awesome tradition begun by Shannon Messenger and carried on here at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE! (CLICK HERE FOR PAST MMGM POSTS)
*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.
Posted in Book Lists, Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

KELCIE MURPHY and the ACADEMY for the UNBREAKABLE ARTS

Posted on March 20, 2022 by Greg Pattridge

A school for children with magical abilities. Sounds like Hogwarts, but AUA has its own unique plot with a memorable cast of characters.

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The Otherworld is at war. The Academy for the Unbreakable Arts trains warriors. And Kelcie Murphy—a foster child raised in the human world—is dying to attend.

A place at AUA means meeting Scáthach, the legendary trainer of Celtic heroes. It means learning to fight with a sword. It means harnessing her hidden powers and—most importantly—finding out who her parents are, and why they abandoned her in Boston Harbor eight years ago.

When Kelcie tests into the school, she learns that she’s a Saiga, one of the most ancient beings in the Otherworld. Secretive, shunned, and possessed of imposing elemental powers, the Saiga are also kin to the Otherworld’s most infamous traitor.

But Kelcie is a survivor, and she’ll do whatever it takes to find her parents and her place in their world. Even if that means making a few enemies.

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This first book in the series covers year one at the Academy in 34 fast paced chapters. Readers get a full understanding of Kelcie’s past, present, and near future. Thankfully, there are no intense cliff hangers. A fresh continuation will occur when book 2 is released.

The third person narration stays close to Kelcie. It all begins at the at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts where she is is kidnapped and sent to a non-human world and a very unique school.

Kelcie is the only student who arrives without any prior knowledge as to why she is there. In order to gain entrance you have to cross a nasty acting bridge or be sent home. Yes, Kelcie makes it as do others. They are assigned to units (called a Fianna) of 4 students. They live together and as a group partake in training and trials to enhance their magical skills.

Fantasy and friendship are intertwined into a winning formula. Of course it doesn’t hurt to have action, danger and mystery thrown in to keep the pages turning. The twist and reveals will keep you reading way past bedtime.

It’s great to have another fantasy series to recommend and Kelcie Murphy and the Academy for the Unbreakable Arts is a welcome addition to the shelves.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: MARCH 1, 2022 PAGE COUNT: 331

Five more Things to Like About: Kelcie Murphy and the Academy of Unbreakable Arts by Erika Lewis

  1. The magical characters are introduced into the world building scenes and doing so makes them more than memorable. There are GRAPPLER EELS; GRINDYLOWS who are pond dwelling,unfriendly creatures—especially to children; SPRIGGANS, a woodland creature from Cornish mythology whose sap has healing powers.; and TROLLS, FAIRIES, and GOBLINS.
  2. Kelcie’s tough nature is equaled by classmate Brona. These two girls see each other in an entirely different way by the end. A marvelous twist.
  3. The other interesting character in my reading was Niall. He is a a sweet young boy who is Kelcie’s first friend. He’s missing one hand but is out to prove he can survive better than anyone else.
  4. Celtic mythology is a fascinating component of the tale.
  5. I was getting a little bit confused with all the new terminology. That is until I discovered in the back pages a handy glossary. You could even read this first as an introduction to the world you are about to enter.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Erika Lewis grew up in Alexandria, Virginia, spent summers with her grandparents in Worcester, Massachusetts, and currently lives in Los Angeles, California. With a passion for storytelling set in magical places, she spends as much time as she can traveling. When she’s not writing, she can generally be found scribbling notes in a blank book while wondering through abandoned buildings, all kinds of museums, and graveyards. A graduate of Vanderbilt University, her list of credits straddles the comics and novel space, including Game of Shadows from Macmillan’s Tor Books, Firebrand and Acursian from Legendary Comics, #Guardian from Awesome Media & Entertainment, and The 49th Key from Heavy Metal Publishing. The Color of Dragons (HarperCollins), her debut novel for young adults, published in Fall 2021. 

Visit her website at https://erikalewis.com/

Twitter: @ErikaElyLewis

Facebook: @TheErikaLewis

Instagram: @erikaelylewis

TikTok: @erikalewisauthor

Goodreads: Erika Lewis | Goodreads

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I received a copy of the book in exchange for my honest critique. Please comment below!

Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , | 12 Comments

THE ANGEL OF SANTO TOMAS

Posted on March 18, 2022 by Greg Pattridge

Classified as a picture book biography for elementary age readers (5-10 years old), The Angel of Santo Tomas is the heartwarming story of Philippine’s courageous Doctor Fe Del Mundo.

Fe del Mundo’s sister dreamt of becoming a doctor—a big dream for a girl in the Philippines in the early 1900s. When her sister dies, Fe vows to take her place and becomes the first woman and first person of Asian descent to study at Harvard Medical School. At the start of WWII she leaves Boston, where she is safe, and returns to the Philippines, where she is needed most, to care for American and British children forced into an internment camp at Santo Tomas.

Full page color illustrations help tell the story. They are bold and beautifully depict the impactful events in Fe’s life. Text is contained in a paragraph or two on each page, filling in the details that the images put forth.

A detailed timeline appears in the back pages giving even more information about this amazing doctor who lived to be just a few months shy of 100. Highlights include:

  • She was the first Asian woman to attend Harvard Medical School
  • Funded the building of a children’s hospital in Quezon City
  • Received the Ramon Magsaysay Award, Asia’s equivalent of the Nobel Prize

Inspiring and thoughtfully presented, The Angel of Santo Tomas will encourage today’s youth to follow their own dreams.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tammy Yee grew up in Honolulu, Hawaii, where she explored tide pools, caught crayfish in island streams, and collected monarch butterflies from crownflower trees to raise them into butterflies. After graduating from college, she cared for children as a pediatric nurse. Having her own children rekindled her love for picture books, so in 1994 she exchanged her stethoscope for a paintbrush and has been writing and illustrating ever since. (for more visit Tammy Yee’s website)

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Blogging about middle grade books or authors next week? Join the celebration.

Thanks for spreading the middle grade love and for being a part of this awesome tradition begun by Shannon Messenger and carried on here at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE! (CLICK HERE FOR PAST MMGM POSTS)
*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.
Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews, non fiction | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

MMGM for March 14, 2022

Posted on March 14, 2022 by Greg Pattridge

It’s St. Patrick’s Day coming up this week. Click on a four leaf clover to reach a blogger’s post.

At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of UNICORN ISLAND Secret Beneath the Sand by Donna Galanti.

Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles has a guest post by debut author Sonja Thomas and her agent Ronald Gerber and a giveaway of her MG Sir Fig Newton and the Science of Persistence and a query critique giveaway.

Patricia Tilton at Children’s Book’s Heal reviews The Wolf’s Curse by Jessica Vitalis, an unforgettable fantasy about death, grief, magic and friendship.

Jennifer Bohnhoff has a review on the first book in the Video Game Elementary series. 

Maria Antonia shares a post about LONG WAY DOWN by Jason Reynolds.

Rosi Hollinbeck reviews DOWN TO EARTH by Betty Culley. She also shares three links of interest for her writing friends.

Stephanie Robinson at Fairday’s Blog features the book Hello, Universe by Erin Entrada Kelly.

Max at COMPLETELY FULL BOOKSHELF reviews this year’s Cybils Awards finalists in Middle Grade Nonfiction! He’s also giving away a copy of one of them, The Genius Under the Table by Eugene Yelchin

Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads always has a fantastic MMGM book to share. Be sure to check it out along with her other reviews from last week like Friday’s Honestly Elliott.

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(Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and please don’t forget to say what book you’re featuring)
Thanks for spreading the middle grade love and for being a part of this awesome tradition begun by Shannon Messenger and carried on here at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE! (CLICK HERE FOR PAST MMGM POSTS)
*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.
Posted in Book Lists, Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

UNICORN ISLAND Secret Beneath the Sand

Posted on March 13, 2022 by Greg Pattridge

IT’S ANOTHER MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY!

I was first introduced to this series last year with Book 1, Unicorn Island. It has memorable characters and an enchanting story line. Sam is the main character and when visiting an uncle she discovers a mysterious island full of mythical beasts. What a pleasure it was to find out that Book 2, UNICORN ISLAND Secret Beneath the Sand is available now.

You may have started with the first book, but if not the author does a great job of bringing you up to speed. Life in Foggy Harbor is second to none. Sam is training to become a unicorn protector like Uncle Mitch. Her new friend Tuck is also there to provide support.

A huge problem surfaces when a scourge spreads through the unicorn herd and threatens their existence. Sam and Tuck, along with Tuck’s veterinary mom, vow to help Uncle Mitch save these precious creatures. Along the way Sam learns the truth behind the disappearance of Aunt Sylvie, leading to a huge reveal that will change Sam’s future.

Colorful, mostly full-page illustrations are spaced out among the pages. They add to the appeal of both the setting and characters. The emotions are clear on each face from each magical image.

The print style is easy on the eyes and perfect for those new middle grade readers. Each of the 13 chapters moves a a quick pace, and the end will come before you are ready. Thankfully there is Book 3 that will be coming out soon.

Secret Beneath the Sand is a welcome continuation in the mystery and intrigue of Unicorn Island. Those in grades 4-6 have another winner with this release.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: March 8, 2022 PAGE COUNT: 224

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT—UNICORN ISLAND Secret Beneath the Sand

  1. Keeping with the format of Book 1, there are extras in the final pages. Learn about What are Horns and Hooves Made Of?; Secret Rooms and Passageways; What are Invasive Species?; What Makes Lightning Bugs Glow?; and How do Salves Work?
  2. The twist at the end was unexpected and I’m hoping more will come about with this in the next book.
  3. The unicorn magic is still here despite these beautiful creatures’ single horn, which is the source of their magic, disappearing more each day. A great technique to show the distress the characters face.
  4. A diverse cast with all contributing to the plot.
  5. Unlike a lot of MG fantasy books these days, you can be wrapped up in a magical place without having the typical 300 – 400 page count.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Donna Galanti decided she was a grown up for far too long. She luckily gave that up to write children’s books. Donna Galanti is the author of the middle grade adventure Joshua and The Lightning Road, which the Midwest Book Review called, “A heart-pounding thrill ride full of unexpected twists and turns from start to finish”. She’s also the author of the follow up, Joshua and the Arrow Realm, and writes the popular Unicorn Island series for Epic!, the leading digital platform for kids 12 and under (hardcover, February 2021, Andrews McMeel).

Donna is a member of From the Mixed-Up Files of Middle-Grade Authors blog, and regularly presents as a guest author at schools. She also teaches writers on marketing and craft at writing conferences and through her online courses. When she’s not writing you can find her on Twitter or Facebook where she loves to share all things about outdoor adventures and children’s books. Donna has lived from England as a child, to Hawaii as a U.S. Navy photographer where she served with Fleet Intelligence Pacific, and has had a long career in corporate marketing. Visit her at donnagalanti.com. She is represented by Liza Fleissig with the Liza Royce Agency in NYC.

(For more about Donna, be sure to visit her author web site)

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR

Bethany Stancliffe is an illustrator working in Children’s Literature, Comics, Magazine, Concept and Character Design. Her most recent projects include the Unicorn Island series published by EPIC! and Dear Mr. Dickens published by Albert Whitman& Co.

(see some of her work here)

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I received a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review. Comments are welcome below.

Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews, MMGM Links | Tagged , , | 20 Comments

MARIE CURIOUS, GIRL GENIUS—SAVES THE WORLD

Posted on March 11, 2022 by Greg Pattridge

This imaginative series arrives in North America after getting it’s start in Great Britain. Beginning with SAVES THE WORLD, we meet Marie whose last name really isn’t Curious. It’s a nickname. Her mother came up with the name after watching Marie take apart anything as a little girl.

But now Marie is older and has the opportunity of a lifetime. She is invited to take a trip to California and attend a high level tech camp at VanceCorp for the summer, led by Sterling Vance. He’s the rich tech giant and the world depends on his products. At the camp Marie joins other intelligent kids to build robots, do super cool science experiments, and test out gadgets the campers get to create.

It’s not long before Marie and her new friends discover someone is trying to sabotage their robots and it looks like Sterling Vance is more evil than anyone expected. They band together to do something about whoever it is undermining their efforts and expose Mr. Vance’s true purpose at VanceCorp.

The third person narration moves swiftly through nineteen chapters and an epilogue. You’ll probably wish you could attend the camp with all the fun experimenting going on. There are some twists and turns along the way, but by the climatic ending scenes all is revealed as to who really is good or bad. You’ll have to read this yourself to find out if Marie truly does save the world.

A great start for this series and best for ages 8 and up. No need to wait for the rest of the series as all three books are available now. Click on either Book 2 or 3 below to learn more.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Chris Edison is the pen name of a writer who has written a variety of children’s book series. When not writing exciting adventure stories, Chris loves watching films and playing computer games. Chris lives in Lewes, Sussex.

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Blogging about middle grade books or authors next week? Join the celebration.

Thanks for spreading the middle grade love and for being a part of this awesome tradition begun by Shannon Messenger and carried on here at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE! (CLICK HERE FOR PAST MMGM POSTS)
*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.
Posted in Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

MMGM for March 7, 2022

Posted on March 7, 2022 by Greg Pattridge

It’s a new MMGM month! Click on a happy face to reach a blogger’s post.

The winners of my 2/22/22 BIG GIVEAWAY were Danielle Hammelef, Maria Antonia, Cindy B., and Susan Uhlig. Congratulations to all and enjoy your duo of books.

At ALWAYS in the MIDDLE I have a review of WINGBEARER by Marjorie Liu.

Sue Heavenrich is over at Archimedes Notebook where she shares a review of Stolen Science, by Ella Schwartz—about scientists & inventors you normally don’t hear about because of their gender, race, or immigration status.

Jennifer Bohnhoff has a review and GIVEAWAY of Super Parks! Yellowstone National Park.

Author June McCrary Jacobs features Exploring Nature:  Activity Book for Kids. The post includes a book spotlight, author bio, and a review.

Carol Baldwin welcomes back her guest reviewer. This week Elliott Kurta shares his thoughts on THE AGING MACHINE. It’s a YA title but may capture the attention of upper MG readers. A GIVEAWAY is also included.

Valinora Troy has a featured review of KINGSTON & THE MAGICIAN’S LOST AND FOUND.

Rosi Hollinbeck gives us a look at A CURIOUS COLLECTION OF DANGEROUS CREATURES. Rosi also shares three links for her writing friends.

Maria Antonia tells us about THE GRAVEYARD RIDDLE by Lisa Thompson.

Karen Yingling at Mrs. Yingling Reads always has a fantastic MMGM book to share. Be sure to check it out along with her other reviews last week like Saturday’s THE AQUANAUT.

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(Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and please don’t forget to say what book you’re featuring)
Thanks for spreading the middle grade love and for being a part of this awesome tradition begun by Shannon Messenger and carried on here at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE! (CLICK HERE FOR PAST MMGM POSTS)
*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.
Posted in Book Lists, Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

WINGBEARER

Posted on March 6, 2022 by Greg Pattridge

IT’S ANOTHER MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY

This graphic novel takes readers on a fantasy adventure. Just that one sentence will be enough to entice those in grades 3-7. But it’s the story line that won me over.

Zuli is extraordinary—she just doesn’t realize it yet. Raised by mystical bird spirits in the branches of the Great Tree, she’s never ventured beyond this safe haven. She’s never had to. Until now.

When a sinister force threatens the life-giving magic of the tree, Zuli, along with her guardian owl, Frowly, must get to the root of it. So begins an adventure bigger than anything Zuli could’ve ever imagined—one that will bring her, along with some newfound friends, face-to-face with an ancient dragon, the so-called Witch-Queen, and most surprisingly of all: her true identity.

Zuli is a tough little protagonist. She refuses to give up her goal to figure out the world and her past. Kindness is also a part of her being.

Frowly the owl is always by Zuli’s side, but his past is also somewhat of a mystery. Since this is the beginning of a series I’m sure the author will be revealing more of his character. Also making an apearrance are dragon and goblins.

The final color art work is stunning (at least the 28 pages I could see in the ARC). There are intricate patterns of light, color, and emotion in each frame. The illustrator’s work in the animation industry comes through beautifully on the printed page.

No secret reveal here with what the title means, but it’s the focus of the story and will certainly drive the plot in future volumes. Was there an ending upon reaching the final page? You know, the kind that wraps up all the plot points. Not exactly. Instead, you’ll have to wait for Book 2.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: March 1, 2022 PAGE COUNT: 208

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: WING BEARER by Marjorie Liu

  1. The world building is excellent both in pictures and words. Not all is revealed, leaving your imagination to think of what will come next.
  2. A bit of philosophy is thrown in about existence and who we are. Nothing too heavy for the MG mind.
  3. Not the focus of the story, but there is an undercurrent discussion in the need for taking care of our forests.
  4. The bird spirits were the most intriguing part of the plot.
  5. I did like the twist at the end when the true identity of the Witch Queen was pictured. I didn’t see that one coming!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Marjorie Liu is the New York Times bestselling author of Monstress, illustrated by Sana Takeda. She also writes for Marvel Comics, including Black Widow, X-23, and Astonishing X-Men. Marjorie teaches comic book writing at M.I.T., and divides her time between Boston, Massachusetts; and Tokyo, Japan. Visit her online at www.marjoriemliu.com.

ABOUT THE ARTIST/ILLUSTRATOR

Teny Issakhanian is an Armenian American illustrator, building worldsand stories as a storyboard artist and visual development artist in the entertainment industry. She has worked on a multitude of shows at animation studios including Walt Disney Animation Studios, DreamWorks Animation Television, Disney Television Animation, and the Jim Henson Company. Teny graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, and the ArtCenter College of Design. She is based in Los Angeles.

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I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review. Comments are welcome below

Posted in Graphic Novels, Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , , | 7 Comments