98-99. Two Magical Map Early Chapter Books

98. Magical Map #1: Pirates of the Caribbean. Ridley Pearson. 2025. 128 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars, children's fantasy, j fantasy]

First sentence: Down an alley that was easily missed, there hung a wooden sign.

Premise/plot: Ridley Pearson's newest series is for young readers; it's an early chapter book. Gemma and Torin are brother and sister. Gemma discovers a mysterious, supernatural journal that is tied to...the Magic Kingdom. It has notes, drawings, maps, etc., for many of the rides and attractions. She doesn't know it when she starts reading it and making her own notes, however, so she is unaware of how her notes are effecting the attractions. In this first one, Gemma and Torin must 'save' their mom's job by fixing the Pirates of the Caribbean. The story has been changed!

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. Could a different story had been told if it was for older readers? Yes. Is this story good for younger readers? Yes. Gemma and Torin work together to brainstorm solutions for fixing the magic that has gone wrong. I liked this one well enough. I did.

99. Magical Map #2: Jungle Cruise. Ridley Pearson. 2025. 128 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars, children's fantasy, j fantasy]

First sentence: Uh-oh, trouble was brewing! Friday afternoon, the week follwoing spring break, kids at school were buzzing about the Jungle Cruise attraction at Disney's Magic Kingdom park having suddenly been close.

Premise/plot: Ridley Pearson's newest series is for young readers; it's an early chapter book. Gemma and Torin are brother and sister. Gemma discovers a mysterious, supernatural journal that is tied to...the Magic Kingdom. It has notes, drawings, maps, etc., for many of the rides and attractions. She doesn't know it when she starts reading it and making her own notes, however, so she is unaware of how her notes are effecting the attractions. In this second one, Gemma and Torin try to puzzle out WHY there are real animals--monkeys--causing a great deal of trouble on the Jungle Cruise attraction. Can they fix Jungle Cruise?

My thoughts: I liked this one less than the Pirates of the Caribbean. Though if you like mischievous monkeys this one might still be appealing. I like the idea of liking this series. But there's just not much substance. 



© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers

254. The Story of Gumluck the Wizard

The Story of Gumluck the Wizard (Book 1) Adam Rex. 2023. 140 pages. [Source: Library] [speculative fiction; j fantasy; j fiction]

First sentence: Let me tell you how I met the wizard Gumluck. It was Monday. "it is Monday!" he said, in his little brass bed, in the hill that he used for a house. On Mondays Gumluck had visitors. He changed out of his nightgown and into his daygown. "So much to do!"

Premise/plot: Gumluck is a silly goose. NOT literally. He's a literary 'fool' character or 'noodlehead'. This one is narrated by a raven that has a complicated relationship with the wizard. At first, he really dislikes him (for valid reasons) and then through the course of MANY misadventures, he comes to like him and even believe in him. 

My thoughts: This one is described as a "tall tale." I'm not sure I agree with that description. But it is definitely over the top in its silliness, its foolishness. But does being silly make it a tall tale?  This one is an illustrated chapter book for elementary readers. The story was enjoyable enough. I personally didn't love the illustrations--in particular the cover art. I think Gumluck is giving off Donald Duck vibes and that just doesn't work for me--again this is all subjective.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

19. Mission to Shadow Sea

Mission to Shadow Sea (Future Hero #2) Remi Blackwood. 2023. 144 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Jarell brushed his hand over the back of his head. It's got to be long enough now, right? he thought. At least his hair was finally more than stubble. On his last adventure to the kingdom of Ulfrika, the magical symbol had been burned away completely. He couldn't return until his hair was long enough to have a new symbol cut into it, but time was running out. He had to return to the ancient-future world of Ulfrika, find the remaining three iron animals, and stop the evil sorcerer Ikala before it was too late. 

Premise/plot: Mission to Shadow Sea is the second book in the Future Hero fantasy series for young readers. Jarell--the future hero--travels via haircut and magic mirror to another world, Ulfrica. He has adventures (and sometimes misadventures) there. When he's not off risking it all and fighting against the odds, he lives in London, I believe.

My thoughts: I am not the target audience for this one. That doesn't mean I wouldn't recommend it. I would recommend, however, waiting until ALL the books in the series have been released. I imagine that this series would be at its absolute best if a reader--presumably young--sat down with a stack of books and fell absolutely in love with the series, the story, the characters, the adventure of it all. 

The more detailed a fantasy world is, the more a reread is required in between books. Plus some fantasy books just require more investment. Fantasy can be hit or miss for me. And there usually isn't a reason why some fantasy novels I just am able to immerse myself into the world and escape...and others that just leave me puzzled and out of sorts. But I do think it's more of a me problem.

I remembered the real world, London, bits. I had a hazy memory of the fantasy world. (Probably it would be better if it was reversed.) Still, I don't have to personally love a series in order to recommend it to kids. 

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

15. The One and Only Ruby

The One and Only Ruby (The One and Only Ivan #3) Katherine Applegate. 2023. [May] 240 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Nobody ever listens to the littlest elephant. And around here, the littlest elephant is me. 

Premise/plot: Ruby has starred in The One and Only Ivan and The One and Only Bob. It is only fair that this 'littlest elephant' gets a chance to tell her own story. 

Ruby is getting her tusks and the elephant herd wants to celebrate the occasion. But Ruby is reluctant. She is not happy about her tusks, and the idea of celebrating something she hates about herself, well, it's overwhelming. 

Ruby is surrounded by those who love, love, love, love, love, love, love her. She is supported. 

In this book, she tells her story. She shares memories of Stella. She shares memories of her time in Africa. There are so many flashbacks. Many chapters are just Ruby talking while Ivan and Bob occasionally are referenced as listening or gently asking questions. 

My thoughts: I enjoyed reading The One and Only Ruby. I can honestly say that all three books in this series are unique. You might think, well, they are all in the same series. Yes, they're in the same series, but the tone and voice, the plot and pacing--each book is so unique.

The One and Only Ruby is very reflective. Perhaps this isn't surprising. After all, elephants never forget, right? They have amazing memories. Ruby has been shaped by her memories. And while she's struggling with her reluctance to celebrate her tusks--and finding the teasing unbearable--her memories are helping her. 

Friendship and found families are strong themes in this one. (Though I might be misusing the word 'theme'.)

Quotes:

An elephant matriarch is like a teacher and a counselor and a rescuer and a yeller and a helper and a nudger and a guider all rolled into one. I hope she isn't mad. I really do try to listen to the grown-ups, but every now and then my ears misbehave.

"Don't think too hard about the words," she says, "Just feel them." "But words aren't for feeling," I say. "Words are for hearing and saying and maybe singing. Also yelling and whispering and--"

Anything can be amazing, Ruby. Anything and everything. ~ Stella

"You can't run away from growing up," she says. "That's a race you will not win, my friend." ~ Aunt Zaina

"A first friend is a true gift, because forever after, your heart knows what's possible."

"A sentinel is someone who looks out for you. It can be someone who's part of your herd, of course, but it could be anyone. Sentinels can be your caretakers or your friends or your teachers or your neighbors. They look out for you. They understand you. They help you."

I looked at Uncle Ivan and Uncle Bob. My eyes were hot with tears. "You," I said. "You are my sentinels." I sniffled a little. "I'm a very lucky elephant."

"Then why should I celebrate having tusks? Why should I be excited about something people want to kill me over?" I cry.

"We are not our best selves without kindness." The other aunts respond, all speaking together: "An elephant without kindness is not an elephant." "We are not our best selves without wonder," says Aunt Akello. "An elephant without wonder is not an elephant," the aunts respond. "We are not our best selves without courage," says Aunt Akello. "An elephant without courage is not an elephant," the aunts respond. "We are not our best selves without gratitude," says Aunt Akello. "An elephant without gratitude is not an elephant," the aunts respond. 

"Every day," says Aunt Akello, "pick a quiet time and ask yourself these two questions. "What gifts did the world give you today? What gifts did you give the world?"

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

14. The One and Only Bob

The One and Only Bob. Katherine Applegate. Illustrated by Patricia Castelao.  2020. 352 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Look, nobody's ever accused me of being a good dog. I bark at empty air. I eat cat litter. I roll in garbage to enhance my aroma. I harass innocent squirrels. I hog the couch. I lick myself in the presence of company. I'm no saint, okay?

The One and Only Bob is a sequel to Katherine Applegate's One and Only Ivan. Is it a sequel or more of a companion novel? Definitely a sequel. The novel opens with Bob living with his new family (George, Sara, Julia), and Ivan (the gorilla) and Ruby (the elephant) in their new homes at the local zoo. There are flashbacks--of sorts--to their time living together at the mall (as well as other flashbacks). 

The One and Only Bob has enough action for ten books. (I jest, mostly). You could argue that The One and Only Ivan was a character-driven, contemplative/reflective story with tons of heart. The One and Only Bob doesn't lack any in the character department. It doesn't. (There are new characters introduced too). And it certainly has HEART. (It is all the feels all at once.) But the action is INTENSE. Now take what you're imagining and magnify by about five. For 98% of this one expect to have your stomach in knots and an ache in your heart. 

So a storm is coming...and it's a BIG storm. It will catch all the characters--especially the animals, but also the humans--a bit unprepared. 

I really LOVED this one. It is a love in a different way. It complements One and Only Ivan. It does. But the intensity of the action is something that I could NEVER have handled in a million years as a kid. Bravo to those who can read it without becoming a total wreck. And the ending is 1000% worth it. It is a GREAT book. But oh the journey for these characters!!!!!

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

202. Waffles and Pancake: Flight or Fright

Waffles and Pancake #2: Flight or Fright. Drew Brockington. 2022. 64 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Waffles, you need to see this!

Premise/plot: Waffles and Pancake are going on an airplane for the very first time [accompanied by Mom-Cat]. They are going to be visiting Gramps and Grammers. They are super-excited about seeing them, but, flying on the plane is causing some anxiety. How does an airplane fly?

My thoughts: This graphic novel explores some of the mechanics of flight while continuing the story of Waffles and Pancake. This is the second book in this prequel series. I have not read the other series--where Waffles is a CAT (not a kitten).

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

190. The Last Last-Day-of-Summer

The Last Last-Day-Of-Summer. (Legendary Alston Boys #1) Lamar Giles. 2019. 304 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: First of all, Grandma's Teacup-Pig calendar lied. It said the last day of summer was September 21. Everyone already knew September was a bad month with no good holiday in sight after Labor Day. Fourth of July was at least two months gone; Halloween was more than a month away. But the real last day of summer was the last Monday in August.

Premise/plot: Otto and Sheed Alston are cousins. Not just any cousins, SUPER-adventurous, legendary cousins. On this last day of summer, they head off for a final adventure. But this adventure quickly turns into a great big MISADVENTURE with potentially epic consequences. It starts with a stranger. A stranger, Mr. Flux, bearing forth a gift--a camera. But not just any camera, nope, this camera has special abilities that lead to TROUBLE. After a click (or two), the boys realize--with a little help from a super-hero????--that the camera FREEZES TIME. And their hometown (and almost everyone in it) is frozen in time. NOT good news. It will take a LOT of brainstorming, guesswork, trial and error, to get things set right. They'll have to work together, yes, but also learn accept help from others as well. 

My thoughts: This was such an entertaining read. I thought it was well-paced with a clever premise. Lots of playing around with TIME. It had its surprisingly deep moments. But overall, good, action-packed, adventure-packed read. I enjoyed both of the main characters.

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

168. Two-Headed Chicken

Two-Headed Chicken. Tom Angleberger. 2022. [September] 208 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Among the infinite universes in the multiverse...anything is possible! In one universe you are a famous rock star. In another universe you are a famous country star. And in a lot of universes you are really awesome but not famous...

Premise/plot: Two-Headed Chicken celebrates the absurd. Tom Angleberger's books have always leaned that way--whimsical, odd, absurd, unique. But this new book--a graphic novel--goes a step or two beyond that. Readers meet a two-headed chicken, a special two-headed chicken who a) has a special cap that allows them to travel through *all* the universes in the multiverse b) is being chased by a green moose named Kernel Antlers who wants to fry you. Readers hop--alongside the chicken--through many, many, many universes--all wacky and whimsical--trying to outrun Kernel Antlers. Will they ever find a universe free from this strife???

My thoughts: This book is incredibly silly. If you are looking for a super-serious, incredibly realistic, thought-provoking book, then you'll probably not enjoy this crazy, wacky, absurd trip through the multiverse. It makes use of several different types of humor. [So even if you don't laugh at one thing, you might at another. Also keep in mind that what makes a kid giggle won't necessarily make an adult laugh and vice versa.]

If your young reader enjoys Tom Angleberger, then this one is definitely worth looking for and adding to your library.

 

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

95. Mia Mayhem is a Superhero!

Mia Mayhem Is a Superhero! Kara West. Illustrated by Leeza Hernandez. 2018. 128 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Okay, I know this doesn't look good. It definitely seems like a tornado just blew through my house. I spilled a whole bag of flour, broke a window, ran through the screen door, was licked by a bunch of dogs, and even got my shoe stuck in a tree. But I have an excuse. Really, I do. It's been a super-exciting day.

Premise/plot: Mia Macarooney gets an unexpected letter at the opening of the book; it's a letter that will change everything. Turns out, she's a SUPERHERO, well, will be with a little training. Her parents are supers too. 

My thoughts: This early chapter book was delightful. I enjoyed it. Mia is a fun protagonist, a relatable one. I liked the chaos and mayhem of this one.

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

93. Max Meow Cat Crusader

Cat Crusader (Max Meow #1) John Gallagher. 2020. 240 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Welcome to the furr-ociously cool city of Kittyopolis! 

Max Meow wasn't always the Cat Crusader. His super powers came to him AFTER a visit to his good friend Mindy's science lab. Now that he has powers, well, he's battling all sorts of evil in town. But sometimes it seems to get the best of him, and, well leads to humiliation and misunderstanding. Is having super powers a blessing or a curse?

Confession time: I have a hard time "reading" graphic novels or comic books. I think it takes a whole different set of skills. I've always thought I had good reading comprehension--for the most part--but graphic novels are hard. If my comprehension slips on even one panel, it can snowball into confusion. It can even be difficult to rewind (flip backwards) to see where exactly I went wrong. Thus was the case with this one. I was following the story for the most part...until....well I don't want to spoil this one. I liked it well enough. But I didn't love, love, love it.

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

69. The First Cat in Space Ate Pizza

The First Cat in Space Ate Pizza. Mac Barnett. Illustrated by Shawn Harris. 2022. 320 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: SOMEWHERE ON EARTH [Ding, ding, ding, ding] Captain! [Snort] The storm bell? But there's not a cloud in the sky! It's not a storm, Captain...it's the moon! I've never seen her drive the tide so wild! What is going on?

Premise/plot: The moon (and subsequently the earth) is in GREAT PERIL. The moon is being eaten by alien rats who have invaded and set up a fortress on the dark side of the moon! First Cat (the hero of this mission AND the hero of this book) has been given a huge mission. He must go to the moon, stop the rats, and save 'the world.' But First Cat (who speaks only in meows) won't be alone...joining First Cat is a stowaway computer (the invention of an evil scientist) and the Moon Queen. The three will have many adventures (along with some misadventures) on their quest. Along the way, First Cat will have a couple of opportunities....to eat pizza....but will he ever actually get to EAT pizza in space????

My thoughts: I loved, loved, loved, loved this crazy ride of a book. It was FUN. It was packed with action and adventure. It was funny, zany, whimsical, delightful, hilarious. There were some sequences that had me grinning from ear to ear. I started hearing different voices for all the characters. I'm not sure how often graphic novels are read alouds, but this one could work--especially one on one. I think it has plenty of kid appeal, but, I also think it has appeal to adults (especially adults who can laugh at genres and sub-genres that they love). This one pokes some gentle fun at science fiction AND fantasy. It's imaginative and joyful. If you were looking to book talk this one, you could almost open it up to any scene/section and find something that would "sell" the book.

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

17. Tally Tuttle Turns Into a Turtle

Tally Tuttle Turns Into a Turtle. (Class Critters #1) Kathryn Holmes. Illustrated by Ariel Landy. 2021. [August] 128 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: It was the first day of school, and Tally Tuttle's stomach hurt.

Premise/plot: Tally Tuttle is anxious about starting her new school. (I believe the family has recently moved.) She doesn't know anyone, and, well, she'd rather not be the center of attention. She wants to make new friends, but, is nervous about that whole process too. So much *might* go wrong. What Tally Tuttle never expected in a hundred million years was that her new classroom has a BIG, BIG, BIG, BIG secret.

It wouldn't be a spoiler to say that involves human students TURNING INTO or transforming into animals. And, you guessed it, Tally Tuttle turns into a turtle! (Big shock, I know.) This becoming-a-turtle gives Tally a whole new perspective on life. If she ever wants to be human again, she'd better learn a significant life lesson.

My thoughts: This is the first in a new chapter book series for lower elementary grades. Personally, I loved, loved, loved the illustrations and thought they were super cute and adorable. The story is silly but relatable. (If that makes sense.) It is silly in that it has humans magically transforming into animals. It is relatable in that who hasn't been nervous when starting a new school or new class? Change--even little changes--can feel ENORMOUS.

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

144. The Gilded Girl

The Gilded Girl. Alyssa Colman. 2021. 352 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Izzy watched through a crack in the door as the young ladies in the parlor burst into flame.

Premise/plot: The Gilded Girl is a retelling of The Little Princess set in New York City in 1906/1907. Emma Harris, one of our heroines, plays the role of the 'spoiled' little rich girl. (She's not spoiled. Emma Harris even before the fall that everyone knows is coming has a heart of pure gold.) Izzy, our other heroine, is a servant at the school. 

The school is where the book perhaps takes the most liberties. For this isn't just any elite boarding school, it is Miss Posterity's Academy for Practical Magic. She teaches wealthy young girls how to do magic, how to prepare for the Kindling Ceremony and the Kindling Winds that blow every December. Those whose magic is kindled can become licensed magicians. Magic is only for the wealthiest, most prestigious classes of society. Otherwise one's magic is snuffed out at age 12. 

Izzy has magic--though a servant--and she does not want it snuffed out. Emma is forced into servitude. She also doesn't want to lose her magic. These two work together as servants and secret students to see if they can hold onto their magic despite their poverty.

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one very much. The intended audience for this one were born probably between 2008 and 2012. Today's generation may or may not be familiar with the story of The Little Princess. Most probably wouldn't have read the original. Some may have seen it adapted for film. It is not labeled by the back copy (jacket copy) as being a retelling of The Little Princess. I am curious if this was intentional. Because it is glaringly apparent if you're an adult that this is without a doubt The Little Princess newly adorned.

I think my favorite part of The Gilded Girl was the "house dragon" (aka the black cat pictured on the cover) named FIGGY PUDDING.

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

123. Finn and the Traveling Pajamas

Finn and the Time Traveling Pajamas. (The Finniverse #2) Michael Buckley. 2021. [March] 288 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Cold Spring, NY April 11, 2069 Finn watched his friend Lincoln reach into the bag of goodies. That was what they called the collection of technologies they’d stolen from the future. Finn had lost track of what was inside it long ago. All he knew was that when Lincoln took something out of the bag, a huge explosion usually followed. This time he found a shiny silver ball covered in colored lights.

Premise/plot: Finn and the Time Traveling Pajamas is the second book in the Finniverse series by Michael Buckley. In the first book, Finn and his friends (Julep and Lincoln) had to save the universe from the Plague--alien bugs. It was a long, tough battle, BUT the heroes won the battle. Hooray, hooray! 

In the second book, these three face a whole other challenge. They'll be facing off with THE PARADOX, and the person sending them into battle is no other than AN OLD FINN FOLEY. It all starts when an OLD FINN hands him a pair of western-themed PAJAMAS. These pajamas are a time machine...

What could go wrong with the time machine? Almost everything. The adventures and misadventures these three face together as a team are INTENSE and heavy. All actions have consequences...

My thoughts: I was not expecting this one to have such depth and substance. Oh the feels!!! You might start this one thinking it will be a light, silly, goofy, over-the-top ridiculous fluff piece. WRONG, wrong, super wrong. I had no idea I cared so much about these characters until EVERYTHING was put at risk. I don't know that it would be completely fair to call the ending of this one similar to the ending of Avengers Infinity War....but you wouldn't be completely wrong.

I definitely loved this one. I loved every moment of it. I found it packed with SUSPENSE and action. Perhaps I should have seen the plot twists coming. And I *did* a teeny tiny bit. But mostly I didn't.

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

122. Amelia Earhart and the Flying Chariot

Amelia Earhart and the Flying Chariot. (Time Twisters #4) Steve Sheinkin. 2019. 176 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: The bell rang. The kids cheered. "Okay, guys," Ms. Maybee told her fourth grade class, see you Monday!"

Premise/plot: Abby and Doc are EXHAUSTED after a week spent trying to keep history on track and "fixed." But there's no rest for the weary. In this fourth adventure, Abby and Doc are kept busy, busy, busy. It all starts when Abby finds in place of her glasses, Amelia Earhart's GOGGLES. Doc's hat is missing as well. So they start their adventures...and they're really kept jumping through time.

My thoughts: It was the title of this one that made me seek out the series. And for that I am thankful! I definitely enjoyed some of the titles in this series. This one had a LOT going on. Including the introduction of Sally, a girl being homeschooled, who has been wanting to join in on the adventures. But it was a little too much for me perhaps. I don't know why the silliness should start to annoy me now. Maybe I just wasn't in the right mood to appreciate this one?

 

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

121. Neil Armstrong and Nat Love Space Cowboys

Neil Armstrong and Nat Love Space Cowboys. Steve Sheinkin. 2019. 176 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: One summer day a spaceship appeared in the sky above Texas. A teenage cowboy named Nat Love gazed up at the craft. It looked like a giant metal spider with smoke shooting from its feet. Love rubbed his eyes, sure he was dreaming.

Premise/plot: Neil Armstrong and Nat Love Space Cowboys is the third book in the Time Twisters series by Steve Sheinkin. Ever since Abby and Doc "broke" history in the first book, things have been getting a little--more than a little, to be fair--mixed up in their history books. This latest adventure has the lunar module, Eagle, landing on a Texas ranch in 1869 instead of on the moon! Can history be fixed???

My thoughts: I enjoyed this third adventure. Abby and Doc get to visit several different times and locations. (But not the moon!) If you have young readers who enjoyed the other books in the series, I would definitely recommend. The books are silly and packed with small adventures.

 

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

115. Abigail Adams Pirate of the Caribbean

Abigail Adams, Pirate of the Caribbean. (Time Twisters #2) Steve Sheinkin. 2018. 160 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: "This place is a disaster," Abigail Adams said. "Look at this." She made her mouth into the shape of an O and puffed out a cloud of frosty fog. "It is chilly in here," John Adams agreed, rubbing his hands together. "Not quite ready to be lived in, perhaps."

Premise/plot: Abby and Doc broke history in Abraham Lincoln, Pro Wrestler (the first book in the Time Twisters series). In this second book, there is another hiccup to be fixed. Abigail Adams has disappeared from the White House and she's determined to become a PIRATE. Abby, Doc, Abraham Lincoln, and John Adams will have quite a time of it trying to convince her to come back....

My thoughts: I enjoyed the first book. I did. But I thought the second book was even better! I loved the multiple settings of this one. Having the kids travel to multiple time periods--all in a race to fix history and restore it to what it should be. I loved how the kids (and Abraham Lincoln and John Adams) were all determined to "save" Abigail Adams and the saving went both ways. It was fun. It was silly. It was ridiculous in the best way possible.

 

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

110. Abraham Lincoln Pro Wrestler

Abraham Lincoln Pro Wrestler (Time Twisters #1) Steve Sheinkin. Illustrated by Neil Swaab. 2018. 160 pages. [Source: Library]

 First sentence: Ms. Maybee said, "Okay, guys, let's get out our history books!" The whole class groaned. Doc tilted his head back and started snoring. "Very funny," Ms. Maybee said. "This is going to be fun, trust me. Abby? How about if you get us started." Abby--she's the one who broke history. It was Abby and her stepbrother, Doc. You can thank them later.

Premise/plot: What if historical figures (like Abraham Lincoln, etc.) could HEAR what was said about them? The premise of this fun new series is that historical figures HEAR everything (like HISTORY IS BORING! or I HATE HISTORY) and decide to do something about it in protest. Abraham Lincoln stars in this first time twister. He warns Abby and Doc that trouble could be coming if they can't convince their classmates that history is awesome.... He visits the present day, and they visit the past!

In the present day, Abraham Lincoln decides that he LOVES fizzy drinks and wants to become a pro wrestler. Can the kids convince Abraham Lincoln that he is desperately needed in the past?

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. I did. It is definitely written with kids in mind. The book knows how to pack in the humor--I loved Mr. Biddle (the P.E. teacher) traveling to the past and trying to get everyone to do jumping jacks. Plenty happens in this one. I think the pace stays right on target.

It definitely hints that more adventures are coming.

 

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

54. Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator

Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator. Roald Dahl. 1972. 166 pages. [Source: Library] [sequels not worth reading]

First sentence: The last time we saw Charlie, he was riding high above his home town in the Great Glass Elevator.

Premise/plot: This one begins seconds after Charlie and the Chocolate Factory ends. And the whole book covers essentially just one day--possibly two. Mr. Willy Wonka is more eccentric than before--you might not have thought that possible. He's gathered all the family--Charlie, Grandpa Joe, Grandma Josephine, Grandpa George, Grandma Georgina, Mr. and Mrs. Bucket--in the Great Glass Elevator and instead of, you know, just walking back to the factory--which I believe is within sight of the Bucket's home--he wants to go up, up, up, up, up, up, up, up and come crashing down from space into the chocolate candy making factory. But things don't go according to his plan. For they enter earth's orbit....witness some crazy stuff at a space hotel...including a close encounter with a hostile alien species...before returning to the factory for more crazy close-calls. (Wonka-Vite and Vita-Wonk?!)

My thoughts: I loved, loved, loved Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. I never loved the sequel Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator. It is quirky and odd, but it failed to delight in the same way. The plot just didn't work for me. Half the book takes place in space or on/near a space hotel--all within the glass elevator. And the other half of the novel takes place back in the factory and involves one of Wonka's inventions. The humor of the space section just did not work for me. It felt dated and off, a bit inappropriate.

The president threw the phone across the room at the Postmaster General. It hit him in the stomach. "What's the matter with this thing?" shouted the President. "It is very difficult to phone people in China, Mr. President," said the Postmaster General. "The country's so full of Wings and Wongs, every time you wing you get the wong number." "You're not kidding," said the President... The President again picked up the receiver. "Gleetings, honorable Mr. Plesident," said a soft faraway voice. "Here is Assistant Plemier Chu-On-Dat speaking. How can I do for you?" "Knock-knock," said the President. "Who der?" "Ginger." "Ginger who?" "Ginger yourself much when you fell off the Great Wall of China?" said the President. "Okay, Chu-on-Dat. Let me speak to Premier How-Yu-Bin." "Much regret Premier How-Yu-Bin not here just this second, Mr. Plesident." "Where is he?" He outside mending a flat tire on his bicycle." "Oh no, he isn't," said the President. "You can't fool me, you crafty old mandarin! At this very minute he's boarding our magnificent Space Hotel with seven other rascals to blow it up!" "Excuse pleese, Mr. Plesident. You make big mistake." "No mistake!" barked the President. "And if you don't call them off right away I'm going to tell my Chief of the Army to blow them all sky high! So chew on that, Chu-on-Dat!" "Hooray!" said the Chief of the Army. "Let's blow everyone up! Bang-bang! Bang-bang!" (30-1)

 It's not that I hated every page of this one. I just didn't find enough positives to overcome the negatives.

Have you read this one? What did you think?


© 2020 Becky Laney of Young Readers

53. Time School: We Will Remember Them

Time School: We Will Remember Them. Nikki Young. 2020. 112 pages. [Source: Review copy] [j fiction; speculative fiction; time travel; history; World War I]

First sentence: “Has anyone ever asked where you come from? Do you know? Mr Mundair?” “Yes, Miss. I came from Kirkshaw this morning.” Ash Mundair. Already firmly established as the class joker within the first few weeks of the Year Sevens beginning their secondary school careers.

Premise/plot: Four friends: Jess, Nadia, Tomma, and Ash find themselves running late for school one day--they catch the morning train--just barely. But they sit in the last car, something they've never done before. They soon notice that all is not as it should be! Their train is now a STEAM TRAIN. The destination remains the same--the village where their school is located. But they've gone BACK IN TIME.

What was Hickley School like in 1918?!?!

 My thoughts: I love, love, love, love, love time travel stories. I do. I would recommend this one to anyone who loves time travel stories OR to those with an interest in world war I.


© 2020 Becky Laney of Young Readers