Carnival Quest (The Candy Shop Wars #3) by Brandon Mull

Carnival Quest (The Candy Shop War #3)
By Brandon Mull
Published by Shadow Mountain

Publication Date: March 14th, 2023


 Watch the Book Trailer: https://youtu.be/Yg-s1DladC0

Synopsis:
The Blue Falcons is a secret kid’s club that fights against a family of villainous magicians. Using an impressive arsenal of magical candy, Nate, Summer, Trevor, and Pigeon defeated Belinda White, a sinister candy shop owner who almost seized control of their town, and her brother, Jonas White, a maniacal arcade operator who tried to turn the planet into his personal puppet.

 
Now, the Blue Falcons believe they must battle the third sibling—Camilla, who has brought the Dreams and Screams International Carnival to their town of Colson, California.

 
Rumors are spreading about the new carnival. Those who visit feel compelled to return. Some who enter the labyrinthine Fun House disappear for days. And the Big Top is said to bewitch audience members.

 
The Blue Falcons think they know who is responsible and are ready to fight, but the carnival blocks any outside magic. Without their favorite enchanted treats, how can the kids save their town?
When weird dreams start to plague everyone who has visited the carnival, the worlds of magic and reality collide. With the help of a new magical enforcer, the Blue Falcons will need to learn to use the magic of the carnival against itself, including a host of new magical carnival candies, and tap into the power of their own dreams to battle their greatest adversary yet.

 
Review:
When I saw this book was available for review, I decided to request it, even though I hadn't read the other books in the series, because my nine-year-old son had read them--and I figured he'd think I was cool if one of the books I reviewed was one he was interested in! Haha, I really did request it because of my son's interest in this series, and he really was impressed that I got to read an advanced copy of the third book--he excitedly told his friends at school about it. (I DID read the other two books before I started this one, although I don't think it would have been entirely necessary to understand and enjoy this one.) 

For me as a reader, this is probably a 3-star book: the plot and setting are well-developed and very detailed; the characters are relatively flat (I'm a character-driven reader so that was a bit of let-down for me) and the language/writing style is all right. It's great that there's a carnival map at the beginning of the book to help readers see where everything is. There aren't as many new magic candies in this book, which was something I really enjoyed about the previous books. (The ones in this book also didn't seem as appealing--clown lips? YUCK!) So, as an adult reader of a middle grade book, this book is good; as a parent, this is definitely a book I'd give to my kids. And for the intended audience (at least my son), this book is a hit.
For my son, this is a 5-star book. This is his review:
"I liked how it's exciting and they have to use their brains to figure out what's happening and how to solve the problems. I liked how the carnival expanded and that there lots of hidden things about it. I like the names of the characters, and I think Nate is funny. I like that they can use magic to turn into different things and have different powers. I like the stuff about dreams. I like that there's a bunch of different characters, and it's really interesting."
So, he really enjoyed it and has started asking when Brandon Mull's next signing event is so he can see him and get his books signed! So, with it getting 3 stars from me and 5 stars from him, we'll average at 4 stars.
I read an ARC provided by the publisher. All opinions are my own.

About the Author: 

BRANDON MULL is the #1 New York Times best-selling author of the Fablehaven, Beyonders, and Five Kingdoms series. A kinetic thinker, Brandon enjoys bouncy balls, squeezable stress toys, and popping bubble wrap. He lives in a happy little valley in Utah with his wife, Erlyn, their eleven children, and a dog named Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Brandon loves meeting his readers and hearing about their experiences with his books. 

For author interview requests, please contact Callie Hansen at chansen@shadowmountain.com 

Other Books by Brandon Mull: 

The Candy Shop War Series 

The Candy Shop War 

The Candy Shop War: Arcade Catastrophe 

Fablehaven Series 

Fablehaven 

Rise of the Evening Star 

Grip of the Shadow Plague 

Secrets of the Dragon Sanctuary 

Keys to the Demon Prison 

Dragonwatch Series 

Dragonwatch 

Wrath of the Dragon King 

Master of the Phantom Isle 

Champion of the Titan Games 

Return of the Dragon Slayers 

Five Kingdoms Series 

Sky Raiders 

Rogue Knight 

Crystal Keepers 

Death Weavers 

Time Jumpers 

Beyonders Series 

A World without Heroes 

Seeds of Rebellion 

Chasing the Prophecy 

Advance Praise: “A fun fantasy novel in which plucky children explore an evil-infused carnival to save the world from its creepy embrace.” —Foreword Reviews 

“Magical minions of various (and sometimes gross) abilities, Mull trots his twist-laden plot forward to a well set-up climax. He dishes up a crowd-pleaser as delicious—if not so weird— as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory." —Kirkus, from book 1 

“A delectable fantasy adventure where magical candies give four friends super powers to save their town.” —Foreword Reviews, from book 1 

Saving Fable

Saving Fable (Talespinners #1)
By Scott Reintgen
Published by Crown Books for Young Readers

Description:
Indira has been a character-in-waiting her entire life. So she can't believe her luck when she's finally chosen to travel to Fable and study at the renowned Protagonist Preparatory, a school known for producing the best heroes. But Indira's dreams of achieving hero status don't exactly go as planned. A failed audition lands her in the school's side-character track, and her best efforts to prove advisors--famous characters like Alice from Wonderland and Professor Darcy--wrong are constantly sabotaged. Indira is starting to feel like an evil antagonist might be to blame. As the danger spreads, Indira discovers all of Fable is under siege. With her friends Maxi and Phoenix by her side, she pieces together clues that will reveal who is behind the dark magic threatening them all. But the more Indira uncovers, the more doubt she feels about her place in this world of stories. After all, can a side character really save the day?

What a great story! This was so much fun to read--I loved the whole premise, with Indira and other characters hoping to be written into a story in the Real World. It was really fun to see the different areas of Imagination, like Fable and Origin. I also loved Protagonist Prepatory and the different classes the Indira attended. It was just a really clever world and I really enjoyed venturing into it with Indira. Indira was a great character--I loved her heart and her pluck and her determination and seeing her struggle to believe in herself. The plot was also really interesting, with twists and surprises to keep it moving along quickly. I will definitely be reading the rest of the series!

4.5. stars.

I read an ARC provided by the publisher via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Grump

Grump: The (Fairly) True Tale of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves by Liesl Shurtliff

Most dwarves want nothing to do with the Surface or with humans--they love their lives deep underground, where they work in teams to mine. Borlen, however, is born near the Surface, rather than deep down like most dwarves, and as a result, he can't stand depths and can't rid himself of the desire to see the Surface and all the wonders that are above ground.
Borlen's parents help him to join a mining crew, hoping that will help him to find his place among the dwarves. He doesn't fit in, though, and soon earns the nickname "Grump." One day, Grump finally has the chance to go to the Surface and he takes it--and soon finds himself embroiled in a mess.

Being a bit grumpy myself, I loved the chance to read Grump's version of the Snow White story. This story was so much fun to read; now I'm going to have to go read the author's other books. Totally great choice for fans of middle grade fantasy, fairy tale retellings, and awesome books!

4.5 stars.

I read an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley.

The Orphan Band of Springdale

The Orphan Band of Springdale by Anne Nesbet

Gusta's father is a labor organizer who was born in Germany, and as WWII sweeps across Europe, Americans are increasingly tense--and Gusta's father becomes a wanted man. When he has to flee, Gusta is sent to stay with her maternal grandmother in Maine, while her mother stays behind in New York to keep her job. Gramma Hoopes runs an orphanage, and while Gusta quickly comes to like everyone at the home, things don't go as smoothly at school, where her extreme nearsightedness and her German heritage raise the hackles of some. Gusta finds comfort in playing her French horn, her only memento from her father, but when she's given the chance to sell it and pay for a surgery to help her injured Uncle Charlie, Gusta wonders if she can let go of something she loves so dearly to help her family.

Dang! This book is FANTASTIC! For starters, how can you not love a book that gives you such awesome phrases as "the general effect being that of a short, human-shaped icicle"? The writing is terrific and fresh, not the same old cliched phrases. Gusta just stole my heart--she's such a serious girl, so concerned about others, and I just adored her as the narrator. She's so interesting, with her survivalist attitude (she has gotten by without needed glasses for years, and she doesn't even mind because she doesn't want to cost anyone money), her willingness to speak up for and help other (even people she doesn't necessarily like), and her wisdom (she's very aware of the labor movement, for example). She's just this brave, good, kind little person. Secondary characters are great as well--we don't get a whole lot of depth with them, but the glimpses we do get are just terrific. (I love Georges!) The details are so interesting and make the book so real--like a patriotic health contest being run in the school. It really takes you back to 1941 and what life was like. There are terrific themes and topics to discuss, such as the labor movement, loyalty, "alien" foreigners and what it means to patriotic, family relationships, etc. There's a lot of depth here, but it's not overly weighty. I was really surprised when I found out the book is 448 pages (I read the Kindle version), because it flew by for me.
This is an easy 5 stars from me.

 I read a copy from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

The Scourge

The Scourge
By Jennifer A. Nielsen
Ani has long heard about the Scourge—a disease that first surfaced in the land 300 years ago but now has returned. When two wardens capture her, saying the governor wants to test five River People for the Scourge, Ani is shocked—the River People have never gotten the Scourge—but also determined to escape. When she tests positive for the disease—after a not-so-pleasant meeting with the governor—Ani is forced to move to Attic Island, where all victims of the Scourge are sent to live out the remainder of their lives. Joined by her best friend Weevil, who goes to the island to be with her even though he has no signs of the disease, Ani can’t help but question everything going on there. After all, as one of the River People, she is feisty and determined and not one to bow down to authority, and even though her very nature puts her at risk, Ani refuses to be broken, especially as she and Weevil start to put the pieces together and find out the Scourge and the island aren’t what the governor has told everyone they are.

What a great story! I loved all of it. Ani was awesome—I loved how she could only stay out of trouble for about two minutes. And Weevil was a great compliment to her; I loved how they were determined to take care of each other. The plot was interesting; I liked seeing the clues unfold and figuring out what was really going on. The story moves quickly, with plenty of action and adventure as well as humor even in the dark situation. Highly enjoyable story!

4.5 stars!

Now

Now

By Morris Gleitzman

Henry Holt, 2012. 184 pgs. Middle grade/teen fiction

Summary: 

Zelda has recently been sent to live with her grandfather, Felix, while her parents, both doctors, go to Darfur to offer their medical expertise there. Zelda was named for Felix's best friend, who died as a young girl in the Holocaust. Now Zelda-the-granddaughter is trying to be as brave as her namesake and to bring happiness into her grandfather's life. However, she comes to realize that Felix's story and his emotions are still very much influenced by the first Zelda, and both Felix and granddaughter Zelda find themselves facing the past in order to have a future.

 Review:

This follow-up book to Once and Then is just as haunting as the others; it has the same elements of hope and hurt and loss and love that make the others utterly unforgettable. Having fallen so much in love with Felix in the other books, which are from his point of view as a child, I was a little worried to switch narrators now, but I loved granddaughter Zelda, too. Gleitzman captures the complexity and simplicity of childhood beautifully, showing that innocent way of looking at life juxtaposed with insights and thoughts that adults often never manage to come up with. I really liked how he gave readers the chance to see how 70 years later, Felix still had a lot of damage and also related that to Zelda's present as she's being bullied. There are lot of books about the Holocaust out there, but I think this series is the cream of the crop. With unforgettable narrators, the pure voices of children facing the hardships of life, these books are simply a work of art that will reach inside your soul and touch you in a way that only a few books can.

5 stars (for the whole series). Clean read.

Applewhites at Wit's End

Applewhites at Wit's End

By Stephanie S. Tolan

Harper, 2012. 253 pgs. Middle Grade/Teen fiction

Summary:

The crazy Applewhite family, full of artists and originals (except for E.D., the responsible, organized, non-creative daughter), is in danger of losing their home, Wit's End, a former travel lodge turned home/personal studio for each family member. To prevent the financial crisis, E.D.'s father comes up with the idea to have a creative summer camp, with each family member, along with Jake, the former teen rebel who was placed at their home school after being kicked out everywhere else, teaching workshops and helping campers develop their inner artist. While the Applewhites band together and jump in, it might not be enough, as they soon find themselves dealing with cranky campers, threatening notes in the mailbox, and a government inspector roving the property. Will they be able to keep their home?

Review:

Although this is the sequel to Surviving the Applewhites, I think you could get the gist of the story without having read the first book. The Applewhites are funny and readers will want to join in the scheming as they try to save their home and learn to appreciate each other a little more. A good choice for tweens.

4 stars. Clean read.

Kane Chronicles

I'd previously reviewed the first book in the series, but since I just read the third book, I'm going to go ahead and put all three on here.

The Red Pyramid
By Rick Riordan
Disney/Hyperion Books, 2010. 516 pgs. Middle Grade/Teen fiction

Carter Kane has spent his life being dragged around the world by his father, Dr. Julius Kane, a famous Egyptologist. Meanwhile, his younger sister, Sadie, has lived with their grandparents in England. However, when Carter and his dad go to visit Sadie at Christmas, their lives change completely. Their father takes them to a museum where he tries to summon an Egyptian god. However, he releases five trapped gods, including Set, who sets out to wreak havoc on the world and traps Julius inside Osiris' coffin. Carter and Sadie learn that they are actually powerful descendants of ancient pharoahs, and it becomes their responsibility to restore order to the world--and rescue their dad.

The first book in the Kane Chronicles, this book was a somewhat darker tone than the author's Percy Jackson series, and many readers will likely be less familiar with the Egyptian mythology of this series than the Greek mythology of the Percy Jackson series. However, the action and adventure are still well-written; the book is fast-paced, and both spunky Sadie and somewhat more reserved Carter are interesting characters and I look forward to watching their development in the upcoming books.

The Throne of Fire
By Rick Riordan
Disney/Hyperion Books, 2011. 452 pgs. Young Adult

In book 2 of the Kane Chronicles, Sadie and Carter Kane have 5 days to save the world. Apophis, the god of Chaos, who has been bound for many years, is struggling to get free and even has magicians working to help him. Sadie and Carter have to locate the pieces of the scroll of Ra, the sun god, and use the spells contained in them to locate and revive him in order to balance out Apophis. At the same time, Carter is determined to find Zia, who was hidden somewhere by the world's most powerful magician before he died, and Sadie is dealing with her feelings for Anubis, an Egyptian god, and Walt, one of the Kanes' magical trainees, who seems to be hiding something from them.




The Serpent's Shadow
By Rick Riordan
Disney/Hyperion, 2012. 406 pgs. Young Adult

Carter and Sadie Kane have only a few days to save the world from Chaos. Apophis, the god of Chaos, is determined to wipe out the entire world. He has already killed or converted many magicians to his side, leaving Carter, Sadie, and their young magicians-in-training to try to save the world. The only option open to them is to trust an evil dead magician to lead them to a secret spell that will allow them to trap Apophis's shadow and then execrate the god. As if that's not enough, they need the help of the gods, particularly Ra, the senile old sun god, who might not be ready in time. With the fate of the world in their hands, Carter and Sadie face their most dangerous quest yet.


I have to say, Rick Riordan's books seem to be very similar--kid finds out he/she has magic powers, kid has to battle several demons/evil forces, kid ultimately triumphs. It gets a little repetitive, and yet, I think it still pulls in a lot of readers. And, for some readers, that can actually be a comforting thing--because they can jump into the story, supported by the familiar structure, and read a long book and feel like they've accomplished something. For some readers, that might get a little old, but most readers will still have fun following sarcastic Sadie and more serious Carter on their adventures. As can be expected from Rick Riordan, this book is thrilling good fun. Readers will be swept along with Sadie and Carter as they move, top-speed, to try to save the world. There's a dash of romance, a fair dose of humor, and extra helpings of action and adventure.
I have a harder time following this series than Riordan's other series, but that's probably because I'm not as familiar with the Egyptian gods as the Greek ones. Consequently, I probably don't like it as much as his other books--but I still like it plenty and am happy to recommend it to anyone looking for a super fun series.

War Horse

War Horse
By Michael Morpurgo
Scholastic, 2007/Scholastic Audio, 2010. 165 pgs/4 hrs. Middle grade fiction

Joey, a horse, narrators the story of his life, from when he was bought at an auction by a farmer and then cared for and trained for by the farmer's son, Albert. With the outbreak of World War I, however, he is sold to a cavalry captain and sent off to war. A devastated Albert vows to find him, but in the meantime, Joey gets an up-close look at the death and destruction waged by the war.

This is a fine piece of historical fiction. It's sad and sweet at the same time, and in the audio version, listeners will be equally drawn in by Joey's story as by John Keating's narration.

4 stars. Clean read.

The One and Only Ivan

The One and Only Ivan
By Katherine Applegate
Harper, 2012. 305 pgs. Middle Grade Fiction

Ivan is a gorilla who has spent 27 years in captivity, living in a cage at The Big Top Mall and Video Arcade. For most of his life, he's been content with this. His "domain" isn't too bad--he can do artwork and watch TV and talk to his friends Bob (a dog) and Stella (an elephant). He's had little chance to be a true silverback, the head gorilla who protects his family. But when Ruby, a baby elephant, becomes the newest attraction, she opens Ivan's eyes, helping him see that made his domain isn't all it's cracked up to be. Soon, Ivan is finding out what it means to be a silverback as he tries to make things better for Ruby.

Awwww cute! Let me say that again--AWWW! I loved this one. It's actually one of those books that I absolutely can't wait to read with my children. I love Ivan! He's so sweet, and Ruby is an adorable little friend for him. Besides being beautifully written (and includes great illustrations, too), this book manages to carefully consider the issue of animal imprisonment, while not becoming didactic. It's thought-provoking and sad and happy and hopeful and I love it! Great choice for fans of Kate DiCamillo.

5 stars. Clean read.

Bluefish

Bluefish
By Pat Schmatz
Candlewick Press, 2011. 226 pgs. Middle grade fiction
Travis is just starting eighth grade at a new school, having been forced by his grandfather to move. With no parents, Travis's one comfort in life has been his dog Rosco, but when he turned up missing, Grandpa made him leave him behind. Travis, who struggles with school and his temper, isn't looking for friends, but Velveeta, a girl in some of his classes, won't leave him alone, constantly asking questions and trying to find out Travis's secrets, even while she's trying to hide a few of their own. Her quirky personality, combined with an insightful teacher, might be just what Travis needs to get his life back on track.

This is one of those books that is sad and sweet and funny all at the same time. I loved watching Travis's progress, and Velveeta and other characters really added to the story. A little language, but it was realistic and of the milder variety. A good choice for tweens who are reluctant readers.

3.5 stars.

Glory Be

Glory Be
By Augusta Scattergood
Scholastic Press, 2012. 202 pgs. Middle Grade Fiction

Glory is living in Mississippi in 1964, and while all she is initially concerned about is why her older sister doesn't want to hang out with her anymore and whether or not she'll be able to have her twelfth birthday party at the local pool, which has been closed because it needs repairs. Except, it doesn't need repairs, Glory is sure of it--and she comes to realize that there's something much bigger going on the "broken" pools, as the townspeople are determined to keep segregation out of their town. Soon, Glory has to decide what she thinks about larger issues than birthday parties and pools.

This is look at the Civil Rights movement is good, but having read it a couple weeks ago, I'm finding that it isn't particularly memorable. I liked it when I read it--Glory is a spunky, strong girl who knows her own mind--but now that it's been a little while, it's not one that I'm still excited about. It's good, and fun, and it's one I'd certainly pass along to readers but it's not one of those ones that I'm just dying to talk about.

3.5 stars. Clean read.

Inside Out and Back Again

Inside Out and Back Again
By Thanhha Lai
Harper, 2011. 263 pgs. Middle Grade fiction

In 1975, Ha has lived in Vietnam for her entire life, living with three bothersome older brothers, her sad mother, and the shadow of her father, who has been missing in action for nine years. When the opportunity comes for their family to flee the country, they decide to go, only to find that real-life America isn't quite like what they've seen in movies. As a stranger and outsider, Ha faces teasing at school and misses her homeland.

This novel-in-verse is beautifully written and gives readers a wonderful look at the process of leaving a beloved homeland for a strange country is like. I loved Ha--she's spunky and funny and I think Lai captured the emotions of such a turbulent situation perfectly. Just pick the book up; it'll convince you itself.

Clean read.

Wonderstruck

Wonderstruck
By Brian Selznick
Scholastic Press, 2011. 637 pgs. Middle Grade fiction

In 1927, Rose, who is deaf, longs for a life beyond her home, where she spends her time collecting pictures of a famous actress. Fifty years later, twelve-year-old Ben, whose mother has recently died, loses his hearing and finds that the father he never met may be living in New York City, so he runs away from home to find him. In New York, he meets Jamie, a boy his age who spends his time at the American Museum of Natural History. Ben, fascinated by the museum, comes to find that it might reveal the secret of his father's identity.

Ben's and Rose's stories are told alternately throughout the book, Ben's in words and Rose's in pictures, and then they intertwine at the end. The artwork is stunning, and I liked the way the stories came together....although I don't know that I actually would have liked the book as a child. I think it's one that advanced readers or those interested in art will like. The art is kind of what sold it for me; the text didn't pull me in as much.

3 stars. Clean read.

Death Cloud

Death Cloud
By Andy Lane
Macmillan, 2011. 6 CDs (approx. 7 hours). Middle Grade/teen fiction

Sherlock Holmes has to spend his school holiday living with an aunt and uncle he's never met before, and he isn't excited about the prospect. However, once there, things turn out to be more interesting than he'd thought. Two people die from what is suspected to be a plague, but there are some facts that just don't add up, such as why both bodies seemed to have a mysterious cloud float away from them after the death. As Sherlock, his friend Matty and his tutor Amyus Crowe, set out to figure out what is going on, Sherlock finds that he just might be the next one to be killed off.

I liked this young Sherlock Holmes book; watching Sherlock's process of using logic and finding facts to form conclusions was intriguing. I think the plot might appeal to younger readers, but at the same time, Sherlock's interest in Amyus Crowe's daughter (particularly when he's checking out her body, in her tight riding britches and shirt), might have some parents of younger readers objecting to the content. I very much enjoyed the audio version; the reader was good both in voice and in pace.

4 stars.

Breaking Stalin's Nose

Breaking Stalin's Nose
By Eugene Yelchin
Henry Holt and Company, 2011. 154 pgs. Middle Grade fiction

Growing up in Stalin's Russia, Sasha Zaichik can't wait to join the Young Pioneers, the Communist group for youth. He's known all the laws and rules of being a good Communist since he was a child, he loves Stalin, and he wants to grow up to be a hero like his father, a good, good Communist. However, on the eve of the ceremony when he'll finally join the Pioneers, Sasha's father is arrested. Certain there must be a mistake and that when Stalin finds out, he'll free his father, Sasha stills plans to join the Pioneers. However, this incident sets in motion a series of events that shows Sasha that perhaps Stalin and Communism are the idols and ideals he wants to uphold anymore.

This is a quick read (I read it in 30 minutes), but it's a great overview into Stalinist Russia, and how the people lived in fear and oppression, and that no one was safe. With black and white illustrations throughout, this is historical fiction that could appeal to even reluctant readers and the themes make it an excellent choice for classroom discussions.

4 stars. Clean read.

Waiting to Forget

Waiting to Forget
By Sheila Welch
Namelos, 2011. 170 pgs. Middle Grade fiction

As T.J. sits in the hospital waiting room, anxious for news about his sister Angela, who has suffered a fall, he reflects on their life. "Now" they are adjusting to being recently adopted and fitting in with their new parents, but "then," they lived with their mother and her series of boyfriends, with T.J. acting much more like an adult than his mother as he tried to keep himself and his sister safe. As he reflects on his life and worries about his sister, T.J. comes to realize what he wants from life.

This is a touching, thought-provoking story. Told alternately between "now" and "then," it takes readers through the children's lives, as they craved their mother's love and attention but could never quite rely on her, and their struggles to fit into a new family. While it deals with difficult topics, such as abandonment and neglect, it does so in a gentle, caring way that invites readers to join T.J. on his emotional journey.

3.5 stars. Has a little bit of language, but of the milder variety.

Mockingbird

Mockingbird
By Kathryn Erskine
Philomel Books, 2010. 235 pgs. Middle Grade Fiction

Ten-year-old Caitlin's has Asperger's Syndrome and is she's struggling to develop social skills from small things such as looking people in the eye to larger things like actually making friends. At the same time, she's dealing with the recent death of her brother, who was killed in a school shooting, and is trying to find closure for herself and for her father.

It's no wonder this book won the National Book Award for Young People's Literature. Caitlin's voice is so real and the message of the book is inspiring and moving. Caitlin is both a naive narrator, since she doesn't understand much of what others take for granted in life, and a refreshingly honest narrator who opens the reader's eyes as much as the eyes of the other characters in the book. This would be a great choice for class discussions.

4 stars. Clean read.

The Glorious Adventures of the Sunshine Queen

The Glorious Adventures of the Sunshine Queen
By Geraldine McCaughrean
Harper, 2010. 324 pgs. Middle grade fiction.

When diphtheria comes to Olive Town, Oklahoma, twelve-year-old Cissy's parents want to get her somewhere safe. Soon, they've enlisted Cissy's uptight schoolteacher, Miss May March, to escort her and two friends, Tibbie and Kookie, to meet up with their former schoolteacher, Loucien Crew, who has recently married an actor and gone on the road with his troupe. The actors have taken refuge in an old paddle steamer, which has run aground but soon sweeps them off down the river, and adventures ensue. They lose several members in a storm and then gain more along the way as they set up a traveling show. However, they're hit with some bad luck, and Cissy, who is desperate to be an actress, will have to give the performance of a lifetime to get them out of trouble.

This book is hilarious! The writing is clever and funny and the characters are a riot! The plot is good, too, and readers will be swept up in the story. This would be a great one to read aloud with a class.

4 stars.

The Boy Who Dared

The Boy Who Dared: A Novel Based on the True Story of a Hitler Youth
By Susan Campbell Baroletti
Scholastic Press, 2008. 202 pgs. Middle Grade/Teen fiction

In Nazi Germany, some people recognized Nazi propaganda and violence for what it was--a violation of civil rights and a bunch of lies to cover the truth. Helmuth Hubener, a teenager, was one of those people. Troubled by the Nazis and their beliefs and adhering to his own beliefs (he was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-days Saints) he only reluctantly participated in the Hitler Youth (a requirement for all German youth), and, after listening to illegal BBC broadcasts about the war, began writing and distributing anti-Nazi pamphlets. Caught, he was sentenced to death but was at peace with his decision to tell the truth.

Based on the true story of Helmuth Hubener (whose last name actually wasn't Hubener for much of his life), this book is an intriguing look at how those who didn't support the Nazis might struggle with their own conscience--on the one hand, they wanted to protect themselves and their families, but on the other, how could they stand by as the Nazi madness spread? This is an inspiring story, and while occasionally, the writing felt a little simplistic to me, the message is powerful.
(As a very small side quibble...I think it's weird to call the book " A Novel based on the True Story of a Hitler Youth." Um, German youth were required to be Hitler Youth, which means the vast majority of them were Hitler Youth...and I think there's a big difference between Helmuth and those who actually enjoyed being in the Hitler Youth. Bartoletti portrays him as not being that involved in the Hitler Youth; he wasn't some horrible bully who saw the error of his ways and then changed. In this story, he's never one of those kids who thrives on being a part of the Hitler Youth, or who sees that as a huge part of his identity. So, to me, that little addition doesn't quite fit. Perhaps a publisher's attempt at being dramatic? I don't know...but I don't think it's accurate in what it conveys.)

3 stars.