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Our Little Secret by Edward Kay & Mikhael Klassen-Kay
This book grabs the reader by the throat. It opens with a textbook case example of "in medias res". Truly, the opening sentences are among the best I’ve ever read, for any age level, ever.
Our Little Secret reveals said secret in the final words of the book – BANG! I honestly, did not see it coming. I believe it’s the reason the book was written, in the first place.
Mind you, please don’t just read the last page. Please treat yourself to the whole thing. Why? We have a fantastic beginning and a extraordinary close. In between, there is a mystery which, full disclosure, I did unravel, but I am very proud of myself about that. The story is relentless in expanding mystery conventions. Like the rule for improv theatre, the plot constantly says, “Yes, and…” More than a whodunnit – although it is that – it is also an intriguing “whydunnit”.
So, to review we have… a great opener, great final curtain, great plot. The protagonists are also remarkable, not the least because there are three of them - well developed, flawed, presented in first person. The interactions of Chloe, Jordan and Nick deepen the mysteries, suspense, and characterization building in the other two. Books told from several points of view sometimes require the reader to page back, “who is this again? Who’s talking?” Not here. Their voices are distinct. Also, I grew to really care about each of them, and was terrified for most of the book, for all their sakes.
Other boxes this book checks, besides what we’ve explored so far; there is a neurodivergent protagonist, a trans protagonist, and a BIPOC protagonist. The timing of the transition of the protagonist is critical to plot development, in several ways. Intricate framing of the plot and characters build beautifully. I’m running out of adjectives! In short, one of the best books I’ve read, for any age, ever. In many ways it is a peerless book. Oh, and, one more plus… it is Canadian.
Young Adult Fiction pr8324219
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The Lion's Run by Sara Pennypacker
If you're like me and think, “surely there isn’t anything else to say or learn about World War II?!,” someone like Sara Pennypacker finds something new. In The Lion's Run, I learned more about the Nazi’s, what was taken from people in France, about the Resistance, than I could have imagined.
In any book about WWII, characters are inevitably in grave danger. In grown-up books, 90% of the characters you love die. Despite taking place in occupied France (spoiler alert), even though it might appear that characters are going to get caught and killed... no one is. Only one kitten dies out of a whole litter (so bad luck for said kitten), but that’s a pretty sunny outcome considering. An orphaned, under-estimated boy; his resistance organizer and adoptive mother; a rich, enlightened courageous girl; her hidden horse, all the hidden kittens (except that one); the pregnant single mother; her stolen baby... everyone lives and/or escapes.
And our protagonist is critical to each of those plot points. It’s nice when an author empowers a child in such a convincing way. Young patrons learn that kids can change the world.
Middle Grade Fiction pr8095781
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Jasper Rabbit’s Creepy Tales: Unsettling Salad! by Aaron Reynolds
Jasper Rabbit, in a suit, eyebrow quirked, introduces Unsettling Salad, with promises of encounters with the weird, the spooky, the goofy and the nonsensical. Parents will clock the manner and appearance of Jasper for the nod to the Twilight Zone that it is. For kids, it’s a brilliant technique to hook their interest.
At 82 pages and heavily illustrated, this series continues as a fine choice for kids too old for leveled readers, but not quite ready for novels. It’s also a fun read for your garden variety grown-up reader. I dare you not to laugh-out-loud. (Spoiler alert: WERE-BROCCOLI!!)
First Chapter Book pr8190247
Maggie Lou Meets Her Match by Arnolda Dufour Bowes
Libraries are asking for Indigenous content. This book is a fine example. Some of our rural libraries have been asking for stories set on farms. What isn’t as obvious, is that this book checks that box too. Maggie Lou learns to ride a horse, care for a horse, etc. Reading this book details how hard everyone works on a farm, from the smallest kids up to grandparents.
Maggie Lou also has a LOT of farm-centric fun and some truly funny hijinks.
Middle Grade Fiction pr7949707