conuly

Anyway, more middle grade fiction!

1. Nightingale by Deva Fagan - this is the steampunk with magic superhero where the crown prince is the big bad all along. Okay, yeah, the plot was a little telegraphed, but I thought the story was so charming that I actually didn't care that much and went on to take out The Mirrorwood by the same author. That one had more twists and turns, but at the cost of leaving some character's motivations totally vague and blank. It was enjoyable, but I wouldn't re-read it.

2. Wishing Upon the Same Stars - this is a realistic fiction book about a Palestinian-American girl who moves to Texas from Detroit and becomes best friends with an Israeli-American neighbor and classmate. Their parents take a longer path to friendship. If real life wrapped up as neatly as fiction, there really would be peace in the Middle East already.

I shouldn't have to say this, but I think I obviously have to - the author based her protagonist on herself. In her own real life she went on to marry an Israeli man who immigrated to the USA, where they met. I think she handles the subject matter with all the nuance you can expect from kidlit.

3. The Ogress and the Orphans - man, I just cannot get into this. Probably a great book for anybody who can get through the first few chapters.

4. Spell Sweeper - well, this certainly is a new take on magical boarding schools, masquerades, and chosen ones, and I really loved it. No criticism.