Tag Archives: family

Review: Adventure in the City of Stories by Emma Otheguy

Book Review and Content, Fantasy, Historical, Middle Grade 8-12, , , , , , , , ,
Adventure in the City of Stories by Emma Otheguy

Adventure in the City of Stories (Cousins in the Time of Magic)
Emma Otheguy
Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Published July 21, 2026

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About Adventure in the City of Stories

When stolen artifacts magically appear in their aunt’s closet, cousins Jorge, Camila, and Siggy travel back in time to 1930 New York City to clear her name before history is irreparably altered in this companion to the “spellbinding” (School Library Journal, starred review) Cousins in the Time of Magic.

Cousins Jorge, Camila, and Siggy never imagined that dusty old puppets and a mysterious book would launch them into a time-traveling adventure. But when they discover their aunt has treasures belonging to Pura Belpré, the trailblazing Latina librarian and storyteller, they’re transported back to 1930s New York City. Their mission? Race against time to return Pura’s puppets and a signed first edition of her book, proving their aunt isn’t a thief.

The past is full of danger, though. A powerful woman will stop at nothing to steal the book, the cousins’ nosy neighbor is snooping around, and the hardship of the Great Depression is all around them. Luckily Jorge, Camila, and Siggy meet Antonia, a fierce Puerto Rican girl fighting injustice against her community.

The cousins will need courage, quick thinking, and a little help from history to protect Pura Belpré’s legacy, clear their aunt’s name, and make it back home. Can they pull it off before time runs out?

My Review

This clever series introduces readers to past Latine heroes through the eyes of a trio of modern kids who travel back in time with their eccentric aunt. The first book takes readers back to the battle that led to the reason we celebrate Cinco de Mayo today. In this new adventure, the characters visit New York City in 1930 and meet librarian Pura Belpré.

The cast of characters is engaging, and though the story includes adult characters, the action primarily centers around the young narrators. The story explores what it means to be an American, especially a Puerto Rican American, making this a welcome addition to middle grade literature.

The story itself is less than 200 pages, making this a good choice for readers stepping into middle grade from shorter chapter books. Readers graduating from the “Magic Tree House” series will enjoy the familiar time-traveling mechanics of the plot.

All in all, this series is a lot of fun. I’m so glad to see the adventure continue.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 8 to 11.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
None.

Romance/Sexual Content
None.

Spiritual Content
Characters can travel through time via magical boats. At one point, characters make a wish and blow out a candle to complete another bit of magic.

Violent Content
Situations of peril. Brief (age-appropriate) references to a historical war/invasion. Racist comments and microaggressions. (These are called out as harmful and wrong.)

Drug Content
None.

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which do not cost you anything to use but help support this blog. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

Review: City Spies: Forbidden City by James Ponti

Book Review and Content, Contemporary, Middle Grade 8-12, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller, , , , , , , ,

City Spies: Forbidden City (City Spies #3)
James Ponti
Aladdin
Published February 1, 2022

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About Forbidden City

In this third “thrilling” (Kirkus Reviews) installment in the New York Times bestselling series from Edgar Award winner James Ponti, the young group of spies help a fellow agent in another international adventure perfect for fans of Spy School and Mrs. Smith’s Spy School for Girls.

After taking down a mole within their organization, the City Spies are ready for their next mission—once again using their unique skills and ability to infiltrate places adults can’t. The sinister Umbra has their sights set on recruiting a North Korean nuclear physicist by any means necessary, and the City Spies plan to keep an eye on his son by sending Paris to the chess prodigy’s tournaments in Moscow and Beijing.

Meanwhile, Sydney’s embedded as a junior reporter for a teen lifestyle site as she follows the daughter of a British billionaire on tour with the biggest act on her father’s music label to uncover what links both the band and the billionaire have to a recent threat from an old Soviet missile base.

From a daring break-in at one of London’s most exclusive homes to a dangerous undercover mission to a desperate search and rescue operation on the streets of Beijing, the City Spies have their work cut out for them on their most dangerous mission yet.

My Review

This series has really hit a good stride. This installment centers around Paris and Sydney, though the other characters play important roles, too. I especially loved the scenes with Kat in them.

The series isn’t always perfectly believable, but that doesn’t detract from the fun. I love that the approach is that kid spies would have access to people and places and trigger less suspicion than adult operatives. It’s a really fun idea, and the author uses that in some clever ways.

The books have a large cast of characters, but I like that each mission features different ones. That kind of changes things up a bit. They also have very unique roles within the team, making them best suited to certain situations. That’s been a lot of fun.

The story also takes readers to some interesting places. In this book, readers visit both Russia and China for chess tournaments. The chess component was interesting —I enjoyed learning how moves are recorded and getting some tidbits about different playing strategies.

I feel like I read this one really fast. The pacing made the story impossible to put down at some points. And the characters are so engaging. I’m a huge fan of the series. Definitely going to read more.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 8 to 12.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
None.

Romance/Sexual Content
None.

Spiritual Content
None.

Violent Content
Situations of peril. Adults with nefarious intentions chase kids. Agents of a shadowy group steal nuclear warheads.

Drug Content
None.

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which do not cost you anything to use but help support this blog. I borrowed a copy of this book from my library. All opinions are my own.

Review: Key Player by Kelly Yang

Book Review and Content, Contemporary, Middle Grade 8-12, , , , , , , , ,

Key Player (Front Desk #4)
Kelly Yang
Scholastic Press
Published September 6, 2022

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About Key Player

Mia Tang is going for the goal in the fourth Front Desk novel by New York Times bestselling author Kelly Yang! Mia Tang is play to win!

The Women’s World Cup is coming to Southern California, and everyone has soccer fever―especially Mia Tang! The U.S. team is playing China in the finals, and Mia feels like her two identities are finally coming together. But when her P.E. teacher gives her a C, Mia tries to pull up her grade by scoring interviews with the championship teams. It’s not so easy when . . .

1. The two teams are hunkered down in secret hotels in Pasadena and not taking any media requests.

2. Mr. Yao is back at the motel―as a co-owner! Jason is sure his dad deserves a second chance. Mia is not so sure.

3. Mia’s parents are trying to buy a house of their very own, which turns out to be a LOT harder than they thought!

As Mia aims for her goals, she’ll have to face strikers from all corners, as well as her own fears. But if anyone can find a way to win big, it’s Mia Tang!

My Review

I’ve met some other reviewers who love this series, so it’s been on my list to read the books. I love how they match an upbeat tone with an unflinching (and age-appropriate) look at the prejudices Mia’s family and friends face.

The story is set in the 1990s, which is also a lot of fun to read about. It still feels very accessible to readers today. Mia still seems like a middle school kid one might meet today.

In this book, Mia discovers a love for soccer while pursuing her dream of going to a kids’ journalism camp. She investigates the reasons why Jason’s dad is so grouchy and relentlessly searches hotels and restaurants for any sign of the women’s soccer teams so she can interview them.

I enjoyed the continuation of the series. Mia is a precocious narrator, and the story makes room for her to play a key role in the story’s events. I’m excited to see where the author leads the series next. I think there are six books in all, so I’ve got two more to read!

This is a great book to pick up if you’re looking for a middle grade novel with a connection to the World Cup and soccer, or if you’re looking for something about a reluctant soccer player.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 8 to 12.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
None.

Romance/Sexual Content
Brief references to what a crush feels like. One character has a crush on someone.

Spiritual Content
None.

Violent Content
Some racist microaggressions against Mia and her family and their friend, Hank. Some headlines and people in Mia’s life frame the match between the American and Chinese women’s soccer teams as a battle of good versus evil. Mia notes a few other comments that demonize China or Chinese culture. She feels frustrated and discouraged about these comments and finds ways to push back.

Drug Content
None.

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which do not cost you anything to use but help support this blog. I borrowed a copy of this book from my local public library. All opinions are my own.

Review: Where Lost Girls Go by Kody Keplinger

Book Review and Content, Contemporary, Young Adult/Teen 12-18, , , , , , , ,

Where Lost Girls Go
Kody Keplinger
Scholastic Press
Published July 7, 2026

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About Where Lost Girls Go

From New York Times bestselling author Kody Keplinger comes an addicting read that’s The Girls by Emma Cline meets The Scammer by Tiffany D. Jackson.

There are many reasons why six girls have ended up living with Sol in a cabin deep in the Kentucky woods. But the girls don’t talk about what has brought them each here or who they were before. The have become sisters and are grateful to have a place to call home.

Iris knows she owes everything to Sol. He has promised to keep them safe from their pasts. All he asks in return is for their loyalty, which Iris freely gives. With her sisters and Sol as her family, she feels happier than she has in a long time. Until a new girl arrives and everything changes. Sol dubs her Rose and the sisters are quick to welcome her.

Iris is drawn Rose, but as they grow closer, Rose has Iris questioning things about this life in the woods. When Sol notices, he challenges Iris to prove her commitment to their family. Her sisters tell her that she should be willing to do anything for the man who saved her. But with each new ask, Iris realizes there is more to Sol – and her sisters – than she knows, and some secret should stay buried deep.

New York Times bestselling author Kody Keplinger weaves a stunning story about girlhood, power, and desperation that asks just how far we’ll go to save ourselves – and those we love.

My Review

It’s so easy to feel for the main character, Iris. The bottom falls out of her whole world, and she’s left entirely vulnerable. As she spends more time in the cabin with Sol and the other girls, it becomes ever clearer the danger she’s in if she stays– or tries to flee.

Keplinger does an amazing job maintaining the tension in the story without ever showing any explicit physical or sexual abuse or even using profanity. The story is dark and explores dark themes. The bulk of the story follows girls living in the woods with a middle-aged man who has total control over them. They think of him as a mentor, and it’s hinted that he sleeps with at least one girl, but nothing is ever shown or overtly referenced on the page.

I haven’t read any of the author’s other books, but this one convinces me that I should put them on my reading list. This is a great book for early young adult readers interested in dark stories but who might not be ready for some of the more graphic descriptions of abuse that are common to cult-like groups.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 12 up.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
None.

Romance/Sexual Content
Kissing.

Spiritual Content
None.

Violent Content
Death of a parent (happens off-scene). Manipulation and abuse in a cult-like setting. One character steals items. Someone commits arson. Brief descriptions of murder. Someone demands that someone else kill a person. Two characters fight. A character has serious injuries.

Drug Content
None.

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which do not cost you anything to use but help support this blog. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

Review: Augusta Pine Does Not Exist by Emily Lloyd-Jones

Blogger's Favorites, Book Review and Content, Contemporary, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller, Young Adult/Teen 12-18, , , , , , , , , , , ,

Augusta Pine Does Not Exist
Emily Lloyd-Jones
Balzer + Bray
Published July 7, 2026

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About Augusta Pine Does Not Exist

Combining the suspense of a thriller, the intrigue of spy fiction, and the emotional resonance of a confessional narrative, this is gripping, wholly original novel about a teen secret operative who must outwit a band of murderous cyberterrorists.

I was fifteen when I became a murderer.

After a hack gone tragically wrong, a teen girl is given an ultimatum: accept a harsh prison sentence or leave her old life behind and use her talents in the service of a shady government agency.

Three years later, the newly-named Augusta Pine has become a skilled wraith, one of the Identity Security Division’s secret operatives. She has no home, no family, and her only friends are her coolly professional handler and a snarky AI spybot. So when she is sent to Portland for an assignment, she seizes the chance to catch a glimpse of her beloved grandmother and rents the apartment next door.

What begins as nostalgic stalking turns into a fight for survival when a group of cyberterrorists hacks the building and imprisons the residents. Augusta doesn’t know exactly what they want, but she does know they are ready to murder for it. With her quick wits, tech savvy – and help from an intriguing fellow hostage – Augusta must race against the clock to stay one step ahead of the killers.

Unfolding through a suspenseful narrative interspersed with case-file excerpts, this is a pulse-pounding novel about identity, connection, and justice.

My Review

This book kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end. Wow.

Okay, so the only other book that I’ve read by Emily Lloyd-Jones is The Wild Huntress, which I really enjoyed, and which is a lush fantasy. So it’s very different than this book. I wasn’t sure what to expect in picking this one up, except that I liked the other book I’d read and wanted to see how she handled a contemporary suspense/thriller novel.

Turns out… I quite like both!

This one has a little bit of a Die Hard flavor, but with a teen protagonist more likely to hack her way through the enemy’s defenses on a computer rather than with a machine gun. But the same sort of constant improvisation and high stakes run through this story as the other.

Fans of the Stars and Smoke series by Marie Lu who want more suspense with the romance dialed way back will really enjoy this fast-paced, compulsively readable novel.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 15 up.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
Strong profanity used fairly infrequently.

Romance/Sexual Content
One brief kiss.

Spiritual Content
None.

Violent Content
Situations of peril. References to a catastrophic car accident. References to hostage situations and the threat of murder. One-on-one combat between characters.

Drug Content
None.

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which do not cost you anything to use but help support this blog. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

Review: To Dance the Moon and Stars by Tasia M. S. and Barbara Perez Marquez

Blogger's Favorites, Book Review and Content, Fantasy, Graphic Novel or Adaptation, Romance, Young Adult/Teen 12-18, , , , , ,

To Dance the Moon and Stars
Tasia M. S.
Barbara Perez Marquez
Joy Revolution
Published July 14, 2026

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About To Dance the Moon and Stars

In a kingdom where dance is forbidden, a future high priestess must bend the rules to stop an ancient evil from destroying everything and everyone she loves, including the crown prince, in this sweeping romantasy graphic novel.

Eighteen-year-old Myra has spent her entire life training to replace her grandmother as High Priestess. But with the day of her ascension rapidly approaching, she’s not sure if she’s meant for this path. How can she become the herald of the god Alrun when he forbids the thing she loves most: dancing?

Her kingdom can’t afford her hesitation though. Not only is the emperor looking for Alrun’s wisdom ahead of a peace treaty, but forces of darkness are seeping through the barrier between worlds. The only source of light Myra has is her childhood best friend, the crown prince. Without his support and…love, she may not be able to stop what’s coming.

To save her people, Myra must delve into her kingdom’s forgotten history, even if it means defying the laws of the land. But the key to salvation may just require her to make the biggest sacrifice of all.

My Review

The artwork in this graphic novel is nothing short of stunning. Bold, romantic colors fill the pages. The chemistry between Myra and Eyden is so clear in every image of them. I love the scenes showing Myra dancing and Eyden playing music. Every page is just absolutely gorgeous. The illustrations create a very immersive storytelling experience. I felt like I could almost hear and smell what was happening in each scene.

I wish that some of the plot elements had unfolded a little bit more slowly. At some points, I think the story would have benefited from an extra scene showing a transition or experience. Despite that, I still enjoyed every page.

Despite some of the quick transitions, the plot of the story is easy to follow and understand. The tension is well-portrayed. The cast size is perfect for the story. There are enough named side characters to make the story feel full and interesting, but not so many that it’s hard to keep track of them all.

I also really appreciated the Author’s Note from Tasia M. S. that explained what inspired her to create the book. I love that she has such a personal connection to the theme about dance being forbidden despite its importance to the culture.

All in all, this is a beautiful graphic novel. I think fantasy fans will want a copy of this on their shelves.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 12 up.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
None.

Romance/Sexual Content
Kissing.

Spiritual Content
The main character is training to become High Priestess serving the god of her kingdom. The visions he sends her seem to contrast what she’s been taught. The story shows ceremonies and prayers.

Violent Content
References to threats of war. Someone is poisoned. Dark shadows possess people, leading them to do things they don’t remember later.

Drug Content
None.

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which do not cost you anything to use but help support this blog. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.