ONE WRONG STEP by Jennifer Nielsen

One Wrong Step by Jennifer Nielsen

Mountain Climbing, Survival, Adventure, Grief

324 pages; 2025

Description

Publishers Weekly (December 16, 2024)

Twelve-year-old Atlas Wade has been climbing mountains for years, but after being forced to stay behind as his father joins a team of Mount Everest climbers, he sees an avalanche trapping his father's expedition, then--along with their Sherpa Chodak and an American girl, Maddie--Atlas begins a perilous journey to rescue the team.

Publishers Weekly (December 16, 2024)

Just before WWII’s start in 1939-when no one had yet reached Mt. Everest’s summit-14-year-old white-cued Atlas Wade accompanies his father on a hazardous expedition to stand "at the top of the world." During the excursion, the group learns that Nazis are attempting their own climb. Despite Atlas’s eagerness to finish the trek-born from his desire to escape grief surrounding his mother’s death three years ago-his father forbids him from making the final climb to the summit. While waiting at Advanced Base Camp at 21,300 feet, Atlas spies an avalanche around where the expedition should’ve been. Together with the daughter of another explorer and an injured adult Sherpa, Atlas determines to rescue them, using all the hiking skills his father taught him to survive. Employing her extensive mountain climbing experience-as outlined in an endnote-Nielsen (Uprising) details the activity’s pitfalls, hazards, and potential disasters with authenticity. The result is a gripping adventure tale that provides a new perspective through which to view the history of the era. An explanation of specific climbing terms begins each chapter; maps depicting Atlas’s progress scaling Everest feature throughout. Ages 8-12. Agent: Ammi-Joan Paquette, Erin Murphy Literary. (Mar.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

My Comments

Another gripping adventure. Highly recommended. Read other Nielsen books!

TAXI GHOST by Sophie Escabase

 

Taxi Ghost by Sophie Escabase

Graphic Novel, Ghosts, Girls Coming-of-Age, Family

211 pages; 2024

Description

Publishers Weekly (June 10, 2024)

Escabasse (the Witches of Brooklyn series) suffuses this graphic novel tale of typical tween angst with a magical realism twist. Young Adèle is overwhelmed enough dealing with acne, awkwardness, and the start of her first period. But with her maturation comes an additional wrinkle: Adèle can now see ghosts. Over winter break, which she had hoped would be quiet and uneventful, Adèle meets a ghost hacker and persistent gentleman, whom she dubs Mustache Ghost. Her new acquaintance reveals that he belongs to a spectral club aiming to protect Montreal against ruthless developers- a principle that Adèle’s living grandmother also champions-and embroils Adèle in his plight. Adèle’s sarcastic yet kindhearted narration renders her struggles to balance her new abilities and the everyday challenges of growing up with perceptive relatability. Ghost characters are easily distinguishable in Escabasse’s expressive artwork, which depicts them in a soft palette of pinks and greens and adds a touch of surreality to the grounded metropolitan setting. In this empowering and fanciful ghost story, the creator tackles issues such as gentrification, the afterlife, and cultural traditions surrounding menstruation. Ages 8-12. (Sept.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

My Comments

Early teen girls may like this. The plot is a bit forced for me, but the artwork is expressive and fits the storyline. Cute.

LAST DAY ON MARS by Kevin Emerson

 

Last Day on Mars by Kevin Emerson

Science Fiction, Adventure, Survival

337 pages; 2017

Description

Booklist starred (January 1, 2017 (Vol. 113, No. 9))

Grades 5-8. Earth’s sun is steadily expanding, and by the year 2213, the little blue marble has already been charred to a crisp. Luckily, humans have found a temporary home on Mars, where they’re building massive ships and terraforming technology in preparation for a 150-year journey to a more habitable planet far away from the soon-to-supernova sun. Liam and Phoebe are the last kids left on the Red Planet, and they’re waiting for their parents to perfect one last project before they get in their starliner and begin their journey to the new world. But as the kids do one last round of exploring their Martian colony—the only home they’ve ever known—they’re waylaid by a huge obstacle: sabotage. As Liam and Phoebe try to catch up to their starliner and warn them before they’re left behind, they make an even bigger discovery: unbeknownst to humans, there are other beings in the universe. Emerson has clearly done his research and includes lots of actual Mars features and space science into the more imaginative sci-fi elements, such as a time-traveling watch salvaged from a mysterious alien ship, which helps Liam see the future of potential choices. With high-stakes tension, propulsive action, multidimensional characters, and vivid scenes, this well-wrought and thrilling series starter is perfect for middle-graders who prefer their sci-fi to be grounded in the realm of the possible.

My Comments

A thrilling adventure. Perfect for middle school. I can't wait to read the sequel, but it's currently checked out. Highly recommend!

THE PEACH THIEF by Linda Joan Smith

 

The Peach Thief by Linda Joan Smith

Historical Fiction, Homelessness, Gardeners

374 pages; 2025

Description

"The night that workhouse orphan Scilla Brown dares to climb the Earl of Havermore's garden wall, she wants only to steal a peach--the best thing she's ever tasted in her hard, hungry life. But when she's caught by the earl's head gardener and mistaken for a boy, she grabs on to something more: a temporary job scrubbing flowerpots. If she can just keep up her deception, she'll have a soft bed and food beyond her wildest dreams . . . maybe even peaches. She soon falls in with Phin, a garden apprentice who sneaks her into the steamy, fruit-filled greenhouses, calls her "Brownie," and makes her skin prickle. At the same time, the gruff head gardener himself is teaching lowly Scilla to make things grow, and she's cultivating hope with every seed she plants. But as the seasons unfurl, her loyalties become divided, and her secret grows harder to keep. How far will she go to have a home at last?"

My Notes

This shimmering middle-grade debut set in 1850s Lancashire, England, explores longing, belonging, and the courage it takes to find your place--and bloom. --Provided by publisher.

My first impression was that some students might find the text challenging due to the main character’s Cockney accent. The book is best suited for more advanced readers, though it could also make a wonderful read-aloud. The plot moves quickly, driven by the constant tension over Scilla’s secret being discovered. The setting offers a vivid and immersive picture of 19th-century life, with rich details about gardens and gardening practices of the time. Many of the themes explore timeless aspects of human nature, adding depth and resonance to the story.

ORBITING JUPITER by

Orbiting Jupiter by Gary Schmidt

Realistic Fiction, Abuse, Bullying, Friendship, Compassion,
Families, Overcoming Adversity

2015, 183 pages

Description

Kirkus Reviews starred (July 15, 2015) Jackson Hurd's family has taken in a new foster child, and Jackson will have to find the meanings of love and loyalty as he befriends his foster brother. Joseph Brook looks like an average eighth-grader at Eastham Middle School, but he's not. He became a father at age 13, spent time in juvie, and has an abusive father. Living with Jack's family on their Maine farm could mean a normal life for him, but he is obsessed with finding Jupiter, the daughter he's not allowed to see. He finds love within Jack's family and support from some teachers at school--including Coach Swieteck, whom some readers might remember from Okay for Now (2011)--who appreciate his skills in math and gymnastics, but one teacher warns Jack of Joseph's bad influence, and other students call Joseph "Psycho." Schmidt writes with an elegant simplicity in this paean to the power of love. But there's a snake in the garden--Joseph's father--and it is the uncoiling of fate, rooted in the tale from the beginning, that leads to the novel's devastating conclusion.Readers will not soon forget either Joseph Brook or this spare novel written with love and grace. (Fiction. 10-14)

My Comments

Gripping, tragic story. Great for classroom discussions and reluctant readers. Kids will love this one. Grades 7 and up.

RUBY LOST AND FOUND by Christina Li

 

Ruby Lost and Found by Christina Li
Realistic Fiction, Asian American, Feelings & Emotions, Social Awareness, Relationship Skills, Family, Friendship
2023; 288 pages

Description
"Thanks to her Ye-Ye's epic scavenger hunts, thirteen-year-old Ruby Chu knows San Francisco like the back of her hand. But after his death, she feels lost. . . . After Ruby gets in major trouble at school, her parents decide she has to spend the summer at a local senior center, with her grandmother, Nai-Nai, and Nai-Nai's friends for company. When a new boy from Ruby's grade, Liam Yeung, starts showing up too, Ruby's humiliation is complete. But Nai-Nai, her friends, and Liam all surprise Ruby. She finds herself working with Liam . . . to help save a historic Chinatown bakery that's being priced out of the neighborhood. And alongside Nai-Nai, who is keeping a secret that threatens to change everything, Ruby retraces Ye-Ye's scavenger hunt maps in an attempt to find a way out of her grief--and maybe even find herself"--Provided by publisher.

My Comments Middle school students may relate to the difficulties of dealing with change in friendships. Ruby has lost one friend to moving and another who abandons her for a new group. She is in trouble for leaving school without permission, her parents are busy starting a new business, and she feels guilty about her grandfather's death whom she misses terribly. Ruby feels lost and lonely, but the summer brings new understanding, friendship, and growth.

This is a quiet book, but one with depth. The portrayal of relationships and characters are compelling and keep the book interesting. There is also a bit of adventure when Ruby and her grandmother 'run away' towards the end of the book. Although the book is not difficult, it is a bit long. Give this to thoughtful readers. I did like the book!

THE SEASON OF STYX MALONE by Kekla Magoon

 

The Season of Styx Malone by Kekla Magoon

Realistic Fiction, African American, Adventure, Foster Children, Friendship

297 pages; 2018

ALA Notable Book, Coretta Scott King Honor, Hornbook starred review
NPR, HornBook, Kirkus Reviews, SLJ, Shelf Awareness
Five starred reviews

Description
Meet Caleb and Bobby Gene, two brothers embarking on a madcap, heartwarming, one-thing-leads-to-another adventure in which friendships are forged, loyalties are tested . . . and miracles just might happen.

Caleb Franklin and his big brother Bobby Gene are excited to have adventures in the woods behind their house. But Caleb dreams of venturing beyond their ordinary small town. 

Then Caleb and Bobby Gene meet new neighbor Styx Malone. Styx is sixteen and oozes cool. Styx promises the brothers that together, the three of them can pull off the Great Escalator Trade--exchanging one small thing for something better until they achieve their wildest dream. But as the trades get bigger, the brothers soon find themselves in over their heads. Styx has secrets--secrets so big they could ruin everything. 

Comments

High action, fast-moving plot encompasses serious issues such as foster children, family life, friendship, and much more. It reminds me a bit of Maniac Magee. This would be a fantastic book for group discussions. So glad this was recommended to me by our elementary librarian, Stephanie Spierings!

MOUSE AND HIS DOG by Katherine Applegate and Gennifer Choldenko with illustrations by Wallace West

 

Mouse and His Dog by Katherine Applegate and Gennifer Choldenko

Illustrations by Wallace West

Science Fiction, Animal Fiction, Dog Shelters, Friendship

435 pages; 2024

Description

From Follett

"In Dogtown, a shelter for real and robot dogs, Mouse helps his big-hearted but trouble-attracting best friend Buster find a forever home, and embarks on an adventure with Stewie, a misunderstood dog, and Smokey, a malfunctioning robot dog"--Provided by publisher.

From the Publisher

An Instant NEW YORK TIMES and Indie Bestseller!

Mouse lives in Dogtown, a shelter for real dogs and robot dogs, where the kibble is plentiful, and the rafters hide a secret community of mice. His unlikely best friend is Buster, a big-hearted real dog who attracts trouble like a burr to fur.

Determined to help Buster find his forever home, even if means losing his best pal, Mouse embarks on a bold quest with three of Dogtown's "unadoptables": Buster, Stewie--a huge, lovable dog whose ex-owner said he was mean, and Smokey--a robot dog hardwired with a smoke alarm he can't control.

But Mouse is just a mouse, and the world is big and complicated. How's a little guy supposed to find homes for the dogs he loves?

My Comments

An adorable, heartfelt adventure with a message about responsibility and the importance of caring for pets. It is a bit heartbreaking how Buster is constantly returned to the dog shelter, but his big-hearted mouse knows the importance of friendship, loyalty, and determination. Give to upper elementary and animal lovers of all ages. Another favorite!

IMPOSSIBLE ESCAPE by

Impossible Escape: a true story of survival and heroism in   Nazi Europe by Steve Sheinkin

World War II, Holocaust, Narrative Nonfiction

243 pages; 2023

Description

"A true story of two Jewish teenagers racing against time during the Holocaust--one in hiding in Hungary, and the other in Auschwitz, plotting escape"--Provided by publisher.

School Library Journal starred (August 1, 2023)

Gr 8 Up-Sheinken has penned another must-read with this powerful and harrowing account of childhood friends Rudolf Vrba and Gerta Sidonová, Slovakian Jewish teens who not only survived the Holocaust but fought back against the Nazis. In 1942, when their government announced that Jews were to be deported to "work camps," Rudi was determined not to go and ran away to try to make it to England. He was captured at the Hungarian border and sent to Auschwitz. Due to his age and health, he was spared the gas chambers and sent to work. With cunning, determination, and good luck, he managed to survive, but never stopped thinking about escape. In April 1944, Vrba and friend Alfred Wetzler made an astonishing escape-even though they were near starvation, they walked to Slovakia with a goal to tell the world what was happening in the camps. Their account became known as the Vrba-Wetzler report, which compelled President Roosevelt to intervene with the Hungarian authorities, credited with saving over 200,000 lives. Paralleling Rudi's story, readers learn how Sidonová and her family hid with relatives in Hungary, and her later work with a Hungarian resistance. Sheinkin's unflinching account of the torturous conditions in Auschwitz is chilling and unimaginable, and the escape is heart pounding. This is all expertly interwoven with informative background information making for an absorbing page-turner. This book is well documented with extensive source notes, bibliography, and index; it also includes two diagrams of the camp and black-and-white photos. VERDICT Thoroughly researched with exceptional writing, this riveting narrative is an important addition to Holocaust literature. Highly recommended for all libraries.-Karen T. Bilton © Copyright 2023. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

My Comments

Mind boggling, frightening, inspirational, educational, and a page turner. It's a terrifying adventure. A must for any 8th grade World War II reading list.

IMPOSSIBLE CREATURES by Katherine Rundell

 

Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell

Fantasy, Magical Creatures, Quests

Katherine Rundell | Official Publisher Page | Simon & Schuster

358 pages; 2023

Description

School Library Journal starred (August 1, 2024)

Gr 3-7-An immersive low fantasy in a similar vein to The Chronicles of Narnia, this novel begins with a boy named Christopher who saves a griffin named Gelifen from drowning. Upon seeing the griffin, his grandfather tells him that Christopher is the guardian of the Archipelago: a wondrous world hidden within this one teeming with impossible creatures such as dragons, unicorns, and manticores. However, the creatures are dying. In order to save them and the Archipelago, Christopher goes with Mal, Gelifen's owner, to see why that world is dying and if they can save it. From start to finish, readers embark on a dragon ride with many emotional highs and lows. Both main and supporting characters are fleshed out, making it easy to empathize with them, and character development is enhanced by intense action scenes. Even though the cover is sweet, do not be fooled: Rundell is the George R.R. Martin of middle grade fantasy. Do not give to children who are sensitive to the deaths of beloved characters. Violence occurs throughout the story, but it is never explicit or gratuitous. Though the book will evoke sadness, readers will also be left with some hope. VERDICT A quintessential fantasy that will delight readers of all ages who can handle intense storylines; this will circulate well in public and school libraries alike.-Wilsinia Ocasio © Copyright 2024. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

My Comments

Adventure, magic, friendship, wisdom. Absolutely wonderful. I have recommended this highly to my students, but they haven't taken the bite. I hope someone does soon. It's one of those books that spans a wide age range. Love!

GAME CHANGER by Tommy Greenwald

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Game Changer by Tommy Greenwald

Sports, Football, Hazing, Coma, Feelings, Friendship

287 pages; 2017

Book Trailer

Description

"Thirteen-year-old Teddy Youngblood is in a coma fighting for his life after an unspecified football injury at training camp. His family and friends flock to his bedside to support his recovery--and to discuss the events leading up to the tragic accident. Was this an inevitable result of playing a violent sport, or was something more sinister happening on the field that day? Told in an innovative, multimedia format combining dialogue, texts, newspaper articles, transcripts, an online forum, and Teddy's inner thoughts, Game Changer explores the joyous thrills and terrifying risks of America's most popular sport." - Amazon

My Comments

The format is engaging and portrays what feel like realistic interactions between friends, teachers, and parents. The story is chilling, especially since I have a son who played football through 4 years of college. I don't know if I would have supported that after reading this book. An excellent recommendation for all readers.

I AM NUMBER FOUR by Pittacus Lore

 

I Am Number Four (Lorien Legacies, Book One) by Pittacus Lore

Science Fiction, Extraterrestrial Beings, Friendship, Romance

440 pages; 2010

Description
Extraterrestrials-they were a group of nine. Nine aliens who fled from their home planet of Lorien when it fell under attack by the evil Mogadorians. They scattered on Earth & went into hiding until the day they would be ready to strike back. They look just like ordinary teenagers, but they have extraordinary abilities known amongst their people as Legacies. The Mogadorians still hunt the Loric survivors here on Earth. They caught Number One in Malaysia. Number Two in England. Number Three in Kenya. And they killed them all. They tried to capture Number Four, John Smith--but failed. Now the teenagers are beginning to find each other. And they must all reunite before it is too late.

From Follett

In rural Ohio, friendships and a beautiful girl prove distracting to a fifteen-year-old who has hidden on Earth for ten years waiting to develop the Legacies, or powers, he will need to rejoin the other six surviving Garde members and fight the Mogadorians who destroyed their planet, Lorien.

My Comments

This is an oldie, but a classic sci-fi adventure. Recommend this to anyone who likes Legend by Marie Lu, The Divergents by Veronica Roth, The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, Maze Runner, and others! Couldn't put this down and just ordered a fresh copy for the shelves!