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!

EAGLE DRUMS by Nasugraq Rainey Hopson

Eagle Drums by Nasugraq Rainey Hopson

Fantasy, Mythology, Native Americans, Indigenous People, Survival, Nature, Animals, Alaska, Friendship

Newbery Honor 2024

2023; 245 pages

Description

Kirkus Reviews starred (August 1, 2023)

The Iñupiaq origin story of the Messenger Feast and a boy who was kidnapped by eagles. Throughout Piŋa’s childhood, he was told haunting stories about the dangers of strangers, an unknown presence in the mountains near his family’s sod house, and his missing older brothers, Atau and Maliġu. His mother’s projection of his brothers’ successes onto him combined with his father’s silence, both expressions of their grieving, leave Piŋa wondering, “How can you compete with someone’s memories, anyway?” One day, Savik, who shape-shifts between man and golden eagle, offers Piŋa a choice: death or captivity. Piŋa reflects on the pain his death would cause his parents. He decides to go with Savik and try to return someday. The eagles teach Piŋa singing, drumming, and dancing. He also learns how to build a giant sod house and host a huge feast. The lessons aren’t easy, and his ego is challenged: “I learned not to lead with demands. I learned to lead with connections.” Piŋa struggles with fear and distrust instilled by his family, overcomes self-doubt, and becomes both “creator and learner.” This orally transmitted tale, once banned like the feast it describes, offers a deep connection to rich cultural teachings. Iñupiaq author and illustrator Hopson enhances the story with full-page color illustrations that visually connect readers with Piŋa’s journey and emphasize the importance of connections to nature, spiritual beings, and human relatives. A captivating tale filled with enduring lessons about overcoming the fear of others. (author’s note) (Folklore. 8-12)

My Comments

The beginning of this story is quiet, describing an Inupiaq family, their home, and the emotions following the disappearance of Pinja's two older brothers while hunting in the mountains. It quickly picks up, however, once the boy is captured by an eagle. Every detail from the story's beginning ties into the plot and the boy's feelings throughout the book.

The message of respect for life and community is emphasized, as well as the importance of creating a vision, setting goals, perseverance, and believing in oneself.

This story would lend itself well as a read-aloud and discussion book.

THE EYES & THE IMPOSSIBLE by Dave Eggers

 

The Eyes and the Impossible by Dave Eggers

Fantasy, Animals, Adventure, Friendship

2023; 249 pages

Description

Booklist starred (February 15, 2023 (Vol. 119, No. 12))

Grades 4-7. Johannes has always lived his life as a free dog in a vast park by the sea. Three captive elderly bison are the Keepers of the Equilibrium and overseers of the land, and they’ve dubbed Johannes “the Eyes,” as his agility and observant gaze allow him to notice the park’s happenings and report back to the bison. An assortment of wild animals assists Johannes on his daily intel gatherings, and he’s content in his dear friendships and freedom. But change is afoot: an enormous building containing mesmerizing rectangles is being built, a herd of mysterious creatures has set up shop in a field, and a heroic act brings Johannes intense human scrutiny that impedes his duties as the Eyes. It will require all of Johannes’ ingenuity, kindness, and speed to navigate the new developments while maintaining his precious independence. The utterly delightful book is narrated by a distinctly canine voice similar to the narrator’s in Eggers’ short story “After I Was Thrown in the River and Before I Drowned,” and though Johannes is prone to matter-of-fact bragging and hilarious exaggeration, he’s also capable of profound introspection and appreciation of life’s wonders. Eggers touches on deep topics with a light hand, effortlessly building suspense and a wonderful sense of adventure. A merry reminder to face the truth about the world and ourselves with compassion, curiosity, and joy.

My Comments

One of the BEST books I've ever read. Johannes is the embodiment of joy, curiosity, passion, creativity, and loyalty. He is pure love and innocence. There are so many wonderful parts, but one special thread is his obsession with artwork. He becomes hypnotized whenever he looks at the rectangles in the park and new museum (his word for artwork). The story is heart wrenching, but thankfully the plot ends with an unexpected new opportunity. This would be a special read aloud for elementary level kids and a magical read for ALL ages. A wonderful gift. I am still under the spell. Sequel, please!

THE NOCTURNALS: THE MYSTERIOUS ABDUCTIONS (Book 1) by Tracey Hecht

The Nocturnals: The Mysterious Abductions (Book 1) by Tracey Hecht

Animal Fantasy, Adventure, Mystery, Australia, Endangered Animals, Poachers

220 pages

Description

Booklist (March 1, 2016 (Vol. 112, No. 13))

Grades 4-7. This new series documents the exploits of the Nocturnals, an unlikely trio who protect their fellow jungle denizens from all sorts of calamities—in this adventure, kidnappers. Tobin is a shy pangolin; Bismark is a vainglorious sugar glider; and Dawn is a mysterious, elegant fox. The three eventually locate the captives in a subterranean cave under the control of Boris, a terrifying crocodile. Boris means to enslave the animals and create a winning team for a hockeylike sport that will lure back the humans (“coachers”) who took his family. A Nocs-versus-Crocs game will decide everyone’s fate, until a nerve-wracking shoot-out ends in chaos: Boris is actually talking about poachers, and it becomes clear that his family will never come back. An offer of sympathy and friendship resolves the crisis. The characters are humorous and well developed, and the fast-moving plot features intrigue, unexpected twists, and the innovative hybrid hockey game. Accessible to upper elementary while sufficiently sophisticated for middle school, this new animal fantasy series should prove popular.

My Comments

Advanced elementary-Grade 6. Vocabulary and humor a bit advanced. Readers should be acquainted with the species of animals which are native to Australia. Fast moving and witty with serious undertones of human toll on animals. See Warrior Cat series for similar theme. Young for many sixth graders, but keep in mind according to reader.

 

WHEN YOU TRAP A TIGER by Tae Keller

When You Trap a Tiger by Tae Keller

Fantasy, Korean Americans, Storytelling, Illness, Families

297 pages

Description
Booklist starred (November 1, 2019 (Vol. 116, No. 5))
Grades 3-6. If stories were written in the stars and guarded by tigers, this wondrous tale would be one of the brightest. Lily is happy when she, her mom, and sister, Sam, move, because it means they will spend more time with their grandmother, their halmoni, whose life is full of magic. Halmoni has always told beautiful stories about clever sisters and equally clever tigers—not to be trusted—but Lily soon finds that life is not how she expected it to be. Sam isn’t so happy about the move, and worse, Halmoni is very sick, so when a tiger appears to Lily, offering her a deal, she thinks it could be what saves her grandmother. Lily’s magical-realist world, rooted in Korean folklore, will envelop readers as she deals with growing up and—at times—apart from her sister, finding new friends, and coping with her grandmother's illness. Keller’s characters—from Halmoni, who dresses up to go grocery shopping, to Sam, who hides her own heartbreaks—will have readers wishing they were real. Every chapter is filled with a richness and magic that demands every word be treasured, a heartfelt reminder of the wonder and beauty in our everyday lives. Readers young and old will want to trap this story in a jar forever.

My Comments

Truly wonderous and mysterious. The magic intertwines with the family relationships. The tiger drew me in, but this is a deep story of love, grief and identity. This is not a light book. I believe it could be read by grades 6-8 so am a little mystified that it is targeted for grades 3-6 apart from the age of the main protagonist. A wonderfully magical and complex story.

 

CRENSHAW by Katherine Applegate

Crenshaw by Katherine Applegate

Fantasy, Cats, Homelessness, Poverty

245 pages

Description
Publishers Weekly (June 22, 2015)
Although he is "not an imaginary friend kind of guy," rising fifth-grader Jackson recognizes Crenshaw immediately. The cat, who walks on two legs and likes purple jellybeans, first appeared to Jackson three years ago when his family was living in their van. Although life has been stable since then, Jackson notices "Big piles of bills. Parents whispering. Parents arguing. Stuff getting sold." When he asks his parents if they have "a plan for making everything okay," they respond with evasive answers like "maybe they could plant a money tree in the back yard." Newbery Medalist Applegate (The One and Only Ivan) poignantly conveys Jackson's memory of hunger and homelessness and his realization that both threaten his family again. Certain that he has outgrown Crenshaw, Jackson feels both dismay and wonder that his friend has returned, with his playful, attention-getting antics (taking bubble baths, doing cartwheels and handstands) and thought-provoking answers to Jackson's questions. This accessible and moving novel demonstrates how the creative resilience of a child's mind can soften difficult situations, while exploring the intersection of imagination and truth. Ages 10-14. Agent: Elena Giovinazzo, Pippin Properties. (Sept.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

My Comments
A heartbreaker, but in a gentle way. This is the kind of book that helps the reader truly feel the insecurity and loneliness of poverty, and understand that falling into poverty is not always in a family's control. Jackson's family is loving, but they have to make painful choices. Beautifully written. An important book. So, so important. Recommended for everyone.

 

GRANTED by John David Anderson

Fantasy, Fairies, Magic

325 pages.

Summary

"In a magical land called the Haven lives a young fairy named Ophelia Delphinium Fidgets. Ophelia is no ordinary fairy--she is a Granter: one of the select fairies whose job it is to venture out into the world and grant the wishes of unsuspecting humans every day. It's the work of the Granters that generates the magic that allows the fairies to do what they do, and to keep the Haven hidden and safe. But with worldwide magic levels at an all-time low, this is not as easy as it sounds. On a typical day, only a small fraction of the millions of potential wishes gets granted. Today, however, is anything but typical. Because today, Ophelia is going to get her very first wish-granting assignment. And she's about to discover that figuring out how to truly give someone what they want takes much more than a handful of fairy dust."--Provided by publisher.

My Comments
There are not a lot of middle school books about magic, wishes, and somewhat low tech fairies. They use human technology, but not in the science fiction tech level. This is a great addition and change from the plethora of dystopian, high-action young adult novels. Simply magical! 

THE UNDERNEATH by Kathi Appelt

Animal Tales, Fantasy, Survival, Dogs, Cats, Bayou

Newbery Honor 2009, ALA Notable, Starred Reviews

320 pages. 

From the Publisher (Atheneum Books for Young Readers)
There is nothing lonelier than a cat who has been loved, at least for a while, and then abandoned on the side of the road.
A calico cat, about to have kittens, hears the lonely howl of a chained-up hound deep in the backwaters of the bayou. She dares to find him in the forest, and the hound dares to befriend this cat, this feline, this creature he is supposed to hate. They are an unlikely pair, about to become an unlikely family. Ranger urges the cat to hide underneath the porch, to raise her kittens there because Gar-Face, the man living inside the house, will surely use them as alligator bait should he find them. But they are safe in the Underneath...as long as they stay in the Underneath.

Kittens, however, are notoriously curious creatures. And one kitten's one moment of curiosity sets off a chain of events that is astonishing, remarkable, and enormous in its meaning. For everyone who loves Sounder, Shiloh, and The Yearling, for everyone who loves the haunting beauty of writers such as Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, Flannery O'Connor, and Carson McCullers, Kathi Appelt spins a harrowing yet keenly sweet tale about the power of love -- and its opposite, hate -- the fragility of happiness and the importance of making good on your promises. (the publisher)

My Comments
An intriguing book. Gar-Face is terrifying so consider the reader. A lot of story threads that do manage to come together. Not an easy read. Give to kids who love old folk-tales with magic interwoven. A good read aloud.

APPLEBLOSSOM THE POSSUM by Holly Goldberg Sloan

Animal Fantasy, Opossums; Adventure

"Fans of E.B. White and Dick King-Smith will adore this heartwarming and funny animal adventure by the award-winning author of Counting by 7s

Mama has trained up her baby possums in the ways of their breed, and now it's time for all of them—even little Appleblossom—to make their way in the world. Appleblossom knows the rules: she must never be seen during the day, and she must avoid cars, humans, and the dreaded hairies (sometimes known as dogs). Even so, Appleblossom decides to spy on a human family—and accidentally falls down their chimney! The curious Appleblossom, her faithful brothers—who launch a hilarious rescue mission—and even the little girl in the house have no idea how fascinating the big world can be. But they're about to find out!

With dynamic illustrations, a tight-knit family, and a glimpse at the world from a charming little marsupial's point of view, this cozy animal story is a perfect read-aloud and a classic in the making." (From the publisher)

My Comments
Adorable! Sloan shows the world from a possum's point of view with humor and hair-raising adventures. Kids can probably relate to some of the possum personalities and learn a little animal science a long the way. Very well done. This may be more on the elementary level, but I would recommend it to some sixth graders too.

FLORA AND ULYSSES: THE ILLUMINATED ADVENTURES by Kate DiCamillo

Illustrated by K.G. Campbell

Animal Fantasy; Superheroes; Squirrels; Humor; Divorce
Newbery Winner 2014

"It begins, as the best superhero stories do, with a tragic accident that has unexpected consequences. The squirrel never saw the vacuum cleaner coming, but self-described cynic Flora Belle Buckman, who has read every issue of the comic book Terrible Things Can Happen to You!, is just the right person to step in and save him. What neither can predict is that Ulysses (the squirrel) has been born anew, with powers of strength, flight, and misspelled poetry -- and that Flora will be changed too, as she discovers the possibility of hope and the promise of a capacious heart. From #1 New York Times best-selling author Kate DiCamillo comes a laugh-out-loud story filled with eccentric, endearing characters and featuring an exciting new format -- a novel interspersed with comic-style graphic sequences and full-page illustrations, all rendered in black-and-white by up-and-coming artist K. G. Campbell." (From the publisher)

My Comments
A fun and incredibly creative book. I kept thinking, "How did DiCamillo ever come up with this story?" But it works! The reader sees the world from the perspective of the squirrel and Flora in a way that makes total sense.

That said, it's not for every reader. I would give it to kids who want to laugh and be surprised. There is a dark, almost Roald Dahl shadow to this story, however, in the relationship of Flora with her mother who has distanced herself from Flora. But there is resolution, love, and understanding at the end.

THE CAPTURE by Katherine Lasky

Guardians of Ga'hoole series. Book One.

Animal Fantasy; Owls; Good and Evil; Survival

"Soren, a barn owl that is captured and taken to a special school for orphaned owls, is befriended by elf owl Gylfie and together the two set out to discover what is really going on at St. Aegolius Academy." (Publisher's description)

My Comments

This has been a standing favorite for years with my students. It is easy enough for many readers, but the theme of good versus evil may be interpreted on different levels, thus extending the recommended reading level of this story and providing excellent discussion questions for classroom reading. For example, the consequences of standing up to evil are often fatal, and a malevolent leader may not want the owls - the people - to think for themselves.

This is a pretty solid winner for most middle school students.

MRS. FRISBY AND THE RATS OF NIMH by Robert C. Brien

Old Favorite. Love, love, love this one!
animal fantasy; courage

"With nowhere else to turn, a field mouse asks the clever escaped lab rats living under the rosebush to help save her son, who lies in the path of the farmer's tractor, too ill to be moved." (Follett Description)

My Comments
'This story pulls you in with the gentle, but oh so brave and loyal little mouse, Mrs. Frisby. Old fashioned courage and family love. It's a tearjerker at the end. Beautiful descriptive writing.