Upper Elementary/MS Series Fiction – Curious Cat Spy Club; The Quirks; Dance Divas

Posted on January 18, 2016 by pslamediaselectionreview

Singleton, Linda Joy. The Curious Cat Spy Club. Chicago: Albert Whitman, 2015. 978-0-8075-13767. 245 p. $14.99. Gr. 3-6.

Becca lives at the Wild Oaks Animal Sanctuary and has a group of friends known as Sparklers. When Becca is chasing their zorse, Kelsey helps to stop the creature from fleeing by sharing her father’s homemade cookies. Becca is grateful for her help and makes sure that her mother calls Kelsey’s parents so they understand why the cookies did not make it to the Veteran’s Hall. It is the unlikely sound of cats in a dumpster that ties the crew of Kelsey, Becca and then Leo, an aloof boy from their class that loves robots, together. It seems that too many pets are missing. Their club meets in secret at the Skunk Shack. Their friendship will be challenged and also grow as the mystery becomes more intense. Thoughts: This book is the perfect start to a series for upper elementary and middle school readers in need of a detective story that is not overly scary.

Realistic Fiction; Mystery Beth McGuire, Wendover Middle School

Soderberg, Erin. The Quirks and the Quirkalicious Birthday. New York: Bloomsbury, 2015. 978-1-61963-370-4. 199 p. $13.99. Gr. 3-6.

Join the next installment in the series as the twins prepare for their tenth birthday. For the first time, they will have a party and can each invite ten guests since they have been living in Normal, Michigan, for a few weeks. Who will they invite and how will they agree on the location and special events for the party? In their quest to solve the Quikalicius Birthday Hunt from their grandfather, the two will learn how to work together and when to tell a joke. In a way, the series reminds you of Savvy by Ingrid Law as most of the family members have certain powers. Full page and smaller black and white illustrations advance the narrative. Thoughts: With a family and mixed special abilities, I think of this book as a perfect read for students who have older sibling devouring Ingrid Law’s Savvy. With powerful abilities, students could also relate the characters to various comic book characters.

Realistic Fiction Beth McGuire, Wendover Middle School

Berk, Sheryl. Dance Divas: Showstopper. New York: Bloomsbury, 2015. 127 p. 978-1-61963-575-3. $15.99. Gr. 3-6.

Enter the sixth novel in the series as Miss Toni decided that the dancers will have time off during the week of President’s Day. While used to having the finest costumes available, this time the dancers will have to make their own costumes based upon the card they select. Gracie selected the joker card and has difficulty narrowing down her costume. To fuel her dream, Anya and her mother live thousands of miles away from her father and brother. Rochelle and her family invited them over for Christmas, but it wasn’t the same. They are preparing for the dance competition in Las Vegas. Anya and her mother fly out to LAX and learn that her brother passed his driver’s test. During her week, the teacher is practicing merging ballet and hip-hop. At what could be her last performance in Las Vegas with her dance troupe, she learns that her brother was seriously injured when driving. What will happen next? Thoughts: While a sixth in the series, I think a student could read the books in any order and take delight reading the books.

Realistic Fiction Beth McGuire, Wendover Middle School

New for Middle School – All-American Boys and Roller Girl

Posted on January 11, 2016 by pslamediaselectionreview

Reynolds, Jason and Brendan Kiely. All-American Boys: A Novel. New York: Athenum Books for Young Readers, 2015. 978-14814-63331 316 p. $17.99 Grades 7-12.

Two young men attend the same high school but don’t really know each other or the depth of racism in their community until the Friday night they’re both near the same corner shop as they head to different parties. A white woman trips over African-American Rashad, who is misunderstood by an on-duty police officer as assaulting the woman, stealing a bag of chips, then resisting arrest. White “all-American” Quinn is a reluctant witness who flees the scene, then struggles to believe that police officer Paul Galluzzo, father figure to him since his own father died in Afghanistan, could be responsible, and indeed, wrong in his assessment. Rashad is hospitalized, faces his father’s distrust and his brother’s anger at the event, and deals with physical pain and inner turmoil. Internal bleeding keeps him hospitalized, and someone paints a message on the school steps that goes viral: “Rashad is absent again today.” Few people know the full story, but a video shot on a cellphone shows the attack’s brutality. Now Paul’s brother, and Quinn’s friend, must defend his brother, and the basketball team, cautioned by coach to “keep their emotions at the door, play on the floor,” functions as a reflection of the community around them, increasingly ready to erupt at any time. As the days go on, the tension mounts and both Rashad and Quinn are in a no-win situation. THOUGHTS: Well-written by two authors (Jason Reynolds voices Rashad, Brendan Kiely voices Quinn) and perfectly timed to launch much-needed discussions about racial profiling, police brutality, and racism in America, this works well with Kekla Magoon’s How It Went Down, a similar novel told from multiple points of view, where the “truth” comes down to point of view. Highly recommended for middle and high school.

Realistic Fiction Melissa Scott, Shenango High School

Jamieson, Victoria. Roller Girl. New York: Dial Books for Young Readers, 2015. 978-1-489-88662-0. $17.01. 239p. Gr. 4-8.

Astrid and Nicole have been best friends for a long time, so imagine the girls’ surprise when their extra-curricular activities diverge to follow new interests. Astrid can’t fathom the idea. Nicole is suddenly more interested in dance camp and friendlier with Rachel, Astrid’s archenemy. Though she’s not willing to be completely honest with her mother, Astrid beings roller derby camp and attempts to make new friends. With inspirational notes from roller derby’s top skater, Rainbow Bite, Astrid strives to follow her roll model and become a jammer. What she doesn’t realize is that this will be the most rigorous summer of her life, both physically and emotionally. When her lies come to a thrilling pinnacle, she’s shocked to discover Nicole would still cover for her. Jamieson’s clever illustrations mirror Astrid’s emotions, from the war face with the red background and bloodshot eyes to her vision of what could happen at the roller derby, everything from doing fine to falling into a black hole. Readers will relate to Astrid’s struggle with honesty and friendship as well as the anxiety that permeates the teen years. THOUGHTS: A compelling story about friendship, honest, and growing up as Astrid realizes you can follow your dreams and still have a best friend if you’re candid and genuine.

Graphic Novel Christine Massey, JWP Middle School

Jamieson, Victoria. Roller Girl. New York: Dial Books for Young Readers, 2015. 978-1-489-88662-0. 240 p. $17.89. Gr. 4-8.

Astrid’s mom loves to take her daughter and best friend Nicole for “Evenings of Cultural Enlightenment.” Imagine her surprise when Mom takes them to a roller derby match! Astrid immediately falls in love with the fast pace and action of roller derby and decides to go to junior roller derby camp with best friend Nicole. That is until Nicole admits that she’d rather go to ballet camp along with Astrid’s enemy, Rachel. As the summer progresses and Astrid and Nicole pursue separate interests, their friendship also starts to come apart. Astrid quickly realizes that roller derby is much tougher than she expected and so is dealing with a changing friendship. She eventually finds happiness with the outcomes of both, but it’s a bumpy road for derby girl “Asteroid.” THOUGHTS: Jamieson’s authentic voice and quirky sense of humor ring true in dialogue and illustrations in this fantastic middle grade graphic novel. Sure to be a hit.

Jamieson’s debut graphic novel will leave kids begging for more. I had a fifth grade boy thank me for recommending it to him…and it’s largely a story about female characters, which I find is often an unlikely hit with boys. The story is so fresh and classic at the same time, and Jamieson’s artwork is just perfect. Readers really know Astrid and her world by the end of the book. One word of caution: there are a few mild swear words. Read it, relish it, recommend it.

741.5; Graphic Novel Lindsey Long, Nye & Conewago Elementary Schools

New Middle Grades…The Trilogy of Two; Newts; Home is the Place

Posted on December 14, 2015 by pslamediaselectionreview

Malouf, Juman. The Trilogy of Two. New York: G. P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers. 2015. 978-0-399-17114-7. 416p. $15.34. Gr 5-8.

Twelve-year-old identical twins Charlotte and Sonja Tatters have amazing musical talent. They’ve spent their entire lives performing with a travelling circus alongside their adopted mother, Tatty the Tattooed Lady, and their Uncle Tell, the fortune teller. Lately, it seems like the twins’ power over their audience is stronger than normal, and one night, their playing even channels an indoor rainstorm and levitates the entire crowd. When the girls’ musical talent is abruptly stolen and Tatty is kidnapped, the twins learn they are really the Daughters of the Key, and they play an important role in protecting the mythical Seven Edens from greedy Katz von Stralen who is out to rob all the worlds’ children of their talents. Malouf’s vivid storytelling pulls listeners into this fantasy world, leading them through the Outskirts, the Million-Mile-High City, the Golden Underground, and the Forlorn Forest. THOUGHTS: Strong middle-grade readers will enjoy following Charlotte and Sonja on this novel’s three-part adventure, but the amount of world-building necessary for setting the story’s foundation may deter others.

Fantasy Anne Bozievich, Friendship Elementary, Southern York County

TenNapel, Doug. Nnewts: Escape From The Lizards. New York: Scholastic, 2015. 978-0-545-67646-5. 185 pages. $10.95. Gr. 4-8.

The Nnewts, a community of amphibians, live in the the village of Nnewtown. Herk is a young Nnewt who is confined to his home’s spawning pool because his legs are not strong enough to support his body. When Nnewtown is attacked by the evil Lizzarks, Herk’s parents are killed and he is forced to escape. On his journey he meets many new characters who give him the courage to confront the Snake Lord, the villian who replaced his strong legs with weaker legs.

This is the first volume of this new graphic novel series. The illustrations in this book are very enjoyable and complete the story. My students can not get enough of the graphic novel genre, and I believe they will enjoy this storyline as well. THOUGHTS: Herk’s adventures will hold the attention of the most reluctant reader. This book is recommended for any elementary or children’s collection.

Graphic Novel Anastasia Hanneken, School Lane Charter School

Martin, Ann M. Home is the Place. New York: Scholastic, 2015. 978-0-545-35945-0. 215p. $16.99. Gr 4–6.

This book is the final in a quartet of stories that follows four generations of the same family: Abby, Dana, Francie, and Georgia. This volume begins with Georgia’s sixth birthday and follows her for the next twenty years of her life. As her story unfolds, her mother Francie, grandmother Dana, and great-grandmother Abby’s stories intertwine. Georgia also learns some secrets about her great -great-grandmother Nell after discovering her diaries hidden away behind a secret panel in her girlhood home in Maine. Each of the book’s chapters takes place in a different year, and the story culminates with great-grandma Abby’s 100th birthday party celebration. THOUGHTS: Martin’s straightforward storytelling and vivid descriptions bring the past alive while also drawing readers into Georgia’s present-day world. This title will be popular with thoughtful readers who will enjoy tracing the bond between the women in this family from generation to generation. Although this story can stand alone, to be fully appreciated, it should be read with the preceding three volumes.

Historical Fiction Anne Bozievich, Friendship Elementary, Southern York County

YA Crossovers…Circling the Sun; The Night Sister

Posted on December 14, 2015 by pslamediaselectionreview

McLain, Paula. Circling the Sun. New York: Ballantine Books, 2015. 978-0345534187. 384 p. $28.00. Gr. 11 and up.

Paula McLain has again brought to life an enigmatic and engaging woman. As she did in The Paris Wife with Hadley Richardson, McLain tackles the story of a remarkable young woman, whose entertaining and fantastic story was somewhat lost to history. Beryl (Clutterbuck) Markham moved to Kenya with her family when her father decided to begin a new venture as a horse farmer in British East Africa. The novel begins with Beryl watching her mother leave with Beryl’s brother on the train to return to Britain, leaving Africa, and her daughter, behind. Beryl is raised by a series of governesses and then a stepmother, but also becomes close with the local tribe of natives. This nontraditional upbringing reflects in her independent lifestyle. She becomes first a horse trainer, the first female horse trainer in Kenya, and then takes on piloting as well. Though she mingles constantly with the upper class, she is not afraid of hard work and dedicates her life to achieving her many goals. Though there are very adult themes (Beryl’s love triangle with Karen Blixen, author of Out of Africa, and Denys Finch Hatton permeates much of the novel, and sex is constantly discussed), her story will resonate with young adults, who will no doubt be captivated by her independent spirit. Beryl was truly a modern woman, who made her own decisions and led her life the way she wanted, defying the standard views of her time. THOUGHTS: This is a wonderful story to give to students interested in strong females who performed many firsts- while having fun along the way. Highly recommended.

Historical Fiction Lindsey Myers, Shady Side Academy Senior School

I loved The Paris Wife, so I was eager to read McLain’s newest novel. Her writing style is engrossing, and I quickly fell into the story of Beryl Markham. I was astounded by all that she went through and accomplished throughout her life. The scene in which Beryl survives a lion’s attack is particularly captivating, and I was almost on the edge of my seat while reading the exciting text. McLain does an amazing job of highlighting and giving voice to this engaging woman, and I eagerly await her next venture.

McMahon, Jennifer. The Night Sister. New York: Doubleday, 2015. 978-0-385-53851-0. 322p. $25.95. Gr. 10 and up.

The Night Sister by Jennifer McMahon will hold you spellbound as it unfolds across three interwoven timeframes. In the mid-1950s, beautiful Sylvie and awkward younger sister Rose are growing up at their family’s Tower Motel in London, Vermont. In 1989, Rose’s daughter Amy is twelve, living at the hotel and finding adventures with her neighbors, sisters Piper and Margot. That summer, the girls discover both a suitcase hidden inside the motel’s iconic tower and the possibility of a secret 29th room. Then in 2013, a tragic event pulls the storylines together yet again. This is a spooky, multigenerational, maybe-ghost story that borrows elements from Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho and Vertigo, with a touch of gothic romance. For the most part the scares are subtle; the suspense builds slowly but surely with each page. The novel has some of my favorite components of a crossover read: a coming-of-age narrative, the transformative experience of adolescence, the lifelong reverberations of childhood female friendships, and the eventual cost of long-buried family secrets. THOUGHTS: With its ample appeal for teen readers, this adult horror novel is a MUST-READ for teenaged fans of the genre! I look forward to reading whatever Jennifer McMahon writes next!

Horror Amy V. Pickett, Ridley High School

Walk on Earth a Stranger…new YA Historical Fiction

Posted on November 12, 2015 by pslamediaselectionreview

Carson, Rae. Walk on Earth a Stranger. New York: Greenwillow Books, 2015. 978-0-062-24291-4. 448 p. $17.99. Gr. 7-12.

Fifteen year old Leah Westfall lives on a quaint farm in the rural town of Dahlonega, Georgia, with her mother and father. It’s 1849, and word of the California Gold Rush hits the area, exciting locals and sending ambitious prospectors west. Among this excitement, Leah holds dear to a secret; she can feel the presence of gold much like a bloodhound can find a scent. With her “witchy” sense, Leah and her family make a comfortable living, never drawing attention to themselves. But one day Leah arrives home to find her parents robbed and murdered, and her spiteful Uncle Hiram set on exploiting Leah’s gift. Frightened and alone, Leah heads west after her best friend Jefferson, who is half Cherokee. After being robbed again, and often seen as insignificant as a girl, Leah disguises herself as Lee, a runaway boy looking for work. While desperately trying to conceal her gender and her gold sense, Leah also realizes that her Uncle Hiram will do anything in his power to find her. Leah’s journey is both physically and mentally difficult; she experiences rampant racism, sexism, disease, hunger, thirst, stampeding buffalo, and one tricky amputation; all which shape her character and strength. Carson spent time researching the time period and it shows; the story mirrors the taxing but rewarding experience of families headed west during the Gold Rush, while weaving a coherent and exciting story. THOUGHTS Readers will find Leah a smart, empathetic, and strong protagonist, eager to finish the journey with her- and eager for a sequel, too!

Historical Fiction (California Gold Rush) Vicki Schwoebel, Friends’ Central School

My Secret Guide to Paris

Posted on November 12, 2015 by pslamediaselectionreview

Schroeder, Lisa. My Secret Guide to Paris. New York: Scholastic, 2015. 978-0-545-70808-1. $16.99. 224p. Gr. 5-7.

Nora loves everything about Paris, from the dizzying heights of the Eiffel Tower, to the masterpieces of the Louvre. The only thing Nora doesn’t like about Paris is that she has never actually been there. Nora’s beloved Grandma Sylvia is about to change that. She promises Nora the trip of a lifetime to the City of Lights as a very special birthday present. Sadly, Nora’s grandmother unexpectedly passes away before they get to take their trip. Nora is deeply saddened about losing her grandmother, but just as sad that her opportunity to visit Paris has slipped through her fingers. She convinces her mother to take the trip with her. When they get to Paris they uncover a treasure map of surprises, leading them around the city, uncovering a side of her grandmother she—and her mother—never knew. THOUGHTS: If you never wanted to visit Paris, you will change your mind after reading this book. The author takes the reader on a whirlwind tour of the city to places the typical French tourist many not think to visit.

Realistic Fiction Jane Farrell, Dallastown Area Intermediate

French Lesson: “Delightful” is Delicieux. My Secret Guide to Paris is simply that…delightful! Schroeder does such a wonderful job describing French landmarks in this book; the reader feels as if she is actually walking the streets of Paris with Nora.

Sunny Side Up

Posted on November 3, 2015 by pslamediaselectionreview

Holm, Jennifer L. and Matthew Holm. Sunny Side Up. New York: Graphix, 2015. 978-0-545-74166-8. 217p. $12.99. Gr. 3-7.

Sunny Lewin is a ten year old girl growing up in Pennsylvania in the mid-1970s. She is being forced to fly to Florida alone to spend part of her summer vacation with her grandfather. Through flashback chapters, we learn that she is being sent away while her family deals with her older brother’s drug problem. In Florida, she meets another boy whose obsession with comic books rubs off on Sunny. Together, they debate the pros and cons of hiding one’s identity and keeping secrets. Sunny eventually bursts from the strain of keeping her family’s secret and realizes she does not have to keep holding everything inside. The authors’ note at the end explains that the story is somewhat autobiographical and hopes to help children deal with the stress of addiction in their family. Told with warmth and humor, and many detailed nods to the time period (Dorothy Hamill haircuts, Eastern airlines, and metal lunchboxes with a thermos inside!) unpeeling the layers of Sunny’s story through the graphic format is a wonderful experience. Thoughts: Fans of Raina Telgemeier’s books (Smile, Sisters, Drama) and Jennifer Holm’s novels (The 14th Goldfish) will enjoy this one as well.

Graphic Novel Lisa Weiss, Churchville Elementary School

The Way to Stay in Destiny…New Middle Grades Historical Fiction

Posted on November 2, 2015 by pslamediaselectionreview

Scattergood, Augusta. The Way to Stay in Destiny. New York: Scholastic, 2015. 978-0545538244. 592p. $16.99. Gr. 4-6.

In the wake of the Vietnam War, Theo finds himself uprooted from his grandparents when they find themselves too old to care for him. His Uncle Raymond, a Vietnam vet and loner, agrees to take on Theo. Theo gets off the bus in Destiny and lands at Miss Sister Grandersole’s Boarding House and School of Dance, where Uncle Raymond rents a room. Alone during the summer days, Theo meets Annabel, a fellow baseball fan who is avoiding Miss Sister. He also discovers Miss Sister has a beautiful piano. This feel good novel is a great reflection of the time period in which America was at odds with treatment of returning soldiers and defined gender roles. Scattergood uses humor, friendship, and family to create a story of how sometimes places choose people to live there, not the other way around.

A gentle coming of age story about a boy who is defining family and his place in the world, the novel would be geared towards upper elementary school students in grades four through 8. Readers will fall in love with the characters, and the plot is rich in mystery and adventure in Destiny, a town defined by its name.

Historical Fiction (Vietnam War) Brooke Gerlach, Manheim Central MS

New YA Realistic Fiction…Dumplin’; Delicate Monsters; Twisted Fate

Posted on November 2, 2015 by pslamediaselectionreview

Murphy, Julie. Dumplin’. New York: Balzer + Bray, 2015. 978-0-06-232718-5. 384p. $17.99. Gr. 8 and up.

Willowdean Dickson is a typical teenager; she has a best friend, works in a fast-food restaurant, likes a boy, and doesn’t always agree with her mother. Her mother, a past winner of the Miss Teen Blue Bonnet pageant, a Texas tradition, doesn’t understand Willowdean, her “Dumplin’”, and her lack of concern with her weight and appearance. It isn’t until Bo, Will’s crush, shows interest in her, and they being making out regularly, that Willowdean becomes self conscious about her size. Meanwhile, Will and her best friend, Ellen, are growing apart. As Ellen and Will try to figure out what’s happening, it’s time for the Miss Teen Blue Bonnet pageant, and both girls enter, along with a few other “misfits” that follow Willowdean and view her as a leader for them. As the girls befriend one another, they also learn about themselves and their own abilities, while also developing and changing relationships with their families. With the help of a cross-dressing Dolly Parton impersonator, the memory of her aunt, Lucy, and Dolly Parton, Willowdean is able to realize that her insecurities should not keep her from living up to the expectations her aunt Lucy had for her and she had for herself. THOUGHTS: This is a charming novel about perseverance, fear, accomplishment, and the importance of self-esteem, in all aspects of life.

Realistic Fiction Erin Parkinson, Lincoln JSHS, Ellwood City

Dumplin’ is a nice novel, but I did not feel that it lived up to all of the hype. I understand the importance of Southern beauty pageants, but perhaps even I lost some of the focus because I’m not a Texan; I don’t know. It is worth adding to a high school and teen collection because of its message to stay true to yourself, no matter what.

Kuehn, Stephanie. Delicate Monsters: A Novel. New York: St. Martin’s Griffin, 2015. 978-1-25006384-7. 234 p. $17.04. Gr. 9 and up.

This is a strange, unique, compelling story that you just have to keep reading. The main characters, none of them likeable, are each deeply disturbed in different ways. Sadie Su, born into wealth, but sent from boarding school to boarding school because she is violent and shows no remorse, finally is sent home to attend the local public school. There, she meets a childhood friend. It seems she tormented Emerson and his brother Miles when they were young. Now she’s set her sights on Emerson. Emerson carries scars from childhood and is not dealing with his past in a healthy way. His father committed suicide; his distant mother works a lot, and his brother, Miles, is sick all the time. In a strange twist, Sadie ends up looking out for Miles, as he seems more and more mad, seeing visions of destruction in their future. THOUGHTS: This book is so strange. It’s hard to even call it “Realistic” because every character is so damaged. I personally love unreliable narrators and would recommend it to students who like books like We Were Liars.

Realistic Fiction Rachel Gutzler, Wilson High School

Olson, Norah. Twisted Fate. New York: Katherine Tegen Books, 2015. 978-0062272041. 272p. $17.99. Gr. 10 & up.

Allyson is intrigued when new bad boy, Graham moves in next door. For Allyson, who is shy and awkward around people, she feels as though she has found someone to finally share her life. With little friends, Ally struggles socially and with her grades. Sydney, Ally’s sister, is the complete opposite – smoking marijuana, skateboarding in school, getting good grades without studying, and keeping only close friends. She sees Graham as mysterious and dangerous, hoping her sister, Ally, does not fall for the new neighbor. The sisters begin to uncover Graham’s secrets and …

Told in alternating voices from Syd to Ally, and again from the police officers who are reporting on the “incident”, the book is full of plot twists, leaving the reader saying “What? I have to read that again!” Readers intrigued by mental disorders and dark emotions will be pulled into this novel. Because the novel deals in detail with sex and drugs, it is recommended for upper grades 9 through 12.

Realistic Fiction Brooke Gerlach, Manheim Central MS

Beginner Readers…Anna & Elsa: Sisterhood is the Strongest Magic

Posted on October 30, 2015 by pslamediaselectionreview

David, Erica. A Warm Welcome ( Anna & Elsa: Sisterhood is the Strongest Magic series , Book 3). New York: Random House, 2015. 978-0-7364-3289-4. 122 p. $9.99. Gr. 1-3.

Princess Anna and Queen Elsa have set out to help a neighboring queen who they believe is in trouble. They travel to Summer Land, also known as Eldora, to see if the queen needs help controlling her powers of heat and fire, since the rumors state that the land is stuck in eternal summer. Along the way, Olaf keeps everyone cool with his hugs, but Elsa’s magic doesn’t seem to work in this hot, dry land. After crossing a treacherous desert, the friends reach the capital city and find out that all is not as it seems.

This is the third book in the Anna and Elsa: Sisterhood is the Strongest Magic series for beginner readers. These books are popular with the first and second grade crowd. The larger font and colorful illustrations will appeal to a reluctant reader. Frozen books are always popular, but these well written adventures encourage readers to jump from smaller books to a chapter book format. They also have uplifting themes of friendship and caring that make them worthwhile for any beginning reader.

Fantasy Donna Fernandez, Calvary Christian Academy

David, Erica. The Great Ice Engine ( Anna & Elsa; Sisterhood is the Strongest Magic series, Book 4). New York: Random House, 2015. 978-0-7364-3431-7. 123p. $9.99. Gr. 1-3.

There is commotion in the center of town, and Anna and Elsa go to see what is happening. They see Oaken, the large happy store owner we met in the Frozen movie. Oaken has used lots of spare parts to invent an ice cutting machine. When Kristoff sees how fast it is, he challenges Oaken to a contest, man vs. machine. Anna helps Kristoff “train” for the contest. When they finally compete, Oaken and the ice machine are the winners. The next day all of the ice harvesters disappear. Anna ,Elsa and Olaf search for them fearing that they have been kidnapped. Will the snow storms erase their tracks? Will they find them in time?

In this fourth installment of the Anna and Elsa: Sisterhood is the Strongest Magic series, inventive ideas are at the center of the story. Oaken’s Rube Goldberg-like invention is run by his pet mouse, Lars, and put together with a lot of spare parts. When Kristoff loses to the machine, Oaken suggests that they work together to harvest even more ice. This is a good compromise between man and machine. Working together, they ultimately problem solve to save poor Lars the mouse who is exhausted. Frozen meets the Maker movement!