Spirit Animals: Fall of the Beasts #3: The Return by Varian Johnson reviewed by Debra Gantz

Summary: If you like longer series with riveting characters, action, danger, adventure, and majestic animals, this Spirit Animals series is for you! Follow Conor, Abeke, Meilin, and Rollan as they seek to stop the Wyrm that is taking over humans and spirit animals with only destruction in mind. There are many characters to meet along the way and many communities to learn about. Be sure to check that map at the beginning of the book for a better understanding of your journey. (Though the online game is no longer supported since 2025, the books do stand alone as engaging stories to enjoy.) 

Straight Talk for Librarians: First: the online component is no longer available, but that does not negate that this book and the series Fall of the Beasts is well written. Secondly, the Spirit Animals series as a whole seems to have waned in popularity. The connection of the books to a game online was huge for a bit. Since I am not drawn by online gaming, I focus only on the books themselves. The characters are consistent book to book despite the series being written by different authors. Varian Johnson is stellar at the scenes of violence and danger. He manages to expose the character flaws at just the right time for the heroes of the story to save the day. These would make great read alouds. I love the map included for reference. I have some students who won't read a Fantasy book without a map. Though the animals are not all cute and cuddly looking like the Panda on the cover art, they are all cunning, loyal, and fascinating as support characters to the young warriors as they continue their quest to defend and save the Evertree. I am trying to figure out why this series is not as popular as it once was and after having read Fall of Beasts, I will have to book talk it, again. It is a great adventure with interesting characters and animals bonded to them. There is literally nothing to not like.

Alice Jones: The Impossible Clue written by Sarah Rubin and reviewed by Debra Gantz

Summary: This is a fabulous mystery for elementary or middle schools where the genre is needed. The main character is teased by a classmate and another classmate fawns on her and neither are classmates she wants to hang with, but the mystery requires it. (The way that becomes clear is itself fascinating.) Her father is a news writer and allows her to work through a missing person in their town (as long as he gets the scoop, of course). The danger is real, the money involved in the scandal of a missing scientist is massive, and the loyalty of the sleuth to her classmates is palpable. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: Mystery genre is a big one in my elementary schools. I have trouble finding mysteries that my students will engage with enough for the unit taught. I now will be checking out all of Sarah Rubin's mysteries as this one worked so very well. Alice Jones is a likeable character with very real feelings about middle school and her classmates. She loves to solve mysteries. She does not have time in her life for nonsense, including spit balls thrown by others at her. Alice is a twin, but her twin lives with their Mom while Alice lives with their Dad. Her twin is an actress and they butt heads whenever they are together. Since her twin is there for the summer, Alice is feeling all her feelings. It does not take long for Alice to recognize that the villain in this mystery may not be the person who kidnapped the scientist. Uncovering the information puts Alice and her family and friends in grave danger. I especially liked that the conclusion is not perfectly orchestrated as solutions to big problems rarely are neat. I could not put this one down.

The Willoughbys Return written by Lois Lowry and reviewed by Debra Gantz

Summary: The kids from the original book have grown up. They think very little about their long missing parents and know nothing about how their parents have somehow thawed out. In a bit of a parallel story readers see how Richie, son of the eldest Willoughby, Tim, is not managing well the failure of the family chocolate company and his father needing to slow down on buying him whatever he has ever wanted. Next door to them is a family named Poore who is quite poor. The husband is traveling west to sell his outdated encyclopedias and to gather rocks for his daughter who loves rocks. The stories begin to intermingle when Mrs. Poore takes on the thawed Willoughby couple and feeds them poisonous leaves as salad. She has no phone, so she has to go to the mansion when Tim lives to use that phone and get medical help. The antics of the thawed Willoughbys who have missed 30 years of advancements in technology and communication as well as those of Mr. Poore who takes the term bumbling idiot and makes it seem complementary are quite amusing. I believe students would love the frustrations about technology advancements and it would offer great opportunity to extend that study to any decade, so students better understand the changes in lives due to technological inventions. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: Truth be told, I struggled with the first book. Perhaps I could not fathom the amount of dry wit in a book for kids. For whatever reason, I never book talked it in my 2 elementary school libraries. This sequel reads similarly to the original book but went so much more smoothly for me. The language use, as expected in a Lowry book, is exceptional and often the dry commentary of the adults and the wit of the children produce great laughs. The first book has a movie, but no movie has been made from this 2020 sequel. I could easily see English teachers use this book to talk about expressive written language and to increase vocabulary in both oral and written language for their students. The social commentary is also unique and may appeal to many subject level teachers. Just think if the government banned candy and how it would affect our world! Think about if global warming could thaw out the absurdly quirky Willoughby parents who froze while climbing a mountain? That could lead to some wonderful writing about what else could regain life after being frozen. My students love I wonder if kinds of writing and this book certainly gives them much to think about. Finally, the technical advancements in the 30 years that the Willoughbys have been frozen are astronomical and I am certain my students will find their shock and amazement quite amusing. I have never liked a sequel more than the original book before now. I should not have been shocked that Lois Lowry penned the first sequel that I like better than the original story.

Ten: A Soccer Story written by Flint Shamini and reviewed by Debra Gantz

Summary: Maya is 11 years old and obsessed by soccer. In Malaysia where she lives, soccer is for boys. Maya is not okay with that. She knows the national teams. She watches all the games, not just the World Cup games. She has a favorite player. Yes, Zico, her favorite player does not make a penalty shot that could have kept his team playing, but she still thinks he is the best. Maya and her brother Rajiv know something is amiss at home with their parents. They are terribly sad when it becomes clear they were right. So, Maya now has to create a girls soccer team, get them the support they need for uniforms and field time, and save her family. 

 

Straight Talk for Librarians: First up is the soccer fanaticism which will appeal to many students since we just had another World Cup in 2026. Secondly the race/cultural issue: Maya lives in Malaysia in a very small town. Her town is very patriarchal, she goes to a religious school where she stands out, her parents are a mixed race/culture marriage, and her grandmother is always going on how the kids and that marriage embarrasses her. Books including many races and cultures can be quite appealing to students wanting to understand others around them. Finally teen angst: both Maya and Rajiv have feelings of duty to their families, but Maya also has a strong frustration with her place in society. She does not want to stay quiet and meek as her grandmother seems to want her to be. She wants to be a soccer player, though she has only watched it on TV. She wants to learn to speak up for her dream, encourage others to join her, and find a way to be taken seriously. That is very much the thinking process in middle grade books. How can kids be true to themselves despite family, school, and society norms? Maya finds herself in this story and it is lovely to join her on this ride.

Styx and Stones written by Gary D. Schmidt and Ron Koertge, reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: Styx and Stones, by Gary D. Schmidt and Ron Koertge, is a fantasy adventure that blends Greek mythology with modern life. Simon, a boy who died in ancient Greece thousands of years ago, has spent centuries in the Underworld trying to escape Hades. After countless failed attempts, he finally succeeds, only to materialize naked in a middle school bathroom in Minnesota. There, he meets Zeke, a lonely seventh grader on the social fringes, and an unlikely friendship forms. As Simon learns to navigate this bewildering modern world, he helps Zeke discover the true meaning of friendship and belonging. But when Hades sends a demon to reclaim Simon, their newfound bond faces a dangerous test. This coming-of-age adventure explores themes of courage, identity, and the transformative power of friendship, all wrapped in mythology and high-stakes action. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: Middle grade readers will connect with Styx and Stones because it captures the heart of what makes friendships meaningful. Both Simon and Zeke are outsiders searching for connection, Simon is literally from another world, while Zeke feels invisible in his own. Their friendship feels authentic and earned, not forced. The humor works on multiple levels: Simon's confusion about modern life (like ending up naked in a bathroom) creates genuinely funny moments, while his ancient wisdom offers unexpected laughs when contrasted with middle school drama. I love the Greek mythology woven throughout; with familiar figures like Cerberus, Sisyphus, and Persephone. The story balances adventure and action with quieter moments of kindness and understanding, showing that one person's compassion can truly matter. It's a book that entertains while also making readers think about what friendship really means. I think this book will fit the Young Teen Lit category.  I think it might be a hit with boys with the bathroom humor and before they get into longer books like Percy Jackson.  School librarians can use it as a bridge text—accessible enough for struggling readers but sophisticated enough to spark meaningful discussions about mythology, social class, and what it means to truly see another person. The book pairs well with classical mythology units and could complement courses in English, social studies, or even philosophy. Its exploration of how one individual can create positive change makes it valuable for discussions about character and leadership.  There was a positive depection of a teacher and some negative depections of some parents.  I think some of the reviews are harsh in terms of a few swear words and that it's not realistic (or completely out there).  I think middle grade readers will easily embrace any absurdness and enjoy the ride.

The League of Dangerous Young Ladies written by J.A. Morgenstein and reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: The League of Dangerous Young Ladies by J. A. Morgenstein is a thrilling YA fantasy adventure that blends mystery, supernatural elements, and found family themes. Set in 1909, the story follows Rose Moriarty, the teenage daughter of Sherlock Holmes' greatest enemy, who leads a group of exceptional young women—each descended from famous literary villains. When Rose learns that her beloved headmistress is dying, she reunites with her found family to embark on a dangerous adventure. Alongside the mysterious Count Christoph, his ward Clara, and other allies, Rose must solve multiple mysteries, hunt supernatural threats, and navigate her complicated past. The novel weaves together elements of classic literature with modern storytelling, featuring witty banter, high-stakes heists, emotional depth, and surprising plot twists. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: YA readers will enjoy this book for several reasons. The protagonist, Rose Moriarty, is a smart, capable female lead who earns respect through determination rather than being handed authority, a journey that resonates with teen readers navigating their own paths. The cast of diverse, lovable characters forms a found family dynamic that feels authentic and heartwarming, with each girl bringing unique abilities and personalities that complement one another. The clever literary references and name-dropping of iconic characters from classic literature (Sherlock Holmes, Dracula, Frankenstein, Dr. Moreau) create a delightful Easter egg hunt for readers familiar with these works, while remaining accessible to those encountering them for the first time. The fast-paced, engaging plot balances humor with genuine emotional stakes; grief, trauma, and loss are handled with maturity and sensitivity. Romance elements are present but not overwhelming, allowing the focus to remain on friendship and adventure. This book is an excellent addition to high school library collections and can be used for independent reading, paired with classic literature units (Sherlock Holmes, Frankenstein, Dracula) to introduce students to how contemporary authors reimagine and reinterpret canonical works. It could also be a good book club choice. The character development, themes of legacy and agency, and plot twists provide  discussion opportunities. I enjoyed this book and found myself saying "what is happening?" a few times.  The bug men are wild, but they somehow work.  I was not expecting the twist at the ending.  Mind blown.  This book crosses a lot of genres and is a fun read from a debut author.  I should also add that I really liked the cover.  It definitely drew me in.

Flirting with Murder written by Amanda Sellet and reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: Flirting with Murder is a unique YA mystery-romance that blends amateur sleuthing with romantic tension. High school junior Virginia Tillis spends her summer at her grandmother's quirky Florida condo, Castle Claude, where a group of retired theater actors stage elaborate murder mystery games called "Killing Me Softly." When a real death disrupts their community and a body is discovered, Virginia teams up with Felix, grandson to one of the other condo residents, to solve the mystery. As they investigate, their competitive banter evolves into genuine chemistry. The story balances humor, heart, and intrigue, featuring witty dialogue, endearing secondary characters, and a unique setting that grounds the mystery in warmth and personality. 

Straight Talk for Librarians:  Readers will connect with the authentic romantic tension between Virginia and Felix, whose banter captures the awkwardness and humor of first crushes. The story explores relatable teen themes, navigating family dynamics, aging grandparents, and fitting in, all while celebrating intergenerational friendships. The premise is genuinely fun: a retirement community that stages murder mysteries provides endless humor and personality. Virginia's voice is playful and self-aware, making readers feel like they're in on the joke. The mystery keeps pages turning without requiring dark or complex plotting, making it perfect for readers who enjoy lighter, character-driven stories over high-stakes suspense. This title could work well for reluctant readers and those bridging juvenile and adult fiction, offering an accessible entry point into mystery and romance genres. It pairs naturally with Thursday Murder Club for book clubs or genre studies. It is appropriate for diverse age groups within a high school setting. Librarians can recommend it to students seeking cozy mysteries, romantic comedies, or stories celebrating found family and community. Its humor and charm make it an excellent choice for summer reading programs and for promoting genre diversity in YA fiction.

Fancy Dogs written and illustrated by Tini Malina and translated by Tammi Reichel, reviewed by Klaudia Janek

 

Summary: Fancy Dogs is a fun and funny rhyming picture book celebrating dogs in all their glory—fancy and silly alike. The striking (mostly) three-color illustrations are beautifully stylized and reinforce the playful text, captivating young readers with a retro vibe.  The story starts by showing and writing how the main character dog is fancy.  Then it goes on to show how the dog still has to be an everyday dog.  

Straight Talk for Librarians: In the classroom, teachers can use it to explore IB PYP themes of identity and community, discussing how we appreciate others despite their quirks. The rich vocabulary—including words like taboo, gnaw, and prance—sparks meaningful language conversations. With its perfect blend of visual appeal, clever rhyming structure, and sophisticated word choices, Fancy Dogs will make for a good read aloud.This German translation deserves a place in elementary school libraries for its engaging rhythm, perfect for echo reading and early literacy development. It also made my 11 year old laugh out loud at a few page spreads, so it might even be a hit with slightly older readers.

Thanks to NetGalley, NorthSouth books for an ARC of this book.  It will be available for purchase on October 6, 2026.

Dinosaurs Roar: Lift-the-Flap and Discover written and illustrated by Steve Jenkins reviewed by Klaudia Janek

 

Summary: Chomp into Steve Jenkins’s lively board book: bright cut-paper illustrations, bold action verbs, lift-the-flaps, and simple nonfiction facts introduce toddlers to dinosaurs and their lives long ago in an engaging, sturdy format. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: This book fits well in an elementary library program as a hands-on read-aloud for preschool and primary classes, supporting storytime, dinosaur-themed units, and early nonfiction skills; keep near picture-book displays and pair with related nonfiction titles.

Use this book as an inquiry starter for early PYP units on sharing the planet or how things change. Its vivid images and lift-the-flaps invite wonder and provocation: ask “What do we notice?” and “How do we find out more?” Use it during transdisciplinary read-alouds to model stakeholder voices (curiosity of young learners), and to spark formative questions for research lines (e.g., How do scientists learn about the past?). A dinosaur lover will enjoy this book because its bright, realistic cut-paper illustrations bring each species to life, the bold action words invite roaring and movement.  Fun times for all ages!

Lizzy Longlegs written by Kai Lüftner, translated by Tim Mohr and illustrated by Wiebke Rauers, reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Lizzy Longlegs comes from a stern musical family that insists on playing every note the same way, without smiles or dancing. Lizzy, a punk-spirited little spider, longs to feel music in her body and to improvise and move. Tired of rote performances, she secretly organizes a lively music festival that fills her family home with diverse instruments, dancing, and joy. At first her relatives are shocked, but the contagious energy of the festival opens their hearts. By the end they loosen up and discover that music can be both precise and full of feeling. The story, told in playful rhyming verse and quirky illustrations, celebrates individuality, creativity, and the many ways people can experience music. 

I loved this book as a reader and a musician! Lizzy’s yearning to improvise and to feel the beat resonates with anyone who’s wanted to move beyond strict interpretation. The festival scene captures the transformative power of communal music-making and shows how diverse musical approaches can coexist and enrich one another. In a school library setting this book supports IB PYP transdisciplinary inquiry by connecting who we are (identity, creativity), how we express ourselves (arts), and how we organize ourselves (community events). It prompts open-ended questions and opportunities for student-led investigations into cultural music practices, improvisation, and performance etiquette. Music teachers can use the book to launch units on improvisation and listening by comparing strict vs. expressive performances. They can facilitate ensemble activities where students experiment with style, tempo, and movement. All teachers can encourage interdisciplinary projects—designing a class “music festival” that integrates art, language, and social studies. Promote social-emotional learning: empathy, respect for different musical tastes, and collaboration. The illustrations blend vintage, Regency-inspired settings with a playful punk aesthetic, using bold colors and quirky details that give each insect character clear personality. The lively, textured artwork enhances the book’s humor and emotional beats, inviting readers to linger on expressive faces and inventive costume choices.  I think most readers will enjoy this book!  A great choice for any library serving elementary aged readers.

Mayhem at the Museum written and illustrated by Hannah Brückner translated by Laura Watkinson and reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: During a museum visit, Yuri is startled by a parakeet and accidentally knocks down a giant dinosaur skeleton. At first Yuri feels humiliated and sure the damage is a catastrophe. He calms himself by taking deep breaths and then asks for help. Visitors of all ages and backgrounds—children, adults, tall, short, and people with different abilities—come together to sort the bones, follow a careful plan, and rebuild the dinosaur. The community’s teamwork turns embarrassment into a surprising, magnificent result that delights everyone. It has a beautiful 4 page pull out spread of the completed dinosaur.

Straight Talk for Librarians: Children should read this book because it models healthy emotional regulation and the power of asking for help. Yuri’s simple strategy—pause, breathe, and seek support—shows kids a practical way to manage fear and shame. I like that some of the rhymes were able to stay in the translation.  The playful language and detailed illustrations invite close looking, build observational skills, and spark curiosity about museums and science. In a school library, this book supports social-emotional learning and cooperative play. It pairs well with a display on community helpers or museum visits and can prompt group activities where students practice calm breathing and collaborative problem-solving. Yuri feels what he did was a major life catastrophe, but after a while the author reassures the reader that the catastrophe was not as bad as it first seemed. The book aligns well with the IB Learner Profile trait “Communicator,” as characters share ideas, listen, and work together to rebuild what was broken.  It's a lovely book for any school or public library.  Perfect for dinosaur enthusiasts!  Highly Recommended.

Winterborne Home for Mayhem and Mystery written by Ally Carter and reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: April is back with her four fellow orphans—Sadie, Violet, Colin, and Tim.  It's a few weeks after the first book and they are living at the sprawling Winterborne House under the care of reclusive billionaire Gabriel Winterborne. Secretly, Gabriel is the Sentinel, a sword-wielding vigilante whose hidden chamber and legacy of crime-fighting fascinate the children. When caretakers leave and a social worker arrives, supervision unravels; Gabriel’s sudden disappearance leaves the household vulnerable. A masked intruder in Sentinel costume attacks, secrets surface, and April leads the squad on a dangerous hunt to find Gabriel and protect their found family. Along the way, April confronts unsettling truths about her birth parents and wrestles with deep fears of abandonment. The group navigates break-ins, chases, injuries, and betrayals while piecing together decades-old mysteries tied to the Winterborne legacy. Tension escalates through twists, revelations, and emotional reckoning as April discovers that loyalty, chosen family, and courage may matter more than blood. Action-packed and emotionally charged, the sequel deepens character relationships while expanding the series’ mysteries.

Straight Talk for Librarians: This is a series where you definitely have to read the first book.  As soon as I finished the first one, I dove into this one.  There were so many twists and turns in this continuation, along with a few new characters.  The characters are quirky -- Gabriel's grumpiness will make readers laugh out loud.  There are quite a few dangerous situations, which will get your heart pumping.  The kids work to unravel the Winterborne family mystery.  April learns about her birth parents (crazy twists) and the bonds between this found family keeps growing.  It does not seem like there is a 3rd book in this series.  I think the ending is resolved, but with some possibility for a future book???

This title supports curricular and social-emotional goals: it encourages critical thinking (solving clues), ethical reflection (right vs. wrong in vigilantism), and empathy for children in care. Its accessible middle-grade voice and fast pacing engage reluctant readers and foster sustained reading stamina. The book connects to several IB Learner Profile attributes: Inquirers: characters investigate mysteries and ask questions. Thinkers: the children analyze clues and plan rescues. Caring: the found-family theme models compassion and responsibility for others.  I think it's a great choice for middle school library collections.  There are some content notes about themes of abandonment, injury and depictions of violence so we can guide some sensitive readers.  Overall, super fun!

Winterborne Home for Vengeance and Valor #1 written by Ally Carter and reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: Twelve-year-old April is a scrappy foster kid who was left as an infant with an ornate key and a promise her mother would return. When she recognizes the key’s crest at a new Winterborne family museum, her attempt to investigate starts a fire that lands her in the hospital—and ultimately at Winterborne House. There she joins four other parentless children: Violet, a shy artist; Tim, her protective foster brother with a troubled past; Sadie, an inventive genius; and Colin, a clever London-born con artist. The sprawling cliffside mansion once belonged to the Winterborne family; its missing heir, Gabriel, vanished a decade earlier after tragedy struck his household. As the children settle in, strange things happen: a masked Sentinel prowls the night, April’s key is stolen, and secret passages hide someone watching from the shadows. There are family secrets, a greedy uncle, and the fate of the estate hangs in the balance. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: Fast-paced, page-turning mystery with short chapters and cliffhangers that engage both reluctant and avid readers. Features a diverse ensemble of resourceful kids—each with distinct skills and personalities—offering multiple entry points for young readers to connect. Combines puzzle-solving, secret passages, and daring action with humor and emotional moments about belonging and loyalty. Stakes are age-appropriate: suspense and danger without gratuitous detail. Strong appeal for fans of mystery, ensemble adventures, and found-family stories; good for circulation and readers’ advisory. I really enjoyed this book and once I started, I could not put it down.