Middle Grade Shorts

Middle Grade Shorts is a new random feature that is basically replacing any Book Views. Instead, I'll be reviewing any Middle Grade fiction novels I've read in a shorter format. They'll still be rated, it's just a nicer way to get my feelings out quicker about all the middle grade fiction I've been reading or listening to.

Title: Hereville: How Mirka Got Her Sword
Author: Barry Deutsch
Publication Date: November 2010
Genre: Middle Grade Graphic Novel
Copy provided by: School Library
Summary (via Goodreads):

Spunky, strong-willed eleven-year-old Mirka Herschberg isn’t interested in knitting lessons from her stepmother, or how-to-find-a-husband advice from her sister, or you-better-not warnings from her brother. There’s only one thing she does want: to fight dragons!

Granted, no dragons have been breathing fire around Hereville, the Orthodox Jewish community where Mirka lives, but that doesn’t stop the plucky girl from honing her skills. She fearlessly stands up to local bullies. She battles a very large, very menacing pig. And she boldly accepts a challenge from a mysterious witch, a challenge that could bring Mirka her heart’s desire: a dragon-slaying sword! All she has to do is find—and outwit—the giant troll who’s got it!

A delightful mix of fantasy, adventure, cultural traditions, and preteen commotion, Hereville will captivate middle-school readers with its exciting visuals and entertaining new heroine.

The Short of It: First of all, this graphic novel is beautifully illustrated. It's a fantastic story that is from a point of view that you don't see a lot - from that of a Jewish girl. I love the attitude of Mirka and how eventually she has to defeat the troll in the end. Hoping for more graphic novels about this brave girl.

Rating: 5/5 Roses

Title: The Unusual Suspects
Author: Michael Buckley
Publication Date: April 2007
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Copy provided by: School Library
Summary (via Goodreads):

In book two of the series, the Sisters Grimm start school at Ferryport Landing Elementary. Daphne’s lucky enough to get Snow White for a teacher—she loves little people—but poor Sabrina’s stuck with Mr. Grumpner and a class of mildly psychotic sixth graders. When Mr. Grumpner is found hanging in a spider’s web, it is up to the Grimms to find the Everafter who did it. If only Sabrina can get over her distrust of all fairy-tale folk. But how can she trust those who just might be responsible for the disappearance of her parents?

The Short of It: A great follow-up to the first novel. Sabrina is dealing with a lot of issues - such as treating all fairy tales as if they are evil. It's going to take her a few more books I believe before she gets over it. Another daring adventure, with some new characters and the introduction of formal schooling thrown into the mix. Definitely another fun addition to a great series.

Rating: 5/5 Roses

Title: Elliot and the Goblin War
Author: Jennifer Nielsen
Publication Date: October 2010
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Copy provided by: School Library
Summary (via Goodreads):

Debut author Jennifer Nielsen serves up goblins like you've never seen (or smelled) before.

As of today, there are only seven children who have ever read this book and lived to tell about it. Ninety five children successfully read the first chapter, but upon beginning Chapter Two, they started blabbering in some language known only as "flibberish," which makes it very hard to tell their parents why they can't finish their homework. The only thing known for sure about those who read the final chapters of this book is that something in Chapter Fifteen seems to make body parts fall off. Read it now, if you dare. But don't say you haven't been warned, for this is the story that unfolds the mysteries of the Underworld.

The Short of It: A seriously hilarious new addition to an action-packed fantasy adventure. I love that the narration is so tongue and cheek and warns you away from the novel altogether - reminds me a bit of Lemony Snicket's series in that aspect. I think this new series has everything kids want, something gross, something hilarious and something full of adventure. Definitely a series I will be recommending to my students.

Rating: 5/5 Roses

Title: Zita the Spacegirl
Author: Ben Hatke
Publication Date: February 1, 2011
Genre: Middle Grade Graphic Novel
Copy provided by: School Library
Summary (via Goodreads):

Zita’s life took a cosmic left turn in the blink of an eye.

When her best friend is abducted by an alien doomsday cult, Zita leaps to the rescue and finds herself a stranger on a strange planet. Humanoid chickens and neurotic robots are shocking enough as new experiences go, but Zita is even more surprised to find herself taking on the role of intergalactic hero. Before long, aliens in all shapes and sizes don’t even phase her. Neither do ancient prophecies, doomed planets, or even a friendly con man who takes a mysterious interest in Zita’s quest.

Zita the Spacegirl is a fun, captivating tale of friendship and redemption from Flight veteran Ben Hatke. It also has more whimsical, eye-catching, Miyazaki-esque monsters than you can shake a stick at.

The Short of It: Another fantastic graphic novel that I think my students are going to love. Zita is horsing around with a friend of hers when they discover a large hole and strange device. When she presses the button on the device, her best friend gets sucked into a different world and she runs after him. This world is going to explode in three days, so she must find a way to save him and head home safely. The graphics were fantastic and the story even more so.

Rating: 5/5 Roses