Title: Suee and the Shadow
Author: Ginger Ly
Publisher: Amulet Books
Publication Date: September 19, 2017
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781418725647
For ages: 8+
Type: Juvenile Graphic Novel

Suee is twelve when she transfers to Outskirts Elementary. She’s a loner and has no friends, but doesn’t seem to care to make any. With her black dress and hair swiped to her left, she hears a strange voice coming from the school’s exhibit room. That’s when things get weird. Her shadow comes to life, appearing when she’s angry. Then her classmates turn into zombies-like Zeroes, while her shadow gains powers. Suee investigates to uncover the secret hiding under her two feet.

Ghost story meets Scooby-Do, this page turner will have kids trying to guess at the mystery, twist and turns, until the very last second. Rumour has it – there’s a sequel. Recommend for public libraries “Tween” graphic novel section.

Complete list of Juvenile Fiction Reviews

Title: The Trouble with Chickens (JJ Tully Mystery)
Author/Illustrator:  Doreen Cronin and Kevin Cornell
Publisher:  Balzer + Bray
Publication Date:  January 12, 2012
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 978-0606318006
For ages: 8+
Type:  Juvenile

JJ Tully is a retired search and rescue dog, but he cannot seem to enjoy his retirement. He’s pestered by crazy chickens in his yard: Millicent (he called her Moosh) and her puffy chicks Little Boo and Peep (he called Dirt and Sugar).  When the chicks go missing, JJ Tully, bribed by a cheeseburger, is hired to track them down. But, whose side are the chickens on? Something doesn’t smell right with this case.

JJ Tully is one hard-nosed detective. The book is written in short sentences, making it an easy read for advanced readers. Humour mixed with mystery, this book will make a great read reluctant boys.

Complete list of Juvenile Fiction Reviews

Title: Vampire Trouble (The Bailey City Monsters)
Author/Illustrator:  Marcia Thornton Jones and Debbie Dadey
Publisher: Little Apple
Publication Date:  December 1998
Format:  Paperback
ISBN: 978-0590108461
For ages: 8+
Type: Juvenile

Bailey City is always filled with excitement. When the Haunty family of the Haulty Manor Inn comes into town, rumours start that Madame Hauntly is a vampire. She sleeps in dirt. Wears vampire inspired clothing, and tells interesting stories. But, is she really a vampire?

Bailey City Monsters always puts on a performance in the books. The moral of the story digs deeper – acceptance of those that are different. Great book for ages 8 and up.

Complete List of Juvenile Fiction Reviews

Title: Earthquake in the Early Morning (Magic Tree House)
Author/Illustrator: Mary Pope Osborne
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: July 24, 2001
Format:  Paperback
ISBN: 9780679890706
For ages: 8+
Type:  Juvenile

Jack and Annie are going on an adventure. The Magic Tree House transports them to San Francisco, California in 1906. Shaken by an earthquake, Jack and Annie fight to help Morgan save Camelot before San Francisco is destroyed.

This is my first time reading the Magic Treehouse series and believe it or not, I am hooked. These books merge both fun and education. Plus, it doesn’t help that there’s a librarian involved in the learning. Great books for children ages 8 and up.

Complete list of Juvenile Fiction Reviews

Title: Tonight on the Titanic (Magic Tree House)
Author/Illustrator:  Mary Pope Osborne
Publisher:  Random House Books for Young Readers
Publication Date:  March 23, 1999
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 978-0375808548
For ages: 8+
Type:  Juvenile

The Magic Tree House takes Annie and Jack to the decks of Titanic to help rescue Lucy and William escape the sinking ship. Will Annie and Jack make it back to the Magic Tree House before the Titanic sinks at 2:20 AM?

This book was recommended to me by another librarian and what a suspenseful read! I could just imagine older children reading this and biting their nails. This book is perfect for those who like a combination of mystery and history.

Complete list of Juvenile Fiction Reviews