An enjoyable paranormal mystery imbued with social commentary.
Three middle school social outcasts find hidden clues to an unsolved mystery during a field trip to an abandoned prison.
A school field trip takes a group of seventh graders to an island prison that hasn’t been visited in over 50 years. Three of them—White soccer player Tori, Korean American aspiring horror filmmaker Marvin, and anxious Black science buff Noah—decide to stay behind on Raven Island instead of returning with their class. They investigate a 1972 prison break by three inmates while waiting for the ferry to return the following morning. Also involved in their quest are Ms. Chavez, the owner of the island and daughter of the prison’s last warden; some resident ravens; and a few ghosts that the kids can see—but that are not visible to the host of a ghost-hunting TV show who is also present on the island. Complicating matters is the discovery of a dead body. There is an overall tone of real and imagined horror throughout. The topics of excessively harsh sentencing, inhumane treatment of prisoners, and profiteering by the prison system are woven into the story. The island itself, reluctant to release its secrets or people, is spookily personified: Trees whisper to the three friends, plants attack them, and the passage of time seems to shift. Horror devices and skillful pacing are employed to great effect.
An enjoyable paranormal mystery imbued with social commentary. (author’s note, resources) (Mystery. 9-13)Pub Date: Aug. 23, 2022
ISBN: 978-0-593-40463-8
Page Count: 320
Publisher: Viking
Review Posted Online: May 9, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2022
BOOK REVIEW
A coming-of-age tale that is both comforting and wonderfully peculiar.
As a girl struggles to navigate adolescence, she finds support from an unlikely source.
In this graphic novel, 12-year-old Lora Xi finds herself increasingly isolated. While her best friend and her classmates seem obsessed with parties, boys, and texting, her interests have remained fixed on witches, ghosts, and nostalgic activities of childhood. While throwing herself a séance tea party in the attic, she discovers a ghost, a girl about her age, named Alexa. The two become fast friends, with Alexa gently prodding Lora to reach out to peers and slowly engage in more social events. The energetic, flowing graphics embellished with colorful details reveal complex narratives for both characters. With the help of some old friends, Alexa eventually discovers more about her long-forgotten past, having lived in the same town 50 years prior. Lora finds the courage to participate in more social events while staying authentic. But the two friends gradually find their goals diverging, which leads to an emotional climax. While this is Yee’s middle-grade debut, she is a veteran of comic books, and it shows. She artfully balances complex character arcs and suspense while bringing a touch of fantasy and wonder without overcrowding the plot. Lora is of Chinese descent, and Alexa is White; Lora’s middle-class North American community is vibrantly diverse.
A coming-of-age tale that is both comforting and wonderfully peculiar. (author's note) (Graphic fantasy. 9-12)Pub Date: Sept. 15, 2020
ISBN: 978-0-593-12532-8
Page Count: 272
Publisher: Random House
Review Posted Online: June 15, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2020
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
A lively, appealing addition to the genre.
A middle schooler and her friends spring into action when their new friend goes missing in Bayron’s middle-grade series opener.
Malika “Boog” Wilson and friends Cedrick and Jules are students at Victor Garcia Middle School. They’re looking forward to Vanquisher Appreciation Week, a celebration of the defeat of the last hive of vampires. However, Boog’s parents are among the few who still take precautions against a vampire return, something that embarrasses her. When Aaron, a new student from Colorado, moves to their neighborhood, the three friends open their circle to include him. The sixth graders become suspicious of Mr. Rupert, the new guidance counselor, who seems to be overly interested in their little group. Then a fun school fundraising event at the Royal Roller Rink takes a dramatic turn when Aaron disappears from the venue. As days go by with no word, fears increase that something ominous has occurred—and Boog suspects Mr. Rupert knows more than he’s letting on. The search for Aaron ultimately reveals how much Boog’s folks were involved the last time vampires were a threat to their community. This warm, witty friendship story with a healthy dose of vampire adventure is a page-turning read. The main cast of characters is cued as Black and Latine; Jules uses they/them pronouns, and Cedrick has two dads.
A lively, appealing addition to the genre. (Fantasy. 9-13)Pub Date: Sept. 20, 2022
ISBN: 978-1-5476-0977-2
Page Count: 288
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Review Posted Online: July 12, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2022
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