Middle Grade Monday and Audiobook Review: The Labors of Hercules Beal by Gary D. Schmidt

Image: HarperCollins Publishers

The Labors of Hercules Beal by Gary D. Schmidt. Unabridged audiobook, ~8 hours. Read by Fred Berman. Clarion Books, May, 2023. 

Happy Juneteenth and happy first Monday of summer break. Middle Grade Monday features The Labors of Hercules Beal by Gary D. Schmidt. Hercules Beal lives on Cape Cod with his much older brother, Achilles. Achilles returned home from Washington, D.C. to run the family nursery and to care for Herc when their parents were killed in a car crash a year earlier. Herc has to start seventh grade in a new school thanks to bussing redistricting and he's not too happy about that. He's especially leery of his language arts teacher, retired Marine Lieutenant Colonel Hupfer. Lieutenant Colonel Hupfer has assigned a long-term project based on world mythology and Hercules' project is to recreate the twelve labors of his namesake and write a reflection for each.

This first-person narrative grabbed me from the start. Hercules is such an endearing character. He hikes up the dune each morning to watch the sun rise and to say hello to his parents; is convinced that Achilles' girlfriend, Viola is a vampire, and is maybe, just maybe developing a crush on his best friend. This hero's journey is filled with wonderful supporting characters. It is often laugh-out-loud funny, but there will be tears as well. Herc's reflections and Lieutenant Colonel Hupfer's scathing responses are especially funny.

Gary D. Schmidt is a favorite of mine, but I can rarely get students to try his books. He's definitely a reader's writer. His books beg to be taught for they have depth and his writing is lyrical and lovely. ELA teachers can have a field day teaching literary devices. He is prone to using repetition and he seems to poke fun at himself through Lieutenant Colonel Hupfer's criticism of Hercules' reflections.

New-to-me narrator Fred Berman doesn't sound particularly youthful, but his soft, thoughtful delivery reflected Hercules perfectly. I think this might have been a book I should've read with my eyes because Herc's reflections seemed to have crossouts and such that probably added visual humor. Still Mr. Berman did a nice job with those areas as well.

Teen Tuesday: A Thousand Steps into the Night by Traci Chee

Image: HarperCollins Publishers

Happy Tuesday!  Teen Tuesday features A Thousand Steps into the Night by Traci Chee. Seventeen-year-old Otori Miuko is doomed. She was born, plain and clumsy, into the serving class, bound by restrictive gender and class roles. Still, her father took care of her, even after her mother deserted the family. Then, Miuko is cursed by a demon and she's driven from her village. She has two weeks to undo the curse before she's changed into her demon form forever. She rescues a magpie from some foxes and discovers that it is the shape-shifting trickster, Geiki, who is now in her debt for saving his life. The two set out across Awara and they encounter evil humans and gods as well as unexpected allies.

This fast-paced adventure is filled with gods from Japanese mythology, memorable characters and vivid world building. Atmospheric, suspenseful and filled with moments of humor, this dark fantasy will appeal to fans of Studio Ghibli. 

The narration was well-paced, with the narrator sounding suitably youthful. 

Waiting on Wednesday: Aru Shah and the City of Gold by Roshani Choksi

Image: RickRiordan

Waiting on Wednesday features Aru Shah and the City of Gold by Roshani Choksi. This fourth book in the Pandava Quintet does not release until April of 2021; but that gives you all plenty of time to read the first three books! If you loved Rick Riordan's mythology-based adventures, you will love Aru Shah. She's more than just a middle school student from Parsippany, NJ, she's a Pandava sister and princess. 

There's not much out there in the way of a synopsis. Rick Riordan just revealed the cover on his website last week. While you're waiting, you can browse all the other great titles published under his imprint at Disney, Rick Riordan Presents, quite a few of which have been highlighted here.

Waiting on Wednesday: City of the Plague God by Sarwat Chadda

Image: Rick Riordan Presents/ Disney

City of the Plague God by Sarwat Chadda. Rick Riordan Presents/ Disney, January, 2021!

I am a huge fan of Sarwat Chadda's Ash Mistry trilogy. I also loved his Shadow Magic Trilogy, written under the name, Joshua Khan. When I spied an announcement by the author on social media awhile back, I threw the title on my spreadsheet and waited for more information. Since we are home for at least two weeks doing virtual schooling, I figured now was a good time to highlight this title, even though we have to wait awhile for it!

Publisher synopsis: Inspired by Mesopotamian mythology, the story follows Sikander Aziz, a Muslim boy born and raised in New York City, as he teams up with legendary hero Gilgamesh to defeat the ancient god of plagues before the entire population of Manhattan is wiped out.

While you're waiting for what promises to be a rip-roaring adventure, why don't you check out The Savage Fortress or Shadow Magic. 

Middle Grade Monday and Audiobook Review: Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky

Image: Disney/ Hyperion

Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky by Kwame Mbalia. Tristan Strong series #1. Unabridged e-audiobook, ~11 hours. Read by Amir Abdullah. Listening Library, October, 2019. 9780593149584. (Review of downloadable e-audiobook borrowed from public library. Own hardcover copy.)

Middle Grade Monday features Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky by Kwame Mbalia. This terrific debut is a mythology-based fantasy that centers around thirteen-year-old Tristan Strong, an up and coming boxer in Chicago. He has just lost his very first bout much to the disappointment of his father and grandfather who expect him to continue their legacy. He's also grieving the death of his best friend, Eddie and treasures the notebook where Eddie wrote down the stories his grandmother told. 

While visiting his grandparents in Alabama, that journal is stolen by a ten-inch, sap-covered, sassy doll named Gum Baby. When Tristan tries to catch her, he punches a tree in fury. Turns out it's a magical tree on the farm and he and Gum Baby end up in another world. Unfortunately, evil from our world follows them in as well. Some of the residents of Alke may be familiar to readers, John Henry, Brer Rabbit and Brer Fox. But the others are gods and goddesses of West African mythology, such as Anansi. 

New-to-me narrator Amir Abdullah paced his performance well and he mastered quite a few distinct voices. Looking forward to seeking out more audiobooks narrated by him as well as the next book in the Tristan Strong series.

If you enjoyed Rick Riordan's myth-based adventures, you will love Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky! It's the first book of a planned series, so get on board!

The Ash Mistry Adventures by Sarwat Chadda

 

The Savage Fortress by Sarwat Chadda arrived in my Junior Library Guild subscription sometime during the 2012-2013 school year. It looked interesting to me but I didn't have the time to read it then so I shelved it and there it sat. When book 2, The City of Death, released and it arrived in my subscription, I was reminded that I never got to read the first. Coincidentally, a student came in asking for an adventure book so I showed him The Savage Fortress. In a few days, he came back asking if there was a second book. He also brought a friend who wanted the book he was returning. And so began brisk circulation. The student also told me that I should read them. I always try to read the books students recommend to me. Since the books were always out, I ordered the audio from my amazing library cooperative and listened in the car.

Both books are productions of Listening Library and narrated by Bruce Mann, a new narrator to me. Wowzers! Why had I not heard more about these enthralling books? I'm embarrassed to admit that I missed the starred review in SLJ.  I digress.

Ash Mistry is a thirteen-year-old self-proclaimed nerd who freely admits he's a bit pudgy, soft around the edges and bully bait. He doesn't care all that much. He has his gaming mates and is enjoying his crush on Gemma. He and his sister, Lucky are spending the summer holidays with their aunt and uncle in India. He loves his uncle, who sacrificed much for his father, but the oppressive heat and relative lack of technology is making Ash pine for London. 

When his uncle is hired by the rich and powerful Lord Savage to translate some ancient parchment for a million dollars, Ash is happy for his uncle. But then he inadvertently overhears something ominous and realizes that Lord Savage's intimidating henchman is really a demon. Later, he accidentally stumbles upon the very item Lord Savage is seeking - the Kali aastra. Lord Savage wants to use it to awaken Ravana, who will rule the world and destroy the humans. 

There's plenty of death and destruction thanks to Lord Savage and his rakshassas. It's pretty gruesome actually. Action, danger, suspense, betrayal, beating hearts ripped from chests. It appears that Indian mythology is not for the faint of heart. This will definitely appeal to Riordan fans and I hope the books inspire requests for Indian mythology.

Ash is an intelligent kid with a good heart and a sense of loyalty. He understands the sacrifices his uncle made and loves his sister dearly, but they both can get on his nerves. And he's not so keen on this super-hero business.

The Savage Fortress ends nicely with a hint of a sequel. The City of Death has a twist at the end that has left my students (and me) panting for the next book. The third book, The World of Darkness is already out in paperback in the UK. When I found nothing here about a U.S. release, I queried the publisher and was given this response, "There are no firm plans for the third book yet." Ack! That just cannot be! I may have to make a transAtlantic purchase.

The audiobooks are spectacular. Mann employs an arsenal of accents and maintains a good pace. I highly recommend adding them to your collection along with the books.
Visit the series website for more information. It's a gorgeously designed site and explains the gods and monsters in a bit more detail. The covers shown are the British covers. 

Odin's Ravens by K.L. Armstrong and M.A. Marr

Odin's Ravens by K.L. Armstrong and M.A. Marr. (The Blackwell Pages #2) 342 p. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, May 13, 2014. 9780316204989. (Review from arc courtesy of the publisher)

Book 2 picks up right where, Loki's Wolves, left off. Matt, Laurie and Fen have traveled to Hel to rescue Baldwin. The action begins immediately as the trio, who are descendants of the Norse gods, must confront a two-headed giant. The road through Hel is not paved with good intentions (sorry, couldn't resist) but fraught with menacing guard dogs, zombie warriors and Fen and Laurie's Aunt Helen. Will she allow Baldwin to leave with them? Will she help them stand against the giant serpent and prevent Ragnarok, an apocalypse that will destroy mankind and plunge the world into perpetual winter? And, what's with those creepy black birds that seem to follow them everywhere?

The story hurdles along apace, answering some questions and raising others. Intermittent black and white art highlight monsters, human characters, and some key scenes. Of course, the cliffhanger-of-sorts ending will leave readers panting for the third and final volume, Thor's Serpent due in spring of 2015. I also love the cover art. It promises action and suspense and pairs well with Loki's Wolves.

I love, love, love having this series to hand to kids who ask for another book like the Rick Riordan juggernaut. Students that I've given Loki's Wolves to are eagerly awaiting Odin's Ravens. In fact, one eagle-eyed sixth grader spotted my arc and begged me for it. There's enough backstory woven into this installment for readers to skip book one, but why would you want to miss the set-up? 

You can read chapter one of Odin's Ravens at the Blackwell Pages website. And teachers, there's a curriculum guide for Loki's Wolves there as well.

Non-Fiction Monday: Anubis Speaks! A guide to the Afterlfe by the Egyptian God of the Dead

by Vicky Alvear Shecter. Illustrated by Antoine Revoy. Secrets of the Ancient Gods series. 116 p. Boyds Mills Press, October, 2013. 9781590789957. (Finished copy courtesy of publisher.)

With much warning and caution about the possibility of being frightened and grossed out, first by the publisher, then by Anubis himself, the jackel-headed, snarky god of the dead guides us into the duat to begin our tour of the Underworld. Oops, Egyptian afterworld. He relates a brief overview of Egyptian history and the importance of the Nile river to Egyptian survival. Then, it's on to Ra's creation myth and the now indelible image of human-creation via Ra's giant loogies.

There's an awful lot of information packed into this slim volume as the reader travels through the twelve hours of Ra's nightly journey, filled, as promised with lots of gore and blood. A guide to the gods and demons, a glossary and extensive list of sources conclude the volume. The cover art is attention-grabbing but the interior black and white spreads are uneven, a few are a bit muddy, but most are serviceable, if a tad flat.

Of course, this begs pairing with Rick Riordan's Kane Chronicles. Kids who are curious about Egyptian mythology will find much to enjoy in Anubis Speaks!

I really enjoyed the author's biography of Cleopatra as well as her YA fiction, Cleopatra's Moon. Her knowledge of Egypt seems well-researched and encyclopedic, but more importantly, she can tell a darn good story. I am looking forward to the next installment in this series, Hades  Speaks. 

Author blog entry about the book.

Other blog reviews:
JeanLittleLibrary

Non-fiction Monday is hosted by NC Teacher Stuff today.

The Sea of Monsters: The Graphic Novel by Rick Riordan

Adapted by Robert Venditti. Art by Attila Futaki. Color by Tamas Gaspar. 128 p. Hyperion Books for Children, July 2, 2013. 9781423145295. (Purchased)

Percy is about to complete a year of school without any drama or trauma. Unfortunately, on the last day of school, a game of dodgeball goes terribly wrong. Thankfully, Annabeth arrives to save the day but brings bad news. Camp Half-blood has been poisoned. Chiron is leaving. Nothing is the same. To make matters worse, the boy that Percy befriended at school turns out to be a cyclops and his half-brother. Percy's world is rocked. But there's a quest to be had and a prophecy to be fulfilled.

I read The Sea of Monsters wa-ay back in 2006, a full two years before I started blogging and probably 1000 books ago so I can't really call this a reread. It was almost like reading a new book. So I don't know what the adapters left on the cutting room floor. I just love what they have delivered. 

This. Book. Is. Gorgeous. 

The art leaps from the pages. It's luminous, energetic and quite frightening at times. It actually overpowers the text. I needed to read the pictures and then go back to read the words. Riordan's writing is very cinematic and the art does it justice. (I hear that Sea of Monsters is in production, or made. I hope that they get it right as the graphic artists have.)

I predicted that the graphic novel adaptation would be popular at my library when I reviewed The Lightning Thief back in 2010. Hyperion, what took so long? I do hope that it won't take quite so long for The Titan's Curse.