Reviews written by Lillian McCurry, Indie Co-Manager

As a child, one of my favorite genres was the choose-your-own-adventures. POWER OF FLIGHT by Hena Khan & Andrea Menotti is an exciting story that stars the reader who is attending the Summer Science Academy. Clawed by a mysterious bird, you wake up after a night of fever dreams to...

TIPS FOR MAGICIANS by Celesta Rimington is a beautifully written story about a preteen boy and how he copes with the loss of his mother. Harrison Boone wants to be a magician like his father, and he used to enjoy singing like his mother. But after her death, singing makes...

SPINELESS by Samantha San Miguel is a fascinating story about a preteen boy who travels to the swamplands of Florida with his family to convalesce during the winter months. Algie Elmsworth is 12 at the start of our story and over the moon to visit the resort known for its...

THE SNOWY OWL SCIENTIST by Mark Wilson is a fascinating exploration across Alaska's North Slope with scientist Denver Holt who is observing and studying the Snowy Owl. This book is as much about the snowy owl as it is about the scientist and surrounding town. Told through full page, color...

Want to be a know it all? That's the question on the back of National Geographic Kids' ROCKS & MINERALS. This addition to the Weird but True series would be an excellent addition to any home or classroom library. Thoughtfully laid out with index and glossary at the back for...

FENWAY AND THE FRISBEE TRICK by Victoria J. Coe is the second book in a delightfully clever series about Fenway and his humans. In this installment, while at the big park with Fetch Man and Hattie, Fenway meets Carmen, a Rottweiler who is catching a frisbee midair. Impressed and a...

FENWAY AND THE BONE THIEVES by Victoria J. Coe is the first in a brand-new chapter book series featuring Fenway from the popular series Hattie and Fenway. In this first installment, we meet Fenway and his humans. Fenway is heading to the treat store and hoping for a yummy treat...

A dangerous thing is lurking in Cinder and it is up to her friends to save her in this thrilling installment of the Dragon Kingdom of Wrenly. CINDER'S FLAME by Jordan Quinn is the seventh adventure of the series, and this time the little dragons have to save their friend...

A fun-filled mystery is a foot in the newest installment of Zoo Patrol Squad. MEDIEVAL MAYHEM by Brett Bean is the fourth book in the series and follows Fennlock Fox and Penny the Pig who are returning from their vacation in Harmony Plains to find a castle where Wild Zoo...

HOLLYWOOD VS. THE GALAXY by Lin Oliver & Henry Winkler is the third (and final?) book of their series Alien Superstar which follows Buddy Burger and his rise to stardom after escaping his home planet. After Citizen Cruel failed to capture Buddy, the Supreme Leader is left with no other...

WITCH FOR HIRE by Ted Naifeh is an urban fantasy / YA contemporary mash-up that addresses the harmful effects of bullying during high school in the form of a graphic novel. This thrilling mystery begins on Cody's first day of high school when her older sister refuses to let her...

FANGS FOR HAVING US! by Nancy Krulik is a learning adventure that is the third installment of school-based chapter book series. Reminiscent of the Magic School Bus and The Magic Tree House series, the book follows Ms. Frogbottom's class as they travel in her magic map learning the history, geography,...

THE DARKENING by debut author Sunya Mara is the first in a dark fantasy series about the daughter of failed revolutionaries and a prince fearful of his destiny. All the things I love about fantasy are present in this one: experimental magic, a cursed storm, royal love interest, a rebel...

The drama of the American Royals continues! Rivals by Katherine McGee is the third installment of the series and picks up at the end of summer, a few months after the end of Majesty. Following the house of Washington, the series is told from the perspective of four women. Full...

NINJA NICKELS AND THE PROBLEM WITH PICKLES by Leah Cupps is a fun rhyming picture book about a hungry dog who gets himself into trouble after his family goes to bed. Nickels is on a mission for yummy pickles, but when the jar falls off the shelf and breaks, will...