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Recommend this book:
Sid Johnson and the Phantom Slave Stealer
Frances Schoonmaker
2023 Finalist
352 Pages
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Young Adult - General
Reviewed by Alex Ndirangu for Readers' Favorite
It is 1855 in Illinois, and tensions between slave abolitionists and those who were pro-slavery are at an all-time high. Even though this is a free state, bounty hunters get paid to retrieve people who have escaped. Sid Johnson, a young boy, is awakened by the sound of a gunshot near his family's farm. He makes his way downstairs, where he overhears his mother and father discussing Lula, a woman injured by a bounty hunter's bullet. Could this be related to the gunshot that had startled him moments ago? Later, Sid finds out that his parents are concealing people running from bounty hunters during the day and helping them escape the chains and torment they would otherwise endure. Young Sid is aware that this is against the law and will result in his parents' arrest, leading him to question whether they are doing the right thing. Shortly after, Sid encounters Lula's son Elijah. No sooner has he discovered Elijah hiding by the haystack when two bounty hunters arrive with warrants to arrest Elijah and Lula and conduct a thorough search! Given his young age, will Sid choose what is legally correct or what is morally justifiable? Pick up a copy of Frances Schoonmaker's Sid Johnson and the Phantom Slave Stealer to find out.
What makes this historical tale a success are Frances Schoonmaker's solid characterizations and her superb plot. Her descriptive writing style made her characters and settings seem plausible, demonstrating impressive imagination and writing abilities. From Sid's mother removing the singing kettle from the fire and filling two big, gray-speckled enamel pans with hot water, to Serena the family cat sprawled in the hayloft, I conjured up a beautiful world that I did not want to leave. The tale developed into a lengthy work of well-constructed suspense. I enjoyed the fact that the plot is character-driven. There were no passive characters in the plot, not even Serena the cat, and all the characters contributed significantly to the plot's advancement. This element ensured that the story never dragged. Sid Johnson and the Phantom Slave Stealer will go down as the best historical novel I have ever read.
It is 1855 in Illinois, and tensions between slave abolitionists and those who were pro-slavery are at an all-time high. Even though this is a free state, bounty hunters get paid to retrieve people who have escaped. Sid Johnson, a young boy, is awakened by the sound of a gunshot near his family's farm. He makes his way downstairs, where he overhears his mother and father discussing Lula, a woman injured by a bounty hunter's bullet. Could this be related to the gunshot that had startled him moments ago? Later, Sid finds out that his parents are concealing people running from bounty hunters during the day and helping them escape the chains and torment they would otherwise endure. Young Sid is aware that this is against the law and will result in his parents' arrest, leading him to question whether they are doing the right thing. Shortly after, Sid encounters Lula's son Elijah. No sooner has he discovered Elijah hiding by the haystack when two bounty hunters arrive with warrants to arrest Elijah and Lula and conduct a thorough search! Given his young age, will Sid choose what is legally correct or what is morally justifiable? Pick up a copy of Frances Schoonmaker's Sid Johnson and the Phantom Slave Stealer to find out.
What makes this historical tale a success are Frances Schoonmaker's solid characterizations and her superb plot. Her descriptive writing style made her characters and settings seem plausible, demonstrating impressive imagination and writing abilities. From Sid's mother removing the singing kettle from the fire and filling two big, gray-speckled enamel pans with hot water, to Serena the family cat sprawled in the hayloft, I conjured up a beautiful world that I did not want to leave. The tale developed into a lengthy work of well-constructed suspense. I enjoyed the fact that the plot is character-driven. There were no passive characters in the plot, not even Serena the cat, and all the characters contributed significantly to the plot's advancement. This element ensured that the story never dragged. Sid Johnson and the Phantom Slave Stealer will go down as the best historical novel I have ever read.
Recommend this book:
SPVCE
a. w. karen
2023 Honorable Mention
502 Pages
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Young Adult - General
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
SPVCE is a work of fiction in the science fiction and adventure subgenres. The work is aimed at the young adult readership and contains some mild explicit language, and was penned by A. W. Karen. This superb space-age adventure tale focuses on the budding career aspirations of protagonist Maci Layton, who is part of a universal program to train young people to be space cadets, preparing for a future beyond our broken planet. So begins a tale of combating anxiety and struggling with one’s place in society, especially in a society where all seems perfect, but the apparent perfection is masking a world on the brink of disaster.
A. W. Karen offers a bittersweet but apt allegory for the emotional state of our time, where the fate of the planet seems fragile indeed, and moments of optimism and inspiration are rare for the younger generation as they face the future. The close narrative centered on Maci delivers these delicate emotions perfectly, with dialogue and an atmosphere of high emotional intelligence. The work is well-poised to be accessible to young adult readers whilst also handling some more adult emotions and complex topics. The science-fiction setting holds up an exciting and adventurous mirror to our contemporary world, but without losing the core themes and feelings that make it so relevant for right now. I would recommend SPVCE to readers who enjoy sophisticated young adult works and emotionally conscious, character-led science fiction that doesn’t hold back.
SPVCE is a work of fiction in the science fiction and adventure subgenres. The work is aimed at the young adult readership and contains some mild explicit language, and was penned by A. W. Karen. This superb space-age adventure tale focuses on the budding career aspirations of protagonist Maci Layton, who is part of a universal program to train young people to be space cadets, preparing for a future beyond our broken planet. So begins a tale of combating anxiety and struggling with one’s place in society, especially in a society where all seems perfect, but the apparent perfection is masking a world on the brink of disaster.
A. W. Karen offers a bittersweet but apt allegory for the emotional state of our time, where the fate of the planet seems fragile indeed, and moments of optimism and inspiration are rare for the younger generation as they face the future. The close narrative centered on Maci delivers these delicate emotions perfectly, with dialogue and an atmosphere of high emotional intelligence. The work is well-poised to be accessible to young adult readers whilst also handling some more adult emotions and complex topics. The science-fiction setting holds up an exciting and adventurous mirror to our contemporary world, but without losing the core themes and feelings that make it so relevant for right now. I would recommend SPVCE to readers who enjoy sophisticated young adult works and emotionally conscious, character-led science fiction that doesn’t hold back.
Recommend this book:
Through the Witches Stone
Scott A. Johnson
2023 Bronze Medal
333 Pages
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Young Adult - General
Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite
Through the Witches Stone by Scott A. Johnson introduces Hadley, who wasn’t so sure about spending the entire summer with Grandma. Isolated, out in the woods, with no cell service, no television, and no neighbors, it sounded, quite simply, bleak, not to mention boring. It would just be her grandparents, her twin brothers, and herself. Other than chores, what could she find to do? Then Grandma broke the news with a blunt statement: "Didn't anyone tell you that you come from a long line of witches?" That’s when the excitement began. Who needs modern technology when you have witchcraft, magic, changelings, magical creatures, and a forest full of ominous beings? She and her brothers were warned that it was not safe out there, but Hadley didn’t listen and her adventure in the forest threatened all she held dear. Would she ever be able to trust what she sees as real?
Scott A. Johnson’s middle-grade novel Through the Witches Stone is an adventure like no other. Full of magic, fantasy, unbelievable creatures, and a young girl trying to find her place in the world, this story has a lot to attract young readers. The plot follows Hadley’s arrival at Grandma’s, her discovery that she’s a witch, her lessons in magic, and her dangerous treks into the forbidden forest. This all built up to the main threat, the one that could well take away her family and her life - her real life. Descriptive narrative is used effectively and dialogue is believable and helps set the mood and develop both the characters and the plot. This is a real page-turner and readers will be anxious to read more, so hopefully there’s another book in the works, one that will further follow Hadley’s magic training as well as that of her younger brothers.
Through the Witches Stone by Scott A. Johnson introduces Hadley, who wasn’t so sure about spending the entire summer with Grandma. Isolated, out in the woods, with no cell service, no television, and no neighbors, it sounded, quite simply, bleak, not to mention boring. It would just be her grandparents, her twin brothers, and herself. Other than chores, what could she find to do? Then Grandma broke the news with a blunt statement: "Didn't anyone tell you that you come from a long line of witches?" That’s when the excitement began. Who needs modern technology when you have witchcraft, magic, changelings, magical creatures, and a forest full of ominous beings? She and her brothers were warned that it was not safe out there, but Hadley didn’t listen and her adventure in the forest threatened all she held dear. Would she ever be able to trust what she sees as real?
Scott A. Johnson’s middle-grade novel Through the Witches Stone is an adventure like no other. Full of magic, fantasy, unbelievable creatures, and a young girl trying to find her place in the world, this story has a lot to attract young readers. The plot follows Hadley’s arrival at Grandma’s, her discovery that she’s a witch, her lessons in magic, and her dangerous treks into the forbidden forest. This all built up to the main threat, the one that could well take away her family and her life - her real life. Descriptive narrative is used effectively and dialogue is believable and helps set the mood and develop both the characters and the plot. This is a real page-turner and readers will be anxious to read more, so hopefully there’s another book in the works, one that will further follow Hadley’s magic training as well as that of her younger brothers.
Recommend this book:
There's No Basketball on Mars
Craig Leener
2023 Silver Medal
348 Pages
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Young Adult - General
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
There’s No Basketball on Mars is a work of fiction in the adventure subgenre. It is aimed at young adult readers and was penned by author Craig Leener. The book follows maths savant Lawrence Tuckerman, an autistic young man whose best friend is leaving for Kansas to pursue his dream of playing basketball professionally. As Lawrence settles into a new (and less social) life, he dreams of one day visiting Mars and a mission with intergalactic stakes is presented to him. Whilst his unique mind makes him the perfect candidate for the mission, it also makes being part of a team a challenge.
I often find that depicting autistic characters authentically and respectfully is a challenge for authors who don’t have autism themselves, as from the outside the way of looking at the world can seem quite alien. Fortunately for readers, author Craig Leener demonstrates an understanding of the condition that is delightful to read and feels like a natural part of Lawrence’s characterization rather than a gimmick. Despite being a spin-off from a trilogy of books about Lawrence’s best friend Zeke, this narrative stands on its own and is accessible to those unfamiliar with the series. I thoroughly enjoyed the themes of pursuing your dreams and taking scary opportunities if they help you move forward in life. There’s No Basketball on Mars realizes these ideas beautifully with a compelling narrative about dynamic characters who each feel grounded even when they’re far from the ground. Overall, the novel is an exciting adventure about a fun and relatable hero that I would happily recommend to all readers.
There’s No Basketball on Mars is a work of fiction in the adventure subgenre. It is aimed at young adult readers and was penned by author Craig Leener. The book follows maths savant Lawrence Tuckerman, an autistic young man whose best friend is leaving for Kansas to pursue his dream of playing basketball professionally. As Lawrence settles into a new (and less social) life, he dreams of one day visiting Mars and a mission with intergalactic stakes is presented to him. Whilst his unique mind makes him the perfect candidate for the mission, it also makes being part of a team a challenge.
I often find that depicting autistic characters authentically and respectfully is a challenge for authors who don’t have autism themselves, as from the outside the way of looking at the world can seem quite alien. Fortunately for readers, author Craig Leener demonstrates an understanding of the condition that is delightful to read and feels like a natural part of Lawrence’s characterization rather than a gimmick. Despite being a spin-off from a trilogy of books about Lawrence’s best friend Zeke, this narrative stands on its own and is accessible to those unfamiliar with the series. I thoroughly enjoyed the themes of pursuing your dreams and taking scary opportunities if they help you move forward in life. There’s No Basketball on Mars realizes these ideas beautifully with a compelling narrative about dynamic characters who each feel grounded even when they’re far from the ground. Overall, the novel is an exciting adventure about a fun and relatable hero that I would happily recommend to all readers.
Recommend this book:
Air Boat
Love is an Adventure
Jacek Waliszewski
2023 Gold Medal
238 Pages
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Young Adult - General
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Air Boat: Love is an Adventure is a work of fiction in the romance and adventure subgenres. It is best suited to the general adult reading audience and was penned by Jacek Waliszewski. In this novella-length work, we find ourselves following the path of early love and courtship with all of its heady, giddy romantic qualities, ups and downs, and magical sentiments. The tale follows Luke and Stella on this journey, delivering snippets of their past that inform their present decisions, and showcasing how they find love with one another in a deeply meaningful way, despite the shadows of their respective pasts.
Readers seeking a tender and heartfelt love story are certain to adore this novella, drinking in every scene with a warm heart and a constant smile on their faces. One of the things I especially enjoyed about this read was Jacek Waliszewski’s unique flair for narrative and the unusual quality of his words that keep your imagination aflame. From the cinematic quality of every detail in the setting through to the attention-to-detail in the expression of how the characters react and move, the novella begins to feel like a movie playing out in your mind, gathering you deeper and deeper into its enjoyable plot. Luke is an especially interesting character, steeped in trauma and haunted by past experiences, but seeking healing and wanting to be an improved man for Stella and their future together. I would heartily recommend Air Boat for romance fans seeking a cozy but emotionally charged short read.
Air Boat: Love is an Adventure is a work of fiction in the romance and adventure subgenres. It is best suited to the general adult reading audience and was penned by Jacek Waliszewski. In this novella-length work, we find ourselves following the path of early love and courtship with all of its heady, giddy romantic qualities, ups and downs, and magical sentiments. The tale follows Luke and Stella on this journey, delivering snippets of their past that inform their present decisions, and showcasing how they find love with one another in a deeply meaningful way, despite the shadows of their respective pasts.
Readers seeking a tender and heartfelt love story are certain to adore this novella, drinking in every scene with a warm heart and a constant smile on their faces. One of the things I especially enjoyed about this read was Jacek Waliszewski’s unique flair for narrative and the unusual quality of his words that keep your imagination aflame. From the cinematic quality of every detail in the setting through to the attention-to-detail in the expression of how the characters react and move, the novella begins to feel like a movie playing out in your mind, gathering you deeper and deeper into its enjoyable plot. Luke is an especially interesting character, steeped in trauma and haunted by past experiences, but seeking healing and wanting to be an improved man for Stella and their future together. I would heartily recommend Air Boat for romance fans seeking a cozy but emotionally charged short read.
Recommend this book:
. Set in the 19th century, Friendship's Gallop tells the adventures of David Summit, the son of a farmer, and Painting Horse, a Lakota Indian. The two meet as boys when a friend of Painting Horse, Red Ow...){kind=link}
Friendship's Gallop
Ross Davis
2022 Finalist
76 Pages
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Young Adult - General
Reviewed by Astrid Iustulin for Readers' Favorite
Friendship's Gallop is a short story written by Ross Davis and his first work of fiction (he is already an established author of non-fiction books). Set in the 19th century, Friendship's Gallop tells the adventures of David Summit, the son of a farmer, and Painting Horse, a Lakota Indian. The two meet as boys when a friend of Painting Horse, Red Owl, beats David up, believing he has a connection to the miners who killed his brother. Although David has nothing to do with them, he spends some time with the Lakotas and makes friends with Painting Horse. After returning home, David could not have imagined that he and Painting Horse would meet again fourteen years later, when the farmer's son, now a cavalryman, would have to fight against the Indians.
Some stories of friendship and loyalty leave their mark on the reader. Friendship's Gallop is one of these stories. Davis's first work of fiction is a true success. The two protagonists are an inspiration for all those who believe friendship to be an important value. I liked that this friendship developed under dangerous circumstances for David first, and then later for Painting Horse. Life puts them to the test. From a narrative point of view, this keeps the reader in suspense until the last chapter. Who can imagine what will happen to Painting Horse and David? In addition to the great message of friendship, this uncertainty is what makes Friendship's Gallop a compelling read. I am sure all readers who love adventures and true-to-life stories will be thrilled by it.
Friendship's Gallop is a short story written by Ross Davis and his first work of fiction (he is already an established author of non-fiction books). Set in the 19th century, Friendship's Gallop tells the adventures of David Summit, the son of a farmer, and Painting Horse, a Lakota Indian. The two meet as boys when a friend of Painting Horse, Red Owl, beats David up, believing he has a connection to the miners who killed his brother. Although David has nothing to do with them, he spends some time with the Lakotas and makes friends with Painting Horse. After returning home, David could not have imagined that he and Painting Horse would meet again fourteen years later, when the farmer's son, now a cavalryman, would have to fight against the Indians.
Some stories of friendship and loyalty leave their mark on the reader. Friendship's Gallop is one of these stories. Davis's first work of fiction is a true success. The two protagonists are an inspiration for all those who believe friendship to be an important value. I liked that this friendship developed under dangerous circumstances for David first, and then later for Painting Horse. Life puts them to the test. From a narrative point of view, this keeps the reader in suspense until the last chapter. Who can imagine what will happen to Painting Horse and David? In addition to the great message of friendship, this uncertainty is what makes Friendship's Gallop a compelling read. I am sure all readers who love adventures and true-to-life stories will be thrilled by it.
Recommend this book:
Dargo, Eco Hero!
A Treasury of Feel-Good Stories, Book1
Karina McRoberts
2022 Honorable Mention
85 Pages
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Young Adult - General
Reviewed by Natalie Soine for Readers' Favorite
Dargo, Eco Hero! by Karina McRoberts tells the fascinating story of Dargo, who works at Fischer and Co. Express Marketing Solutions and Event Management. Dargo is a delightful young man who some may consider a bit of a weird, geeky type of guy. Jake is the office hottie and they all report to the Superior Being, Mortimer Fischer. Mortimer puts Dargo on unpaid leave due to a lack of productivity. On his way home, Dargo is swept up in an unusual windstorm and lands at Jollypark, an amusement park he used to visit as a child but it is now abandoned. At the park, Dargo meets Flame, a nature spirit; Terran, a rock giant and spirit of the land; Vivian, the water spirit and Mariah, the spirit of the wind. With help from his previous colleague, Lucinda, Dargo has to find a way to save all of them – and all of us.
Dargo, Eco Hero! is by far one of the best and most unique books I have ever read, with a vitally important message. Karina McRoberts uses humor to address a serious subject – taking care of our planet, the environment, and the ecological system that we all rely on for survival. This poignant story is filled with fascinating characters, places, and events – all enhanced with beautiful pictures. I particularly enjoyed the way old and new songs and films are incorporated into the dialogue to enrich the characters. The smooth flow allows for quick reading which makes it perfect for parents to read to their children. Overall Dargo, Eco Hero! is a thoroughly enjoyable story that is highly recommended for young and old.
Dargo, Eco Hero! by Karina McRoberts tells the fascinating story of Dargo, who works at Fischer and Co. Express Marketing Solutions and Event Management. Dargo is a delightful young man who some may consider a bit of a weird, geeky type of guy. Jake is the office hottie and they all report to the Superior Being, Mortimer Fischer. Mortimer puts Dargo on unpaid leave due to a lack of productivity. On his way home, Dargo is swept up in an unusual windstorm and lands at Jollypark, an amusement park he used to visit as a child but it is now abandoned. At the park, Dargo meets Flame, a nature spirit; Terran, a rock giant and spirit of the land; Vivian, the water spirit and Mariah, the spirit of the wind. With help from his previous colleague, Lucinda, Dargo has to find a way to save all of them – and all of us.
Dargo, Eco Hero! is by far one of the best and most unique books I have ever read, with a vitally important message. Karina McRoberts uses humor to address a serious subject – taking care of our planet, the environment, and the ecological system that we all rely on for survival. This poignant story is filled with fascinating characters, places, and events – all enhanced with beautiful pictures. I particularly enjoyed the way old and new songs and films are incorporated into the dialogue to enrich the characters. The smooth flow allows for quick reading which makes it perfect for parents to read to their children. Overall Dargo, Eco Hero! is a thoroughly enjoyable story that is highly recommended for young and old.
Recommend this book:
Prey Without Ceasing
Andrew Franks
2022 Bronze Medal
100 Pages
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Young Adult - General
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
Prey Without Ceasing is a southern gothic horror novella written by Andrew Franks. Raised in an ultra-conservative household with a strict authoritarian pastor for a father, seventh-grader Dalton has been groomed his entire life to take over the reins of his father, Gary. Whether getting in trouble in school for using curse words or scolded for watching Jurassic Park with his friends, Dalton's life is dictated by his family's ultra-orthodox views. Additionally, he is plagued by recurring nightmares of an evil witch who seeks to destroy him. But when his brother James' soul is taken by the witch, bringing him to the brink of death, Dalton must brave demonic creatures and his biggest fears to save his brother's life. But along the way, some horrifying secrets are revealed that will change his life forever.
A combination of nailbiting thrills and dread-filled atmosphere makes Prey Without Ceasing a gripping short story you will find hard-pressed not to read in one go. Author Andrew Franks mixes apt social commentary and pulsating horror in a seamless fashion, keeping you hooked throughout the pages. The characters are layered and well-fleshed out. Franks' plotting is intricate, with unexpected twists and turns you never see coming. The narrative focuses on the hypocrisy of certain sections of uber-religious people who quote scriptures to others at every possible opportunity, only to disregard most of its teachings and apply it in their own lives. I was glued to the pages from start to finish. If anyone is itching for some horror, I recommend Prey Without Ceasing.
Prey Without Ceasing is a southern gothic horror novella written by Andrew Franks. Raised in an ultra-conservative household with a strict authoritarian pastor for a father, seventh-grader Dalton has been groomed his entire life to take over the reins of his father, Gary. Whether getting in trouble in school for using curse words or scolded for watching Jurassic Park with his friends, Dalton's life is dictated by his family's ultra-orthodox views. Additionally, he is plagued by recurring nightmares of an evil witch who seeks to destroy him. But when his brother James' soul is taken by the witch, bringing him to the brink of death, Dalton must brave demonic creatures and his biggest fears to save his brother's life. But along the way, some horrifying secrets are revealed that will change his life forever.
A combination of nailbiting thrills and dread-filled atmosphere makes Prey Without Ceasing a gripping short story you will find hard-pressed not to read in one go. Author Andrew Franks mixes apt social commentary and pulsating horror in a seamless fashion, keeping you hooked throughout the pages. The characters are layered and well-fleshed out. Franks' plotting is intricate, with unexpected twists and turns you never see coming. The narrative focuses on the hypocrisy of certain sections of uber-religious people who quote scriptures to others at every possible opportunity, only to disregard most of its teachings and apply it in their own lives. I was glued to the pages from start to finish. If anyone is itching for some horror, I recommend Prey Without Ceasing.
Recommend this book:
Pushing Pawns
The Chess Club Book One
Dima Novak
2022 Silver Medal
223 Pages
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Young Adult - General
Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite
Pushing Pawns is the first book in The Chess Club series by Dima Novak. Moses Middleton gathers a team of individuals for a scholastic chess tournament. However, when they lose miserably, Moses is afraid their ragtag team of chess players will split up, and his dreams of vanquishing their mediocre life will vanish with it. In a desperate attempt to save the team, Moses gets help from Viktor, an international grandmaster, to teach them how to play chess to win. Moses, Esther, Zamir, P.D., and Maggie work hard to win this time and shake up the scholastic chess scene in New York City. While they hone their skills, they have also to avoid bullies, keep out of the way of their vice principal, and make sure to teach a lesson to the rich kids from Galton Prep. Easy, right?
What a fantastic start to a series that I am sure will be an instant hit. The stakes are high from the very beginning, and Moses understands that. On the surface, Pushing Pawns by Dima Novak is a revenge story of five individuals who lost a tournament and want to get back at their rivals. A masterpiece with a superior narrative and phenomenal characters, this novel had me sitting on the edge of my seat. Viktor is just what these kids needed to succeed. Learning Soviet tactics is exactly what they needed to succeed at chess and understand that loyalty, teamwork, and friendship have a lot more value than just winning a tournament (although the win is so sweet!). The story is fun, quirky, and with enough witty charm to make you laugh out loud at certain points. The narrative style is unique. To say that I loved it would be an understatement.
Pushing Pawns is the first book in The Chess Club series by Dima Novak. Moses Middleton gathers a team of individuals for a scholastic chess tournament. However, when they lose miserably, Moses is afraid their ragtag team of chess players will split up, and his dreams of vanquishing their mediocre life will vanish with it. In a desperate attempt to save the team, Moses gets help from Viktor, an international grandmaster, to teach them how to play chess to win. Moses, Esther, Zamir, P.D., and Maggie work hard to win this time and shake up the scholastic chess scene in New York City. While they hone their skills, they have also to avoid bullies, keep out of the way of their vice principal, and make sure to teach a lesson to the rich kids from Galton Prep. Easy, right?
What a fantastic start to a series that I am sure will be an instant hit. The stakes are high from the very beginning, and Moses understands that. On the surface, Pushing Pawns by Dima Novak is a revenge story of five individuals who lost a tournament and want to get back at their rivals. A masterpiece with a superior narrative and phenomenal characters, this novel had me sitting on the edge of my seat. Viktor is just what these kids needed to succeed. Learning Soviet tactics is exactly what they needed to succeed at chess and understand that loyalty, teamwork, and friendship have a lot more value than just winning a tournament (although the win is so sweet!). The story is fun, quirky, and with enough witty charm to make you laugh out loud at certain points. The narrative style is unique. To say that I loved it would be an understatement.
Recommend this book:
The Butterfly Bruises
Palmer Smith
2022 Gold Medal
176 Pages
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Young Adult - General
Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite
“Is time an illusion?” If so, can you slow it down? No, you can’t slow down an illusion. So, how does that define life itself, since life is woven within the fabric of time? Complex questions – but life is like that and we never really do get all the answers. We can philosophize and look at times in our past, our present, and wonder about the future. We can explain our lives in the power of language: metaphors and similes. It might make sense then. But, what doesn’t make sense is what we’ve done to our planet: “If the ocean could speak,/ …The pain of the water wailing/ would awaken every creature throughout the seven seas.” Words spoke with true clarity as the poet goes on to list the evil it must endure, suggesting that we humans should dive into its “insides/ and sift/ the plastic out.” It’s like “a clogged artery” and it “won’t heal.” How do we right the wrongs of centuries of careless humanity?
Palmer Smith’s book, The Butterfly Bruises, is a collection of poetry and stories that discuss and unravel some of the mysteries of life: humanity, childhood, miscommunication, love and abuse, imagination, the power of the oceans and the overwhelming addiction of culture, family, and technology. The author/poet explores the incongruous dilemma of where humanity fits into this complex equation. With vivid imagery and powerful metaphors, the author/poet demonstrates a strong command of the language and a succinct ability to share the message. There are stories and poems of deep thought, as well as others full of magic, fantasy, mystery, and the paranormal. This book will need several reads to contemplate its full intensity.
“Is time an illusion?” If so, can you slow it down? No, you can’t slow down an illusion. So, how does that define life itself, since life is woven within the fabric of time? Complex questions – but life is like that and we never really do get all the answers. We can philosophize and look at times in our past, our present, and wonder about the future. We can explain our lives in the power of language: metaphors and similes. It might make sense then. But, what doesn’t make sense is what we’ve done to our planet: “If the ocean could speak,/ …The pain of the water wailing/ would awaken every creature throughout the seven seas.” Words spoke with true clarity as the poet goes on to list the evil it must endure, suggesting that we humans should dive into its “insides/ and sift/ the plastic out.” It’s like “a clogged artery” and it “won’t heal.” How do we right the wrongs of centuries of careless humanity?
Palmer Smith’s book, The Butterfly Bruises, is a collection of poetry and stories that discuss and unravel some of the mysteries of life: humanity, childhood, miscommunication, love and abuse, imagination, the power of the oceans and the overwhelming addiction of culture, family, and technology. The author/poet explores the incongruous dilemma of where humanity fits into this complex equation. With vivid imagery and powerful metaphors, the author/poet demonstrates a strong command of the language and a succinct ability to share the message. There are stories and poems of deep thought, as well as others full of magic, fantasy, mystery, and the paranormal. This book will need several reads to contemplate its full intensity.
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