Iris Blackwood and the Curse of Hemlock Island by Chad Prevost

 

Genre:  Middle Grade, Mystery, Adventure

Source: I won a copy from LibraryThing. The opinions expressed here are my own

There is nothing I like more than a great mystery/adventure  book.  This is one of those. You have a twelve year old girl detective named Iris as the main character.  This for me was a plus since I teach middle school students and always try to entice the students to read. This will appeal to many as it is a choose your adventure book.  I loved these growing up.  You, the reader, choose the decision the character will make. Each reading and each choice could have a different outcome.   I would read a book over and over to make sure I had the full experience. Okay, in all honesty it was because I could not stand only reading part of a book. As in the past, each read of this book was a different experience. There is so much to like and learn from this book. I think it would be awesome to have my own students create a story where each group planned the next and different step in the story to create a very short version of a choose your own adventure story.  I am definitely looking forward to reading more by this author. There are three books in this series. Do yourself a favor and check them out

Do You Hear What I Hear? by Helen Dunlap Newton

Genre: Middle Grade, Adventure, Thriller
Source: I purchased a copy

Noah Baker is trying to find a new normal after an accident caused a traumatic brain injury and a complete loss of hearing. His parents have done everything they could to make life normal after the accident. With a new cochlear implant to help him hear again, he dreams of a new normal. But normal is not in the cards. Noah realizes he can hear the thoughts of those around him through his new device. This is how he learns how worried his parents are about the cost of all of this and how his brother blames himself for Noah's loss.  When the doctor learns what Noah's device can do, he is caught up in a government plan. He isn't the only one. Lena, an amputee, has a new leg.  The government is using both of them.  They have been asked to use their new devices, which could put them and their families in danger. Yet, at the same time, they have been asked to serve their country under the guise of being ambassadors for a new organization that puts disabled kids at the front of society.  I loved this story and can't wait to read its sequel, "Careful What You Hear."  This book is full of technological advances and spy adventures. I think I loved this book because it reminded me of Anthony Horowitz's Stormbreaker series.  Anyone, young or old, who loves teens put in adventurous situations will love this book.