Careful What You Hear by Helen Dunlap Newton

 

Genre: Middle Grade, Mystery
Source: I won a copy from LibraryThing Early Reviewer. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Noah and Lena have been given a gift. They are on their way to space camp. Captain Billings has assured them there is no mission this time. This is to make up for the trouble they endured at the end of their last mission.  But Noah just can't shake the feeling that there has to be a mission.  When Noah is approached by a man claiming to be a teacher and asking about a lost phone, Noah knows something is wrong. Once again Noah and Lena are in danger and will be until the people who were after them before are caught.  This is a wonderful and tightly written mystery.  Noah comes across a your typical young teen, with some trust issues.  Lena has a hard exterior to shelter her true feelings of fear. She is one of the smartest people Noah knows and her truest friend.  I am truly hoping there will be a third book shortly as this is one of the best new series I have read in a while. I am very sure my students are going to love this.

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.

Jake and the Gingerbread Wars by E.G. Foley

 

Genre: Middle Grade, Fantasy
Source: I own a copy

This is a charming book about a young boy who once lived in an orphanage but was now an Earl. While walking through town with his cousins and friend, they visit two different pastry shops. This is where their adventure begins. The two bakers who at one time cared for each other were not warring against each other. Jake discovers that there is mischief and magic behind it all.  With the ability of telekinesis and his friends and family with him, he sets out to make things right. His adventures have him chasing an elf and meeting Santa, Yetis, Jack Frost, and the Ice Princess.  This is a short Christmas novella that falls between books 3 and 4 in the Gryphon Chronicles by E.G. Foley.  This can be read as a stand-alone book. However, I personally want to check out the other books in this series—great adventure with a touch of magic.