Michelle Schusterman

This is the second time that I have read this book -- and I liked it as much this time as I did the first time. I think the main theme of this book is identity.

Mina lives in Fairbanks, Alaska and is about to start 7th grade. She has spent the summer without her best friend. She finds out by accident that Emily had become overwhelmed with Mina's obsession with the music band ClockWork. Mina needs to decide what she really wants.

In the meantime, Nukka, the little stray kitten that was rescued show more by Niko, the lead husky. Nukka doesn't remember anything of her life before being rescued. Living in the midst of a pack of huskies, she herself takes on the personality and characteristics of a husky. She must decide who she really is.

The story takes place in Alaska. I love the family business of dog-sled excursions and rescues. The family dynamics of human, huskies, and now kitten is a wonderful mix. Very realistic fiction. It does have the animals communicating in their own language and it is written so that the reader can understand the conversations.

Highly recommended for 4th-6th graders, especially animal lovers. show less

Literary Merit: Good
Characterization: Good
Recommended: Yes, for younger young adults
Level: lower middle school

This is a good book for middle school students. It goes into the issues of finding oneself, as you age, and the things people go through to become the person they are. It also goes into the issues faced when moving away from everything you know. Through the story Chance learns about how others think and develop into their personalities through the marionette, Penny. Though the story show more is fantasy, it provides insight into the process of growing up and learning how to be your own person. show less

I'm probably a little biased because I work for the publisher, but this book is SO GOOD! Full of suspense, rich characters, and enough spooky stuff to make me a believer.

An unlikely friendship between a sea otter named Oliver and a lost puppy named Franklin develop. They team up in the Pacific Northwest to find their way home after being separated from their families.