Brainstorm 325: Engaging Science Nonfiction

This week's Brainstorm brings you some nonfiction reads for you science nerds (and the not-so-nerdy). Whether readers are serious science fans, reluctant science studiers, or voracious collectors of random science facts, there's something for everyone in this selection of science reads today. Click on the titles to see my full review including any content notes/trigger warnings.

All Charged Up (Big Ideas That Changed the World, #5) by Don Brown

In a nutshell: A graphic novel history of humans harnessing electricity over the past couple hundred years.

More info: The nutshell says it all.

Extra thoughts: The former science teacher in me gave this all the stars. It is excellently done, and I appreciate that Brown did further research and included scientists involved in breakthroughs who were often left out in the past because they were people of color. (The narrator character of the graphic novel is one such Bangla inventor whose discoveries led the way to radios.)

Target readers: Electricity Studiers, Invention/Inventor Studiers, Graphic Novel Fans, Curious Readers, Random Fact Sponges, Reluctant Nonfiction Readers, Middle Grade Readers 

Hidden Systems: Water, Electricity, the Internet, and the Secrets Behind the Systems We Use Every Day by Dan Nott

In a nutshell: A graphic novel that looks at how the Internet actually works, how electricity is produced, where drinkable water can be found and why that is a concern.

More info: The nutshell says it all.

Extra thoughts: This is like a 'How it Works' book for YA and adults (there's a reason they had David Macaulay do the blurb on the front). Nott goes beyond Macaulay's type of books in that he also explores social and ethical issues related to these systems. It’s a thought-provoking read in that Nott points out how these systems aren't exactly fair in their distribution because of how they were usually laid down in the easiest ways possible which meant following certain older paths (often determined by socio-economic status). My favorite part of the book was how it breaks down how the internet works in an easy to understand way. It helps take away some of the nebulous terminology and allows readers to picture how it really works.

Target readers: How It Works Fans, Curious Readers, Reluctant Nonfiction Readers, Graphic Novel Fans, Thought-Provoking Read Fans, YA & Adult Readers

In the Waves: My Quest to Solve the Mystery of a Civil War Submarine by Rachel Lance

In a nutshell: A medical doctor with the US Navy tackles the unsolved mystery of how the men in the Civil War submarine HL Hunley died.

More info: Rachel Lance is a medical doctor with the US Navy who was researching affects of underwater explosions at Duke for her PhD when her advisor brought up the mystery of the HL Hunley. The HL Hunley was a Confederate submarine that sank during the US Civil War. The final location was uncovered in the late 20th century. It had obviously sustained external damage, but when the sub was opened, all of the crew members were found seemingly serenely positioned at their posts. Rachel Lance sought to discover what could possibly have killed the sailors and left them at their posts as opposed to strewn about by an explosion or clamoring to open a hatch.

Extra thoughts: An absolutely fascinating bit of scientific forensic research with just the right amount of historical background on submarines and the Hunley specifically and scientific information easy for the lay person to grasp.

Target readers: Mythbusters-Type-Show/Read Fans, True Crime Fans, Unsolved Mystery Fans, Science Fans, History Fans, Adult Readers (though approachable to YA)

Moving the Millers' Minnie Moore Mine Mansion: A True Story by Dave Eggers, ill. by Júlia Sardà

In a nutshell: A picture book history of a mansion that was built in Idaho for an English silver mine owner's new wife, and how she eventually had it moved so she could raise pigs.

More info: The nutshell says it all.

Extra thoughts: This is a very creatively told true story of a big house that got moved several miles without the aid of any electronics. It was an impressive piece of engineering for the time period! Also pick this one up to examine Eggers' engaging nonfiction writing and Sardà's unique illustration style.

Target readers: Crazy But True Story Fans, Random Fact Sponges, Simple Machines Studiers, History Fans, Engaging Writing Fans, Art Lovers, Picture Book Readers (though of interest to Middle Grade too)

Mysterious Glowing Mammals: An Unexpected Discovery Sparks a Scientific Investigation by Maria Parrott-Ryan

In a nutshell: Learn about recent discoveries of mammals who glow under UV light.

More info: Maria Parrott-Ryan introduces readers to a small group of scientists in Wisconsin who discovered that northern flying squirrels were biofluorescent (glowed in UV light) and explains how they went about confirming their discovery and where their research has led them in the few years since then.

Extra thoughts: It isn't often that books for kids get to be about something that was discovered within the past decade and has numerous unanswered questions to be further explored. And who can resist something glowing in the dark?

Target readers: Curious Readers, Random Fact Sponges, Budding Scientists, Animal Lovers, Science Fans, Weird but True Fans, Middle Grade Readers (interesting enough for YA too)

The Perfect Predator: A Scientist's Race to Save Her Husband from a Deadly Superbug: A Memoir by Steffanie Strathdee & Thomas Patterson

In a nutshell: An epidemiologist shares about her husband’s fight for his life when he contracted a antibiotics-resistant super bug.

More info: Husband and wife public health researchers and professors Thomas Patterson and Steffanie Strathdee were taking a break from their work with AIDS research to vacation in Egypt over Thanksgiving of 2015 when Tom suddenly came down with what they originally thought was a little food poisoning. As his condition continued to worsen, they soon realized this was no ordinary stomach bug, and after Tom exhausted the resources at the clinic in Egypt he was medevaced to Germany where it was discovered he had a serious case of pancreatitis and a pseudocyst, but even worse, an antibiotics resistant superbug. As their network of medical friends pulled together their resources, Tom was flown to UCSD's hospital to receive treatment closer to home by a doctor who had worked with drug-resistant bacteria before. But Tom's condition continued to decline, and eventually Steff put on her epidemiologist hat and started researching other possible treatments for her husband. She stumbled across phage therapy, and brought it to the medical team working with her husband. They decided to see if they could give it a shot, since Tom had no other options left. As scientists, Steff knew that Tom would at least like to contribute to research even in his death if it didn't work. And phage therapy, while used in Europe in the past century, in the US had not been tried on human patients at all.

Extra thoughts: This was a very interesting look at the real problem drug-resistant bacteria are becoming, and cutting edge solutions that are being explored. The concept of phage therapy and its potential are fascinating, and it’s good Tom's case has opened the doors to further research. Because she is not only a scientist but also a professor, Steff does a great job of breaking down the science in ways that are pretty easy to understand. I appreciated that Steff and Tom admit in the epilogue that he is alive largely in thanks to the privilege of their knowledge, positions, economic status, and connections. I think it is important that they shared that realization, but equally important for readers to know that they are leveraging that privilege for others now.

Target readers: Medical Memoir Fans, Epidemiologist Story Fans, Crazy True Story Fans, Cutting Edge Science Fans, Adult Readers (though approachable to YA)

Your One and Only Heart by Rajani LaRocca, ill. by Lauren Paige Conrad

In a nutshell: Free verse poems introduce readers to the heart and its simple but complex workings.

More info: The nutshell says it all.

Extra thoughts: A great introduction to an extremely vital organ by a fantastic author who is also an MD. The main text is simple enough for lower grade students, while the back content adds enough details for even middle schoolers to get good information out of this.

Target readers: Human Body Studiers, Curious Readers, Science Fans, How It Works Fans, Picture Book Readers

Brainstorm 324: Intergenerational Friendship Stories

For this week’s Brainstorm I have stories about intergenerational friendships for you. These are stories of kids who befriend people around their grandparents’ age, or vice versa, and who both benefit greatly from the relationship. They are touching and a beautiful reminder that there’s so much we can learn from those both older and younger than us. Click on the titles to see my full review of each title including any content notes/trigger warnings.

Eddie Whatever by Lois Ruby

In a nutshell: A boy doing a community service project at a nursing home solves a mystery and makes unexpected friends who teach him important life lessons along the way.

More info: Eddie has to do a community service project as one of his bar mitvah requirements. His mom signs him up to volunteer at the Silver Brook Pavilion retirement home. Eddie feels like he already has enough on his plate with the robotics club (which has hit a major road block), baseball team (still yet to win a game), and worrying about whatever has made his dad so mopey and caused his parents to fight behind closed doors. He isn't sure if he can handle volunteering at the retirement home. The people there are...odd, and some of the residents inform him the place is haunted by the twin of the lady who likes to guard the front door. As the days pass, the residents do start to grow on Eddie. And when more and more things go missing, blamed on the ghost, Eddie starts to think there may be a very un-supernatural answer. But can he catch the thief before he goes down for the crime and loses his chance at completing his bar mitvah?

Extra thoughts: The quirky residents of Silver Brook really grow on the reader as they grow on Eddie. They are by turns hilarious and moving. I loved how the story showed the value of intergenerational friendships (for both parties), and how meaningful just being there to listen can be to someone.

Target readers: Contemporary Fiction Fans, Mystery Fans, Memorable Character Fans, Feel Good Story Fans, Middle Grade Readers

The House at the End of the Road by Kari Rust

In a nutshell: Three children make an unexpected friend of the man who lives in the “creepy” house near their grandmother.

More info: Three cousins staying with their grandmother for the summer think a nearby house is spooky. Their grandmother corrects them, and introduces them to the owner, her old school teacher, Mr. Peterson. When he gets sick and his old house is condemned, the kids decide to find a way to preserve the memories of the old house for Mr. Peterson.

Extra thoughts: This is a charmingly illustrated, heartfelt picture book about a beautiful friendship and fun cousin experiences.

Target readers: Contemporary Fiction Fans, Cousin Story Fans, Don’t Judge a Book (Person/House) by Its Cover Story Fans, Feel Good Story Fans, Picture Book Readers

Macy McMillan and the Rainbow Goddess by Shari Green

In a nutshell: A deaf girl and her elderly neighbor both packing up for moves, help each other face the changes ahead.

More info: Macy likes her life with just her Mom and her in their cozy house with her reading nook window and her garden of flowers. But her Mom is getting married to Alan and they'll be moving in with him and his 6 year old twin girls. Macy is refusing to pack, because that would make it more real. Her mom has volunteered her to pack their elderly neighbor's books for her, though, and she can't procrastinate on that. At first she and the lady next door have problems communicating since Macy is deaf, but soon they work out a system, and Macy finds an unexpected friend in Iris, named for the rainbow goddess. Iris turns out to be the friend Macy needs right now as they both face upcoming moves, Macy deals with friendship issues at school, and struggles to do a genealogy project that feels awkward since she doesn't know who her dad is and would force her to acknowledge that her family is changing.

Extra thoughts: This is a super quick read thanks to the novel in verse format. I let it linger on my TBR for a while because I didn't find the cover appealing and the title seemed odd, but after reading it both make a lot of sense. The author did a great job writing as if from the perspective of someone who can’t hear. I loved the friendship between Iris and Macy. They are so good for each other, and the way they use books they love to build that friendship and communicate important skills for navigating change is beautiful. Also, you must be aware that having cookies or cookie ingredients on hand is a requirement for reading this story since Iris teaches Macy how to send messages with different flavors of cookies.

Target readers: Contemporary Fiction Fans, Quick Read Fans, Novels in Verse Fans, Fans of Deaf Characters, Moving/Changes Story Fans, Fans of Books about Books, Cookie Lovers, Award Winner Readers, Middle Grade Readers

Old Friends by Margaret Aitken, ill. by Lenny Wen

In a nutshell: A girl missing her grandmother goes looking for new friends with similar hobbies at the local retirement home.

More info: Marjorie loves gardening, baking, and knitting, and has trouble finding friends who also enjoy those things. She misses her grandma who she could talk to about those subjects, so she decides to go in search of others her grandma's age who could give her advice. But the retirement home won't let kids go to the knitting or gardening club so Marjorie has to get creative to find some new friends.

Extra thoughts: A very fun intergenerational story with equally fun illustrations.

Target readers: Contemporary Fiction Fans, Humor Fans, Crafty Kid Character Fans, Picture Book Readers

Sue & Tai-Chan Vol. 1 (Sue & Tai-Chan, #1) by Kanata Konami, translated by Melissa Tanaka

In a nutshell: An older cat must survive an energetic visiting kitten while its owner goes on vacation.

More info: Tai is a little kitten whose owner is going away for a few weeks. Sue is an older housecat who is not thrilled to have a little visitor. Can Sue keep the energetic youngster in line without wearing herself out in the process?

Extra thoughts: Such a cute manga about a very energetic and curious little kitten, and an older cat who may have a little more bounce left in her than she believes and just needs a kitten around to bring it out. The antics of these two obviously has come from watching real older and younger cats interact. Also, this manga doesn’t read right to left, it reads like a typical English book, so it is easier for Western readers to get into.

Target readers: Cat Lovers, Manga Fans, Animal Story Fans, Graphic Novel Fans, Middle Grade Readers (though approachable to younger and appealing to older readers too)

Swim Team by Johnnie Christmas

In a nutshell: An elderly neighbor and her posse teach new Floridian Bree how to swim and help coach her school’s swim team to hopeful victory, the possible last chance to save the school slotted for demolition.

More info: Bree and her father just moved from New Jersey to Florida. Bree thankfully finds some quick friends, but her class schedule at her new school is stressing her out. The electives she wanted were all full and she's stuck with Swim 101. But Bree can't swim, and she is very reluctant to admit that in front of other who have been swimming all their lives in sunny Florida. An accident with her apartment complex pool has Bree even more afraid of water, but it also helps her find someone she can trust enough to get in the water. Ms Etta, her older neighbor who looks after her when her father is out. Under Ms Etta's instruction Bree is swimming in no time, and even gets recruited by her Swim 101 instructor to try out for the school swim team. For the first time in ages their swim team has a chance of going to State, and it may mean the difference between the school pool getting paved over for a slushie shop or ongoing swimming opportunities. But team dynamics seem to be holding the team back. Can they learn how to be good teammates in time for the State finals?

Extra thoughts: I really loved how Ms Etta and others of her generation poured into Bree and her teammates. Intergenerational relationships are so important and this story shows how valuable they can be. There's very wise advice about peaceful resolution methods to conflicts included, and all the various things included felt well-balanced.

Target readers: Contemporary Fiction Fans, Swimming Story Fans, Florida Setting Fans, Older Kids Learning to Swim Story Fans, Reconciliation Story Fans, Graphic Novel Fans, Award Winner Readers, Middle Grade Readers

Unplugged and Unpopular by Mat Heagerty, ill. by Tintin Pantoja, colors by Mike Amante

In a nutshell: Grounded from her devices, Erin starts to see the aliens who are taking over using everyone’s devices, and the only other unplugged people who can help her save the planet are some elderly librarians.

More info: In the near future, people use their phones and technology for everything. Erin Song is no different. Her world revolves around her popularity rating and how to improve it, so when the most popular girl at school asks her to help her on a test, Erin agrees. If it boosts her popularity, it’ll be ok. Right? Well, her teacher and parents think differently when she’s busted. Her parents take away all her devices, and it is pretty much the end of the world. Erin thinks she’s starting to see things because of the stress when a weird creature appears outside of the library. But soon the old librarians clue her in to the fact that that isn’t the case. There’s an alien invasion but the aliens are using devices to control what people see so only those who are unplugged know what is going on. Can a girl and some old dudes save the world from an alien invasion no one else believes is happening?

Extra thoughts: I like the clever way this book introduces the idea that perhaps we need to unplug a little bit more. Erin and the senior citizens are a most unconventional army, but they are lots of fun to follow around.

Target readers: Graphic Novel Fans, Humor Fans, Science Fiction Fans, Alien Invasion Story Fans, Unlikely Hero Fans, Friendship Story Fans, Unplugging Story Fans, Asian American Character Fans, Middle Grade Readers

Brainstorm 323: Time Travel Mysteries

Today, I’ve got the promised specific subgenre of scifi mysteries, time travel mysteries. When characters can go back and forth through time, the twists and turns in the mysteries seem to escalate. These stories will keep you on your toes and will keep the brain stimulated. Click on the titles to see my full review of each book, including any content notes/trigger warnings.

The Echo Room by Parker Peevyhouse

In a nutshell: A young man keeps waking up in the same disturbing locked-room circumstances and has limited time each day to figure things out before the day resets.

More info: Rett keeps waking up in a strange bunker with a girl he barely knows but also seems to have odd memories about. He's got blood on his jumpsuit that didn't come from either of them, the door to the bunker has been mangled shut so it won't open again, there are strange symbols on the walls, the power and water don't work, and neither of them knows what is going on or if they can trust each other. Can they figure out what is going on? Or are they destined to repeat the same moments forever?

Extra thoughts: This reads like a much more sinister and mysterious version of the movie Groundhog Day. If you want a different kind of thriller and you like mysteries with plenty of twists and a dash of scifi pick this up.

Target readers: Suspense Fans, Mystery Fans, Scifi Fans, Groundhog Day-ish Story Fans, Fans of Stories with Twists, Young Adult Readers

Glitch by Laura Martin

In a nutshell: Two time-travel operatives in training must find out why their names are on an illegal note from the future and fend off an unknown threat somewhere in time.

More info: Regan Fitz and Eliot Mason are training to be Glitchers (time-travel operatives who prevent people from changing the past). They can barely stand each other. Regan thinks Eliot is a know-it-all with zero social skills. Eliot thinks Regan is the entitled daughter of the commander, and that she acts like a princess. When a note from the future arrives - a very illegal note from the future with their names on it - Regan and Eliot must find a way to work together to save their present and future selves from some unknown danger.

Extra thoughts: Laura Martin is a genius at writing exciting scifi adventures that are pitch perfect for middle grade. The training exercises to various key points in history are fun to experience with the Glitchers; it really makes history come to life in new ways.

Target readers: Mystery Fans, Time Travel Fans, Scifi Fans, Enemies to Friends Story Fans, Adventure Fans, Middle Grade Readers

Lost in Time by A.G. Riddle

In a nutshell: A murder among a small group of scientists who invented a time traveling device results in a murder investigation unlike any other.

More info: In the future a group of 5 scientists and their business investor who set out to make a speedy shipping device accidentally made a time travel machine that only goes to the very, very, VERY distant past. And they're pretty sure it also dumps travelers in a different time stream. Governments quickly pounced on the idea of using the Absolom machine as a way to deal with death row inmates. Dr. Sam Thomas is one of the scientists who has been working on Absolom. He just started dating one of the other scientists, Nora. Both of them lost their spouses early to do a tragedy/cancer. The morning after Sam and Nora told Sam's 19 year-old daughter Adeline that they were a couple, Nora is found dead. Surveillance of the house shows no one else entering or exiting Nora's house since Sam and Adeline left. It looks quite likely that they could both be headed to the Absolom machine. But the business investor for the project, Daniele Danneros, has a plan. She's assured both Adeline and Sam that she can get Sam back from the past if he confesses, while she and Adeline investigate who really killed Nora. Sam just has to survive Triassic dinosaurs long enough for them to rescue him. And Sam's scientific partners, Hiro, Elliott, and Constance have to get Absolom 2 to do more than just dump people in a very distant alternate timeline past. Adeline is in. She has already lost one parent, and she's not going to lose her father for a crime she's sure he didn't commit. But who did, and how long will it take her to clear his name?

Extra thoughts: I loved the smart twists in this plot line.

Target readers: Scifi Fans, Mystery Fans, Fans of Stories with Twists, Time Travel Fans, Adult Readers (though totally fine for YA)

Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel

In a nutshell: An anomaly appearing in four different time periods is investigated by readers and a mysterious man.

More info: From an aimless British 2nd son trying to find his way in Vancouver in 1912 to a grieving young woman in modern day New York to an author on tour all over future Earth to a far future Moon colony, the story follows 4 people who have all had encounters with a strange anomaly that seems to bridge various places and times in a single moment. One man keeps reappearing in each timeline interviewing each person about their experiences with the anomaly. But why is he investigating it, what is it, and how is he in so many different timelines?

Extra thoughts: This starts slow, but once you visit a couple timelines and figure out there is a mystery, it picks up quite a bit. Those who have read Station Eleven by the same author may notice interesting possible autobiographical parallels between the future author’s life/work and Emily St. John Mandel’s.

Target readers: Scifi Fans, Time Travel Fans, Mystery Fans, Emily St. John Mandel Fans, Slow Burn Story Fans, Adult Readers (though approachable to some YA)

Time Chasers (Area 51 Interns, #3) by James S. Murray & Carsen Smith

In a nutshell: Viv and her friends race through time following clues to try and track down her dad who has been lost in time for years due to a machine glitch.

More info: Viv has rarely heard her mom talk about her dad, but after he showed up for a blip at the end of the last book, he's the main topic of conversation. Her mom goes charging off to open up a wing of Area 51 that was closed down since Ernest Becker disappeared. It's a section full of time machines that Ernest developed. Director Harlow quickly gets one working with the help of other parents/scientists and goes off in time to try and rescue Ernest. Viv can't stand the thought of losing both parents, so she decides to get in another time machine and help. Of course, Elijah, Charlotte, and Ray aren't going to let Viv have an adventure without them. But can they actually catch up with the trail Ernest has left, and who are the freaky guys in robes following them?

Extra thoughts: This was a fun romp through time with an added suspense factor thanks to the guys in robes. The kids get to travel to a wide range of time periods both past and future, and meet Beethoven, Einstein, Leonardo da Vinci, and the Wright brothers.

Target readers: Scifi Fans, Time Travel Fans, Adventure Fans, Historical Fiction Fans, Friendship Story Fans, Globe Trotting Story Fans, Middle Grade Readers

Brainstorm 322: Fictional Spy Stories

As promised this week, some fictional spy stories for your dark and stormy night reading. To help myself narrow things down, I decided to avoid any WWII spy stories (there were plenty of nonfiction ones in that era last week). Click on the titles to see my full review for each book including any content notes/trigger warnings.

The Case of the Missing Cheetah (Secret Spy Society, #1) by Veronica Mang

In a nutshell: 3 girls are trained in espionage techniques to find a missing cheetah by a group of lady spies based on real women spies from history.

More info: Rita, Peggy, and Dot need a new case. When they see a lady acting oddly out on the street they decide to follow her. They notice her using Morse code and then realize she is their teacher, Ms. Kahn. Ms. Kahn introduces the girls to her Secret Spy Society of other women spies. They need some fresh faces to go find out if the man they suspect has really kidnapped Josephine's cheetah Chiquita. Can Rita, Peggy, and Dot use their skills to help these lady spies?

Extra thoughts: A fun little spy story that teaches readers about some real historic figures in a very creative way.

Target readers: Mystery Fans, Child Spy Story Fans, Educational Fiction Fans, Lower Grade/Middle Grade Readers

City Spies (City Spies, #1) by James Ponti

In a nutshell: A tween orphan skilled in hacking is recruited to join a very top secret branch of MI6 made up of 4 other orphans from around the globe with unique skill sets who step in when adults would stand out too much. 

More info: Instead of heading off to a group home or juvie after her trial for hacking, like she expected, Sara Martinez finds herself instead whisked off to Scotland and recruited to become a spy for MI-6. A man named Mother showed up, posed as her attorney, and worked everything out before Sara even knew what was happening. Now Sara finds herself dubbed Brooklyn (the city she came from), and joining fellow child spies Paris, Rio, Kat, and Sydney on a mission to stop a terrorist attack at a youth summit in Paris.

Extra thoughts: To date this series has 5 books and both I and the students at our school love them for the exciting action, clever twists and turns in the plot, smart kids, and stories that are very hard to put down. Ponti knocks it out of the park with every book he writes.

Target readers: Globe Trotting Adventure Fans, Tween/Teen Spy Fans, Multicultural Cast Fans, Mystery Fans, Suspense Fans, Contemporary Fiction Fans, Middle Grade Readers

The Gryphon Heist (Talia Inger, #1) by James R. Hannibal

In a nutshell: An underdog CIA agent is sent to protect an undisclosed bit of technology in Eastern Europe in very peculiar circumstances.

More info: Talia Inger almost washed out during her final assessment in the CIA Academy, but her mentor saw something in her and has decided to give her a chance. So Talia and her friend Eddie the hacker find themselves working in a literal closet under a man in danger of dying of donut overdose in the Eastern Europe division of the CIA with the dubious designation of "Other." Not exactly the Moscow assignment Talia had been dreaming of. After only a short amount of time, though, her boss sends her and Eddie out on assignment to Eastern Europe to check up on a Dr. Ivanov who has developed something the CIA is afraid could be hijacked to deploy missiles. For some reason her boss has them working with a shady civilian named Mr. Tyler who Talia cannot figure out, especially his motives. And when the threat goes from theoretical to very real, Talia and Eddie have to figure out who they can trust and how to stop this missile attack from launching.

Extra thoughts: There's so much more involved in this plot that cannot be adequately summarized without some major spoilers. Suffice it to say that this quickly drew me in and provided the smart spy international hopping thriller story I've come to expect from James R. Hannibal. He deftly works in some Christian elements as characters wrestle with anger, hurt, and forgiveness. One of the characters is a former assassin who had a major crisis and found Jesus and has decided to use his skill sets for good. He does things like uses non-lethal rounds in firefights that frighten and slow down but don't permanently injure people. It's such a new concept I've never seen in a spy thriller before, but Hannibal makes it work in believable ways and cuts down on the body count significantly. I was very glad I had the sequel to this book on hand when I read it; I recommend checking out both at the same time.

Target readers: Globe Trotting Adventure Fans, Mystery Fans, Suspense Fans, Adult Spy Story Fans, Christian Fiction Fans, Contemporary Fiction Fans, Character Growth Fans, Adult Readers (though totally fine for YA)

Invasion of the Unicorns by David Biedrzycki

In a nutshell: An alien spy has landed on Earth investigating the potential of Earth for an invasion and humans for subjugation as slaves, and it looks just like a fluffy unicorn toy.

More info: The nutshell says it all.

Extra thoughts: This is an absolute delight. The artwork is amazing. The story is paced with perfect timing that balances the invasion threat with humor and moments of tenderness. And the family dog is the perfect foil for this invader. And if you haven’t figured it out by now, this ends very happily and peacefully.

Target readers: Unicorn Fans, Humor Fans, Art Lovers, Low Stress Spy Story Fans, Scifi Fans, Picture Book Readers

Nightshade (Alex Rider, #13) by Anthony Horowitz

In a nutshell: Alex is drawn out of retirement when a new terrorist organization using teen operatives appears and threatens London.

More info: Alex is looking forward to being a normal teen out of the spy game, but when a new organization called Nightshade appears on the scene in Brazil with a threat of a terrorist attack on London and the only agent MI5 can interrogate is a teen boy impervious to interrogation techniques, Mrs Jones appeals to Alex for help. They need him to go undercover in a high security prison in Gibraltar as Franky's roommate and see if he'll open up at all to a fellow teen. The clock is ticking as they know the attack is imminent but they don't know the target or anything further. And Mrs. Jones has a special reason to want Alex to find out more about Nightshade, something she's only willing to divulge to him.

Extra thoughts: A high-octane adventure that keeps the twists and turns coming. I liked that this plot allowed us to learn more of Alex’s handler Mrs. Jones’ back story.

Target readers: Teen Spy Story Fans, Missing Persons Case Fans, Globe Trotting Adventure Fans, Intense Action/Suspense Fans, Young Adult Readers

The Plot to Kill the Queen by Deborah Hopkinson

In a nutshell: In 16th century England, a young lute player/aspiring author helps uncover a plot by Mary’s supporters to depose Queen Elizabeth.

More info: Emilia's father used to be one of Queen Elizabeth's lute players until his death. The kindly Sir Frances Walsingham, his wife, and daughter have welcomed Emilia into their family. While out doing research for a play she wants to write, Emilia overhears 2 men saying they have a foolproof way of getting letters to Mary, Queen of Scots that evade her captors. Emilia knows Sir Frances needs to know right away. He is Queen Elizabeth's spy master. What Emilia overheard aligns with some other things Sir Frances has heard of late, so he recruits Emilia to be a spy placed in the castle where Mary is being held by posing as a lute player sent as a gift from Elizabeth to Mary for a month. Emilia and her dog Mousekin are on their way to see if they can find out how the letters are getting in and out without being discovered herself.

Extra info: This is an information-rich historical fiction spy thriller. The events included aren't necessarily historical, but the setting, most of the characters involved, and the premise for why spying would be going on are all historical. It was an engaging way to learn about this time period.

Target readers: Royal Court Espionage Fans, Tween Spy Story Fans, Historical Fiction Fans, Educational Fiction Fans, Suspense Fans, Mystery Fans, Tudor England Setting Fans, Middle Grade Readers

A Royal Conundrum (Misfits, #1) by Lisa Yee, ill. by Dan Santat

In a nutshell: A girl who feels like a misfit is dumped off at an odd boarding school by her workaholic parents and finds herself training to be an undercover agent with a select group of other misfits at the school who must catch a jewel thief.

More info: Olive Cobin Zang's parents are frequently on business trips. That didn't used to be a problem. She used to stay with Mimi, but her grandmother isn't around any more. The latest business trip promises to be quite extended so her parents are pulling her out of the school she's gone to forever, and enrolling her in a former prison. Ok, so it isn't a prison now. It's a "reforming arts school" in a castle on an island, but Olive had no warning this was coming. She also has no idea what she's in for, as RASCH is an academy like no other, and she's been tapped to be in a special group of kids training to be undercover agents who help fight crime! But can such a group of misfits learn to work together as a team and actually help make the world a better place by stopping a jewel thief that's been terrorizing the city?

Extra thoughts: I enjoyed how the author mixed into this memorable spy training/mystery story the kids learning to accept their own strengths and weaknesses as well as the quirks of the rest of their teammates and learning to work together. It was a good balance of exciting plot and character development with some messages that readers can chew on later. Dan Santat’s illustrations throughout definitely make the characters come to life even more vividly and make it a quicker read.

Target readers: Boarding School Story Fans, Tween Spy Story Fans, Memorable Character Fans, Self-Acceptance Story Fans, Team Building Story Fans, Mystery Fans, Middle Grade Readers

Brainstorm 321: Nonfiction Spy Stories

I started working on the spy stories Brainstorm today for your dark and stormy night reading and realized I had so many great nonfiction spy stories they should get their own Brainstorm. So I’ll share the fictional spy stories next week and give you the nonfiction recommendations today. After the spies have their days, I’ll share the promised scifi/mystery subgenre reads. Click on the titles to see my full reviews including any content notes/trigger warnings.

Chief of Station, Congo: Fighting the Cold War in a Hot Zone by Larry Devlin

In a nutshell: The CIA's man in Congo after they gained independence from Belgium shares his efforts to keep them from falling to Communist influence.

More info: Larry Devlin was the CIA's man in Congo for some of the main years of unrest right after it gained independence from Belgium. At that time the Soviet Union was looking for a country to be their foothold in Africa, so Larry spent most of his years trying to keep Congo out of the hands of the Soviets. No small task when the country is in turmoil and power keeps changing hands.

Extra thoughts: This was a fascinating read. It gave some great insights into the Cold War power struggles in Africa, an eye-opening look at what a real CIA agent's life is like and Embassy life (not what you might always imagine).

Target readers: Memoir Fans, Cold War Story Fans, Africa Setting Fans, History Fans, Crazy True Story Fans, Adult Readers (though approachable to YA)

MI5 and Me: a Coronet among the Spooks by Charlotte Bingham

In a nutshell: A cozy and humorous memoir of a young woman whose spy father recruited her to be a secretary for MI5.

More info: Charlotte Bingham was called into her father's office at 18 and told she needed to do something with her life. Oh, and her father works for MI5 and he's getting her a job as a secretary there. After recovering from that bombshell Charlotte was sure life as an MI5 secretary would be miserable and boring. Only time would tell if she was right or not.

Extra thoughts: This was a fascinating and very entertaining memoir about what real life was like in the 1950s as a secretary at MI5. Bingham relates her experiences with touches of humor that make this highly readable (I devoured it in 1 sitting).

Target readers: Memoir Fans, Humor Fans, Less Tense Spy Story Fans, Crazy True Story Fans, Adult Readers (though totally approachable to YA)

Spies: the Secret Showdown between America and Russia by Marc Favreau

In a nutshell: A history of spycraft between the USSR and the USA during the Cold War.

More info: The nutshell says it all. 

Extra thoughts: This is pretty succinct and really just touches on some of the biggest moments in spying during the Cold War. You learn some of the biggest spies on each side, and moments when things got really dicey.

Target readers: History Fans, Nonfiction Fans, Cold War Studiers, Readers Looking for Just the Highlights, YA Readers (though approachable to Middle Grade)

Spies by David Long, ill. by Terri Po

In a nutshell: An illustrated collection of brief biographies of spies from both sides of the WWII conflict.

More info: The nutshell says it all again. 

Extra thoughts: Based on the chapters on people I had read much longer books on, David Long did an amazing job of succinctly summarizing the key parts of their missions. I like that the font is larger than normal for a middle grade book and is dyslexia-friendly, making this a good pick for middle grade readers with visual acuity issues.

Target Readers: WWII Story Fans, Short Biography Collection Fans, Readers with Visual Acuity Issues (Like Dyslexia), Fans of Heavily-Illustrated Books, Nonfiction Fans, Random Fact Collectors, Middle Grade Readers (though interesting enough for YA and Adults)

The Spy and the Traitor: the Greatest Espionage Story of the Cold War by Ben MacIntyre

In a nutshell: A biography of a KGB traitor who fed info to MI6 and played a pivotal role in the Cold War behind the scenes.

More info: A biography of Oleg Gordievsky, who was raised in a KGB family, recruited to the KGB at a young age and quickly rose in the ranks working in Scandinavia and then England. The book outlines how he was recruited by MI6 and the role he played behind the scenes in the Cold War and world history because of his spying.

Extra thoughts: This book reveals many behind the scenes things about the Cold War, like how close the world came to a nuclear war, and how important Gordievsky's spying was for peace talks, that made for a riveting and eye-opening historical read. It was also a good dose of reality to balance out the perception of spies in Hollywood.

Target readers: Crazy True Story Fans, Biography Fans, Cold War Studiers, History Fans, Nonfiction Fans, Adult Readers (approachable to some YA readers)

Unbreakable: the Spies Who Cracked the Nazis’ Secret Code by Rebeca E.F. Barone

In a nutshell: A history of the people who broke the Enigma code during WWII.

More info: A look at the Polish, French, and British linguists, mathematicians, spies, and soldiers who were responsible for enabling the Allies to break the Enigma encoded messages the Nazis were sending to each other.

Extra thoughts: This was a fascinating read. I learned a lot, but it was extremely readable. And though it is approachable enough for middle grade, it has enough historic details not talked about much elsewhere that even YA and adult readers interested in WWII will likely enjoy this.

Target readers: WWII Story Fans, History Fans, Code Breaker Stories, Nonfiction Fans, Middle Grade/YA/Adult Readers

Wise Gals: the Spies Who Built the CIA and Changed the Future of Espionage by Nathalia Holt

In a nutshell: A history of women in the Central Intelligence Agency of the USA.

More info: A history of women in the CIA, focusing on some of the original women who transitioned from being OSS operatives to being in the CIA or were in the very first class of trainees. Their names were Adelaide (Addy) Hawkins, Mary Hutchison, Eloise Page, Jane Burrell, and Elizabeth (Liz) Sudmeier. All but one of these women got together in the 1950s to do a study on inequalities of women in the CIA and submitted their data and stories to try and improve the situation for women. They were largely ignored, but they paved the way with their solid records and work ethic to open doors for women in the future. These are their untold stories.

Extra thoughts: This is a fairly long book, but I found it a quick read for a nonfiction book. It is well-written and explores gender equality issues as well as how the spy trade changed from WWII to chasing Nazi war criminals to Cold War tensions to anti-terrorism from the 1930s-1980s. 

Target readers: History Fans, Collective Biography Fans, Gender Equality Story Fans, CIA Evolution Studiers, Nonfiction Fans, Adult Readers (though approachable to some YA interested enough in the topics)

The Woman All Spies Fear: Code Breaker Elizebeth Smith Friedman and Her Hidden Life by Amy Butler Greenfield

In a nutshell: A biography of one of the most instrumental code breakers in the US in the 20th century.

More info: A biography of Elizebeth Smith Friedman who became an instrumental code and cipher breaker in the first half of the 20th century, bringing down mob and drug leaders, figuring out WWII secrets, and paving the way for women leaders in the field.

Extra thoughts: Amy Butler Greenfield did a phenomenal job of presenting Elizebeth's story for teens. It was expertly researched, included lots of photos, and had just the right amount of code breaking details to show Elizebeth's genius without causing readers to get lost in the technical details. I like this even better than the adult biography on Elizebeth I’ve read, The Woman Who Smashed Codes.

Target readers: Biography Fans, STEM Bio Fans, History Fans, Code Breaker Story Fans, Young Adult Readers (though of interest to Adult readers, and approachable to some Middle Grade readers)

A Woman of No Importance: the Untold Story of the American Spy Who Helped Win World War II by Sonia Purnell

In a nutshell: A biography of Virginia Hall, an American woman who lost a leg prior to the war, but still successfully ran extensive networks of French resistance workers in Southern France during WWII.

More info: In Lyon, France at the outset of WWII, an American woman who used to work for the US State Department but felt frustrated with desk work found her niche. Virginia Hall was reluctantly sent to France by the British SEO under the cover of being a journalist. They weren't super enthusiastic or hopeful about sending a woman to start resistance groups, but she spoke French and German fluently, and she was very eager to go. She was to prove to be one of their best assets of the war, but she worked so much behind the scenes and shunned accolades, so that despite her successes and vital work for the Allies, she had all but disappeared from history until Purnell started digging. What she relates is an incredible story of a woman who despite being an amputee before the war, managed to build extensive networks of French resistance workers, designed and enabled one of the most successful prison escapes of Allied operatives, and helped free the first section of Southern France from German control with only resistance workers.

Extra thoughts: This is an eye-opening biography, one of the best WWII spy biographies I’ve ever read, and that’s mainly due to the impressive amount of research into history that was meant to be buried in many instances because of its clandestine nature.

Target readers: Biography Fans, WWII Story Fans, History Fans, Amputee Overcomer Story Fans, Nonfiction Fans, Crazy True Story Fans, Adult Readers (though approachable to some YA)