ES Battle of the Books 2023-2024: Book Summaries

Dinosaurs existed. That’s a fact we accept today. But not so long ago, the concept that these giant creatures could have roamed Earth millions of years before humans was unfathomable. People thought what we know as dinosaur bones were the bones of giant humans. Of large elephants. Or angels, even. So how did we get from angel wings to the T-Rex? The First Dinosaur tells the story of the idea of dinosaurs, and the chain of fossil discoveries and advances in science that led to that idea. Be prepared to meet eccentric mean and overlooked women who uncovered the pieces to a puzzle so much bigger than themselves, a puzzle far stranger and more spectacular than they could have ever imagined.

Stuntboy, in the Meantime" is a graphic novel for young readers by Jason Reynolds, with illustrations by Raúl the Third. This middle-grade novel centers on Portico "Stuntboy" Reeves, a young boy aspiring to be the greatest superhero unknown to the world. The story addresses complex themes and experiences in a child's life, such as coping with feelings of being overwhelmed or out of control. The narrative is set against the backdrop of Portico's family life, where his parents are often arguing, creating a sense of turmoil and anxiety for him. The book provides a unique child's perspective on the impact of parental separation and constant household arguments, common in modern society.
Portico's self-assumed mission is to ensure the safety and well-being of those around him, particularly his parents and two best friends, whom he considers superheroes. He takes on the role of Stuntboy in secret, working to keep everyone "super safe." The story artfully combines playful language and vivid imagery, employing both past and present tenses to enhance the narrative. The illustrations by Raúl the Third add depth and nuance to the plot, making it an engaging read for young audiences.
Overall, "Stuntboy, in the Meantime" is a poignant exploration of a young mind trying to navigate and make sense of the complexities and challenges in his family life, while also nurturing his own dreams and sense of identity.

Mission Unstoppable" is the first book in "The Genius Files" series by Dan Gutman. This action-packed, New York Times bestselling adventure features twelve-year-old twins Coke and Pepsi McDonald who embark on what seems to be a normal family vacation in a cross-country RV trip with their parents. However, the trip quickly turns into an extraordinary adventure.
The twins, Coke and Pepsi, initially believe their family's RV vacation is going to be uneventful. But things take a dramatic turn as they find themselves being pursued by a group of villains. The siblings face various life-threatening situations, including being chased off a cliff, locked in a burning school, and receiving mysterious messages in codes and ciphers. This thrilling journey leads them to various offbeat tourist attractions, such as The National Yo Yo Museum, The Spam Museum, and from the Pez museum in California all the way to the Infinity Room in Wisconsin.
The novel is filled with black-and-white photographs and maps that immerse young readers directly into the action. The story blends humor, suspense, and mystery, making it an engaging read for middle-grade readers. The combination of real-world settings with fantastical elements creates a unique and thrilling narrative that keeps readers guessing what will happen next.
In summary, "Mission Unstoppable" is a fast-paced adventure that takes young readers on a wild ride across the United States, mixing danger, humor, and the bond of family in an unforgettable road trip​.

Omar Rising" by Aisha Saeed is a compelling story set in Pakistan, revolving around the experiences of Omar, a young Pakistani boy from a small rural village. The novel, a companion to "Amal Unbound," explores themes of social injustice and inequality. Omar, the son of a helper, wins a scholarship to the prestigious Ghalib Academy for Boys, an elite boarding school. This opportunity represents a significant change in his life, offering him a chance to improve his social standing. However, Omar and his friend Naveed face an unexpected challenge at the academy. They discover that the scholarship students are required to achieve higher grades than the fee-paying students, creating a nearly insurmountable barrier to their graduation.The story is not just about Omar's struggle with academic challenges but also about his personal growth. He learns to speak out against the unfairness and inequality he witnesses, pushing back against systemic injustice. His kindness and strong work ethic do not go unnoticed, suggesting a positive change or support that he might receive​.

The Wishing Spell follows twin siblings Alex and Conner Bailey, who grew up with fairy tales read to them by their grandmother. But when Alex and Conner are magically transported inside their grandmother’s fairy tale treasury, they will be thrust into a world where all their fairy tale characters are extremely real. The two will meet a whole cohort of fairy tale characters–such as Snow White, Cinderella, Rapunzel, among others–as they collect a range of fairy tale items in order to find their way back home.

This book is a work of realistic fiction, drawing upon the author's personal experiences with allergies.The story follows Maggie, a young girl who loves animals and has been eagerly waiting to have a pet dog of her own. However, on her 10th birthday, when she finally gets to select a puppy, she discovers that she is severely allergic to fur and feathers. This revelation is devastating for her, as her dream of having a pet seems to crumble. Maggie's struggles are compounded by her family dynamics. Her parents are busy preparing for a new baby, and her younger twin brothers are absorbed in their own world, making her feel increasingly isolated within her own family.
The book captures the coming-of-age journey of Maggie as she tries to navigate her severe allergies and the challenges they pose in her quest to find the perfect pet. It's a story of resilience and adaptability, showcasing how Maggie copes with her allergies and the changing dynamics in her family. The novel is engaging and relatable, particularly for readers who may have experienced similar allergies or family situations.
"Allergic" is distinguished by its lively and accessible storytelling style, combined with the evocative illustrations by Michelle Mee Nutter, which add depth to Maggie's experiences and emotions. The graphic novel format makes the story appealing and easy to follow for middle graders, providing a unique blend of entertainment and insight into the challenges faced by those with allergies​.

Futureland: Battle for the Park" by H.D. Hunter is the first volume in the "Futureland" series. Set in a not-so-distant future, the story is an imaginative and ambitious tale that comments on contemporary issues. The narrative centers around an extraordinary flying theme park, Futureland, which represents the pinnacle of entertainment where visitors can live out their wildest dreams.The story follows Cam Walker, the son of Futureland's famous creators. For Cam, Futureland is more than just an attraction; it's his home. As the park arrives in Atlanta for its latest and potentially biggest opening, Cam anticipates an exciting event. However, not everything goes as planned. The park's attractions begin to glitch, hinting at deeper problems.The plot thickens when a sinister force threatens to steal the park's advanced technology and use it to take over the world. This development propels Cam into a critical role, where he must confront and stop this malevolent entity to save Futureland and potentially the world. Infused with elements of Afrofuturism, reminiscent of the Black Panther's impact, and appealing to fans of Spider-Man: Miles Morales, the story combines action, adventure, and a vividly imagined futuristic setting. The novel's engaging narrative and illustrative elements make it a captivating read for a young audience, especially those interested in science fiction and adventure​​​​​​​​​​.

Bell has spent his whole life - all eleven years of it - on Mars. But he's still just a regular kid - he loves cats, any kind of cake, and is curious about the secrets the adults in the US colony are keeping. Like, why don't they have contact with anyone on the other Mars colonies? Why are they so isolated? When a virus breaks out and the grown-ups all fall ill, Bell and the other children are the only ones who can help. It's up to Bell - a regular kid in a very different world - to uncover the truth and save his family ... and possibly unite an entire planet.

Odder spends her days off the coast of central California, practicing her underwater acrobatics and spinning the quirky stories for which she's known. She's a fearless daredevil, curious to a fault. But when Odder comes face-to-face with a hungry great white shark, her life takes a dramatic turn, one that will challenge everything she believes about herself--and about the humans who hope to save her.Inspired by the true story of a Monterey Bay Aquarium program that pairs orphaned otter pups with surrogate mothers, this poignant and humorous tale told in free verse examines bravery and healing through the eyes of one of nature's most beloved and charming animals.