Middle Grade Mini Reviews! | The Storm Runner & Love Sugar Magic: A Dash of Trouble

Greetings readers!

Today is another review round-up from my Hispanic Heritage Month TBR. I had two backlist books lying around my house and I am so happy I got around to reading them this past month!

The Storm Runner by J.C. Cervantes

via Goodreads

Publisher: Disney Books
Pub Date: Sept 18th, 2018
Goodreads

Zane has always enjoyed exploring the dormant volcano near his home in New Mexico, even though hiking it is challenging. He’d much rather hang out there with his dog, Rosie, than go to middle school, where kids call him Sir Limps a Lot, McGimpster, or Uno — for his one good leg. What Zane doesn’t know is that the volcano is a gateway to another world and he is at the center of a powerful prophecy.

A new girl at school, Brooks, informs him that he’s destined to release an evil god from the ancient Maya relic he is imprisoned in — unless she can find and remove it first. Together they return to the volcano, where all kinds of crazy happens. Brooks turns into a hawk, a demon attacks them in a cave, and Rosie gives her all while trying to protect Zane. When Zane decides to save his dog no matter the cost, he is thrust into an adventure full of surprising discoveries, dangerous secrets, and an all-out war between the gods, one of whom happens to be his father. To survive, Zane will have to become the Storm Runner. But how can he run when he can’t even walk well without a cane?

Feisty heroes, tricky gods, murderous demons, and spirited giants are just some of the pleasures that await in this fresh and funny take on Maya mythology, as rich and delicious as a mug of authentic hot chocolate. 

• These characters were wonderful! I thought Zane was a really fun character to be around. Just his way of talking was hilarious and the part when he sprinkles holy water on his myth book after reading about demons was peak Rendz XD
• Brooks was also an interesting character. I liked her stand-offishness and cool demeanor. She was so set on getting her goal done and even though she realizes its a little selfish she tries to make up for it which is nice.
• Uncle Hondo is the reason I was in this to win this. I wish he was my uncle XD Even though we’re pretty much the same age XD
• The writing was really perfect for a middle grade book. It was always cracking jokes and like I said Zane was a perfect voice for this adventure!
• I liked the road trip plot. You can never go wrong with a road trip plot so long as there is lots of action, suspense and twists, which I totally think the book delivered on.
• Now let’s talk Maya Mythology because that is what we are here for!: It was lovely. I think that rep was great and I loved how Cervantes wove it into every aspect of the book.
• The gods were quite conniving and I quite liked their parts in the book!
• The monsters were wonderfull!!!!!!!!!
• And the magic was very clever!

Overall, I enjoyed myself very much while reading! It is perfect for young readers. Lots of people have said it reads like Percy Jackson and I can see why, but I still think that this book has its own unique take! Don’t forget that this book has great Hispanic and disabled rep bringing in a lot of good content to the book world!

Rating: 3.75 / 5 Stars

Recommend: Absolutely!

Love Sugar Magic: A Dash of Trouble by Anna Meriano

via Goodreads

Publisher: Walden Pond Press
Pub Date: Jan 2nd, 2018
Goodreads

Leonora Logroño’s family owns the most beloved bakery in Rose Hill, Texas, spending their days conjuring delicious cookies and cakes for any occasion. And no occasion is more important than the annual Dia de los Muertos festival.

Leo hopes that this might be the year that she gets to help prepare for the big celebration—but, once again, she is told she’s too young. Sneaking out of school and down to the bakery, she discovers that her mother, aunt, and four older sisters have in fact been keeping a big secret: they’re brujas—witches of Mexican ancestry—who pour a little bit of sweet magic into everything that they bake.

Leo knows that she has magical ability as well and is more determined than ever to join the family business—even if she can’t let her mama and hermanas know about it yet.

And when her best friend, Caroline, has a problem that needs solving, Leo has the perfect opportunity to try out her craft. It’s just one little spell, after all…what could possibly go wrong?

• Oh my god, I loved this book.
• The characters were PHENOMENAL. Leo was so mischievous and funny and stubborn and ADORABLE.
• The whole sister clan was PERFECT! I definitely got some Penderwick ~vibes~!!!
• This wholesome family dynamic had me permanently in heart eyes!!!!!
• The Latinx rep was beautiful. This is a Mexican family that loves their traditions and I loved reading about them!
• The MAGIC is FANTASTIC. I found it so unique that this bruja family was able to perform magic while baking and wishing. I really hope to delve in this system a little bit more in the next books
• I loved that the book was set around the Day of the Dead, it definitely added that perfect spook vibe, but more importantly really emphasized that family dynamic.
• The actual plot was so much fun. Leo gets into lots of antics and gets into quite a bit of trouble which makes this book so entertaining!
• You could honestly fly through this book, that’s how great it is.
• It’s a feel great book. Perfect for the Halloween season.
• Seriously I just felt so happy after finishing it, which is just a wonderful sign overall!

Overall, I simply loved this book. It is wonderfully entertaining. It has beautiful family and friendship dynamics. The magic is so sweet and intriguing. And yes you will be hungry after reading this!

Rating: 5 / 5 Stars

Recommend: YES PLEASE READ THIS WONDERFUL BOOK!

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Let me know what you think! Have you read either of these? Are they on your TBR? What middle grade books give you that wholesome feeling?

Happy reading!

~ Rendz