In this post, I’m sharing some brief thoughts on the Cybils 2017 middle grade speculative fiction finalists that I haven’t yet reviewed. I have already reviewed:

• The Dragon with a Chocolate Heart by Stephanie Burgis
• Spirit Hunters by Ellen Oh
• A Properly Unhaunted Place by William Alexander
• Last Day on Mars by Kevin Emerson

While I personally enjoyed some of these books more than others, all of these finalists are strong reads which I would recommend to any reader who likes the sound of them.

The Countdown Conspiracy by Katie Slivensky

Miranda Regent can’t believe she was just chosen as one of six kids from around the world to train for the first ever mission to Mars. But as soon as the official announcement is made, she begins receiving anonymous threatening messages…and when the training base is attacked, it looks like Miranda is the intended target. Now the entire mission—and everyone’s lives—are at risk.

★★★ 

• Countdown Conspiracy makes for a quick read, with a diverse group of kids from around the world learning to work together with their strengths and differences.
• Tension stems from threats to the trainees, their families, and their home countries – threats that feel real and relevant in today’s world. The story contains some high stakes, intense moments.
• Having read Chris Hadfield’s An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth, I have a better idea of how incredibly difficult it is to be an astronaut. I know this is a fictional story for children, but still, the climax of the story felt too far-fetched.

Miss Ellicott’s School for the Magically Minded by Sage Blackwood

Chantel would much rather focus on her magic than on curtsying, which is why she often finds herself in trouble at Miss Ellicott’s School for Magical Maidens. But when Miss Ellicott mysteriously disappears along with all the other sorceresses in the city, Chantel’s behavior becomes the least of her problems.

Without any magic protecting the city, it is up to Chantel and her friends to save the Kingdom. On a dangerous mission, Chantel will discover a crossbow-wielding boy, a dragon, and a new, fiery magic that burns inside her—but can she find the sorceresses and transform Lightning Pass into the city it was meant to be?

★★★½ 

• This one didn’t quite come together for me. I felt certain elements were all over the place and not really meshing together. One example is the snake in her head thing, which I did find weird, though I liked the dragon. Miss Ellicott doesn’t fit neatly into the category of ‘classic high fantasy’, which is where I like books to fit. The story deals with a lot of timely contemporary issues, thought it feels too didactic at times. A small example is that the kids fight literal Patriarchs (although perhaps this is a good way to teach what patriarchy means…).
• The plot could have used some tightening. There’s a lot of running back and forth for what seems to be the sake of running back and forth. Some parts feel repetitive, a bit like the plot’s going in circles.
• I appreciated the exploration of how Chantel’s dedication and willingness to speak up for what’s wrong was viewed by the people around her (should be quiet, should know her place, etc.). Especially relatable in these days.

A Face Like Glass by Frances Hardinge

In the underground city of Caverna the world’s most skilled craftsmen toil in the darkness to create delicacies beyond compare. They create wines that can remove memories, cheeses that can make you hallucinate and perfumes that convince you to trust the wearer even as they slit your throat. The people of Caverna are more ordinary, but for one thing: their faces are as blank as untouched snow. Expressions must be learned. Only the famous Facesmiths can teach a person to show (or fake) joy, despair or fear — at a price.

Into this dark and distrustful world comes Neverfell, a little girl with no memory of her past and a face so terrifying to those around her that she must wear a mask at all times. For Neverfell’s emotions are as obvious on her face as those of the most skilled Facesmiths, though entirely genuine. And that makes her very dangerous indeed…

★★★★

• Look at this! I finally read a France Hardinge book. 😋
• A Face Like Glass straddles the border between middle grade and young adult. Its length and density may turn off some readers.
• I found Neverfell to be a delightful character, unique among middle grade protagonists. She’s sweet and eager to do what’s best yet still yearning to fit in (these aren’t necessarily the qualities that make her unique but they’re the qualities I liked 😁).
• The story contains some of my favourite hallmarks of middle grade fantasy – magical items, underground setting, a great world looming off stage, murky character backstories, etc.