(2) 4-6 Illustrated by Karlene Harvey. Maggie Lou, full of "pee and vinegar" according to her grandfather, always gets into scrapes (some of which require stitches). The book comprises three episodic stories, broken up into chapters, about Maggie Lou's adventures in boxing, house construction, and hunting; per the appended author's note, Bowes (Métis) used her own experiences "growing up as a young girl in a colorful Métis family in Saskatchewan" as inspiration. Each tale focuses on her tenacity in learning new skills (even boring ones like boxing drills and gym cleaning) before the fun stuff happens. The stories are all action and humor, and if there is little character development, it's because Maggie Lou already has a confidence that's reinforced by her family members, who tell her, "If my mind believes it can happen, my body will believe it, too." This book will appeal to middle-grade readers who like fast-paced, lighthearted stories. Maggie Lou's connection to her immediate and extended family, her awareness of her Native roots and the Northern Michif language (glossary included), and her interests, which are not constrained by gender norms, give these tales a distinctive and refreshing flavor.

Reviewer: | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2023

(4) 4-6 Calico Chapter Books: Monster Hunters series. Illustrated by Scott Brundage. Gabe, Tyler, and Sean continue to help Gabe's older brother document proof of mythical and legendary monsters for his internet show Discover Cryptids; these outings take the crew to the Ozark Mountains (Howler), West Virginia (Mothman), South Carolina (Swamp Lizard), and Saskatchewan (Turtle Lake). Despite the stilted dialogue, reluctant or struggling middle-grade readers will appreciate the large print, short chapters, and action-packed illustrations. Review covers the following Calico: Monster Hunters titles: Hunt the Ozark Howler, Meet the Mothman, Spot the Swamp Lizard Man, and Track the Turtle Lake Monster.

Reviewer: Paula M. Cairo

(2) 4-6 When Abram Harsich comes to Robert's drought-stricken town with his Mirror of All Things and grand plans for a rain machine, the mesmerized residents forget their troubles--and their children who are mysteriously disappearing. Eleven-year-old Robert watches the ensuing events quietly and, with increasing unease, begins to question what is happening. His determination and heroic actions are the steady focus of the tale.

Reviewer: Barbara Scotto | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2003

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Lindsay Grater. In 1887, fourteen-year-old Maryanne Caswell traveled with her family from Ontario to Saskatchewan to settle in the Canadian West. During this time she wrote detailed letters to her grandmother about life on the frontier. The letters provide vivid snapshots of Maryanne's daily activities, both mundane and exciting. Warm pencil sketches decorate the handsomely presented letters.

Reviewer: Mary R. Holt