Wildwood: The Wildwood Chronicles, Book 1 by Colin Meloy

A Tangled Tale

            When Mac, Prue Mkeel’s brother, is swept up by a flock of crows, Prue is forced to trail them into a forest aptly named the “Impossible Wilderness.” Rescuing one baby brother isn’t so easy. Entanglements with evil tyrants and talking coyotes delay things. Against such odds, even with the help from bandits and mystics, the question is, will she make it before her brother is sacrificed to a plant by a power-hungry governess? 
             I thought this book had a perfect mix of comedy and adventure action. The characters were both likeable and realistic, making the story believable. I thought the bandits in the story were an interesting twist on the typical, all-good protagonist model. The bandits fulfill the expectation of good/bad protagonists as they steal from good South Woods citizens while they bring down a tyrant. There is a twist in the ending that seems to sum up the story perfectly. Also, many people will enjoy the avid description in the story and realistic characters. Parents should be cautioned there is some swearing in the story, but I would definitely recommend this to other tweens.
5 Star Favorite!

Zip by Ellie Rollins

Whimsical and Sweet

One girl, five states, and six days to cross them in -- this is the situation Lyssa Lee is forced into when she finds that her home in Texas is to be destroyed. So, she hops on her scooter and heads home. Along the way, magical things, gifts from her late mother’s spirit, happen and speed her on her way. Will she make it? Regardless, it will certainly be a most fantastical adventure. This is a sweet story with a slow pace. Lyssa is a very lovable and believable character. The miracles along the way make the story seem quite light-hearted. This is a book to read to lighten a depression, as it has a sense of joy about the plot. I would definitely recommend it to younger readers. Older readers may find it boring. However, if you like miraculous, feel-good stories than this book is for you. Personally, I thought that Lyssa should work a little harder for her goals.