While certain kids steadfastly refuse to read a series title out of order, sequels that stand independent of previous installments can nevertheless help draw in new readers. Several titles reviewed in this issue, while technically continuations of previous books, can be read and appreciated all on their own. Rohan Gavin’s K-9, the second “Knightley and Son” mystery will enthrall suspense fans, whether or not they’ve read the first installment. Likewise, readers will fall in love with Bo and her family in the second historical fiction adventure from Kirkpatrick Hill, Bo at Iditarod Creek. In The Courage of Cat Campbell, the protagonist is the daughter of the charming witch from the first book, The Power of Poppy Pendle.

Gavin, Rohan. K-9. 320p. (Knightley and Son: Bk. 2). Bloomsbury. Feb. 2015. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9781619634947; ebk. $8.99. ISBN 9781408851449.

Gr 7 Up –The latest “Knightley & Son” adventure (Bloomsbury) is a paranormal mystery following the same format as its predecessor. This time, readers encounter a werewolf story. As Darkus struggles with his relationship with his father, he is also drawn into a rather unusual mystery. The young detective doesn’t believe in werewolves, so what else could be leaving such odd footprints? Gavin continues the character development from his previous book, though readers attempting to jump into this second installment may be a bit lost; it’s best to start with Knightley & Son (2014). Overall, a fun, engaging romp, perfect for middle school students looking for suspense with a touch of the paranormal.–Saleena L. Davidson, South Brunswick Public Library, Monmouth Junction, NJ

Hill, Kirkpatrick. Bo at Iditarod Creek. illus. by LeUyen Pham. 288p. ebook available. Macmillan. Dec. 2014. Tr $15.99. ISBN 9780805093520.

Gr 4-7 –Would you rather have a funny or sober dentist? Many such perplexing and sometimes humorous questions are asked in this follow up to Bo on Ballard Creek (Macmillan, 2013). Five-year-old Bo and her lovingly assembled family are on the move to a new Alaskan gold-mining town in the 1920s. Pham’s illustrations beautifully match the careful and tender timbre of the book. Vivid historical and geographical details in a time of early American expansion cover the Alaskan landscape, including how people traveled (on pole boats). Each of these details are used to explore people’s relationships and the ways that they cared for one another (or didn’t) in an often trying world. Bo’s family, comprised of her two papas—mining partners who took her in—and an adopted brother, give particularly tender windows into family moments and important life lessons. For instance, one of Bo’s fathers is black and gets called the n-word by a child who doesn’t know better. The treatment of the incident matches the childlike feel of book: the word is regarded as extremely hurtful—without much deeper exploration; the word bitch is explained similarly. The ending is predictable but heartwarming. Hill’s author’s note is absolutely necessary for greater, deeper content, though it could be expanded. The series is a good historical fiction alternative to the “Little House on the Prairie” books, with updated understandings of race, gender, and family. It also provides many reasons to be grateful for modern dentistry and air travel.–Lisa Nowlain, Darien Library, CT

Lowe, Natasha. The Courage of Cat Campbell. 288p. S. & S./Paula Wiseman Bks. Jan. 2015. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9781481418706; ebk. ISBN 9781481418720.

Gr 3-7 –Eleven year-old Cat Campbell wants the one thing her mother Poppy, the protagonist from The Power of Poppy Pendle (S. & S., 2012), never desired: to be a witch. Cat looks longingly at the pointy-hat girls from Ruthersfield Academy and dreams of inheriting her mother’s magical gift. Her mother, a perfectly contented baker, prays that her daughter will escape this fate, but an attic encounter with a spider spooks Cat’s powers into action. Unfortunately, being a “late bloomer” witch means unpredictable surges of power and an uncertain admission to Ruthersfield. Kind advice from a teacher has Cat determined to face her fears and control her power, even if it means confronting the most maleficent witch ever, Madeline Reynolds, newly escaped from an Azkaban-like prison with mayhem in mind. Lowe’s charming addition to the world of Potts Bottom follows Cat’s determined progress toward her goal, showing her failures and triumphs in a realistic arc. The author’s treatment of the mother-daughter relationship smoothly blends whimsical fantasy elements with scenes that readers will recognize from their own family squabbles. Cat’s adventures in courage give new treatment to the familiar idea that parents want their children to avoid making their own mistakes. To this, Lowe adds some truly laugh-out-loud moments between Cat and her friend Peter. The book concludes with “magical” recipes to bake at home. Stock both of Lowe’s novels at your library: fans of Matilda or Alice Miranda will be happy to meet another spunky girl.–Caitlin Augusta, Stratford Library Association, CT