On my blog.

Rep: mc with asthma, Cuban American characters

CWs: animal cruelty

Galley provided by publisher

Spineless is a sweet adventure story, following Algie, whose mother has brought him and his older brother to a health resort in Florida, in an attempt to help with his asthma. Algie is an aspiring naturalist, and together with the two, initially reluctant, daughters of the resort’s owner, he starts to investigate some strange goings-on at the resort.

Above all, this book is a whole lot of fun. It’s an adventure book in the best sense: full of chaos and hijinks, giant squids, and new friends. I loved reading it, especially the scenes between Algie and the two sisters, as they searched through the waterways surrounding the resort. Perhaps the growth of that friendship was my favourite aspect of the book.

But I also loved Algie’s relationships with his mother and brother. Algie and his brother have a bit of a fractious relationship, but they love each other still and would do anything for one another, even as they’re not really friends. Which, frankly, is a very accurate sibling relationship in my opinion. Algie’s mother, on the other hand, is less on the page, but the ending makes it clear that she loves and supports her children.

Really, these relationships are what elevates the book for me, from liking it to loving it. The plot is fun. It takes you on the right adventure, but if you didn’t love the characters and how they all interacted? It would fall a bit flat. Luckily for us all, this is nowhere near the case!

So, if you’re looking for a quick and exciting read, a break from heavier books perhaps, then I would definitely recommend you look towards this one.4-stars aoc-et-al disabilities-disorders-illnesses ...more12 s Clara Levi219 7

I started reading only the dialogue… i took that as the sign to DNF. 7 s Kirsty Carson390 40

When his asthma lands him at a health resort in the wilds of Gilded Age South Florida, twelve-year-old Algie Emsworth is over the moon. The scientific treasure trove of unexplored swamps may launch his dream career as a naturalist. But even Algie is startled when he happens upon a brand-new species and her brood in the karst springs surrounding the resort. Algie quickly realizes he must keep his discovery a secret: a famous collector of exotic animals is also staying at the hotel, and the new species is threatened by his very presence. An apparent curse has also descended upon the hotel, bringing with it a deadly red tide. But when the pool starts filling with ink and guests start getting mysterious, sucker-shaped wounds, Algie must pluck up his courage to find the truth about the goings-on at the Grand Hotel—and save the new species from destruction.

I just absolutely loved this book! The characters, the setting, the storyline, the writing… it was ALL magical and fantastic.

I adored the three protagonists, the shy but courageous Algie and feisty powerhouse sisters Frankie and Lulu. I couldn’t wait to see what trouble they got themselves into next. Filled with excitement, friendship, amazing animals, death defying adventure and an underlying message of loyalty and courage this was a heartwarming and enthralling read that any child, teenager and even adult will enjoy! 12 s Trevor Abbott276 17

The amount of times this boy mentions his asthma is tantamount to Violet and her fragility in Fourth Wing

Also everyone is an asshole? Also not the veteran mom coming in clutch. Also not the gaslighting acrobat. Also not the kraken. Also not the locking picking octopus. Also…7 s1 comment Elizabeth Mellen1,655 59

Thanks to Netgalley and Union Square Kids for the ARC of this!

That cover is amazing - it definitely prompted me to request the book. I really enjoyed that the protagonist has asthma and doesn’t let that stop him, as well as that there is diversity within the main characters. There was plenty of action, a little science, and some mystery, perfect for fans of Malamander.coming-of-age historical-fiction middle-grade ...more5 s Kate252 3

This book wants so much to be a throwback to those turn-of-the-century adventures, but it falls flat. (I mean, maybe I'm being a little harsh because I'm quite a bit older than the intended audience.) There's airships and dastardly explorers and mysterious creatures and "shocking" reveals, but a lot of the reveals are crammed in at the end so the impact is lessened.

Most of the characters are either awful/annoying or are only given surface-level characterization. Aside from Lulu, who mostly takes a backseat to her obnoxious sister, Algie is the only able character here. He's fine; I felt bad for him most of the book because people are kind of awful to him.

Probably the most annoying part here is that the book does not want to commit to villains being villains. I feel the narrative either tries to make you feel sorry for them or it changes it's mind and suddenly a character isn't so bad after all.middle-grade things-i-read-for-work4 s Trigger Warning Database12.8k 1,085 Read

Trigger & Content Warnings

Animal cruelty
Animal hunting & death discussedadd-to-site animal-cruelty animal-death ...more3 s Jacq.and.the.readstalk326 11

3.5. A wondrous and mysterious historical fiction that is full of fun, friendship, and adventure.

It has such wonderfully quirky elements to the story. The author combines fantasy and science together that engage the reader. We follow four kids and their adventurous exploits at remote hotel in Florida, where they must solve the mysteries of the Grand Hotel as well as trying to save a species from extinction.

This teaches kids how to be innovative as well as the importance of saving creatures from elimination and the natural sciences of our Earth.

The story's downfall is that it's very inconsistent and jumbled at times in regards to the plot's flow and transition.

With a beautiful cover to accompany it this is an entertaining and exciting read.3 s Ari Odinson476 5

The overall narrative felt disjointed in such an odd way that it was disengaging and distracting, which is sad because it had so much else in it I would've loved (especially as a kid).3 s Tonja DreckerAuthor 3 books210

Diving deep into the wilds of Florida around 1900, mystery and fantasy mix with a trio, who is ready to take on just about any adventure.

Algie is the youngest of two brothers, suffers from asthma, and is overly sheltered by his mother since their father's death. When they head to Florida for a vacation at one of the latest wonders, a resort hotel, Algie can't wait to expand on his animal knowledge, since he's determined to become a naturalist. But already on the trip there, strange things happen. He's determined to make the most of this trip, even when it means stepping way beyond his comfort zone...and fighting his mom every step of the way. A pair of sisters he meets gives him unexpected support and exactly what he'll need to solve the growing mystery surrounding the hotel.

The setting is refreshing as the reader sweeps back to the 1900's and visits an untamed Florida coastline. The landscape is rich, the details well laid, and the characters snuggle up to the time frame nicely. To keep this historical plunge from growing too heavy and boring, the plot maintains a quick pace, letting something happen on every page. There's action, there's mystery, there's friendship, and there's a boy, who is learning to finally break free of his protective bonds.

There is quite a bit going on in this tale as Algie has a few hurdles to pass. The over-protective attitude of his mother is a little strangling, but it's made clear right away where this comes from and is understandable. She usually gives in, which keeps this from becoming a main theme...and does hold a nice family dynamic without clogging the adventure. Algie's lack of courage stems more from a lack of opportunity and not fear, which gives him the right amount of hesitation to make him easy to identify with. The recklessness comes with his new friends to add all the necessary spice and fun. While there were one or two stumbles on the logical flow, the read is well done and lets imagination fly with wild animal flare.

As for the mystery, this is well-laid and although easy to guess on some aspects, holds more than a few twists, which are harder to see coming. There's a dash of spooky tension, too, and a hint of a darker tone with the attacks and as animals turn up dead on shore. Still, it's appropriate for even more sensitive readers.

I do see this one as being less for reluctant readers and more for tale fans who enjoy fantasy, adventure, and a good portion of mystery too. I received an ARC and enjoyed the setting and adventurous twist.2 s Heidi2,751 57

Spineless, a middle grade adventure story, sends readers into a Florida swamp during the late 1800s. Algie Emsworth eagerly anticipates his family's arrival at a health resort set amidst Floridian wetlands. His dream of being a naturalist seems within reach, especially with his overattentive mother distracted by the 'modern' craze of spooky tours. But within moments of arriving, Algie almost drowns rescuing an octopus, and is abandoned in the swamp by the resort's owner. After being rescued by the resort owner's daughters, Frankie & Lulu, Algie realizes that he might be in over his head. Especially with his asthma just waiting to attack. But with the guidance of Frankie & Lulu, Algie heads into the swamp where he makes a discovery he never could have imagined. But the presence of an animal collector, the deadly red tide wreaking havoc on the local marine wildlife, and an annoying brother and his crush, an acrobatic performer, Algie seems to be in way over his head.

This fast-moving tale of adventure and discovery not only takes readers into the heart of a Florida swamp, but into the excitement of the natural world. But as Algie learns, discovery is about much more than just finding something cool, it's about making difficult decisions about what's best for the animal. While I classify this book primarily as an adventure story, it's also got elements of steampunk (technology in the past--Frankie & Lulu have quite the setup) and speculative fiction. While there is some character development as Algie learns to appreciate his family more as well as become more independent, the strength of the book lies in the fast-moving plot full of cliffhanger moments. With each chapter ending on a cliffhanger of some sort, the book pulls readers along. Frankie & Lulu were great characters as their adventurous nature and experience balanced out Algie's weaknesses and lack of practical experience. These girls had the freedom to explore and they took full advantage of it.

Overall, I found this to be an enjoyable adventure full of fascinating natural details. Middle grade readers that enjoy a mix of adventure, technology, and a touch of fantasy will find a great deal to in Spineless.2022-books middle-grade-adventure middle-grade-fantasy ...more2 s Lata4,123 233

What a terrific adventure and friendship story! Set during the early part of the twentieth century, or late 19th century (I think), Samantha San Miguel gives the utterly charming Algie Emsworth. He suffers from asthma, is a budding naturalist, and is frustrated by his mother's constant coddling. He also has an older brother; they fight, but also deeply care for one another.

Algie's mother decides that the Florida humidity will help Algie, much more than the cold winter air of their Chicago home. So, before either boy can do anything, they're all making their way to a health resort located within a Florida swamp. Algie meets the intrepid adventurers/budding naturalists daughters of the resort owner, while Algie's brother moons over an acrobat who is part of the circus there to entertain the resort's guests.

There are alligators, numerous interesting birds and fish, poachers, a possible curse on the resort, and also a mysterious creature around the resort grounds. Algie and the two girls set their sights on identifying the creature, while protecting it from a famous hunter/naturalist who aims to kill it. The kids have their work cut out for them with all the personalities, mysteries, and dangers around them, and Algie's struggling health.

Algie is wonderful, as well as his relationships with the sisters, and his brother. He learns a lot and becomes stronger and more confident through his adventures and interactions with other characters.

The action is occasionally a little difficult to follow, and I was a little confused as to when the story was actually happening. I found the first half of the book was a little slower paced than the back half, but I loved how well the story came together in that second half. I also totally loved the epilogue, where we see the culmination of the three kids' experiences.

Thank you to Netgalley and to Union Square Kids for this ARC in exchange for my review.arc auth-f bipoc-actor ...more4 s Carolyn Bragg374 6

Two brothers and their mother are headed to a secluded hotel in Florida; they have different goals but each expects to rest and soak up some coastal culture.

What they aren't prepared for is secrecy, intrigue, betrayal, and genuine danger.

The hotel owner's girls, Frankie and Lulu, are just as puzzled by the events. They are unsure about trusting the brothers, but Algie (Algernon) proves himself worthy--if not athletically able in some ways.

The title misleads readers into thinking Algie lacks courage and determination. The truth is that his mother smothers and forces him into near inactivity because of his asthma (and what killed his father).

The adventure is (unrealistic) fantastic fiction, but the attitudes, dilemmas, and arguments of these children are far too mature, even in their language. (Algie is 12 years old.) Everett speaks a decade beyond his 16 years. (Yes, allowances are made for children's adventures--which tend to be written older.)

Events are often disjointed, and it isn't always clear which time of day it is (or which day); leaving me a bit disoriented. The focus of the story--supposedly keeping us in suspense about the mystery--is baffling for a dozen chapters or so. I didn't mind reading them, but I had no idea if or when something was going to happen. Given (especially) that some chapters are only paragraphs long, fixing this would be simple.

These things aside, the story is entertaining if you are prepared to just read and go along for the ride. It is an exciting ride!

3.5/5 Stars

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the free preview of this ebook. The review is voluntary.

#Spineless #NetGalley2 s Becca106 3

I really wanted to this book, a gilded age adventure story with giant octopi it seemed a perfect book. Unfortunately, it was really just okay.

Normally I don't pay much attention to timelines in books, especially not in middle grade. A bit of hand waving and wishy washy time passing is necessary for plot progression and for the story to not get bogged down in unnecessary detail; in this case however, especially at the beginning of the book, the style of writing and the short chapters made things feel disjointed and difficult to follow. (I would place that difficulty solely on myself and my decision to pick this book up while sick, but I've seen this cited by a handful of others so I don't think I'm alone). To make it worse, once the beginning found it's feet the middle seemed to drag.

It also seems inaccurate to call Algie cowardly, a problem since the book seems to insist on it from the title onward. At most he's sheltered by a widowed mother who's concerned about his potentially fatal medical condition. Algie regularly stands up to his brother, Frankie, and others throughout the book even when it angers those people. The times that he does relent it reads less cowardice and more the smarter move. He also doesn't really read a twelve year old, if you're at all familiar with the age Algie presents a level of emotional maturity far beyond his years. This isn't something that personally bothered me all that much, I think children's books can be a place to model older behavior for children to emulate, but I get that it can be something that annoys people.

Overall, this was a fine book, one that I think adventure loving kids will enjoy.arc middle-grade netgalley ...more2 s Melanie Dulaney1,683 89

Algeron (Algie) wants to be a naturalist, be published, and make a discovery that will amaze the world, but his asthma makes outside activities challenging and no one seems to take the research and writing of a 12 year seriously anyway. But when his difficulty breathing results in a trip to a spa setting in an attempt by his mother to improve his health, his dream just might come true. Author Samantha San Miguel sets her adventure in the glades of Florida during the Gilded Age (180s to 1900s) when technology and discoveries were advancing rapidly. At the Hotel Paraiso, Algie teams up with active sisters Lulu and Frankie to study the red tide that seems to be killing marine life and to find the creature that everyone is talking about but hasn’t seemed to see. Readers will be swept up in their escapades on a variety of water craft far different than anything they have probably used, learn about the flora and fauna of south Florida, and wonder who the “bad guy/gal” of the book really is. There is family drama, a bit of romance on the part of Algie’s older brother, and fast-paced action throughout. Text is free of profanity and sexual content, and the violence is brief, relatively bloodless, and crucial to plot development.

“How do you balance it?” Algie asked. “Science, people, and nature—how do you give everything its due?” (pg. 181 in arc-version) Tough question and one that our students must ask themselves. Maybe this book will encourage some thinking along that line.

Thanks for the print arc, Sterling Publishing.action-adventure middle-grades2 s Michelle | PurelyBooks150 8

Spineless
Author: Samantha San Miguel
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