"Spineless" by Samantha San Miguel is a delightful and imaginative children's fiction book that takes readers on a whimsical journey through a world where bravery comes in all shapes and sizes. San Miguel's storytelling creativity shines as she crafts a tale of courage, friendship, and the unexpected heroes that emerge from unexpected places. The book's imaginative world-building and relatable characters create an engaging reading experience that captivates young readers. San Miguel skillfully explores themes of self-discovery, inner strength, and the power of embracing one's unique qualities, adding depth to the narrative. "Spineless" is a heartwarming reminder that the greatest adventures often begin with the smallest of characters, leaving young readers with a sense of wonder and a renewed appreciation for the magic of storytelling.

Wonderful for patient readers with a taste for saving the world! This is a rollicking historical adventure with plenty of facets that are great for discussion in today's classrooms.

The strongest part of this book is it's focus on science and responsible exploration. Algie and his new friends want to make important discoveries. It's a vital part of their plans to become famous naturalists. At the same time they want to be sure of what they have found. Additionally, they decide to prioritize the safety of their discovery over their own desires. It's a book that values altruism and shames personal gain. The messaging is a bit blunt and heavy handed, the characters a bit thin in their exploration, especially the 'villain' types. Additionally there is more conflict than action, so it's not the most thrilling read. Still, a decent choice for kids who enjoy more of an historical setting.

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.

Spineless is a fantastic middle grade adventure. I don’t normally read middle grade books but some of my favorite series are middle grade, so I decided to give it a chance. I’m glad I did. The characters are very likable, the adventure is fantastic, and the setting is even better.
I absolutely recommend it to those who read middle grade books and even those that don’t!

⭐⭐⭐⭐ -- Great cover on this book!

I have a soft spot for middle-grade books. I don't think enough adults give them a chance. 🤷🏻‍♀️ I thoroughly enjoyed Spineless. It was well written and well paced (finished it all in one go). The setting and time period were well done. I loved the science aspects in combination with the fantasy elements. The characters were likable, and the author wrapped it all up in a heartwarming ending. 👍🏻👍🏻

**ARC Via NetGalley**

A really interesting book especially for those who like science and exploration. I found the characters really imaginative and loved the twists along the way. A great adventure that will intrigue young readers.

Thank you Net galley and Union Square Kids for this ARC

Spineless is a thrilling adventure about a 12 year old Algie who wants to be a naturalist. This story is about adventure, friendship and pursuing your dreams.   

I really like this book the characters are interesting that you could read this in just one sitting! This is the perfect book for readers who like middle grade, fantasy and thrilling adventure.

SPOILER
The only thing that i didn't really like about this book is how the "villain" or antagonist become good all of the sudden towards the end.

Algie’s mother decides t huh e family needs to spend the winter in Florida due to his lung health. Not knowing if he has asthma or tuberculosis, he decides to live his life to the fullest each day. Algie is a wannabe naturalist who is on a mission to prove himself by making a grand discovery while on vacation. He unravels more than he has bargained for with the help of his new friends Pulpy, Lulu, and Frankie.

This was a fun, quick middle school read that I would gladly recommend.

At the height of the gilded age, 12-year-old Algie travels to a health resort the the wilds of Florida on doctors orders to help his asthma. Upon arrival, he meets an eccentric cast of fascinating people, including Lulu and Frankie who are also aspiring naturalists and become Algie’s accomplices as they embark on wild escapades to investigate the red tide and the mysterious creature that has made its presence known, but no one has seen. This book is a wonderful romp through a different time, set when reality seems like fantasy including near death run ins with a hammerhead shark, a giant alligator, and a massive octopus. I love that the author combines edge-of-your-seat adventure with history and science facts. There’s something in this book for everyone, and you definitely will walk away with newfound knowledge!

Many thanks to Union Square Kids and Net Galley for this digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.

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.

This was super cute. It was a wild rollicking adventure that didn't slow down for a minute once it got going and I read it in one sitting. I was first attracted to the cover, which is gorgeous, and I'm happy to say that the story inside lived up to the cover.

Algie is an endearing protagonist who learns a lot about what you can expect from people, how they always surprise you, and how much he is capable of despite his asthma. together with his friends, he makes scientific discoveries, saves the day, and has quite the adventure whilst doing so.

The events in this novel were... completely, utterly, ridiculously unbelievable. Once you accept that, however, it's a marvellously fun ride. There are even some science facts sprinkled in to add flavor.

I would definitely recommend this for any 3rd grader (and up) who enjoys adventure and doesn't mind a little bit of suspense.

*Thanks to NetGalley and Union Square Kids for providing an e-arc for review.

Early 20th century, Florida. Algie's asthma pushes him and his family to go to a health resort in the middle of nature. Luckily, it's the perfect place to launch his dream career: becoming a naturalist! But while the young teenager savors the discovery of an unknown species, the troubles accumulate : deadly red tide, injured guests, and rumors of a curse... Algie and his new friends will have to investigate, without being spotted by adults, who would like to exchange a discovery for fame or wealth…

The setting of this novel is conducive to adventure… and on that side, we have plenty to do!
I enjoyed discovering all the secrets of the marshes alongside the children. The strong point of the hero, in addition to his curiosity and his desire to help, is the fact that he has weaknesses: his asthma complicates his task and can even put him in danger in the career he wishes to engage in.

In short, a nice title that will appeal to explorers! ^^

A story full of adventures and crazy creatures.

Algie Emsworth is stuck going to a health resort in Florida to help with his asthma. But that turns out to be the best possible thing, since he'll finally get a chance to launch his career as a naturalist. But then Algie finds a brand-new species and her brood and he knows he has to keep it a secret to keep a famous collector from harming the animals. The deadly red tide has also arrived and mysterious things start happening around the resort. Can Algie save everything?

This book was really fun! I enjoyed the adventure and seeing Algie, Frankie, and Lulu try to make new discoveries. Octavia and her brood were also adorable. Honestly, the biggest struggle for me is that this book was more scary than I expected. There were so many sad and scary moments that I was not prepared for. But the juxtaposition of the solid science the kids were doing and the crazy happenings going on at the resort definitely kept be reading.

Overall, if you enjoy middle grade adventures, then I think you'll enjoy this book. It definitely has a place amongst the other fun stories in the genre and I'm curious to see what else this author will release in the future.

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.

I am so excited to have found a book set in Florida. I don’t know about you but I always find it so exciting to read books set in my state. I know Florida gets a bad rap, but there are many wonderful and interesting things about Florida like the Everglades, estuaries, and beaches.

That being said, I can see this book being assigned for late elementary summer reading since it has everything a child could possibly want. Adventure, marine animals, science, and unlikely friendships. I highly recommend this book for children who crave action, fast-paced stories, and champion a respect for nature. Though, I have to warn you, it might make them want to have their own ocean adventures.

With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early copy in return for an honest review.

3.5 stars for this historical fiction adventure. I love when books have a strong sense of setting, so I definitely appreciated being transported to Gilded Age Florida. I absolutely adored Pulpy, but struggled a bit with following some of the plots/characters.

"This exciting middle-grade adventure is Hoot for the Gilded Age - with scientific discoveries, secret plots, and surprisingly enormous fauna.

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."

Florida during the Gilded Age? Oh yes!

I loved Goosebumps growing up with all the weird and wonderful creatures R.L Stein created.
When i started reading this it had a familiar feel to it and i knew this would be a brilliant read.
There is also mystery and investigation which i love.
This book had it all i really hope there will be more to come.

(3 3/4 Stars)

Middle Schoolers searching for adventures will get a kick out of this new chapter book by Samantha San Miguel!

Spineless is all about exploration, science, and teamwork. Algie Emsworth is surprised to find that the health resort he’s forced to visit with his mother and older brother is surrounded by all of his favorite things. After all, what aspiring naturalist wouldn’t love studying the swamplands? However, with the discovery of a new creature, mysteriously injured guests, and a famous collector hoping to capture some new beasts, Algie and his new pals may have their hands full. Hopefully, the help of Lulu, Frankie, and some new-fangled gadgets will give Algie the courage he needs!

San Miguel does an excellent job of mixing science and historical fiction. Placing the book in an older time period allows the children to discover things while also making it more challenging than it would be if they could just use Google. However, the best part of this story was the friendship between the main characters.

While I found the chapters themselves to be clunky and the timeline hard to follow, this is likely something this book’s audience will not worry about, especially with the urge to figure out what will happen!

Be sure to pick this book up for the younger reader who loves animals and stories that take place in the past! Spineless will be available for purchase on June 7th, 2022.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Union Square Kids, and Sterling Publishing for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.