Dactyl Hill Squad (Dactyl Hill Squad #1)

Starred review from July 16, 2018
In this delightful historical fantasy set in a Civil War–era New York City in which dinosaurs never went extinct, a diverse band of orphans fight to save their friends from slavers and corrupt authorities. When the Colored Orphan Asylum is burned down during the Draft Riots of 1863, Cuban-born Magdalys Roja and her friends must escape the clutches of Magistrate Richard Riker. They soon find refuge in the Dactyl Hill community of Brooklyn, where they join a growing resistance against racism and oppression. Magdalys has a secret talent: she can communicate with dinosaurs, giving her team the edge they need to rescue their fellow orphans from Riker’s plan to sell them into slavery. In this series opener, Older (Shadowshaper) weaves historical fact with dinosaur-inspired fancy to create a society in which people fly on the backs of pterodactyls, conduct naval warfare with mosasaurs, and use tyrannosaurs as destructive weapons. Rooted in real events and attitudes, and appended with facts about the time, this fast-paced adventure makes for a memorable tale in which numerous characters of color take the lead. Ages 8–12. Agent: Eddie Schneider, JABberwocky Literary Agency.

Starred review from August 1, 2018

Gr 4-7-This epic, alt-history fantasy, set during the U.S. Civil War in July 1863, opens with a disgruntled Magdalys Roca, angry that the Colored Orphan Asylum matron demands she answer to the name Margaret Rocheford. Her immediate dilemma: Should she continue to resist the woman and miss the all-black cast performing a Shakespearean show, or should she attend with the rest of her friends? This is readers' first glimpse of the brave Afro-Cuban protagonist who lives in a dinosaur-filled world, where living in the North does not assure safety due to a booming international slave trade with the South. Unable to resist the lure of the show, Magdalys rushes to join the group, suddenly discovering a new power: the ability to communicate telepathically with the dinosaur pulling the wagon. This skill, combined with quick thinking, help her save several of the children when the theater and orphanage burn down, and to ensure they escape to the safe haven of Brooklyn. The children immediately become involved with the Vigilance Committee, serving as spies and watching Manhattan Kidnapping Club members who supply the slave trade. This first book in a series takes place within a few action-packed days, ending as the Squad prepares to leave on new mission to locate Magdalys's older brother, a Union soldier wounded in dangerous New Orleans. VERDICT This high-energy title is perfect for middle graders, with its strong female protagonist, a fresh perspective on history, helpful notes and resources, and an honest portrayal of the complex topics of race and gender.-Ruth Quiroa, National Louis University, Lisle, IL

Copyright 2018 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 15, 2018
Magdalys Roca and her fellow orphans ride dinosaurs and solve mysteries in Civil War-era New York City.It's Manhattan, July 1863, and dinosaurs are a part of everyday life. While a group of children from the Colored Orphan Asylum are seeing a play, riots break out on the streets. Their orphanage is burned down and the other orphans kidnapped. The children find refuge in Brooklyn, learn how to ride pterodactyls, and, as the Dactyl Hill Squad, work with the Vigilance Committee to save their asylum mates from being sold South as slaves. Afro-Cuban Magdalys also has personal mysteries to solve, but nothing is easy when it involves Richard Riker, the evil, white city magistrate behind the kidnappings. Magdalys, used to fending for herself, finds it difficult to be a team player, but her newly discovered ability to communicate telepathically with dinosaurs makes her invaluable. In the end, not only does Magdalys save the day, but she eventually grows to appreciate being a part of a team. Pertinent historical social issues--still very much relevant--are woven into the story. Useful notes explain much, including the use of some modern language. Though the pacing is uneven at times and development of side characters is minimal, this action-packed historical-fantasy adventure should have wide appeal, leaving fans eager for the next installment. Dino-fueled fun with depth. (Historical fantasy. 8-14)

COPYRIGHT(2018) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

callie_b - Do you ever wonder what life would be like if dinosaurs still existed? Well, it's reality for Magdalys (pronounced Mag-da-LEES) Rocca. It's 1863 in New York City during the Civil War, and Magdalys lives in the Colored Orphan Asylum. AND DINOSAURS STILL EXIST. They are usually pets or they are part of the army forces. Magdalys is special though because she can talk to dinosaurs WITH HER MIND! There are barely any people who are dinosaur-whisperers and that makes Magdalys extra special. But one night, the city is ablaze. The theater the orphans were watching a show at burned down, and so did their orphanage. A lady named Cymbeline from the theater show helps the kids to safety, and there is A LOT of action. It's totally awesome! But many of the orphans are kidnapped by Richard Riker, the evil magistrate heading the Kidnapping Club. (Yes. That was a real thing!!) Soon Magdalys and her friends must put together the Dactyl Hill Squad, spy for the good side, and find the missing orphans. And on top of all THAT, Magdalys wants to find her brother, who has been injured at war. But she has to take things one step at a time, and with the Dactyl Hill Squad and the dinosaurs by her side, Magdalys will learn what it’s like to be a strong warrior. I thought this book was great! It had a lot of action and adventure, and the author really had me thinking dinosaurs existed in 1863!! I recommend this book to those who like dinosaurs and epic quests, and anyone in between. For ages 8+ :)

August 1, 2018
Grades 4-7 Magdalys lives in the Colored Orphan Asylum in 1863 Manhattan, in an alternate history where dinosaurs are as common as birds and as useful as horses. When the orphanage is destroyed, she and her peers (along with a few grown-ups) are thrust into the dark world of fugitive slave kidnapping and work together to stop a corrupt magistrate and the shadowy Golden Circle. Older's rousing mix of actual history and dinosaurs will be irresistible to the upper-elementary and middle-school crowds. Situated in the midst of the Civil War, the story has action and fight scenes aplenty, and Older touches on serious subjects like government corruption, fugitive slaves, and Magdalys' magical ability to communicate with dinos.? Magdalys is a stalwart hero, never wavering in her quest to save her friends. The unresolved story line about one of her slightly older siblings is a convenient indicator that the Dactyl Hill dino-riding team will return for more adventures. Endnotes separate fact from fiction and add details about the dinosaurs, weapons, and limited slang used in the book.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)