Labyrinthia

Black Hole Radio #4

by Ann Birdgenaw

Stay tuned for another exciting episode of Black Hole Radio-Labyrinthia! First Place Award Winner for BookFest Children's Chapter Book and Second Place for Children's Action Adventure, Spring 2024!
Hawk, Matt, and Celeste's adventures are just beginning! They learn to control their special powers to get on the team and win the big basketball game. They are superstars! What can go wrong? When Hawk gets stuck with Big Mikey as his science buddy, he comes snooping around the clubhouse and the Black Hole Radio . . . Beep! Beep! Beep! Not again! Can the friends survive in the deep dark caves of Planet Labyrinthia? Can they avoid the taser-wielding goons and the monstrous, screeching Hellion to free the alien children enslaved in the mine? Hawk must use his grandpa's journals to control the radio and save them all from the belly of the beast . . . but where's Mikey! Stay tuned!

"By the final pages, readers will know that the [friends'] adventures aren't over. Everyone that picks up a copy will be eagerly waiting for the next installment in the story. Anyone that is looking for a fun and imaginative story will enjoy spending time with Hawk, Matt, Celeste, Wolfie, and the rest of their [quirky] friends." -Entrada Book Review

Genres: Science Fiction, Middle Grade

126 pages, ebook

First published May 7, 2023

About the author

Aurora Award nominee for Best Young Adult Novel - Ka'Azula, (2023) and retired librarian. Ann always wanted to write a book of her own. She was inspired to write this story by a strange beeping coming from a box in her garage. When COVID-19 hit Canada and everyone was in quarantine or lock down, she had lots of time to imagine being sucked through a wormhole to other planets and what wonderful things she might find there. She is also the author of the soon to be published, humorous picture book titled, "The Squirrel Show". Stay tuned!

Ann lives in Montreal, Quebec, Canada with her family and two pups: Milo and Sheba.

https://awesomegang.com/?s=ann+birdgenaw

Reviews

[Sotto Voce · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book feels much shorter than the previous ones in the series; this one feels like a repeat and rushed. I barely know much about the world or planet, and the ending leaves many questions because it is majorly destructive. At this point, I'd expect that readers must have read the previous books, so seeing more character developments and backgrounds in their real-world would be great, like the previous books, because they are almost non-existent here.

I also expected it to go in a different direction this time, with the reveal of the grandfather, the new knowledge about how the device works, and Mikey's involvement in the situation. There are some great touches for the character's struggle, but otherwise, everything feels almost detached and gone almost as soon as they are introduced.

It has a lot of potential for exciting story development, but once again, the formula repeats. For once, I was hoping that they don't always land in a situation where the kids always manage to save society or do something major that needs a lot of suspension of disbelief, but then again, I grew up reading The Famous Five and others where they always seem to be involved in sticky situations and come out well. It's for fun, and the book has it. As usual, it is entertaining, especially for its intended audience.

3.5 rounded up

[Denis Roubien · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book I read by this author, again part of the series 'Black Hole Radio'. It is, again, an entertaining adventure in the genre of space fantasy for young readers, facing issues that concern our world. The alien world visited by the book's protagonists is a planet called Labyrinthia. The challenge for the three friends this time is to survive in the deep dark caves of Labyrinthia and free the alien children enslaved in the mine. The descriptions are, as always, fascinating and the illustrations constitute an additional asset. The book is highly educational and at the same time highly entertaining. Therefore, I would recommend it to all young readers (and not only them).

[Lynn Helton · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Beep, beep, beep, beep," sounds the radio, and Hawk, Celeste, and Matt are off on another adventure through the black hole. This time they find themselves in an alien, cavernous labyrinth, as they try to locate a missing classmate and the way out. Along the way they meet some aliens and help find a solution to an injustice.

The story is interesting and keeps the reader engaged as the three kids learn about the alien world. It includes some bits of social commentary and at the end provides some good information and talking points about the problem of child labor in the mining industry - all done at a level that middle-grade readers can grasp. The glossary at the end provides some useful definitions and context for the space and scientific aspects of the story. The back matter also includes an appealing experiment to try, and the illustrations scattered throughout add nicely to the story.

While the story does give some hints of what's already happened, those parts are not very close to the beginning and so a reader unfamiliar with the previous adventures could be confused. Potential readers would benefit from having read the earlier books before reading this one.

Overall, this was a fun, entertaining book to read, with an important educational element and the opportunity to learn more. An enjoyable addition to the series.

[Christa Nonnemaker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love stories where children and pre-teens have agency and responsibility. This book does that while simultaneously addressing many of the perils of these ages such as bullying, dealing with autism, and more. The story also shows how a bond between a grandparent and grandchild can be life-affirming. The story is set in an otherworldly environment, Labyrinthia, an alien world to which three children are transported via a wormhole as a result of their secret radio. The three children, Hawk, Matt and Celeste, went to Labyrinthia originally to save Big Mikey so I was caught a bit off guard as to why the children felt they didn’t need to look any further for Big Mikey once there as I was anxious that he’d been transported to a place beyond saving. That plot line wasn’t developed in any sustainable fashion, although children do have an uncanny ability to let things go quickly. Even so, potentially leaving a classmate stranded on an alien world is a rather cavalier choice, at best. However, I really enjoyed the plot and the illustrations too, and I think upper elementary and middle-schoolers will as well!

[Linda Sanchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Fun Adventure in a Whole New World!

Black Hole Radio: Labyrinthia was a fun, quick read and another great addition to the series! I love how each book takes the kids to a completely different world—this time was no exception, with a creative and unique setting that made the adventure exciting from start to finish. This is my second book by Ann Birdgenaw, and I continue to be impressed by how imaginative and kid-friendly these stories are. A fantastic series for young readers who enjoy fast-paced adventures across different worlds!

[Loralee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very exciting addition to the Black Hole Radio series. Hawk, Matt, and Celeste are three friends who have been on adventures through space together before, with the help of Hawk's radio. His grandpa who died before the series began, left it to him, and it has powers that can transport him and his friends through space to different planets. In this book, Hawk is stuck with Big Mikey as his science project partner. Big Mikey happens to be the school bully. When Mikey comes over to work on their science project, he gets sucked into the radio, and transported off! Of course Hawk, Matt, and Celeste have to go after him, and they end up on Labyrintha. On this planet, they find themselves in some caves inhabited by alien children who are enslaved to harvest the crystals there. They also meet Wolfie, a canine like alien who helps them. Can Hawk, Matt, and Celeste help the children escape? And will they be able to get Big Mikey back to Earth as well? Read the book and find out!

[Guy Estes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun little sci-fi story for elementary school readers. In this installment, the protagonists go to Labyrinthia to rescue a classmate and end up rescuing some aliens. The story is perfect for its target audience. One of the things I liked was that the characters actually had some agency. All too often in stories like this, the child characters are essentially helpless, but Hawk, Matt, and Celeste were able to affect things, despite their fear. There's good action, but it's not too intense, just right for elementary school kids. I think this series would be a wonderful primer for kids just getting into chapter-length books.

[J.S. Webb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Labyrinthia is a good addition to the Black Hole Radio series because we got to revisit a lot of the characters and plot lines from previous stories. For example, Hawk is learning more and more about his space-traveling grandfather by reading his old diaries. And right at the start of the story we find Hawk paired up with Big Mike, the class bully, for a school project. It turns out Mike isn't such a bad guy... Hawk has him over to work on the project, but of course, the black hole radio begins beeping and suddenly... Mike is gone!

Celeste, Hawk, and Matt must quickly travel the wormhole to hopefully find and rescue Mike who, at this point, must be very confused, right? The kids and I were on the edges of our seats wondering how Mike was going to react to sudden space travel. However, this is where we had to accept that the story was actually going to be about child labor on another planet, and not a Mike-rescue mission. The story was still very good - we came to empathize with the child-miners in the cave, loved Wolfie, and enjoyed seeing Celeste and the others again. But we were kind of like 'Where's Mike?!' And then they left the planet without him...

I won't spoil how it ends / what happened to Mike, but we were surprised by the direction the book takes.

I'd definitely recommend the series. There are a lot of cool facts and real world issues interwoven seamlessly into the narrative. My daughter also LOVES the glossary at the end of each book. The world building on each planet is always really well done, too. Looking forward to the next book!

[Cathy Lynn Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great adventure for Hawk and Celeste and their space club. It starts with Hawk trying to find the courage to clean out his grandfather’s things, including the Black Hole radio out of the garage. He calls Celeste over to help and they read grandpa’s journal. It suggests taking the radio with them when they travel through the wormhole so it’s easier to get back. The teens have been sucked into the worm hole three times and have travelled to different planets. This time, they’ll be able to get home much easier.

Their friend, Big Mikey gets sucked in and Hawk, Celeste and their friend, Matt must rescue him. They meet a dog, they name Wolfie and set out to find their friend. They meet some aliens working in a mine. The adventures continue and are enhanced by the graphic drawings. The story moves along nicely.

This is the second book in this series I’ve read. It will not disappoint.

[Abbie Owen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have not read the other books in this series, but no matter, there was enough backstory provided so it wasn't an issue. This fantasy/light sci-fi story is geared to young readers, but even as an adult, you'd find enjoyment in the energetic characters and pulsing storyline. The prose provided rich descriptions and the dialogue used was realistic. The only thing I felt detracted from the story were the illustrations. Because of their simplicity, I felt that the vibrant imagery conjured in my mind was dampened when I viewed the drawings. Otherwise it's a great, fun story that anyone would love.

[Kris Ruhler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Labyrinthia is the fourth book in the Black Hole radio series. I enjoyed the first two books in the light science fiction reader for readers 8-12 with Matt, Hawk, and Celeste’s adventures. The three travel through a wormhole to alien worlds. The new world has caves, an alien tiger creature, a mining train, and a rescue mission.
But I enjoyed this book a little less than the other two. It is much shorter and less well-paced than the other two. In the book’s first half, Big Mikey (Hawk’s partner in a science project and a bully) is given more attention, and the adventure in an alien world is about rescuing him. Yet, he isn’t mentioned so much later.
I love the illustrations and appreciate the addition of a character with Asperger’s. The author discusses a real-life issue: child labor.
Overall, it is a good story that middle graders will enjoy.
I received a free copy and am leaving a voluntary review.

[Michael B. Sterling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me start by saying that Black Hole Radio – Labyrinthia is far from an ordinary book. While it might initially seem like a simple children’s story, it weaves deeper themes and concepts into its narrative that truly warrant thoughtful analysis.

One of the standout themes is the value of friendship and understanding its significance. The book highlights how friendship is one of the greatest gifts in life and emphasizes the importance of holding it close to our hearts. This is particularly evident in the storyline involving Big Mike, the bully. When Big Mike disappears, the other characters put aside their differences and set out on a mission to find him and bring him back. It’s a powerful moment that showcases unity and forgiveness, even toward someone who may not have always been kind. You’ll need to read the book until the end to uncover what happens to Big Mike—but trust me, it’s worth it!

Another critical theme addressed in the book is the issue of child labor. The author tackles this topic with sensitivity and depth, presenting it in a way that readers of all ages can grasp. The narrative portrays the cruelty and inhumanity of child labor, raising awareness about this important issue while making it accessible and thought-provoking for younger readers. I genuinely appreciate how much focus the author placed on this topic, shedding light on something that often gets overlooked in children’s literature. It’s a brave and meaningful choice that adds substantial weight to the story.
On a lighter note, the vivid descriptions of the alien planet, the mysterious caves, and the various events unfolding there are masterfully done. The author’s imaginative storytelling paints a picture so clear and engaging that it truly draws you into the world of Labyrinthia. There’s also a fantastic glossary included at the end of the book, which is incredibly helpful for young readers. It not only aids in understanding new words and concepts but also encourages learning in a fun and interactive way.

One part of the book that stood out to me is the clever explanation of how to differentiate between stalactites and stalagmites. It’s written in such a simple and memorable way that it’s helpful not just for kids but for adults too. I won’t spoil how it’s explained—you’ll just have to read the book yourself to find out!

In the end, I think Black Hole Radio – Labyrinthia is a truly remarkable book. It’s a delightful and adventurous read packed with meaningful themes that spark deeper thought while remaining fun and accessible for children. With its blend of exciting storytelling and important life lessons, this book is highly recommendable for readers of all ages. Whether you’re a kid or just young at heart, you’ll find plenty to enjoy and reflect on in this engaging story. Don’t miss it!

[Allen Dean · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

Hawk, Celeste, and Matt are back — and this time the wormhole drops them somewhere darker. When school bully Big Mikey accidentally gets sucked into the Black Hole Radio, the rescue mission lands everyone on Labyrinthia, a planet of cavernous tunnels where enslaved alien children mine crystals in the dark. What starts as a retrieval operation quietly becomes something more serious, and Birdgenaw uses the adventure to introduce her young readers to the very real problem of child labour in the mining industry — without ever losing the fun.
The series’ formula is intact: the radio beeps, reality tears open, and three kids land somewhere impossible with nothing but their wits and whatever magical tools Birdgenaw invents for them this time. Wolfie, the canine alien companion, is an immediate highlight. The glossary and back-matter experiment continue to add educational value that extends beyond the last page. The illustrations scattered throughout support the pacing well, though some readers may find them simpler than the prose imagery deserves.
Personally, I think children’s science fiction carries a quiet responsibility that’s easy to underestimate — it has to make difficult subjects accessible without sanitising them, and it has to trust young readers with uncomfortable truths wrapped in adventure. Birdgenaw does this with care. The child-mining storyline resonates without becoming heavy-handed, and the emotional moments land gently enough for the target age group.
Where this instalment falters is in the sense of repetition. The formula — kids arrive, discover injustice, intervene, escape — feels more visible here than in previous entries, and the pacing is noticeably compressed. Big Mikey’s storyline, which seemed poised to be the book’s emotional centrepiece, gets sidelined in ways that left several readers genuinely puzzled. Character development, too, feels thinner than usual — the world gets more attention than the people in it this time around.
Overall an entertaining, imaginative middle-grade adventure that delivers fun and social awareness in equal measure, though this instalment shows signs of the formula wearing thin. Still a series worth following — and worth putting into young hands.

[Arianna Reed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Black Hole Radio by Ann Birdgenaw is a delightful and imaginative middle-grade sci-fi adventure that pulls readers into a world of wormholes, alien planets, and unexpected heroism. The story follows fifth-graders Hawk and Matt, two space-obsessed best friends who stumble into an intergalactic journey when an old radio—once belonging to Hawk’s beloved Grandpa Ray—sucks them through a black hole. What unfolds is a fast-paced, fun-filled tale that perfectly captures the wonder and curiosity of childhood.
Birdgenaw’s writing shines with its accessibility and humor, making it an easy and enjoyable read for young audiences. The characters, Hawk and Matt, are relatable and endearing—their passion for Star Trekkers and their secret space club will resonate with any kid who’s ever dreamed of exploring the cosmos. The addition of quirky aliens like Yxzyurchmung (or “Mung”) and the oddly named Boogernauties adds a playful absurdity that keeps the story light and engaging. The author’s experience as an elementary school librarian is evident in the spot-on “kid lingo” and the way she weaves subtle lessons—like the parallels between alien bullies and real-world issues—into the narrative without feeling preachy.
The book’s strengths lie in its vivid descriptions and creative world-building, which spark the imagination and keep the pages turning. The inclusion of a glossary of space and science terms at the end is a thoughtful touch, perfect for budding “space nerds” eager to learn more. I also appreciated how Grandpa Ray’s memory ties into the resolution, adding a heartfelt layer to the adventure.
That said, the story isn’t without minor flaws. At times, it leans heavily on telling rather than showing, which might leave some readers wanting a bit more depth in the action or character development. The simplicity of the plot, while ideal for its target audience, might feel a tad predictable for older readers or seasoned sci-fi fans. Still, these are small quibbles in an otherwise solid and entertaining debut.
Overall, Black Hole Radio earns a strong 4 stars for its charm, creativity, and ability to hook young readers with a cosmic adventure.

[Rik Ty · Rating 5 out of 5]

With the Black Hole Radio series, Ann Birdgenaw is writing light science fiction adventures for young readers. In the series, three grade-school-aged kids get pulled into cosmic wormholes by the strange workings of the titular radio, which belonged to the grandfather of one of the kids. To keep things moving and to keep the adventures light, Ms. Birdgenaw has set things up so that aliens have given the three children mild esp-powers. One of the kids, Celeste, was also given a bit of telekinetic powers. These aren’t the point of the stories, but they do make it possible for the characters to easily communicate with alien races and to work their way out of occasional trouble spots without resorting to fighting. In this story, Celeste is able to levitate an important set of keys and bring them within hand’s reach. This is much more in keeping with the tone of the book than fighting with a guard would have been.
This is the fourth book in the series, and readers will get an adventure that includes aliens, caves (and cave facts), an alien tiger-creature, a mining train that looks like a dragon, and a liberation mission that is designed to spark some real-world discussions.
Ms. Birdgenaw has added a few wrinkles to her creation. In this story, the kids have an insight about the radio that never occurred to them before, and Hawk, the grandson of the radio’s previous owner, has found his grandfather’s diaries and important papers. These could have repercussions in future books. Hawk has also gotten entangled with Big Mikey, the bully from previous stories. The two have been teamed up for a science project. Mikey spends a few minutes in the kids’ clubhouse. What will that mean for future stories? Nothing? Trouble? New friendships? It’s too early to tell, but Ms. Birdgenaw must have something in mind.
The book is illustrated by E. M. Roberts, who has illustrated the previous books as well. These illustrations are appealing, as always, and seem to be getting richer. A very nice job. Recommended for young readers and their families.

[T.D. Fleming · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun, Fast-paced Adventure

Another exciting adventure through the black hole radio. Once again, our three heroes are tossed into a strange world, this time to rescue aliens being treated as child slaves. Of course, they succeed, and it is a blast getting there. Hawk, Matt, and Celeste continue to have great chemistry as a tight group of friends. The book has a nice set-up, with the three of them believing that they lost fellow classmate and bully Big Mikey to the radio, setting the stage for the rescue mission.

The writing is fast-paced with quick-moving dialogue. It's also fun, with Celeste's telekinesis and Hawk's ESP both playing huge roles here. A tiger-wolf like creature, Wolfy, steals the show in several scenes. While it is presenting a serious and all too real situation, the treatment is age-appropriate. It's also kept light enough that it never really feels that menacing. The setting is fascinating, a maze-like cave system complete with a dragon-like train. The illustrations at the end of each chapter help to bring that setting to life.

Celeste remains my favorite of the characters, being both flawed while serving as the conscience of the group. Her mixture of strength and insecurity is compelling. Grandpa also makes an interesting appearance, or at least his voice does. That adds an interesting dimension to the world-building that I suspect will get further explored in future books in the series. It also adds to the connection between Hawk and his grandfather.

All in all, this book and the series are fine choices for adventure-minded middle-grade boys and girls. It has a great story, good themes, an imaginative setting, fun characters, and a satisfying conclusion. I'm looking forward to seeing what the trio does on their next adventure.

[Zoe Tasia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Labyrinthia, the fourth book in the Black Hole Radio series by Ann Birdgenaw is a clever science fiction, adventure tale geared for children ages 8-12. Three friends, Hawk, Matt, and Celeste explore another alien world, this one called Labyrinthia.

Hawk’s mother has tasked him with sorting through his grandfather’s personal belongings in the garage. Hawk had been very close to his grandpa and had already discovered the beloved relative had withheld secrets. One of these secrets was an unusual belonging: a radio that enables people to travel to other worlds.

Hawk is paired with the class bully, Big Mikey, for a science fair project. Though Mikey has little to contribute, eventually they settle on popcorn as the topic and Mikey suggests they work on it at Hawk’s house in his club house.

When Mikey disappears, the friends fear the radio transported him, so they use it, hoping to return Mikey home. What follows is a wild adventure set in the cave-riddled world of Labyrinthia.

During the book, the author addresses such topics as claustrophobia, caving, and slavery. Birdgenaw includes a glossary, a note about child labor, and Hawk and Mikey’s “Popping Corn” experiment.

The characters are likeable and make a well-rounded science-loving trio. The book manages to be both entertaining and educational. Empathy plays a sizeable role. The rescue of the children and escape was suspenseful without being scary. I enjoyed it when they set a clever trap for their pursuers. The cave setting was well-drawn.

The story was a wonderful addition to the Black Hole Radio series, and I look forward to joining Hawk, Matt, and Celeste on their next adventure. I strongly recommend it to young readers.

[Phillip Murrell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Labyrinthia is a good story for those starting chapter books. This is the fourth in the series. It's been a while since I've read anything in this world and forgot who everyone was. It would have helped for more reminder points, or possibly a summary before the first chapter began. It also aims to teach young children about friendship and honorable virtures, all good things. However, sometimes too much gets crammed in. As a kid, I would want to get to the space stuff as soon as possible. About a third of the book is on Earth to deal with a science project and basketball practice. Neither really helps with the story, so one could have been removed. Probably basketball because the science project at least brings Big Mikey over to the garage.

Speaking of Big Mikey, the whole rescue mission is for him. He's completely forgotten about within pages. They even resolve the ending and escape without thought to him. Some bait and switch was needed to resolve things peacefully, which felt unfair, even for young kids.

The illustrations were a strong addition, but they did make some goofs. For instance, a kid pulls his black hoodie off to help a friend. The page exactly one before was a picture, neither kid has a black hoodie of any kind. Even young kids would scratch their heads at that one.

I think there was a little too much hand holding for the reader. I think we don't give children too much credit for what they'll understand and retain. Having to explain that terribad was a mashup of terrible and bad felt unnecessary.

Overall, a decent entry in the series. I suspect anyone who has read the first three will find this one to be comparable.

[Rosemary Mairs · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book four in the ‘Black Hole Radio’ series, but can easily be read as a stand-alone, with Ann Birdgenaw concisely and effectively giving the back story in the opening pages, a tricky achievement for an author of a long series.

I was glad to be back in the familiar company of adventure-seeking friends, Hawk, Matt, and Celeste. Big Mikey is coming to their space club, oh no, a bully in their ‘“space” for space’. When he disappears, the trio are tempted to say good riddance, but that would be the type of thing he would do, 'we'll never forgive ourselves for being selfish' says Celeste.

I liked Hawk's grandfather involvement in the story. Hawk clearly inherited his inquisitive personality and obsession with outer space. His journals are treasured by Hawk, and there's a moving episode in which he plays a part in the plot.

This is a darker story than the others I have read, and I enjoyed it, but not to the extent of ‘Bilanuna’ and ‘Furilani’, mainly because a lot of the story takes place underground, and I missed the vivid descriptions of colourful environments and their occupants, and I thought the characters came to life more in these books.

As with the rest of the series, amongst the excitement and danger, there is a moral message, in the case of ‘Black Hole Radio – Labrinthia’, it is about child labour in mines, and the team have to use their super powers, including telekinesis and extra sensory perception, to try to save the day.

Overall, a good read for the targeted middle grade / young teen audience, and I encourage them to take a peek at the other two I have mentioned – great stuff!

[Linda Jeffries · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! I had not read the earlier books in this series but felt comfortable diving in as the author provided just enough backstory to help me understand what was going on and draw me into the current story. Three friends, Hawk, Celeste and Matt have a space club with a base they call Mission Control located at Hawk’s house. Their club utilizes a special radio that they discovered which allows them to travel to other planets. Previous adventures have left them with some special powers including ESP and telekinesis which prove pretty handy when they are swept into an underground mine beneath an unknown planet.
Although they think they are rescuing a schoolmate, the three end up trying to help a band of alien children who have been enslaved to work in a mine. There seemed to be just the right amount of despair, danger and difficulty to keep a young reader interested. And, I particularly liked how it was more often their friendship and caring for each other that made a difference rather than their enhanced abilities! I’m convinced my grandsons would love it!
Maybe because I was a teacher, I also appreciated the quick glossary in the back as well as the information designed to raise awareness about real life children stuck working in mines around the world.
It may be the nature of reading a digital copy, but I was not impressed by the illustrations. They added little or nothing to the storyline and were so simplistic in nature that they detracted from the pictures that the story was building in my mind as I read.

[Rosalind · Rating 5 out of 5]

Space explorer club buddies Hawk, Matt and Celeste are back again in “Black Hole Radio – Labyrinthia,” the fourth book in the “Black Hole Radio” series by school librarian Ann Birdgenaw. “Labyrinthia” lives up to the previous books with humor, fast-paced adventure, and a positive message for middle school readers. In this adventure, Hawk is forced to become science project partners with their basketball teammate and school bully Big Mikey. Unfortunately, when Big Mikey comes to their space clubhouse to work on the project, he disappears. The friends conclude he must have found the mysterious wormhole radio, which belonged to Hawk’s late grandfather. Hawk’s granddad had a secret life as a space explorer that Hawk knew nothing about while he was alive. Big Mikey’s disappearance is bad news because he could have been sucked anywhere in space. Hawk dives into his grandfather’s journals seeking clues, which is tough for him because he misses his granddad. Matt and Celeste join Hawk to search for Big Mikey. Using the radio, the kids are sucked once again through a wormhole. They end up in caves beneath the planet Labyrinthia, where they promptly get lost. There, they are startled to find alien kids being forced to work in mines. How will they escape? How can they help the enslaved alien kids? And will they ever find Big Mikey? I loved the action-packed ending. Not only is this book a winner for kids with its fast pace and humor, it’s a winner of the Bookfest Gold Award and The Purple Dragonfly Book Award for Middle Grade Fiction.

[Melodie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Black Hole Radio-Labyrinthia is a cute and fun elementary to middle grade book. The characters are diverse, and the writing is simple and easy to read. It follows Hawk and his friends Celeste and Matt on their adventures to other worlds using a literal black hole attached to a radio that’s kept in his garage. This is the 4th book in the series, and I haven’t read the first 3, but I didn’t have any trouble understanding what was happening. There are references to what happened in earlier books though, so I’d read those first if you don’t want any spoilers.

In this story, the class bully, Mikey, gets assigned as Hawk’s science class partner, and Hawk inadvertently invites him to their “Mission Control” club meeting. They think Mikey stumbles through the black hole and Hawk, Celeste, and Matt go after him to save him. The book touches on serious issues such as bullying, a death in the family, and slavery without being too dark or scary. The way they are addressed is a bit simplistic, but it could be a good way to introduce the subjects to a younger audience. The story moves quickly with action and adventure, there are cute drawings throughout the book that kids would enjoy, and there is a glossary of science and space terms at the end. There is also an author’s note that discusses real fact about children currently working in mines and why it’s wrong. Overall a fun and educational read for kids.

[Toney Baus · Rating 3 out of 5]

Labyrinthia is an enjoyable adventure book for youngsters. The writing shines when the author tells the story with actions, such as when Celeste uses her telekinesis to save the team: “I flounder around to get my balance as we grab hands and rise towards the ceiling . . .” There are also moments of concise poetry, like “We follow Wolfie’s tail like a waving flag.”

The writer also addresses worthy subjects. Child labor (slavery, essentially) is the primary issue for the story. Birdgenaw knocks off the sharp edges, though. There is nothing here inappropriate for elementary students. Her idea of accomplishing faster-than-light travel with (essentially) a black hole generator is more sophisticated than what I have found in some adult science fiction stories.

On the negative side, the prose of Labyrinthia sometimes falls into the exposition trap. Describing an actual basketball game would have been a great way to introduce the characters and their powers to a reader new to the series. That opportunity, however, was missed.

Also, the Junie B. Jones series of books, by Barbara Park, is my gold standard for this general age group. Park is a goddess when it comes to writing a character’s voice. I didn’t find a similar sense in this book. Finding an authentic voice that fifth graders use when they talk amongst themselves would have been a huge win for Labyrinthia.

[John Schuster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Labyrinthia is an exciting adventure, well written and entertaining, and I can't imagine that this book would not be popular with children of middle school ages. I, as an adult reading this tale, was able to feel the adventure of mystery and suspense, and I believe young readers will be enchanted and riveted to the page. The author introduces the reader to a group of nerdy, well adjusted kids who are gifted with esp, and who have formed their own club, the space club, which meets in their “mission control” room (interior to their home). I liked the fact that the space club members were all members of a co-ed basketball team.
As circumstance would have it, Mikey, an acquaintance of the space club seems to disappear while visiting the members of the club, whereby they resort to using the “Radio.” The space club members, have to stage a rescue mission to find Mikey, unfortunately the location is in a distant planet, alien to our solar system. The only path, accessible is through a wormhole which leads to the underbelly of a mountain that consists of a complicated system of caverns.
Much suspense takes place within those cavern walls as the space club members counter the putrid alien guards responsible for the chained, forced child workforce, and from there I won't give it away. I also won't tell you whether Mikey is rescued or not. Will we find out what happens to Mikey!

[Ava Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the Black Hole Radio Labyrinthia, the main character, Hawk, is assigned the class bully, Mikey, as a partner for a science project. When he invites Mikey to his clubhouse to work on the project, Mikey “disappears” and Hawk assumes that he has used a black hole radio to transport himself to another planet. This leads Hawk and two friends to set off on a rescue mission.

The premise of the book is good and the concept of a black hole radio acting like a hyperspace highway is one that will appeal to kids who like science fiction, creative settings and alien creatures. However, the story goal is weak and changes part way through. At first, it's a mission to rescue Mikey, then it changes into a mission to rescue alien children working as slaves. This lack of clear direction is confusing. Then, there are tangents that don't advance the plot, like a basketball game that doesn't connect to anything and strange creatures that appear but it's not clear what effect they have on the mission. The book is a series of episodes without causal links and it isn't until the end of the book that the reader discovers the true agenda. The author's intent is to impart a lesson on the evils of slavery. This should be made clear in the book description and at the beginning of the story when the story goal is presented. Instead, it's confusing and misleading.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I technically skipped a few books in between, but the great thing about this series is you can pick up in the middle and still get a good sense of what is going on. That makes it perfect for younger kids, middle grade readers. I loved checking in with the characters I remember from the first book again (especially Celeste, who is still my favorite). Things start off with a bang and the fast pace keeps it up from beginning to end, but depth is never omitted. I love this about the series as a whole: the kids’ friendship is real and deep, and their goals are both lofty and understandable. It’s natural to root for them as they go on their adventures, and while you always know things will end up well for them, that’s part of the charm of these reads for younger kids. One of the things I also enjoy about this series is that though it is mostly fun, the author still incorporates very real issues, like grief. This makes it nice for kids who might be going through something similar to relate to their favorite characters, and I really appreciate it when even books for kids in elementary school tackle such things. All in all, yet another fun, fast-paced, and exciting book in the Black Hole Radio series. Seriously the perfect adventure for kids who are just starting their reading journey and want to dive into new planets and lots of creatures!

[Aubrey Cleeves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Black Hole Radio Labyrinthia is another enjoyable and quick read that follows Hawk, Matt and Celeste as they continue their adventures through the Black Hole Radio. I particularly liked the change of pace in this one, as we learn more about Hawk’s grandfather, his history and love of science, and the origins and journeys of the Black Hole Radio through his journal.

I enjoyed the setup with their new science partner, Mikey. Their scepticism and worry about him made him intriguing, as their personalities seemed to class, but as they got to know him I felt they were more similar than expected, only they didn’t know how to express themselves or understand each other. I soon warmed to him, he was clueless and out of his depth, and I enjoyed seeing how the trio could identify right from wrong when he went missing. Their quickness to rescue him, even if they felt it wasn’t in their best interests, was heart warming.

Their landing in the cave and the planet gave this more or a survival story vibe, which differed to other books, as they felt abandoned and lost from the outset of their adventure. The basic first aid tips were also useful for the audience, who would resonate with the simple but effective solution.

This is another thrilling entry into the series and I enjoyed it from the outset. I hope to carry on with these great books.

[P.J. Ashton · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story's premise is that Hawk has to do a science project with the school bully, he invites the bully (Mikey) to his home to start research on a project which ends up being popcorn. However, during the visit, the radio beeps. Hawk panics and runs as Mikey goes to enter the garage. When he returns with his two friends, Mikey is gone and so, Hawk, Celeste and Matt have to travel to another world to rescue him. There, they uncover child labour/Slavery, where alien children are working in a mine.

The story was better put together than the previous story I had read. It was fast paced and the use of the present tense puts you into the action. There is a moral embedded in the story and I enjoyed the nice touch of linking some vocabulary to Wikipedia entries. The artwork as always was a nice touch.

Regarding dislikes, again, some issues with plot contrivance and the ending seemed rushed with the MCs forgetting a really important piece of information and committing an act that certainly ensures they lose the moral high ground. Won't say more as I don't want to go into spoilers.

Overall, a solid children's story and a nice choice to educate your children on some controversial topics.

[Laurie Bowler · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed the captivating adventure of "Labyrinthia"! It beautifully showcased the journey of a group of kids as they unearthed fascinating lessons about their radio through a heartfelt diary and cherished papers belonging to Hawk's beloved granddad, who he truly misses. That emotional thread really enriched the story!

Birdgenaw's vibrant writing style is engaging and conveys a sense of wholesome fun. The characters' genuine camaraderie and teamwork shine, and the suspense kept me on the edge of my seat.

I also appreciated the charming illustrations by E.M. Roberts, which paired perfectly with the book's fast pace. Plus, the adorable glossary at the end and the author's impactful message about the unfortunate reality of child labour in mines really struck me.

What I found particularly impressive was the easy-to-follow and engaging writing style, which ensures this book will be loved by readers of all ages. It’s a testament to Birdgenaw's skill that readers can easily connect with the characters, rooting for their triumphs and feeling their struggles. Overall, I'm genuinely excited about the bright future of this fantastic series of young-adult books!

[Margret Treiber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun and engaging!

In this episode of Black Hole Radio – Labyrinthia, Hawk gets stuck with the class bully, “Big Mikey”, as a lab partner on their next science project. Needless to say, he is less than thrilled. And when he tells Celeste and Matt that Mikey is coming to their Space Club’s Mission Control, they are equally apprehensive about it.

And if it couldn’t get any more complicated, the black hole radio goes off while Mikey is left alone in the garage, and Mikey disappears. Armed with the handbook Hawk’s grandfather left him, Hawk, Celeste, and Matt are transported off to rescue Mikey.

Like previous books in this series, this story is packed with fun-to-learn science facts and information. For example, in one chapter we learn how to treat a sprained ankle. It’s presented as part of the plot and easy to follow.

This is an enjoyable, interesting, and engaging book. It addresses the topic of slavery, complete with an author’s note about the horrible toll childhood slavery takes. There’s a list of popcorn-related questions and popcorn experiments that readers can try. All in all, this is just fun.

I highly recommend this book.