Month: June 2019

Hazy Bloom and the Mystery Next Door

Hazy Bloom and the Mystery Next DoorHazy Bloom and the Mystery Next Door by Jennifer Hamburg, Jenn Harney
on February 26th 2019
ISBN: 0374305013
Pages: 176
Goodreads
three-stars

Hazy is convinced her summer will be boring until she has a tomorrow vision and suspects there is a ghost in her neighbor’s house.  Figuring out what each vision means while trying to find the ghost occupies Hazy’s thoughts despite her babysitter, Aunt Jenna, trying to provide her with surprises (gardening two hours a day) and a Fantastic Day of Fun (which wasn’t).  Hazy’s tomorrow power surprises her with a vision predicting the next day’s events. These visions are simple (a crinkled yellow circle) and often lead to a normal event (deflated balloon). Only Hazy’s best friend, Elizabeth, knows about her power and possibly her aunt.  Hazy figures out how to navigate these powers, be patient with her theater obsessed best friend, and enjoy summer while solving the mystery. Illustrations break up the text and add to the humor and story line.  Readers will find Hazy likeable, funny and may learn from her as she changes her opinion about an annoying classmate and a teacher.  Friendship and patience are the major themes.  Recommended for ages 7-10.

Reviewed by Heather Hale, Easton School District, Easton

three-stars

I See the Moon: Rhymes for Bedtime

I See the Moon: Rhymes for BedtimeI See the Moon: Rhymes for Bedtime by Nosy Crow, Rosalind Beardshaw
Published by Nosy Crow on March 12th 2019
ISBN: 1536205796
Pages: 24
Goodreads
four-stars

I See the Moon is a nice collection of bedtime rhymes that adults will remember from their own childhood.   Many selections are classics while others are lesser known, all however will charm the preschool age child.  What is so special about this bedtime book is the lovely illustrations that shine much like the light of the moon.   Silver foil has been applied to enhance the natural environment highlighting the flowers, animals, and sky.  For the delight of readers many of the rhymes are presented in two page spreads.

The only drawback is the horrible stitched binding.   Public libraries may not want to add this title to their collection as the wear of many hands is bound to lead to lost pages.  This title is best served as a gift book or family purchase.

Submitted by Jan Hamilton, retired youth services librarian in Scarborough, ME

four-stars

Math in Science

Math in ScienceMath in Science by Nancy Dickmann
Published by Hungry Tomato (R) on August 1st 2018
ISBN: 1541500989
Pages: 32
Goodreads
three-stars

Dickmann illustrates how math has been used for centuries and is behind many important discoveries.  Some of the topics covered include the periodic table, lenses, circumference, the sundial, triangles, and the metric system.  Readers are shown how math impacted all of these ideas, led to great discoveries (the arch), and continue influencing the world (satellites).  Each section provides a “Math in Action” activity with answers provided in the back of the book. Colorful pictures and drawings add understanding to each section.  Topics are briefly covered leaving the reader wishing for additional resources. Librarians and teachers will want to recommend this title to readers wondering why math matters and those looking for connections between math and science.  Recommended for ages 8-11.

Reviewed by Heather Hale, Easton School District, Easton

three-stars

Rotten

RottenRotten!: Vultures, Beetles, Slime, and Nature’s Other Decomposers by Anita Sanchez
Published by HMH Books for Young Readers on January 22nd 2019
ISBN: 1328841650
Pages: 96
Goodreads
four-stars

Most everything decomposes.  How, where, and when depends on multiple factors.  Sanchez covers these and the role dung beetles, earthworms, fungi, and scavengers have in decomposition.  Other topics covered are rotting logs, rot and bacteria in food, what happens to our trash, and rotting people.   Information is presented in a humorous manner and in small chunks with many colorful illustrations, “Decomposer Selfies”, and “Rot it Yourself” sections.  Readers learn the difference between aerobic and anaerobic decomposition as well as fun facts such as butterflies love to land on poop. Readers may connect with the idea of a rotting log being a hotel hosting many organisms.  Notes, glossary, an index, and a bibliography are included. Older readers may find the amount of illustrations and colors distracting as well as wanting slightly more information. Younger readers may enjoy the cartoonish drawings, but find the reading level slightly challenging.  Most all readers interested in smelly things will find a new piece of information in this book. Recommended for ages 8-11.

Reviewed by Heather Hale, Easton School District, Easton

four-stars

Pandemic

PandemicPandemic: How Climate, the Environment, and Superbugs Increase the Risk by Connie Goldsmith
Published by Twenty-First Century Books (Tm) on August 1st 2018
ISBN: 1512452157
Pages: 136
Goodreads
five-stars

Pandemic is a well written, well organized, informative book discussing the causes of and factors increasing the likelihood of a pandemic occurring within the next few decades. Climate change, increased travel, superbugs caused by overuse of antibiotics, conflict/crowding, and disruption of animal habitats all contribute to the risk of an upcoming pandemic (most likely influenza).  Various viruses and bacteria are covered detailing their history, case studies, and probability of being the next threat. The book wraps up with a chapter discussing how to prevent a pandemic including ways the reader can help (pack your own lunch). Goldsmith writes in a clear, easy to read manner without being sensationalizing while explaining unfamiliar words as well as explaining familiar words (bacteria, viruses, antibiotic).  Pictures, text boxes, charts, and a graphic organizer are interspersed throughout the book adding valuable information (how to safely remove a tick). Source notes, a glossary, an index, a bibliography, and many additional books, websites, video and audio recordings are listed for further information. Readers interested in pandemics or researching for a paper/presentation will find this book very valuable. Recommended for ages 12-17.

Reviewed by Heather Hale, Easton School District, Easton

five-stars

Bone Hollow

Bone HollowBone Hollow by Kim Ventrella
Published by Scholastic Press on February 26th 2019
ISBN: 1338042742
Pages: 240
Goodreads
four-stars

Bone Hollow

 

Gabe’s parents and his grandparents have died leaving him to live with his neighbor, Miss Cleo, who has never been kind to Gabe.  But he has his dog, Ollie, who is the most loving dog character ever.  However, during a storm Gabe is sent out by Miss Cleo to rescue her favorite chicken from the roof and he falls off the roof and dies.  But, readers learn, that Gabe isn’t really dead yet.  He is living in an in-between state.  The townspeople are immensely frightened of him and believe he is a type of zombie creature.  Just in the nick of time he meets Wynne who turns out to be a type of guide who sees a light when people are dying and helps them go across and not be alone.  At first this freaks Gabe out and he wants nothing to do with the job.  However, when Wynne herself needs to be helped across to the next world, leaving a job as Death’s helper, Gabe assists Wynne and begins his next job.

This book gave an interesting take on death and what happens next.  Gabe was a kind and considerate character and his dog Ollie, who helps animals who are dying cross over, make for an interesting take on the universal question of what happens when someone dies.

It is recommended for grades 4-8.

 

Reviewed by Ellen Spring, Oceanside High School, Rockland

four-stars

Jake the Fake Goes For Laughs

Jake the Fake Goes For LaughsJake the Fake Goes for Laughs by Craig Robinson
Published by Crown Books for Young Readers on March 26th 2019
ISBN: 0553523554
Pages: 176
Goodreads
three-stars

This second book in the series finds Jake working on his comedy routine after achieving success in front of an audience.  Struggling with self confidence, Jake pretends he is far more talented than he is capable. Jake knows he is being arrogant and unkind, but cannot seem to stop himself.  Jake’s insightfulness and observing how his sister handles her fame eventually leads to the healing of both his and his mentor’s friendships. Friendship, the value of a mentor, learning from mistakes, and authenticity are themes in the book.  Illustrations adorn nearly every page breaking up the text and adding additional humor to the novel. Readers will encounter a wordsearch, a maze, matching, and even funny chicken names (Hen Solo) while reading. Some readers may enjoy the humor in this book, but others may not understand the many puns and cultural references.  Teachers and librarians will enjoy being able to offer fans of Big Nate and Diary of a Wimpy Kid an alternative featuring a main character of color.  Recommended for ages 8-12.

Reviewed by Heather Hale, Easton School District, Easton

three-stars

Firefighters in My Community

Firefighters in My CommunityFirefighters in My Community by Gina Bellisario, Ed Myer
Published by Lerner Publications (Tm) on August 1st 2018
ISBN: 154152019X
Pages: 24
Goodreads
four-stars

One of the six early readers in the Meet a Community Helper series, Firefighters is a good introduction to the duties of a Fire Department employee.   Students visit the firehouse to learn about the job and view the firefighting equipment as well as protective clothing used by firefighters.  The book is divided into three chapters, in the third a firefighter works with parents and the teacher to teach safety skills.   This is where the book has a failing – the very important Stop, Drop and Roll procedure is not included.

The font is large and will be easily decoded by early readers.  The presentation is colorful and attractive.  Illustrations depict a diverse firefighting staff, including both people of color and woman.  On the last page a short glossary and index accompany suggestions for additional learning opportunities.

Primary schools and classroom teachers of students in grade K-2 will find this book useful.  Public libraries who celebrate Fire Prevention Week will want to add this to their collection.

Submitted by Jan Hamilton. retired youth services librarian in Scarborough, ME

four-stars

Felix Eats Up

Felix Eats UpFelix Eats Up by Rosemary Wells
Published by Candlewick Press on May 7th 2019
ISBN: 0763695483
Pages: 32
Goodreads
four-stars

This most recent book in the Felix & Fiona series deals with the issue of picky eating.   Felix is happy to eat the same lunch each day and becomes concerned when he learns that he will be going to a restaurant with Fiona’s family.  Wells approaches this common childhood problem without judgement showing concern for Felix’s feelings.   As usual the storyline is recognizable and offers positive solutions to the common challenge.  

As in all Felix and Fiona books the illustrations are cute but somewhat static.   Readers will delight in picking out several interesting decorative and colorful objects like striped glasses worn by Fiona’s Mom and the bird hats worn in class.  Primary colors dominate but background pages vary between white, yellow, pastel green and blue.

Add this to classroom collections in primary classes and to library shelves with other titles by Wells.  Definitely gift to a child who shares either of these great names.

Submitted by Jan Hamilton, retired youth services librarian in Scarborough, ME

four-stars

From an Idea to Nike

From an Idea to NikeFrom an Idea to Nike: How Marketing Made Nike a Global Success by Lowey Bundy Sichol
Published by HMH Books for Young Readers on February 12th 2019
ISBN: 1328453626
Pages: 128
Goodreads
five-stars

Part of a series of business and entrepreneurial books for middle school students, From an Idea to Nike is part biography of majority owner Phil Knight and part timeline of how Nike was launched.  Knight, who grew up in Oregon, was a great track athlete. After graduating college, Knight knew that he wanted to create a running shoe company but had neither the capitol or the credentials.  Starting first as Blue Ribbon Sports and working with a Japanese shoe company (which would later become ASICS), Knight began selling the light-weight and comfortable shoes at track meets and road races.  Runners loved this new style. Knight approached his former college track coach Bill Bowerman to buy into the business and Bowerman soon started creating shoe concepts for manufacturing. After several years, Knight and the Japanese manufacturer parted ways.  Knight knew it was the right time to create a new company and Nike was born. Right from the beginning, Knight and Bowerman knew that finding athletes to endorse would be their approach to marketing and it proved to be a gold mine of an idea. Steve “Pre” Fontaine, Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods are only a small portion of famous athletes who were paid by Nike to wear their apparel, furthering the brand’s famous Swoosh and status.  This slim nonfiction book is deceptively informative, well-written and extremely interesting. “Fun Facts” are interspersed throughout the chapters and business concepts and terminology are carefully and appropriately explained for its reading audience. With other titles in the series including Disney, Google and Lego, this is a perfect addition for collections looking to update their inventors and inventions sections.

Reviewed by Suzanne Dix, Westbrook Middle School, Westbrook

five-stars