Month: June 2019

Look Up With Me

Look Up With MeLook Up with Me: Neil deGrasse Tyson: A Life Among the Stars by Jennifer Berne, Lorraine Nam
Published by Katherine Tegen Books on February 5th 2019
ISBN: 0062844946
Pages: 40
Goodreads
five-stars

Featuring beautiful cut paper illustrations, this picture book biography of Neil deGrasse Tyson is a love story to both him and our universe.  The book opens with vivid blue endpapers featuring constellations and a young Neil cutting out stars. It then features an introduction from the featured man himself.  Neil encourages us all to “never stop being a kid.” We learn how Neil first fell in love with the sky at the Hayden Planetarium in New York City, and continued his education by dragging his telescope up to the roof of his building.  He gave his first lecture at the age of 15. After a life of passionate learning and working hard, he became the director of the very planetarium where he first discovered his love for the universe. There is an illustrated page of quotes from deGrasse Tyson that shares facts about space.  The back matter includes an author’s note about her personal connection to deGrasse Tyson and a glossary of space related terms (not all of which were used in the book). The book ends with the same blue constellation page, but this time young Neil is naming them all. This is a must-buy for all public and elementary school libraries. Recommended for grades K-2.

Reviewed by Kara Reiman, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook

five-stars

Landscape With Invisible Hand

Landscape With Invisible HandLandscape with Invisible Hand by M.T. Anderson
Published by Candlewick Press on April 9th 2019
ISBN: 0763699500
Pages: 160
Goodreads
four-stars

Set in the near future, humans are controlled by the vuvv, aliens who have monitored Earth since the 1940s. The vuvv never technically invade Earth, instead, humans surrender control and in return, the vuvv will cure all diseases and do all the work. It did not work out as planned. The vuvv have colonized Earth and the human economy has collapsed and healthcare is unaffordable for most; the rich are getting richer and the middle class is struggling to survive. Adam and his family are struggling until one day Adam and his girlfriend find a way to make money. The vuvv love the quaintness of 1940s America, so Adam and Chloe record themselves performing quaint charming romantic activities like running hand-in-hand or lying on a roof gazing at the stars. When they break up, Adam struggles with finances and how to confront the injustices of colonization. Using his unique brand of satire, Anderson forces readers to ask questions about the politics and economics of our modern world.

Recommended for Grades 10 and up.

Elizabeth Andersen, Librarian, Westbrook High School

four-stars

Manchester United

Manchester UnitedManchester United: Soccer Champions by Jeff Savage
Published by Lerner Publications (Tm) on August 1st 2018
ISBN: 1541519876
Pages: 32
Goodreads
one-star

This book is one in Lerner’s Champion Soccer Clubs series. Chapter 1 starts with a confusing description of a game in the 2016-2017 season, instead of starting with an introduction to Manchester United. This opening might work for readers who already have an understanding of the team, but readers looking for an introduction to Manchester United or the sport of soccer will have to muddle through until Chapter 3 which provides background information. Although the book highlights fan-favorite players from the past, it is odd that only one of the three current players on the front of the book are mentioned in the text. The pictures throughout the book capture interesting action and will appeal to readers. The glossary in the back defines the highlighted words in the text. Source notes, an Index, and Further Reading resources are also provided. Consider for an additional purchase.

For Grades 4 and up.

Elizabeth Andersen, Westbrook High School

one-star

Kid Gloves: Nine Months of Careful Chaos

Kid Gloves: Nine Months of Careful ChaosKid Gloves: Nine Months of Careful Chaos by Lucy Knisley
Published by First Second on February 26th 2019
ISBN: 1626728089
Pages: 256
Goodreads
four-stars

Lucy Knisley, author of Relish, shares with the reader her experience of getting pregnant, miscarriage and the eventual full term pregnancy that almost led to her death due to Eclampsia that was misdiagnosed. Funny, thoughtful and filled with information on the history of obstetrics, disproving many myths that have evolved around pregnancy and exploring the treatment the pregnant women have endured over the years.

Illustrations are colorful and cheerful complimenting the text of the graphic novel. This would be considered an adult book for young adults and recommended for grades 11 up.

Reviewed by Kristin Taylor, Biddeford High School, Biddeford, ME.

four-stars

High: Everything You Want to Know About Drugs, Alcohol and Addiction

High: Everything You Want to Know About Drugs, Alcohol and AddictionHigh: Everything You Want to Know About Drugs, Alcohol, and Addiction by David Sheff
Published by HMH Books for Young Readers on January 8th 2019
ISBN: 0544644344
Pages: 272
Goodreads
four-stars

Father and son, David (Beautiful Boy: A Father’s Journey Through His Son’s Meth Addiction) and Nic (Tweak) Sheff have written this book on drugs, alcohol addiction based on Nic’s own addiction experience and personal stories of other teens.  Mental health and addiction are the forefront of this book. All though there are interesting facts, graphs and stories, the coverage is too broad in the sense that some drugs are covered in depth whereas others only have a few paragraphs dedicated to them skipping scientific facts.

The book is well laid out with various types of information that could be used for research on the topic. Blue pages are throughout  the text that are personal experiences of the author and other teens that have faced addiction and recovery. TOC, appendices, bibliography, resources and helpful books are listed for readers who wish more information on the subject. The glossary is referred to as the Addictionary  that breaks down each type of drug by name, common/street names, forms taken and possible health effects.

Recommended for grades 9 and up.

Reviewed by KristinTaylor, Biddeford High School, Biddeford, ME.

four-stars

Summer of ’69

Summer of ’69Summer of '69 by Todd Strasser
Published by Candlewick Press on April 9th 2019
ISBN: 0763695262
Pages: 384
Goodreads
five-stars

Todd Strasser relives and shares with the reader his experiences as Lucas Baker, a newly graduated high school senior, who just wants to spend the summer hanging with his friends doing plenty of acid and smoking weed and best of all — Woodstock Music Festival. But as series of mishaps leads him to bad acid trips, testing his faithfulness to his girlfriend Robin, who happens to be in Canada for the summer, his parents separation and the worst of all — the draft. Vietnam was in full swing and the only way a healthy young male didn’t goto war was to be in college, which unfortunately, Lucas found out that he wasn’t accepted to college and way too late to do anything about it.When  Lucas finds this out he meets with a conscientious  objector counselor to figure out ways to avoid being drafted; other than escaping to Canada as many did, go to jail for refusing to be drafted or maim himself.

Despite the time span, many teens will relate to issues in this book — relationships and friendship, politics, families, road trips and much more and even more so for those that find the 60s interesting. Recommended for grades 10 and up.

Reviewed by Kristin Taylor, Biddeford High School, Biddeford, ME.

five-stars

Birds

BirdsBirds by Carme Lemniscates
Published by Candlewick Studio on March 12th 2019
ISBN: 1536201782
Pages: 40
Goodreads
four-stars

Lemniscates has caught birds at their best, expressing their lighthearted emotions and depicting their life styles.   The two page spreads features one or more variety of birds as they make homes and interact in their environment.  Each illustration is more lovely than the previous as the colors in nature dominate the space.

 The text is simple and endearing, making this a good choice for nursery schools and public libraries.  Pre-school children who connect with birds will love to just look at the illustrations, name the types of birds, and enjoy the vibrant illustrations.  This reader imagines many little ones saying “please read it again”.

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

four-stars

Space Cat-astrophe

Space Cat-astropheSpace Cat-Astrophe: My Fangtastically Evil Vampire Pet by Mo O'Hara, Marek Jagucki
Published by Feiwel & Friends on February 26th 2019
ISBN: 1250128137
Pages: 192
Goodreads
two-stars

Apparently it makes sense for an evil astronaut to visit an evil summer camp but this reader found the plot and action lacking.  Groups of campers are offered the opportunity to undergo space testing to achieve their one goal, get into space.  Ever present are two pets that probably were intended to remind readers of those in Harry Potter; but not so much as the kitten is truly evil.

The text is written with a lisp that should not bother confident early readers but may pose problems for those with learning disabilities.   The illustrations are typical pen and ink that do capture the fear and malice presented in the text.  It is the storyline and level of nastiness that brings the rating down.  Written for the 2nd and 3rd grade readers there is sure to be a small audience.  Libraries can pass this two book series.

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

two-stars

The Goose Egg

The Goose EggThe Goose Egg by Liz Wong
Published by Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers on January 22nd 2019
ISBN: 0553511572
Pages: 40
Genres: Adventure, Animals, Fantasy
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars


From the author of Jumpstart's Read for the Record pick

Quackers

comes the story of Henrietta the Elephant, whose life goes from calm to chaotic when a baby goose comes to stay.

Henrietta likes her quiet life. A morning swim, a cup of tea--all is serene.

But everything changes when she bumps her head and winds up with a goose egg--a REAL goose egg. Henrietta tries to return the baby goose to the nest, but her flock has flown. It's up to Henrietta to raise her.

Goose isn't anything like Henrietta. She's flappy, and noisy, and exhausting. But Henrietta raises that goose right. She teaches her to swim, and to honk, and to fly. When Goose flies off with the other geese, Henrietta is so proud!

And then . . . lonely. How quiet her life feels now.

But the love you give has a way of coming back to you. And Henrietta has a wonderful surprise in store. . . .

Henrieta is an elephant who “savored the stillness of the morning as she sipped her Darjeeling.” Sometimes, when swimming underneath the lake in the quiet murmer of the water, Henrietta would become  lost in her her own thoughts.   And sometimes,  Henrietta became  a little too lost.  And then one day,  it  took  a”bonk” on the head to wake Henrietta up.  Henrietta returns  home to collect herself and soon discovers that the “bonk” was a literal,  “real”  goose egg,  which landed smack  on the top of Henrietta’s head.   But there  is no mother goose to care for the gosling,  so Henrietta take the job on herself.  Her silence, that she loves so very much is now shattered, but when the gosling  finally learns to fly away on it’s own, Henrietaa is sad.  The ending is a surprise; however, not totally unexpexpected.

“The Goose Egg” is an  adorable picture book with endearing  watercolor illustrations.  This book can be used when exploring uncommon animal relationships.   “The Goose Egg,” would also  make a delighful read and introduction of the topic  “taking on  responsibilities.”  Why and when might some animals do it . Why and when might people do it.  What information might inform their decisions.   Do animals have feelings?  Are animals “loyal” to one another? Do animals “think” like people or is their behavior instinctive?  Definitely a story to ponder, learn from, and to enjoy!

Reviewed by Connie M. Smith, Breakwater School, Portland, ME

 

four-stars

Fame, Fate, and the First Kiss

Fame, Fate, and the First KissFame, Fate, and the First Kiss by Kasie West
Published by HarperTeen on February 5th 2019
ISBN: 0062675796
Pages: 384
Goodreads
three-stars

A companion novel to “Love, Life, and the List,” this novel again brings us a light romance focusing on a teenage girl attempting to accomplish a passion of hers with love being a secondary storyline. Actress Lacey has scored the chance of a lifetime playing a zombie next to an action star for her first movie role, but she’s struggling to have chemistry with him. As their on-screen kiss approaches, she attempts to use her budding relationship with her teen tutor as inspiration. However, it becomes clear that someone is attempting to sabotage the film.  The only question is, are they sabotaging her or the whole movie? Lacey is a somewhat likeable character. She’s confident and has a great sense of humor. But she avoids her responsibilities and can’t seem to stand up for herself when it matters. There’s an interesting dynamic to her relationship with her father that West handles well. In the end, Lacey solves her problems and gets the (right) guy. Recommended for ages 13-16.

Reviewed by Kara Reiman, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook

three-stars