Month: June 2019

Elvis is King!

Elvis is King!Elvis Is King! by Jonah Winter, Red Nose Studio
Published by Schwartz & Wade Books on January 8th 2019
ISBN: 039955470X
Pages: 40
Goodreads
two-stars

“Elvis is King” covers the life of Elvis from his birth to his first song being on the radio. Each entry on a particular portion of his life has its own headline followed by a paragraph. The author chose to use stereotypical Southern colloquial speech patterns, which feels entirely unnecessary.  There are also vocabulary words that are too high for a picture book level biography.  The background art is made from found objects like cereal boxes and fabric thread while the main characters are made from polymer clay, and look a tad creepy. There’s a great explanation of how the art was made on the inside of the front cover, but that makes it inaccessible to copies processed in libraries.  An author’s note in the back includes pictures, more details about Elvis’s life, and a link to a website that is said to have further information and a video. As of the writing of this review, that website is not working. Best for grades K-2.

Reviewed by Kara Reiman, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook

two-stars

Guts: All About Our Digestive System!

Guts: All About Our Digestive System!Guts: Revised Edition by Seymour Simon
Published by HarperCollins on March 5th 2019
ISBN: 0062470426
Pages: 32
Goodreads
four-stars

Although I do not have a copy of Simon’s previous published book (2005) about the digestive system I do remember finding it useful for school projects as well as helpful when called upon to answer young readers’ questions.   Published in May of 2019 the updated edition is attractive and remains informative.   As in many of his books the photos are engaging, bright and well explained.  Students in grades 2- 5 will find this new version pleasing to the eye and very informative.   The use of dark and bright background pages adds drama to what could be a boring subject – but no science books by this author could be called boring.  Full color photos show the workings of the digestive system in all of its glory.

 A glossary increases the usefulness for STEM programs and classrooms. Public libraries and media centers in primary and intermediate schools will want to place the update on their shelves.  As science materials need to be current the 14 years between publication call for replacing.   

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

four-stars

The Hawk and the Dove

The Hawk and the DoveThe Hawk and the Dove by Paul Kor
Published by Kids Can Press on May 7th 2019
ISBN: 152530125X
Pages: 32
Goodreads
five-stars

Not only a lovely example of papercut illustrations, this children’s book excelled in all ways.  This reader experienced tears while slowly turning pages which revealed how peace can grow from war.  Much like the peace posters of the 1960’s The hawk and the Dove makes the change feel possible, tangible, and real.  If only life followed art, this new title could affect social change.  Each time a page is turned the reader is offered a different way to view war machines; bombs become butterflies and battleships become sailboats. 

A strong feeling of hope is contained across the pages of this book, the message is strong and direct. Readers would do well to open themselves to the possibilities presented in this book.

Art teachers and social studies teachers will want this book at their disposal to use with classes.  Librarians in media centers and public libraries will find this an excellent addition to their collections. Excellent for grade 2-4 and for art classes of all ages.

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

 

Consider for Cream

five-stars

Fat Angie: Rebel Girl Revolution

Fat Angie: Rebel Girl RevolutionFat Angie: Rebel Girl Revolution by E.E. Charlton-Trujillo
Published by Candlewick Press on March 5th 2019
ISBN: 0763693456
Pages: 352
Goodreads
five-stars

Fat Angie:  Rebel Girl Revolution

 

Angie is horribly teased, taunted, and physically abused at school.  At home her mother wishes Angie had died instead of her “perfect” sister.  But when Angie meets her sister’s fiancée at a celebration of her life and he gives Angie a postcard with a list of the places in Ohio her sister wanted them to travel to together, Angie knows that she is supposed to go on a journey.  Going with her are her former friend, a girl called Zeke, and the best friend of her tormentor at school.  The road trip is some of the best writing and experiences ever, especially having the description of a Men’s Room at a gas station and Angie singing with a punk girl group.  Angie is depressed because of her weight, being gay, and lack of social skills.  But, after the road trip, she begins to accept herself, although her relationship with her mother never improves.  There is not a perfect ending, but it is much more realistic.  There is excellent writing which mirrors the mind of a high school student:  “too-many-tabs-open-in-her-mind”, “Feminine Female products”, and “Pinterest lies, Angie”.  It is the sequel to Fat Angie but it isn’t necessary to have read it first.  This book is recommended for grades 9-12 and for Cream of the Crop.

 

Reviewed by Ellen Spring, Oceanside High School, Rockland

five-stars

Angel and Bavar

three-stars

Angel and Bavar was first published in England as A Far Away Magic. Angel has lost her parents. They were killed by monsters. Angel meets Bavar at her new school. She is drawn to him. She describes him as a monster. He shuffles, hunches his shoulders, and has a lot of dark curly hair. At first he appears not to be interested in her, but things change. There is magic, mystery, monsters, and battles in this story of friendship and bravery. The chapters alternate between Angel’s and Bavar’s points of view. Readers who enjoy fantasy will be satisfied with this creative and modern version of Beauty and the Beast. Recommended for grades 5-8

Reviewed by Kris Zuidema, retired school librarian, Standish

 

three-stars

The Magicians of Elephant County

The Magicians of Elephant CountyThe Magicians of Elephant County by Adam Perry
Published by HarperCollins on October 9th 2018
ISBN: 006279535X
Pages: 384
Goodreads
four-stars

A momentous event has taken place in the fictional Elephant County. This narrative is an attempt to explain what happened. The story is told in alternating chapters using the two main characters. Eleven year old Duncan and twelve year old Emma are best friends. They dream of becoming great magicians. Duncan accidently acquires a real magic wand and then the story accelerates. Using two different points of view as to what happened is clever and humorous. This novel was fun to read since it had many surprises and moved quickly. This is the author’s first novel. I highly recommend it for grades 4-7

Reviewed by Kris Zuidema, retired school librarian, Standish

four-stars

Elephant Secret

Elephant SecretElephant Secret by Eric Walters
Published by Clarion Books on August 28th 2018
ISBN: 1328796175
Pages: 352
Goodreads
five-stars

Sam lives with her dad in an elephant sanctuary. The elephants are her family. She understands them and feels an exceptional closeness to them, especially a newborn orphan, Wooly. In many ways she relates to the elephants easier than her middle school friends and her father’s girlfriend. This exceptional novel offers a wealth of information on elephant behavior, elephant management, and a look into the future. Readers will enjoy this well told story with its variety of themes. Included is an afterward, an author’s note, and a print and non-print bibliography. I highly recommend this excellent book. Recommended for grades 4-8

Reviewed by Kris Zuidema, retired school librarian, Standish

 

five-stars

Courageous: A Novel of Dunkirk

Courageous: A Novel of DunkirkCourageous by Yona Zeldis McDonough
Published by Scholastic Press on November 27th 2018
ISBN: 1338226851
Pages: 192
Goodreads
four-stars

The story begins with Aiden having a nightmare about drowning. Aiden has lost a brother in the war whose ship was sunk by a German U-Boat. His surviving brother is in France, part of the British troops that need to be evacuated because they are surrounded by Nazi forces. Aiden and his friend Sally want to take part in the dangerous attempt to rescue British troops. All available boats are needed to cross the channel from England to France and bring home the soldiers. This includes small fishing boats that families rely on to make a living. Aiden’s mother and father forbid him from taking part in the rescue operation, though Aiden is determined to save his brother. Having a family who has lost one son and has another serving in the military brings a personal approach to the story. This fast paced historical novel will appeal to younger readers and older reluctant readers. It is well written and informative. The author includes as glossary, brief history of WWII, timeline of the evacuation of Dunkirk, and bibliography. Recommended for grades 4-10.

Reviewed by Kris Zuidema, retired school librarian, Standish

four-stars