Month: July 2019

My Happy Year

My Happy YearMy Happy Year by E. Bluebird by Paul Meisel
Published by Holiday House on March 12th 2019
ISBN: 0823438376
Pages: 40
Goodreads
five-stars

My Happy Year by E. Bluebird written by Paul Meisel is a narrative nonfiction told in the chirpy voice of the young bluebird. Part of  A Nature Diary series, this book is highly recommended as a read aloud to children and classrooms who are open to nonfiction that is illustrated with acrylic  paintings. With just a sentence or two entry for each of the 19 days scattered throughout the year June 1 egg cracking to the following June 4 next generation of eggs, the book combines facts with colorful, large paintings. Children will ask, “Is it real?” Yes, this is what a bluebird’s first year is like. No, a bluebird does not speak English. But oh what a fun way to be introduced to this colorful bird. The voice of this happy little bird will draw readers and listeners into her world and into science. Many additional facts and glossary are tucked onto the back and on the endpapers. Highly recommended by Margy Soule, Coffin Elementary School Brunswick, Maine

five-stars

A Question of Holmes

A Question of HolmesA Question of Holmes (Charlotte Holmes #4) by Brittany Cavallaro
Published by Katherine Tegen Books on March 5th 2019
ISBN: 0062840223
Pages: 287
Goodreads
three-stars

The fourth book in the Charlotte Holmes series is a nice end to what has been a fantastic series. The book feels like a footnote or long epilogue to the trilogy as this book does not focus on the mystery, but more on the relationship of Holmes and Watson and on Charlotte’s desire to find her place in the world. This is natural since her place has thus far been largely defined by her lineage and her relationship with the family Moriarty. In this book, Holmes and Watson are looking forward to the normal college life and to exploring their relationship, but when they get involved with the production of Hamlet, they find a cold case and new death. Charlotte can’t let it go, but the mysteries feel secondary and are, in fact, solved in an expedient fashion near the end of the book with little fanfare. Fans of the series will enjoy seeing Holmes and Watson in the real world and should feel great closure upon reaching the end of the book. Those new to the series will want to start with Book 1 as not reading the first three books will strip away the full impact of revelations in this book. It will also lessen the meaning of the deepening and complex relationship between Holmes and Watson. There are mentions of drug use, implied sexual activity, some strong language, and a complexity of language and writing craft that make this book best for readers in 10th grade and above.

Reviewed by Jill O’Connor, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth

three-stars

Gems

GemsGems by Claudia Martin
Published by Qeb Publishing -- Quarto Library on January 1st 2018
ISBN: 1682973255
Pages: 24
Goodreads
four-stars

Gems by Claudia Martin is an inviting nonfiction work for children ages 5 through 8.  Colorful, sharp photographs reveal the beauty of the gemstones. Every two-age spread is a chapter with a few very brief facts on a different subtopic. This provides just enough information to introduce  primary students to gems while the photos provide the wow factor. Teachers will like the table of contents, index, bold topic headings, and glossary. recommended by Margy Soule, Coffin Elementary School, Brunswick, Maine

four-stars

Honeysmoke

HoneysmokeHoneysmoke: A Story of Finding Your Color by Monique Fields
Published by Imprint on January 8th 2019
ISBN: 1250115825
Pages: 32
Goodreads
four-stars

Simone is a biracial girl who wonders what color she is. She asks her parents and friends and explores her world, looking for just the right color to describe herself. Simone is given in the space to explore her question and is not laughed at or dismissed. She is empowered to find her own word to describe how she looks to herself and maybe the world. Lovely, gentle art work by Yesenia Moises accompanies Fields’ words as Simone draws on her own family stories to come up with her definition and description of her honeysmoke skin. A wonderful own voices book that one that belongs in all public library collections because representation matters.

Reviewed by Jill O’Connor, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth

four-stars

Searching for Stinkodon

Searching for StinkodonJudy Moody and Friends: Searching for Stinkodon by Megan McDonald
Published by Candlewick Press on April 9th 2019
ISBN: 0763699977
Pages: 64
Goodreads
three-stars

The newest title in the Judy Moody & Friends series brings together two beloved things, prehistoric animals and Judy’s younger brother, Stink, who has his own series of books. Titles in this series are aimed at emerging readers. With short chapters, large, clear font, and plenty of colorful illustrations (here done by Erwin Madrid in the style of original illustrator Peter Reynolds). After hearing of other backyard fossil discoveries, Stink is determined to find a Smilodon tooth in his backyard. Judy, worried for her brother’s sanity and the safety of her house as Stink digs more and more holes, decides to help matters by planting a shark tooth in the yard for him to find. Instead, Stink finds a different bone and readers who are paying attention will know that it is the bear claw lost by Stink months before. But Stink has forgotten he lost this bear claw and imagines his face on the cover of “Science Kid” thanks to his “amazing” discovery. The book may leave serious, science sticklers unsatisfied since a Smilodon tooth and a bear claw are not in the same time period, but it is a humorous read and one in which a kid has an idea, executes it, and is rewarded for his effort. Add to collections with other JM&Friends books or to those where Stink is a known and loved character.

Reviewed by Jill O’Connor, Merrill  Memorial Library, Yarmouth

three-stars

Sleepover at the Museum

Sleepover at the MuseumSleepover at the Museum by Karen LeFrak, David Bucs
Published by Crown Books for Young Readers on January 15th 2019
ISBN: 1524771406
Pages: 32
Goodreads
four-stars

Sleepover at the Museum written by Karen LeFrak and illustrated by David Bucs is a picture book that combines a story of some lucky children who get to have a birthday sleepover in a natural history museum. The children follow clues to find the room where they will sleep.  There is just enough science and just enough story to hold the interest of 4 through 7 years old. The illustrations match the happy, jaunty feel of the story. Children interested in dinosaurs, whales, space, butterflies and other animals will be able to share their enthusiasm and knowledge with these book characters.  Recommended for ages 4 – 7 and reviewed by Margy Soule, Coffin Elementary School, Brunswick, Maine.

four-stars

Undefeated

UndefeatedThe Undefeated by Kwame Alexander
Published by Versify on April 2nd 2019
ISBN: 1328780961
Pages: 40
Goodreads
five-stars

An oversize picture book that offers readers an experience from cover to cover. Stunning artwork from Kadir Nelson paired with the earnest, lyrical poetry of Alexander tells the story of the many black Americans who have contributed to the story and glory of this country. Alexander shared the poem on ESPN’s The Undefeated. He wrote the ode after his second daughter was born so that she would see heroes who looked like her, but this book can resonate with any audience and should be read widely. Mention of the slave trade, the bombing in Birmingham that killed four girls, and the police shootings of unarmed black citizens like Sandra Bland and Trayvon Martin make this a book for an older audience in terms of discussion, but it is not only a tool for conversations. It should be read with all children because it is necessary for our continued humanity for kids to see heroes of all skin colors.  Recommend for Cream of the Crop and for all library collections, public and school, elementary through high school.

Reviewed by Jill O’Connor, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth

five-stars

Opposite of Always

A sort of Groundhog Day meets Romeo and Juliet love story in which two teens fall in star-crossed, ill-fated love.  After Kate dies, Jack’s world is shattered, until he wakes up one day and realizes he’s living his life all over again, starting before he met Kate and working forward.  Does he have the power to change the outcome?  How do his actions affect the outcome?  What ripples can subtle shifts in this timeline create?  This debut novel about love, life, and our choices will grip readers ages 14-16.

 

Review by Noelle Gallant, Saco Middle School

The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise

The Remarkable Journey of Coyote SunriseThe Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise by Dan Gemeinhart
Published by Henry Holt & Company (BYR) on January 8th 2019
Pages: 352
Goodreads
five-stars

In Dan Gemeinhart’s The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise, readers dip their toes into the unforgettable world of Coyote and her father, Rodeo, who have been on the road for five years, traveling wherever they want in their home, Yager – a worn schoolbus converted into a mobile living space.  Gemeinhart’s knack for accessing the inner thinking of adolescents shines again in this heart-wrenching read.  As the story progresses, readers learn that Coyote and her father are on the run from their emotions after the tragic death of Coyote’s mother and sisters.  While driving from place to place feels freeing at first, Coyote soon realizes that she misses the stable feeling of “home.”  Along the way, Coyote and Rodeo begin to pick up other world-weary travelers and embark on a memorable, special quest.  This book will leave an imprint on readers’ hearts.  Ideal for readers ages 10-13, though I think many others would love it.

Review by Noelle Gallant, Saco Middle School

five-stars

Hilo: Then Everything Went Wrong

Hilo: Then Everything Went WrongHilo Book 5: Then Everything Went Wrong by Judd Winick
Published by Random House Books for Young Readers on January 29th 2019
ISBN: 1524714968
Pages: 208
Goodreads
five-stars

Hilo and DJ are back in the fifth book of this entertaining, exciting, much-beloved graphic novel series. Professor Q has appeared on Earth but when he falls into a coma, HIlo is convinces that he must travel through a portal to his home planet to figure out what really happened. DJ, of course, goes in too. Meanwhile, back on Earth, the rest of the crew work to solve the mystery of Professor Q. Winick’s mastery with action and plot twists will not disappoint and readers will eagerly anticipate the further unfolding of Hilo’s story in Book 6. The series is a no-fail with reluctant readers and with, well, kids. All of them. Highly recommend the entire series of which this book is one more fantastic volume.

Reviewed by Jill O’Connor, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth

five-stars