Month: September 2019

What is Given From the Heart

What is Given From the HeartWhat Is Given from the Heart by Patricia C. McKissack
Published by Schwartz & Wade on January 8, 2019
ISBN: 0375836152
Pages: 32
Goodreads
five-stars

Not only is this a wonderful last book by one of our best storytellers, it is also illustrated by a talented artist. The combination of loving text and beautiful pictures makes this a contender for all sorts of awards. When Mama and James are struggling they learn that another family has lost everything in a fire.   Their minister asked his parish members to each find something to share.   This story is not new nor uncommon but the attitude is one of charitable giving without concern for personal sacrifice.  It is not surprising that McKissack has her character write and illustrate a book, she made this title a real gift to her readers.

The illustrations are wonderful, the blended colors make me think of lovely batik fabric. Even in this poor setting the pictures show shades of courage, love, and spiritual commitment.   Add this book to all public libraries, primary school media centers, church shelves and gift to readers who love and cherish other titles by Patricia McKissack.

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

five-stars

Inside Outside

Inside OutsideInside Outside by Anne-Margot Ramstein, Matthias Arégui
Published by Candlewick Studio on April 9th 2019
ISBN: 1536205974
Pages: 40
Goodreads
five-stars

Published first in France, Inside Outside is an art book for young viewers.  Yes it is a concept book but this title will not be shelved in public libraries with early education concept books.   It will be best appreciated by children between the ages of 4-6 and by art teachers of all ages.   The authors have produced a lovely and creative work that offers concepts to ponder.  The first few pages clearly show the inside and outside of an egg, a tunnel, and a castle. Readers may not be prepared for the illustration of birds on a captivating two page spread.  Equally challenging is the tent and whale illustration which this readers admits is her favorite.

Choice of colors, the depth within the illustrations and drama represented in this wordless book makes it a winner.   Add this to public libraries, primary schools and gift to your favorite art teacher and student.

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

five-stars

Perfect

PerfectPerfect by Max Amato
Published by Scholastic Press on January 29th 2019
ISBN: 0545829313
Pages: 48
Goodreads
four-stars

A lovely entry into the growth-mindset picture book canon. Eraser likes things just so, clean and smudge-free. Along comes Pencil traipsing across Eraser’s clean pages, making marks with wanton abandon. No problem, Eraser will just…erase. But there are so many marks and finally, an entire page scribbled in by pesky Pencil. When Eraser discovers that this dark page presents an opportunity to make intentional marks, a whole new world opens up. In the end, Pencil and Eraser can work together to make something greater than either could accomplish alone. A lovely metaphor for finding flexibility in your thinking and for accepting that everything does not always turn out exactly the way you picture it in your mind. A fun read-aloud with clear, energetic illustrations, this one will be a hit.

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

four-stars

Born in the Wild; Baby Animals and Their Parents

Born in the Wild; Baby Animals and Their ParentsBorn in the Wild: Baby Animals and Their Parents by Lita Judge
Published by Roaring Brook Press on June 18th 2019
ISBN: 125018990X
Pages: 24
Goodreads
four-stars

This board book is enticing and extremely attractive.  Adult readers and their youngsters will be equally delighted by the adorable illustrations of 16 species of wild animals.  While the text is sparse the appeal is heightened by the phrases of love and caring.  Animals are portrayed in realistic colors and the anatomy has not been altered; these animals looks much as they do in the wild.

Add this edition to public libraries where board books are collected.   Born in the Wild is an excellent choice as a gift for baby showers and first birthdays. Delightful addition to any home toddler collection.

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

four-stars

Comics Will Break Your Heart

Comics Will Break Your HeartComics Will Break Your Heart by Faith Erin Hicks
Published by Roaring Brook Press on February 12th 2019
ISBN: 1626723648
Pages: 340
Goodreads
three-stars

Best known for her graphic novels, this YA novel is Hicks’s first foray into prose and though it is a bit uneven, it is an engaging read. The story is a modern-day Romeo and Juliet retelling  set in rural Canada and steeped in comic-book lore and lingo, which will appeal to readers who geek out at the thought of the newest superhero movie. The warring parties were the two grandfathers of the Kendrick and the Warrick families, co-creators of the Tomorrow Men comics. After a long legal battle, the Warricks now control the franchise, which has brought them fame and fortune and is about to launch a new movie. The Kendricks live in sleepy Sandford and scrape by.  High school junior Mir Kendrick wants out of Sandford and wishes that her grandfather had not lost his legal battle and that her mother had not taken a paltry monetary settlement after the death of her father to walk away from the Tomorrow Men. Handsome bad boy Weldon Warrick has been sent from Los Angeles to Sandford to live with his aunt and uncle while his father pours all of his attention and energy into the upcoming movie. The teens meet in a comic book shop, of course, and Mir saves Weldon from a beating at the hands of some local bullies.  The two feel an attraction and, in awkward teen fashion, wend their way toward one another. The romance is palpable, but only ever manifests in hand-holding and a flirtatious swimming scene thereby making this book suitable for an older middle school audience that enjoys some romance in their realistic fiction. The parents in the book are supportive and sage and unlike the Montagues and Capulets do not forbid the romance, only Weldon’s aunt warns him to stay away from the Kendricks for fear that they will hold him accountable for his grandfather’s actions. This worry is never keenly felt by the reader. In fact, the ending bends all rules of realism to give the reader a sweet, heartwarming ending. Not a must-buy but with some possible name recognition of a favorite graphic novel author, a catchy cover, and a known literary tie-in, this book is sure to circulate.

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

three-stars

My Forest is Green

My Forest is GreenMy Forest Is Green by Darren Lebeuf, Ashley Barron
Published by Kids Can Press on April 2nd 2019
ISBN: 1771389303
Pages: 32
Goodreads
four-stars

There is a combination of environmental studies and art exploration in this very good first work by a new author.  A young boy finds his environment enchanting, he appreciates nature and is inspired to create art based on his green forest.  Not only is he an observant young scientist but he introduces journaling as a form of nature study. Obviously this author appreciates the out of doors and wants to share his joy with other children and families.

The illustrations are charming, colorful and specific. The collage pages make me think of work done by Cathryn Farwell, a loved local author/illustrator in Maine. There are rich colors, playful designs and a feeling of depth on each page.  My Forest is Green must be added to early grade classrooms, put on library shelves and gifted to youngsters for birthday and holiday occasions.

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

four-stars

Dolphins! Strange and Wonderful

Dolphins! Strange and WonderfulDolphins! (Strange and Wonderful) by Laurence Pringle, Meryl Henderson
Published by Boyds Mill Press on February 5th 2019
ISBN: 1629796808
Pages: 32
Goodreads
four-stars

Pringle has provided many good non-fiction science picture books to readers.   His many series titles are seen in public libraries, school media centers, in classrooms, and book stores.   This new entry in the Strange and Wonderful series does not disappoint.  Young readers who love marine animals and budding scientist will be drawn to the attractive cover and illustrations by Henderson.   There are places however when the content of the text and the illustrations seem somewhat out of whack. This reader is disappointed that no position is taking concerning dolphin captivity or swimming with dolphin activities.

All in all the intended audience is sure to appreciate this new title and there is enough content to facilitate early grade report writing.  The Glossary is excellent but some of the resources listed are  nearly 20 years old.  Add to seacoast  and land locked community libraries as well as  school shelves where marine animals are appreciated.

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

four-stars

How to Make Friends With the Dark

How to Make Friends With the DarkHow to Make Friends with the Dark by Kathleen Glasgow
Published by Delacorte Press on April 9th 2019
ISBN: 1101934751
Pages: 421
Goodreads
four-stars

Darkness can mean a multitude of things and this title seems to incorporate everything attached to the lack of light.  What appears to be a controlling yet loving bond between mother and daughter is suddenly lost when Tiger’s mother passes away. Complicated by the lack of relatives and a recent fight Tiger is left in a horrible reality and psychological situation.

This book pulls on the heart strings and requires that a box of tissues be on hand. Tiger is a teenager who is living marginally in economic terms yet she knows love.   What society does to her is probably more real than readers will want to believe.   We all need to be aware that mental illness exist all around us and that we need to hold out a hand. Thanks to Glasgow for a revealing look at the child welfare system and the effect it has on our children. Add to high school and public library shelves.  Offer to social workers and physicians who work with depressed teens.

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

four-stars

Pretend She’s Here

Pretend She’s HerePretend She's Here by Luanne Rice
Published by Scholastic Press on February 26th 2019
ISBN: 133829850X
Pages: 337
Goodreads
five-stars

Mega-bestselling author Luanne Rice returns with a ripped-from-the-headlines story of a girl who is kidnapped by her friend's family.Emily Lonergan's best friend died last year.
And Emily hasn't stopped grieving. Lizzie Porter was lively, loud, and fun -- Emily's better half. Emily can't accept that she's gone.
When Lizzie's parents and her sister come back to town to visit, Emily's heartened to see them. The Porters understand her pain. They miss Lizzie desperately, too.
Desperately enough to do something crazy.
Something unthinkable.
Suddenly, Emily's life is hurtling toward a very dark place -- and she's not sure she'll ever be able to return to what she once knew was real.
From New York Times bestselling author Luanne Rice comes a breathless, unputdownable story of suspense, secrets -- and the strength that love gives us to survive even the most shocking of circumstances.

Pretend She’s Here is a modern thriller which is based on a true story. Rice brings the story to an immediate climax with the kidnapping of Emily by her best friend’s parents. This is a story of loss, love, grief and intimidation. With the exception of Mr. Porter, most of the characters are compelling and on the edge of believable. Although it is hard to image such horror, situations like this do exist and evil actions like those of Mrs. Porter have been seen in our society.

This book will be well received by teens who are interested in relationships and BFF friendships. It also would make an excellent mother daughter or woman’s book group title.   The depth of feelings exhibited makes the read compelling. Compassion and fear dominate the feelings that go beyond expectations.   Add this to middle and high school media centers and to the YA collections in public libraries.

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

five-stars

The Love and Lies of Rukhsana Ali

The Love and Lies of Rukhsana AliThe Love & Lies of Rukhsana Ali by Sabina Khan
Published by Scholastic Press on January 29th 2019
ISBN: 1338227017
Pages: 336
Goodreads
five-stars

Rukhsana is afraid of the consequences of being a lesbian in an extremely conservative Muslim family. All she wants is to graduate and go to Caltech with her girlfriend, Ariana. The day that her mother catches her kissing Ariana leads to her being taken to Bangladesh and being forced into a marriage that she has no interest in. To be gay in her culture is a sin and in Bangladesh, many have been beaten or even killed.

Khan brings attention to the cultural diversity that many Americanized children of immigrant families deal with, such as arranged marriages and family obligations that their peers don’t understand. Culturally, LGBTQIA and religiously diverse and emotionally intense. Recommended for grades 9 and up.

Reviewed by Kristin Taylor, Biddeford High School, Biddeford.

five-stars