Crunch and Crack, Oink and Whack!: An Onomatopoeia Story

Crunch and Crack, Oink and Whack!: An Onomatopoeia StoryCrunch and Crack, Oink and Whack!: An Onomatopoeia Story by Brian P. Cleary
Published by Millbrook Press (Tm) on January 1st 2019
ISBN: 146778799X
Pages: 32
Goodreads
two-stars

A great cover and a strong concept will make readers pick up this picture book. But an overwrought rhyme and overwhelming design may mean they don’t finish it. Cleary writes in stanzas of a, b, c, c, b and forces a lot of the rhymes which cause many a mouthful when attempting to read this out loud. He also packs in a ton of onomatopoetic words, but instead of being fun, it feels like an onslaught. He follows one class in their quest for these sound words and places the school near a farm, so the children even get some animal onomatopoeia, which could make sense to readers, but feels forced. And the end of the book, when the children are celebrating all of their investigative onomatopoetic work, an administrator enters the room and instead of engaging with them, she admonishes them with a “shoosh” just to fit into the rhyme. The bright, busy illustrations by Pablo Pinto are the strongest part of the book and readers who take the time to pour over them will find a lot of detail and diversity and movement.  Better suited for a classroom, which feels like it was the intention of the author as back matter breaks down the examples of the onomatopoetic words used and offers further reading. Not an essential purchase.

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

two-stars

August Isle

August IsleAugust Isle by Ali Standish
Published by HarperCollins on April 16th 2019
ISBN: 0062433415
Pages: 352
Goodreads
four-stars

“Some people, when their heart gets broken, try to pick up the pieces. They stitch them back together as best they can. But me–I just tried to sweep the pieces under the rug. Where they couldn’t cut me up anymore.”

This is the heart of an emotional family story revolving around a parent/child relationship that can’t move forward due to secrets from the past. Miranda and her mother have a tense relationship and Miranda cannot figure out what she did to cause it, though she is certain the problem is her. When she is sent to August Isle for the summer while her mother travels for work and her father works on a big court case, she is sure she will get a window into her mother’s life and maybe be able to unravel her a bit and find a way to connect. Turns out, Miranda stumbles on a thread and when she follows it to the end, her world almost unravels. But a world that has unraveled can be knit back together and this is the conclusion reached at the end of this lovely novel. Standish captures the devastation of loss, the weight of unspoken stories, and the power of friendship and family to help overcome fear and alienation. A worthy addition to middle grade shelves with realistic situations and enough mystery to keep the reader engaged. The ending is a bit pat, but it is satisfying and drives home the point of the book.

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

four-stars

All of Me

All of MeAll of Me by Chris Baron
on June 11th 2019
ISBN: 1250305985
Pages: 320
Goodreads
four-stars

Seventh grade Ari is overwhelmed by life. Ari and his artist mother move from New York to San Francisco while his dad takes a break from the family. In addition to dealing with issues at home, overweight Ari is bullied by his classmates. When Ari harms himself, his mother steps in with a plan. With the support of new friends and his mother, Ari gains confidence and begins to take control of his life. Written in verse, this first person narrative story about body image and identity will resonate with many middle school readers.
(Grades 6-8) Reviewed by Cathy Potter, Falmouth Middle School, Falmouth

four-stars

The Startup Squad

ISBN: 9781250180407
Pages: 176
three-stars

The Startup Squad is a new series about friendship and entrepreneurship!  Resa is starting a lemonade stand competition assignment . She and three other friends agree to work together . The prombles occur with what the idea looks like for all of them, how to listen to each other, and location, supplies, and marketing.

The back of the book has a great section for new entrepreneurs: ideas include Markrting, Marketing tips, sales tips,location tips, and Merchandising tips.

Reviewed by jeri Fitzpatrick

three-stars

Dissenter on the Bench: Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s Life & Work

Dissenter on the Bench:  Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s Life & WorkDissenter on the Bench: Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s Life and Work by Victoria Ortiz
Published by Clarion Books on June 4th 2019
ISBN: 054497364X
Pages: 199
Goodreads
four-stars

More than a biography, this in-depth look at Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg parallels the events of her life that have led to the decisions she has made in several high-profile court cases.  Each chapter features a case that came before her, like Cincinnatian Jim Oberfefell’s fight to collect spousal benefits after the death of his partner. Ruth and her husband Marty understood well how essential it was to balance roles within a marriage, regardless of societal norms.  Ruth and Marty were married while still in college and found time to attend to their young daughter’s needs while both working full-time as law professors. The idea that all the nurturing and domestic care would fall on Ruth’s shoulders simply because she was a woman was ludicrous to them both, just as the idea that a loving spouse of twenty years could be told his future financial security was invalidated because he chose to love a person of the same gender.  Throughout her entire career RBG has fought against injustice even at a time and place in history when her opinions were unpopular. Black and white photos throughout the book truly humanize the participants of the court cases as well as offer private glimpes into the Ginsburgs’ life. While the cover is exciting and bright to appeal to middle school readers, the text and depth of this work is too sophisticated for early teens. This is an excellent addition to every high school biography collection. 

Reviewed by Suzanne Dix, Westbrook Middle School, Westbrook

four-stars

Solutions For a Cleaner, Greener Planet

Solutions For a Cleaner, Greener PlanetSolutions for a Cleaner, Greener Planet: Environmental Chemistry by Marc Zimmer
Published by Twenty-First Century Books (Tm) on January 1st 2019
ISBN: 1541519795
Pages: 120
Goodreads
four-stars

This book explains that chemistry is the key to understanding the underlying environmental issues facing our planet and it is the key to creating solutions. It begins with the basics, breaking down the science to the basics of atoms and elements. Heavy metals, pesticides, fuel and energy, and nuclear energy are the areas of focus. The dangers of leaded gasoline, the tragedies of water contamination in Flint, and the nuclear disasters at Chernobyl and Fukushima provide historical context to the science. The advantages and disadvantages of technologies like fracking, solar energy, wind energy are explored. Charts, graphs, and color photos are nicely formatted and provide context for readers. Innovative solutions are provided, but for the readers, the message is clear that we all must minimize our carbon footprint. Source notes, an extensive glossary, and a list of sources for Further Information are provided. This is a strong resource for high school libraries. Recommended for Grades 9 and up. 

Elizabeth Andersen, Librarian, Westbrook High School

four-stars

ALBERT’S QUIET QUEST

four-stars

“Albert’s Quiet Quest” is about a young boy who is searching for a  quiet place so that he can read his book in peace.  It’s too noisy inside his house, so he ventures outside  with book in hand. However, before long,  friends begin to approach Albert  and try to engage him  in their own activities;  such as , gardening, playing badminton,  babysitting for dolls, and playing music and dancing.   As Albert refuses  their invitations to join them,  he is teased – slightly.  Albert finally becomes so annoyed that he slams his book shut and stands on top of his chair.  At this point,  the  children  recognize that they are annoying Albert. The friends reconsider,  and  run to get their own books.   While they are gone, Albert feels slightly  abandoned and a little  guilty.  Suddenly,  they all return with books underneath  their arms.   They begin to read their books while still trying to engage in their former activities but soon discover  themselves  telling each other to “be quiet!”  Albert apologizes to his friends, saying”Hey guys, I didn’t mean to – ”  and then, his friends tell him to “SHHHHH.”  The story ends with all of the friends laughing  together then sitting happily watching the sunset.

“Albert’s Quiet Quest,” is told in sparse bubble text.”   T his little book shows how children often can,  if left to their own devices, work out their own differences.  It just takes a little give and take from  both sides – a wonderful negotiating skill that all children can benefit from. . Can be used also in teaching to emphasize the fact that children  don’t always have to run to an adult to settle a difficult situation.  They can learn and grow by working things out on their own.

The illustrations have a “cartooney” feel, but  go well with the bubble  text.

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

four-stars

DUCK

DUCKDuck! by Meg McKinlay, Nathaniel Eckstrom
Published by Candlewick Press on August 13th 2019
ISBN: 1536204226
Pages: 32
Goodreads
four-stars

“Duck!” is a very simple but clever picture book for ages 3-6. Duck tries his  darnedest  to  warn Horse, Cow, Pig, and Sheep that there is danger looming.  However, when Duck shouts “DUCK” to warn his friends of  impending disaster,  the animals misinterpret Duck’s meaning and believe he is calling each of them a “duck.”  Horse, Cow, Pig, and Sheep  are  highly offended by the misnomer and begin to strongly scold Duck. In  a turn of the tables, Duck immediately apologizes and  unabashedly says, “I should have said RUN!”  And  there is  very good reason why they all should!

This book can  be used when studying farms and farmyards with toddlers through Kindergarten. In addition “DUCK” would make  a wonderful  introduction  to the concept of words having a double meanings.    The usage of “duck” to illustrate this concept is a good one as most young children may already be familiar with the two meanings of  the word. This book is  age appropriate with a straight  forward and  clear plot line.

Lovely, humorous  illustrations by Nathaniel Eckstrom show the frustration on the faces of Horse, Cow, Pig and Sheep,  thus making  “DUCK” a delight to read and share.

Reviewed By Connie Smith, Breakwater School, Portland, ME

four-stars

War in the Ring

War in the RingWar in the Ring: Joe Louis, Max Schmeling, and the Fight Between America and Hitler by John Florio, Ouisie Shapiro
Published by Roaring Brook Press on June 25th 2019
ISBN: 1250155746
Pages: 208
Goodreads
four-stars

American Joe Louis takes on German Max Schmeling in a historic boxing match while the world is on the brink of war.  The lives of these two men are recounted as they become boxers, rise to fame, fight their most famous matches, and then live out the rest of their lives.  The authors do an excellent job describing the men with both their successes and their flaws. The reader sees each as a human in a very tense global conflict.  Historic events are clearly described creating the background for this significant match-up, but do not take the focus. Readers gain a better understanding of how these men came to symbolize their nations and of racism facing both African-Americans and those of Jewish descent.  This is a well researched book including multiple quotes from journalists, announcers, and other primary sources. Black and white photographs in each chapter bring the words to life and help the reader visualize the crowds and the times. The end of the book contains nearly 50 pages of additional material including source notes, a bibliography, and an index.  Readers from 10-14 who enjoy boxing will devour this detailed account.

Reviewed by Heather Hale, Easton School District, Easton

four-stars

100 Most Dangerous Things on the Planet

100 Most Dangerous Things on the Planet100 Most Dangerous Things On The Planet (100 Most) by Anna Claybourne
on January 1st 2019
ISBN: 1682974197
Pages: 112
Goodreads
three-stars

A nonfiction book divided into five sections covering 100 of the most dangerous things on the planet.  Sections are natural disasters, dangerous weather, lost in the wild, dangerous animals, and dangers caused by humans.  Each page has a description of the danger, what to do, a risk rating, a survival rating, and an interesting tip or fact.  Pages are packed with pictures and words written in varying fonts. Readers in grades 3-7 will learn about new dangers (a seiche) and familiar dangers (a mosquito).  The risk and survival ratings make it quick and easy to see the level of danger (very unlikely to meet a chimpanzee but only a 40% chance of survival if attacked). Teachers and parents will appreciate how the author puts an emphasis on avoiding each danger.  Perfect book for readers wanting to learn about the dangers in this world or who just love information.

Reviewed by Heather Hale, Easton School District, Easton

three-stars