Month: January 2020

My Life as a Meme

My Life as a MemeMy Life as a Meme (My Life, #8) by Janet Tashjian, Jake Tashjian
Published by Henry Holt and Co. (BYR) on April 2nd 2019
ISBN: 1250196574
Pages: 256
Goodreads
three-stars

This is the eighth book in the “My Life” series, and it will continue to amuse its young fans. Derek has broken his phone (again!) but keeps the information from his parents, so he can go on a dog-sitting vacation to a beach house in Malibu. As expected, the trip soon turns into a mayhem, complete with a wildfire and a forced evacuation. But when someone Derek barely knows makes a meme that makes fun of Derek …well… what else is there to do but retaliate?

The story is formulaic. Here’s the thing: kids won’t care. It’s a fun little story with a topical storyline. Kids who know the series will enjoy this latest installment. Grades 3 and up.

Reviewed by Kelly Greenlee, Prince Memorial Library, Cumberland

three-stars

Suffragette: The Battle for Equality

Suffragette: The Battle for EqualitySuffragette: The Battle for Equality by David Roberts
Published by Walker Books US on October 8th 2019
ISBN: 1536208418
Pages: 128
Goodreads
five-stars

A comprehensive, historical account of the women’s suffrage movement, from its beginnings in the mid- to late-1800s in both the United Kingdom and the United State. David Roberts brings to life the women and men behind the movement, with engaging, accessible text and lively illustrations that are at once playful, descriptive and captivating. His gentle and instructive voice tackles the hurdles many brave women and men overcame and their astounding courage and determination in pursuing the fight to the end. The sheer brilliance and grit of the suffragettes, who, again and again, found new ways to defy the government makes this hefty non-fiction book one that keeps you reading.  The illustrations serve as tempting bait to draw you in to each chapter.

This is would be a great addition to any school or public library, particularly as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Nineteenth Amendment. Grades 2 and up.

Reviewed by Kelly Greenlee, Prince Memorial Library, Cumberland

five-stars

A Place to Land: Martin Luther King and the Speech that Inspired a Nation

A Place to Land: Martin Luther King and the Speech that Inspired a NationA Place to Land: Martin Luther King Jr. and the Speech That Inspired a Nation by Barry Wittenstein, Jerry Pinkney
Published by Neal Porter Books on August 27th 2019
ISBN: 0823443310
Pages: 48
Goodreads

Barry Wittenstein and Jerry Pinkney  has given the reader the story behind Martin Luther King’s  “I Have a Dream” speech in both a conversational  text and classic Pinkney illustrations of watercolor, color pencil and graphite. King was once asked what was the hardest part of writing a speech. His reply was “knowing where to end.” “It’s terrible to be circling up there without a place to land.”  The night before the 1963 March on Washington, King and men he looked to for guidance met to write what would become his greatest sermon ever. The reader meets his inner circle and is invited into that hotel room as these men strategized. Wittenstein’s text is more a conversation and the reader feels like part of the group. Pinkney’s illustrations are large and expressive and take the reader through the night and onto the National Mall. This is a must for all collections  as it gives insight into how one of the greatest speech’s for freedom was written. There is a note from the artist ,short biographies of the men involved nd her voices , who spoke at the March and sources used to write this book.This is not only a visually inspiring book but sheds light into a piece of the Civil Rights Movement. Use in units about the Civil Right movement, Martin Luther King, and American History. Best for grades 4 and up.

Submitted by Kathy George, Gray Public Library, Gray Maine.

Let Me Fix That for You

Let Me Fix That for YouLet Me Fix That for You by Janice Erlbaum
Published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR) on July 23rd 2019
ISBN: 0374308101
Pages: 304
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Gladys is a fixer. She spends her school lunch periods helping her peers come up with excuses and cover ups for their problems. But now Glad has a personal issue that needs her attention– putting her family back together. Between home and school, the situations become more complicated and Glad might just find that she needs some help herself.

Perfect for 5th-8th grade readers, this book shows the complications of middle school life and the difficulties of fitting in, making friends, and being yourself. The story is relatable and funny and moves along at a steady pace. Most importantly, it shows that consequences are not avoidable forever and the best thing you can usually do is own up to your mistakes and learn from them.

Recommended for Cream of the Crop

Reviewed by Kerrie Lattari, York Middle School, York

four-stars

From an Idea to Google – How Innovation at Google Changed the World

From an Idea to Google – How Innovation at Google Changed the WorldFrom an Idea to Google: How Innovation at Google Changed the World by Lowey Bundy Sichol
Published by HMH Books for Young Readers on July 9th 2019
ISBN: 1328954919
Pages: 128
Goodreads
three-stars

This non-fiction book  is a look into the history of Google and the 2 friends who developed it. There are many  black & white illustrations throughout with definitions of key terms and fun facts where the reader will learn about the company and how it earned the catchphrase: Google it!
The reader will also learn where the name “Google” came from. (Hint: It involves a LOT of zeros! )
A very interesting read great for a range of kids and adults!

Reviewed by Melissa Madigan

 

three-stars

The Library of Ever

The Library of EverThe Library of Ever by Zeno Alexander
Published by Imprint on April 30th 2019
ISBN: 1250169178
Pages: 191
Goodreads
four-stars

This time-travelling fantasy novel is reminiscent of such classics as A Wrinkle in Time or The Phantom Tollbooth, but will delight the younger reader with its whirlwind pacing that whisks young Lenora to wildly different worlds in seemingly every chapter. After stumbling through a mysterious archway in her local library, Lenora is suddenly thrust into a new position as an apprentice librarian in the most fantastic library within imagination, with vast corridors and passageways that transcend time and space. The fanciful imagery will transport the reader to all corners of the imagination. Whether its resetting the calendar in a futuristic kingdom in the year 8000 or shrinking to help a tardigrade blast off into space, Lenora is there to save the day with mighty answers to requests for information. Meanwhile, there are dark forces conspiring against knowledge itself, and Lenora must be brave and steadfast to defend truth and save the library.

Avid book lovers and anyone who feels that unmistakable sense of wonder and awe within a library will enjoy this quick but fun read. There are interesting and random facts throughout the story, and readers young and old will make new discoveries alongside Lenora’s quest for knowledge, including this old reader who now knows that the highest point on Earth is not Mount Everest but in fact, Mount Chimborazo, Ecuador. Recommended for ages 7-10.

Reviewed by Kat Luedke, Long Island Community Library

four-stars

The Magical Unicorn Society: A Brief History of Unicorns

The Magical Unicorn Society: A Brief History of UnicornsThe Magical Unicorn Society: A Brief History of Unicorns by Selwyn E. Phipps, Aitch, Oana Befort, Rae Ritchie, Zanna Goldhawk, Harry Goldhawk
Published by Feiwel & Friends on October 1st 2019
ISBN: 1250251877
Pages: 128
Goodreads
four-stars

The Magical Unicorn Society has resurfaced to reveal another mystical offering of short tales for the unicorn devotee, with eight accounts of unicorn encounters that span time and place, from Ancient Chinese lore to pirates in the Mediterranean to modern Central Park. Since its likely that at least a few of these devotees reside in your classroom, library, or home, you’ll need to assist them in this ancient quest to understand and protect these magical creatures by offering them this book. Eight unique types of unicorns are presented, along with a short story about different people interacting with each of them. The stories are brief but distinctive and engaging, making them great classroom or bedtime reading fare. At the end of the book, readers can take a personality quiz to find out what type of unicorn best represents them, study their profiles and traits, and discover what it takes to become a member of the Society themselves. Charming pastel illustrations and a pink and glimmering gold foil cover will likely prove irresistible, and young fans will be clamoring for it. Recommended for ages 6-10.

Reviewed by Kat Luedke, Long Island Community Library

four-stars

Fish Everywhere

Fish EverywhereFish Everywhere by Britta Teckentrup
Published by Big Picture Press on May 14th 2019
ISBN: 1536206253
Pages: 32
Goodreads
four-stars

The shimmering fish swimming across the cover of this delightful non-fiction picture book lure the young reader to pick it up and glide through its vibrantly colorful pages, which contain introductory information about types of fish, habitats, feeding, raising young, etc. Each two-page spread features a topic and a concise paragraph, which lend well to being read-aloud, while further captions and diagrams offer additional facts. There are also a few “Can You Find It?” challenges that invite the reader to comb through the detailed pages, such as locating the small bristlemouth hiding within the book, which should offer some additional glee.

The gorgeous digital illustrations and creative design layout are what really make this book shine. Recommended for 1st-4th grade readers. Put this one on display and watch it swim right out the door.

Reviewed by Kat Luedke, Long Island Community Library

four-stars

Coding With ScratchJr

Coding With ScratchJrCoding with ScratchJr by Aalvaro Scrivano, Sue Downing
Published by Lerner Publications (Tm) on January 1st 2019
ISBN: 1541538757
Pages: 32
Goodreads
two-stars

This short ScratchJr primer will get younger elementary-age kids coding within minutes of downloading the ScratchJr app by walking them through four very simple projects with quick but satisfying results, such as importing their photo into an astronaut that lands on the moon, or animating a cat that can play basketball. Caregivers and educators will also likely be thankful for this introduction as well, as the book is also well-suited to adults and younger children working together to figure out where to begin with this introductory programming language targeted at children ages 5-7. However, those seeking information about coding fundamentals and programming concepts explained easily for children will need to seek elsewhere, as the only real purpose of this book is to provide a very basic overview of the app’s interface and illustrated step-by-step instructions for the four basic projects. There are also random “Did You Know?” facts about space, castles, sports, etc that are somewhat haphazardly thrown in because they relate loosely to the project themes, but they clutter the pages more than serving the text. There is a glossary and a very brief “Further Information” page at the back of the book, which only contains two links and two additional books to explore, which felt lacking.

This book might be a worthwhile addition to a library seeking more up-to-date print content about coding for kids, but like any other tech manual, note that the inevitability of upgrades or changes to the ScratchJr app interface could possibly render this one obsolete.

Reviewed by Kat Luedke, Long Island Community Library

two-stars

The Oregon Trail – Calamity in the cold

The Oregon Trail – Calamity in the coldCalamity in the Cold by Jesse Wiley
Published by HMH Books for Young Readers on September 10th 2019
ISBN: 0358040590
Pages: 160
Goodreads
three-stars

In this choose-your-own-trail story, you’ll be traveling all the way from Florida, heading west to the Oregon Trail. Your goal is to make it to Oregon City!

It’s 1845 and your family is setting out from  Florida with hopes of getting a fresh start out west. Can you make the right choices in your route and make it to the Oregon trail?
The book includes a map and useful tips on how to survive the Trail.                      Good for 2nd – 4th grades

Reviewed by Melissa Madigan

three-stars