Month: March 2020

The Invasion of the Scuttlebots: Star Scouts 3

The Invasion of the Scuttlebots: Star Scouts 3The Invasion of the Scuttlebots (Star Scouts, #3) by Mike Lawrence
Published by First Second on November 12, 2019
ISBN: 1250191092
Pages: 192
Genres: Science Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
four-stars

In the third entry in the popular Star Scouts graphic novel series, Mabel, who has just “pupated” and had her “pu-party,”  is jealous of Avani’s new friend Pam. Avani and Pam, former enemies, had bonded in Star Scouts 2. Mabel’s jealousy leads to accidentally setting off “Scuttlebots” to attack Earth and spread rumors about Pam. The Scouts must work together to save Earth. This fun series of extraterrestrial scouting features colorful and creative artwork.

Reviewed by Karen Sandlin Silverman, Mt. Ararat Middle School, Topsham

four-stars

Moon Mission: The Epic 400-Year Journey to Apollo 11

Moon Mission: The Epic 400-Year Journey to Apollo 11Moon Mission: The Epic 400-Year Journey to Apollo 11 by Sigmund Brouwer
Published by Kids Can Press on May 7, 2019
ISBN: 1525300369
Pages: 128
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

A great addition to middle school astronomy library collections, this book details the historic 1969 Apollo 11 mission to the moon of Buzz Aldrin, Neil Armstrong, and Michael Collins. Each chapter is organized into three sections with “stage two” detailing important scientists such as Wernher von Braun, Nicolaus Copernicus, Galileo Galilei, and Albert Einstein, whose contributions made the moon launch possible. Each chapter also includes a “solve the science mystery” sidebar introducing scientists like Edward Hubble, Michael Faraday, and Margaret Hamilton. Includes bibliography, index, and black and white photographs. As this was published in Canada, American readers will have to get used to large numbers written with spaces in lieu of commas, e.g., 35 575 feet for 35,575 feet.

Reviewed by Karen Sandlin Silverman, Mt. Ararat Middle School, Topsham

four-stars

Tiny-Tricera Troubles

Tiny-Tricera TroublesMicrosaurs: Tiny-Tricera Troubles by Dustin Hansen
Published by Feiwel & Friends on July 16, 2019
ISBN: 1250090385
Pages: 224
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

The sixth entry in the Microsaurs (or tiny dinosaurs) elementary-aged chapter book series. An adventure/fantasy series with lots of fun illustrations. In Tiny-Tricera Troubles, the microsaurs accidentally become full-sized and invade the town tomato festival. Kids Danny and Lin must save the day. 

Reviewed by Karen Sandlin Silverman, Mt. Ararat Middle School, Topsham

four-stars

Sisterland

SisterlandSisterland by Owen F. Witesman, Salla Simukka
Published by Crown Books for Young Readers on December 3, 2019
ISBN: 1524718785
Pages: 208
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

A fantasy book that references The Secret Garden, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, and The Snow Queen. Alice’s world is experiencing a severe winter with an extraordinary amount of snow. One day she falls through the snow to another world — Sisterland — where it is summer all the time. There she meets Marissa who becomes her best friend. Alice and Marissa eventually realize they need to return to their own world and set off on a quest to determine how to get home. Although the characters could be more fully developed and the plot has a random feeling, this is a sweet story about friendship for upper elementary/middle school collections. Translated from the Finnish.

Reviewed by Karen Sandlin Silverman, Mt. Ararat Middle School, Topsham

three-stars

The Life Heroic: How to Unleash Your Most Amazing Self

The Life Heroic: How to Unleash Your Most Amazing SelfThe Life Heroic: How to Unleash Your Most Amazing Self by Chris Hajny, Elizabeth Svoboda
Published by Zest Books (Tm) on August 6, 2019
ISBN: 1541578600
Pages: 144
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

A self-help book for teens using heroism as the framework for being a better person and helping others. The book provides an overview of heroism with an emphasis on everyday heroism. There is an overview of the hero’s journey and stories of real-life heroism in each chapter. The book also includes activities that readers can use to create goals and take steps to become “heroic.” Includes a bibliography for further research. A good addition for middle school library collections.

Reviewed by Karen Sandlin Silverman, Mt. Ararat Middle School, Topsham

four-stars

Leo Thorsness: Vietnam: Valor in the Sky (Medal of Honor series)

Leo Thorsness: Vietnam: Valor in the Sky (Medal of Honor series)Leo Thorsness: Vietnam: Valor in the Sky by Michael P. Spradlin
Published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR) on July 9, 2019
ISBN: 1250157153
Pages: 112
Genres: Biography/Autobiography, Non-Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Biography of Leo Thorsness who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery as an Air Force fighter pilot in the Vietnam War. Even though he was low on fuel, he took on Russian MiGs to keep them away from his wingmen who had ejected into enemy territory. He then managed to land safely with no fuel left allowing another plane even lower on fuel to refuel. Thorsness had to eject after his plane was shot down just a few days later and endured life as a Prisoner of War for six years. Part of the Medal of Honor series. Includes a glossary, notes, and bibliography. Should be a welcome addition to upper elementary/middle school history collections.

Reviewed by Karen Sandlin Silverman, Mt. Ararat Middle School, Topsham

four-stars

Tom Gates Extra Special Treats (not)

Tom Gates Extra Special Treats (not)Tom Gates: Extra Special Treats (Not) by L Pichon
Published by Candlewick Press on April 22, 2019
ISBN: 1536207756
Pages: 240
Genres: Humor, Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Another entry into the Tom Gates series has Tom dealing with his cranky older sister Delia (Tom didn’t mean to startle her into dropping — and breaking — her phone), trying to focus in class so he can earn a Star Pupil badge, and enjoying the unexpected snowstorm which cancels school. Along the way he has to figure out how to undo the bad first impression he has made on his new neighbor, find the snacks his mom has hidden, plan a gift for the Fossils’ anniversary (his grandparents’ 50th), and deal with his annoying Aunt, Uncle, and cousins who move in when their pipes freeze. A fun series with a UK setting for those who love Dork Diaries and Wimpy Kid books. Tom Gates is a doodler and the book is graphical consisting of hand-written text and lots and lots of doodles.

Reviewed by Karen Sandlin Silverman, Mt. Ararat Middle School, Topsham

four-stars

Stage Dreams

Stage DreamsStage Dreams by Melanie Gillman
Published by Graphic Universe (TM) on September 3, 2019
ISBN: 1512440000
Pages: 104
Genres: Adventure, Historical Fiction, Romance
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
four-stars

An LBTGQ graphic novel set in the wild west, specifically the New Mexico territory during the Civil War. Grace, a trans woman, has run away from Georgia to avoid her father’s demand that she enlist. Grace partners with Flor, aka the Ghost Hawk, when Flor robs Grace’s stagecoach. Together they attend a party to spy on Confederate soldiers planning an infiltration of the New Mexico territory. A unique and fun adventure/romance.

Reviewed by Karen Sandlin Silverman, Mt. Ararat Middle School, Topsham

four-stars

Packs

PacksPacks: Strength in Numbers by Hannah Salyer
Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt on January 28, 2020
ISBN: 1328577880
Pages: 46
Genres: Animals, Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

What do you call a group of wildebeest? This book will teach you this and more. This beautifully illustrated picture book explores the different types of animal groups with one overarching message: we’re better/stronger together.

The book starts with several two-page spreads with just one word for the group of animals: packs, herds, etc. The book then gets more into detail about how different animals work together. It circles back to humans with the message that we’re better together. The colorful illustrations have visible brush strokes, are colorful and gorgeous. The text is brief but informative and appropriate for the age of the intended audience. My only complaint about the text is that it’s written as if the animals are speaking, and I don’t enjoy anthropomorphizing of animals in a nonfiction book. This book would be great for kids PreK and up.

Recommended for Cream of the Crop.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

five-stars

Deathless Divide

Deathless DivideDeathless Divide (Dread Nation, #2) by Justina Ireland
Published by Balzer + Bray on February 4, 2020
ISBN: 0062570633
Pages: 560
Genres: Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Horror
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads

This is the sequel to Dread Nation and I loved both books! Its so hard to find a refreshing new concept in YA novels lately but this series has it in spades. This book catches up with the main characters of the first book, Jane and Kate, with the addition of new faces, that, thankfully only add to the story instead of being a distraction. This is supposed to be the last book of the series but the author has left it open enough for there to be many more books set in this world. I also want to mention that 99% of all the characters are people of color and it’s such a nice change! I would recommend this for 9-12 grades.

Reviewed by, Sophie Gagnon, Skidompha Public Library, Damariscotta