Month: March 2020

Riding a Donkey Backwards: Wise and Foolish Tales of Mulla Nasruddin

Riding a Donkey Backwards: Wise and Foolish Tales of Mulla NasruddinRiding a Donkey Backwards: Wise and Foolish Tales of Mulla Nasruddin by Khayaal Theatre Company, Sean Taylor, Shirin Adl
Published by Candlewick Press on August 13, 2019
ISBN: 1536205079
Pages: 48
Genres: Folklore
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Twenty-one classic trickster tales about a much-loved character from Muslim cultures. Nasruddin is the wisest man in the village and also the biggest fool. School Library Journal describes the tales this way: “The simple, clipped narrations are witty and conversational in tone,” and I would agree. Fun stories to readaloud. I have mixed feelings about the illustrations. The mixed photo collages are sometimes fun and other times a bit freaky. Then there is one page that is a drawn storyboard rather than a collage????? However odd, the stories in this fun book is wonderful to introduce kids to another culture and folk hero. And why is he “riding the donkey backwards?” “What are you talking about? I’m facing forward. It is the donkey who’s facing backwards!”

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

four-stars

A Dream of Flight: Albertos Santos-Dumont’s Race Around the Eiffel Tower

A Dream of Flight: Albertos Santos-Dumont’s Race Around the Eiffel TowerA Dream of Flight: Alberto Santos-Dumont's Race Around the Eiffel Tower by Jef Polivka, Rob Polivka
Published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR) on July 30, 2019
ISBN: 0374306613
Pages: 40
Genres: Biography/Autobiography
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

At the beginning of the twentieth century, the Deutsch Prize was the most coveted aviation prize, and a pilot would have to fly a balloon around Paris’s Eiffel Tower in thirty minutes or less to win it. Alberto Santos-Dumont thought he could be the first to succeed.  The story is well written and the illustrations are delightful, reminiscent of the Tin Tin books. I appreciated the authors emphasizing the many times that Santos failed and learned from his mistakes. I would have liked a bit more information about the man. There is a photograph of him at the end of the book. A terrific book to motivate future engineers.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

four-stars

Normal

NormalNormal: One Kid's Extraordinary Journey by Magdalena Newman, Nathaniel Newman
Published by HMH Books for Young Readers on January 14, 2020
ISBN: 1328631834
Pages: 336
Genres: Biography/Autobiography
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

This memoir tells the story of a boy born with Treacher Collins Syndrome — the same syndrome as Auggie from RJ Palacio’s Wonder. The book is written by Nathaniel and his mother, and the chapters alternate as to whom is the author. This book follows Nathaniel from his birth (including his mother’s candid reaction) to the present day, where he’s a teenager. It chronicles many of his surgeries (over 60 by age 15!), and it brings to light what it’s really like to live in the real world with such significant craniofacial differences.

It’s a touching portrait of family, friendship, hard work, and the challenges and celebrations of his life thus far. He’s a very strong boy, and it’s refreshing to hear him openly speak about what it’s like to live with a craniofacial difference. This book challenges readers to reevaluate what makes someone (or themselves) “normal.” Recommended for 4th-6th grade readers, this would make a wonderful book for a book club.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars

Tin

TinTin by Pádraig Kenny
Published by Chicken House Ltd on February 1, 2018
ISBN: 1911077651
Pages: 352
Genres: Science Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
two-stars

There are Mechanicals, and there are “proper” humans. Christopher has spent most of his life believing he was a “proper” human, but after a terrible accident, it’s revealed that things aren’t as they seemed. If he’s not “proper,” what’s the origin of his happy childhood memories? Why can he cry and feel?

This book covers a lot — from what it means to be human, to how far friends will go to help each other, to the morality of war. The character and setting development are weak in favor of more action. The writing wasn’t as good as what else is out there, and the story just didn’t grab me. It may be appreciated by kids who love sci-fi, and would be best for 4-6th grade readers. An additional purchase where sci-fi is especially popular.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

two-stars

Forest Talk

Forest TalkForest Talk: How Trees Communicate by Melissa Koch
Published by Twenty-First Century Books (Tm) on January 1, 2019
ISBN: 1541519779
Pages: 96
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Have you ever walked through the woods and heard the sound of the trees moving in the wind? Did this make you feel peaceful and at ease? Trees are a vital life force on our planet and in the book scientists share data that shows how trees can improve our lives by reducing stress and so much more. Author, Melissa Koch, covers an amazing amount of material beginning with the Mbuti Pygmies in the rain forests of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to rainforests of Brazil. In between, Koch discusses medicine made from trees, how trees communicate and protect themselves (“Wood Wide Web”), important scientists, and the important role of trees in the water cycle. Even readers who know a lot about trees will be able to learn something from this book. Large pictures and diagrams work with the text to visually present information and illustrate the text. This book would be an outstanding source for a research project or as a textbook for a unit during an environmental science class. Source notes, a glossary, resource lists for further information, and an index are included. Recommended for grades 6 and up. 

Elizabeth Andersen, Librarian, Westbrook High School

four-stars

Lily the Thief

Lily the ThiefLily the Thief by Janne Kukkonen
Published by First Second on November 5, 2019
ISBN: 1250196973
Pages: 288
Genres: Adventure
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
four-stars

Imagine if Charles Dickens wrote The Da Vinci Code and you have a good impression of the setting and fast-paced mystery in Lily the Thief, the graphic novel by Janne Kukkonen. Lily belongs to the Guildmaster of Thieves and spends her days executing petty thefts. Since she is a young girl, the older thieves do not believe she is ready for bigger jobs. Lily is quick-thinking and sassy; she wants to prove that she is ready, so when Lily is not assigned a harder job, she steals one instead. Through a series of fateful events, she must perform an even more dangerous job to save her life and the life of her only friend, Seamus. Lily must break into the prison run by the Brothers of Fire who are feared by all and find a key that will lead to the boundless wealth of the legendary Three Kings. Instead of finding boundless wealth, Lily awakes the mighty Fire Father. At the novel’s end, Lily returns home without any clue to what she has unleashed upon the world. This cliffhanger ending implies an obvious sequel and there is no doubt, readers will want to follow the feisty Lily on her next adventure as she attempts to save the world! The art is colored in the somber shades of the Middle Ages. The panels and text size vary to create lively action and movement on every page. This is a delightful thriller for grades 5 and up. 

Elizabeth Andersen, Librarian, Westbrook High School

 

four-stars

A Bridge Too Fur

A Bridge Too FurA Bridge Too Fur by John Patrick Green
Published by First Second on October 1, 2019
ISBN: 1626728313
Pages: 80
Genres: Animals, Humor
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
three-stars

The Kitten Construction Company is back for this second installment in this early graphic novel series. This time, they’re tasked with building a new bridge for Mewsburg, but a cat’s innate fear of water threatens the success of the project. An unexpected helpful crew comes to their rescue, and the two teams find a way to work together to finish the job.

This graphic novel series will appeal to early readers with it’s animal characters, straightforward text, and witty humor. The cartoonish illustrations go perfectly with the story and the intended age level of the readers. This book is best for readers 2nd grade through 4th grade, depending on reading level. A good purchase for an dearly graphic novel series.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

three-stars

Ruby Red Shoes ( A Very Aware Hare)

Ruby Red Shoes ( A Very Aware Hare)Ruby Red Shoes: A Very Aware Hare by Kate Knapp
Published by Macmillan ISBN: 1509891897
Genres: Animals, Fantasy
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

This book is a re release from 2012 and I’m so happy I picked it up! This book not only has a super cute story line but the vocabulary is spot on for introducing young readers to new words. The illustrations are also gorgeous and a little whimsical. Another stand out for me was the chosen font. I thought it was cute and stood out but was still very easy to read. I would recommend this for grades K-3.

Reviewed by Sophie Gagnon, Skidompha Public Library, Damariscotta

five-stars

The World Ends in April

The World Ends in AprilThe World Ends in April by Stacy McAnulty
Published by Random House Books for Young Readers on September 3, 2019
ISBN: 1524767611
Pages: 368
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Eleanor has a survivalist grandfather who regularly puts her and her brother through end of the world scenario drills. When Eleanor reads a Harvard scientist’s prediction for the impending end of the world (in April, by way of an asteroid), she’s convinced it’s true, and she knows she’ll be prepared. Will her classmates be prepared? How can she help them prepare while also keeping herself safe? More importantly, is this prediction real, or has the professor actually lost his marbles and she’s angsting over nothing?

From the author of Miscalculations of Lightning Girl,this book is a fun exploration of science, friendship, and middle school anxiety. It’s a quick read that will appeal to any kid who has ever felt like no one was listening or who has felt a little quirky. I wanted to love this book, but the plot just seemed a bit forced at times. The writing was well paced, things were scientifically accurate, and Eleanor is very relatable. This book is best for 4th-6th grade readers, and would be a good purchase for libraries where Miscalculations of Lightning Girl was really popular.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars

Turbo Racers: Trailblazer

Turbo Racers: TrailblazerTURBO Racers: Trailblazer by Austin Aslan
Published by HarperCollins on December 31, 2018
ISBN: 0062741039
Pages: 352
Genres: Adventure, Science Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Twelve year old Mace Blazer has always loved Turbo Racing, and he cannot believe his reality when he’s given an opportunity to race in the biggest race in the world. He’s piloting a vehicle that can change from car to plane to submersible with the touch of a button. Though his opportunity to race isn’t without costs, Mace rises to the occasion and is able to focus on what really matters and how to really win.

The plot of this book is ok, and the writing is just as mediocre. It will appeal to fans of sci-fi and sports — car racing, in particular. It’s best for kids 3rd-5th grade and is an easy, quick read. An additional purchase where sports books are popular.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

three-stars