Month: May 2020

The Real McCoys: Wonder Under Cover

The Real McCoys: Wonder Under CoverThe Real McCoys: Wonder Undercover by Mathew Swanson, Matthew Swanson, Robbi Behr
Published by Imprint on November 5, 2019
ISBN: 1250307821
Pages: 352
Genres: Mystery
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

The third in this outstanding series in no way disappoints. The characters are as intelligent, clever and captivating as in the two previous titles and the action never stops. Moxie is a star detective who is supervising her nerdy little brother Milton with his first solo case.   Readers will delight in the typical school and scouting situations that Moxie encounters while Milton is saving the community.  Constant action, personal morality and situational understanding rule the storyline.   Moxie is a delight; she knows who she is and follows her own path.   Comical art work is intrinsic to the text enriching the story with the result of laugh out loud humor.   Just don’t try to read this book during quiet time!

The Real McCoys series is a winner for all gr 3-6 readers and their parents as well. This reader does recommend all three titles but Wonder Undercover can stand on its own. But why would you not read all three?

It is worth noting that the authors have credited their science advisor.  Another charming addition is their note that “Books are for Sharing”.  Public and intermediate school librarians will want this irresistible in addition to the previous two titles.

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

five-stars

Migrations; Open Hearts Open Borders

Migrations; Open Hearts Open BordersMigrations: Open Hearts, Open Borders: The Power of Human Migration and the Way That Walls and Bans Are No Match for Bravery and Hope by International Centre for Picture Book in Society, Shaun Tan, Various
Published by Candlewick Studio on October 8, 2019
ISBN: 1536209619
Pages: 112
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Such a pleasure, turning the pages was an experience full of wonder and brimming with social context.  Illustrators from various countries entered a postcard in the 2017 exhibit for the International Centre for Picture Book Society. The theme was human migration but the illustrations featured many species of birds.  One can imagine what a bird thinks as it flies at will; if only people could cross borders as easily. Text is short but powerful complementing the illustrated birds.  Each 2-page spread is unique, thoughtful and compelling.

I would offer this book to grade 4-6 class teachers, art instructors and to bird lovers of all ages. Primary school media specialist and public librarians may ponder how to shelve but this book should be included in their collections.

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

five-stars

Tweet! Tweet!

Tweet! Tweet!Tweet! Tweet! by Sebastien Braun
Published by Nosy Crow on June 4, 2019
ISBN: 1536205567
Pages: 10
Genres: Animals
Format: Board Book
Goodreads
four-stars

This addition to the Can You Say It. TOO? series will please the intended audience. Ten colorful pages depict the outdoor environment of a neighborhood or park where children see small animals. Little ones will love the dog, squirrels and various birds but may wonder about the last page. Certainly, many babies and toddlers have never seen a peacock making a trip to the zoo necessary.  The flaps are made of heavy paper and will withstand lots of turning, pulling, and biting. Older siblings and adults will enjoy helping toddlers find and name all the animals on each page.

This is a good choice for baby gifts or first birthday. Libraries in suburban communities will want to add this to their board book collection.

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

four-stars

Great Shark Rescue: Saving the Whale Sharks

Great Shark Rescue: Saving the Whale SharksThe Great Shark Rescue by Sandra Markle
Published by Millbrook Press (Tm) on October 1, 2019
ISBN: 1541510410
Pages: 48
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Sandra Markle has been educating young scientists about animals, fish, and reptiles that are on the endangered or vulnerable list for years. Her series has looked at the perils of penguins, rhinos, golden lion tamarins, and amur leopards to name just a few. Her newest addition to the series is about the largest fish in the ocean- the whale shark!  While little is known about this giant,they are considered endangered because of their decreasing population.  Author Markle  takes the reader with the scientists as they try to uncover the plight of these creatures- why are there so few, where are the females and the mature males? Time is of the essence as commercial fishing and climate change continue to threaten the great shark. Text is straightforward and understandable, and supported by photos, maps, charts, an author’s note,and timeline. This selection should be in every school and public library with her other books. Use In units about fish, sharks, climate change, even units on fishing.  Consider it a CREAM selection.

Use with grades 4 and up.

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

 

five-stars

The Giant from the Fire Sea

The Giant from the Fire SeaThe Giant from the Fire Sea by Jeff Himmelman, John Himmelman
Published by Henry Holt & Company on June 18, 2019
ISBN: 1250196507
Pages: 256
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, Humor, Mystery
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Jat is a young boy who collects burning coals from the Fire Sea to help support his family. Newton is a young giant that shows up one day while Jat is working. Newton has much to learn about how to act in this world that is new to him and Jat does his best to teach him. Jat knows that Newton hasn’t told him everything about why he left his own world. Other giants are pursuing Newton. Everyone in the village must work together to save the village. This story is an interesting blend of fantasy, humor, science history, and mystery. The characters have depth. Bonnie, a girl from the village, is especially engaging. Each chapter begins with a small primitive style thickly lined black and white drawing. Recommended for readers ages 10-12 looking for a fantasy with an unusual friendship between a boy and a giant.
Reviewed by Kris Zuidema, retired school librarian, Standish

four-stars

A Talent for Trouble

A Talent for TroubleA Talent for Trouble by Natasha Farrant
Published by Clarion Books on November 19, 2019
ISBN: 1328580784
Pages: 258
Genres: Adventure, Humor, Mystery
Goodreads
four-stars

Alice Mistlethwaite loves to write stories. Her mother’s recent death weighs heavy on her. She lives with her unpredictable father and Aunt Patience in the family home in England. Soon Alice is sent off to boarding school in Scotland. She befriends, Jesse, another lonely student, and Fergus, a very bright student who loves making pranks. The three are assigned to the same orienteering team. Alice receives a letter and a package from her father instructing her to meet him on a small island off the coast. She convinces her team mates to go off the planned orienteering adventure and help her find her father. They end up on a dangerous adventure where each of their strengths and talents serve their efforts well. The characters are well developed and the plot moves quickly. The mystery surrounding the package and Alice’s father makes this a suspenseful story with humor and charm. Recommended for ages 10-12.
Reviewed by Kris Zuidema, retired school librarian, Standish

four-stars

Ghost and Bone

Ghost and BoneGhost and Bone by Andrew Prentice
Published by Delacorte Press on August 13, 2019
ISBN: 0525643931
Pages: 224
Genres: Adventure, Humor, Mystery
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Oscar Grimstone works in a funeral home with his mother. He finds that when he touches things, they die. One night while being mysteriously attacked he discovers that he can turn himself into a ghost and back again. He enters a different world as a ghost and teams ups with a Victorian ghost girl, Sally and her ghost partner, Sir Cedric, a knight. They work together in the ghost city of Londinium, present day London, to find out why and how Oscar can go between the two worlds. Sally and Sir Cedric are employed as detectives in the Ministry of Ghosts. There are many more mysteries to solve in this humorous and spooky story. This book is perfect for middle grade readers looking for a rousing adventure. Recommended for ages 10-12.
Reviewed by Kris Zuidema, retired school librarian, Standish

four-stars

Girl with a Brush and Canvas; Georgia O’Keeffe American Artist

Girl with Brush and Canvas: Georgia O'Keeffe, American Artist by Carolyn Meyer
Published by Calkins Creek ISBN: 1629799343
Genres: Biography/Autobiography
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

This biography is written in the first person. The author has created a believable voice for O'Keeffe. Georgia’s story begins when she is twelve years old living with her family on a farm in Wisconsin. She knew at an early age that she was meant to be an artist. Her family valued education and provided that when possible, even making sacrifices to do so. Georgia was talented in many areas in addition to art. She studied in Chicago and New York and taught in high schools and universities. She found inspiration in the American Southwest. She moved permanently to New Mexico at age forty-two and called it home for another fifty-seven years. This well written biography brings Georgia to life. Her life with her family, experiences as a young adult, her relationship with the photographer Alfred Stieglitz, and her rise to fame make this an exciting and informative portrait of an exceptional artist. An author’s note and website addresses to view her work are included. I highly recommend this well written and extensively researched biography. Recommended for ages 12 and up. Reviewed by Kris Zuidema, retired school librarian, Standish
*No book cover illustration available

four-stars

Among the Fallen

Among the FallenAmong the Fallen by Virginia Frances Schwartz
Published by Holiday House on October 8, 2019
ISBN: 0823441024
Pages: 304
Genres: Historical Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Orpha, sixteen years old, lives in Victorian England. She ends up in Tothill Prison in unspeakable conditions for a crime she didn’t commit involving the death of an infant. Eventually, she is offered an opportunity to move to Urania Cottage, an experimental home for girls. Urania Cottage actually did exist from 1847-1862. Charles Dickens visited Urania Cottage on a regular basis. Orpha is fictional, although the author used actual names of girls who lived at Urania Cottage. The chapters alternate between Orpha’s voice and Dicken’s notes. The descriptions of the poverty, abuse, and squalid conditions are vivid. This historical fiction novel is a powerful story of the lower classes in Victorian England. There is an extensive author’s note and a glossary of Victorian slang. Recommended for ages 12 and up.
Reviewed by Kris Zuidema, retired school librarian, Standish

four-stars

The Lady is a Spy: Virginia Hall, World War II Hero of the French Resistance

The Lady is a Spy: Virginia Hall, World War II Hero of the French ResistanceThe Lady Is a Spy: Virginia Hall, World War II Hero of the French Resistance (Scholastic Focus) by Don Mitchell
Published by Scholastic Inc., Scholastic Nonfiction on March 26, 2019
ISBN: 0545936128
Pages: 288
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Virginia Hall was born in Baltimore Maryland. She attended private schools, graduated from college, and traveled extensively. She was traveling in Europe when Hitler invaded Poland and wanted to volunteer in the war effort. Her first role was working for the British in France. Her confidence and skills enabled her to complete many important missions for the Allies. Her life as a spy was full of danger, yet she prevailed in spite of having a prosthetic leg. Virginia Hall’s story is incredible and inspiring. It’s the type of life that if it were not true would be unbelievable. She received prestigious awards for her wartime work from the British and the Americans. She continued working in intelligence until her retirement. The author used a variety of sources including interviews with Virginia’s niece. Mitchell’s extensive research has provided a superb account of Hall’s extraordinary life during WWII and after the war. Numerous black and white photographs are throughout the book. A bibliography, end notes, photo credits, and extensive index are included in this excellent book. Recommended for ages 12 and up.
Reviewed by Kris Zuidema, retired school librarian, Standish

four-stars