Month: July 2020

Jasmine Green Rescues: A Piglet Called Truffle

Jasmine Green Rescues: A Piglet Called TruffleJasmine Green Rescues: A Piglet Called Truffle by Ellie Snowdon, Helen Peters
ISBN: 1536210242
Genres: Animals, Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

I’m always on the lookout for good early chapter books, and this one was delightful. Jasmine Green lives on a farm in the UK, her mom is a large animal veterinarian, and she loves helping with farm chores. When she goes with her mother on a veterinary call, she finds a runt piglet barely clinging to life. Even though she knows her mother won’t like it, she secretly brings the piglet home and nurses it through the night until it’s stronger. Adventures with her piglet, Truffle, continue, and Truffle proves to be more valuable than anticipated.

The story and writing are easy to follow, and would be great for young readers not quite ready for middle grade. Since it was first published in the UK, there are many British terms and assumptions that kids may not get at first (the Aga stove, for example). It’s a great opportunity for kids to learn about another part of the world. Overall, it’s a sweet story. Kids will learn a little about farming, a little about animal care, and a lot about believing in yourself and having fun. Recommended for kids 7 and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars

Wait, Rest, Pause

Wait, Rest, PauseWait, Rest, Pause by Marcie Flinchum Atkins
Published by Millbrook Press (Tm) on September 3, 2019
ISBN: 1541561929
Pages: 32
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

This is a non-fiction picture book for readers in grades pre-k to 2nd.  Beautiful nature pictures showing how various plants and animals survive the cold temperatures.  There are varying degrees of hibernation or dormancy which are explained in almost rhythmic prose such as “waiting, resting” or “you would pause.”  Bears, trees, ladybugs and unusual ones like chickadees and an alligator are also pictured.  The large font and rhythmic prose makes this a useful non-fiction choice for preschool story times and browsing.  The back matter includes a full page explanation of Dormancy differences:  Plant, Diapause, Hibernation, Torpor, Brumation and Estivation, as well as book recommendations and websites, although bibliography information is not provided.

Review by Sheila Dube, Youth Services Librarian, Springvale Public Library

five-stars

Sootypaws

SootypawsSootypaws: A Cinderella Story by Maggie Rudy
Published by Henry Holt & Company on January 28, 2020
ISBN: 1250186048
Pages: 40
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

In this Cinderella story, Rosie the mouse aka Sootypaws, lives with her stepmother and stepsisters after her mother is eaten by a tabby cat.  Her kindness to the animals in the garden is repaid by their assistance when she wants to attend the ball.  In a twist to the Cinderella ending, Rosie loves the prince but doesn’t want to get married.  She hates wearing the shoes, as does the Prince, so they shed the silly things and live “mousily ever after”  going on adventures.  The 3D images that make up the illustrations are the stand out.  Each page provides the scene in miniature of 3D.  Each two page spread shows a scene that have animals such as mice, frogs, birds, dragonflies and ants.  The mice wear elaborate outfits.  The scenery of walls, lanes, ponds, ornate furniture, fancy dishes and banquet tables filled with treats are all done in miniature.  One illustration shows the ball from aerial view and the miniature details are outstanding.   The book does not provide any information on Rudy’s art process but her website, maggierudy.com, explains the many steps to creating a scene.  It takes about a year to illustrate one picture book.  The artwork elevates this Cinderella story.

Review by Sheila Dube, Youth Services Librarian, Springvale Public Library

four-stars

That’s What Friends Do

That’s What Friends DoThat's What Friends Do by Cathleen Barnhart
Published by HarperCollins on January 28, 2020
ISBN: 0062888935
Pages: 352
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Sammie and David have been best friends forever, but when newcomer, Luke, joins their trio, things get uncomfortable. Luke’s comments and behavior make Sammie uncomfortable, but she struggles to speak up for herself. David simply sees how easily, and seemingly successfully, Luke flirts with Sammie, and he doesn’t like the competition. When David’s attempt to show Sammie how he really feels goes horribly wrong, things get even more complicated.

This story is told from alternating points of view, between Sammie and David, and it touches on so many important topics — bullying, consent, rumors, peer pressure, masculinity, and so much more. It is an important and powerful book for all young readers. This book does a really good job of showing how specific actions differently impact the different people involved. It is, at times, uncomfortable to read, but it’s a discomfort that is important to experience. Recommended for 4th-8th grade readers, give this book to fans of Erin Entrada Kelly and Rebecca Stead. A recommended purchase.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars

Jane Against the World: Roe v. Wade and the Fight for Reproductive Rights

Jane Against the World: Roe v. Wade and the Fight for Reproductive RightsJane Against the World: Roe v. Wade and the Fight for Reproductive Rights by Karen Blumenthal
Published by Roaring Brook Press on February 25, 2020
ISBN: 1626721653
Pages: 400
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
three-stars

A good book if you know nothing about the real “Jane” Norma McCorvey. This book is well written and does provide great insight into why Roe vs. Wade was such a landmark case. However, in later years “Jane” did quite a lot of work to have the Roe vs. Wade verdict overturned. This, for me, made it almost impossible to appreciate the book for what it is, a conversation starter for an emotionally charged issue.

Reviewed by Sophie Gagnon, Skidompha Library

three-stars

Stepping Stones

Stepping StonesStepping Stones by Lucy Knisley
Published by Random House Graphic on May 5, 2020
ISBN: 1984896849
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
four-stars

Knisley’s first graphic novel for middle grade readers is a strong entry into the canon of realistic fiction and will appeal to readers of this genre. Jen’s parents have divorced and now she has been whisked from the city to a farm in the country where she is expected to do her share of the farm chores. She is resentful and feels isolated and ignored. Her mother’s boyfriend is not a sympathetic character  but he has two daughters who, in predictable fashion, we are set up not to like but to whom we come around as Jen does. This story is based on Knisley’s childhood experience and her author’s note at the end provides some warmer context for the hard-nosed Walter. A Kirkus reviewer called the book “painfully realistic” which is an apt description. It is also honest and engaging and well-drawn. Give to fans of Raina Telgemeier and Jenny Holm.

Reviewed by Jill O’Connor, Merrill Memorial Library

four-stars

Here in the Real World

Here in the Real WorldHere in the Real World by Sara Pennypacker
Published by Balzer + Bray on February 4, 2020
ISBN: 0062698958
Pages: 308
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

This is a slow burn kind of book, but it is worth the payoff. Ware is adrift in the world, more on the outside than the inside and while he is fine with that, he fears that his parents (and everyone else) want him to be “normal”. When Ware ditches Rec Camp to hang out in an abandoned church lot next door, he meets Jolene, papaya-gardener extraordinaire. Ware’s time in the lot, and his friendship with Jolene, opens his eyes to the possibility that his kind of introspection and his sense of justice can have a positive impact; his normal is needed in the world too. The book does take some time to build up steam, but once it gets rolling, the ending is hold-your-breath lovely. Recommend to your serious readers in the middle grades.

Reviewed by Jill O’Connor, Merrill Memorial Library

four-stars

Beneath the Waves

Beneath the WavesBeneath the Waves by Helen Ahpornsiri, Lily Murray
ISBN: 1536210404
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

This book is simply stunning. The artwork makes the book, no question. Illustrated by Helen Ahpornsiri, each image is a collage of pressed, dried seaweed and flowers. The text of the book is a very general overview of different parts of the ocean. Broken into four main sections: coast, open ocean, tropics, and polar waters, each section has 7-8 pages with a different topic from within that section. It is very much a skimming the surface of the science situation, and it really just presents a handful of interesting facts about specific oceanic creatures.

This was a difficult book to review because the illustrations are so gorgeous, but the setup of the book seems misaligned with the intended audience. Kids will definitely learn things by reading this book, and the illustrations may entice them to read it when they otherwise wouldn’t. It could be a good launching point for further research as well. The information presented is appropriate for readers as young as 6 or 7, but the text size and varying fonts doesn’t lend itself to beginning readers. I’d recommend this book to kids aged 7 and up who have a general interest in science, the ocean, or art.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars

The Deceivers (The Greystone Secrets #2)

The Deceivers (The Greystone Secrets #2)Genres: Mystery, Science Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
four-stars

The Greystones are back for this second installment in the series. It’s been 12 days since Mrs. Greystone and Ms. Morales disappeared in an alternate universe full of corruption, sabotage, and alternate, more sinister versions of themselves. Emma Greystone has been working tirelessly to crack the code their mom left for them to find her, but after close to 400 tries, she still hasn’t gotten it. As they begin to figure things out, it becomes clear that to rescue they’re going to have to go back to the other universe. Once there, they realize things are even worse than they’d suspected, and they can’t trust anyone.

You definitely need to read the first book to understand the plot of this book. I love the combination of mystery, science fiction, and math in this series — and who doesn’t love secret codes? There are fun twists in the plot, but it isn’t overly complicated so young readers won’t be lost. Recommended for purchase for most collections, especially where middle grade mystery is popular. This series is great for 4th-8th grade readers though the plot would be appropriate for advanced younger readers too.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars

Rules for Being a Girl

Rules for Being a GirlRules for Being a Girl by Candace Bushnell, Katie Cotugno
on April 7, 2020
ISBN: 0062803379
Genres: Realistic Fiction, Romance
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Marin is the co-editor of the school newspaper, a bright student, and has dreams of heading to Brown one day. She and her friend, Chloe, jokingly fantasize about their young, dreamy English teacher, Bex (Mr. Beckett), but when he takes things too far with Marin, everything changes and she begins to really question herself. Why don’t people, even Chloe, believe her? Did she actually misread the situation? Did he really kiss her? Why won’t the school administration hold him accountable for his actions?

I really enjoyed this book — it feels very relevant right now. It is equally infuriating and inspiring. The plot moves quickly, the story is easy to follow, and the writing is decent. It isn’t a difficlut read, so it will be accessible to readers at many levels. I’d recommend this to teens 14 and up, and it would make a great book group book. Definitely a worthwhile purchase for YA collections, and recommended for Cream of the Crop.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

five-stars