Month: September 2020

No More Naps!

No More Naps!No More Naps!: A Story for When You're Wide-Awake and Definitely NOT Tired by Chris Grabenstein, Leo Espinosa
Published by Random House on February 4, 2020
ISBN: 1524771287
Pages: 40
Genres: Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads

A spunky toddler prefers shrieking to napping so a bedraggled father pushes her through town in a stroller. The townspeople are eager to “take” her nap instead until Annalise is the only one who is not asleep. A humorous book with comical cartoonish illustrations that depict a diverse group of townspeople and animals. A fun book to share with toddlers and preschoolers, although some parents may consider the child’s behavior inappropriate and not want to their children to emulate it.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

Tracking Pythons: The Quest to Catch an Invasive Predator and Save an Ecosystem

Tracking Pythons: The Quest to Catch an Invasive Predator and Save an EcosystemGenres: Non-Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
five-stars

Burmese pythons, native to Southeast Asia, that either escaped or were released by their owners started breeding in the wild and began eating every animal in their path. A group of scientists at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida are tracking the snakes to find ways to stop their proliferation, which could change the ecosystem of the Everglades. Messner does a good job of describing the sometimes-messy work of scientists who work in the field and in the lab. She delves a bit into invasive species and responsible pet ownership. Captioned photographs, maps, and diagrams add information. Videos of some of the episodes described are available via QR codes scattered throughout the book. Overall, a well constructed book that might inspire budding scientists and others fascinated by 100-pound snakes. Recommended for middle school students.

Starred Review Kirkus Reviews: Jan 1, 2020

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

five-stars

I Believe I Can

I Believe I CanI Believe I Can by Grace Byers, Keturah A. Bobo
Published by Balzer + Bray on March 3, 2020
ISBN: 0062667130
Pages: 32
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
two-stars

This book reminded me much to a book that I read in the 1980s to my own children, but the title eludes me. That said, there is nothing new here in that it features kids using cardboard boxes to feed their imagination, plant gardens, bake a cake (epic failure), and failure to stop a soccer ball. However, the illustrations shine by the inclusion of children with varying abilities, religions, genders, body types, and racial features. It’s hard to argue with the sentiment of empowerment and self-acceptance, but text is mostly clichés and uninspiring.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

two-stars

Police Officer Tools

Police Officer ToolsPolice Officer Tools by Laura Hamilton Waxman
Published by Lerner Publications (Tm) on August 1, 2019
ISBN: 1541555570
Pages: 24
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Simple text and vibrant photos engage very young readers in learning about the tools police officers use to serve their community. About one-third of the featured officers are females, and there is an assortment of photographs of different types of officers (including a K-9 police dog) and assortment of uniforms. Age-appropriate critical thinking questions are a nice addition to the information. This book would be useful to begin a discussion about the police and the scary looking tools they use for preschool and early elementary students. Part of the Community Helpers Tools of the Trade series.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

three-stars

Pro Basketball Upsets

Pro Basketball UpsetsGenres: Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
two-stars

I am probably not the best reviewer for this book as the topic is not one that interests me and I failed to be engaged with the topic about some of the biggest upsets in basketball history. While the focus is mainly on NBA teams, a couple WNBA teams are included. The elements of a nonfiction book are present. For the specific reader who is interested in this sort of information, it likely would be very fascinating. Part of the Sports Wildest Upsets series.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

two-stars

Not Playing by the Rules

Not Playing by the RulesNot Playing by the Rules: 21 Female Athletes Who Changed Sports by Lesa Cline-Ransome
ISBN: 1524764531
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Focusing on mostly U.S. athletes, a photograph and a snapshot of some revolutionary female athletes who brought change to sports. The information was interesting about some well-known and lesser-known athletes. For an informational book, it lacked some of the common elements of a nonfiction book, such as page numbers, Table of Context, Index, or source notes or any kind of bibliographic references. The white text on brightly colored pages was difficult to read. That said, the book will be entertaining for upper elementary and middle school students, especially the costumes worn by some of the older women.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

three-stars

Lizard in a Zoot Suit

Lizard in a Zoot SuitLizard in a Zoot Suit by Marco Finnegan
Published by Graphic Universe on August 4, 2020
ISBN: 1541523652
Pages: 144
Genres: Historical Fiction, Science Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
two-stars

Staged during the Zoot Suit Riots in Los Angeles, a group of sailors are harassing twins sisters, Flaca and Cuata, when a man-lizard creature saves them. In order to get the creature back to whatever subterranean realm he came from, the sisters need to dress him in the garb of the day — a Zoot Suit.

Colors are very minimal — yellow, black and white — not easy to look at while reading. The historical information is loose, though there is a brief history of the Zoot Suit Riots in the back that is interesting. Unfortunately, not an overall fan of this graphic novel.

Recommended for grades 5-12.

Reviewed by Kristin Taylor, Biddeford High School, Biddeford.

two-stars

The Fire Never Goes Out: A Memoir in Pictures

The Fire Never Goes Out: A Memoir in PicturesThe Fire Never Goes Out: A Memoir in Pictures by Noelle Stevenson
Published by HarperTeen on March 3, 2020
ISBN: 0062278274
Pages: 208
Genres: Biography/Autobiography, Non-Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads

The Fire Never Goes Out chronicles eight years of the author’s young adult life in the form of sketches and text.  As the years progress, so does the author’s self-portraits and experiences. She discovers herself through good times and bad, professional successes and defining her independence, many times in letters that she has written  to herself. This book is a National Book Award Finalist.

Fans of Nimona, will love this memoir and those looking to relate on self-understanding and approval. Recommended for grades 10 and above.

Reviewed by Kristin Taylor, Biddeford High School, Biddeford.

 

Girl, Unframed

Girl, UnframedGirl, Unframed by Deb Caletti
Published by Simon Pulse on June 23, 2020
ISBN: 1534426973
Pages: 357
Genres: Mystery, Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Sydney is leaving her comfortable existence with her friends and her grandmother to stay with her moviestar mother for the summer in  San Francisco.  Her mother, Lila, is more like the child when they’re together, and Sydney loves her but can’t handle the stress.  As usual, Lila’s got a new boyfriend, and he seems like trouble.  It’s clear from page one that something has gone very wrong, as evidence logs appear at the start of each chapter.  Sydney is weaving the tale of what happened for the reader.  You find out right at the end what exactly happened.  The themes of this book are very much the burgeoning sexuality of a sixteen-year-old as well as the problematic male gaze.  Sydney struggles with these as she navigates a nearby construction site and a new boy in her life, as well as her mother’s boyfriend.  It also features domestic abuse and illegal activities.  The end wraps up fairly quickly and it’s not necessarily a happy one for Sydney.  There’s also a mis-fire with an impending sense of doom from Sydney that is incredibly awkward and doesn’t connect to the storyline well.  Overall, it’s another fair entry from Caletti and will be loved by her fans.  Recommended for ages 15+.

Reviewed by Kara Reiman

four-stars

Happy Hair

Happy HairHappy Hair by Mechal Renee Roe
Published by Delacorte Press, Doubleday Books for Young Readers on October 22, 2019
ISBN: 1984895540
Pages: 32
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

I loves this book, it shows all the different hair styles of African American people. Even though it is published in 2014, it is very relevant in today’s world. A new law is even being considered regarding this topic of beauty and hair in this culture. Great book!

Reviewed by Ginni Nichols, Gardiner Public Library, Gardiner

four-stars