Month: October 2020

Catalyst

CatalystCatalyst by Sarah Beth Durst
Published by Clarion on June 9, 2020
ISBN: 035806502X
Pages: 288
Genres: Adventure, Animals, Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

In true Sarah Beth Durst style this is a fantasy/mystery that is sure to please.   Zoe is an almost 12-year-old girl who wants a small slice of life for herself.  Enter a tiny kitten into changing  family dynamics as well as  Zoe’s relationship with her best friend and you have the makings of a good  story.  As the kitten literally grows the human characters mature .  Aside from the plot the best part of this book is the character development.  Middle grade readers are more apt to prefer the image of a giant talking cat to the accomplishments of Zoe and Harrison.  Fantasy and mystery readers will find their own answers as they quickly turn page after page.

Add to intermediate school media centers and to public library collections where fantasy is enjoyed.   There is great content within this book to make it a good selection for book discussion groups.

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

four-stars

What do you do if you work at the zoo?

What do you do if you work at the zoo?What Do You Do If You Work at the Zoo? by Robin Page, Steve Jenkins
Published by HMH Books for Young Readers on April 28, 2020
ISBN: 0544387597
Pages: 40
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

This is a great early nonfiction book that can serve many purposes. It could be a great dual reader as there are simple sentences followed by more detailed paragraphs. It could be a great launching point for more research into life as a zookeeper. It also introduces readers to animals they may otherwise not know, and it gives them a little information about something that makes them unique. The paper collage style illustrations will keep kids’ attention and help to bring the animals to life. The back pages include more information about zoo controversy (captivity vs. education), the role of zookeepers, even more info about the animals in the book, and a resource list. A recommended purchase for public libraries. Recommended for readers 4 and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars

Act

ActAct by Kayla Miller
on May 5, 2020
ISBN: 0358242185
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
four-stars

Olive and friends are back in this latest graphic novel from Kayla Miller. This time, Olive notices an injustice in her school — some kids can’t go on the class field trips because their parents can’t afford the extra costs associated with the trips. Olive believes everyone should be able to go on the field trips. She decides to take action by running for student government. It isn’t always easy as she’s up against some tough competition (who are promising chocolate pudding at lunch everyday), but she sticks to her beliefs and runs her campaign on the issues that are important to students. Check it out to find out if she wins and how it all rounds out.

This is a great and timely graphic novel. The story is well thought out and typical of many student government campaigns — some students promise popular but unlikely things while others really want to make student life better for everyone. There’s some friendship drama along the way as well, but that’s secondary to the main story and just adds another layer to the story. The art is typical Kayla Miller and very reminiscent of many graphic novels today. Highly recommended purchase for most libraries.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars

No Place for Monsters

No Place for MonstersNo Place for Monsters by Kory Merritt
Published by HMH Books for Young Readers on September 15, 2020
ISBN: 0358128536
Pages: 384
Genres: Adventure, Mystery
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Cowslip Grove is your typical suburban town — neat lawns, clean sidewalks, everything is as it should be. But then, children begin to go missing. Here’s the catch — no one remembers they ever existed, and all evidence of their existence has vanished. No one remembers them, except for Levi and Kat. Will they be able to figure out where the children have gone? Who or what is that shadowy figure they keep seeing? And why can they remember when no one else can?

This highly illustrated middle grade novel is perfect for the young reader who enjoys slightly scary and a little bit more creepy books. Levi is delightfully kind and innocent, and Kat is quirky, smart and fun. Together, they make a likeable duo. The black and white line drawing illustrations really help to bring the story alive and will make this long book feel more accessible to young readers. Recommended for readers 9 and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

three-stars

Dinomighty

DinomightyDinomighty! by Aaron Blecha, Doug Paleo
Published by Etch/HMH Books for Young Readers on September 1, 2020
ISBN: 0358331560
Pages: 224
Genres: Adventure, Humor, Mystery
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
three-stars

Four dinosaurs, Teri-Dactyl, Dave, T-Lex, and Bach team up to become the crime fighting foursome known as DINOMIGHTY! When trouble arises in Dinotown, the Dinomighties spring into action. This time, the precious Golden Egglettes are in danger. Can they spring into action fast enough to save the Egglettes from certain doom? The conclusion may surprise you!

This early level graphic novel will hit home with fans of Dog Man, Bad Guys, and the like. Elementary school readers will love the humor, witty antics, and hijincks that occur. Recommended for readers 3rd grade and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

three-stars

Becoming a Good Creature

Becoming a Good CreatureBecoming a Good Creature by Rebecca Green, Sy Montgomery
on October 6, 2020
ISBN: 0358252105
Genres: Animals, Biography/Autobiography
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Based on the New York Times best-selling memoir, How to Be a Good Creature, this picture book will delight young naturalists and animal lovers of all ages. The first line of the book really sets the tone, “School is not the only place to find a teacher.” It then goes on through the author’s life and the various teachers she’s had: a dog, emus, apes, lions, sharks, and more.

This book exposes kids to many amazing creatures in the world, but it fails to take reality into account for many kids. The author has obviously been very privileged throughout her life with the ability to travel and explore in this way. She’s also clearly been lucky in her animal encounters, both in her ability to see things and also her ability to stay safe while doing so. That being said, this book will spark curiosity and a drive to explore in many children. The illustrations are very colorful and beautifully depict the animals described. Recommended for readers 3 and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars

Swamp Thing

Swamp ThingSwamp Thing: Twin Branches by Maggie Stiefvater, Morgan Beem
Published by DC Comics on October 13, 2020
ISBN: 1401293239
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
two-stars

Twins, Alec and Walker Holland, could not be more different. Walker is social and outgoing and Alec is focused on his lab work and introverted. When family issues cause tension at home, they go to live with extended family for the summer. Walker brings his life-of-the party attitude with him, while Alec brings his lab experiments. After an incident at a party, Walker finds himself in trouble, and for the first time, needs the help of his twin, Alec and his experiments. The artwork in this graphic novel is filled with lush green hues which illustrate the plant life in Alec’s experiments; however, it cannot unite all the plot lines that are happening. The story moves along at a confusing pace and at the sake of developing any depth. The whole beginning feels like it must be a recap because it plunges into the action so quickly without establishing a foundation. That being said, readers will want to read this graphic novel because of author Maggie Stiefvater. This book should be considered an additional selection.

Elizabeth Andersen, Librarian, Westbrook High School

two-stars

Being Frog

Being FrogBeing Frog by April Pulley Sayre
ISBN: 153442881X
Genres: Animals
Goodreads
four-stars

Have you ever looked at a frog and wondered “What is it like to BE a frog?”? This book assumes that you have or, at least, that you should, and then takes it from there. I got a kick out of this book. It seemed as though it would just be a simple rhyming book for preschool age children but it works in philosophical questions like “How does time move for frogs? Fast? Slow?” and “Does a frog remember its childhood?”.  It also rhymes “Spelunks” with “Glunks” and I admire that. The photography is beautiful and it’s clearly written with an adoration of frogs. Perfect for pre-schoolers or even a little older as there is a nice author’s note with anecdotes, frog information and sources for learning more about amphibians and their conservation.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

four-stars

Cut Off

Cut OffCut Off by Adrianne Finlay
Published by HMH Books for Young Readers on August 11, 2020
ISBN: 0358006457
Pages: 384
Genres: Horror, Science Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars
This Sci-fi thriller for readers in grades 10-12 provides page turning suspense and thought provoking outcomes.  Recommending for Cream of the Crop consideration.   The newest entertainment is a 24-hour live streaming game show called “Cut Off” that takes the “Survivor” type reality show premise to an extreme level through a 3D Virtual Reality experience.  Four young adult contestants are left after an earthquake knocks out their communications with the producers of the show and they must work together to survive and try to be rescued.   At first it seems like the earthquake is the issue, but hour by hour they are faced with ever increasing life threatening situations that seem to come from within each contestant’s own worst fears.   Is it real or a hallucination?  Can they find their way back home or will they all die?  Finlay intersperses action chapters with producer’s files and contestant audition interviews that fuel the page turning suspense of the story.  There are many twists and surprise connections that send the ending to an unsuspecting conclusion.    There is action, suspense, danger, technology and a bit of romance in this suspenseful, Sci-fi/Horror mashup.

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

five-stars

The Spirit of Springer

The Spirit of SpringerThe Spirit of Springer: The Real-Life Rescue of an Orphaned Orca by Amanda Abler, Levi Hastings
Published by Little Bigfoot on February 4, 2020
ISBN: 1632172127
Pages: 48
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

The Spirit of Springer might be exactly what I needed today. It’s a gentle and interesting reminder that there are good people everywhere, people that have dedicated their lives to helping others, human or otherwise.

When orphaned, two-year-old orca Springer is found 300 miles from her home it’s up to scientists to reunite her with her pod. It’s not easy; Springer is malnourished and lonely and is more interested in befriending boats than eating. Through perseverance they rebuild her strength and take her back to where she can find her family.

Straightforward and nicely illustrated, The Spirit of Springer would be great for reading aloud to a classroom learning about orcas, animal rehabilitation, or kindness. Or for a classroom (or family) just looking for an enjoyable book to read.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

five-stars