Month: October 2021

Home is not a country

Home is not a countryHome Is Not a Country by Safia Elhillo
Published by Make Me a World on March 2, 2021
ISBN: 0593177053
Pages: 224
Genres: Fiction in Verse/Poetry, Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Nima feels lost — she doesn’t feel like her family or her community understands her. She lives in a suburban town, but her family grew up far away in an unnamed Arabic speaking country. Nima is bullied for her religion, for the way she looks and dresses, for her family and their customs. She relies heavily on her best friend, Haitham to get through life in this country, but when Haitham is beaten in a hate crime, he ends up in the hospital, and Nima finds herself even more alone and struggling to find her way. In addition to her “normal” teenage struggles, Nima struggles with the idea of being someone else, someone she was expected to be had she been given a different name—Yasmeen. Through the second part of the book, and in a twist of magical realism, Nima comes face to face with Yasmeen, the idealized version of herself she feels so many people wish she actually embodied.

This is a beautifully written book in verse, and the story is haunting, magical, real, and important. Nima’s life in the US is clearly colored by the events of 9/11, and the hatred directed at her, her family, and her friends is real for so many. This book paints a challenging portrait of a teen struggling to find and accept the real version of herself.

This book is recommended for readers 13 and up and for Cream of the Crop. This is a must-read. Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

five-stars

The last super chef

The last super chefThe Last Super Chef by Chris Negron
Published by HarperCollins on July 6, 2021
ISBN: 0062943138
Pages: 416
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Fans of cooking shows, rejoice! This is a highly entertaining read about a young boy who loves to cook. He’s long believed his biological father is the famous chef known as The Super Chef. When The Super Chef announces the final iteration of his TV show will feature kids, Curtis knows this is the only way to show his father who he really is and how talented he is in the kitchen. The prize money won’t hurt their struggling family, either. Of course, nothing goes to plan, and the unexpected and heartwarming ending will leave you with a smile on your face.

This is a lighthearted middle grade read perfect for young advanced readers. The narration of the cooking competitions leave you feeling like you’re a part of the competition, and will inspire young chefs everywhere. The real theme of this book is confidence and friendship. The plot is somewhat predictable (except for the ending) but may be less so for young readers.

Recommended for readers 3rd grade and up. Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars

Lena, the sea, and me

Lena, the sea, and meLena, the Sea, and Me by Guy Puzey, Maria Parr
Published by Candlewick Press on August 3, 2021
ISBN: 1536207721
Pages: 304
Genres: Adventure
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Trille and Lena have always been best friends. When a new girl moves to the small village of Mathildewick Cove, she threatens their friendship as well as Lena’s career as a soccer goalkeeper. Trille is trying desperately to impress the new girl often at the expense of time with his best friend. They’re all left navigating new friendships and emotions.

This is a fun quick read and the sequel to Adventures with Waffles. Reading the first book is not necessary as the two stories act as functional standalones. Lena is an eccentric, strong-willed, and determined young protagonist, and Trille is full of many of the struggles and wonders of boys reaching adolescence. This book is a translation from Norwegian, and all characters read as white.

Recommended for readers 3rd grade and up, this is a great one for advanced younger readers as it isn’t scary or overly dramatic. Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

three-stars

Vivi Loves Science

Vivi Loves ScienceVivi Loves Science by Joelle Murray, Kimberly Derting, Shelli R. Johannes
Published by Greenwillow Books on July 13, 2021
ISBN: 0062946064
Pages: 40
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Vivi loves science. She’s really excited when her class is set to take a trip to the beach. What will she find, what will she learn? The teacher gives the kids a scavenger hunt, and they go off in search of beach animals, plants, and more. Throughout their explorations, the book includes information about the animals they’re finding. There is even a spot where it tells readers how to make their own aquascope. This book is a fun combination of science and exploration/adventure. The class is racially diverse as are the teachers. The digitally rendered illustrations are full of color and depict ocean animals well and with some accuracy. They really bring the emotion and excitement of the kids in the story to life.

Recommended for science lovers 4 and up. Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars

Zuri Ray Tries Ballet

Zuri Ray Tries BalletZuri Ray Tries Ballet by Sharon Sordo, Tami Charles
Published by Quill Tree Books on June 15, 2021
ISBN: 0062914898
Pages: 40
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Zuri is up for anything — until her best friend suggests they go to ballet camp. Zuri isn’t a dancer. She loves sports, not dancing. She agrees to go, puts on ballet clothes, and hates every minute of it. The teacher asks Zuri why she’s upset after the class, and then reminds her that she doesn’t have move OR look like everyone else to dance. She says, “…dancing is all about imagination.” Zuri decides to dress and dance her own way, and despite the other kids’ initial reservations, they all come to love and explore different ways of dancing and moving.

This is a great story about being true to yourself and finding comfort in doing things your own way. Thankfully, Zuri had a very open minded teacher who allowed her to really express herself. Zuri is brown skinned and part of a biracial family, and the ballet class is composed of a diverse group of kids. The digitally rendered illustrations bring the dance class alive with movement and emotion and are full of colors and music.

Recommended for readers 4 and up. Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars

Toot and Puddle: How does your garden grow?

Toot and Puddle: How does your garden grow?Toot & Puddle: How Does Your Garden Grow? by Holly Hobbie
Published by Random House Books for Young Readers on March 30, 2021
ISBN: 0593124669
Pages: 40
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Toot and Puddle are back in Woodcock Pocket for another adventure. This time, they’re growing a garden but something keeps eating their crops at night. They decide to stay up all night to determine who the culprit is, and the find it’s a porcupine. After trying all sorts of things to keep the porcupine at bay, they decide it feels better to share. They plant a row of spinach right near the place where the porcupine enters and put up a sign encouraging the porcupine to help itself.

This book will be popular where Toot and Puddle are already a hit but it is also a story of kindness and compassion. The illustrations are like that of previous Toot and Puddle books, and the familiar characters will delight young readers. They add emotion to the story and will keep readers engaged.

Recommended for readers 3 and up. Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars

Tiny Barbarian

Tiny BarbarianTiny Barbarian by Ame Dyckman, Ashley Spires
Published by HarperCollins on July 13, 2021
ISBN: 0062881647
Pages: 32
Genres: Adventure, Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Tiny is tiny, but he’s mighty because he’s a BARBARIAN! He’s committed to conquering everything, even the dark! Throughout the day, Tiny is conquering left and right—a dragon, a troll, and a giant broccoli! When bed time comes, however, he’s not happy and NOT tired. When it gets dark, he’s scared. He decides to conquer the dark only to find the scary thing is just his kitty. They snuggle up and decide he can just be tiny for now. More conquering can happen tomorrow.

This story explores imagination in all its forms—adventure, play, and fear. The illustrations are colorful and done by Ashley Spires so they include humor, emotion, movement, and really bring Tiny’s imagination into reality. Hand this to adventurers and lovers of slightly humorous stories.

Recommended for readers 4 and up. Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

three-stars

Dakota Crumb: Tiny Treasure Hunter

Dakota Crumb: Tiny Treasure HunterDakota Crumb: Tiny Treasure Hunter by Jamie Michalak, Kelly Murphy
Published by Candlewick Press on July 6, 2021
ISBN: 1536203947
Pages: 32
Genres: Adventure, Animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

When the museum closes, there is a tiny creature running all over looking for and collecting tiny treasures. It’s Dakota Crumb, a mouse who loves to explore and collect. Dakota is looking for one special treasure on her map, but she gets distracted along the way by all the treasures the humans have left behind. At the end of the story, it’s clear what Dakota is doing — she has a museum of her own! Her tiny museum is visited by other tiny creatures: bugs, rodents, birds, and they all love what she’s collected and created.

This is a fun and unique story. There isn’t a clear moral message, maybe noticing the beauty in the small things, but even that feels like a stretch. It’s just a story of adventure and a different spin on what happens when the museum closes. The pen, ink, and digitally rendered illustrations are detailed, engaging, and really bring the story and the adventures to life. The last pages include a bunch of items that Dakota didn’t find during the story but that the reader is encouraged to try to find.

Recommended for readers 4 and up. Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars

Super Milly and the Super School Day

Super Milly and the Super School DaySuper Milly and the Super School Day by Gwen Millward, Stephanie Clarkson
Published by Nosy Crow on June 15, 2021
ISBN: 1536217263
Pages: 32
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Milly is heading to school, and she’s ready to go as Super Milly! She’s worried though. She’s worried she won’t be able to be a real superhero without some real super powers — she can’t fly, she doesn’t have x-ray vision. When the day seems to go poorly for some of her friends, she realizes her real super power is kindness. She helps all her classmates realize their best potential, and she’s proud of her work.

This is a fun school story that encourages kids to find their skills and celebrate them. Milly is kind to all sorts of kids in all sorts of situations, and that is the best super power of all. The digitally rendered illustrations are colorful and carry the story. Without them, Milly’s kind actions wouldn’t be clear — the text isn’t enough.

Recommended for readers 4 and up, for kids heading to school, and for kids who worry. Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

three-stars

Bloop

BloopBloop by Mike Boldt, Tara Lazar
Published by HarperCollins on July 6, 2021
ISBN: 0062871609
Pages: 40
Genres: Animals, Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Bloop wants to be emperor of Planet XYZ, but he’s made too many bloopers in his life for that. First, he’s sent to conquer Earth. It’s clear that dogs are in charge there, and so his takeover shouldn’t take too long. What happens when he gets there, however, isn’t what he expected. He begins to love his humans, and he actually wants to stay with them on Earth! This is a fun and funny twist on how things are on Earth between humans and dogs. The illustrations are fun, colorful and help add extra humor to the story.

Recommended for readers 4 and up. Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars