Month: June 2022

John’s Turn

John’s TurnJohn's Turn by Kate Berube, Mac Barnett
Published by Candlewick Press on March 1, 2022
ISBN: 1536203955
Pages: 32
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Every Friday, a kid gets up and does something in front of the whole school. Today is John’s turn, and he’s going to dance. When the classical music begins, some kids laugh and wonder how you dance to that music. John is brave. He dances and dances and smiles with his whole being. His classmates cheer.

This is a wonderful book. John is dancing ballet in front of his entire (presumably) elementary school. The watercolor illustrations do a wonderful job of conveying John’s emotions as they range from nervous to fearful to elated. This book celebrates the underrepresented dancers and all who choose to do something outside the box.

Recommended for readers 3 and up and for Cream of the Crop.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

five-stars

Where the Sky Lives

Where the Sky LivesWhere the Sky Lives by Margaret Dilloway
Published by Balzer & Bray/Harperteen on March 8, 2022
ISBN: 0063047241
Pages: 336
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Tuesday is a neurodivergent kid who lives in Zion National Park with her park ranger mother, Dana. When things get stressful, Tuesday likes to look at the night sky, just like she did with her uncle Ezra before he died. When it becomes clear that developers are going to build houses on a large tract of land outside the park, Dana and her friend Carter set out to try to preserve the land. When they discover an endangered animal within the building site, they’re excited but then discouraged when it appears to not have made a big difference. They enlist the help of a social media influencer as well as the local community to continue the fight.

This is a light-hearted read that is perfect for advanced younger readers. It does touch on the subject of familial death with Tuesday’s uncle, but it isn’t overly traumatizing. Tuesday is quirky, smart, and fun, and many kids will relate to her. This is a wonderful addition to any library where realistic fiction is popular.

Recommended for readers 3rd grade and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars

Turtle of Michigan

Turtle of MichiganThe Turtle of Michigan by Naomi Shihab Nye
Published by Greenwillow Books on March 15, 2022
ISBN: 0063014165
Pages: 336
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

In this follow-up (but fine as a standalone) to The Turtle of Oman, Aref and his family have moved from Muscat, Oman and settled in Ann Arbor, MI. Aref is enjoying life in the US and is making a wonderful new community for himself, but he misses his Sidi, his grandfather, dearly. They write regular letters to each other, and this helps, but nothing beats an in-person visit.

This is a wonderful book for younger middle grade readers. It brings up issues of immigration, community, family, and finding oneself, but it does so in a way that’s appropriate for younger readers. While reading the first book provides some back-story, it isn’t at all necessary to have read it prior to this book.

Recommended for readers 3rd grade and up and for some advanced second grade readers.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars

Confessions of a Class Clown

Confessions of a Class ClownConfessions of a Class Clown by Arianne Costner
Published by Random House Books for Young Readers on March 1, 2022
ISBN: 0593118707
Pages: 288
Genres: Humor, Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Jack is the class clown. He’s always looking for that next joke, sketch, or video that’s going to get him more likes, follows, and interaction on social media. Despite having thousands of followers on his accounts, Jack finds himself with no real friends. When a prank video takes it too far and hurts a potential new friend, Jack realizes there’s more to life than likes and follows.

This is an engaging story about friendship and school social dynamics. There is a good deal of discussion about the role social media plays in the lives of middle schoolers and how the number of likes something gets really doesn’t matter. This is an easy read for fans of realistic fiction and would be great for more advanced younger readers.

Recommended for readers 3rd grade and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

three-stars

Max and the Midknights: The Tower of Time

Max and the Midknights: The Tower of TimeThe Tower of Time (Max and the Midknights, #3) by Lincoln Peirce
Published by Crown Books for Young Readers on March 1, 2022
ISBN: 0593377893
Pages: 272
Genres: Adventure, Humor
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Max is back for the third installment in this fun illustrated series. Max’s evil twin is public enemy #1, and she and the Midknights are trying to find her before time runs out. This highly illustrated book falls into that crossover area of not quite a graphic novel, but more graphic novel-esque than most middle grade books. Lincoln Peirce’s characteristic humor and illustrations will draw in fans of his previous work. The story is funny and action packed and sure to keep young readers wanting more. Hand this series to fans of Big Nate, Dog Man, and the like.

Recommended for readers 2nd grade and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

three-stars

Weird But True: Rocks and Minerals

Weird But True: Rocks and MineralsRocks and Minerals by Michael Burgan
Published by National Geographic Kids on February 1, 2021
ISBN: 1426371837
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Rock and mineral fans, rejoice! This fun and comprehensive National Geographic book will delight readers with new and interesting facts. Each two page spread features a type of rock or mineral or some significant geological formation or event. There are high quality photos as well as graphics with additional information. The text is pretty small, and the book is loaded with information, so this one is best for older rock explorers.

Recommended for readers 5th grade and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars

Sunlight on the Snow Leopard

Sunlight on the Snow LeopardSunlight on the Snow Leopard by Ag Ford, Mary Pope Osborne
Published by Random House Books for Young Readers on January 4, 2022
ISBN: 0593177509
Pages: 112
Genres: Adventure
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Jack and Annie are back for another adventure, and this time they’re headed to Nepal in search of the Gray Ghost. They’re not sure what that actually means, but they meet kind and adventurous people along the way who help them solve the mystery. The typical Magic Tree House story line holds here, a new area of the world is explored, and cultural customs are explained. Fans of previous books in this series will not be disappointed.

Recommended for readers 1st grade and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

three-stars

Falling Short

Falling ShortFalling Short by Ernesto Cisneros
Published by Quill Tree Books on March 15, 2022
ISBN: 0062881728
Pages: 304
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Isaac is a star basketball player, and Marco is super short and into robotics. Despite these differences, they’re best friends. When Marco decides to win his father’s approval by making the basketball team, Isaac is there to help his friend hone his skills (or lack thereof). Meanwhile, Isaac is struggling with his schoolwork, and Marco is determined to help keep his friend afloat. That’s how it’s always been—they hold each other up. Some new challenges of middle school change certainly change things but their friendship and their support for each other remains constant.

This is a great middle grade book about family dynamics, friendship, school and social dynamics, and sports. Easy to read, Marco and Isaac are both relatable characters with unique quirks and humor. Hand this to fans of realistic fiction and books tackling social themes—this book deals with addiction, familial separation and struggles.

Recommended for readers 4th grade and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars

Anybody Here Seen Frenchie?

Anybody Here Seen Frenchie?Anybody Here Seen Frenchie? by Leslie Connor
Published by Katherine Tegen Books on February 15, 2022
ISBN: 0062999362
Pages: 336
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Aurora and Frenchie are best friends. Aurora has a lot to say, Frenchie has never spoken a word. When the two friends encounter a piebald deer, Aurora feels compelled to follow it, and she gets this compulsion every time she sees it. Both Frenchie and Aurora are creatures of habit, and when Frenchie doesn’t make it to first period at school one day, Aurora immediately knows something is up. The entire town helps to search, and it seem impossible that no one has seen him.

At it’s core, this is a story of friendship between two neurodiverse kids who experience the world in very different ways. It is a story of finding one’s voice in unexpected and tumultuous times. It is well written, and the character development leaves you rooting for both Frenchie and Aurora. Leslie Connor’s ability to give voice to the voiceless is unparalleled, and like with The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle, this story will not disappoint. Hand to fans of realistic fiction and those looking for a feel-good read.

Recommended for readers 3rd grade and up and for Cream of the Crop.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

five-stars

Emile and the Field

Emile and the FieldEmile and the Field by Chioma Ebinama, Kevin Young
Published by Make Me a World on March 15, 2022
ISBN: 1984850423
Pages: 32
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

I realized over the past few years how powerful a simple, calming, picture  can be. I’m always on the lookout to have some suggestions on hand when there has been a tragedy or a high stress time, and I’ll add Emile and the Field to my mental list. It’s a gentle, lyrical story of a child named Emile and his relationship to a field throughout the seasons. The text is sparse and the illustrations capture that one-ness with nature we get to experience as kids (and adults if we’re lucky).  This book would be great for a classroom and as a way to open a discussion about places in nature that are special to students.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

 

four-stars