Month: June 2022

FGTeeV: The Switcheroo Rescue

FGTeeV: The Switcheroo RescueFGTeeV: The Switcheroo Rescue! by FGTeeV, Miguel Díaz Rivas
Published by HarperAlley on April 5, 2022
ISBN: 0063093006
Pages: 208
Genres: Adventure, Humor
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
one-star

This  graphic novel is based on a family of YouTubers. The story is essentially a Freaky Friday type plot but somehow they made it baffling. It involves  Duddy (the dad) switching bodies with a young neighbor and then after all sorts of crazy hijinks like bungling a date and releasing a video game ghost, the family must come together wearing Voltron suits and put a stop to it all.

There are a couple of major problems with this book. First, everyone screams everything leading to a heightened state of anxiety. Second, there is an on-running joke about anaphylaxis, which families of people with food allergies will probably not find funny. Third, all of the characters, but especially the female characters, are only used as a springboard for Duddy’s jokes and behaviors. It’s all about Duddy and how wacky and zany he is. It’s uncomfortable but fans of 80s sitcoms might enjoy it.

There are some terrific graphic novels about video games out there; this one is not a must-have for a collection.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

one-star

Joy Ride

Joy RideJoy Ride by Sherri Duskey Rinker, Ana Ramírez González
Published by Candlewick Press on April 26, 2022
ISBN: 1536207748
Pages: 40
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

On Joy’s third day of summer vacation, Joy’s mother tells her to visit her Grandad. Joy and her Grandad decided to fix an old bike that Joy can ride. She is thrilled to show off her new bike that she and her Grandad worked on to the neighborhood kids. Sadly, Joy gets teased by the neighborhood kids about her bike and Joy must process these strong emotions independently. Author Sherri Duskey Rinker provides a relatable character that all readers can empathize with. Rinker’s bully scenario can definitely happen in the age group the book is ideal for, and it is resolved in a positive manner. The illustrations were drawn digitally, but the illustrator Ana Ramírez González uses bright colors throughout the book which are appealing to the eye. The intended audience is Kindergarten through 3rd grade. This book would be a great addition to any public/school library collection, classroom library, and on a counselors book shelf.

Brandon Dyer, Auburn Public Library

three-stars

Being a Dog: A Tail of Mindfulness

Being a Dog: A Tail of MindfulnessBeing a Dog: A Tail of Mindfulness by Maria Gianferrari, Pete Oswald
Published by HarperCollins on April 5, 2022
ISBN: 0063067919
Pages: 40
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

“Being a Dog: A Tail of Mindfulness” is a picture book about being in the moment. Written by Maria Gianferrari and Pete Oswald, the book is written in a bright and fun style, almost like a collage. The book uses the concept of being a dog to introduce kids to the idea of living in the moment and how to express our emotions and stay mindful. The story uses simple words and flows from one illustration to another. The end of the book has instructions for going on a mindful walk, but it crams a lot of words in and the flow is less smooth than the rest of the book. Useful as an introduction to mindfulness, this book is not necessarily a must-buy for your collection, but kids aged 4 to 8 will enjoy pretending to be a dog and the fun illustrations by Pete Oswald (illustrator of “The Bad Seed”).

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library

three-stars

Fossil Hunter: How Mary Anning Changed the Science of Prehistoric Life

Fossil Hunter: How Mary Anning Changed the Science of Prehistoric LifeFossil Hunter: How Mary Anning Changed the Science of Prehistoric Life by Cheryl Blackford
Published by Clarion Books on January 25, 2022
ISBN: 0358396050
Pages: 128
Genres: Biography/Autobiography, Non-Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Raised in a poor community on the  southern shore of England, Mary Anning learned from her father how to hunt for fossils at low tide. After the passing of her father, Mary found herself in a precarious position. Her mother became unable to care for her and her brother, but someone had to support the family. So Mary took her fossil hunting very seriously. She could sell to collectors anything she found. And find fossils, she did. Mary found the first ever complete skeleton of an ichthyosaurus, the first complete plesiosaur fossil, the first British-found pterodactyl, and many other important discoveries. Many of her finds helped to create our current understanding of evolution. Sadly, Mary did not receive the recognition and credit that she deserved for this during her lifetime. This book helps to carry her legacy forward. Short chapters walk through Mary’s life and all the important discoveries she made. Beautiful drawings of the creatures she found are included, as well as primary sources such as Mary’s letters and prints of skeletons. Included materials are: an index, image and quote credits, a bibliography, a glossary, a timeline, and an author’s note. While this will be a hit with anyone interested in dinosaurs, fossils, or historical women, this is recommended for all nonfiction collections. Best for ages 9+.

Reviewed by Kara Reiman, Maine State Library

five-stars

Alias Anna: A True Story of Outwitting The Nazis

Alias Anna: A True Story of Outwitting The NazisAlias Anna: A True Story of Outwitting the Nazis by Susan Hood, Greg Dawson
Published by HarperCollins on March 22, 2022
ISBN: 0063083892
Pages: 352
Genres: Biography/Autobiography
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

This biography is written in verse by an outstanding author in conjunction with the son of pianist Zhanna Arshanskaya. Although the time period was before and during WWII there is a strong tie to the current situation in the Ukraine. Juvenile readers may well find comfort that two piano prodigies escaped the Nazis. Both sisters were strong young girls who manage to flee while using their musical abilities before immigrating to America. Middle school students who appreciate history will find this true story spell binding. Each short entry tells just a piece of the sister’s experiences while it documents the harsh reality of war. End pages are extensive including; photos, musical pieces, websites, sources and possible field trips.

Although sad, this is a book about hope that needs to be available to current readers. Our world may be a messy place and the news stories are brutal but even students need to rally for the rights of all. Add this biography to middle school collections and place on the shelves in public libraries. Librarians will know which students and teachers will appreciate Alias Anna.

Reviewed by Jan Hamilton, Retired Youth Services Librarian

five-stars

The Lucky Ones

The Lucky OnesThe Lucky Ones by Linda Williams Jackson
Published by Candlewick Press on April 12, 2022
ISBN: 1536222550
Pages: 320
Genres: Historical Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

The Lucky Ones is an impressive historical fiction juvenile novel which depicts the Mississippi Delta. Eleven-year-old Ellis Earl is just one child in a large family held together by a mother in a very poor rural area of the USA during the 1960’s. Readers will be surprised by the degree of hunger, poverty and racism experienced by the many well portrayed characters. With the assistance of good teachers, church members, and parents Jackson provides her characters with hope, self-confidence, and a forward view of life. A visit to the area by Robert F. Kennedy reveals even more information about the time and life experiences of this young man and those around him.

Beyond being a well written and historically accurate book, The Lucky Ones is bound to become a classic of the Civil Rights Era. A necessary purchase for all middle and intermediate school media centers throughout the USA. Jackson’s newest novel belongs on the shelves of public libraries and would be appreciated as a gift to classroom literature teachers.

For grades 5-8

Suggested for Cream of the Crop

Reviewed by Jan Hamilton, Retired Youth Services Librarian

five-stars

Darryl’s Dream

Darryl’s DreamDarryl's Dream by Darryl DMC McDaniels, Tristan Tait
Published by Random House Books for Young Readers on January 4, 2022
ISBN: 0593487745
Pages: 32
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

After a difficult day at school Darryl questions his value and appearance. As Darryl’s mother said “what’s important is that you like yourself and you stay true to who you are”. Following a dream, Darryl both stands up for himself and wins the adoration of his classmates when he performs a hip hop poem. McDaniels provides a strong character who learns to stand up for himself and others; this is such a valuable lesson to all children. The illustrations are bright and somewhat comic in appearance. The intended audience of K-grade 2 will appreciate the story line and the illustrations. It is interesting however that the bully is the tallest child and that the nerd wears glasses. Add this to primary school media centers and to classroom collections.

Reviewed by Jan Hamilton, Retired Youth Services Librarian

three-stars

How Kind!

How Kind!How Kind! by Mary Murphy
Published by Candlewick Press on 2022
ISBN: 9781536224092
Pages: 24
Genres: Animals
Format: Board Book
Goodreads
four-stars

This is a re-release of a board book published in 2004 which still provides lessons on kindness, sharing, and compassion. Murphy’s animals are simplistic yet very recognizable for the toddlers who are sure to enjoy looking at the pictures. The message will be appreciated by parents and caregivers who want to reinforce kindness behavior in the home and day care center. Like other reviewers I question why a soon to be mother hen would give her egg away but all ends well for the chick. Illustrations are cute on the two-page spreads and the colors are appealing. Public libraries who collect board books will want this title as the original copy was sure to have been discarded for bite marks and sticky spots. This is a good for collections with toddlers.

Reviewed by Jan Hamilton, Retired Youth Services Librarian

four-stars

I Kissed the Baby!

I Kissed the Baby!I Kissed the Baby! by Mary Murphy
Published by Candlewick Press on December 16, 2004
ISBN: 0763624438
Pages: 24
Genres: Animals
Format: Board Book
Goodreads
four-stars

This adorable board book is obviously intended for the new baby and its toddler siblings. The illustrations are created in black and white so that young eyes can focus on the pages. A simple storyline takes youngsters through a variety of animals who have already met the baby but it is the last few two-page spreads that light up the book. Readers are offered the opportunity to meet and perhaps kiss the baby bird. Although this is a reissue in board book format it is recommended for public libraries that do not have the title in their collection. I Kissed the Baby! Is an ideal baby shower gift.

Reviewed by Jan Hamilton, Retired Youth Services Librarian

four-stars

Emily’s Big Discovery

Emily’s Big DiscoveryEmily’s Big Discovery (The World of Emily Windsnap, #1) by Liz Kessler, Joanie Stone
Series: The World of Emily Windsnap
Published by Candlewick Press on April 12, 2022
ISBN: 1536215228
Pages: 64
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy
Format: Early Reader
Goodreads
four-stars

Emily Windsnap stories are now available in early reader format perfect for gr K-2 readers. This first title in the new younger series is full of action, emotion and fantasy. Emily learns something that is very unique; she is a mermaid and has no reason to be afraid of the water. As the character explores her new underwater world young readers will be delighted with the test and lush illustrations. Her mother’s warnings and Emilie’s hesitations are overcome when she sees her long lovely mermaid tail. Both Emily and her new friend Shona experience their first adventures. Little sisters of readers of the Emily Windsnap series are sure to be pleased to receive or borrow this new title for emerging readers. The illustrations are charming, show character emotions and have use lovely colors. The text by Kessler in this first book totally introduces readers to Emily and her adventures. Add to public library and primary school shelves and gift to teacher classroom collections. This is the perfect gift for a K or first grade birthday gift.

Reviewed by Jan Hamilton, Retired Youth Services Librarian

four-stars