Month: December 2022

Stacey Abrams and the Fight to Vote

Stacey Abrams and the Fight to VoteStacey Abrams and the Fight to Vote by Traci N Todd, Laura Freeman
Published by HarperCollins on August 30, 2022
ISBN: 0063139774
Pages: 40
Genres: Biography/Autobiography
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

This picture book, written in poetic prose and narrated by civil rights activists Sojourner Truth, Ida B. Wells, Septima Poinsette Clark, and Fannie Lou Hamer, recounts the story of Stacy Abrams’ life to date. It is written as a conversation between these four women, looking at the present with the sagacity gained from their own life experiences. They specifically talk about the 2018 election when Abrams ran unsuccessfully in Georgia’s gubernatorial race, and how so many voters were sidelined. At the end, an author’s note includes a brief but more thorough biography of Abrams and the four other activists, a timeline of voting rights in the US, and a bibliography. Illustrations are digital (but beautiful) and in keeping with text, augmenting the story.

Overall a beautiful and well-written book; for very young children without any previous understanding of the civil rights movement the number of people and the concepts covered might overwhelm, but it would be a great addition to teaching about this topic in any setting, be it home, school, or library. Highly recommend; it’s never too early to teach kids about the importance of voting.

Reviewed by Jenny Martinez Nocito, Maine State Library

five-stars

Ben Yokoyama and the Cookie Thief

Ben Yokoyama and the Cookie ThiefBen Yokoyama and the Cookie Thief by Matthew Swanson, Robbi Behr
Published by Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers on September 6, 2022
ISBN: 0593432967
Pages: 304
Genres: Humor
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
four-stars

Book four in the Cookie Chronicles series doesn’t disappoint in this humorous book for kids in grades 3-6. Ben relies on the fortunes in his cookies. When bully Flegg McEggers steals Ben’s fortune cookie with the fortune “the best things in life are free,” Ben is distraught because he feels he has lost the right to free cookies and a new, free scooter.  Ben resolves to recover the cookie and bring the thief to justice. In order to do so, he needs to prove his case to the fifth graders in Kid Court. Ben is a likeable and relatable character who has big feelings that he doesn’t always know what to do with. His best friend Janet provides the voice of reason and of support and understanding. Copious black & white illustrations complement the story.  Give to fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Big Nate, and Dog Man.

Reviewed by Kim Parker, D.A. Hurd Library

four-stars

Doodleville: Art Attacks

Doodleville: Art AttacksDoodleville #2: Art Attacks! by Chad Sell
Published by Random House Graphic on November 1, 2022
ISBN: 1984894730
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
three-stars

“Doodleville: Art Attacks” is the second book in the Doodleville graphic novel series by Chad Sell. Written for kids aged 8 to 12, the book follows a group of friends who have drawings that come to life. The book starts off with a problem: One of Drew’s drawings stole a hat from a painting in the Art Institute of Chicago and a painted baby came along with it! Now they need to fix things at the Art Institute, but things end up getting worse! How will the gang make things right?

Bright and colorful illustrations and a fast-moving plot will keep the reader’s interest. A recommended purchase if your middle-grade graphic novel collection is popular.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, ME.

three-stars

Peppa Pig and the Christmas Surprise

Peppa Pig and the Christmas SurprisePeppa Pig and the Christmas Surprise by Candlewick Press
Published by Candlewick Entertainment ISBN: 1536228109
Pages: 32
Genres: Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

“Peppa Pig and the Christmas Surprise” is everything you’d want or expect from a Peppa Pig book. All of Peppa’s family get cool presents on Christmas day including Grandpa Pig who gets a drone! They take the drone outside to test it out and see lots of fun things, but when the drone is supposed to go home, it goes back to the North Pole! Luckily someone special brings the drone back…

Bright and colorful illustrations and a short, humorous story will keep young readers interested. A recommended purchase wherever Peppa Pig books are popular, for children 2 to 5.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, ME.

three-stars

Octopus Shocktopus!

Octopus Shocktopus!Octopus Shocktopus! by Peter Bently, Steven Lenton
Published by Nosy Crow on August 9, 2022
ISBN: 1536223964
Pages: 32
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

With an adorable octopus gracing the cover and pretty coastal endpapers, we had hoped for more from this book. One day a town awakens to discover a giant octopus has landed upon the roof of a house. An old woman calls for its speedy removal, but over time the townspeople come to appreciate everything the octopus can contribute.

The illustrations in this book are absolutely the highlight; they are bright, charming, and make some attempt at racial inclusivity. The author chose to write the book in rhyme, which does add positively to the reader experience.

This book will circulate some but is only recommended for libraries that have liberal funding dedicated to expanding their picture book section.

Reviewed by Kristi Favaloro, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

three-stars

Grumpy Monkey: Who Threw That?

Grumpy Monkey: Who Threw That?Grumpy Monkey Who Threw That?: A Graphic Novel Chapter Book by Max Lang, Suzanne Lang
Published by Random House Studio on September 27, 2022
ISBN: 0593306058
Pages: 88
Genres: Animals, Humor
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
four-stars

Adorable, funny, informative, entertaining. This delightful graphic novel works just fine as a standalone but will certainly appeal to Grumpy Monkey fans.

Grumpy Monkey (actually a chimpanzee and not a monkey but nicknamed as such because his mother says it sounds better) becomes wildly annoyed with Oxpecker. After declaring Oxpecker a nincompoop, an incident occurs in which a banana peel falls from a tree and onto Oxpecker’s lady love. Of course, Grumpy Monkey denies playing a part in the offensive act and decides to leave the jungle with his buddy Norman the gorilla in tow. The two wander into the desert to embark on an adventure and some self-discovery.

Bonus: nonfiction information, including scientific facts and a recipe, are sprinkled throughout the book.

Themes include managing emotions, telling the truth, accepting others’ flaws, friendship, and community. Younger elementary-aged children would likely enjoy this book best, and it’s sure to circulate while generating lots of laughs. Recommended for any library that serves 6-9 year-olds.

Reviewed by Kristi Favaloro, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars

Maybe an Artist

Maybe an ArtistMaybe an Artist, a Graphic Memoir by Liz Montague
Published by Random House Studio on October 18, 2022
ISBN: 059330781X
Pages: 176
Genres: Biography/Autobiography
Format: Graphic Novel, Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

At what point in our lives does the tiny seed of a big dream first emerge? What, exactly, causes us to either nourish or squelch its growth?

Montague’s graphic memoir allows readers to spectate as she goes through phases of celebrating her passions and then discarding them in pursuit of more pragmatic goals. Themes include living as a young Black American, witnessing xenophobia post-9/11, navigating relationships as a teen, and dealing with the pressure of others’ expectations.

Montague went on to become a cartoonist, writer, and illustrator for the New Yorker and many other notable publications and organizations. Her story is one that will resonate with many teens; her passions and talents do not always align with how she and others envision her future, so she finds herself struggling to find balance. Highly recommended for any library that serves teens.

Reviewed by Kristi Favaloro, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars

Scout is Not a Band Kid

Scout is Not a Band KidScout Is Not a Band Kid by Jade Armstrong
Published by Random House Graphic on April 5, 2022
ISBN: 0593176235
Pages: 272
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
four-stars

Scout is an eighth grader who is obsessed with meeting her favorite author. This author is getting up in years and will be retiring soon. She learns the author will be at an event far from her home, and she is convinced she has no way to get there…. Or does she…. When she finds out the band from her school will be at this festival, Scout decides to join the band. The only problem is that she can’t play an instrument. How hard can that be—turns out, it is much harder than she thought.

Scout is a very self-centered character who has no problem lying or doing whatever it takes to get what she wants. Even when it affects others in the band, she puts herself first throughout most of the story. She does manage to redeem herself and somehow make it all work out. Merrin, is a serious and accomplished trombone player who is called on to help Scout. Readers will feel Merrin’s pain as she struggles to tutor the unmotivated Scout and not lose her cool. The illustrations are a spot on depiction of middle grade students and their school lives and band days.

The back pages include character sketches, band member and instrument sketches as well as a note from the author discussing their inspiration for the story. This is an excellent graphic novel that will be of particular interest to band kids and kids who understand the importance of meeting your favorite author.

Reviewed by Terri Bauld, Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, ME

four-stars

The Wonders We Seek: Thirty Incredible Muslims Who Helped Shape the World

The Wonders We Seek: Thirty Incredible Muslims Who Helped Shape the WorldThe Wonders We Seek: Thirty Incredible Muslims Who Helped Shape the World by Aneesa Mumtaz, Saadia Faruqi, Saffa Khan
Published by Quill Tree Books on June 7, 2022
ISBN: 0062973444
Pages: 160
Genres: Biography/Autobiography, Non-Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

This is a collective biography highlighting 30 Muslims who have made noteworthy contributions to the world throughout history. The book begins with a letter from the authors explaining their motivation for telling these stories—the desire for readers to be aware of the amazing contributions of Muslims, to be awed and inspired, and to have Muslim readers feel pride and joy in their heritage.

Many of the people highlighted in this book are not well known – in fact this may be the first time young readers have heard of them and their accomplishments. Thirty Muslims are highlighted in this book and offer a diverse representation of skills and accomplishments: a surgeon, a female king, scientists, warriors, poets and an Islamic feminist, for example. Although the profiles are short, they provide enough information for readers to get a basic understanding of the notable achievements. The artwork is engaging and rich with colorful illustrations of the subjects set off against the rich palette of the book which is dark, earthy tones of blue, green, rusts and greys.

This well written book accomplishes the writers’ goal of informing readers of the amazing contributions of Muslims throughout history and is a strong addition to both public and school libraries.

Reviewed by Terri Bauld, Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, ME

four-stars

Mayor Good Boy Goes to Hollywood

Mayor Good Boy Goes to HollywoodMayor Good Boy: A Graphic Novel by Dave Scheidt, Miranda Harmon
Published by Random House Graphic on September 1, 2022
ISBN: 0593124898
Genres: Animals, Humor
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
four-stars

This is the second graphic novel in the Mayor Good Boy series, and this book will not disappoint those who enjoyed the first. Mayor Good Boy, the adorable white fluffy dog mayor is back starring in his own movie set in his town of Greenwood. Unfortunately, not everyone is as excited about Mayor Good Boy’s starring role and are causing trouble. Thank goodness for interns Abby and Aaron who are willing and able to do what it takes to get things turned around.

This story reinforces the importance of supporting each other and working together. The illustrations, set in 4 to 6 panel layouts, are bright and colorful with easy to read to text blocks. The back pages include recipes from the four characters that include Peanut Butter and Banana Smoothie, Cheese Popcorn , Worms of Dirt, and Root Beer Floats. This fast-paced story will appeal to dog lovers and readers who like plenty of humor in their graphic novels and is a nice addition for readers aged 7 to 10.

Reviewed by Terri Bauld, Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, ME

four-stars