Month: January 2023

Two-Headed Chicken

Two-Headed ChickenTwo-Headed Chicken by Tom Angleberger
Published by Walker Books US on September 6, 2022
ISBN: 1536223212
Pages: 208
Genres: Adventure, Humor, Science Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
three-stars

In this offbeat graphic novel young readers are introduced to a two-headed chicken who is being chased through a multi-universe dimension by a hungry green moose. Fans of Tom Angleberger’s Origami Yoda series are sure to enjoy this book as it has a similar art style and fast-paced storytelling. The abstract illustrations and humorous dialogue among the characters will have readers chuckling until the very end. This book may not be for every one as the bright illustrations lend themselves to busy pages that may cause negative sensory stimulation. The target audience for this graphic novel is young readers, grades 3rd through 6th.

Reviewed by Brandon Dyer, Auburn Public Library

three-stars

The First Thing About You

The First Thing About YouThe First Thing About You by Chaz Hayden
Published by Candlewick Press on September 6, 2022
ISBN: 1536223115
Pages: 384
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

“The First Thing About You” is a debut YA novel by Chaz Hayden. The main character, Harris Jacobus, is fifteen and has spinal muscular atrophy. His family is moving from California to New Jersey, which Harris hopes will give him a chance to reboot his life and get a more typical high school experience. There are a lot of incidents featuring ableism. Author Chaz also has SMA, and has created a deeply enganging and well-developed character in Harris. Readers will enjoy the funnier moments (and this book has a lot of very funny moments) and will empathize and root for Harris during the more difficult times in the book.

The only flaws I had with the book were that occasionally the relationship between Harris and his nurse seemed a bit inappropriate, though this definitely isn’t a “patient/nurse romance” novel, and that the book seemed overly slow at times. Written for teens age 14 to 18, this is a recommended purchase for all libraries with a teen/young adult section.

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

four-stars

If You Read This

If You Read ThisIf You Read This by Kereen Getten
Published by Delacorte Press on August 16, 2022
ISBN: 0593174003
Pages: 208
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

“If You Read This” by Kereen Getten is a middle grade novel about a 12 year-old girl named Brie. Brie’s mother died several years ago. She was fun and full of life and Brie misses her very much. On her birthday, she receives a treasure hunt from her mother. By following the clues with her friends and family, she learns more about her mother, her family, and her past. Readers will enjoy following Brie as she follows the treasure hunt across Jamaica, learning secrets, fun stories, and deepening her relationship with her family and helping deal with the loss and grief she feels over her mother’s death.

Written for readers aged 8 to 12, this book is a suggested purchase for all middle grade fiction collections.

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

four-stars