Month: March 2023

The Secret of the Shadow Beasts

The Secret of the Shadow BeastsSecret of the Shadow Beasts by Diane Magras
Published by Dial Books on June 14, 2022
ISBN: 0735229325
Pages: 336
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Beware the gloaming, that time just as sun sets and night has yet to fall; this is when the shadow beasts roam Brannland in Diane Magras’s latest fast-paced novel for middle grade readers. Magras has created a world that combines touches of gaming, Dungeons & Dragons, coming of age, and adventure quests all in one. Nora is 12 and lives on a farm. After an encounter with an Umbrae, a shadow beast that hunts after dark and wields a lethal poison in its bite, claws, and even hairs, Nora remembers that she is immune to the poison and that she could have been a Knight, an order of children who train and fight Umbrae. Nora’s father was completely against her becoming a Knight, but he was killed by a shadow beast so it’s up to Nora to decide to call the National Council and volunteer herself. When she is instantly accepted into the Knight’s Order, she must leave home and train with the other Knights.

Once at the training facility, Nora learns how gifted she is at fighting Umbrae. Some of her ability comes from growing up on a farm, some from playing a particular video game with her best friend, and some from her incredible immunity to the shadow beast poison. Magras introduces Nora, and the reader, to a diverse cast of characters imbued with plenty of flaws and missteps, but also with empathy and a capacity to learn from their mistakes. She allows her characters to discuss their feelings and to problem solve when things don’t go according to plan. She also allows them to use their strengths to kick monster butt!

This book will appeal to gamers, fantasy and sci-fi lovers, and those who appreciate a rip-roaring adventure in which the kids save the land. Highly recommend.

Reviewed by Jill O’Connor, Baxter Memorial Library,  Gorham

five-stars

Leila the Perfect Witch

Leila the Perfect WitchLeila, the Perfect Witch by Flavia Z. Drago
Published by Candlewick Press on July 12, 2022
ISBN: 1536220507
Pages: 40
Genres: Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Leila is a very special little witch who shines in so many ways. From being the fastest flier, the craftiest carver, the sneakiest shapeshifter to winning many trophies for potions, herbology, and alchemy, she is a leader in her coven. Her biggest dream, however, is to be the best baker and win the Witchy Cake-off! Although she gives it her best, she comes up short on her baking skills. Fortunately, her three sisters come to her aid and share their baking secrets with her. Will this assistance be enough for her to rise to the top of the challenge?

The mixed media illustrations have a whimsical spirit and fill the pages with lots of details that children can pour over. Readers with an eagle eye will find Gustavo, the shy ghost making an appearance in the book. The ultimate message that winning isn’t everything makes a satisfying ending. Trying your best, having your family be proud of you, and then eating cake together….takes the cake! A sweet, and mildly spooky story perfect for any time of the year. A solid addition to any library.

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

three-stars

Dog Squad 2: Cat Crew

Dog Squad 2: Cat CrewCat Crew by Chris Grabenstein, Beth Hughes
Published by Random House Children's Books on October 1, 2022
ISBN: 0593480872
Genres: Adventure, Animals, Humor
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

In the second book of the Dog Squad series, Fred, the stray dog who became famous as an actor in an animal movie, is back. He and his friends are getting ready to do another movie but this time there are going to be cats involved. Fred must get along with his feline co-workers and stop the movie studio’s evil animal trainer before she causes mayhem in the movie industry. Perfect for readers who like talking animals, spying-on-the-enemy plot lines, and action/adventure stories. There are black and white illustrations throughout the novel which both compliment the plot and help readers visualize the action scenes and facial expressions from multiple characters. This book’s audience is young readers ages 8 through 12 (grades 3-6).

Reviewed by Brandon Dyer, Auburn Public Library

three-stars

Swift and Hawk: Cyberspies

Swift and Hawk: CyberspiesSwift and Hawk: Cyberspies by Logan Macx
Published by Walker Books Australia on March 2, 2022
Pages: 352
Genres: Adventure, Science Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

In this action packed cat-and-mouse novel, Caleb Quinn is thrown into a top secret mission when his CIA mother is kidnapped by an evil underground crime organization. Caleb must quickly immerse himself into the role of a CIA agent in order to protect a special artifact that has a code that the evil crime organization wants. Young readers who enjoyed Last Gamer Standing by Katie Zhao or Ready Player One will be pleased by the book’s futuristic personalized robots and virtual reality hubs that society uses in their daily lives. As a character, Caleb is both a leader and acts on impulse before thinking through situations, as any 12-year-old might.  The third-person narration and story pace compliment the story and are sure to keep young readers, ages 8-12, engaged.

Reviewed by Brandon Dyer, Auburn Public Library

three-stars

Hold Them Close: A Love Letter to Black Children

Hold Them Close: A Love Letter to Black ChildrenHold Them Close: A Love Letter to Black Children by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, Patrick Dougher
Published by HarperCollins US on February 1, 2023
ISBN: 0063036177
Pages: 48
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

This is a lyrical message to Black children to hold onto the gifts of loving, joyful moments during (and despite) difficult times. The prose lays the groundwork for the remarkably powerful and dynamic illustrations: digital collages of black and white photographs of a Black family (grandmother, father, two children) who love and laugh together juxtaposed with digital images that are eye-opening, sometimes celebratory and occasionally heartbreaking. The story and illustrations do not shy away from ugly realities of racial violence but it also honors Black history and history makers.

The book could make an excellent jumping-off point with older students able to discuss the fullness of Black history in America. Back matter and front matter make this even more effective. The author’s note in the front matter addresses how to talk to Black children about Black joy, history, and strength in the face of anti-Black violence. I would recommend familiarizing oneself with the information in the front and back matter before reading this aloud to a group. My first inclination was to recommend this *only* to older readers, because of the few images of anti-Black violence. However, this is the reality and history my youngest Black students live with every day, and they will love the images and story of a Black family thriving and loving each other.

Reviewed by Deanna Contrino, Young School Library, Saco

four-stars

The Blanket Where Violet Sits

The Blanket Where Violet SitsThe Blanket Where Violet Sits by Allan Wolf, Lauren Tobia
Published by Candlewick Press on August 30, 2022
ISBN: 076369665X
Pages: 32
Genres: Fiction in Verse/Poetry, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

A young family brings a picnic to a city park at dusk, in anticipation of viewing the night sky. The simple rhyming text follows the cadence of “The House That Jack Built”: “This is the blanket where Violet sits, eating a sandwich, an apple, and chips.” Violet is a young girl with light skin with a light-skinned dad and dark-skinned mom. This loving group is secure in what seems to be a regular, but still special, event as they set up their telescope and ready themselves for the dramatic spectacle of the clear and starry night.

The scope of the text expands page by page; the focus of the inviting illustrations zooms in on the family and then out again, wider and wider, until we can see the “known universe, past comprehension”. Children will enjoy the connections between the illustrations containing Violet and her toy spaceship to those of Violet imagining herself in space, traveling within the rocket ship. One nitpicky comment: the family members wear headlamps while they stargaze, and unless the light in the lamps is red (and it doesn’t appear so), the lamps will make it harder to see the stars.

This would make a great library read-aloud for a young audience or a lovely bedtime story for one lucky child.

Reviewed by Deanna Contrino, Young School Library, Saco

five-stars

Brothers in Arms: A True World War II Story of Wojtek the Bear and the Soldiers Who Loved Him

Brothers in Arms: A True World War II Story of Wojtek the Bear and the Soldiers Who Loved HimBrothers in Arms: A True World War II Story of Wojtek the Bear and the Soldiers Who Loved Him by Jamie Green, Susan Hood
on October 4, 2022
ISBN: 0063064766
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Hood tells the story of Anders Army (a group of Polish POW evacuees from Soviet labor camps) and how they embrace Wojtek the bear, showing him kindness, compassion, and devotion. An author’s note in the front matter sets up the story by briefly telling the history of how Poland was caught between the Germans and Soviets during WWII, and the plight of the Polish people sent to slave labor camps in Siberia. This author’s note allows the reader to jump into the story at the point when Wojtek makes his appearance.

Anders Army adopts Wojtek, bringing him along for training, guard assignments, and eventually into active duty, to capture a German artillery post in Italy. The author explains that after the desperate and cruel circumstances of the Soviet labor camps, the appearance of Wojtek as a bear cub lifts the morale of the Polish soldiers; Wojtek provides an opportunity for them to coddle and care for someone (like an emotional support bear!).

The illustrations are appealing and charming, despite some of the scary moments in the story, and for children interested in history, this is a fine book. The publisher recommended for ages 4 and up; I disagree. The illustrations will engage younger children but the text works better for older (ages 7 and up) children.

The back matter in this nonfiction picture book contains nine separate resources (maps, photos, timeline, etc.) and would have been more effective if rendered more graphically, combining data into fewer, more dynamic resources.

Reviewed by Deanna Contrino, Young School Library, Saco

three-stars

Me and the Boss: A Story about Mending and Love

Me and the Boss: A Story about Mending and LoveMe and the Boss: A Story about Mending and Love by Michelle Edwards, April Harrison
Published by Anne Schwartz Books on October 11, 2022
ISBN: 0593310675
Pages: 40
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Me and the Boss: A Story about Mending and Love tells a story with which most children will be familiar, about the sometimes complicated, sometimes simple love between older and younger siblings. The love and struggles in this picture book about Lee and his big sister (“The Boss”) Zora feel real, familiar and vital.

It is a day in the life of these siblings, and they go to the library together, where a craft project highlights the difference an age span can make in the finished product. Lee looks at Zora’s embroidered flower and has the uncomfortable awareness that his moon is not as polished. Lee learns to have patience with himself, and to have faith in his own abilities. A loving support system is in place, from a kind librarian, loving parents, and “The Boss” herself. The family, and the librarian are brown; other characters depicted in the book represent many skin colors.

The spare prose (“I reach for her hand, and she squeezes mine.”) and warm, vivid illustrations by April Harrison (Nana Akua Goes to School) work together beautifully. This would make a wonderful read aloud in a public or school library setting. As an added bonus, the back matter contains instructions for a simple embroidery project, great in any library MakerSpace/takeaway programming. Highly recommended for purchase.

Reviewed by Deanna Contrino, Young School Library, Saco

five-stars

Our Beautiful Colors

Our Beautiful ColorsOur Beautiful Colors by Nikki Shannon Smith, Bea Jackson
Published by Golden Books on December 6, 2022
ISBN: 0593434978
Pages: 24
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Board Book
Goodreads

A wonderfully illustrated board book that celebrates all the different shades of color that are seen in communities. The watercolor illustrations use bright vibrant colors in the background which complement the various shades of brown which are highlighted throughout the book. The author uses poetic verse and repeated lines to assist young readers with pronouncing words and sentences. The story shows a positive representation of vitiligo, which is a skin condition that is caused by loss of melanin in the skin. This book’s audience is young readers ages 3 through 5. This book is a great addition to any library collection because of the celebration of diversity and its inclusive content.

Reviewed by  Brandon Dyer, Auburn Public Library

MapMaker

MapMakerMapMaker by Lisa Moore Ramée
Published by Balzer + Bray on September 20, 2022
ISBN: 0063039427
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Walt is bored after his family moves from Los Angeles to Blackbird Bay. To cope, he relies on a hobby he has enjoyed his whole life- drawing maps. Things go from boring to really interesting when Walt realizes that something he drew on his map at home now exists in real life. He soon learns that he is a Mapmaker and can create other worlds. He, his athletic twin sister Van, and their new friend Dylan, are magically transported to Djaruba, Walt’s favorite world. As they explore Djaruba they encounter threatening underwater creatures, vicious bat-like vultures, and an active volcano. They also befriend a boy with a pet dragon who helps them out of some scary situations, but Fenn has his own motives and might not be as helpful as he first seems. Walt also confronts another mapmaker who has already destroyed eleven worlds and is threatening to destroy more, including Earth. This middle grade novel is full of action and adventure and would be perfect for any fantasy lover. In addition, Walt and his family are black and this book touches a little on racism as well as gender stereotypes.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

four-stars