Month: July 2023

The Rules of Us

The Rules of UsThe Rules of Us by Jennifer Nissley
Published by Labyrinth Road on May 9, 2023
ISBN: 0593484894
Pages: 323
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Jillian and Henry have spent every minute together since becoming instant best friends as children, and have been dating for five years. Their present and their futures are planned down to the minute. They know each other’s every nuance perfectly. Then, on the night of junior prom, Henry comes out to Jill. Jill responds by…coming out, too.

The novel takes place over that summer, as they both find and date new people they are attracted to. But more than a story about their new relationships, it’s a story about how hard it is for them (especially Jilly, who narrates) to extricate themselves from their very enmeshed couple-hood.

While the premise is unusual, it’s also very specific, and so hard to imagine it being relatable to many readers. Moreover, the ease with which both teens find new romantic interests – particularly when they are not publicly out – does not feel very believable. At times, excessive teenage angst causes narration to drag.

If you are looking to build up your diversity shelf, this would be a fine addition, but is not a must-have.

Reviewed by: Jenny Martinez Nocito, Maine State Library, Augusta

three-stars

Nic Blake and the Remarkables

Nic Blake and the RemarkablesNic Blake and the Remarkables: The Manifestor Prophecy (Nic Blake and the Remarkables #1) by Angie Thomas
Published by Balzer + Bray on April 4, 2023
ISBN: 0063225131
Pages: 354
Genres: Adventure, Cultural / African American, Fantasy, Folklore, Humor, Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure / General
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

A super fun trilogy-kicking-off novel that draws from African American history and folklore, classic fantasy adventure stories and current issues seamlessly, all while subversively riffing on modern fantasy tropes. Nic Blake has been raised by her single Black father outside of the magical community where most other Remarkables live. On her twelfth birthday, she asks – again – to be taught how to use the Gift, but as has happened every year, he puts it off. However, a chance encounter with her favorite author cracks open her world, and it turns out her dad was keeping more than just magical instruction from her – he was keeping her hidden from her whole large, powerful family and the world they inhabit. Worse, he’s accused of a crime she knows he did not commit, and it’s up to her, her newly discovered Remarkable brother, and her best friend PJ (an Unremarkable) to figure out how to save him – before it’s too late.

This book was nonstop enjoyment, full of action, suspense, tension, magic, sci-fi, silliness, and plot twists. At the same time there is a grounding in reality: the entire cast is Black, and readers confront real issues of racism, as seen through Nic’s brother, Alex’s, eyes. Having grown up in the Remarkable society, Alex has no concept of why Black people are treated differently in her world, while for Nic and her friend PJ, they have learned how to navigate that reality, and the resulting commentary is both critical and sobering. Supporting cast are well defined and likeably flawed, which provides depth to the primary storyline.

This is an easy book to highly recommend. It’s a unique, engaging and clever adventure that will keep the reader hooked, all with Thomas’ trademark wit and fierce, character-driven writing. For patrons who love audiobooks, the recorded version is excellent.

Reviewed by: Jenny Martinez Nocito, Maine State Library, Augusta

five-stars

Dear Rosie

Dear RosieDear Rosie by Meghan Boehman, Rachael Briner
Published by Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers on July 11, 2023
ISBN: 059357186X
Pages: 208
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
four-stars

Millie and her friends have not yet processed the death of their friend Rosie. As they head back to school, they find themselves getting upset over little things like another student sitting in what had always been Rosie’s chair. They seem to be always arguing and spending less time together. Claire spends too much time talking with strangers online and runs away to meet her boyfriend. The group must come together to find Claire. Millie finds a sketchbook that may have been Rosie’s that helps her to find a way that she and her friends can remember Rosie. This gentle graphic novel uses animals – deer, mouse, fox, etc. – for the characters which serves to soften the heavy topic of loss and grief for younger readers. The classic signs of grief are illustrated by the friends as they experience depression, anger, poor decision-making, and ultimately something resembling acceptance. This is a beautiful book but not quite Cream as I think there may be a smaller audience than a typical graphic novel.

Reviewed by Karen Sandlin Silverman, Mt. Ararat Middle School, Topsham

four-stars

The Grimoire of Grave Fates

The Grimoire of Grave FatesThe Grimoire of Grave Fates by Hanna Alkaf, Margaret Owen
on June 6, 2023
ISBN: 0593427459
Genres: Fantasy, Mystery
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Eighteen YA authors contributed sequential stories to this whodunit set in a school for magic. When universally despised Professor Dropwort of Galileo Academy for magical students was found murdered, an investigation revealed a large suspect pool of students and faculty. Galileo Academy claims to welcome all students – from those with a variety of magical abilities to those of different races and socioeconomic backgrounds – and demonstrates this by moving the school each month to dock in a different location around the world. Dropwort was an equal opportunity bigot who left many enemies behind. Dropwort felt so entitled, he frequently confiscated valuable family artifacts from his students. The editors did a superb job of weaving the stories into one single narrative. The book builds to an exciting climax and readers will find the denouement surprising and satisfying. For upper middle school and high school readers.

Reviewed by Karen Sandlin Silverman, Mt. Ararat Middle School, Topsham

four-stars

You Are Here: Connecting Flights

You Are Here: Connecting FlightsYou Are Here: Connecting Flights by Ellen Oh
Published by Allida/HarperCollins on March 7, 2023
ISBN: 0063239086
Pages: 251
Genres: Realistic Fiction, Short Stories
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars
Twelve intertwined short stories written by and about Asian Americans, set in an overcrowded Chicago airport during the height of the COVID pandemic. A combination of stormy weather and an incident at TSA, which occurs in the first story, create delayed and cancelled flights, and tempers among many travelers run high.

Each chapter follows a different young person as they navigate their identity as being Asian and American through scenes of both subtle and overt racism. The beauty of the interwoven stories becomes apparent as main characters from one pop into another: often with just a glance or a smile, but all the same, providing solidarity and support to other kids who are otherwise strangers, when they most need to know that they are not alone.

A really wonderful read from an amazing group of authors. The seamless connections between stories made the whole flow perfectly; but the twelve distinct voices gave every character their own unique identity. An easy book to put in readers’ hands.

Reviewed by: Jenny Martinez Nocito, Maine State Library, Augusta

five-stars

Lo & Behold

Lo & BeholdLo and Behold: (A Graphic Novel) by Gabi Mendez, Wendy Mass
Published by Random House Graphic on May 2, 2023
ISBN: 0593179633
Pages: 224
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
four-stars
Addie is dealing with the absence of her mother when her dad packs the two of them up and moves across the country for a summer job. Addie immediately  connects with her dad’s team and makes a friend named Mateo,  but a new interest in virtual reality draws her inward instead of hanging out with her new group. Addie finds it hard to pull herself away from her comforting virtual world, but recognizes that it’s something she needs to do.

There is a lot going on in Wendy Mass’s graphic novel debut. Addie contends with social withdrawal, a parent fighting prescription drug addiction, and a new friend’s tragic family situation. It’s a heavy read, but a good one, and will interest empathetic kids who enjoy learning about other people’s lives. It also contains a lot about virtual reality and will appeal to kids interested in gaming and VR. This is a great one to have on school and library shelves as the drug-addicted parent is something not present in  many kids’ books, but the need for representation of how this affects families is definitely there.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

four-stars

The Family Fortuna

The Family FortunaThe Family Fortuna by Lindsay Eagar
Published by Candlewick Press on March 7, 2023
ISBN: 0763692352
Genres: Historical Fiction
Format: Fiction
Goodreads
two-stars
The youngest of three siblings in a travelling carnival, Avita has always had a special bond with her father, Arturo. Arturo looked at her as an infant and saw not a monster, but a show-stopping circus act. While she is human, Avita was born with a large black beak, black feathers, jagged black teeth and black eyes. Arturo soon puts her to work biting the heads off of chickens to illicit screams from the audience.

But what if there’s more to life, and to Avita herself, than decapitating birds? Can Avita prove to Arturo that she is more than a horrific sideshow act?

This book had potential but it was very hard to get through. Forced language, particularly the swearing, and odd narrative choices weigh it down and detract from the story.  The intended audience is unclear, so it is not a must-buy.

(Note: Fans of carnivals and large, black birds will be drawn to the excellent cover art.)

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten free Library, Bath

two-stars