Safiyyah’s War

Safiyyah’s WarSafiyyah’s War by Hiba Noor Khan
Published by Andersen Press on July 6, 2023
ISBN: 1839133139
Pages: 336
Genres: Historical Fiction
Format: Middle Grade Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

During WWII, the brave leaders at the Grand Mosque of Paris protected Jewish people with forged religious documents and risked their lives transporting over a thousand Jewish people to safety using catacombs under the mosque. Though there are countless options when it comes to stories about this time period, this history has been largely forgotten and Hiba Noor Khan is hoping to change that with her debut novel, Safiyyah’s War.

Safiyyah is an adventurous, spirited, and thoughtful young Muslim girl living above the mosque when Nazis invade Paris. It is clear throughout the novel that war is not a children’s game, but without many options Safiyyah’s family cautiously allows her to aid the Resistance movement. Khan’s prose is often poetic, but doesn’t shy away from intensely emotional moments. Families are separated, people are hungry, and Safiyyah herself survives the initial bombing of Paris. Despite the horrific circumstances, Safiyyah never stops fighting and side plots about kittens, plants, libraries, and religion offer respite for the characters and readers. This story’s honest depiction of children traumatized by war and the realities of life under occupation may be difficult for sensitive readers, but the overall message of perseverance, bravery, love, and hope will resonate with readers drawn to strong female leads and novels about war.

Safiyyah’s War has the perfect combination of forgotten history, dynamic characters, and beautiful prose that make it a fresh classic in an oversaturated genre. Nominated for Cream of the Crop.

Reviewed by Ivy Burns, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth

five-stars

Woe: A Housecat’s Story of Despair

Woe: A Housecat’s Story of DespairWoe: A Housecat's Story of Despair by Lucy Knisley
Published by Random House Graphic on July 2, 2024
ISBN: 0593177630
Pages: 208
Genres: Animals
Format: Graphic Novel
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

“Woe: A Housecat’s Story of Despair” by Lucy Knisley is a graphic novel comprised of a collection of web comics about the relationship between the author and her cat Linney. The story humorously explores all the ups and downs of being a pet owner, including all of the quirks of owning a beloved cat. Through charming illustrations and witty narration, Knisley captures the emotional landscape of her and Linney’s experiences, blending humor with poignant moments of reflection on love, pet care, loss, and the day to day antics of her cat. Although often funny, the book doesn’t shy away from the difficult and heartbreaking aspects of pet ownership.  Although I, as an adult reader, would prefer more of a story than a series of graphic vignettes, this graphic novel is beloved by my middle grade animal loving daughter. This book would be a popular addition to any middle school library’s graphic novel collection.

Reviewed by Rebecca Duquette, Pittston Randolph Consolidated School

three-stars

Silent Sister by Megan Davidhizar

Silent Sister by Megan DavidhizarSilent Sister by Megan Davidhizar
on August 6, 2024
ISBN: 0593705645
Genres: Mystery, Psychological thriller
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

“Silent Sister” by Megan Davidhizar tells the story of a young woman whose sister disappears during an overnight school trip.  The sister who comes home, Grace, grapples with the complexities of her missing memories of that night, particularly concerning her sister, who Grace discovers has been keeping secrets from her. As Grace uncovers hidden truths about her family and classmates, she confronts issues of identity, loyalty, and the impact of silence in relationships. Beyond the mystery, this story explores the process of healing from trauma and the pain of loss. Although an experienced mystery reader can predict many of the twists and turns of the story, the relationship between Grace and her sister Maddy, as well as the mystery of what really happened is enough to keep readers hooked throughout the story. This would be a great addition to any high school library.

Reviewed by Rebecca Duquette, Pittston Randolph Consolidated School

four-stars

Peekaboo Lion

Peekaboo LionPeekaboo: Lion (Peekaboo You) by Camilla Reid, Ingela P. Arrhenius
ISBN: 1536234834
Genres: Animals
Format: Board Book
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

With bright illustrations thanks to the prolific Arrhenius, Reid’s book is simple and interactive. Pages include rhyming text such as “Peekaboo monkey”, “Peekaboo munch”, “Peekaboo toucan”, “Peekaboo crunch” and sliders that reveal various animals. The final page includes a slider with a hidden mirror.

While the text is nothing spectacular, it doesn’t need to be; toddlers and their parents love interactive board books, and they are perfect for those ages 0-2 who are exploring their physical world for the first time. This book will certainly circulate and is recommended for libraries looking to boost or refresh their selection for their youngest patrons.

Reviewed by Kristi Favaloro, Skidompha Public Library, Damariscotta

three-stars

My Salty Mary

My Salty MaryMy Salty Mary (Mary, #3) by Brodi Ashton, Cynthia Hand, Jodi Meadows
on August 20, 2024
ISBN: 0062930109
Genres: Fantasy, Historical Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction, Young Adult
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

“My Salty Mary” is a YA historical fantasy novel by “The Lady Janies,” authors Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows. This book is a retelling of the Little Mermaid mixed in with a bit of the history of the female pirate, Mary Read. Mary is a mermaid who trades her fins for legs for the love of the prince, who turns out to be a dud. She then gets rescued by a pirate crew and decides to join up. This all leads to her meeting Tobias, the son of Blackbeard, and Mary attempting to become the Pirate King. This is a fun, feminist retelling with a little history thrown in. The main characters are interesting and readers will follow along to find out what happens. A recommended purchase for YA collections, especially where the other Lady Janies’ books are popular.

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

four-stars

Love is in the Hair

Love Is in the Hair by Gemma Cary
on August 27, 2024
ISBN: 059365126X
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction, Young Adult
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

“Love is in the Hair” is a young adult realistic fiction novel by Gemma Cary. Eva is a 15 year old, dealing with typical high school girl pressures, when her best friend, Frankie, is bullied for her facial hair due to her PCOS. The bullies go so far as to shave part of her head and take a video of it. Eva decides to fight back, creating the “Hairy Girls Club” to help normalize girls having hair.

A good story about friendship and the basics of feminism, Eva is a compelling main character, though her friend Frankie felt a little thin, plot-wise. Still a worthwhile purchase for teen/YA collections where realistic fiction is popular.

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

three-stars

Life in the Wild

Life in the WildLife in the Wild: The Collected Adventures of the Bear, the Moose and the Beaver by Nicholas Oldland
Published by Kids Can Press ISBN: 1525312928
Genres: Animals, Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Join the Bear, the Moose, and the Beaver (and an adorable unnamed bird) as they navigate life in the forest and the roles they play in their habitat. Read as the Bear, an unabashed hugger,  grapples with feeling anger for the first time in his life. See the Moose, suffering from severe FOMO, go on an adventure and return a forever changed cervid. And watch the Beaver, a relentless tree chewing machine, reform and make amends with the woods he has nearly mowed to the ground and the animals he has displaced in the process.

Life in the Wild combines absurdist humor, funny illustrations, and oddly touching stories to create a life lessons (of sorts) book that will have readers laughing out loud. Widely appealing stories and drawings will make this easy to recommend. An excellent addition to your library or classroom.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

four-stars

Spooky, Scary Skeletons

Spooky, Scary SkeletonsSpooky, Scary Skeletons: A Halloween Book for Kids and Toddlers by Andrew Gold, Polona Lovšin
ISBN: 0593903048
Genres: Holiday
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

This is a picture book of the classic Halloween song, “Spooky Scary Skeletons,” written by renowned songwriter Andrew Gold in 1996. The illustrations depict a group of 6 children, five skeletons and one pumpkin, as they embark on a trick-or-treating adventure. The black cat hidden on each picture will add to re-readability, and the curving text style with prolonged vowels makes it difficult to not sing a little while reading it aloud. The illustrations by Polona Lovsin add to the whimsy. This would be a lovely addition to a Halloween-themed musical Storytime.

4 stars

Reviewed by Lindsey Hopkins, Jay Niles Library, Jay

four-stars

Abuelita’s Gift: A Día de Muertos Story

Abuelita’s Gift: A Día de Muertos StoryAbuelita's Gift: A Día de Muertos Story by Mariana Ríos Ramírez, Sara Palacios
Published by Alfred A. Knopf on 9/10/24
ISBN: 0593568362
Genres: Holiday
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

In this beautifully illustrated picture book, Julieta is trying to figure out how to honor and celebrate her grandmother on Día de Muertos.  None of her ideas are working and on November 1, she still doesn’t have the perfect gift for her family’s ofrenda.  Finally, after looking through boxes of old photos, Julieta comes up with a special way to capture her grandmother’s joyful spirit.  Julieta dances like she did with her grandmother and feels her presence, realizing the bond they share will always be there when she dances.  The author’s note explains a little bit about the traditions of Día de Muertos and how they might differ family by family.  The text of the story incorporates Spanish words and the glossary at the end gives the meanings for these words. There is also a colorful illustration of an ofrenda and an explanation on the adjacent page of all of the different elements of the ofrenda.  This book would be an excellent addition to any children’s collection.  The story shows how families can remember loved ones who have died, with joy instead of sadness.  The illustrations are vibrant and really capture this festive time of year in Mexican culture. Highly recommended.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

five-stars

If We Tell You

If We Tell YouIf We Tell You by Nicola Dahlin
Published by Kids Can Press ISBN: 1525311476
Pages: 396
Genres: Suspense
Format: Young Adult
Goodreads
three-stars

Cameron and Lewis are identical twins, fifteen years old and living a predictable life in small-town Canada with two loving parents. Until twenty minutes before Dahlin’s debut novel begins, that is. Readers first meet them fleeing the scene of a backyard barbecue in a stolen pickup truck, confused and panicking: their parents have just killed two uninvited strangers and disappeared, leaving only cryptic instructions and a backpack for each boy.

They find a second set of identification papers in their backpacks and unravel their parent’s clues sufficiently to find their way to a small bed and breakfast in Edinburgh, Scotland. They assume they will find their parents there, but instead they find Maggie, a woman who claims to have known their mother seventeen years earlier and eyes them with definite mistrust. Despite her misgivings, she allows them to stay. To survive, they pretend to be one person, only leaving the house one at a time. They are determined to believe in and find their parents, but this YA thriller takes many twists and turns before reaching its conclusion.

What worked: each chapter revealed a little more of the mystery, as new characters entered or offered historical background for Cameron and Lewis’s current predicament. The confusion of both narrators, combined with the intrigue typical of the genre, kept readers guessing as to what and who was trustworthy, right until the end. The twins themselves were imperfect and therefore more genuine. Supporting cast members were distinct and well written, from dialogue to personality. The setting was also a plus; Dahlin wove features of the city and the surrounding countryside into the plot.

Less effective was the alternating POV of the twins, both in first person, both using “he” or “my brother” to refer to the other. They were distinct enough objectively, but the constant use of first person made it impossible to really remember what characteristics belonged to each twin. Add to that they were interacting with secondary characters as a single person, and it became impossible to keep them separate. That was a distraction, as an important part of the overall story was the relationship between the two of them, and how they supported each other and grew as individuals. The ending was not as satisfying as it could have been, choosing to go with a sequel set-up rather than an emotional tie-off.

That said – it was a readable, satisfying enough and accessible thriller – there was ample suspense without anything truly terrible happening (more violent incidents were off-page) and the fact that there were two male protagonists (several well defined supporting characters were female and diverse) will appeal to many readers.

Reviewed by Jenny Martinez Nocito, Maine State Library, Augusta

three-stars