Tales from Cabin 23: The Boo Hag Flex

October 8, 2024

The Boo Hag Flex (Tales From Cabin 23 #1) by Justina Ireland
Series: Tales from Cabin 23 #1
Published by Balzer + Bray on May 14, 2024
ISBN: 006328782X
Pages: 199
Genres: Horror, Supernatural, Suspense
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

Despite a cartoonish, younger-looking cover, the first book in this new series is quite spooky and offers a complexity of plot and level of gore that might turn off younger elementary readers. Elaina is unhappy to be at summer camp; so unhappy that she skips the first night of dinner, opting instead to sulk in her cabin, #16 of 20. When a strange fog rolls into her cabin, she investigates and is enticed outside only to find that her cabin has disappeared and in its place is Cabin 23. A woman in Cabin 23 offers to tell Elaina a story in exchange for what Elaina hopes is safe passage out of this strange alternative world in which she finds herself. The story “The Boo Hag Flex” is macabre and suspenseful. The story takes up most of the book; in fact, a reader might forget that it is not the plot of the book, but only a story trade for the protagonist, briefly introduced in chapter one. The story wraps up neatly, but then the Epilogue reminds the reader that they have only been caught up in the story – Elaina is still in trouble. The ending is open-ended and a bit jarring though fans of horror will enjoy it. This is the first in a series and with under 200 pages per book, it will appeal to upper elementary and early middle school readers. Hopefully, future titles will have more accurate, appealing covers.

Reviewed by Jill O’Connor, Falmouth Elementary School.

The Mighty Pollinators

October 8, 2024October 8, 2024

The Mighty Pollinators (Step Gently, Look Closely) by Helen Frost, Rick Lieder
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 1536229105
Genres: Animals, Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

The Mighty Pollinators by Helen Frost, and macrophotography by Rick Lieder, is an exploration of all our well-known, but also lesser-known, pollinators that help our plants on Earth grow. This is the seventh book Frost and Lieder have collaborated on, and fans of science-based poetry will enjoy their new collection of poems and up-close shots of insects collecting pollen.

The rhymes are delightful and informative, celebrating butterflies, moths, wasps, and even houseflies. The poems are short enough to be a bedtime story, or a storytime book. The back pages have further information on what pollen is–in all its colors!–and why it’s important.

The colorful, detailed images is where this book really shines since it gives the reader’s eyes access to witnessing the insects covered in pollen dust up close. For those who are looking to add more to their nature poetry collection, or are doing a unit on pollinators or poetry this informational picture book is a great addition. Recommended for ages 3-7

Reviewed by Gia Charles, Patten Free Library, Bath

Tryouts

October 7, 2024

Tryouts (The Brinkley Yearbooks #2) by Sarah Sax
Published by Random House Graphic on May 7, 2024
ISBN: 0593306929
Pages: 277
Genres: Realistic Fiction, Sports
Format: Graphic Novel
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

A solid realistic fiction graphic novel from the author of Picture Day. Using yearbook-like interludes to offer additional back story, this title follows Al, a female pitcher who would like to tryout for the boys baseball team. She is encouraged to by her friends, who are also trying out new things like joining a new club and bringing back a forgotten middle school mascot. The illustrations are clear, bright, and lively. The story offers interesting points of discussion: about Title IX sports, about school traditions, and about being a good teammate. A book for this age group, grades 3 through 7, would always benefit from chapter breaks. Sax does use interludes that mimic a yearbook page and these offer additional voices and background, but they are spread out throughout the book and they are not entirely obvious breaks in the plot. There are many diverse characters. Fans of realistic graphic novels like Click by Kayla Miller, Fifth Quarter by Mike Dawson, and anything Raina Telgemeier will appreciate this title.

Reviewed by Jill O’Connor, Falmouth Elementary School

Jupiter Rising

October 4, 2024

Jupiter Rising by Gary D. Schmidt
Published by Clarion Books on 8/27/24
ISBN: 0358659647
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

In this sequel to Orbiting Jupiter, Jack is faced with the very real prospect that he will need to say goodbye to his foster sister, Jupiter, when out of the blue her maternal grandparents fight to adopt her. Jupiter is the daughter of Joseph, Jack’s late foster brother, who is buried on the family farm where Jack is growing up with his adoptive parents. Jack and his parents promised Joseph they would always know where Jupiter is and are devastated by the thought she will grow up without them. Meanwhile, the track coach pairs Jack with his former enemy, Jay, who helps him train to eventually make varsity. As they run through their rural Maine town, a friendship develops between the two. Unbeknownst to them, this friendship will be life changing for them and for Jupiter. This book would be great for a YA or high school collection, especially if libraries already have Orbiting Jupiter. This story is one of family, perseverance, and receiving acts of kindness when life is difficult. The content, not the reading level, makes this book appropriate for young adult collections. The language is simple and somewhat sparse and the length of the novel is short, making it ideal for readers who want a short but mature book.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library