Month: September 2025

Paloma Flies Away

Paloma Flies AwayPaloma Flies Away by María J. Guarda
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 1536231444
Genres: Emotions & Feelings, Family, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

After fleeing a country made uninhabitable by a dictator, Paloma and her family settle into a new country and find a new life with new friends. While Paloma feels at home, her family misses their former life and eventually they are able to return. They are welcomed back and Paloma is embraced into the warmth of the family they had to leave. A beautiful color palette and sparse but expressive illustrations support the story, and the lack of specifics means this could be used for any child going through the same changes and emotions Paloma’s family experienced. A great book for reading aloud and for increasing empathy.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

four-stars

Call Me Gray

Call Me GrayCall Me Gray by Andrew Larsen, Bells Larsen, Tallulah Fontaine
Published by Kids Can Press ISBN: 1525311352
Genres: Emotions & Feelings, Family
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

The yearly tradition of building a skating rink is the backdrop for a revelation in this intimate and compassionate picture book. Year after year a father and his child build a backyard rink, but this year the child is ready to let their father in on a feeling that has been building up inside them; they look like a boy but feel like  a girl. The relief of sharing this feeling and the calm acceptance the father receives it with make for a loving glimpse into what must be a difficult, but necessary, discussion for many kids. Perfect reading for children who would like to start this conversation.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

four-stars

Firefly Season

Firefly SeasonFirefly Season by Cynthia Leitich Smith, Kate Gardiner
Published by HarperCollinsChildren’sBooks ISBN: 0063274442
Genres: Emotions & Feelings, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Seven year old Piper’s family lives in Kansas City and she cherishes the trips they take to visit their relatives in Cherokee Nation and Muscogee Nation. When a new friend named Sumi moves next door to Piper, the two become very close, and are upset when Piper’s family has to move away. Life goes on and their bond continues, with each family inviting the friends to visit relatives with them, strengthening the friendship and expanding the circle of family. A great book for anyone feeling stressed about a move or anticipating a big change in family or friend dynamics.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

four-stars

The Escape Artist

The Escape ArtistThe Escape Artist: A True Story of Octopus Adventure by Galia Bernstein, Thor Hanson
Published by Greenwillow Books ISBN: 0062676474
Genres: Animals, Non-Fiction, Oceans
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Cephalopods couldn’t be more fascinating if they tried; what a majestic group of animals, and none so spectacular as the octopus. The Escape Artist is the true story of Inky, a Māori octopus who was on display at the National Aquarium of New Zealand. While Inky was friendly with aquarium workers, he was driven to explore, resulting in his return to the ocean. A fun,  rhyming story about a wonderful animal and sure to delight anyone who reads it. Back matter includes some additional information about Inky and general facts about octopuses.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

four-stars

Sea Legs

Sea LegsSea Legs (Sea Legs #1) by Jules Bakes, Niki Smith
on February 4, 2025
ISBN: 1338835866
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

“Sea Legs” is a middle grade graphic novel by Jules Bakes and Niki Smith. The book is loosely based on Jules Bakes’ time spent traveling on a boat with her parents as a child. In the book, Janey is a middle-schooler who is leaving her school to travel with her parents on their boat, “The Merimaid.” She leaves behind her best friend and since this is set in the early 90s, it will be a long time that she’ll be out of touch. The story follows Janey going to new places and learning new things (and teaches the reader about the different parts of the boat), and eventually making a friend (?) in Astrid, a girl on another boat.

Readers will see Janey learn about making friends and having empathy, and finding out that you don’t always know what others are going through in their lives. The book was a bit heavy at times, but felt appropriate for middle school readers. A recommended purchase for middle grade graphic novel collections.

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

four-stars

Tenacious Won’t Give Up

Tenacious Won’t Give UpTenacious Won't Give Up by Leanne Hatch, Pam Vaughan
Published by Alfred A. Knopf ISBN: 0593645219
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

“Tenacious Won’t Give Up” is a picture book written by Pam Vaughan and illustrated by Leanne Hatch. Tenacious is a kid who lives up her name. She does everything she sets her mind to, except when it comes to riding a bike. She falls and wobbles and crashes. With the help of her sister Sage, who has wheel experience from being in a wheelchair, Tenacious learns to try smarter, not just harder, and adjust to get better. Illustrations are cozy and dynamic as we watch Tenacious keep trying. A good read for kids trying to learn new things. A recommended purchase for picture book collections.

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

four-stars

Catnip Mouse

Catnip MouseCatnip Mouse by A. J. Smith
ISBN: 1525313533
Genres: Animals, Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

“Catnip Mouse” is a picture book by AJ Smith featuring a dog named Gipp and a cat named Vera. Vera is playing with her catnip mouse, but Gipp wants to play with Vera. He interrupts and accidentally breaks the catnip toy with his magic wand. Gipp then spends most of the book trying to use his magic wand to recreate the catnip mouse, but making mistakes (“ketchup joust?” “Cactus house?”). A cute and funny book that will make kids laugh at all the silly-sounding mistakes. This book is geared to ages 4-8. A suggested purchase for picture book collections where animals are popular.

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

three-stars

Ruby Bridges: A Talk with My Teacher

Ruby Bridges: A Talk with My Teacher by Ruby Bridges, Trudy Tran
ISBN: 1338753940
Genres: Biography/Autobiography
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

“Ruby Bridges: A Talk with My Teacher” is a picture book memoir by Ruby Bridges and illustrated by Trudy Tran. Ruby is back in school in 1961 after last year’s historic and momentous integration of schools (in which Ruby was the first Black student to attend a local elementary school). She looks forward to seeing her favorite teacher again, but when she gets there, Mrs. Henry is gone! The book jumps forward decades later to Bridges reconnecting with her former teacher and asking her questions. The book is short but interesting and would appeal to children interested in becoming teachers. There is a teacher glossary in the back where Bridges has added several well-known teachers throughout history. An additional purchase where picture book non-fiction is popular.

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

three-stars

The League of Littles

The League of LittlesThe League of Littles: A Graphic Novel by Casey Lyall, Sara Faber
on June 17, 2025
ISBN: 0063285258
Genres: Humor
Format: Graphic Novel
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

“The League of Littles” is a middle grade graphic novel by Casey Lyall and Sara Faber. The League of Littles is a group dedicated to protecting younger siblings from the tyranny of older siblings. A younger sibling took their older sibling’s hamster to school for show and tell without asking and now it’s gone missing! A team of trainees from the League is tasked with finding the hamster before anyone finds out. Themes of working together and persistence are showcased as the Littles face various obstacles and setbacks. The art is bright and fun. The book felt a bit short and seemed to slightly lean into the idea of differently aged siblings working against each other, but overall was humorous and fun. A suggested purchase for middle grade graphic novel collections.

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

three-stars

Adventures in Math: How to Level Up Your Math Game

Adventures in Math: How to Level Up Your Math GameAdventures in Math: How to Level Up Your Math Game by Carleigh Wu, Sean Simpson
Published by Kids Can Press on October 7, 2025
ISBN: 1525311328
Pages: 78
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

This book, aimed at young mathematicians, uses the analogy of a survival game to the struggles many feel when the subject of math comes up. Each chapter begins with another piece of a jungle adventure, pushing the reader to connect using critical thinking skills, teamwork, and the acceptance and growth from mistakes to make the argument that succeeding with math requires all of the same tools. People who have used math to solve problems are highlighted throughout the chapters and the encouraging, positive tone is lovely. The illustrations are colorful and the graphics are kid-friendly. The book is a great concept that is well-executed. Math coaches, and elementary and middle school teachers can find tips and encouragement in the pages for sure, but I don’t see kids reading it, especially those who have already succumbed to many of the myths and closed thinking that this book seeks to counter. A fascinating read and a valiant effort, but a limited audience makes this a non-essential purchase.

Reviewed by Jill O’Connor, Falmouth Elementary School

four-stars