Category: Book Reviews

Squirrel Lock Holmes: The Pet Rock Mystery

Squirrel Lock Holmes: The Pet Rock MysterySquirrel Lock Holmes #1: The Pet Rock Mystery: (A Graphic Novel) by Ashley Belote
ISBN: 059389782X
Genres: Animals, Humor
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
five-stars

Squirrel Lock Holmes: The Pet Rock Mystery is the first in new juvenile graphic novel series that will delight adults as well as kids. Why? It’s sedimentary, my dear Watson: classic whodunit tropes, rock-solid puns, expressively drawn characters, and a spooky garden gnome cameo make this a delightful read as Squirrel Lock and his trusty Watson solve the mystery of who rock-napped Dwayne, a friend’s pet rock. This reviewer will refrain from reading future installments during a lunch break so as to avoid choking while laughing. Icing on the cake: reading-extension activities that will keep a young reader engaged with the book once the story is done – steps for how to solve a mystery, how to draw Squirrel Lock and Watson, a search and find puzzle, and clues to figure out what happens in book 2, coming later this year. Hint? It will be corny.

Suitable for 1st-3rd graders (and anyone who loves a good pun), this is a must-have for classroom and public library graphic novel collections. The Pet Rock Mystery will entertain, but a lesson in bit of deductive reasoning rocks too.

Reviewed by Beth Almquist, Lewiston Public Library

five-stars

Steven and Parker: Dinos are Forever!

Steven and Parker: Dinos are Forever!StEvEn and Parker: Dinos Are Forever! (A Graphic Novel) by Parker James
Series: Steve and Parker #1
Published by Random House Books for Young Readers on 3/10/26
Genres: Juvenile Fiction / Comics & Graphic Novels / Humorous
Format: Graphic Novel
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

Fans of the hit YouTube series will love this graphic novel featuring Steven and his older brother Parker.  Steven, an elementary school student obsessed with dinosaurs, finds a dinosaur named Tatum while at the fair with Parker and his girlfriend.  Steven gets in trouble, first trying to hide Tatum and then trying to find Tatum’s owner.  Young readers will love Steven’s antics as he tries to add Tatum to his collection of dinosaurs, from hiding the dino in his pants to sabotaging his effort to find Tatum’s true owner.  This graphic novel, ideal for 2nd-4th graders, is full of imagination and humor which will keep readers engaged, especially if they like the Steven & Parker show on YouTube.

three-stars

The Ordinary and Extraordinary Auden Greene

The Ordinary and Extraordinary Auden GreeneThe Ordinary and Extraordinary Auden Greene by Corey Ann Haydu
Published by Quill Tree Books/HarperCollins on January 13, 2026
ISBN: 0063348144
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

Auden “Denny” Greene is a 12-year-old girl who is in no rush to leave childhood.  She loves spending time in her shed with her best friend Runa, developing Sorrowfield, the world they created full of princesses and dragons.  Sorrowfield is safe, a comforting place far from the reality of an alcoholic mother and a father who puts too much responsibility on her.  Meanwhile, Princess Auden is the last princess in Sorrowfield.  Her family has been taken by dragons and it’s up to her to save Sorrowfield, now that she’s twelve.  Auden and Denny suddenly find themselves in each other’s world and they are the only ones who know they have switched places. As they work to fit into their new locations, they discover their inner strength and power as they fight each other’s dragons.

This novel would be a great addition for any library serving 3rdth-5th graders.  It’s a fun twist on the switching places trope and is a great coming of age story, especially for kids who aren’t in a rush to grow up.  The real Denny faces peer pressure and changing friends, which many kids can related to, all while dealing with her mother who has relapsed in her battle with alcoholism.  Denny and Auden are great examples of characters learning to speak their truths and being true to who they know themselves to be.  This novel could also be a good entry point for kids who are hesitant to read fantasy. The story is told simultaneously from the perspective of each girl, so half of the story takes place in an imaginary place, and the other half is most certainly realisitc.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

four-stars

Miles Ahead

Miles Ahead by Minh Lê
Published by Penguin Random House on 2026
ISBN: 0593569202
Genres: Family Life
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

It’s an exciting day for a family road trip to meet the new baby cousin. A young child, along with the family dog, Miles, enthusiastically overpacks for the trip. They drive off only to realize they have lost the gift for the new baby! The family scrambles to find the lost gift, and ends up finding nostalgia, love, and silly banter along the way. The family presents as East Asian, and the dynamic illustrations include family photos and memorabilia. This funny, relatable family story has love, generosity and memories at its heart, and is great for Pre-K-2nd graders. This would be a fun story time read aloud, and is nominated as a cream of the crop book.  

Reviewed by Antona Briley, Librarian, Dora Small School, South Portland

five-stars

I Wanna Be Your Girl Vol. 3

I Wanna Be Your Girl Vol. 3I Wanna Be Your Girl, Volume 3 by Umi Takase
Published by RH Graphic ISBN: 0593902998
Genres: Realistic Fiction, Romance
Format: Graphic Novel, Young Adult
Goodreads
four-stars

The saga of Hime and Akira’s evolving friendship continues in the third installment of this YA slice of life manga series. As the friend group grows, so do the questions, emotions, and relationships concerning all involved. Hime is forced to question why she believes her actions will help Akira, and she embarks upon some pretty deep introspection. Akira, too, faces some inner turmoil and must figure out where her friendship with Hime stands. As always, the series explores honest questions teens might have about gender identity, and does so in a comforting,  non-judgmental way, thanks to characters who are willing to own up to mistakes and accept those around them for who they are. This series deserves a spot in any manga collection and libraries with the first two volumes should not hesitate to add this one as well.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

four-stars

Beth is Dead

Beth is DeadBeth is Dead by Katie Bernet
Published by Sarah Barley Books ISBN: 9781665988698
Genres: Mystery, Psychological thriller
Format: Young Adult
Goodreads
five-stars

On New Year’s Day, in modern-day Concord, Massachusetts, Jo March wakes up to find her sister Beth dead, seemingly killed. Everyone is a suspect. Amy, who took Beth to a New Year’s Eve party, was too busy hooking up with Laurie to have any answers. Meg is off at Harvard studying medicine, becoming a nurse like their mother. Dad is MIA. He left the home and the girls in an attempt to protect them from the controversial fallout of his novel, Little Women. Beth is Dead is told in alternating perspectives of all four sisters with a non-linear structure (Then and Now).

Little Women being a book-within-a-book shifts this novel from being a simple alternate-universe retelling to something more. It allows the March girls to critique the source while also depicting fan-favorite and familiar scenes. Beth is concerned about being too meek and perfect. Meg is concerned with being perceived as a snob. Amy is hated by nearly all readers, but seems to revel in her brashness. Jo, meanwhile, is everyone’s favorite character (and favorite Instagram/Substack influencer), which she struggles to live up to while nursing her own literary aspirations. Despite the title, all the sisters are all incredibly alive on the page, and each have their own closely-held secrets. Their snappy banter and frequent arguments feel completely realistic. The sister’s deep love for each other and Bernet’s love of the source material are both clear.

This structure also allows for an intriguing conversation about writing itself. Is writing about those around you exploitative? It is dishonest? Is it selfish? The novel never completely answers those questions (can they be answered?), but it leaves the reader with something deeper to chew on in addition to the truly thrilling twists and turns of the mystery itself. Perfect for fans of the source and newcomers alike, Beth is Dead is a great addition to any young adult collection.

Nominated for Cream of the Crop for its subversive retelling, thrilling plot, and lovably complex characters.

Reviewed by Kristin Arsenault, Mountain Valley High School, Rumford.

five-stars

I Will Not Walk To School

I Will Not Walk To SchoolI Will Not Walk to School by Kelly Collier, Naseem Hrab
Published by Kids Can Press ISBN: 1525314394
Genres: Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Another school day, another dreaded commute for Monster. School’s not the issue, it’s just getting there that has him dragging his feet. Luckily he has Bird, a selfless source of motivation who reminds Monster that it’s pancake day and then proceeds to stick with him every step of the meandering, increasingly infuriating way.

Presented entirely in banter between Monster and Bird, this picture book for younger grades will appeal to both Mo Willems fans and those who have similar trouble making the daily trek to school.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski. Patten Free Library, Bath

three-stars

Worm on the Job

Worm on the JobWorm on the Job by Maureen Fergus, Paul Hammond
ISBN: 1525313169
Genres: Picture book/animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Worm on the Job

Author: Maureen Fergus

Illustrator: Paul G. Hammond

 

This picture book for ages 3-7 demonstrates that size isn’t everything and that you can do anything you put your mind to!

Worm is a librarian, but he’s read all the books on the shelves and has decided it’s time for a new job. He considers numerous options, such as lifeguard, deep-sea fisherman, and window washer, but none are the right fit for him. Then, he finds a sign looking for a courageous night security guard to keep a thief from stealing the Invention Convention’s exhibits. Unfortunately, the hiring manager doesn’t think that Worm would be good at the job since he is just a small worm. Worm proves to be perfect for the job, competent in ways that people aren’t, and is even offered a promotion! Worm sets his sights even higher- outer space

The illustrations contain clever details and funny pictures that warrant multiple readings. This is a great story celebrating optimism, self-confidence, and perseverance. Worm is sure to inspire others to reach for their dreams.

Reviewed by: Lindsey Hopkins, Jay-Niles Library, Jay

5 stars

five-stars

A Smile Like Yours

Genres: LGBTQ+, Realistic Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
five-stars

A Smile Like Yours is a YA graphic novel about a group of teens in their first year at university who struggle to find their way in this new phase of their lives. One of the standout aspects of this book was the inclusion of an invisible disability of prosopagnosia or face blindness. Rhys can only recognize people by identifiers like their clothes or hair but can’t recognize them by their faces, even his family members. The graphic novel style paired beautifully with this aspect by highlighting the identifiers Rhys uses to recognize people and highlighting them in a different color from the rest of the artwork. Another standout aspect was the inclusion of LGBTQIA+ identities in the book and the discussions the characters have around sexuality. Since these were the two main themes (invisible disabilities and sexual orientation), a lot of the book was also about trust and developing relationships with other people, which I think is so important for young people to read about. This book is definitely the next Hearstopper, and I can’t wait to see kids reading it. This is a must-add to any library serving young adults and up. This was a five-star, cream of the crop read for me.

Reviewed by Katy Jones, Gardiner Area High School Library, Gardiner

five-stars

A House of Vipers

A House of VipersA House of Vipers by Emma Jackson
Published by Delacorte Press Genres: Mystery, Psychological thriller
Format: Young Adult
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

Meddlehart Academy is an exclusive, elite boarding school nestled in the mountains of Colorado. It is also the last place Lawson Heyward was seen alive. A year and a half after his disappearance the night of prom, his younger brother Sutter and his friends Carter, Greyson, Fallon, and Margot set out to find him and the legendary founder’s treasure he was hot on the trail of. To do so, they must join the secretive treasure-hunting Order of the Vipers and endure their initiation trials. Meanwhile, someone who seems to have all the answers keeps leaving them notes with clues. Who could it be?

The story is told in a 3rd person, multi-POV style through the core trio of the quintet: Sutter, Fallon, and Grayson, who also happen to be in a love triangle. Readers who favor the  found family trope will enjoy this crew. Each of them (save Carter) suffer from alienating home lives that make Meddlehart a home away from home. Sutter’s father is overbearing in maintaining the patriarchal status-quo. Margot’s family seemingly cares more about their business ventures than her. Grayson found his mother dead from an overdose and his famous father is neglectful, contributing to his depression and deep anger. Fallon’s parents died in a car crash, leaving her with intense abandonment trauma. The friend group largely reads as white, Carter is described as having dark-brown skin. The plot itself revolves around Sutter, but Fallon is the heart of the novel (and not just because the romance subplot hinges on her decision between the two boys). Her Hermione-like bookwormishness and rule-following is the moral center of the group.

Dark academia abounds in this story, which starts with a morose tone of a cloudy day and dives deeper and darker as the mystery unfolds. Light violence at the beginning (fistfights) makes way to murder (off-page), but isn’t gruesomely described. The ending satisfyingly resolves both the mystery and the love story, but is not all happy endings. Perfect for fans of We Were Liars, This Place Kills Me, and One of Us is Lying looking for their next fix.

Reviewed by Kristin Arsenault, Mountain Valley High School, Rumford

four-stars