Category: Book Reviews

Dazzle Makes a Wish

Dazzle Makes a WishBook Buddies: Dazzle Makes a Wish by Cynthia Lord, Stephanie Graegin
Series: Book Buddies #3
Published by Candlewick Press on March 21, 2023
ISBN: 9781536232417
Pages: 80
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Book 3 in the Book Buddies series. The first two books in this series about the adventures of toys borrowed from the library are enjoyable, and book three does not disappoint. Dazzle is a unicorn that sprinkles glitter. Maya borrows Dazzle from the library and then is so desperate to obey her mother and to make a friend  that she allows another child, Isabelle, to Dazzle and her “collectable” fairies that were a gift from her Mexican grandparents. The lesson of standing up for oneself comes across loud and clear when Maya reaches her snapping point. The story offers conflict resolution done in a positive manner. The grayscale illustrations add to the story, especially the journal Maya writes about Dazzle’s visit. Children’s Librarian Anne is a positive role model. Readers who enjoyed the other books in this beginning chapter book series will also enjoy this one.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

five-stars

The Princess in Black and the Prince in Pink

The Princess in Black and the Prince in PinkThe Princess in Black and the Prince in Pink by Shannon Hale, Dean Hale, LeUyen Pham
Series: Princess in Black, #10, #10
Published by Candlewick Press on April 11, 2023
ISBN: 1536209783
Pages: 96
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

In book 10 of the Princess in Black series, Princess Magnolia accepts the help of a new hero, Prince in Pink (aka Prince Valerian), when a grumpy emu tries to destroy the Flower Festival Fair Ball. Typical Princess in Black outrageousness ensues. The characters have silly names, such as Princess Sneezewort, and the illustrations depict a variety of skin tones and Princess Snapdragon is of Asian descent. The large emu and his sidekicks, the Ostrich Twins (aka The Flightless Bird Herd), are comical. This early chapter book with numerous colorful illustrations will be enjoyed by the many fans of the series.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

four-stars

Queen Bee

Queen BeeQueen Bee by Amalie Howard
Published by Joy Revolution on April 4, 2023
ISBN: 0593483502
Pages: 368
Genres: Historical Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

“Queen Bee” is a young adult historical fiction novel by Amalie Howard. This book is Bridgerton with a healthy dose of revenge. After being betrayed and having her reputation ruined, Ela dreams of getting revenge on her former friend, Poppy. Years later Ela returns to London under a new persona, but right in the way is Keston, a former childhood friend, now a handsome marquess. Alternating between the past and the present, Howard slowly builds up the reader’s understanding of Ela and her motivations. A recommended purchase for a young adult historical fiction or romance collection.

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

three-stars

The Cartographers

The CartographersThe Cartographers by Amy Zhang
Published by HarperCollins on January 31, 2023
ISBN: 0062383078
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Amy Zhang’s “The Cartographers” is a young adult realistic fiction novel about a teen named Ocean Sun who decides to defer going to college in order to try living in New York City. As expected, Ocean has a difficult time settling in. She meets an interesting boy on the subway named Constantine Brave and they become friends, traveling across the city together. A story about finding oneself, this book covers some very heavy topics like suicide, depression, and anxiety. At times the existential dialogue can be confusing and hard to follow. Not a must-buy, but a potential additonal purchase for young adult collections.

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

three-stars

The Notorious Scarlett and Browne

The Notorious Scarlett and BrowneThe Notorious Scarlett and Browne by Jonathan Stroud
Published by Knopf Books for Young Readers on April 25, 2023
ISBN: 0593430409
Pages: 432
Genres: Adventure, Science Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

“The Notorious Scarlett and Browne”is the second book in the Scarlett and Browne young adult series by Jonathan Stroud. Scarlett and Browne are outlaws in a dystopian world filled with zombies (the Tainted) and where some people have special powers.  Scarlett is a thief who saved Browne in the last book and discovered that he has mind-reading powers. They formed a deep friendship which continues in this book. This book has the duo attempting to save their friends from the clutches of criminals. Interspersed with information about Scarlett’s past, this sequel fleshes out her background, much like the first novel did with Browne’s past. Themes include found family, friendship, and facing trauma. A recommended purchase for young adult collections where dystopian fiction is popular, as long as you have the first book already.

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

three-stars

HiLo: Gina and the Last City on Earth

HiLo: Gina and the Last City on EarthHilo Book 9: Gina and the Last City on Earth: (A Graphic Novel) by Judd Winick
ISBN: 0593488091
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, Science Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
four-stars

“Gina and the Last City on Earth” is the 9th book in the middle grade graphic novel series “HiLo” by Judd Winick. The title character, HiLo, was a robot boy with powers who has recently been turned into a human boy without powers. Along with his friends Gina and DJ, they have saved the world and fought off numerous threats. This book features the friends traveling through time to save the world. Characters in the series are diverse and each book teaches kids about difficult situations and emotions, such as loss, responsibility, friendship, and love, while still managing to be extremely funny. This book series is very popular among middle graders. I would recommend purchasing the first book in the series if you don’t already have it to see if the books will be popular in your library.

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

four-stars

The Night In Question

The Night In QuestionThe Night in Question (Agathas Mystery, #2) by Kathleen Glasgow, Liz Lawson
Published by Delacorte Press on May 30, 2023
ISBN: 0593645839
Pages: 416
Genres: Mystery
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars
“The Night in Question” by Kathleen Glasgow and Liz Lawson is the second book in the “Agathas” young adult mystery series. Fresh off the heels of solving the murder of a classmate, friends and amateur detectives Alice Ogilvie and Brooke Donovan find themselves in the middle of an attempted murder of a classmate. The story switches between Alice and Brooke’s points of view, interspersed with quotes from Agatha Christie mysteries. Adults reading the book may get frustrated by the fact that the teens often run headfirst into danger, but the plot is fast-paced and keeps things interesting. A recommended purchase for YA collections where mysteries are popular.

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

three-stars

Spice Road

Spice RoadSpice Road (Spice Road Trilogy, #1) by Maiya Ibrahim
on January 24, 2023
ISBN: 0593126963
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars
Imani, a teen girl with a magical affinity for metal that has made her one of the best fighters in her land goes on a journey to find her brother who disappeared years ago. “Spice Road” is an Arab-inspired fantasy adventure, where drinking tea made of a specific tree bark gives the drinker power over an element. Imani believed that her brother was dead, but after hearing from a djinn that her brother is alive, she leaves her magical land to find him. There are typical YA subplots, with plot twists and an enemies-to-lovers type romance. Themes of power and privilege have Imani reevaluating what she has been taught. Clunky dialogue and an awkward first-person POV detract from the interesting setting and world-building. A suggested additional purchase for a Young Adult library collection.

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

three-stars

The Wicked Bargain

The Wicked BargainThe Wicked Bargain by Gabe Cole Novoa
on February 28, 2023
ISBN: 0593378016
Genres: Adventure
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

“The Wicked Bargain” is a young adult novel by Gabe Cole Novoa, featuring a transmasc nonbinary protagonist. Mar is a pirate on their father’s ship, one of the most successful pirate ships due to a deal Mar’s father made with el Diablo. Unfortunately the bill comes due and el Diablo destroys the ship and all sailors with the exception of Mar. Pulled out of the water, Mar goes on a journey to get their father back and get vengeance on el Diablo.

Themes of acceptance, well-developed characters, and a genuinely LGBTQIA+ friendly world are this book’s strengths. The plot and romance feel a bit trope-y in the second half, but I still recommend purchasing this book for your library. We need more nonbinary protagonists in youth literature and this is a great addition to your YA collection.

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

four-stars

Then Everything Happens at Once

Then Everything Happens at OnceThen Everything Happens at Once by M.E. Girard
Published by HarperTeen on January 31, 2023
ISBN: 0063206684
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars
“Then Everything Happens at Once” is a young adult novel by M-E Girard, winner of a Labda Literary Award. The story focuses on Baylee, a plus-sized teen who has never been kissed, but now finds herself in a love triangle with a male crush and a female barista that she met online. Add in Covid at the height of the pandemic with all of the lockdowns and restrictions and the fact that Baylee’s sister is immunocompromised. All of this makes for a very angsty and anxiety-filled book.

Characters were realistic teens, with Baylee ignoring restrictions to see her crush and doing other not-fully-thought-out activities. Unfortunately, I found Baylee unlikable, which made the book very frustrating. Things the novel does well are the diverse characters, and showing Baylee’s emotions and thoughts. Sex-positive and showcasing a plus-sized main character, this book is a good additional purchase for YA collections.

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

three-stars