Category: Book Reviews

The Book That No One Wanted To Read

The Book That No One Wanted To ReadThe Book That No One Wanted to Read by Richard Ayoade, Tor Freeman
Published by Walker Books US on March 14, 2023
ISBN: 153622216X
Pages: 128
Genres: Humor
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
four-stars

A heavily illustrated “conversation” between the book being read and You, the reader (narration is in second person). Format changes continually throughout the book – from prose to graphics to dialogue between Reader and Book. Wordplay, puns and stream-of-consciousness passages, many of which are silly (and a few of which are informative, such as explaining what a footnote is by creating a humorous example of one) keep the reader on their intellectual toes.

A middle grade reader, particularly a reluctant one who enjoys the use of illustrations to tell parts of the story and is sophisticated enough to find the humor in the wordplay, will likely enjoy the quirky humor and playful formatting.

Four stars, primarily for the creativity and offbeat format, and the illustrations. Not a must-have, but certainly might find itself popular simply for being different.

Reviewed by: Jenny Martinez Nocito, Maine State Library, Augusta

four-stars

Leeva at Last

Leeva at LastLeeva At Last by Sara Pennypacker, Matthew Cordell
Published by Balzer + Bray on March 7, 2023
ISBN: 9780063114425
Genres: Humor, Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure / General
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Pennypacker brings her signature Clementine wit to the story of Leeva, a winsome child of two terrible, selfish parents. Readers will immediately be put in mind of Roald Dahl’s Matilda and Lois Lowry’s Willoughbys, but while this book reflects the dreadful parents and enterprising, intelligent children in both stories, Leeva’s tale is all her own. Her parents, in the roles of Town Mayor and Town Treasurer, respectively, have overtaxed the residents and embezzled the revenue. Everyone in town hates them and when Leeva, long kept indoors as a sort of servant, ventures outside, she is afraid they will hate her by extension. However, she makes many friends and eventually figures out a plan to return all the money, send her parents packing off into the sunset, and have a happy ending.

The humor, quirky characters, short chapters, engaging writing and well-known author combine to make this an easy book to put in patron hands. Charming black and white illustrations by Matthew Cordell appear throughout the book and add a playfulness reminiscent of Norton Juster.

Reviewed by:  Jenny Martinez Nocito, Maine State Library, Augusta

five-stars

Thunderboom

ThunderboomThunderBoom by Jack Briglio, Claudia Davila
on May 2, 2023
ISBN: 1525304968
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
five-stars

Eleven year old Logan has a lot on his plate. He is scared of dogs, clowns and masks, and being lonely. On top of that, he is nonverbal and uses sign language to communicate with his family. When he loses his parents and sister at a parade, Logan must conjure up his alter-ego Thunderboom to help him navigate a perfect storm of fear and anxiety.

Based on the author’s son, who has Angelman syndrome, Logan gives us a glimpse into the world and family dynamics of people who are nonverbal. We see the strategies used by the family, the loving stress they can experience, and the support involved (especially in his very chill big sister who has unwavering faith in Logan and refuses to stress about him; she’s great).  The illustrations are bright and charming and move seamlessly from Logan’s world to Thunderboom’s world.

This is a terrific book with a much-needed protagonist and would be valuable in elementary or middle school libraries.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

five-stars

In Nightfall

In NightfallIn Nightfall by Suzanne Young
on March 28, 2023
ISBN: 0593487583
Genres: Horror, Supernatural
Format: Fiction
Goodreads
two-stars

Theo and her brother Marco are spending the summer in their father’s quaint hometown in Oregon, a big change from their home in Arizona. They are staying with his mother while he comes to terms with his recent divorce, and the kids are unfamiliar with this strange, strict, woman. Can they abide by their grandmother’s most important rule and not stay out after dark?

No, they can’t. They break the rule their first night there and thus begins a nearly scene by scene retelling of 1987’s classic vampire movie, The Lost Boys, albeit with reversed genders. The book follows the movie so closely that it comes off as uninspired and slow. Where the characters in The Lost Boys had charisma, the characters in this book are strictly defined by what they wear and what they look like. Perhaps it would be more enjoyable to someone who hasn’t seen the movie?

The book has a fun, 80s mass-market paperback cover going for it. Not a must-buy, but if you have vampire fans, or Twilight fans, or 80s movies fans, you might recommend this.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten free Library, Bath

 

two-stars

Pizza and Taco Rock Out!

Pizza and Taco Rock Out!Pizza and Taco: Rock Out!: (A Graphic Novel) by Stephen Shaskan
ISBN: 0593481240
Goodreads
four-stars

The fifth book in this fun emerging reader graphic novel series offers some tips about what to do and what not to do when trying to start a rock band. Pizza and Taco are inspired to start a new band thinking that it will be easy, but they soon find that there is more to it. They work through each necessary element: a band name, additional band members, instruments, and songs. In the end, they realize that starting a band is hard work that takes practice and dedication. Pizza and Taco have some of the skills to start a rock band, but not all of them. Yet. They give up on the rock band dream, but find that they are excellent fan of already-established bands and that listening to music makes them happy enough. A story that gently shows that any effort worth undertaking requires preparation, thoughtfulness, creativity, and the proper equipment. The illustrations are bright and energetic on pages that are uncluttered and readable. This series is popular and is worth adding to any early graphic novel collection.

Reviewed by Jill O’Connor, Baxter Memorial Library, Gorham

four-stars

Different for Boys

Different for BoysDifferent for Boys by Patrick Ness, Tea Bendix
Published by Walker Books US on March 14, 2023
Pages: 104
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Patrick Ness’ “Different For Boys” is short, but it manages to hit its points hard and leave you thinking about it long after you’ve finished reading. Anthony Stevenson, “Ant,” has been sexually exploring with his male classmate Charlie, but they’re not gay, right? When Charlie and Ant are paired together in class with Jack, a gay classmate. This forces Ant to examine his relationship with Charlie and do some heavy introspection. A book that manages to express the angst and confusion of high school boys navigating relationships, with limited (and often stylistically censored) text and scratchy pencil and line art, “Different For Boys” is not to be missed. A must-buy for young adult collections everywhere.

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

five-stars

Doe’s Dandelions

Doe’s DandelionsDoe's Dandelions (Woodland Friends, #4) by Laura Renauld, Jennie Poh
Published by Beaming Books on March 7, 2023
ISBN: 1506485685
Pages: 32
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

The fourth book in a series of picture books by author/illustrator duo Renauld and Poh. With alliterative titles and the same cast of woodland creatures, this book follows Doe as he deals with dandelions creeping into his bed of daffodils just before Doe needs to get his flowers ready for the Petal Parade. When he sets off to warn his neighbors of the invasive plant, he learns that not everyone sees dandelions as a nuisance and that different perspectives can offer a wider view of a thing you originally thought was a problem. In the end, Doe learns about all of the positive things a dandelion can be, and he and all of his friends incorporate the sunny flower into their bouquets for the Petal Parade.

The illustrations are a done in soft colors and all of the animals have a distinct look. The illustration where Doe speaks with Squirrel mentions a sign in Squirrel’s area and the illustration does not show a sign; later in the book, during the petal parade, Squirrel does have a sign. The font and size in each sign could be a lot bigger.  The back matter offers steps for holding your own Petal Parade.

Reviewed by Jill O’Connor, Baxter Memorial Library, Gorham

three-stars

The Black Queen

The Black QueenThe Black Queen by Jumata Emill
on January 31, 2023
ISBN: 0593568540
Genres: Mystery, Suspense
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

High school senior Nova is her high school’s first Black Homecoming Queen, and her polarizing coronation quickly becomes a tragedy when she is found murdered after the Homecoming dance. The top suspect is Tinsley McArthur, a popular white student who has made no secret of her resentment of Nova. Can Duchess, Nova’s best friend, prove Tinsley did it? Tinsley is adamant that while being guilty of terrible behavior, she is innocent of murder. What if she’s telling the truth?

Told in the alternating points of view of Duchess and Tinsley, the twists and turns in The Black Queen make it super readable and hard to put down. The story is tight and fair to its characters and it works well that we get to know Nova a bit before she is killed. It manages to incorporate a surprising number of racial, sexual, and social issues. The one drawback is the dialog sometimes feels forced and unnatural. Suggest it to fans of Riverdale or contemporary thrillers or mysteries.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

four-stars

Eb & Flow

Eb & FlowEb & Flow by Kelly J. Baptist
ISBN: 0593429133
Genres: Fiction in Verse/Poetry, Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Eb (short for Ebony) and Flow (nickname for De’Kari) find themselves suspended for 10 days after an altercation in the cafeteria. Eb accidentally tripped (she says) over Flow’s new sneakers and scuffed them. Flow did not react well and when Eb’s friends egged her on to pretend to spill bar-b-q sauce on Flow’s sneakers, things quickly de-escalated when she accidentally (she says) spilled the sauce on his sneakers. He reacted and shoved (not hit) her (he says) and she may have shoved him back. This novel-in-verse takes place during the 10-day suspension in a series of back-and-forth poems in the voices of Eb and Flow. Interestingly, the reader learns that Eb and Flow have a lot more in common than they realize – including the fact that both have absent fathers and that their families are worried that they are both very close to expulsion and possibly derailing their future plans. The last day of suspension is an In-School-Suspension where Eb & Flow are given an opportunity for reflection. An authentic middle grade story of family, school, and the challenges kids face from peer-pressure to viral videos to absent parents.

Recommended for Cream of the Crop.

Reviewed by Karen Sandlin Silverman, Mt. Ararat Middle School, Topsham

five-stars

Loki: A Bad God’s Guide to Taking the Blame

Loki: A Bad God’s Guide to Taking the BlameLoki: A Bad God's Guide to Taking the Blame by Louie Stowell
Published by Walker Books US on May 9, 2023
Pages: 288
Genres: Humor
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Volume 2 in the hilarious adventures of the trickster God Loki’s time in Midgard (where humans live) learning how to live as a middle school student. He is being punished by Odin for cruel tricks he played on the Goddess Sif. Along with “twin brother” Thor, “mother” Hyrrokkin, and “father” Heimdall they must learn to join forces as a family to defeat the evil Frost Giants. Will Loki be able to put his selfish ways aside and help his friends and pretend family when he needs to? Includes delightful illustrations and funny dialogue between Loki and his diary.

Reviewed by Karen Sandlin Silverman, Mt. Ararat Middle School, Topsham

four-stars