Category: Book Reviews

One & Everything

One & EverythingOne and Everything by Sam Winston
Published by Candlewick Studio on November 1, 2022
ISBN: 153621566X
Pages: 48
Genres: Arts
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

One & Everything is the story about the importance of preserving languages and how languages are subsumed and lost, when dominant cultures don’t make room for other cultures and their stories. This singular picture book uses typography and thoughtful discourse to tell a story that will captivate its audience, as it delivers the message that everyone’s story (not just yours!) has value. Winston’s deceptively simple illustrations – imperfect watercolor circles filled with scripts of languages, living and historic – capture the message powerfully.

The backmatter is rich with graphic representations of the scripts (how a language looks written down) starts with an author’s note discussing living languages and the rapid pace of language loss, in part due to globalization. According to Winston, “it’s believed that more than half of the world’s population speaks one of only twenty-three languages from the thousands in existence.”

Reviewed by Deanna Contrino, Young School Library, Saco

five-stars

Reader, I Murdered Him

Reader, I Murdered HimReader, I Murdered Him by Betsy Cornwell
Published by Clarion Books on November 15, 2022
ISBN: 0358306647
Pages: 288
Genres: Historical Fiction, Psychological thriller
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

A delightful historical novel that uses Jane Eyre as a jumping-off point to look closely at the roles of women during the Victorian era. The heroine Adele is a willful teen who is plucked from her life in Paris with her dance-hall mother to Yorkshire England by Mr. Rochester, who may be her father. Adele’s governess is Jane and Adele is alarmed at the way that Jane disappears into her love for Mr. Rochester. So Adele, along with Nan, a street-smart pickpocket becomes a vigilante, exacting revenge on men who misuse young women.

This story is fun in more than one level. Readers will either smile or cringe when Jane Eyre is introduced as Cornwell’s Jane does not match the character created by Charlotte Bronte. Within the story, Adele grows into an independent woman while viewing some of the worst qualities of men and women. Issues of individual freedom, sexual abuse, personal identity, and justice for woman are illustrated through Cornwell’s excellent writing. It is the inner strength of Adele and Nan that makes this a good read about good triumphing over evil.

Hand to teens who enjoy historical fiction, vengeance fantasy, and thrilling adventures.

Reviewed by Jan Hamilton, Retired Youth Services Librarian

four-stars

You Only Live Once, David Bravo

You Only Live Once, David BravoYou Only Live Once, David Bravo by Mark Oshiro
Published by HarperCollins on September 20, 2022
ISBN: 0063008157
Pages: 384
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

David Bravo is cursed. He doesn’t know his birth parents, he’s starting middle school and is not in any classes with his best friend Antoine, and worst of all, he gets sick at track practice, causing Antoine to trip and injure himself. Things take a weird turn for David when Fea, a talking dog, informs David that she can take him back to a point in his past so he can make a different decision and create a better outcome. Unfortunately, no matter how many times David and Fea try, they can’t seem to make his terrible first day of middle school any better. The first part of the novel revolves around the fact that David’s parents had a closed adoption, so he knows nothing of his cultural heritage, except that he identifies as Latinx. The book takes a turn in the middle when Fea raises a question about a different aspect of David’s identity, wondering if David’s strong feelings of friendship for Antoine might be something more. The pace of the novel picks up at the end as David learns more about himself and his surprising connection to Fea. This middle grade novel is a fun story about acceptance, family, and not being afraid to be true to yourself.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

four-stars

Shine Bright

Shine BrightShine Bright by Kheris Rogers, Mechal Renee Roe
Published by HarperCollins ISBN: 0063064782
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Shine Bright is a picture book by Kheris Rogers, young founder of a fashion line, Flexin’ in My Complexion. Rogers has a celebrity based on the success of this line and its promotion by superstars like Alicia Keys and Lupita Nyong’o. Rogers has raised awareness of the negativity she has faced based on her dark skin, and how she overcame that negativity by embracing her whole self, inside and out.

Imani, the main character of Shine Bright, is a joyful and exuberant dark-skinned girl. Her three favorite words are, “HI, I’m Imani!” and yet she faces these same challenges. Even as she shines bright at a skate park, strangers make hurtful comments about her skin color. We see how Imani internalizes these comments and the pain they inflict, until support from her older sister reminds her that her individuality and her dark skin are beautiful. The simple illustrations are upbeat and bright and convey the emotion of Imani’s story, sometimes more powerfully than the prose. It is a good picture book that talks about an important topic in a way that’s accessible to younger (publisher suggests ages 4-8) readers.

Reviewed by Deanna Contrino, Young School Library, Saco

four-stars

Michael Rosen’s Sticky McStickstick: The Friend Who Helped Me Walk Again

Michael Rosen’s Sticky McStickstick: The Friend Who Helped Me Walk AgainMichael Rosen's Sticky McStickstick: The Friend Who Helped Me Walk Again by Michael Rosen, Tony Ross
Published by Candlewick Press on November 8, 2022
Pages: 40
Genres: Biography/Autobiography
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

I did not want to like this book. I found the title off-putting and wondered how engaging a personal account of Rosen’s physical recovery from a medically-induced coma could be for children. Those more familiar with Michael Rosen (author and British Children’s Laureate) would not be surprised to find that the story of his slow but steady recovery of mobility is thoughtful and relatable to children.

The writing and watercolor/ink illustrations are simple, humorous without ridicule, and empathetic. Both the language and artwork underscore the emotions and physical challenges faced by Rosen during his rehabilitation. Readers will work through his long but successful journey with him, from infirmity to walker to Sticky McStickstick (Rosen’s anthropomorphized walking cane) to independent movement.

An encouraging story about perseverance and patience with oneself and the rewards that come with it, with supporting roles of medical staff that want him to get well. For children whose adults may be working their way back to health, this is a hopeful and welcome title.

Reviewed by Deanna Contrino, Young School Library, Saco

four-stars

How to Help a Friend

How to Help a FriendHow to Help a Friend by Karl Newson, Clara Anganuzzi
Published by Templar on December 6, 2022
ISBN: 153622667X
Pages: 32
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

The gentle language and illustrations in this picture book will help young children understand and increase their awareness of how people process and experience sadness. In this picture book by Karl Newson, a young brown-skinned girl offers support to her (animal) friends when they are down. The accessible, rhyming text makes it clear that there is no one-size-fits-all answer to what friends need when they’re sad and that there isn’t only one way to be sad.

The overall mood of the story is that of love, caring, and compassion. The animals and young girl are clearly benefiting from the various approaches of friends helping each other through painful times. The sensitive pastel illustrations support this message. The language and rhythm of the text combined with the engaging illustrations make this an excellent SEL read-aloud for early elementary and preschool audiences, with opportunities for helpful discussion afterwards. Highly recommended for public and school libraries looking for quality SEL titles.

Reviewed by Deanna Contrino, Young School, Saco

five-stars

Where’s Waldo? Destination: Everywhere!

Where’s Waldo? Destination: Everywhere!Where's Waldo? Destination: Everywhere!: An Exclusive Anniversary Album of Waldo's Most Amazing Adventures by Martin Handford
Published by Candlewick Press on September 27, 2022
Pages: 32
Genres: Adventure
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

This book is a remake of one published with the same title in 2017. Within the twelve two-page spreads are many updates and new hidden objects which add to the enjoyment. Hanford offers readers the full experience of language and art; the text introduces the environment and sets the stage for extensive and crowded illustrations. Waldo is excellent at hiding; primary grade students are going to spend hours searching for their favorite character dressed in red, white, and blue. Parents, older siblings, and the intended primary school age audience can search for Waldo together. Hanford is providing hours of quiet fun. It is worth mention that the paperback binding is poor and may not last for more than a few checkouts. This version is not a necessary purchase for public libraries or school media centers and would be better as a gift or for a classroom collection.

Reviewed by Jan Hamilton, Retired Youth Services Librarian

three-stars

Heroes Like Us

Heroes Like UsHeroes Like Us: Two Stories: The Day We Met the Queen; The Great Food Bank Heist by Onjali Q Ra�f
Published by Delacorte Press on November 15, 2022
ISBN: 0593488199
Pages: 176
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Heroes Like Us by Onjali Q. Rauf is a book made up of two novellas that deal with important social issues in a simple and kid-friendly way. The first story, “The Day We Met the Queen,” is a sequel to the “Boy in the Back of the Class,” which is about a student who is also a Syrian refugee. Readers do not need to have read that story to understand and enjoy this one. In this installment, a group of young friends prepare to meet the Queen of England, but they face bullying and harassment from people who don’t believe England should support refugees. As a result, the kids have to figure out a way to get by the protestors and get to Buckingham Palace on time!

The second story, “The Great Food Bank Heist,” follows a different group of friends who are trying to figure out who is stealing food from the Food Bank. They stealthily stake out the local grocery store, trying to catch the culprit. This story offers readers a glimpse into the struggles that hungry children and their families face on a daily basis. Both of these stories would be appropriate for students in grades 3-5, because while the stories raise awareness of important issues, they offer hope, and there is still enough action to keep readers interested. The author’s note at the end of the book provides factual information about refugees and food insecurity, encourages readers to ask questions, and mentions ways children can help.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

four-stars

The Christmasaurus

The ChristmasaurusThe Christmasaurus by Tom Fletcher
Published by Random House Books for Young Readers on September 6, 2022
ISBN: 0593566165
Pages: 32
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

A young blue scaled dinosaur lives in the North Pole with Santa and his elves. It is the dinosaur’s biggest wish to guide Santa’s sleigh on Christmas Eve, but even though Santa tries to show him how to fly, the dinosaur cannot do it. As the Christmasaurus tries to find the meaning of Christmas, he also seeks other ways to fly and fulfill his dream. The illustrations are digitally created with bright and bold colors which make the landscape inviting. The different shades of blues from the dinosaurs guide the reader’s eyes to the main character every time they turn the page. Young readers who celebrate Christmas or love dinosaurs will enjoy this book.

Reviewed by Brandon Dyer, Auburn Public Library

four-stars

Pirates Past Noon: The Graphic Novel

Pirates Past Noon: The Graphic NovelPirates Past Noon Graphic Novel by Mary Pope Osborne, Jenny Laird, Kelly Matthews, Nichole Matthews
Published by Random House Books for Young Readers on September 27, 2022
ISBN: 0593174801
Pages: 176
Genres: Adventure, Science Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
three-stars

Jack and Annie land on a beach using the Magic Tree House. They think that they are in paradise until they realize that they have landed on an island during the time of pirates. Then Cap’n Bones arrives, looking for his buried treasure! This is the fourth book in the popular Magic Tree House series  that has been transformed into graphic novel format. Ideal for readers in grades 1 through 3. The illustrations by Kelly & Nichole Matthews are clear and bright and each page has a balance of illustration and text perfect for emerging readers. Like the prose books, vocabulary in these graphic novels is appropriate for this reading level. This book is suggested for elementary school and public libraries.

Reviewed by Brandon Dyer, Auburn Public Library

three-stars