Category: Book Reviews

Harry’s Squirrel Trouble

Harry’s Squirrel TroubleHarry's Squirrel Trouble by Gene Zion, Margaret Bloy Graham
Published by HarperCollins on August 9, 2022
ISBN: 0062747754
Pages: 32
Genres: Animals
Format: Early Reader
Goodreads
three-stars

Harry the Dog is back in this story about a neighborhood dog and his nemesis. Intended for beginning readers, the book’s short, simple sentences lead the reader through Harry’s travails and eventual triumph. Harry is being blamed for the antics of a squirrel in his own backyard but finds a way to cleverly expose the hooligan, ending satisfactorily for all. The character and illustrations, based on the originals by Gene Zion and Margaret Bloy Graham, will engage emergent readers.

Reviewed by Deanna Contrino, Young School Library, Saco

three-stars

I Rise

I RiseI Rise by Marie Arnold
Published by Versify on August 2, 2022
ISBN: 0358449049
Pages: 320
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Ever since she was born, it’s been Ayo and her mother. Rosalie Bosia is the founder of “See Us” – an activist, a social justice warrior in Harlem, and a force to be reckoned with. Ayo’s whole life has been spent working side by side for the cause with her mom. She believes in what they are doing, and while she revels in the beauty of the songs, poetry, and art of her culture and heritage, she also recognizes the systemic racism that is part of her daily life. But now Ayo is in high school, and just wants to be a “normal” teenager. After a confrontation with her mom in which she is released from her “See Us” responsibilities, she starts to enjoy her newfound freedom. Tragically though, her mom is shot during a protest, and Ayo must decide whether her future includes taking over her mother’s life work.

This novel is a stunning look at systemic racism, police brutality, and a close up look at what it is to grow up Black in America, set against the backdrop that is the beauty of Harlem. Ayo’s voice is powerful, and the references to Black art, music, and poetry make the story that much richer. A must have for every library’s YA section. Recommended for grades 8 and up.

Reviewed by Lee Remick, York Middle School

five-stars

Play Like a Girl: A Graphic Memoir

Play Like a Girl: A Graphic MemoirPlay Like a Girl by Misty Wilson, David Wilson
Published by Balzer & Bray/Harperteen on September 27, 2022
ISBN: 0063064693
Pages: 272
Genres: Biography/Autobiography
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction, Graphic Novel
Goodreads
four-stars

This empowering middle grade memoir told in graphic novel form will keep the reader interested from the first page to the last. Misty Wilson tells the true story of her seventh grade year when she played football on the boys team. The reader will experience friend drama, family issues, first crushes, and a girl trying to find her place in middle school and on the team. The expressive and detailed artwork tells the story just as much as the words do. Boys and girls can both relate to the issues discussed in this story. Play Like A Girl is a great read for grades 5-8.

Reviewed by Erin Scott, MSAD 75, Woodside

four-stars

My Brother is Away

My Brother is AwayMy Brother Is Away by Sara Greenwood, Luisa Uribe
Published by Random House Studio on October 11, 2022
ISBN: 0593127161
Pages: 40
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

This heartfelt picture book is based on the author’s personal experience of growing up while having a brother who was incarcerated. The young girl in the story reflects on the challenges and emotions of having her brother away from home. She fondly remembers the times before he was sent away when they would do things together like flying kites, listening to stories at bedtime, or riding on his shoulder in the moonlight. It was tough for her at times when people wanted to know where her brother was. Or when they talked about the bad thing that he did. The story never reveals any details about what her brother did.

The story closes with a much anticipated trip to visit her brother in prison, and ends on a hopeful note, with her brother’s love still as strong and her realization that other families are going through the same experience as her family. The author’s note provides background information on her experience with her brother in jail from the time she was in first grade to eighth grade.

A powerful story that will be helpful for anyone going through this themselves. The illustrations, rendered in Photoshop, are soft and muted throughout with the exception of the times when the young girl is remembering her brother. In these pages, the palette is bright and joyful. Aimed at readers aged 4 to 8 , this picture book will also be of interest to older readers and adults. A strong addition to both school and public libraries as there may not be many picture books on this subject.

Reviewed by Terri Bauld, Children’s Librarian, Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library.

four-stars

Pizza My Heart

Pizza My HeartPizza My Heart by Mika Song
Series: Norma and Belly, #3, #3
Published by Random House Graphic on August 16, 2022
ISBN: 0593479726
Pages: 96
Genres: Adventure
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
four-stars

The third adventure in this food-themed graphic novel series that featured two silly squirrels, Norma & Belly. This latest book in the series will not disappoint young readers who enjoy the crazy antics of the two food-loving squirrels. This time, the two need to get creative to figure out how they can nab a slab of yummy pizza. The illustrations which were created with pencils, sumi brushes, sumi ink, and watercolors are simplistic and whimsical and stand out on the white pages. The format ranges from full-page illustrations to four panels which allows the artwork to take center stage with the text appearing in bubbles. This book could stand on its own, but readers will not want to miss the earlier two books if they are amused with this story. Ideal for children ages 4 to 8, but older readers and even adults will find themselves chuckling and rooting for these two goofy squirrels. A strong graphic novel series for young readers.

Reviewed by Terri Bauld, Children’s Librarian, Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library

four-stars

The Area 51 Files

The Area 51 FilesThe Area 51 Files by Julie Buxbaum, Lavanya Naidu
Series: The Area 51 Files, #1, #1
Published by Delacorte Press on September 13, 2022
ISBN: 059342946X
Pages: 304
Genres: Fantasy, Humor, Mystery
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

In Julie Buxbaum’s humorous novel, Sky Patel finds herself living in Area 51 with her pet hedgehog and her uncle who she has never met. She isn’t sure what to make of the stranger she now lives with or the many aliens who cohabitate with humans in her new community. She quickly befriends her neighbor Elvis, a friendly alien who shows her the ropes of Area 51. The two work together to try to solve the kidnapping of 3 aliens who go missing at the exact time Sky arrives. They need to investigate their suspects, including Zane, the school bully, Sky’s uncle, and members of the police force, without being caught and thrown in jail.

Readers in grades 4-6 will really enjoy this fast-paced book. Sky is a fun character who enjoys potty humor, pizza, and bending the rules. Readers can relate to her loneliness and her discovery of what it means to have, and be, a friend. Her crazy quest to find the kidnappers will keep readers’ attention and illustrations scattered throughout the novel add to the humor and pace of the story. A fun read and a great beginning to a new series.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

five-stars

I Love You All Year Round: Four Classic Guess How Much I Love You Stories

I Love You All Year Round: Four Classic Guess How Much I Love You StoriesI Love You All Year Round: Four Classic Guess How Much I Love You Stories by Sam McBratney, Anita Jeram
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 1536228540
Pages: 72
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

This new take on the classic Guess How Much I Love You story does not disappoint! I Love You All Year Round is a picture book split into four short stories based on the seasons and follows Big Nutbrown Hare and Little Nutbrown Hare as they play and learn together. The watercolor illustrations are beautiful and calming and show the love between the two characters. This would be an nice addition to any bookshelf. This book is perfect for preschool/kindergarten age kids and would be an amazing bedtime read aloud.

Reviewed by Erin Scott, MSAD 75, Woodside

four-stars

Breda’s Island

Breda’s IslandBreda's Island by Jessie Ann Foley
Published by Quill Tree Books on July 12, 2022
ISBN: 0063207729
Pages: 256
Genres: Mystery
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

A middle grade novel that explores what happens when close relationships are strained by new situations. Breda feels abandoned when her mother starts a business. Her new shoplifting habit gets her a summer in Ireland where she meets and lives with her somewhat silent and detached Granda. As Breda becomes familiar with the lovely natural environment and makes some friends many questions of her parentage persist. Foley presents readers with a likable character who is trying to find herself and is seeking answers. Issues involving immigration, family history, health concerns, and an unknown father contribute to the interest of the story. This book provides a glimpse of Mother Nature’s beauty and the Irish lifestyle in a rural community.

Breda’s Island would be good for middle school book discussion groups and is recommended for grades 5-8.

Reviewed by Jan Hamilton, retired children’s librarian

four-stars

The Silent Stars Go By

The Silent Stars Go ByThe Silent Stars Go By by Sally Nicholls
Published by Walker Books US on September 20, 2022
ISBN: 1536223182
Pages: 240
Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

This is a story of young romance, war time loss, and family relationships. Nicholls has provided readers with a sweet love story: the love a young woman, Margot, has for her fiancé, Harry, who has gone to fight in World War I and is missing in action, and for her son, James, who she has to give up to be raised by her parents due to the shame of not having wed Harry. The years of World War I span the timeline offering insight into the decisions made to save embarrassment for Margot’s family. When Harry returns home, Margot spurns him rather than tell him the truth about his son. While action is light, the level of compassion and character formation are compelling. Hand to those who enjoy historical fiction particularly those in grades 7-10. It would make an excellent mother daughter book discussion title.

Reviewed by Jan Hamilton, retired children’s librarian

four-stars

Sunday Funday: An Activity for Every Weekend of the Year

Sunday Funday: An Activity for Every Weekend of the YearSunday Funday: An Activity for Every Weekend of the Year by Katherine Halligan, Jesús Verona
Published by Nosy Crow on October 4, 2022
ISBN: 153622748X
Pages: 112
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

An oversized activity book divided into seasons. Projects include cooking, garden-based activities, and crafts and art using nature or other easy-to-find items. The activities are aimed at children “to do with family and friends” – there is an assumption that an adult will be helping younger children for many of them. In some cases this might be simply organizing, in others helping with sharp objects or kitchen appliances.

Of the 52 projects, many (maybe all) can be found in other places. That said, this is a really nicely done collection of ideas for families of young children, and also for children’s librarians looking for something new to try for a craft time or story hour. Instructions are clear and illustrations are colorful and relevant, whether demonstrating what the project might look like or showing step by step directions. Another plus was that projects primarily used easy-to-find, inexpensive or free materials, including items simply found in nature, allowing for plenty of creativity. Also, it’s a really attractive book! Would be great in a display; it’s easy to imagine it catching the attention of browsing patrons.

Reviewed by Jenny Martinez Nocito, Maine State Library

five-stars