Category: Book Reviews

Jingle Bells

Jingle BellsJingle Bells: Sing Along With Me! by James Lord Pierpont, Yu-Hsuan Huang
Published by Nosy Crow on September 6, 2022
Pages: 8
Genres: Holiday
Format: Board Book
Goodreads
four-stars

A traditional song is brought to life by the adorable illustrations in this board book. Complete with slide outs and finger holds, this perfectly-sized book depicts the sense of sharing and community that appeals to toddlers and their readers. The font is clear and large enough for emerging readers to share with their younger siblings. Depicted as a polar bear, Santa travels on foot as well as on his sleigh bringing gifts to a variety of animal characters. All the animals are fully involved as they prepare for Christmas by practicing instruments and playing in snow, as well as delivering gifts and goodies to neighbors.

“Jingle Bells” is a new addition to the Sing Along With ME series. This book is an excellent selection for older toddlers. Public librarians who collect board books are sure to want this title in their collection.

Reviewed by Jan Hamilton, Retired Youth Services Librarian

four-stars

Nine Liars

Nine LiarsNine Liars (Truly Devious, #5) by Maureen Johnson
Published by Katherine Tegen Books on December 27, 2022
ISBN: 0063032651
Pages: 464
Genres: Mystery
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Called book five in the Truly Devious series, this book, like book four, could be a stand-alone mystery. Readers would have to accept that the relationships and dynamics of Stevie Bell and her friends would be better understood by reading the previous books, particularly books 1-3, but the mystery here needs no back reading.

Stevie is having a tough senior year, suffering from a form of imposter syndrome where she worries that her skill at solving mysteries is not enough to check off all of the boxes on a college application. She fears that she was accepted to Ellingham Academy on the strength of her resolve to solve the decades-old mystery of the disappearance of Alice Ellingham and now that the mystery is wrapped up, questions what she offers as a student or a person. Amidst this existential crisis, one that illustrates how invaluable it is that teens have a few trusted adults in their lives to talk with, Stevie is invited by her boyfriend, David, to England, where he is studying, to take a crack at a cold-case.

Stevie accepts, and her friends accompany her, which makes more sense if you’ve read the previous books, and goes off, once more, to put her powers of deduction to the test. The chapters of the book alternate between Stevie’s present day and the time period when the murders were committed. The cast of the past is a colorful group reminiscent of Stevie and her friends though Stevie is sure that one of them is a murderer who got away with it.

With a Clue-like feel, this book is a romp, albeit a dark one, through mystery tropes with some teen angst thrown in. Readers will not be able to put it down and this reviewer hopes that there are further mysteries to solve in Stevie’s future.

Reviewed by Jill O’Connor, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth

four-stars

Bitter

BitterBitter by Akwaeke Emezi
Published by Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers on February 15, 2022
ISBN: 0593309030
Pages: 272
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Called a companion novel to Emezi’s debut YA novel Pet, this book is actually a prequel but stands on its own as a stunning novel about the power of art and the difficulty in drawing a line between art and reality, revenge and justice, and safety and freedom.

The book follows Bitter, a teen who has been knocked around by the foster system and who has found a haven in the art-focused boarding school Eucalyptus.  Bitter is afraid to venture out of the school and mingle with the young activists fighting for a better world, often at the expense of their physical safety. When an event causes harm to people Bitter cares about, she concentrates all of her rage and despair into her canvas, accidentally unleashing a vengeful angel who will stop at nothing to expose and punish those leaders who would sacrifice young lives to retain their own power.

The book is masterfully crafted and offers thought-provoking scenarios that force the reader to question their own views on justice and freedom and the power of voice. Hand to readers who question the power of activism and who see art as a vehicle for change.

Reviewed by Jill O’Connor, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth

five-stars

The Name She Gave Me

The Name She Gave MeThe Name She Gave Me by Betty Culley
Published by HarperCollins US on October 5, 2022
ISBN: 0063157837
Pages: 416
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

A coming of age YA novel told through the lens of a teenage girl who was adopted as a baby and who longs for a connection with her birth family despite pushback from her cold, distant adoptive mother.  All that Rynn has from her birth mother is a name given to her by that mother. She is not allowed to access her records until she is 18, but she is able to find an uncle and through him learn that she has a half sister, Ella, who lives close by with her foster mother. Rynn’s quest for knowledge drives a terrible wedge at home and ignites the abusive anger of her adoptive mother (this could be triggering for some readers) forcing Rynn to leave home and stay with her best friend’s family. Her adoptive father is gentle and supportive, but lacks the tools to support Rynn’s journey of self-discovery (at least directly).

The novel, told in verse, moves between Rynn and her newly-discovered sister, and gorgeously details the feelings of loss, the awkwardness of forging new family relationships, and the hope that comes with discovery. Culley had her own personal journey with an adoptive family and the feelings and experiences ring with authenticity. A powerful book, beautifully written, and recommended to any reader who enjoys realistic family stories and novels in verse.

Reviewed by Jill O’Connor, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth

five-stars

Stacey’s Remarkable Books

Stacey’s Remarkable BooksStacey's Remarkable Books by Kitt Thomas, Stacey Abrams
Published by HarperCollins US on April 5, 2023
ISBN: 0063271850
Pages: 32
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

When a new friend from Vietnam pulls Stacey our of her book reverie and into conversation, Stacey can’t wait to share her enthusiasm for the school library. Her friend, Julie, shares that she isn’t comfortable reading in English yet, so with the help of the school librarian, Stacey sets out to start a reading club with options for everyone.

The illustrations are colorful and look like animation. This vibrant, inclusive story is a great choice for a school library or classroom read aloud book and it might even inspire some multilingual or multicultural book choices.

Bonus! There is a nice author’s note by Stacey Abrams about reconnecting with the childhood friend the story is based on and a list of Stacey’s Remarkable Books to give the reader a solid list of reading suggestions.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

four-stars

Ebonwilde

EbonwildeEbonwilde by Crystal Smith
Published by Clarion Books on April 12, 2022
ISBN: 1328496325
Pages: 512
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Ebonwilde is the third and final volume in the Bloodleaf series.  Told in short chapters with different points of view and time periods, it catches up with Aurelia as she rises from a magic-induced sleep and searches for her family and friends, while Fidelis, a dangerous and powerful mind-controller, amasses followers.

The book is well written, has multi-dimensional characters, and has created interesting folklore. It would be essential for libraries that have the prior two books, Bloodleaf and Greythorne. Fantasy/magic and romance fans will like it, as will fans of Game of Thrones.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

 

four-stars

The Burning Swift

The Burning SwiftThe Burning Swift by Joseph Elliott
Published by Walker Books US on January 4, 2022
ISBN: 1536207497
Pages: 336
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

“The Burning Swift” by Joseph Elliott is the third and final installment of the Shadow Skye trilogy, a teen fantasy series set in a mythical version of Scotland. Our protagonists come from different clans: Agatha is a Hawk, Jaime is an Angler, and they partner with Sigrid who has an amazing memory. They must unite Scotia and the Isle of Skye against the coming war.

Fans of fantasy, especially those who enjoyed the Chronicles of Prydain by Lloyd Alexander, will feel at home in this series. The characters are unique and keep the novel from being just another standard fantasy. Not a must-buy, but the series is a good additional purchase at libraries where teen fantasy is popular.

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

three-stars

Finding Jupiter

Finding JupiterFinding Jupiter by Kelis Rowe
Published by Crown Books for Young Readers on May 31, 2022
ISBN: 0593429257
Pages: 320
Genres: Romance
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

“Finding Jupiter” by Kelis Rowe is a young adult romance with two protagonists that have tragic backstories. Ray is named after her father who died on her birthday and feels like she can’t separate herself from that tragedy. Orion’s little sister died in a crash years ago and he can’t get his happy family back. The two meet and sparks fly. There’s supposed to be a huge plot twist, but readers will likely figure it out early on.

Characters are interesting, especially that Orion has sensory processing disorder, which I haven’t often seen in Black book characters. The plot feels a little rushed. Told from the alternating points of view, I found Ray’s chapters more compelling than Orion’s, but both were well done. A good alternate purchase for libraries who have a large young adult fiction collection.

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

three-stars

Creep: A Love Story

Creep: A Love StoryCreep: A Love Story by Lygia Day Peñaflor
Published by HarperCollins US on February 1, 2023
ISBN: 035869292X
Pages: 272
Genres: Suspense
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

“Creep: A Love Story” by Lygia Day Peñaflor is a young adult thriller where the main character, Rafi, becomes obsessed with Laney and Nico, her high school’s perfect couple. Rafi finds ways to get involved in their lives and the title “creep” is completely accurate. When Laney and Nico’s relationship hits the rocks, Rafi can’t handle it and goes to extremes to get them back together.

The level of creepiness in this book is off the charts, and even make you feel like you are also creeping on Laney and Nico’s relationship. Character building felt a little weak and while the plot keeps twisting and keeping the reader in suspense about what will happen next, I never really cared about the main characters. A suggested purchase for young adult collections where psychological thrillers are popular.

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

three-stars

Children of Ragnarok

Children of RagnarokChildren of Ragnarok (Runestone Saga, #1) by Cinda Williams Chima
Published by Balzer&Bray on November 8, 2022
Pages: 536
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

“Children of Ragnarok” by Cinda Williams Chima is the start of a young adult Norse-based fantasy epic. If you like your books long and filled with magic and machinations, this book is for you. Following Eiric and his half-sister Liv, who comes with her own mysterious background, we explore the world and its politics. After killing their stepfather to protect themselves, they are forced to take on a quest. Another storyline features Reggin, a magical healer who is enslaved by a demon.

Though slow at times, the novel features plenty of adventure and the characters are extremely compelling. Readers will want to know how the characters will eventually meet and how they will hopefully be successful in their quests. Aimed at teens and young adults, this is a must-buy for libraries with a strong YA fantasy collection.

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

four-stars