Category: Book Reviews

Grumpy Monkey: Who Threw That?

Grumpy Monkey: Who Threw That?Grumpy Monkey Who Threw That?: A Graphic Novel Chapter Book by Max Lang, Suzanne Lang
Published by Random House Studio on September 27, 2022
ISBN: 0593306058
Pages: 88
Genres: Animals, Humor
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
four-stars

Adorable, funny, informative, entertaining. This delightful graphic novel works just fine as a standalone but will certainly appeal to Grumpy Monkey fans.

Grumpy Monkey (actually a chimpanzee and not a monkey but nicknamed as such because his mother says it sounds better) becomes wildly annoyed with Oxpecker. After declaring Oxpecker a nincompoop, an incident occurs in which a banana peel falls from a tree and onto Oxpecker’s lady love. Of course, Grumpy Monkey denies playing a part in the offensive act and decides to leave the jungle with his buddy Norman the gorilla in tow. The two wander into the desert to embark on an adventure and some self-discovery.

Bonus: nonfiction information, including scientific facts and a recipe, are sprinkled throughout the book.

Themes include managing emotions, telling the truth, accepting others’ flaws, friendship, and community. Younger elementary-aged children would likely enjoy this book best, and it’s sure to circulate while generating lots of laughs. Recommended for any library that serves 6-9 year-olds.

Reviewed by Kristi Favaloro, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars

Maybe an Artist

Maybe an ArtistMaybe an Artist, a Graphic Memoir by Liz Montague
Published by Random House Studio on October 18, 2022
ISBN: 059330781X
Pages: 176
Genres: Biography/Autobiography
Format: Graphic Novel, Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

At what point in our lives does the tiny seed of a big dream first emerge? What, exactly, causes us to either nourish or squelch its growth?

Montague’s graphic memoir allows readers to spectate as she goes through phases of celebrating her passions and then discarding them in pursuit of more pragmatic goals. Themes include living as a young Black American, witnessing xenophobia post-9/11, navigating relationships as a teen, and dealing with the pressure of others’ expectations.

Montague went on to become a cartoonist, writer, and illustrator for the New Yorker and many other notable publications and organizations. Her story is one that will resonate with many teens; her passions and talents do not always align with how she and others envision her future, so she finds herself struggling to find balance. Highly recommended for any library that serves teens.

Reviewed by Kristi Favaloro, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars

Scout is Not a Band Kid

Scout is Not a Band KidScout Is Not a Band Kid by Jade Armstrong
Published by Random House Graphic on April 5, 2022
ISBN: 0593176235
Pages: 272
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
four-stars

Scout is an eighth grader who is obsessed with meeting her favorite author. This author is getting up in years and will be retiring soon. She learns the author will be at an event far from her home, and she is convinced she has no way to get there…. Or does she…. When she finds out the band from her school will be at this festival, Scout decides to join the band. The only problem is that she can’t play an instrument. How hard can that be—turns out, it is much harder than she thought.

Scout is a very self-centered character who has no problem lying or doing whatever it takes to get what she wants. Even when it affects others in the band, she puts herself first throughout most of the story. She does manage to redeem herself and somehow make it all work out. Merrin, is a serious and accomplished trombone player who is called on to help Scout. Readers will feel Merrin’s pain as she struggles to tutor the unmotivated Scout and not lose her cool. The illustrations are a spot on depiction of middle grade students and their school lives and band days.

The back pages include character sketches, band member and instrument sketches as well as a note from the author discussing their inspiration for the story. This is an excellent graphic novel that will be of particular interest to band kids and kids who understand the importance of meeting your favorite author.

Reviewed by Terri Bauld, Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, ME

four-stars

The Wonders We Seek: Thirty Incredible Muslims Who Helped Shape the World

The Wonders We Seek: Thirty Incredible Muslims Who Helped Shape the WorldThe Wonders We Seek: Thirty Incredible Muslims Who Helped Shape the World by Aneesa Mumtaz, Saadia Faruqi, Saffa Khan
Published by Quill Tree Books on June 7, 2022
ISBN: 0062973444
Pages: 160
Genres: Biography/Autobiography, Non-Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

This is a collective biography highlighting 30 Muslims who have made noteworthy contributions to the world throughout history. The book begins with a letter from the authors explaining their motivation for telling these stories—the desire for readers to be aware of the amazing contributions of Muslims, to be awed and inspired, and to have Muslim readers feel pride and joy in their heritage.

Many of the people highlighted in this book are not well known – in fact this may be the first time young readers have heard of them and their accomplishments. Thirty Muslims are highlighted in this book and offer a diverse representation of skills and accomplishments: a surgeon, a female king, scientists, warriors, poets and an Islamic feminist, for example. Although the profiles are short, they provide enough information for readers to get a basic understanding of the notable achievements. The artwork is engaging and rich with colorful illustrations of the subjects set off against the rich palette of the book which is dark, earthy tones of blue, green, rusts and greys.

This well written book accomplishes the writers’ goal of informing readers of the amazing contributions of Muslims throughout history and is a strong addition to both public and school libraries.

Reviewed by Terri Bauld, Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, ME

four-stars

Mayor Good Boy Goes to Hollywood

Mayor Good Boy Goes to HollywoodMayor Good Boy: A Graphic Novel by Dave Scheidt, Miranda Harmon
Published by Random House Graphic on September 1, 2022
ISBN: 0593124898
Genres: Animals, Humor
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
four-stars

This is the second graphic novel in the Mayor Good Boy series, and this book will not disappoint those who enjoyed the first. Mayor Good Boy, the adorable white fluffy dog mayor is back starring in his own movie set in his town of Greenwood. Unfortunately, not everyone is as excited about Mayor Good Boy’s starring role and are causing trouble. Thank goodness for interns Abby and Aaron who are willing and able to do what it takes to get things turned around.

This story reinforces the importance of supporting each other and working together. The illustrations, set in 4 to 6 panel layouts, are bright and colorful with easy to read to text blocks. The back pages include recipes from the four characters that include Peanut Butter and Banana Smoothie, Cheese Popcorn , Worms of Dirt, and Root Beer Floats. This fast-paced story will appeal to dog lovers and readers who like plenty of humor in their graphic novels and is a nice addition for readers aged 7 to 10.

Reviewed by Terri Bauld, Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, ME

four-stars

New Pup on the Block

New Pup on the BlockNew Pup on the Block (Wednesday and Woof, #2) by Gladys Jose, Sherri Winston
Published by HarperCollins on May 24, 2022
ISBN: 0062976079
Pages: 96
Genres: Mystery
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

This is the second book in the early chapter series, Wednesday and Woof, and the mysteries continue! The Woof Detective Agency that includes Wednesday Nadir and her dog, Woof are back at solving mysteries in their neighborhood. The story is fast paced with short chapters that include colorful illustrations on every page, including depictions of Wednesday’s Book of Detective Tips. Throughout the book, milestone markers appear informing young readers of their literacy progress and encouraging them to keep going. The back pages offer congratulations on reading the entire book with a breakdown of how many chapters, pages and words were read. This is an excellent book to add to the early chapter book section, and is ideal for readers who have moved up from early readers and are ready to read more independently.

Reviewed by Terri Bauld, Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library

four-stars

Kay’s Anatomy: A Complete (and completely disgusting) Guide to the Human Body

Kay’s Anatomy: A Complete (and completely disgusting) Guide to the Human BodyKay's Anatomy: A Complete (and Completely Disgusting) Guide to the Human Body by Adam Kay, Henry Paker
Published by Delacorte Press on July 26, 2022
ISBN: 0593483405
Pages: 416
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

The human body is not only fascinating and extraordinary, it is also pretty weird. This guide to the human body will answer important questions such as — are boogers safe to eat? How much of your life is spent on the toilet? Fourteen chapters of doctor guided information that covers a broad range of body parts as well as common conditions. Also included, is straightforward talk on anxiety, depression, the dangers of smoking, drugs & alcohol, and a chapter on life and death. The book is both informational and entertaining with plenty of poop and fart references to keep middle school students laughing. The black and white illustrations are playful and humorous with labeled cutaway views to further convey the information. The illustrations are plentiful and appear throughout the book.

This is a nice to book to supplement a more conventional book on the body as at times more information on the topic would be beneficial. It is, however, a fun book that will provide readers with fun insights into the human body. The back pages include a glossary, index, and further reading suggestions. Recommended for readers ages 10 to 14.

Reviewed by Terri Bauld, Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, ME

four-stars

Ghostlight

GhostlightGhostlight by Kenneth Oppel
Published by Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers on September 6, 2022
ISBN: 0593487931
Pages: 400
Genres: Adventure, Supernatural
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Kenneth Oppel’s “Ghostlight” is a middle-grade supernatural adventure. Gabe, a teenager  who doesn’t believe in ghosts, works as a tour guide for the Ghost Tour at the Gibraltar Point Lighthouse. By repeating the name of a ghost several times during the course of the tour, he awakens Rebecca Strand, a girl who died back in the 1830s while fighting evil ghosts at the lighthouse. Now Gabe and his friends must come together to fight back against a powerful and evil ghost.

The plot is unique and interesting and the theme of friendship comes through clearly. The story felt a little long and convoluted at times, but good characterization helps keep readers interested. Aimed at kids aged 11-15, “Ghostlight” is a suggested purchase where supernatural middle-grade novels or Oppel’s other books are popular.

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

four-stars

Smashie McPerter and the Shocking Rocket Robbery

Smashie McPerter and the Shocking Rocket RobberySmashie McPerter and the Shocking Rocket Robbery by Kate Hindley, N. Griffin
Published by Candlewick Press on February 8, 2022
ISBN: 0763694703
Pages: 272
Genres: Mystery
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Smashie McPerter and her best friend Dontel are back and working together to solve mysteries! This time they have several mysteries to investigate on the day of their field trip. Someone stole Dontel’s technically correct drawing of a space rocket, right out of a backpack! Then, on the way to the planetarium, the class’s special space snacks kept disappearing and someone stole one of Smashie’s fancy hats! The two start their investigations, but then Smashie becomes a prime suspect, putting their friendship, and the investigations, in jeopardy.

This is the third book in the Smashie McPerter mystery series and readers who enjoyed the previous books will no doubt enjoy this one as well. The nice thing about this series is that each book works as a stand alone; readers do not have to read the previous books to understand and enjoy this one. The book is fast-paced and there are clues and red herrings throughout that keep readers thinking. Appropriate for upper elementary readers, this book will appeal to mystery fans and would be a great book to check-out.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library, Orono, ME

three-stars

Why? Animals

Why? AnimalsWhy? Animals: Cool Questions and Awesome Answers by Julie Beer
Published by National Geographic Kids on September 20, 2022
ISBN: 1426372752
Pages: 192
Genres: Animals, Non-Fiction
Format: Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

This is the first in a brand new series of books from National Geographic Kids, and this book’s focus is animals. Filled to the brim with information on a wide range of animals, this book will have high appeal to children who love facts! The question and answer format works very well when accompanied by such superb photography, clearly written text and fantastic layout. The questions are interesting and diverse – from things children may never have thought of to very straightforward questions. In addition to the questions and answers, tips from in-the-field experts are included. Topic covered are wide in scope and vary from protecting animals to taking better photos of your pets. The back pages include an index and credits. This is an excellent book that will keep children from ages 8 to 12 occupied for hours. A strong addition to any library.

Reviewed by Terri Bauld, Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, ME

four-stars