Category: Book Reviews

Well, That Was Unexpected

Well, That Was UnexpectedWell, That Was Unexpected by Jesse Q. Sutanto
Published by Delacorte Press on September 27, 2022
ISBN: 0593433971
Pages: 352
Genres: Humor, Realistic Fiction, Romance
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

A fun Crazy-Rich-Asians-style novel written for a YA audience.

Sharlot and George are two teens in Jakarta, Indonesia (she’s an Indo-American visiting family for the summer, he’s from a super-wealthy Indo family) whose parents – his dad, her mom – unknowingly catfish each other on a dating app on behalf of their respective teen. Their efforts to impress each other by boasting of exaggerated traditional virtues do not represent either teen, so neither looks forward to meeting the other. When they do meet, however, they are attracted to each other – though that attraction is complicated by them each believing the other to be also different (and less likeable) due to their (parent created) online persona. Neither is honest with the other, fearing rejection. Ultimately, an ambitious reporter exposes all in a cringe-worthy reveal that finally brings the only dragging plot point (constant looping thoughts from both characters about what would happen if they were honest) to a close.

The novel, told in alternating POV from both Sharlot and George, has laugh-out-loud moments, and also tackles some high interest topics that teens all over the world deal with: social media; double standards for boys and girls (even in the same situation); insecurities; family dynamics in a media-obsessed (and accessible) age. The book is set in Indonesia, so there is also plenty of scenery, food, and culture to soak up – I felt a little like I was on a mini-vacation while reading it. Great for teens who like lighthearted realistic fiction. Ages 14+.

Reviewed by Jenny Martinez Nocito, Maine State Library

five-stars

Dark Room Etiquette

Dark Room EtiquetteDark Room Etiquette by Robin Roe
Published by HarperTeen on October 11, 2022
ISBN: 0063051737
Pages: 512
Genres: Horror
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Sayers Wayte is kidnapped by a man who informs him that the life he’s lived so far is a lie. Locked in a room with no hope of release and very little information about why, Sayers must figure out a say to survive and hold onto his sanity. What starts out as another YA novel about a privileged high school student turns into a thriller.

Sayers has everything going for him yet he becomes drawn into a horrific situation that is bound to make readers uncomfortable. Roe’s character is confident in his ability to influence people and to manipulate his surroundings until he is unable to control anything. Other characters introduced in the first 80 pages are less defined until readers meet Caleb. Horror, cruelty and absence of reality account for the turn this novel takes. While the plot does truly thicken it is the alternate reality that makes this psychological thriller an emotional read.

Although not a book for all students this deserves a place in any collection where YA thrillers are appreciated. Young adult and adult Stephen King readers will enjoy this survival story of a resilient teen.

Reviewed by Jan Hamilton, Retired Youth Services Librarian

four-stars

Camp Scare

Camp ScareCamp Scare by Delilah S. Dawson
Published by Delacorte Press on August 2, 2022
ISBN: 059337326X
Pages: 288
Genres: Horror, Supernatural, Suspense
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Inspired by the author’s own traumatic week at sleepaway camp in 1988, Camp Scare is a tense, unsettling book about the lasting effects of bullying. After a bullying incident is recorded and goes viral at her school, 12 year-old Parker is given a scholarship to Camp Care, a summer camp which prides itself on being bully-free. Her excitement  to make new friends is quickly extinguished by the discovery that one of her bullies from back home is in her cabin and is determined to ruin Parker’s chance of having a fun, normal week of camp. Parker then turns to another outcast camper, who, unbeknownst to her, is a vengeful ghost.

The ghost plot, while important, is secondary in this book, which is mostly concerned with bullies. The adult characters are infuriating in their inability to recognize and intervene with Parker’s tormentors.

This book is decent, but cynical enough so that it would maybe be better off in a teen room. However, the characters are twelve so it’s clearly meant to be middle grade. The bullying that the ghost experienced is really horrific and involves a death that is reported as a suicide (which is a misunderstanding of events). The book is bleak and the resolution between the two main characters is forced; it seems as though the bully would never have had a change of heart if she hadn’t had her life threatened by the ghost. Older R.L. Stine or Christopher Pike fans might enjoy it, but it’s not the intro to the horror genre it appears to be at first glance.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

three-stars

Clarice Bean Thinks Like an Elf

Clarice Bean Thinks Like an ElfClarice Bean, Think Like an Elf by Lauren Child
Published by Candlewick Press on September 13, 2022
Pages: 240
Genres: Humor, Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

A middle grade Christmas novel illustrated with Child’s appealing sketch-and-collage designs. Illustrations are playful, storyline is entertaining, messages are positive, ending is happy. Given Clarice Bean’s popularity, this will probably be a holiday book that will circulate, especially among young middle grade readers looking for something seasonal.
Recommend for ages 8-12.

Reviewed by Jenny Martinez Nocito, Maine State Library

three-stars

Mommy’s Hometown

Mommy’s HometownMommy's Hometown by Hope Lim, Jaime Kim
Published by Candlewick Press on April 12, 2022
ISBN: 1536213322
Pages: 32
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

“Mommy’s Hometown” is a picture book written by Hope Lim and illustrated by Jaime Kim about a child and their mother going to their mother’s hometown in Korea from America. Loosely based on Lim’s experience of bringing her family from America to visit her hometown in Korea, the book starts out with the child remembering the stories that their mother has told them about her hometown. Excited to visit, the child is confused when they get to mommy’s hometown and find that it has been built up into a large city now. Things don’t seem to look like they pictured. Is anything the same?

Illustrations are colorful and clean, but with plenty of detail. Even though the city looks different now, the colors and style of the pictures still make it seem warm and inviting. The idea that we can make our own new memories while some things may change  and some things may stay the same is beautifully expressed. Written for children age 3-8, this book is a suggested purchase for your library’s picture book collection.

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

four-stars

I’m a Volcano

I’m a VolcanoI'm a Volcano! by Bridget Heos, Mike Ciccotello
Published by Crown Books for Young Readers on October 25, 2022
ISBN: 0593302885
Pages: 40
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
three-stars

“I’m a Volcano” is the second book in the “Science Buddies” series by Bridget Heos. A non-fiction picture book about volcanoes, this book falls somewhere in between the early reader non-fiction and the middle grade non-fiction categories. The illustrations are hilarious and there is good information, but it is a bit too wordy for younger children and a bit too short for older kids. Includes a glossary and suggested further reading. Aimed at kids 6-9 years old, this book is good, but not a must-buy for a library collection.

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

three-stars

The Terribles: Welcome to Stubtoe Elementary

The Terribles: Welcome to Stubtoe ElementaryThe Terribles #1: Welcome to Stubtoe Elementary by Travis Nichols
Published by Random House Books for Young Readers on July 5, 2022
ISBN: 0593425715
Pages: 240
Genres: Humor
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

“Welcome to Stubtoe Elementary” is the first book in “The Terribles” series by Travis Nichols. The style is similar to “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” or the “StickDog” series with a mixture of illustrations and boxed comics style as well as straight up text. Stubtoe Elementary is where monster children go to school, including vampires, werewolves, invisible people, and gelatinous blobs. Each chapter features a different character and is reminiscent of the “Wayside School” series with plenty of weirdness and humor.

About a third of the book is illustrated, and the style is a lot more cute and funny than scary. This book would be a good option for kids who have already read through the “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” or “Star Wars: Jedi Academy” series. Aimed at ages 8-12, this book is a suggested purchase for all school and public libraries.

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

four-stars

Marco Polo Brave Explorer

Marco Polo Brave ExplorerMarco Polo Brave Explorer by Cynthia Lord, Stephanie Graegin
on October 4, 2022
Pages: 80
Genres: Animals
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

“Marco Polo Brave Explorer” is the second book in the “Book Buddies” series, featuring stuffed animals that are able to be checked out at the library and the adventures they go on after being borrowed. Written by Cynthia Lord and illustrated by Stephanie Graegin, the book follows Marco the stuffed mouse  as he becomes a book buddy and accompanies his borrower, Seth, on a sleep over. Seth is nervous about the sleep over and hopes brave Marco will help him be brave.

Themes of friendship and facing your fears will resonate with young readers. The illustrations are black and white, but are detailed and very cute and add to the story. Recommended for ages 6-9, this beginner chapter book is not a must-buy, but is a good addition to your early chapter book section.

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

three-stars

Don’t Eat Bees

Don’t Eat BeesDon't Eat Bees: Life Lessons from Chip the Dog by Dev Petty, Mike Boldt
Published by Doubleday Books for Young Readers on May 31, 2022
ISBN: 0593433122
Pages: 32
Genres: Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Chip is a wise dog. He knows a lot of things, and most of them involve what to eat and what not to eat. Do eat homework, don’t eat bees. Do eat Thanksgiving turkey, don’t eat bees. Do eat socks…again, don’t eat bees.

This is a funny and fun read that will have kids giggling throughout. Chip is silly and quirky and definitely goofy. The illustrations add even more humor to the story by giving motion and emotion to Chip’s antics and suggestions. They also show a softer side to Chip and how much he cares about his humans (especially the small humans). This is a fun story that would be good as a read aloud for kids 3 and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

three-stars

Mystery of the Monarchs

Mystery of the MonarchsThe Mystery of the Monarchs by Barb Rosenstock
Published by Alfred A. Knopf Pages: 32
Genres: Animals, Biography/Autobiography
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

This book tells the true story of Fred and Norah Urquhart and their quest to uncover the secrets of monarch migration. It begins with Fred as a young boy observing bugs and monarchs and ends with the Urquharts finally helping to discover the overwintering grounds of millions of monarchs in Mexico.

This is a great book for young scientists and would be a wonderful addition to a school classroom, especially if they were going to tag monarchs. The text is a bit dense and somewhat long so this book is best as a one-on-one read aloud or for readers 5 and older.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars