Category: Book Reviews

A Comb of Wishes

A Comb of WishesA Comb of Wishes by Lisa Stringfellow
Published by Quill Tree Books/HarperCollins on February 8, 2022
ISBN: 0063043432
Pages: 272
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

“A Comb of Wishes” by Lisa Stringfellow tells the story of Kela, a 12 year-old girl who has recently lost her mother in a car accident. While exploring on the beach for supplies for her sea glass jewelry, she finds a mermaid’s comb. The mermaid whose comb it is, Ophidia, can sense that it is missing. To get it back, she must give Kela a wish. Kela wishes for her mother back, but is she prepared for the consequences?

Written in alternating voices between Kela and Ophidia, the book focuses on the importance of telling the truth, experiencing grief, while it weaves in Caribbean folklore about the sea. Characters are mostly believable and the storyline flows easily. Readers will want to know how Kela will fix everything. Aimed at kids grades 3-7, this middle grade book is not a must-buy for libraries, but a good addition where books about mermaids and folklore are popular.

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

three-stars

Gideon Green in Black and White

Gideon Green in Black and WhiteGideon Green in Black and White by Katie Henry
Published by Katherine Tegen Books on May 17, 2022
ISBN: 006295573X
Pages: 384
Genres: Mystery
Format: Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

“Gideon Green in Black and White” by Katie Henry is a humorous YA mystery where the title character, Gideon Green, navigates high school while helping his former best friend investigate a mystery that she has discovered while working for the school newspaper. A former boy detective (similar to Encyclopedia Brown), Gideon seems to be coded as neurodivergent, but it is never explicitly stated in the book. He is very literal; often misunderstands people; prefers his routine of going home and hanging out in his room and watching old noir films to socializing; experiences emotion, but displays them differently than most of the other people in his life; and doesn’t like change.

We follow Gideon as he helps his former friend, Lily, attempt to solve a series of crimes in their town, while trying to understand why their friendship ended, and how to let his father know that he is also suffering after the death of his mother (even if he doesn’t show it in neurotypical ways). The themes of friendship and family are shown throughout the book, amidst funny send-ups of noir and mystery tropes. Teens and adults who enjoy mysteries and like comedy will find this book full of laughs and heart.

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

four-stars

Sometimes Cake

Sometimes CakeSometimes Cake by Edwina Wyatt, Tamsin Ainslie
Published by Candlewick Press on January 4, 2022
ISBN: 1536217816
Pages: 32
Genres: Adventure
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

In its simplest form, this is a book about friendship between a tiny girl named Audrey and large Lion. But there is nothing simple about this book. It is profound! Lion enjoys celebrations. “What are you celebrating? asked Audrey. “Orange mostly,” said Lion. “Also yellow.” Audrey likes orange and yellow and suggests purple, too, and they have a grand time. This goes on until the day Lion is not celebrating because it is just an ordinary day. The give-and-take between the two friends is heartwarming as are the colored pencil and watercolor illustrations. Audrey finds a way to reciprocate goodness for the despondent Lion. After all that’s what friends are for … and to make a cake to share because it is Tuesday. Perfectly logical for a 3 or 4-year-old. This gentle book is a real charmer!

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

five-stars

Sanctuary: Kip Tiernan and Rosie’s Place, the Nation’s First Shelter for Women

Sanctuary: Kip Tiernan and Rosie’s Place, the Nation’s First Shelter for WomenSanctuary: Kip Tiernan and Rosie's Place, the Nation's First Shelter for Women by Christine McDonnell, Victoria Tentler-Krylov
Published by Candlewick Press on March 1, 2022
ISBN: 153621129X
Pages: 40
Genres: Biography/Autobiography
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

An outstanding biography of a women well known within the community service agencies of Boston, MA. Kip Tiernan learned to have compassion for those hungry and homeless at her grandmother’s knee. She went on to work in social service facilities and opened the first shelter for woman. The author introduces Tiernan as an extraordinary woman and continues the story with a full heart and hope filled pen. The illustrations perfectly complement the story line using a varied color pallet; as the years pass more color is introduced revealing the happiness of sharing within Rosie’s Place. Facial expressions and the gentle leaning in to listen to others fully illustrates the heart and love at this woman’s shelter.

The author has a personal relationship with Rosie’s Place, she speaks from experience. Sadly, the conditions in the 1930 and later are much like the homeless stories of our current time. This book is a valuable contribution to the children’s literary industry. If only every primary school, church and town hall had a copy of “Sanctuary “, society might see those around who need financial help, respect and health services. The back pages include more information about Tiernan and several of her inspirational quotes. Recommended purchase for all primary schools, public libraries and a great addition to Gr K – 3 classroom book collections.

Reviewed by Jan Hamilton, Retired Youth Services Librarian

five-stars

Meant To Be

Meant To BeMeant to Be by Jo Knowles
Published by Candlewick Press on March 15, 2022
ISBN: 1536210323
Pages: 224
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Moving to Applewood Heights has made Ivy’s life so better, so why does her family want to leave so badly? After all, her two best friends, Alice and Lucas are just an elevator ride away. They share a passion for the baking show, Bake It to Make It, and share their culinary creations with other residents in the building. But Ivy’s eternal optimism is challenged when she tries to push it on her friends, family, and others in the low-income apartment house. Building manager and fix-it mentor, Donnalyn, helps Ivy learn hands-on lessons on personal boundaries, listening to others, and how a to be a respectful, compassionate friend. Ivy also learns that not all residents, including her family, want to live at Applewood Heights.

A sequel to Jo Knowles book “Where the Heart Is,” “Meant to Be” is a perfect read for children ages 8-12 years old and would be a lovely addition any library.

Reviewed by Liz Davis, Children’s Librarian, Waterville Public Library

four-stars

What We Harvest

What We HarvestWhat We Harvest by Ann Fraistat
Published by Delacorte on March 15, 2022
ISBN: 0593382161
Pages: 336
Genres: Horror
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Scary from the cover till the end “What We Harvest” is a true horror story. In the first chapter we learn that four families in the town of Hollow’s End have experienced fantastic and surprising harvest for generations. Quickly it is evident that not everything is good this season as the crops and animals are dying. Wren and her ex-boyfriend Derek are the perfect teens to address the problems and try to save their town. Together they face horrifying situations and reveal terrible truths to readers. Although humans are disappearing into the woods a family dog and a brave horse become heroes in several action-packed occasions.

This is Fraistat’s first novel; she has created an alternate reality where the blight is ugly, the smells are foul and the sounds of the infected people are horrific. This book is well written using lots of graphic images. Embracing the horror, this title is recommended to all high school and public libraries. “What We Harvest “would be an excellent title to use for an adult/teen book group. Readers who find this book entertaining will soon progress to the many books written by Stephen King.

Reviewed by Jan Hamilton, Retired Youth Services Librarian

five-stars

Winnie Zeng Unleashes A Legend

Winnie Zeng Unleashes A LegendWinnie Zeng Unleashes a Legend by Katie Zhao
Series: Winnie Zeng #1
Published by Random House Books for Young Readers on April 26, 2022
ISBN: 0593426576
Pages: 288
Genres: Fantasy, Humor, Supernatural
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

The level of action and the degree of humor makes this first book in the Winnie Zeng series a winner. As a new sixth grader Winnie has a full plate; her parents expect excellent grades, she wants to win a piano competition, and as a Chinese American she faces discrimination in her home town. If nothing else, Winnie has staying power; her character is a strong young woman who just might save her hometown.

Fantasy is a popular middle school genre; readers can get caught up in the story line even if they do not identify with the characters. Winnie is able to contact her deceased grandmother’s spirit while making a family treat recipe. Humor is employed to assist the paranormal theme which is both funny and scary.

Character development is only outdone by the fresh look at a Chinese American family and their cultural traditions. In addition to the spirit of her grandmother readers are introduced to the heroine’s parents, and her nemesis David. This is a good start for a series that will be enjoyed by most 4th -7th graders. Librarians in intermediate and middle schools as well as public librarians will want to start collecting this new series.

Reviewed by Jan Hamilton, Retired Youth Services Librarian

four-stars

Natural Genius of Ants

Natural Genius of AntsThe Natural Genius of Ants by Betty Culley
Published by Crown Books for Young Readers on May 10, 2022
ISBN: 0593175778
Pages: 240
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Ten-year-old Harvard Corson’s father made a mistake. But doctor’s mistakes are deadly, and Dr. Marshall Corson has lost his footing, perhaps even his family. A summer vacation in his dad’s childhood village of Kettle Hole, Maine just might spark hope for the Corson family. Betty Culley skillfully transports the reader to summertime in rural Maine, where life is simple, and healing can begin. Both playful and serious, it addresses hard topics in a tender way, showing that every family navigates their own struggles. Not unlike the glass ant farm filled with carpenter ants, the people of Kettle Hole care for their own. This story is filled with friendship, family, forgiveness, and ant facts. Who could ask for more?

I recommend this book for every school or public library. Best suited for ages 9 and up. It should also be considered for Cream of the Crop.

Reviewed by Liz Davis, Children’s Librarian, Waterville Public Library.

five-stars

Private Label

Private LabelPrivate Label by Kelly Yang
Published by Katherine Tegen Books on May 31, 2022
ISBN: 0062941100
Pages: 416
Genres: Realistic Fiction, Romance
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

A coming-of-age story that goes beyond the typical themes of YA materials. Serene is a strong but somewhat misguided Asian teen in a nearly total white wealthy beach community. Within the story line she becomes more focused and challenged by life situations and the fashion world. Lian is an outsider from China who suffers with high parental expectations as he tries to find himself. Private Label approaches many social and sexual issues common to the YA experience. Romance is in the air while loss is a looming threat to both of these well-defined characters. Readers watch Serene and Lian develop as individuals while they support each other in their search for answers.

Some may think it unlikely that a teenage girl would control a fashion house but readers will cheer for Serene. This is a good read that touches on family relationships, bully behavior, racism, loss, sexual exploration, and first love. Add to high school’s media centers and consider for public library older YA collections.

Reviewed by Jan Hamilton, Retired Youth Services Librarian

four-stars

Star Knights

Star KnightsStar Knights by Kay Davault
Published by Random House Graphic on July 5, 2022
ISBN: 0593303644
Pages: 240
Genres: Animals, Fantasy, Supernatural
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
three-stars

Tad is a frog who has big dreams of becoming a Star Knight and defeating the Marsh Witch and the Fallen Fauna. When Tad gets his chance, he realizes that becoming a hero is not as easy as it seems. There are journeys and adventures, but some of the work must also come from inside. Tad learns that to be a true hero, one must face their own prejudices and learn how to find the good in all creatures. This graphic novel was illustrated digitally using Clip Studio Paint and Photoshop. The vibrant colors, cute woodland animals, and expressive eyes of the characters will appeal to young readers who are looking for manga-inspired illustrations. This sweet, fast-paced story is recommended for grades 3 and up.

Reviewed by Elizabeth Andersen, Dyer Elementary School

three-stars