Category: Book Reviews

Who Are Your People

Who Are Your PeopleWho Are Your People? by Bakari Sellers, Reggie Brown
Published by Quill Tree Books on January 11, 2022
ISBN: 0063082853
Pages: 32
Genres: Cultural / African American
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Who Are Your People is a response to the questions, “Where are you from?” It is a call to African American children to be proud of their roots. The illustrations depict slavery, oppression, and marching, paired with words that focus on the strengths and courage of the people that lived through it.

As the pictorial history is being told to the reader, is it also being told to two children by their father. The story ends with the three family members joining their extended family for a picnic in the current day. Their family includes three generations, with straight and gay couples. The book talks about community, how we build each other up, and “stand on the shoulders” of our ancestors.

This story is uplifting and a good way to start conversations. It would make a nice introduction for older kids, to then research further into each event or person depicted in the illustrious.

The illustrations are a little too cartoony for my taste, but the book is a wonderful celebration of history and has a great message about how to remember the past.

Recommended for ages 4-10.

Reviewed by Katie Drago, Children’s Librarian, Rockland Public Library, Rockland, ME

four-stars

Welcome Back Maple Mehta-Cohen

Welcome Back Maple Mehta-CohenWelcome Back, Maple Mehta-Cohen by Kate McGovern
Published by Candlewick Press on October 12, 2021
ISBN: 1536215589
Pages: 288
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

What would happen if the secret that you can not read is uncovered? In “Welcome Back Maple Mehta-Cohen” our lead character Maple learns that she is being held back. She will spend another year with her fifth-grade teacher, Ms. Littleton-Chan, the observant young teacher who had Maple tested. Not only ashamed of the label “dyslexic” Maple also can’t move up to the sixth-grade floor with her best friends Aislinn and Marigold. Her panicked reaction to the situation leads to a web of lies that Maple finds herself entangled in.

This book deals with the stigma and real feelings dyslexic students may find themselves in. Also, Maple’s loving, multi-ethnic, family reflects the support and compassion any child would cherish. Even though the story can be a bit “clunky” at times and the ending is a bit rushed, “Welcome Back Maple Mehta-Cohen” addresses an important topic and would benefit any library collection.

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

three-stars

Thornlight

ThornlightThornlight (Foxheart, #2) by Claire Legrand
Published by Greenwillow Books on April 20, 2021
ISBN: 0062696661
Pages: 464
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Claire Legrande continues her Foxheart series with book #2, “Thornelight”. In its pages, we meet twin sisters Briar and Thorne Skystone who could not be more different. Both siblings work for the kingdom of the Vale, province of Westlin. Briar, the hero of the kingdom, harvests lightning astride her unicorn Norro. Soft-hearted and mousey, Thorne works as a gutter cleaner. She wishes that she could be as brave and strong as Briar until it becomes necessary for Thorne to masquerade as Briar.  Laying aside her own safety, Thorne joins forces with a magical cast of characters to save the ones she loves. Compelling and heartfelt, readers will connect emotionally with at least one if not multiple characters.

The virtues found in the pages of this fantasy novel outweigh the violence and trauma that are presented. That being said, “Thornlight” would be best suited for 5th grade and up.

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

 

four-stars

Bedhead Ted

Bedhead TedBedhead Ted by Scott SanGiacomo
Published by Quill Tree Books on August 24, 2021
ISBN: 0062941321
Pages: 224
Genres: Humor
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
three-stars

Ted has huge hair. He’s always had huge hair. He’s also always been teased about his hair. He and his best friend, Stacy, are on a quest to figure out the true identity of local folklore lengend, the Brookside Beast. When a few new friends enter the fray, Ted finds himself feeling alone and jealous of Stacy’s time. When Ted discovers his hair has magical powers, and that these powers go back generations in his family, it seems his hair may be a blessing rather than a curse.

This is a fun-lighthearted read for younger middle grade readers. There are friendship and emotional issues that many kids face on a daily basis, and they’re tackled at an age-appropriate level, and readers will identify with Ted’s struggles. The illustrations are cartoonish, help carry the story, and add humor and emotion throughout.

Recommended for readers 3rd grade and up. Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

three-stars

Orca Rescue

Orca RescueOrca Rescue!: The True Story of an Orphaned Orca Named Springer by Donna Sandstrom, Sarah Burwash
Published by Kids Can Press on October 5, 2021
ISBN: 1525301179
Pages: 144
Genres: Animals, Non-Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

In 2002, a young Orca was found swimming alone in Puget Sound. This book tells the heartwarming story of the community-centered and community-supported efforts to reunite this young Orca with her family. Throughout the book, there are sections that educate readers about Orcas, their life history, their social dynamics, and more. It’s a great and easy read for 3rd grade and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars

Secrets of the sea

Secrets of the seaSecrets of the Sea: The Story of Jeanne Power, Revolutionary Marine Scientist by Evan Griffith, Joanie Stone
Published by Clarion Books on March 9, 2021
ISBN: 0358244323
Pages: 40
Genres: Biography/Autobiography
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

This is a picture book biography chronicling the life of Jeanne Power, an early marine scientist. It does a good job giving information about her life without bogging young readers down with too much information. Despite this, the book is a bit text heavy, so I wouldn’t hand this to the youngest readers. The digitally rendered images bring the oceanic world to life and also add emotion to the struggles and triumphs of Jeanne’s life.

Recommended for budding scientists, ages 5 and up. Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars

Stowaway

StowawayStowaway by John David Anderson
Published by Walden Pond Press on August 3, 2021
ISBN: 0062985949
Pages: 384
Genres: Adventure, Science Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Scientists discovered a rare, mysterious, and very useful mineral deep beneath the Earth’s surface. It doesn’t take long for an alien race to appear looking to utilize this newly discovered resource. Despite the promise of a coalition, things never go quite as planned, and the human race finds itself leaving Earth and looking for a newer, safer place to call home. During this search, Leo’s father (a valuable scientist) is captured, and Leo’s only chance at survival is stowing away on a pirate ship heading into the unknown. Leo’s begging the pirates to help him while also trying to stay alive and still searching for answers surrounding his father’s capture.

This is a fast-paced read that will enthrall scifi and adventure story lovers. The story feels a bit forced at times, though, and some of the character development is lacking. Hand this to fans of Brandon Sanderson and Terry Pratchett.

Recommended for readers 4th grade and up. Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

three-stars

Yusuf Azeem is Not a Hero

Yusuf Azeem is Not a HeroYusuf Azeem Is Not a Hero by Saadia Faruqi
Published by Quill Tree Books on October 14, 2021
ISBN: 0062943251
Pages: 368
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Yusuf Azeem has lived in Frey, TX his entire life. He’s always been into robotics, and he’s super excited to finally be old enough to participate in the regional competition. It’s the 20th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, and when some people in town begin hateful speech and attempts to scare Yusuf and his community from town, the robotics competition (and the friends he’s made there) seem to be even more important and a bit of a parallel to the tension within their community.

This is a well-written story of finding oneself, friendship, family, and community. Yusuf has many of the same struggles as loads of kids his age, but he’s also grappling with anti-Muslim hatred and bullying. The book tackles these difficult topics with grace and at an age-appropiate depth.

Recommended for readers 4th grade and up. Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars

Wind Riders: Rescue on Turtle Beach

Wind Riders: Rescue on Turtle BeachRescue on Turtle Beach (Wind Riders #1) by Izzy Burton, Jen Marlin
Published by HarperCollins on October 19, 2021
ISBN: 0063029251
Pages: 128
Genres: Adventure
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Max and Sofia are just having a normal day on Starry Beach when they follow a gull into the forest. The gull leads them to a mysterious shipwreck that magically comes to life and takes them to Hawaii! When they get there, they find baby sea turtles in need of help and a young Hawaiian girl willing to help them all. Light pollution is confusing the turtles, so the three kids devise a plan to guide the turtles safely to the ocean.

This is the first book in a new early chapter series focusing on magic, adventure, and some science. It’s easy to read, well-paced, and engaging. The text is large for newly emerging readers, and the story is peppered with pictures to really bring the story to life.

Recommended for readers 2nd grade and up. Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars

Living Ghosts and Mischievous Monsters: Chilling American Indian Stories

Living Ghosts and Mischievous Monsters: Chilling American Indian StoriesLiving Ghosts and Mischievous Monsters: Chilling American Indian Stories by Dan SaSuWeh Jones, Weshoyot Alvitre
Published by Scholastic Nonfiction on September 7, 2021
ISBN: 1338681621
Pages: 176
Genres: Folklore
Format: Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

This is a book full of real American Indian stories—some creepy, some mysterious, and some are just downright scary. All these tales have been passed down from one generation to the next. The collection of stories is engaging and will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Additionally, the stories serve to teach readers about some American Indian cultures, traditions, and beliefs. There are line drawings at the beginning of each story, and while nice, they add little to the overall story or reading experience. The stories encompass a wide representation of different tribes. Some stories are creepy, but some are actually scary and somewhat violent. For this reason, I wouldn’t recommend this book for readers younger than 5th grade.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars