Category: Book Reviews

The League of Picky Eaters

The League of Picky EatersThe League of Picky Eaters by Stephanie V.W. Lucianovic
Published by Clarion Books on November 2, 2021
ISBN: 0358379865
Pages: 304
Genres: Humor, Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

The town of Muffuletta was founded by chef and food writers, subsequently, the importance of trying new and inventive foods become a hallmark in every aspect of daily life.  In sixth grader Minerva’s school, the St. Julia Child Middle School, eating is a curriculum requirement.  Minerva is sensitive to certain lingering flavors and that “talent” lands her in the remedial (RETCH) eating tract.  What seems like the worst fate to Minerva actual reveals how she has allowed herself to be bullied by her so called friends over the years.  She comes to realize and appreciate the non-judgmental way her new friends in the remedial class treat each other.  Lucianovic has whipped up an eye rolling, humorous world for foodie lovers. Not all readers will “sink their teeth” into the world of Muffelatta, but those who do will find a solid story of true friendship and interesting facts about loving food in the process.  Suggested reading interests is 4-8 grades.

Reviewed by Sheila Dube, Youth Services Librarian, Springvale Public Library

 

five-stars

Playing at the Border: A Story of Yo-Yo Ma

Playing at the Border: A Story of Yo-Yo MaPlaying at the Border: A Story of Yo-Yo Ma by Joanna Ho, Teresa Martínez
Published by HarperCollins on September 28, 2021
ISBN: 0062994549
Pages: 40
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Playing at the Boarder is a biography of Yo-Yo Ma which reveals  his musical training and  community projects.  As a world-renowned cellists Ma has shared his music with all ages and received a multitude of awards.   This book highlights his educational tour entitled the “Bach Project”.  Young children may not have previous knowledge of Yo-Yo Ma or grasp an understanding of his project but they will gravitate to the enlightening text and lively illustrations. Martinez has provided illustrations that bend and sway with the musical notes dancing across the pages.  This reader loves the large eyes drawn on each character as they listen with rapture.  The major emphasis of the book surrounds a concert Ma preformed on the edge of the Rio Grands for the benefit of people living on both sides.  His message that we need to build community not walls is timely and appreciated.

A great early biography for primary school assignments and good reading for music lovers of all ages.  Recommended purchase for primary and intermediate media center libraries.

The paper weight is questionable as each page is wavy to the touch giving the impression that the book has been wet.   This book was provided by the publisher and shelved in a temperature controlled library.

Recommended by Jan Hamilton, retired youth services librarian in Scarborough, ME

 

four-stars

Always by My Side: A Stuffie Story

Always by My Side: A Stuffie StoryAlways By My Side: A Stuffie Story by Jennifer Black Reinhardt
Published by Random House Books for Young Readers on March 16, 2021
ISBN: 0593173821
Pages: 40
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

A deep-felt relationship exists between a child and his dinosaur stuffie, one that grows as it changes. Reinhardt introduces readers to a typical little boy who needs his stuffie when he is scared, shy and alone.   As narrator the dinosaur speaks of places he goes and introduces us to new friends. This storyline is typical of many child/stuffed animal relationships.   Adult readers will recognize their own child or perhaps themselves in the text. The story will be comforting to youngsters who need their stuffie.

Although the illustrations are detailed and uncluttered the faces are not very appealing.  Dinosaur is the most strongest character as he responds to his human friend.   Add to public library storybook collections.

Submitted by Jan Hamilton, retired youth services librarian in Scarborough, 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: Animals, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

This sweet picture book not only applies to birthday celebrations but it relates to the need for some daily celebrations in current life.  Audrey joins her friend Lion who celebrates a birthday, a color, or a day of the week.  The storyline continues with daily interactions were Lion is doing his best to celebrate and Audrey is his perfect companion.  Their friendship is based on understanding and affection so naturally the sweet girl child wants to cheer lion up when he has nothing to celebrate.

This storyline exposes just how lethargic we have all become during the pandemic and our need for friends and celebrations.   The illustrations done on slightly yellow background are uplifting and cheerful.  Ainslie’s use of color and texture add to the appeal of this storybook.  Sometimes Cake is a perfect selection for youngsters and their adult readers who are suffering from pandemic blues.  Add to primary school media centers and to public libraries.  Gift to preschool children who enjoy stories and creating their own art.

Submitted by Jan Hamilton, retired youth services librarian in Scarborough, ME

Suggested for Cream of the Crop

five-stars

All These Warriors

All These WarriorsAll These Warriors (Monsters, #2) by Amy Tintera
Published by Clarion Books, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt on July 13, 2021
ISBN: 0358012414
Pages: 336
Genres: Fantasy, Horror, Mystery
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

In this sequel to All Those Monsters, Clara and team seven seek some respite from fighting scabs.   Their belief that the scabs were trained and planted by the government develops into a search for truth.  Some characters are well developed but it is Clara’s ex-boyfriend who dominated several scenes as Clara provides the narrative.  As a sequel this story does pick up where the previous storyline stopped but it cannot stand alone.  Not enough backstory is provided to hold the interest of readers who have not already digested All These Monsters.

The level of violence may distract some readers as well as the physical proximity of casual relationships.

These two books are suggested for high school readers who enjoy fantasy and mystery in unlikely situations.  While the text may not be believable it surely presents some relief from the current social and political problems of current times.    Librarians who have purchased All These Monsters will want to add this sequel to their collections.  Gift only as a 2 book set to teens.

Submitted by Jan Hamilton, retired librarian in Scarborough, ME

four-stars

Across the Rainbow Bridge

Across the Rainbow BridgeAcross the Rainbow Bridge: Stories of Norse Gods and Humans by Jeffrey Alan Love, Kevin Crossley-Holland
Published by Candlewick Studio on October 26, 2021
ISBN: 1536217719
Pages: 96
Genres: Folklore
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

This book is a great choice for fans of folklore, Norse Gods, and maybe even the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Kevin Crossley-Holland and Jeffrey Love teamed up before to create Norse Myths: Tales of Odin, Thor, and Loki and this shorter book is a companion to it, focusing less on the Gods and more on the interactions between Gods and humans. They’re both very, very good. Get them for your library or your school or your kids. The writing is clear and accessible and the illustrations are as stark and beautiful as Scandinavian landscapes are. These are a perfect addition to any myth/folktales collection.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

five-stars

Too Small Tola

Too Small TolaToo Small Tola by Atinuke, Onyinye Iwu
Published by Candlewick Press on March 2, 2021
ISBN: 1536211273
Pages: 96
Genres: Adventure, Realistic Fiction
Format: Early Reader
Goodreads
four-stars

Tola is a fresh face, she will be welcomed by early readers.  Three stories within this book tell of Tola’s dedication to her family and community.  Yes, she is small but she is also strong and smart, things girls should be known for.  Though the stories take place in Nigeria young readers around the world will identify with the character’s desire to be helpful.   This is a book that will appeal and endure a lasting following.  Readers will want more books about Tola, her family and community.   The  digital illustrations add context to the text and provide a glimpse into Tola’s environment.   Add to primary school media centers and donate to classroom collections.

four-stars

Muddle School

Muddle SchoolMuddle School by Dave Whamond
Published by Kids Can Press on September 7, 2021
ISBN: 1525304860
Pages: 144
Genres: Humor
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Graphic novels are frequently the best genre to attract reluctant readers, Muddle School will not disappoint intermediate and middle students.  The text includes the hope, concerns, and fears which dwell in the heart of most grade four students.   Our lovable character appears to resemble the author in his past, at the very least Whamond is familiar with the situations and emotions contained in this very humorous graphic.  As the protagonist develops more confidence and exhibits a positive attitude his year improves.   Typical subjects are included in the dialog; bullies, first crush, making friends and strange family members all own a spot in the storyline.

My only critic is the use of only blue on white in the illustrations.   The book would have been more appealing if there existed some additional colors.  Add this to intermediate and middle school graphic collections and persuade public librarians to purchase Muddle School for their shelves.  Students will be looking for more graphic novels by this author.

Submitted by Jan Hamilton, retired youth services librarian in Scarborough, ME

four-stars

An Emotion of Great Delight

An Emotion of Great DelightAn Emotion of Great Delight by Tahereh Mafi
Published by HarperCollins on June 1, 2021
ISBN: 0062972413
Pages: 256
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Written with excellent prose and character development, this book is a definite winner.  Mafi offers readers the opportunity to view what life was like for a teenage Muslim American girl following 9/11.

Shadi experienced societal stress and discrimination as well as surviving overwhelming family drama and sorrow.   Her story is told mostly in 2003 but it shifts over a year as she slowly loses her connections with family and friends.  Readers are led to an approaching emotional breakdown that is beyond understandable.  And yet, the protagonist has a strong sense of self and walks herself back to her family.  Teens will cheer for a romance which is integral to the storyline but it takes a back seat to the family interaction.

Purchase this book for all high school media centers and public libraries which collect YA fiction.  An Emotion of Great Delight would make an excellent choice for mother/daughter book groups.

Recommend for Cream of the Crop

Submitted by Jan Hamilton, retired youth services librarian in Scarborough, ME

five-stars

The Upper World

The Upper WorldThe Upper World by Femi Fadugba
Published by HarperTeen on December 7, 2021
ISBN: 0063078597
Pages: 368
Genres: Science Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

“The Upper World” by Femi Fadugba is a young adult science fiction novel that not only explains time travel to its readers but uses math and physics to do it in a way that is understandable. The book starts with one of the main characters, Esso, a teen in London who is on the verge of getting expelled and caught up in gang violence. During a few harrowing moments in his life, Esso seems to briefly travel into the future and see what is going to happen but is unable to change things.

The other main character, Rhia, is also a London teen, but she lives 15 years in the future from Esso’s time. When adult Esso shows up in her life as a math tutor, she discovers that he knew her missing mother and that he needs her to understand time travel. But why?

The novel is compelling and keeps you guessing about what is going to happen. The math sections about the speed of light and time travel are well explained, but still took me one or two times of rereading before I really understood it. Fadugba is a former science tutor with a master’s degree in physics from Oxford. The characters use British slang which may throw off American readers, but it’s understandable enough with context. A must buy for your young adult section if science fiction is popular.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook.

four-stars