Category: Book Reviews

Lost Girls of Hollow Lake

Lost Girls of Hollow LakeLost Girls of Hollow Lake by Rebekah Faubion
Published by Delacorte Press on January 27, 2026
ISBN: 059390043X
Genres: Psychological thriller
Format: Young Adult
Goodreads
four-stars

When five of the eight high schoolers who went missing on a camping field trip make it home shaken but safe, their return is surrounded by rumors and a suspicion that they all had something to do with the three who remain unfound. When one of the missing girls shows up dead in a lake, the suspicion heightens, and soon the teens are not only trying to maintain their innocence, they’re also avoiding a killer who seems determined to finish them off. Throw in a malevolent spirit connected to the island they disappeared on and a couple of vloggers who are constantly following them, and the healing process gets even more complicated.

Main character Evie is tough and guarded, though she completely melts around her dog, Tiger. Through the trauma of being stalked and accused, Evie rekindles a relationship with Sunny, another survivor she has pushed away since returning,  and the romance helps to offset an otherwise very dark story.

Give this YA thriller to fans of the Scream or I Know What You Did Last Summer franchises, anyone waiting for the final season of Yellowjackets, or anybody who would simply like to enjoy some heavy 90s-slasher style gore.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

four-stars

Danilo Was Here

Danilo Was HereDanilo Was Here by Tamika Burgess
on January 21, 2025
ISBN: 006315966X
Genres: Cultural / Latin America, Family, Sports
Format: Middle Grade Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Danilo Was Here by Tamika Burgess is an, at times, uncomfortably relevant middle grade historical fiction novel set in the aftermath of the United States invasion of Panamá in 1989. Danilo had a lot on his shoulders even before the invasion. His father, who was an exceptional baseball player before getting injured, moved to the US promising, but failing, to send money. This leaves Danilo to care for his sister when his mom is working multiple jobs. After the terrifying night of bombs, helicopters, smoke, and crumbling buildings, known as Operation Just Cause to the US military, Danilo’s home is condemned and his family is forced to live in a refugee camp. This trauma is palpable throughout the story and affects all of Danilo’s decisions. Though Danilo resents his baseball talent because of his father, he agrees to temporarily go to California to play baseball so he can attempt to get his father to send money back to Panamá.

Life in California is hard on Danilo in different ways. Despite the comfy bed and room bigger than the apartment he shared with his mother and sister, Danilo is constantly peppered with microagressions. Readers will feel Danilo’s inner frustration as he reminds himself to be polite despite the near constant ignorance and assumptions. Danilo isn’t able to take this baseball opportunity as seriously as everyone expects him to and he finds it hard to empathize with his new friends’ relatively small struggles, causing lots of conflict with his new team. And just when he starts to settle in, Danilo begins to experience PTSD induced panic attacks.

Though Burgess paints a very clear picture of childhood trauma, there are moments of joy and understanding that truly shine and provide necessary catharsis. Danilo’s host father and coach are excellent role models who support Danilo at his lowest and admit that bringing him to the US so soon after the invasion was insensitive. Danilo even bonds with his host family’s son, an autistic boy who shares Danilo’s love of accordion, and together they experience the power of music therapy. Burgess gives Danilo’s story a happy, but realistic ending that will leave readers with a feeling of hope. Danilo Was Here will resonate deeply with children who have experienced the trauma of war, family separation, immigration, or microagressions and will be a welcoming, passively educational window for those who just like historical fiction or sports stories. A highly recommended purchase for all libraries.

Reviewed by Ivy Burns, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth 

 

five-stars

Jo Jo Makoons: The Super-Scary Sleepover

Jo Jo Makoons: The Super-Scary SleepoverJo Jo Makoons: The Super-Scary Sleepover (Jo Jo Makoon, #5) by Dawn Quigley, Tara Audibert
ISBN: 0063315629
Genres: Cultural / Native American, Family, Juvenile Fiction / Social Themes / Friendship
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

The Super-Scary Sleepover is book 5 in Dawn Quigley’s JoJo Makoons series. The series follows JoJo, a spunky Ojibwe first grader who loves her cat, her family, and her friends. In this illustrated chapter book, JoJo proves to herself that she is brave when she is invited to her first sleepover. JoJo is afraid (or as it is described in the book, her “eyebrows are up”) because one of her friends told her that puppets steal children’s eyes at night. That combined with being away from her cat and her family would be enough to shake most kids, but JoJo’s Kokum (grandmother) tells her that being afraid is an opportunity to be brave. When she is scared by something at the sleepover, all of her friends come together to share their fears and be brave together.

Quigly does a great job of introducing Native American culture and story telling to a chapter book audience. JoJo is a very funny and relatable character who effortlessly introduces readers to Ojibwe and Michif words while sharing her life on the reservation. The illustrations of her shenanigans by Tara Audibert greatly add to her characterization as well. Throughout the story there is a fluid blending of past & present and a mixing of tenses that will be familiar to adults who read Native literature, but may be a little confusing to young readers. The Super-Scary Sleepover could function as a stand alone, but is a recommended purchase for libraries who already have the rest of the series or are looking for more diverse chapter books.

Reviewed by Ivy Burns, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth

four-stars

When Auggie Learned to Play Chess

When Auggie Learned to Play ChessWhen Auggie Learned to Play Chess by Meredith Rusu, Stephen Costanza
ISBN: 0593710819
Genres: Family
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

When Auggie Learned to Play Chess

Meredith Rusu & Stephen Costanza

This is a heartfelt picture book, for ages 4-8, about a boy named Auggie, a shy kid whose dad teaches him how to play chess. Learning the game gives Auggie the confidence to make a new friend.

Auggie and his family have recently moved to a new house in a new town, and Auggie is struggling to make friends at his new school. When Auggie finds an old chessboard that once belonged to his grandfather, he decides he wants to learn how to play chess from his father, his Tatâ. Eventually and with practice, Auggie gets so good at the game that he can beat Tata!

Then, Auggie finds a chessboard in his classroom during a rainy recess. When he sees that another boy looks interested in it, he knows just what to do: he can teach Luke how to play chess, too!

This is not only a touching father-son story about the importance of perseverance, but it is also a great way to teach chess to new players; the book contains illustrations about how each of the chess pieces move so that readers can learn the game along with Auggie. This book depicts how life lessons can be taught through a game of chess but would also be applicable to video games (perhaps more appealing to a younger audience) involving strategy, planning, patience, risk-taking, and connecting with others.

5 stars

Reviewed by Lindsey Hopkins, Jay-Niles Memorial Library, Jay

five-stars

Together we are Sunshine

Together we are SunshineTogether We Are Sunshine by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, Raissa Figueroa
ISBN: 0593705416
Genres: Adventure, Emotions & Feelings, Family, Nature
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Together we are Sunshine

Amilah Thompkins-Bigelow and Raissa Figueroa

This picture book for ages 4-8 is about three sisters. The author features Black and Muslim protagonists in her books. Haala, the middle sister, loves to tag along with her older sister, Sanaa, on their outdoor adventures. But her little sister, Munira, always seems to get in the way. Munira blocks the sunshine, intrudes on the wind’s song, and frightens away the goldfish’s secrets with her screams. Haala can’t keep up with Sanaa when Munira’s on her heels. But when the sisters start working with each other, they realize that together they can achieve anything–and that together they are sunshine.
This story is a lovely depiction of sisterhood, to which readers with siblings, both older and younger, can relate. However, Haala very quickly feels guilty about getting upset with Munira, which perhaps is not the most realistic depiction of sibling relationships.

4 stars

Reviewed by Lindsey Hopkins, Jay-Niles Memorial Library, Jay

four-stars

What Color is the Baby? A Celebration of Skin Tones

What Color is the Baby? A Celebration of Skin TonesWhat Color Is the Baby?: A Celebration of Skin Tones by Harshini Vankineni, Neha Rawat
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 153622894X
Genres: Family
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

What Color is the Baby? A Celebration of Skin Tones

Author: Harshini Vankineni

Illustrator: Neha Rawat

 

This picture book, for ages 4-8, is the publishing debut of Harshini Vankineni, whose own experience with colorism served as the inspiration for this story; As a child, Vankineni, from India, was often told that her light-skinned cousins were more beautiful than she was.  This book is about a young girl named Kundana, who declares her newborn sister, Kuku, to be the prettiest baby in the whole world. Kundana’s parents, Papa and Amma, appear disappointed by the darker shade of Kuku’s skin, especially since the members of the extended family can’t stop asking, “What color is she?” Kundana defends her sister and declares “She is our color!” Everyone agrees that is a beautiful color.

This is a beautifully illustrated story about inclusion and acceptance. Kundana’s adoration of her sister, regardless of her color, will inspire young readers just like she inspired her family members. This reviewer appreciated the subtle reference to normalized breastfeeding. Western audiences can relate to the practice of coveting whiteness, but the book is not overly didactic.

Reviewed by Lindsey Hopkins, Jay-Niles Memorial Library, Jay

five-stars

Unicornia: A Magical Birthday (Book 2)

Unicornia: A Magical Birthday (Book 2)Unicornia: A Magical Birthday: (A Magical Chapter Book for Kids Ages 5-7 about Friendship, Surprises, and Enchanted Birthday Fun) by Ana Punset, Diana Vicedo
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 1536240982
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, Juvenile Fiction / Social Themes / Friendship
Format: Chapter Book Fiction, Early Reader
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

In Book 2 of the Unicornia series, Claudia, Pippa, and Sara are preparing for Pippa’s birthday. There are so many magical, exciting things being planned for the special day, but when something goes drastically wrong. Pippa cancels the party and the girls are heartbroken. Sara and Claudia refuse to let their friend wallow on her birthday, and take her to the Enchanted Falls Theme Park to cheer her up. Will the day be saved after all?

This book does a fantastic job of showing how to navigate a friend’s experience with sadness and how to support them through the ups and downs of their feelings. This beginner chapter book has eye-catching illustrations on each page to keep readers’ attention and the writing is very interactive. Kids will literally want to gobble this book up with all the mentions of magical sweets. Who could resist magical flying unicorn rescues and fantastical rollercoasters? Best for Ages 5-8.

Reviewed by Gia Charles, Patten Free Library, Bath

five-stars

Cinderella and the Beast, or Beauty and the Glass Slipper

Cinderella and the Beast, or Beauty and the Glass SlipperCinderella and the Beast (or, Beauty and the Glass Slipper) (The Princess Swap) by Kim Bussing
Series: The Princess Swap
Published by Random House on January 7, 2025
ISBN: 0593708032
Genres: Fairy Tale
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

Ever since Ella’s father died, she’s been the servant of her step mother and one of her step sisters, a life so terrible she sleeps in the fireplace so she can look at the stars at night and dream of adventures.  One morning she wakes up in bed in a castle, which is home to an ornery beast, Neesa.  She befriends Neesa, who she realizes is a girl about her age, trapped by a curse in a beast’s body.  The curse is about to become permanent, so Ella and Neesa try to figure out the riddle that will break the curse before it’s too late.

Meanwhile, Belle wakes up in Ella’s fireplace and is forced to become a servant.  She desperately wants to escape so she can win the Revel of Spectacle games and earn favors from the prince.  Belle’s father runs the family trading business, but it’s not doing well, so she plans to win and ask for fast ships and skilled sailors to restore the business.  In her quest, she befriends Amir, Ella’s friend, who is the prince of Reverie who is on a quest of his own, to find his missing sister

Told in alternating chapters, elementary school readers will enjoy seeing how these young women pursue their quests, using their intelligence and showing kindness along the way.  Eventually readers will see how the characters’ lives and stories are connected, beyond mixed up magic that swapped their bedrooms one evening.  This is a fun read with enough action to keep readers interested, especially at the end when time is running out for Neesa and Ella participates in the Revel games. The ending is very satisfying and shows readers that happy endings aren’t always how we planned them.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

three-stars

Gaslit

GaslitGaslit by Megan Davidhizar
Published by Delacorte Press ISBN: 0593705718
Genres: Psychological thriller
Format: Young Adult
Goodreads
four-stars

Ella’s New Year’s Eve takes a tragic turn when she turns up to babysit and finds her aunt and two cousins passed out in their house, which is full of gas. She manages to pull her cousins to safety but is too late to save her beloved aunt. Her grief is overwhelming but it gets even worse when it becomes clear that this was no accident and that whoever wanted her relatives dead might be coming for her next. The fact that she’s dealing with a brain tumor that may or may not be complicating her interpretation of events adds to the chaos and despair of the entire situation.

A twisty, quick-paced read that will introduce teens to the unreliable narrator device, Gaslit is a solid YA thriller with strong characters and enough turns to keep the reader guessing until the end. The back matter includes a discussion guide. Recommend to fans of Karen M. McManus and Jumata Emill.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

four-stars

This is How a Ball Rolls: The Science of Wobbling, Bouncing, Spinning Balls

This is How a Ball Rolls: The Science of Wobbling, Bouncing, Spinning BallsThis Is How a Ball Rolls: The Science of Wobbling, Bouncing, Spinning Balls by Heather Tekavec, Suharu Ogawa
Published by Kids Can Press on 2025
ISBN: 1525309684
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

Tekavec and Ogawa introduce readers to  the science behind how different kinds of balls interact with the world all around in an original way that will create understanding and interest in the subject. Presenting twelve different balls  (in order from smallest to largest) through a series of “tongue-twisting brainteasers”, readers may guess at the ball being described:

“(A) little ball —
A Teeny ball —
A glassy, smooth, and swirly ball . . . “

On the following page is a double-page spread of children of all shapes, sizes, colors, and physical abilities interacting with the ball(s) in question (in this case, marbles). Each section also contains an inset that describes the physical qualities unique to each ball and its function. The writing is playful and dynamic, giving a sense of each orb through descriptions that are fun to read aloud.

The illustrations are equally energetic, with bright, colorful action filling each page. Each sphere is shown in its natural environment (tennis balls on tennis courts, a baseball landing in the stands, etc.). Readers keeping their eyes on the ball  will notice the same characters returning from scene to scene, including an animated ball of yarn.

The back matter shares ball trivia linked to scientific concepts such as “drag force”,  that are hinted at in the text but never explicitly stated. This seems like a missed opportunity to help readers connect the dots between a scientific concept in theory and in practice.

This would be a great read-aloud during  elementary school science units around physics or materials,  introducing ideas and creating opportunities to discuss the ideas in practice, and have a ball doing it. Recommended for public and elementary school libraries.

Deanna Contrino, SLMS
K-2 Resource Librarian, Scarborough Schools

four-stars