Category: Book Reviews

Our Wicked Histories

Our Wicked HistoriesOur Wicked Histories by Amy Goldsmith
on July 30, 2024
ISBN: 0593703952
Genres: Horror, Juvenile Fiction / Social Themes / Friendship, Mystery, Psychological thriller, Suspense
Format: Young Adult
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

Our Wicked Histories opens with none of Meg’s popular friend group, led by the Wren twins, having talked to her since she was suspended from school for an incident Meg can’t fully remember. Depressed and tired of being alone, Meg decides to accept a surprise invitation to the enigmatic twins’ ancestral vacation home in the Irish countryside for Halloween. Meg thinks she is willing to do whatever it takes to mend her friendships, but this vacation will have her questioning who her friends really are and if being accepted by her peers is worth sacrificing her character and possibly her life.

This immersive YA novel is full of plot twists told by a cast of unreliable characters, including Meg and the Wren twins, in an isolated gothic setting. Our Wicked Histories is a successful addition to the dark academia trend and is a recommended purchase for collections serving youth in 8th grade and up where dark academia, horror, and/or gothic novels are in demand.

Reviewed by Sarah Hartje, Lewiston Public Library, Lewiston

four-stars

Casting April

Casting AprilCasting April by Wendy Lu
on June 16, 2026
Genres: Juvenile Fiction / Social Themes / Friendship
Format: Middle Grade Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Casting April

Author: Wendy Lu

This middle grade novel for ages 8-12 is about a sixth-grade girl named April Xue, whose grandparents were Chinese immigrants. April, who has a tracheostomy tube due to bilateral vocal cord paralysis, has developed a love of theater since seeing Hamilton. Her parents own an Asian fusion restaurant called Modern Dragon. April auditions for the lead role of Daisy in the school play called Finding Primula, which is about an astronaut lost in space whose ship explodes. Unfortunately, April is assigned to be a stage assistant and learns that Ms. Rooney, the theater director, did not cast April in the play because of her trach tube. April is determined to prove to Ms. Rooney that she deserves the role. April eventually discovers that there may be a personal reason behind Mrs. Rooney’s decision, the same reason Mrs. Rooney’s Broadway career was cut short.

April’s singular focus on the play starts to negatively affect her friendship with her best friend, Ruby, who feels left out when April forms a friendship with Zahra, a Muslim girl who landed the role of Daisy. After the performing arts center is vandalized, the cast, crew, and community band together to find a way for the show to go on, while also finding a way for April and Zahra to share the spotlight.

The inclusion of a non-binary teacher, Mx. Bruener, feels unforced and encourages empathy. The references to Hamilton are non-obscure; since a performance of the musical is readily accessible and can be streamed, it is likely much more familiar to readers than another play would be. Even though April’s disability is quite rare, her struggles about feeling different and being unfairly excluded are universal, especially during the middle school years.

 

5 stars

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

five-stars

Who’s All Going (to Die)?

Who’s All Going (to Die)?Who's All Going (to Die)? by Lisa Springer
ISBN: 059390057X
Genres: Horror, Psychological thriller, Suspense
Format: Young Adult
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
two-stars

Who’s All Going (to Die) is a YA novel about a group racially diverse largely affluent teens who have been invited to “The Dream,” a new luxury wellness resort on a private island off of Bermuda. There are multiple red flags starting upon the teens’ arrival to the resort, such as being encouraged to drink and engage in drug use during an island-wide party the first night. The situation escalates in danger upon the teens’ meeting guru Juniper Moon, the face of the wellness resort. Moon doses the teens with psychedelic mushrooms without their knowledge or informed consent, performs shock treatments, and encourages the teens to offer up their possessions to her under the guise of uncluttering their lives.

Two-thirds of the way through the novel there is a drastic increase is deadly “accidents” leading up to a Lord of the Flies-esc escalation in violence, mob mentality, and gore. This sudden shift from the slow pacing and lack of suspense featured throughout most of the book is jarring for the reader. Who’s All Going (to Die)? also could have benefited from a more succinct beginning.

The book is an optional purchase for libraries looking to expand their collection of YA novels featuring influence culture or horror. Recommended for youth in 8th grade and up.

Reviewed by Sarah Hartje, Lewiston Public Library, Lewiston 

two-stars

Rootbound | A Tangled Novel

Rootbound | A Tangled NovelRootbound: A Tangled Novel by Margaret Owen
Published by Random House Books for Young Readers on July 28, 2026
ISBN: 1368101046
Pages: 316
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Middle Grade Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

This charming but muddled story picks up a month after the action in Disney’s 2010 movie Tangled. Rapunzel and Eugene are trying to adjust to their new roles, relationships, and expectations when they are summoned to an isolationist country on a suspicious diplomatic mission. Accompanied by a strict and fussy palace official, the pair must unravel a tantalizing mystery whose many loose ends touch celestial magic, a foreign country’s decline, a fraught royal family, and even Eugene’s own past. Unfortunately, the main storyline reaches a climax that is rather, well, tangled; the magic battle is overwhelming and confusing, while Rapunzel’s role in its resolution undermines her excellent character development up to that point. 

New and old side characters and animal hijinks keep the tone light, but the book’s real magic is its depiction of Rapunzel and Eugene not just as the lovable, spunky duo from the film but moreover survivors of difficult childhoods with relatable anxieties about their place in the world. Disney princess and Tangled fans will come for the nostalgia and hopefully stay for the uplifting character growth, magic aside.

Reviewed by Emily Ender, Oxford Hills Middle School Library, South Paris

three-stars

Be My Brave Sunflower

Be My Brave SunflowerBe My Brave Sunflower by Kathryn Simmonds, Rosalind Beardshaw
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 1536235431
Genres: Emotions & Feelings
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars
Vernon is a cautious, anthropomorphized sunflower seed who prefers the safety of his cozy soil to the big, wide world. He watches his friends—Mel, Gloria, and Bernice—successfully sprout under the care of young schoolchildren, but Vernon remains fearful of perils like slugs, birds, and thunderstorms.
His patient gardener, Carla, a pale-skinned girl with blonde braids, grows worried when her caregiving fail to yield results. Her supportive teacher Miss Okoro, who has brown skin and a mass of curls, reassures Carla, and Carla delivers a loving pep talk on bravery to Vernon. Motivated by her reassurance, Vernon eventually discovers that the outside world is also filled with wonderful things like sunshine and stars, giving him the courage to sprout in the garden alongside his peers.
The story’s plot is predictable and lacks deep narrative complexity, but it remains a sweet, highly empathetic choice for children facing major life transitions. The inclusive, diverse human cast is welcoming and reflective of a modern classroom. Charming digital illustrations mimic a vibrant marker-and-ink medium, effectively enhancing the story’s warmth and visual appeal. This title serves as a companion to similar social-emotional learning picture books on bravery, such as Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall and The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson.
A heartening and recommended addition to school and public library collections, perfect for an early-autumn or beginning-of-the-school-year read-aloud, when everything feels new and perhaps, a little scary.
Deanna Contrino, SLMS/MLIS
K-2 Resource Librarian, Scarborough Public Schools
four-stars

The Very Noisy House

The Very Noisy HouseThe Very Noisy House by Gosia Herba, Sally Nicholls
ISBN: 0593518632
Genres: Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

Welcome to the very, very noisy house. Open the gate with a “squeeeeeeek” and ring the door with a “DING DONG!”. This interactive picture book is packed to the gills with all the noises that can be heard as the reader travels through each room of the noisy house. While the story text is simple, imitating or reading aloud all of the noises shown may be overstimulating for some readers. The fun illustrations are chock-full of bright colors and characters corresponding to each noise. Appropriate for ages 2 to 5.

Reviewed by: Jenn Mead, Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library, Lovell

three-stars

The World’s Game

The World’s GameThe World's Game by Andrés Landazábal, Yamile Saied Méndez
on June 2, 2026
Genres: Cultural / Latin America, Inspiration, Sports
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

One ball, two teams, and a whole lot of fans – what can bring the world together like a soccer match? This fun picture book, timed perfectly for the 2026 World Cup, celebrates a game like no other. A game where people of all cultures, from all around the world, come together to cheer on their teams. This story shows all perspectives of the game – from the action on the field, to the chants in the stands, and even the family feuds while watching the game on the couch at home. The photoshop illustrations depict diverse characters and multiple languages, and the inside cover includes flags from all around the world. A wonderful addition to any picture book collection. Recommended for ages 3 to 7 (Preschool to 2nd Grade). Nominated for cream of the crop.

Reviewed by: Jenn Mead, Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library, Lovell

five-stars

First There Was Me, Then There Was You

First There Was Me, Then There Was YouFirst There Was Me, Then There Was You by Aurore McLeod, Yvonne Sewankambo
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 1536239003
Genres: Family, Family Life, Nature, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

First There Was Me, Then There Was You is a heartwarming story about the special bond between an older sibling, and the arrival of a new sibling in the family. Yvonne Sewankambo and her illustrator, Aurore McLeod’s combined talents show all the different stages. These include: a parent experiencing pregnancy, an infant sibling arriving, watching his sister grow, and finding things in common. The older brother rolls up his sleeves and embraces the responsibility and joy of sharing a childhood together.

However, there are growing pains in the household. This includes the monotony of a baby’s routine, (crying, sleeping, eating, changing), tantrums, and squabbling between siblings. But overall, the tone is very sweet and loving with the intention of fostering connection in a family’s household. The main characters both have dark skin, for picture book collections adding diversity to their shelves. Ages 2-6.

Reviewed by Gia Charles, Patten Free Library, Bath

three-stars

I Built A Rocket Ship

I Built A Rocket ShipI Built a Rocket Ship by Anna Lazowski, Jennica Lounsbury
Published by Kids Can Press on June 2, 2026
ISBN: 152531131X
Pages: 32
Genres: Emotions & Feelings, Family Life, Grief
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

I Built A Rocket Ship is a simple yet powerful book about what it feels like from a child’s perspective after the passing of her mother. The child’s words to her mother are somewhat epistolary: “You…said when you were gone, I’d still feel you near me. But I don’t. Not really. So I’m building a rocket ship out in the backyard.” The child is very tenacious in her quest to build a giant rocket ship out of cardboard and she brings in her special items, including her cat. As she stares at the constellations, she imagines her mother up there, and it’s clear how much she is grieving the loss of her. The illustrations and muted colors are very soft and comforting for readers. This is a lovely addition to any picture book collection, but especially sections about grief and loss. Recommended for ages 4+.

Reviewed by Gia Charles, Patten Free Library, Bath

 

 

four-stars

Melodies of the Weary Blues

Melodies of the Weary BluesMelodies of The Weary Blues: Classic Poems Illustrated for Young People by Langston Hughes, Various
ISBN: 0063327058
Genres: Cultural / African American, Poetry
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

This poetry picture book is a stunning anthology of Langston Hughes’ poems collected by the editor, Shamar Knight-Justice. Each page is a different illustrator’s work, working with different moods and themes all the way to the end. A total of 23 poems, and 23 of the most talented Black artists in the industry. Highlights include: “The Negro Speaks of Rivers (To W.E.B. DuBois)” and “Aunt Sue’s Stories” which speak so powerfully of the African American experience. Knight-Justice’s Author’s Note at the beginning of the compilation is a great explanation of why the picture book was created, as well as Hughes’s small biography in the back with additional timeline. Surprisingly, one of his most popular poems, “Harlem,” was absent.

Highly recommended for all poetry collections and Black history curriculum. Ages 6-10.

Reviewed by Gia Charles, Patten Free Library, Bath

five-stars