Hypergifted

July 8, 2026

Hypergifted (Ungifted #3) by Gordon Korman
Published by Harper Collins / STORYTIDE ISBN: 0063429292
Genres: Humor, Juvenile Fiction / Social Themes / Friendship, Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads

Gordon Korman continues the Ungifted series with a third book, Hypergifted. Written in chapters that tell the story from multiple perspectives, Hypergifted focuses on Noah Youkilis, a 12 year old genius, with the superstar status of being the youngest new student at Wilderton University. Since there are no peers at the college his age, Noah chooses his free thinking, sometimes mischievous best friend, Donovan Curtis, to be his roommate for the summer. Noah and Donovan are both reluctant to be there for different reasons. Noah quickly becomes obsessed with being inducted in a secret society, and is treated with starstruck reverence by some, and as a naive kid by others. Donovan is unwillingly assigned to be a summer camp counselor for younger kids, where his creative, yet practical thinking, and easygoing attitude become strengths. Raina Overbrook, the daughter of two Wilderton professors and an experienced “kid on campus” and summer camp counselor, brings experience and know-how to the scene, and can’t quite figure out whether to trust Donavan, despite his irritating ability to solve problems with ease. Together, Noah and Donavan need to solve an AI crisis that has far greater consequences than a college prank.

Middle grade chapter book readers who love Gordon Korman’s style and humor, which in this book includes pig mascots, elderberries and other high jinks, will enjoy this book.

Reviewed by Antona Briley, Librarian, Dora Small School, South Portland

An Expanse of Blue

July 7, 2026July 7, 2026

An Expanse of Blue by Kauakanilehua Mahoe Adams
on May 19, 2026
ISBN: 0063417952
Genres: Fiction in Verse/Poetry, Realistic Fiction, Romance
Goodreads
three-stars

Aouli feels like she lives her life in a cage. Her father is overbearing, abusive, and keeping a horrible secret. Her mother does little to stop his rage. Her sister is the model daughter, which Aouli resents. She goes to church with her family, but doesn’t believe. Her best friend is drifting away to the more popular crowd. The only place where Aouli feels free is with her Native Hawaiian diaspora community at her Aunty Ehu’s house. Then, a new boy, Nalu, moves to town, and her world expands.

Told in verse, the story is a love story, but it’s not only about romantic love. Aouli and her sister Kāia’s relationship is just as central as Aouli and Nalu’s. The romantic love story is compelling, and the poetic language really immerses the reader in that feeling. The title refers to both Aouli and Nalu – in Hawaiian their names mean the blue sky and the blue ocean, respectively – but it also refers to the two of them together. They compliment and seem to complete each other, expressed best when Nalu writes an accompanying guitar piece Aouli’s lyrics. There is some kissing and some vague thought beyond that, but nothing outwardly “spicy.”

The family side of things is much more complicated and dives into some trauma (including domestic violence and sexual abuse), though most things happen off-page and are only alluded to. At times the story was wanting for even more depth. Mom, for example, flattens on the page, and the death of a family member doesn’t quite have as much weight as it seems it should.

Back matter including an author’s note, editor’s note, discussion questions, and an invitation to write one’s own poems are inspiring. The imprint, Heartdrum, focuses on books by Native authors and is one to watch. Hand this title to students who enjoy the strong emotions of something like If He Had Been With Me, but want a story that’s more grounded and lyrical.

Reviewed by Kristin Arsenault, Mountain Valley High School, Rumford.

Breakout

July 7, 2026

Breakout by Angie Thomas, Ashley Woodfolk, Dhonielle Clayton, Nic Stone, Nicola Yoon, Tiffany D. Jackson
Published by Quill Tree Books on June 2, 2026
ISBN: 0063217503
Pages: 343
Genres: Mystery, Suspense
Format: Young Adult
Goodreads
four-stars

Torn apart by their former queen bee Keisha “Key” White’s drowning a year before, what’s left of Key’s crew, The Six – a tight-knit circle of high-powered Black youths at a prestigious DC prep school – join Gatsby-ish, enigmatic newcomer Anthony “Ant” Brooks on his dad’s yacht for a trip to the Brooks’ exclusive, near-empty resort in the Florida Keys. After Ant appears to drown under suspicious circumstances on the anniversary of Key’s death, the remaining Five find themselves slammed by back-to-back hurricanes, effectively trapped on the island with the resort’s skeleton crew – while it becomes increasingly evident a serial killer is on the loose. The stress of it all causes already frayed loose ends to unravel, and everyone sinks to their absolute worst.

Like the sinister spring break at its center, this book gets off to a rough start. While the bulk of the book is a deliciously creepy, impossible-to-put-down thriller, the fragmented narration and out-of-touch, hyper-wealthy (and often deplorable!) characters make for a slow start. Later on, some truly cringeworthy lines leave the storytelling feeling amateurish. Agatha Christie-savvy readers may pick up on subtle clues about the first of several late-stage plot twists, but the final surprise will likely leave most readers cold. The all-star writing team, now on their third collaboration, doesn’t quite slam-dunk this dark portrait of rich kids behaving badly.

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

Shim Jung Takes the Dive

July 6, 2026

Shim Jung Takes the Dive by Julia Riew
Published by Quill Tree Books on 4/28/26
ISBN: 0063294079
Genres: Fantasy, Folklore
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

This middle grade novel combines South Korean folklore and fantasy to tell Jung’s story of grief and growth. Every twelve-year-old girl on Haemin Island participates in a diving ceremony, but ever since her mother disappeared in the water, Jung has been afraid of the water. Jung freezes and doesn’t make the dive. Later, still upset, Jung has an accident and is swept away in the water, but she doesn’t drown. Instead, she ends up in the water realm of the Dragon’s Queendom, trapped with all the other palace girls kidnapped by the queen. Forced into servanthood, Jung focuses on escape, a pursuit that could be deadly. She befriends Prince Jae who is planning to escape his death and run away. Instead, they team up to escape together. They face many dangers, the most lethal being Jae’s mother. But with the help of a little red dragon, they are able to strip the queen of her power and survive.

The journey to freedom has changed Jae and Jung. Jae has become more aware of the negative impacts his mother has had on people’s living conditions and the responsibility that comes with being a ruler. Jung has become more confident and braver, and more willing to share her fears with her friends and father. When Jung returns to Haemin, she takes these lessons with her, though she and none of the freed palace girls reveal what actually happened while they were missing.

This novel is ideal for upper elementary or middle grade readers, especially those who are interested in folklore or who like fantasy. There is plenty of action to keep readers hooked and Jung’s voice as a narrator is fun and authentic.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

Is This a Plum?

July 2, 2026

Is This a Plum? A Peek-Through Picture Book by Dan Ojari
Genres: Babies/Infants, Children's Beginning Readers, Humor, Picture book/animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Is This a Plum? a delightful peek-through picture book by Dan and Finn Ojari, will keep readers on their toes! Page cut-outs look like one thing, but you’ll be surprised with every turn of the page. Readers of any age will enjoy the guessing game as well as the charming critters determined to lead your guesses astray. And such illustrations! Like Eric Carle, Dan Ojari can command a page with basic shapes and colors. Those who tend to be visually overwhelmed will especially love the design of the book. Even the texture of the cover has a tactile appeal.

Recommended for ages 3-8, and the book begs to be read aloud. Daycares, preschools, K-3 classrooms, library children’s collections, and caregivers of all types would do well to add Is This a Plum? to their collections.

Bonus! The book was inspired by Dan’s son Finn who realized a plum looks a lot like a … well, you’ll have to find that out for yourself.

Reviewed by Beth Almquist, Lewiston Public Library

You’re the Boss, Gracie Wei

July 1, 2026

Gracie Wei #2: You're the Boss, Gracie Wei by Basia Tran, Kristen Mei Chase
ISBN: 0593813006
Genres: Emotions & Feelings, Family, Juvenile Fiction / Social Themes / Friendship, Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads

Gracie Wei is back with her cast of amazing friends – and this time, they are ready for summer vacation! Gracie and her friends have decided to form the “Summer Club of Awesome” – meeting together every day for fun activities. Gracie, who is hosting activities at her house, is determined to plan every last detail and schedule every activity. But her friends keep suggesting they do other activities than what she had planned! Worst of all – they want to go biking, and Gracie hasn’t gotten on her bike since she last fell off. Can she be the boss and direct them to other activities instead? Or will she learn to be flexible and face her fears? Like the first story, this early chapter book is full of good lessons, sweet friendships, and diverse characters. The black-and-white pencil and graphite illustrations are thoughtfully placed throughout the text and perfectly depict the emotions of the characters. Recommended for ages 7 to 9 (2^nd to 4^th Grade).

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

You’re a Winner, Gracie Wei

July 1, 2026

Gracie Wei #1: You're a Winner, Gracie Wei by Basia Tran, Kristen Mei Chase
ISBN: 0593812964
Genres: Emotions & Feelings, Family, Juvenile Fiction / Social Themes / Friendship, Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads

Gracie Wei knows for certain that she is going to win the Grapevine Elementary Fourth-Grade Class Spelling Bee. She knows because her teacher says “practice makes perfect,” she’s pretty sure that perfect people win spelling bees, and because she has practiced (a lot!). When Gracie wins the spelling bee, she will finally have something of her own displayed on her family’s “Wei Special Wall” of awards and prizes. She is the only person in her family that hasn’t gotten an award yet (including her toddler brother who got one for going potty at school!). However, when she gets to school, it looks like Gracie has competition – Elena Yarberry has also practiced, and is ready to win. When they take the stage, Elena panics and leaves the auditorium. Worried, Gracie follows Elena to see if she is OK. Gracie helps Elena to feel better, but both end up missing the spelling bee! How will Gracie Wei make it onto the Wei Special Wall now? This early chapter book is full of good lessons, sweet friendships, diverse character representation, and descriptive cultural details. It includes black-and-white pencil and graphite illustrations, which nicely break up the text and provide depth and emotion to the storyline. Recommended for ages 7 to 9 (2^nd to 4^th Grade).

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

Spendin’ Time

July 1, 2026

Spendin’ Time: A Picture Book about Family and Slowing Down, for Kids (Ages 4-8) by Gary R. Gray Jr., Rahele Jomepour Bell
ISBN: 006308998X
Genres: Cultural / Indigenous, Family, Family Life
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

What’s the story? Nothing really. Just spendin’ time. Gray and Bell’s gentle slice-of-life picture book follows a boy and his grandfather as they move through town one day: gathering berries, greeting neighbors, fishing, visiting the market, and sharing memories. Nothing is rushed, no problems to overcome. The point, we see, is the boy and his grandfather spending time together, noticing and enjoying life’s small pleasures. The author’s note at the end of the book, addressed to the author’s own grandfather, clarifies that the setting here is Preston, Nova Scotia, “Canada’s oldest Indigenous black community,” and the site of many happy memories.

Bell’s illustrations underscore the message of the book, with soft pastels offering rounded edges and rich colors to notice and appreciate. And while the gentle tone and repeated reminder that “we’re spending time” encourage readers to slow down, the text isn’t without excitement. “Plop! Fwoosh! Splash!” Onomatopoeia dots steps along the journey and offers fun read-aloud moments for a preschool story time focused on grandparents or daily life/chores.

Reviewed by Carolyn Gallmeyer, Lithgow Public Library, Augusta

Mystery of Macaw Mountain

June 25, 2026

Mystery on Macaw Mountain by Maria Jose Fitzgerald
on March 10, 2026
ISBN: 0593488741
Genres: Adventure, Animals, Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure / General, Mystery
Format: Middle Grade Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Mystery on Macaw Mountain

Author: Maria Jose Fitzerald

This mystery novel for ages 8-12 takes place in Copan, Honduras. Nico and Tessa Paz-Murcia, brother and sister whose parents, Mercedes and Feliz, are separated, host a visit with their cousins, Jackie and Emilio. Mercedes is an archologist whose supposed new boyfriend, Frank, had his small bird sanctuary flooded so had to move eight macaws into temporary enclosures. The plan to re-introduce the birds in a new sanctuary among archaeological ruins is thwarted when the birds are found missing. The four cousins are determined to solve the mystery of the missing macaws, especially after the authorities assume that the birds simply escaped.

The list of suspects is long: Natalia (Frank’s helper who cares for the birds), Nando (neighbor and park guide), Anges and Diego (young archeologists who work with Mercedes), Josefina and Felipe (neighbor/baker and her son), professional wildlife traffickers.

The cousins uncovered much evidence: Natalia’s locket was found in the woods near the enclosure, and Agnes and Diego were seen taking something into the temple and coming out with 2 bundles. The cousins found a suspicious note from Nando on Mercedes’s desk. Emilio secretly records a concerning conversation between Nando’s wife, Olga, and Natalia. Then, one of the birds is found dead and delivered to Frank’s. Will the 4 kids manage to solve the crime and avenge Napoc’s death?

This is a lovely story that reminds readers that people are not always as they seem, everyone makes mistakes, and people sometimes do wrong things for seemingly good reasons. It addresses controversial practices of relocating, smuggling, and stealing valuable artifacts and relics. While this story is fiction, the Macaw Mountain Bird Park and Nature Reserve is a real place in Copan, which helped restore the population of free-flying scarlet macaws to the park in 2011.

This reviewer found the sheer number of characters overwhelming and confusing. Today’s young readers may be unfamiliar with some of the antiquated technology used by the characters (iPod, tape recorder) and find the frequent inclusion of Spanish words and phrases obfuscating (to young monolingual English readers) and the Mayan culture foreign and unrelatable.

3 stars

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

Navigating Night

June 23, 2026

Navigating Night by Angie Kang, Julie Leung
on March 10, 2026
ISBN: 0593897692
Genres: Emotions & Feelings, Family, Family Life, Immigrants
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

“I don’t want to be a good kid. I want to be a normal kid.” So says the narrator of Navigating Night, a picture book based on author Julie Leung’s own childhood experience. Against the backdrop of a rainy night, evocatively illustrated by Angie Kang, a Chinese girl helps her father make deliveries for their restaurant. Translating and navigating, she finds herself encountering those who are kind, those who are not, and those who make her feel envious and awkward. When she challenges her father that she wants to be like other kids rather than help him, he responds by gently telling her of his own journey from danger, navigating a new home, sent by his family to begin a new life when he was just a boy.

Navigating Night conveys the frustration every child feels when conflicted between pride in who they are, and the need to blend in. It also points out the frustration experienced by children of immigrants who must function as adults as they assist their parents, while longing to be a “normal kid.” Recommended for elementary classrooms, public libraries, and any who want to take a brief journey in the shoes (or car) of a child learning to navigate her own way home.

Reviewed by Beth Almquist, Lewiston Public Library