Category: Book Reviews

Words are Magic

Words are MagicWords Are Magic! (Step into Reading) by Felicia Whaley, Zaila Avant-Garde
Published by Random House on 1/2/24
ISBN: 0593571673
Genres: Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure / General
Format: Early Reader
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

Words are Magic is an enjoyable early reader that shares the joy and power of words.  The text is simple and the font is large, which is perfect for younger readers.  The strength of this book is the illustrations.  They are fun and colorful, without being too distracting, but they really stand out with how they invite the children to interact with them.  There are short words that the children can sing, shout, rhyme, trace, and draw, which will reach auditory and kinesthetic learners.  One two page spread is a city scene filled with signs that children can read either by using the picture as clues or with the help of an adult.  This book encourages children to practice basic early reading skills in a fun way and is recommended for any library with preschool or kindergarten children.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

five-stars

Barracoon: Adapted for Young Readers

Barracoon: Adapted for Young ReadersBarracoon: Adapted for Young Readers by Ibram X. Kendi, Jazzmen Lee-Johnson, Zora Neale Hurston
Published by Amistad Books for Young Readers on 1/23/24
ISBN: 9780063098336
Genres: Biography/Autobiography
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

In this adaptation, Ibram X. Kendi retells the story of Cudjo Lewis, as originally written by African American anthropologist and storyteller, Zora Neale Hurston. Cudjo Lewis was one of the last people stolen from Africa and enslaved in the United States. Over several months he tells his story to Hurston, who shares her experience of gathering his story- from the meals they shared to the days that ended without goodbyes because he was so caught up in despair that he didn’t know she left. This powerful account exposes readers to the horrors of slavery, but in an age appropriate way. Lewis recounts the details of his life in Africa, his experience as part of the Middle Passage, and his life after slavery. Cudjo spoke in African American English and many passages throughout the book are written in a simplified form of Ebonics, which Kendi explains to the reader is not broken English. At times, it feels like Cudjo is speaking directly to the reader, teaching them about slavery and life during the Jim Crow era in a personal way. There are black and white illustrations throughout the book that capture the reality and emotion of the text. The combination of the text and illustrations creates a story that readers will take with them long after they finish the book. This book is recommended for libraries with middle/ high school audiences.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

five-stars

Cake Vs. Pie

Cake Vs. PieCake Vs. Pie by Steph Stilwell, Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen
ISBN: 0358555604
Genres: Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure / General
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
one-star

Cake Vs. Pie is, at first glance, a book that might appeal to our collective love of desserts, as well as our cultural fascination with competition. While the illustrations are quite colorful and charming, with anthropomorphized treats displaying an array of emotions, the storyline itself might not be what most parents and teachers are hoping to share with children.

Cake is used to being everyone’s favorite. With a very heavy use of puns, Bardhan-Quallen leads readers through the community of desserts, and it quickly becomes apparent that Cake is much-beloved. When Pie moves to the neighborhood, other characters begin to adore the newcomer. While the two are initially friends, jealousy quickly flares, and their interactions take on an uncomfortable ‘frenemies’ quality. They literally end up in a boxing ring and battle over who is better. Readers may hope for a satisfying end with a lesson about healthy friendships, but that never quite happens. Cake takes some responsibility for the mess, but Pie never does, and the situation is glossed over by them cleaning up and declaring their friendship. The book ends with an image of a hot dog and burger about to fight in the ring, surrounded by a crowd of upset food items.

This picture book is listed as being recommended for ages 4-8.

Reviewed by Kristi Favaloro, Skidompha Public Library, Damariscotta

one-star

We Still Belong

We Still BelongWe Still Belong by Christine Day
on August 1, 2023
ISBN: 0063064561
Pages: 256
Genres: Holiday, Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

We Still Belong by Christine Day is a slice of life novel that follows an Upper Skagit Native family on Indigenous People’s day. Wesley Wilder is anxiously excited for school where her poem about Indigenous People’s Day will be distributed in the school newspaper. She plans on using the confidence boost from the poem to ask her crush (a fellow video game enthusiast) to an upcoming dance, but nothing goes according to plan. 

We Still Belong is full of positive depictions of Native life and emphasizes how backward the ‘blood quantum’ laws are that exclude Wesley from becoming a tribal member. The last chapters take place at a powwow and are vibrant compared to the passive, more background heavy earlier chapters. At the powwow Wesley makes new friends, learns more about Native history, and finally shares her poem with an appreciative audience. Unfortunately, the majority of the book focuses on school drama and the slow plot is frequently interrupted by short chapters that inorganically provide background information.

The characters are wholesome and dimensional, the story was educational without being obtrusive, but the pace and scope hold the novel back from being great. Ultimately, the heart of the novel is in the last few chapters and it will take a patient reader to make it there. 

Reviewed by Ivy Burns, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth 

three-stars

Nimbus

NimbusNimbus by Jan Eldredge
on September 5, 2023
ISBN: 0062680374
Genres: Animals, Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

“Nimbus” is a black cat and the title character of Jan Eldredge’s middle grade fantasy novel. She is rescued and nursed back to health by Fletcher, a boy who earns Nimbus’ love and loyalty. When Fletcher is attacked by a goblin, and Nimbus fights and protects him.  Unfortunately, because his aunt believes that Nimbus is the one who attacked Fletcher, she takes her far away and abandons her. Nimbus befriends a fabulous rat named Rhett, is helped by a witch and her cats and learns that she has magic of her own and that Fletcher is in even more danger. Themes of family, love, and loyalty run throughout the book. A recommended purchase for middle grade collections where animal books are popular.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, ME.

three-stars

Dark Star Burning, Ash Falls White

Dark Star Burning, Ash Falls WhiteDark Star Burning, Ash Falls White (Song of the Last Kingdom, #2) by Amélie Wen Zhao
on January 2, 2024
ISBN: 0593487540
Pages: 345
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

“Dark Star Burning, Ash Falls White” is the sequel to “Song of Silver, Flame like Night” by Amélie Wen Zhao. A Young Adult/Teen fantasy duology, set in a world inspired by Chinese myths, Lan, our main character, has discovered that the mark on her arm means that her mother sealed her powerful connection to the Silver Dragon, a demon god. She is afraid to use the power because she knows that the dragon will take over her mind. Her companion, Zen, is fighting his connection to the demon Black Tortoise (who he bound himself to to get the power to avenge his family). Together they must fight to free the Last Kingdom.

The characters struggle with power and whether or not power should be embraced or destroyed. There is some romance and the two main characters are fully fleshed out and compelling. The world building that Zhao has done is impressive. A recommended purchase for YA collections where fantasy is popular (as long as you also get the first book).

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, ME.

four-stars

The Mystery Traveler at Lake Fortune

The Mystery Traveler at Lake FortuneThe Mystery Traveler at Lake Fortune by Cathie Pelletier
Published by Down East Books ISBN: 1684750768
Genres: Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure / General, Mystery
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

When the Baker parents announce that they have rented a rustic cabin on a lake in small town Maine, 9-year-old Charlie and his drama queen sister, 10-year-old Clarissa, are less than happy. No electricity? No running water? No cell phones? Things are even worse when Charlie is awakened during their first night – by ghosts in the attic! Nothing about this so-called vacation seems fun at all.

But the next morning they take a boat out to the small island in the middle of the lake with their parents, and there the siblings discover a ball jar with a mysterious clue tucked inside. In the city they might not get along, but in order to unravel the mystery kicked off with that first riddle, they begin to discover that spending time together…isn’t so bad after all. That first clue is the beginning of two weeks of unforgettable adventure – making friends, discovering the town their father came to as a child, and, finally, solving the last clue: just in time to figure out just who was behind it.

Maine author Cathie Pelletier has penned a delightful MG story with authentic sibling fractiousness and love, a hint of mystery, and the kind of summer adventure that is possible if only we can unplug for a bit. Great for fans of classic sibling adventure stories, from The Railway Children to Magic Treehouse. A wonderful story that offers something for readers of all ages. Delightful pencil illustrations dotted throughout add whimsy. Highly recommend: five stars.

Submitted by Jenny Martinez Nocito, Maine State Library, Augusta

five-stars

15 Secrets to Survival

15 Secrets to Survival15 Secrets to Survival by Natalie D. Richards
on November 7, 2023
ISBN: 0593644123
Genres: Adventure, Humor
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

Four 12-year-olds and an 18-month-old have an unexpected adventure in the Montana woods as a consequence of breaking a school rule. The sixth graders are going to stay with former kids’ camp owner Uncle Hornsby  for lessons in teamwork while their parents are going to Aruba for a vacation. Things take a dangerous turn when Uncle Hornsby disappears. They must now work together to find him and stay alive themselves. Their unwillingness to cooperate develops into  a realization of individual strengths, weaknesses, and friendship. Fans of Gordon Korman and Dan Gutman will enjoy. Useful for teaching the value of one another’s strengths. Great cover!

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

four-stars

A Horse Named Sky

A Horse Named SkyA Horse Named Sky (A Voice of the Wilderness Novel) by Kirbi Fagan, Rosanne Parry
ISBN: 0062995952
Pages: 260
Genres: Historical Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

A stand-alone companion to the national bestsellers A Wolf Called Wander and A Whale of the Wild. In mid-19th-century Nevada, a colt named Sky grows up to lead his band of wild horses. Chronicling a wild horse in the first person, imagining its point of view, and detailing his capture, Sky grows from a newborn to a leader. I found the first person narrative by a horse difficult to understand at times. Those who love horses and horse stories will enjoy this book.

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

three-stars

The Revenge Game

The Revenge GameThe Revenge Game by Jordyn Taylor
on November 7, 2023
ISBN: 0593563646
Pages: 320
Genres: Psychological thriller, Realistic Fiction, Suspense
Format: Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Prep school junior Alyson is a romance novel enthusiast, but hasn’t had a boyfriend despite having some serious crushes. She falls for a senior lacrosse player (and eventual missing person in a subplot that is told Carrie-style with interviews and news articles) named Riggs and can’t believe it when she finds herself in what seems like a relationship straight out of one her favorite books. But is it, though? Piece by piece the female students put together clues that the males have been using them to rack up points according to the sexual acts they engage in. Alyson is convinced that Riggs can’t be part of it, even though his own father’s game is still admiringly talked about. The girls band together and reciprocate with their own game: they publicly humiliate boys, whether or not there is proof that they are involved in the game.

A meta-romantic thriller with a likeable cast of female characters (it should be noted that we only get tiny glimpses of even remotely likeable males), The Revenge Game is a little overblown, but its value lies in the more subtle signs of red flags in Riggs and Alyson’s willful determination to ignore them in the name of love. Recommend to those looking to explore generational toxic masculinity and/or those who might enjoy a solid tale of revenge.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

three-stars