Category: Book Reviews

Tree. Table. Book.

Tree. Table. Book.Tree. Table. Book. by Lois Lowry
ISBN: 006329950X
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

What a lovely story! Eleven-year-old Sophia Henry Winslow is good at telling stories but learns that you have to put in feelings to make a really good story. This story is about friendship. It’s about sadness. It’s about dementia. It’s about the heartbreaking memories of a young Jewish girl in Poland during WW II. It’s about fixing those people in this world who don’t understand and accept people who are different. All this packed in a less than a 200-page book told in a child’s voice and perspective. Lowry is masterful in the telling. She is able to put herself beautifully into the characters of both 11-year old Sophie and her 88-year old neighbor Sophie Gershowitz and their very special friendship. There were many quotes that spoke to me, but this one was my favorite:

“I had told Sophie Gershowitz that I always got the dates right, on history tests, always got As. That was true. But I had never really got it, never understood history, how things fit together, because I needed someone to tell me the stories not of politics and dictators, but of berries and bunnies and books. Of how things are lost, and what that means and how it hurts.”

Cream of the Crop nominee

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

 

five-stars

Queer History A to Z: 100 Years of LGBTQ+ Activism

Queer History A to Z: 100 Years of LGBTQ+ ActivismQueer History A to Z: 100 Years of LGBTQ+ Activism by Robin Stevenson, Vivian Rosas
Published by Kids Can Press on 5/7/24
ISBN: 1525308351
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

This middle grade nonfiction book introduces readers to the history of LGBTQ+ activism in the United States and Canada.  It is organized in an A to Z format, with each letter highlighting an important idea, person, or event in the history of LGBTQ+ activism.  Some of the terms will probably be familiar for readers like P is for Pride or Q is for Queer.  Others will be new for readers as they learn about activists like Baynard Rustin and Urvashi Vaid.  The alphabet format and bright illustrations makes the information accessible and engaging to readers. The text offers an age-appropriate overview of LGBTQ+ activism and why it was/is necessary.  The backmatter includes descriptions of more queer activists, a timeline of important events, and a glossary.  This book would be great in a middle school collection as it offers important information on a relevant topic without going into too much depth.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

four-stars

Rising

RisingRising by Sidura Ludwig, Sophia Vincent Guy
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 1536225495
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

What a lovely book. A mother and child prepare their weekly challah for Shabbat. The mother is visibly pregnant and the bread is swaddled like an infant while it rises, all while the leisurely pace reminds us to slow down, enjoy our families, and know that good things are worth waiting for.

The mostly pastel color scheme is shot through periodically with a burst of brightness, and special attention is paid to the detail on linens and dishware. Everything adds to the feeling of family love and comfort. Rising includes a note about Shabbat, a recipe for challah, and a glossary of Hebrew terms.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

four-stars

If You Spot a Shell

If You Spot a ShellIf You Spot a Shell by Aimée Sicuro
Published by Random House Children's Books ISBN: 0593650999
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Those who enjoyed Sicuro’s If You Find A Leaf will be excited to read this summery, beachy, follow-up. The simple premise of kids using shells they find to inspire imaginative games works well with the loose rhyme scheme and the mixture of painted illustrations and photographs. Everything feels as laid back as a trip to the beach. If You Spot a Shell is a whimsical summer read or a great potential companion to a creative classroom shell project.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

four-stars

Made Glorious

Made GloriousMade Glorious by Lindsay Eagar
Published by Candlewick Press on April 2, 2024
ISBN: 1536204676
Genres: Mental Health, Psychological thriller
Format: Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Senior year at Bosworth Academy is a big deal for student actors; it’s when they have finally paid their theater dues and are able to perform as a lead in the school’s final production. Rory King has been waiting patiently for her turn, but when she is passed over for a lead and cast in the ensemble again, she sets in motion a conniving and dangerous scheme to finally land a lead role.

This retelling of Shakespeare’s Richard III sets Rory up as an antihero who will shock and delight us as she stops at nothing (sexual favors, emotional manipulation, narrowly avoided murder) to get her way. Unfortunately, Rory comes across less like an antihero, and more like a severely ill teenager whose unyielding drive leads to truly reprehensible behavior. It’s hard to get on board and root for her, especially with very little backstory to explain why Rory behaves the way she does. The book uses both first and third person narration, has theatrical numbers, and even an original song. The detail paid to high school theater is interesting and will appeal to those who are familiar with the scene.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

three-stars

Un Plato de Esperanza

Un Plato de EsperanzaUn plato de esperanza (A Plate of Hope Spanish Edition): La inspiradora historia del chef José Andrés y World Central Kitchen by Erin Frankel, Paola Escobar
Published by Random House ISBN: 0593711335
Genres: Biography/Autobiography
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
three-stars

“Un Plato de Esperanza” is the Spanish edition of “A Plate of Hope” written by Erin Frankel and illustrated by Paola Escobar, a picture book biography of José Andrés,  chef and restaurateur. The book starts with José as a boy in Spain helping his father cook paella and goes through him growing up, creating his own restaurant, and helping provide food to people where natural disasters have happened. The phrase “no es solo” is used many times in the book to emphasize that there is a deeper meaning behind everything. José Andrés wants to feed everyone and help them. The prose is almost lyrical and the Illustrations are bright and colorful. There is an author’s note and a selected biography list at the end of the book. Recommended where Spanish language picture book biographies are popular. Recommended for ages 4-8.

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

three-stars

Not Quite a Ghost

Not Quite a GhostNot Quite a Ghost by Anne Ursu
Published by Walden Pond Press on January 16, 2024
ISBN: 0062275151
Pages: 277
Genres: Magical Realism
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

Middle School is off to a difficult start for Violet.  Her friend group is changing and her attic  bedroom with the ugly wallpaper in the house her family just moved into appears to be haunted.  Adding to this stress is the fact that Violet is sick and no one can figure out what’s wrong with her.  She gets weak easily and no matter how much she rests, she is always exhausted.  It lasts so long that some of her friends and even her doctors believe she is making it up.  The sicker she gets, the more her bedroom haunts her.  As Violet works to figure out what is wrong with her and how to expel the spirit from her room, she learns important lessons about who she is and what it means to be a friend.  In addition to friendship, this book explores living with invisible illness, blended families, and perseverance.  Violet and her friends are white, but her stepdad is Black.  There is also LGBTQ representation as her new friend Will has two dads and the sibling of another friend uses “they” pronouns.  This coming of age story would be a great addition for libraries with middle grade readers.  Violet is an authentic, likable character who navigates the inevitable ups and downs of middle school with some hiccups.  The novel isn’t action packed, but readers will care about Violet and will want to know what is wrong with her and the gentle ghost story adds a little suspense to the plot. 

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

five-stars

Sona and the Golden Beasts

Sona and the Golden BeastsSona and the Golden Beasts by Rajani LaRocca
on March 5, 2024
ISBN: 0063295407
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

The realm of Devia was overthrown by the Malechs centuries before.  Devia is the location of precious gems, of which the Malechian king greedily wants for himself.  The ruling Malechians oppress the Devians and outlaw many things the Devians honor, including music.  Malechian born Sona hears music everywhere, but has to hide this fact, until a golden eared wolf pup shows up.  When her Devian born Aya (nanny/nurse) falls ill, Sona sets off on a quest to retrieve a magical cure.  Subsequently, she hopes to save the young wolf pup from a Malechian hunter who is determined to kill all sacred beasts of Devia.  Accompanied by a Devian boy, Sona’s perilous journey leads her to uncover some surprising truths about her past.  Along the way she realizes that the fate of all the golden beasts of the realm might fall upon her.  

Sona, the novel’s protagonist, is very likable and it’s easy to root for her.  Her heart is in the right place and she fights for what she knows is right.  The pacing is fair and although the story is at times predictable (hero on a quest plot), LaRocca throws in some twists and turns to keep the reader on their toes.  This middle grade fantasy novel is good for readers interested in socio-political issues.  Warning: readers who are upset by the death of animals could find the story too emotionally triggering.  

Reviewed by Heidi Kopishke, Camden Hills Regional High School, Rockport, ME.

four-stars

Magic Girls: Kira and the (Maybe) Space Princess

Magic Girls: Kira and the (Maybe) Space PrincessKira and the (Maybe) Space Princess (Magic Girls #1) by Megan Brennan
on March 5, 2024
ISBN: 0593177541
Genres: Fantasy, Supernatural
Format: Graphic Novel
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
two-stars

Magic, glitter, caticorns, sparkle power, aliens, familiars, battles of good vs. evil.  This graphic novel has everything except the kitchen sink (although that might be in there too).  Wacky and “sparklicious” are what come to mind to describe the superhero-esque story of Kira. A straightforward plot of a middle school girl on the outskirts of popularity is the root of this story.  Kira believes this year will be different and becoming a magic-girl will solve all her problems.  When Caticorn (cat/unicorn) falls from the sky, Kira’s dreams begin to become reality.  But Kira realizes her dream might not be all she was hoping for.  Antagonists include a nemesis known as Tulip and her alter ego Fairtale Fighter as well as the “evil” Mystical Mysticeti.  A sub plot of aliens entering through “warps” will hopefully be covered in book 2.  

This graphic novel definitely is for a niche crowd.  The novel is saturated with cutesiness which at times can become bothersome. Also, it is led by a whiny main character who therefore becomes hard to sympathize with or have patience for.  While the protagonist is approximately fourteen years old, fans of this book are most likely in the eight to ten age span.   

Reviewed by Heidi Kopishke, Camden Hills Regional High School, Rockport, ME.

two-stars

Have You Seen an Elephant?

Have You Seen an Elephant?Have You Seen an Elephant? (Alex's Field Guides, 1) by Elina Ellis
Published by Kids Can Press ISBN: 152530674X
Genres: Adventure, Animals, Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

Have You Seen an Elephant? is the first in a series of humorous non-fiction picture books of “Alex’s Field Guides,” by Elina Ellis.

We open the book to find that our fictional explorer guide named Alex has a whole journal dedicated to Elephants. She takes us on an expedition in the book to find a real elephant. What follows is a series of pages where Alex is searching for elephants in the wild, asking many animals in the elephant’s habitat, “Have you seen an elephant?” In many of the illustrations, we can see parts of an elephant or elephants right out of Alex’s vision, which gives readers that amusing feeling of being able to spot something that the character can’t find. Within this type of dialogue, Alex will open her “journal” of elephant information that gives the reader the non-fiction facts.

The format of this book is highly entertaining for kids who may have trouble engaging with non-fiction texts. The Chickadee Nominee, Chickadee: Criminal Mastermind was illustrated by Ellis; for fans of that book, I would highly recommend this as well since it has a very similar style.

Reviewed by Gia Pilgrim Charles, Patten Free Library, Bath

four-stars