Category: Book Reviews

The Ghosts We Keep

The Ghosts We KeepThe Ghosts We Keep by Mason Deaver
Published by Push on June 1, 2021
ISBN: 133859334X
Pages: 336
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Sixteen year old Liam Cooper’s older brother Ethan, star baseball player and golden child, is killed by a hit and run right down the road from his house. “The Ghosts We Keep” by Mason Deaver explores Liam’s grief, alternating chapters before and after the accident. While coping with his brother’s death, Liam also navigates his relationship with his grieving parents, his feelings about his own sexuality, his tumultuous break from his best friends, a suicide attempt, and his budding friendship with his brother’s best friend. While the book grabs the reader in the beginning with the graphic details of Ethan’s death, the pace is slow throughout, and the end wraps up somewhat oddly with glimpses of Liam’s life far into the future. 

Unfortunately, Liam’s friends come across as toxic and unlikeable, his parents’ characters are one dimensional, and we guess his brother’s Ethan and his friend Marcus’s “secret ” right away. In a nutshell, none of the characters, Liam included, are likable. And while LGBTQIA+ representation in YA is great, every single character in this book with the exception of Liam’s parents falls into that category, which seems unrealistic and forced and doesn’t provide any kind of foil for those characters, or allow us to get any in depth look into the struggles they allude to. 

I would not recommend this book to a young adult struggling with the grief of a loved one dying, I think there are better options out there for a YA collection.

Grades 9-12

Lee Remick, York Middle School, York

three-stars

Out of the Fire

Out of the FireOut of the Fire by Andrea Contos
Published by Scholastic Press on December 7, 2021
ISBN: 1338726161
Pages: 336
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

In “Out of the Fire” author Andrea Contos hands us a YA thriller about four young women who embark on a mission of revenge to get back at the men in their lives who have harmed them. Our main character and sole narrator, Cass, was kidnapped while out for an evening run. She managed to escape the trunk of the car her attacker threw her into, but months later is receiving anonymous letters from the same man letting her know he is still stalking her. Living in constant fear with no support from the police, and reluctant to tell her dad, she makes a pact with three other girls who also have been wronged by men. Margot is being blackmailed with photos by her ex boyfriend, Ori is being harassed by a racist teacher, and Nomi is still coming to grips with an abusive stepfather. The girls decide to find out not only who kidnapped Cass, but then retaliate against their persecutors one by one.  

Diving into the book, the premise was exciting and the pace of the action grabbed you right away. Unfortunately, things go awry fairly quickly. Instead of giving equal attention to each of the girls, the focus seems to be almost exclusively on Cass. By the end of the book the other girls’ revenge stories are skimmed over, and they seem to be merely an afterthought. Cass’s story becomes confusing and garbled and goes off on multiple tangents, introducing characters and subplots that aren’t explained well.  That said, this would be a fine book to have in a YA collection for those readers who like thrillers, and two of the girls represent different minorities, but I’m not sure it should be on a must purchase list.

Recommended for Grades 9-12

Lee Remick, York Middle School, York

three-stars

Speak Up, Speak Out!

Speak Up, Speak Out!Speak Up, Speak Out!: The Extraordinary Life of Fighting Shirley Chisholm by Tonya Bolden
Published by National Geographic Kids on January 4, 2022
ISBN: 142637237X
Pages: 144
Genres: Biography/Autobiography
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Speak Up, Speak Out!

 

Shirley Chisholm was always encouraged to do her best and be a leader; and this was what she did.  She excelled in school and in her work and eventually became the first African American woman elected to Congress and to run for the Presidency.  There are extensive notes for each chapter and an Index.  The author, Tonya Bolden, has been honored with the Coretta Scott King Honor award and she shows her ability in her writing covering Shirley’s life.  This is aimed at 4th to 6th graders.

Reviewed by Ellen Spring, Oceanside High School, Rockland

four-stars

Where Do We Get Water?

Where Do We Get Water?Where Do We Get Water? by Karen Latchana Kenney
Published by Bearcub Books on January 1, 2021
ISBN: 1647474930
Pages: 24
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Where Do We Get Water?

 

In a nonfiction picture book format Karen Kenney explains the water cycle from rain to purification plant to pumps to water tower to the tap.  The illustrations, (photographs and drawings), add to the appeal of the book.  There is a Glossary, an Index, and print and online sources for learning more, as well as Teaching Tips.

For a beginning nonfiction book on the water cycle this should appeal to K-2nd grade readers.

Reviewed by Ellen Spring, Oceanside High School, Rockland

 

 

three-stars

Rubylicious

RubyliciousRubylicious by Victoria Kann
Published by HarperCollins on September 28, 2021
ISBN: 006305521X
Pages: 40
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
two-stars

Rubylicious by Victoria Kann is the eighth book in the Pinkalicious collection.  One day while playing, Pinkalicious finds a stone for her rock collection. While wiping it clean- Poof! A cloud of red smoke fills the room and a figure appears.  Is she a genie? The figure tells Pinkalicious that she will grant one wish for her and her brother Peter.  The figure, who they name “Rocky” is afraid to do wishes because she fears they will turn out badly.  Because of this, Rocky agrees to give them a preview of their wish ideas. The wishes are- huge pile of sweets, the ability to fly and being a princess and prince living in a castle.

Each of the preview wishes do turn out badly.  Too much sugar and overstuffed bellies, an airplane that flies out of control and a cold castle with a fire breathing dragon. Rocky is disappointed that she has not been able to give them a wonderful wish.  Pinkalicious seeing how sad she is gives Rocky a wish instead. The wish is that she will be less afraid and have more fun. This wish breaks the curse that had been placed on Rocky for one hundred years. She shimmers and sparkles and turns into a princess in red. Her name is Ruby and she no longer is fearful of granting wishes. She grants them a lovely wish in the end.

In usual Pinkalicious fashion, this story is very predictable. Probably a good addition to a collection since these books circulate, however this story was a replay of the other Pinkalicious books.

Reviewed by Amy Tobalske, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook

two-stars

What If, Pig

What If, PigWhat If, Pig? by Linzie Hunter
Published by HarperCollins on June 8, 2021
ISBN: 0062986090
Pages: 40
Genres: Animals, Mental Health
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

What If, Pig is a sweet and relatable story about a pig who is a kind and generous friend to everyone. But Pig has a secret. Pig is a worrier.
When Pig decides to plan a party for all of their friends, they start to panic about all the things that could go wrong. Pig’s friend Mouse lets Pig cancel the party, and then takes Pig for a walk to relax. There they run into all the invited guests who share their own worries with Pig.

This is a fun and gentle introduction to worries and anxiety, and how children don’t have to feel alone in their fears. The illustrations are bright, goofy and sweet, with the text changing font depending of the emotions they are conveying.

I recommend this book. It is a fun read for ages 4-8.

Reviewed by Katie Drago, Children’s Librarian, Rockland Public Library, Rockland, ME

four-stars

Ready for the Spotlight!

Ready for the Spotlight!Ready for the Spotlight! by Jaime Kim
Published by Candlewick Press on January 25, 2022
ISBN: 1536205184
Pages: 40
Genres: Realistic Fiction, Sports
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Ready for the Spotlight is the story of Tessie, who can’t stand that her older sister is better than her at ballet. Just looking at Tessie’s snarky glare will remind the reader of a time they were irrationally jealous of someone they loved. Tessie is new in the class and her mother, teacher, and sister all gentle remind her that it takes practice to improve and every person that dances had to learn the basics first.

Tessie feels like it’s the last straw when her big sister wins the solo in the upcoming recital, but when Tessie takes a moment to relax and let loose she does a great freestyle dance that her classmates love. Later, Tessie’s sister asks for some pointers on how to do freestyle as well as Tessie does.

This story is a very relatable tale about jealously and sibling rivalry. It talks about how we all have something special to share. The main character isn’t particularly likable, but none of us are when we are feeling this way.

The illustrations occasionally use shadow to show Tessie’s perception, but I didn’t find the illustrations particularly interesting.

Overall an okay book for ages 4-8. The book is about dance and jealously, so it will circulate but won’t bring anything unique to your collection.

Reviewed by Katie Drago, Children’s Librarian, Rockland Public Library, Rockland, ME

three-stars

National Geographic Readers: Rainforests (Level 2)

National Geographic Readers: Rainforests (Level 2)National Geographic Readers: Rainforests (Level 2) by Andrea Silen
Published by National Geographic Kids on October 5, 2021
ISBN: 1426338384
Pages: 32
Genres: Animals
Format: Early Reader
Goodreads
four-stars

This reader is one of the many in the National Geographic Kids collection.  As a Level 2 Reader; it is appropriate for a young reader ready for longer sentences and more complex vocabulary.  It is an informative book complete with interesting photographs and text. It covers information about rainforests and the animals and plants that make their home there.  It addresses why it is important to preserve these unique treasures and some famous rainforests in the world. Throughout the book  are riddles and a short quiz  and glossary at the end. There are boxes on some pages labeled “Rainforest Talk” that give more detailed definitions of words that are used. This is a bit complex for a level 2 reader, but an adult could assist with the text. The National Geographic Readers are always filled with captivating pictures  and facts and make learning fun for any young reader.

Reviewed by Amy Tobalske, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook 

 

four-stars

Unchosen

UnchosenUnchosen by Katharyn Blair
Published by Katherine Tegen Books on January 26, 2021
ISBN: 006265764X
Pages: 416
Genres: Fantasy
Goodreads
four-stars

This YA dystopian book focuses on middle sister Charlotte who struggles to find her place in the world of Crimson, a horrible virus spread by making eye contact. Her older sister Harlow is a natural leader running their settlement alongside her boyfriend Dean. Unbeknownst to Harlow, Charlotte is in love with Dean. Charlotte’s younger sister is an amazing gymnast and if her sleep-talking is to be believed, she is the “chosen one” who can lead the world out of the Crimson curse. When their settlement is raided, Charlotte declares herself the chosen one to protect her sister and to try to rescue Dean who has been kidnapped. Fans of zombie apocalypse/fantasy adventures will enjoy this book. Reviewed by Karen Sandlin Silverman, Mt. Ararat Middle School, Topsham

four-stars

A Tree Is A Home

A Tree Is A HomeA Tree Is a Home by Pamela Hickman, Zafouko Yamamoto
Published by Kids Can Press on September 7, 2021
ISBN: 1525302361
Pages: 32
Genres: Animals, Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Horses
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

As a large old tree grows it shelters a variety of animal families.  This non-fiction book reviews the seasons using both the changes of the tree and that of the six animal families who use it as a home.  Hickman’s text reveals some mysteries of animal habitats while it accurately describes the changes of season in the north.  Lush expanding illustrations of the tree allows little readers to search for the animal homes.  Yamamoto’s up-close views of animal habitat and behavior may produce an interest in children to learn more about nature.  By adding the house to the story, the author connects readers to the seasons. This book is story time worthy across many age groups.

A Tree is a Home is a nonfiction picture book which will make a good addition to any public library concept book collection. Preschool classrooms through grade 2 will find this title an excellent addition to their shelves.  Once school media center librarians have shared this title, they will be unable to keep the book on the shelf.

Reviewed by Jan Hamilton, retired youth services librarian in Scarborough, ME

four-stars