Category: Book Reviews

Lights Day and Night: the Science of How Light Works

Lights Day and Night: the Science of How Light WorksLights Day and Night: The Science of How Light Works by Ellen Rooney, Susan Hughes
Published by Kids Can Press on September 7, 2021
ISBN: 9781525303197
Pages: 32
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Book 2 in “The Science of How” series. Kid-friendly introduction to the science of light. A young girl and her cat on a journey of scientific discovery during a summer to find the answers to these questions: Where does light come from? How does it work? What is it made of? Discusses aspects of light, including natural and artificial light; the many uses of light; how light can be absorbed, reflected and refracted; the meaning of opaque, translucent and transparent; how the eye sees light; and why some animals need less light to see than humans. The graphics are appealing. The book includes a glossary and instructions for a shadow puppet show. A recommended book for early learners as the information is presented in an easy to understand manner and  applies real life examples. I plan to get the first book in the series Sounds All Around: The Science of How Sound Works, too. Similar to the “Let’s-Read-and-Find-Out Science 1” series so unsure if you want both.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

four-stars

Wanda’s Words Got Stuck

Wanda’s Words Got StuckWanda's Words Got Stuck by Lucy Rowland, Paula Bowles
Published by Nosy Crow on May 18, 2021
ISBN: 1536217190
Pages: 32
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Wanda is a shy young witch who, despite wanting to, can’t quite get her words to come out. She makes friends with a new witch in her class named Flo who doesn’t mind that Wanda doesn’t speak much. When Flo’s spell during the school magic contest goes awry, Wanda finds her voice and a way to save the day!

This sweet rhyming story will appeal to children ages 4-7 and may spark conversations about how to find your own voice and help peers find theirs too. The illustrations are delightful, featuring teal, pink, and gray. This is a title that can be featured outside of Halloween displays despite its witch-centric storyline.

Kerrie Lattari, York Middle School, York

three-stars

Strange Creatures

Strange CreaturesStrange Creatures by Phoebe North
Published by Balzer + Bray on June 1, 2021
ISBN: 0062841157
Pages: 544
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Phoebe North’s “Strange Creatures” is dark, realistic fiction intertwined with bits of fantasy that centers around the impact of all too real trauma in a modern day family. Jamie and Annie are siblings born exactly a year apart, inseparable when they are young, creating their own fantasy world called Gumlea. Jamie is clearly the golden child in the family, Annie seems to be the perpetual sidekick. As they reach middle school age, Jamie draws further and further away from Annie, under pressure from his father to engage in more “normal” teen boy activities. He copes by making new friends, self medicating and becoming involved with a girl, Vidya, although his struggle with his sexuality is alluded to early on. Jamie disappears without a trace, and the book focuses on the aftermath in the years following, including the impact on not only Annie (who believes he is somehow still alive in Gumlea) but Vidya and his parents as well.

This story is told from the alternating perspective of Jamie, Annie and Vidya. In addition, the book’s narration switches between real life and the fantasy world of Gumlea. The majority of the characters in the book present as white, with the exception of Vidya, and all of the pov characters are LGBTQ.

This book is unnecessarily long, and the transition between the fantasy narrative and realistic is often confusing. This is marketed as YA, with several reviews mentioning a comparison to “Bridge to Terabithia” and I’ve seen the recommendations for ages 14-18, but I’d say this novel is better served in the adult section. 

Would not recommend even as a secondary selection.

Lee Remick, York Middle School, York

three-stars

Sharks at Your Service

Sharks at Your ServiceSharks at Your Service by Mary Cerullo
on July 1, 2021
ISBN: 1943431639
Pages: 40
Genres: Animals, Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction, Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Sharks at Your Service combines fiction and non-fiction elements to present facts about sharks and show how they are helpful to the ocean ecosystem. We follow Marina as her dad takes her to the aquarium and she interacts with various aquarium staff who share shark factoids with her. On her way home, she imagines the ways that sharks have jobs in the ocean just as people do in the human world and what could be done to protect them.

This book provides some interesting facts about sharks and their role in the ocean and does garner empathy for the species. However, the formatting of the book has some issues. The juxtaposition of the illustrations with the photographs is off putting. There are large walls of text on many pages which may possibly work for the 3rd-6th grade age group this book is supposedly targeted for, but not for the age group I think would be most interested in it. Marina’s thought experiment on her drive home doesn’t quite make the impact it was attempting. Overall, good information, unsuccessful execution.

Kerrie Lattari, York Middle School, York

 

three-stars

Any Sign of Life

Any Sign of LifeAny Sign of Life by Rae Carson
Published by Greenwillow Books on October 12, 2021
ISBN: 0062691937
Pages: 384
Genres: Science Fiction
Format: Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars
“Any Sign of Life” is an exciting, fast-paced thoroughly enjoyable read that would be a great addition to any library’s YA section. 

High school senior Paige Miller wakes up from six days in a coma, only to discover that she seems to be the only survivor in her town. Right off the bat Rae Carson’s descriptive starkness of the post-apocalyptic world grabs you – decomposing bodies everywhere, including Paige’s immediate family and her neighbors, feral animals roaming the streets, multitudes of scavenger birds, no power, internet or signs of life anywhere, except her neighbor’s dog Emmaline. Paige is no quitter, being a star basketball player bound for UConn and eventually the WNBA, so instead of wallowing in self pity, she sets out with the dog to gather supplies. Along the way she meets up with Trey, a fellow superstar athlete, as well as Tanq, a young asexual artist. Realizing fairly early that the sickness that killed almost everyone in the world was no accident, they set out to try to find other survivors. Fighting the invading aliens along the way, they make their way towards what they hope is a live person behind a radio signal who may have some answers.

This novel is sure to please fans of science fiction and thrillers. Carson’s descriptions really bring the feel of the end of the world to life. The story is heavy on action, but has just the right amount of personal interaction and self reflection from our characters with light romance thrown in to appeal to a wide range of readers. One great thing about this book is that the ending left you wanting a sequel, but it was wrapped up enough to be satisfying on its own.

Recommended for Grades 8 and up.

Lee Remick, York Middle School

four-stars

If You, Then Me

If You, Then MeIf You, Then Me by Yvonne Woon
Published by Katherine Tegen Books on July 6, 2021
ISBN: 0063008645
Pages: 416
Genres: Mystery, Romance
Goodreads
four-stars
Thought the action takes place mostly in Silicon Valley CA the reader gets a peek at Xia’s upbringing in MA.  As a quiet techy she finds adjusting to the social life of high school a challenge and dreams of attending a boarding school for talented coders.  This background is needed to fully understand her adjustment when the dream is achieved.   The character of Xia is well portrayed, she feels like the girl next door who is struggling to understand how to navigate her surroundings.  As a coming-of-age story several other genres are exposed among the pages; this is a mystery and a tender romance in addition to being an expose’ on the male dominated world of technology.  Woon’s portrayal of a driven but anxious teen is heartwarming and sincere.  Readers will experience multiple emotions toward several characters ranging from affection to seething anger.  There are however periods when the text seems to lag.

Librarians will want to hand this to teen girls in grade 8-10 who enjoy coming of age stories that are different then the majority.  Add this title to public libraries where YA is collected and to middle school media centers.

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

four-stars

Luna Howls at the Moon

Luna Howls at the MoonLuna Howls at the Moon by Kristin O'Donnell Tubb
Published by Katherine Tegen Books on June 15, 2021
ISBN: 0063018624
Pages: 240
Genres: Adventure, Animals, Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure / General, Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Horses, Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars
“Luna Howls at the Moon” by Kristin O’Donnell Tubb is a new addition to  her canine working dog collection. It is written from the viewpoint of Luna, a therapy dog certified through Therapy Dogs Worldwide. Therapy sessions are held in a church basement alongside her handler, Tessa, a seasoned therapist who works with tweens that suffer from mental health and emotional issues. The story starts by showing how Luna reacts differently for each of the clients in a new group: Amelia (the Shadow), Beatrice (the Knot), Caleb (the Waterfall), and Hector (the River Rock). The tweens resist bonding until one afternoon when Hector does not show up for the group therapy session. When Tessa leaves the room for a moment to handle a parental conflict upstairs, Beatrice impulsively leads Amelia, Caleb, and Luna out the basement window and through the streets of Austin, Texas to find the missing Hector.

What ensues is an epic adventure where the reader learns the ways that Luna protects her clients. As the story unfolds we watch the tweens face their fears, learn how to trust each other, and find value in themselves with Luna’s persistent presence.

The story also features a stray cat named Sandpaper, who attaches himself to the group and becomes the self-proclaimed narrator. “Luna Howls at the Moon” deals with real-life issues that middle-grade readers will relate to. Its slow pace at the start requires a couple of chapters to become engaged in the story. Recommended for ages 8 and up. 

Reviewed by Liz Davis, Children’s Librarian, Waterville Public Library

four-stars

When We Say Black Lives Matter

When We Say Black Lives MatterWhen We Say Black Lives Matter by Maxine Beneba Clarke
Published by Candlewick Press on September 7, 2021
ISBN: 1536222380
Pages: 32
Genres: Fiction in Verse/Poetry, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars
Profound and beautiful in text and illustration this book stands out and will attract all readers.  Clarke tells a historic story which comprises many periods of protest highlighting the current Black Lives Matter Movement.  Through the view of one family, she shares the struggles, pain, and development of the movement.  As the child he/she learns to share in the respect of all Black people, to step out of the shadows, and to stand up for change.   While the text is powerful it is the illustrations that jump off the page and arose a deep emotional response.  Having been drawn in watercolor pencils the colors are vibrant and evoke deep emotion.  The binding is sewn in three sections, insuring its long life of usage by students and families.

This book belongs in all primary school media centers, public libraries,  art classrooms, and in homes all over the world. As the holidays approach this reader would like to note that When We Say Black Lives Matter would be an excellent holiday gift for families with children 6-8

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

Suggested for Cream of the Crop.

five-stars

Hoop Kings 2: New Royalty

Hoop Kings 2: New RoyaltyHoop Kings 2: New Royalty by Charles R. Smith Jr.
Published by Candlewick Press on September 8, 2021
ISBN: 1536210358
Pages: 40
Genres: Sports
Goodreads
four-stars
I know nothing about basketball. Nothing. So I was a little worried about not being able to appreciate this book of poems about basketball players. A few poems in I was still apprehensive and then I let it go and started enjoying it just based on its poetry. The poems are energetic and would be great to read out loud. Each poem focuses on a basketball star and the (I wish it included stars of the WNBA as well) skills and abilities that made him famous. This would be great for a sports fanatic or for fans of poetry. After the poems there is a notes section that gives a brief description of each player.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

four-stars

Eyes that Kiss In the Corners

Eyes that Kiss In the CornersEyes that Kiss in the Corners by Dung Ho, Joanna Ho
Published by HarperCollins on January 5, 2021
ISBN: 9780062915627
Pages: 34
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars
A young Asian girl realizes that her eyes are different than her classmates. Instead of having big eyes with long lashes, hers “kiss in the corners and glow like warm tea.” This story is not only a tale of self-acceptance, it also honors her heritage as she realizes she shares her eye shape with beloved women – her Mama, Amah, and little sister Mei-Mei. The lyrical text and expressive, illustrations ooze with familial love. It features lots of Chinese imagery and mythology, including references to Guanyin, the Monkey King, the Jade Rabbit, dragons, phoenixes, and flowers like peonies and lotuses. It encourages pride in your heritage and the ways that make you different.  Share this book with preschool and primary  age children and the things that make them different. (Interestingly, the only male in the book is a small boy in the background on the playground.)

five-stars