Category: Book Reviews

The Seventh Raven

The Seventh RavenThe Seventh Raven by David Elliott, Rovina Cai
Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt on March 16, 2021
ISBN: 0358252113
Pages: 192
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

This retelling of a Brother’s Grimm fairy tale is fanciful and enticing as it is written in a variety of poetic forms and packed with emotion.   The book offers a view of each character’s personality and reveals a peek into their changed lives.   The seven brothers (six of which are named Jack) become ravens when their father curses them upon the near death of their baby sister Alice.  Only one of the birds (Robyn) feels accomplished and comfortable in his new body.  In poetic form, this story centers on Robyn and Alice expressing their strengths and desire for transformation.  Written in flowing verse accompanied by graphic illustrations, The Seventh Raven is a must read for grade 6-8 readers.  The black and white art expresses the fear and entrapment felt by six of the birds. Occasional black background pages convey their depression.

Add this winner to middle school media centers and to public libraries.   In addition, this is a great book to gift to either male or female fantasy readers.

Recommend for Cream of the Crop

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

five-stars

My First Book of Paris

My First Book of ParisMy First Book of Paris by Ingela P. Arrhenius
Published by Walker Books US on April 20, 2021
ISBN: 153621518X
Pages: 32
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

What a pleasure for families traveling abroad, art teachers introducing Parisian culture or students researching for a school assignment.  My First Book of Paris is a sight to see, the illustrations are fantastic in their detail offering a view of individual cultural neighborhood locations, historic places and people, as well as French foods.  This book brings to mind the Richard Scary books of my children’s childhood years where many illustrations and few words offered entertaining for hours.  Using lots of white space, color, and a variety of characters Arrhenius offers children a view of one of the world’s most beautiful cities.  Any reader will find parts of the city which enchant them and may well influence a trip to Paris in the future.

Many K – grade 3 students will be delighted to find this book available in their school media center.  Art teachers of any grade level will find it useful for teaching drawing structures, shading, and depth perception.  Public librarians should consider adding this to their non-fiction picture book collection.  Families with French heritage or those planning a trip to France will benefit from the purchase of My First Book of Paris.

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

four-stars

Bears at the Beach

Bears at the BeachBears at the Beach by David Walker, Shirley Parenteau
Series: Bears on Chairs #9
Published by Candlewick Press on May 4, 2021
ISBN: 1536208388
Pages: 32
Genres: Fiction in Verse/Poetry
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Once again, these sweet bears are out and about, this time on the beach.   In their joint attempt to build a sand castle the bears learn some important skills needed by all children who visit the seashore or a lake with sand.  As in life, when the first attempt fails it is time to move on to another approach.  As always, the bears are charming creatures who each possess their own personality yet it is the group effort that saves the day.  The rhyming flows as the seagulls themselves making for a satisfying storyline.  Walker’s illustrations come alive with action in splendid seaside colors. This title lives up to the past 8 titles and is sure to delight young children and the adults who read to them.

Public librarians will want to add this book to their group of books written by Parenteau.  Seaside and lake side pre-schools and primary schools should add this title to the media center and to early classroom collections.  Parents and grandparents may well gift this book to little ones in their lives who enjoy the beach.

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

four-stars

The Day Time Stopped

The Day Time StoppedThe Day Time Stopped by Flavia Ruotolo
Published by Prestel Junior on October 5, 2021
ISBN: 3791374893
Pages: 48
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

The concept of time is a challenge to many pre-school and primary age children.   This book reveals how time differs in various locations upon our planet earth in a playful and interesting way.  While one child in Italy is eating a treat at 5:33pm another in China is watching fireworks but the time is 12:33 am.  Concept books are entertaining and educational; The Day Time Stopped will help explain how time differs across the world.

The illustrations are colorful but somewhat distorted and the storyline is limited.  Add this book to classroom collections when children are taught about time.

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

three-stars

We Must Not Forget: Holocaust Stories of Survival and Resistance

We Must Not Forget: Holocaust Stories of Survival and ResistanceWe Must Not Forget: Holocaust Stories of Survival and Resistance (Scholastic Focus) by Deborah Hopkinson
Published by Scholastic Focus on February 2, 2021
ISBN: 1338255770
Pages: 384
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Award-winning author Hopkinson has created an engaging nonfiction book featuring the first-hand stories of Holocaust survivors from Germany, the Netherlands, France, and Poland.These heart-breaking stories and accompanying photographs will help readers understand the magnitude of the Holocaust and the millions who were killed. Thoroughly-researched with suggestions for further reading, this is a great place to begin the search for primary sources. Each story ends with a “Look, Listen, Remember” link to an audio or video interview with the survivor. An important book to add to school collections. Recommended for Cream of the Crop.

Reviewed by Karen Sandlin Silverman, Mt. Ararat Middle School, Topsham

five-stars

Red Tigress

Red TigressRed Tigress (Blood Heir Trilogy, #2) by Amélie Wen Zhao
Series: ,
Published by Delacorte Press on March 2, 2021
ISBN: 0525707832
Pages: 464
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars
Red Tigress is the second of a new trilogy which is going to be popular with fantasy readers.  The book however is in no way able to stand alone, this reader was lost and frustrated for several chapters.   The lack of background information will create a problem for those who have not read Blood Heir.  As the last member of her royal family Ava is a strong and independent woman yet the hero appears to be Ramson who is both dashing and brave.  Perhaps the third book will tie the storyline together and answer questions for readers.  The cover is dramatic,  it will attract  middle school readers to the trilogy.

Public libraries who collect fantasy may consider this trilogy (all three books are necessary) for their shelves.  Fantasy readers will appreciate this series as a gift.

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

three-stars

Splat the Cat; and the Obstacle Course

Splat the Cat; and the Obstacle CourseSplat the Cat and the Obstacle Course by Rob Scotton
Published by HarperCollins on May 4, 2021
ISBN: 9780062697165
Pages: 32
Genres: Adventure, Humor
Format: Early Reader
Goodreads
five-stars
What older brother wants to hang out with his little sister?   Readers may start with that question but their view of Flo is bound to change as her ballet skills become apparent on the obstacle course.  This early reader in the I Can Read series is sure to win the approval of pre and early readers.  The theme combined with the humor and illustrations makes this book a winner.  Scotton’s illustrations of the course and his facial expressions on the cats will delight all readers.

Primary school librarians and preschool – grade 1 teachers will want this book added to their library and classroom collections.   I Can Read book always make great holiday and birthday gifts.

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

 

five-stars

Bug Blonsky and His Swamp Scout Survival Guide

Bug Blonsky and His Swamp Scout Survival GuideBug Blonsky and His Swamp Scout Survival Guide by E.S. Redmond
Series: Bug Blonsky #2
Published by Candlewick Press on April 13, 2021
ISBN: 1536206768
Pages: 96
Genres: Adventure, Humor
Format: Early Reader
Goodreads
four-stars
Humor and adventure define this early chapter book for primary grade readers.  Bug and his scout troop are on a camping trip, one where he believes he will see Big Foot.  While other scouts receive more approved badges Bug has a of list of skills,  which in his mind should quality for badges.  Written with compassion for a young boy who is somewhat unique and true to himself, this book will find its way into the heart of many early readers both boys and girls.   The illustrations add to the humor and sometimes highlights the heroin’s distress.  Readers will be entertained, surprised by the plot change and are bound to enjoy the bathroom humor.

As the second in the Bug Blonsky series this book does stand on its own.  The characters are introduced without the need of background information from the first title.  Librarians in primary schools will want both the first and second book in the series.  Public libraries who collect early chapter books should add this series to their shelves.

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

four-stars

The Prison Healer

The Prison HealerThe Prison Healer (The Prison Healer, #1) by Lynette Noni
Published by Clarion Books on April 13, 2021
ISBN: 0358434556
Pages: 416
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars
Kiva Meridan has spent the last 10 years working as a prison healer inside the notorious death prison known as Zalindov. Life is very challenging inside the prison, but as healer, she’s granted some leeway with guards and other prisoners. When the Rebel Queen is captured in a very injured and sick state, Kiva is charged with keeping her alive. When Kiva’s family sends word that they are coming to get her and that under no circumstances should she let the Rebel Queen die, Kiva volunteers to take the Rebel Queen’s punishment as her own. This punishment, known as the Trial by Ordeal, has never been survived by anyone. If she succeeds, both she and the Rebel Queen will go free. If she fails, they both die.

This is a dark thriller sure to please fans of Sarah J. Maas and the like. The story is engaging and well paced albeit a little repetitive at times. Kiva is a strong, confident, and compassionate female lead. This is the beginning of a series, and the ending will definitely leave you waiting for the release of book two.

Recommended for readers 14 and up. Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars

Home is not a country

Home is not a countryHome Is Not a Country by Safia Elhillo
Published by Make Me a World on March 2, 2021
ISBN: 0593177053
Pages: 224
Genres: Fiction in Verse/Poetry, Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars
Nima feels lost — she doesn’t feel like her family or her community understands her. She lives in a suburban town, but her family grew up far away in an unnamed Arabic speaking country. Nima is bullied for her religion, for the way she looks and dresses, for her family and their customs. She relies heavily on her best friend, Haitham to get through life in this country, but when Haitham is beaten in a hate crime, he ends up in the hospital, and Nima finds herself even more alone and struggling to find her way. In addition to her “normal” teenage struggles, Nima struggles with the idea of being someone else, someone she was expected to be had she been given a different name—Yasmeen. Through the second part of the book, and in a twist of magical realism, Nima comes face to face with Yasmeen, the idealized version of herself she feels so many people wish she actually embodied.

This is a beautifully written book in verse, and the story is haunting, magical, real, and important. Nima’s life in the US is clearly colored by the events of 9/11, and the hatred directed at her, her family, and her friends is real for so many. This book paints a challenging portrait of a teen struggling to find and accept the real version of herself.

This book is recommended for readers 13 and up and for Cream of the Crop. This is a must-read. Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

five-stars