Category: Book Reviews

The Great Lakes: Our Freshwater Treasure

The Great Lakes: Our Freshwater TreasureThe Great Lakes: Our Freshwater Treasure by Barb Rosenstock, Jamey Christoph
Published by Random House Children's Books on 2024
ISBN: 0593374355
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Learning about the formation of the Great Lakes, and their importance in the ecosystem through this informational picture book was entertaining. The Great Lakes: Our Freshwater Treasure opens with a double-page spread of a map of North America, and a conversational narrative that engages the reader immediately: “Can you find them on this map? The Great Lakes . . . . .  How did they get there?” 

Also helpful are the combination of concrete numbers and vivid comparisons, to help readers wrap their heads around the scope of the subject. It is well researched, with a balance of important and interesting facts about the Great Lakes that young readers will love to share.

The accompanying  watercolor illustrations are pleasant and usually support the information presented, but aren’t a strong contribution. This could be a good read-aloud for middle grade students learning about geographical features. Recommended for larger library collections.

Reviewed by Deanna Contrino, SLMS/MLIS, Young School Librarian, Saco

four-stars

Green Machines and Other Amazing Eco-Inventions

Green Machines and Other Amazing Eco-InventionsGreen machines and Other Amazing Eco-inventions by Meadows, Michelle
Published by Random House Children's Books on 2024
ISBN: 9780593488041
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Early Reader
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
one-star

This informational book uses the image of the Lorax and other characters from the Seuss book to introduce the reader to many interesting eco-inventions The Lorax is the narrator. Inventions are described using rhyming couplets with simple words and short sentences, for beginning readers. The last section of the book uses prose, longer words and more complex sentences to explain how inventors do what they do. This book is meant to open young readers up to inventions that solve ecological problems of all kinds, from polluted riverways to animal poachers.

The book leans hard into the Seussian rhyming couplet format, but the rhymes are forced and clunky. In describing a portable water filter: 

“Flip the whole thing over.
Glug, glug, glug, glug. Glug.
Safe drinking water flows into a clean jug.” 

The illustrations are mixed-media collage, combining photos with characters from The Lorax. In one description of drones being used to plant trees, there’s an image of the Oncler and his Super Axe Hacker superimposed over a photo of a deforested area. 

The connection between a beloved literary character and environmental inventions should work but the writing is uneven and unenjoyable. This book is not recommended.  

Reviewed by Deanna Contrino, SLMS/MLIS, Young School Librarian, Saco

one-star

An Impossible Thing to Say

An Impossible Thing to SayAn Impossible Thing to Say by Arya Shahi
on September 26, 2023
ISBN: 0063248352
Pages: 416
Genres: Fiction in Verse/Poetry, Realistic Fiction
Format: Young Adult
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars
Omid is a first generation Iranian American teenager living in Tuscan, Arizona.  Throughout the novel, Omid struggles to find his voice.  Whether it be with his grandfather who has just arrived in the states directly following the tragic events of 9/11, his best friend who gains popularity without seeming to try, or the new girl in school who Omid wishes to date.  Omid starts to find confidence in the words of Shakespeare.  Being on stage is a pathway to Emily (who also is in the play) and to the wordplay of rap music allowing him to express himself in a way he never could before.  

Shahi’s debut YA novel in verse is a must read.  The book explores themes of cultural identity, self-expression, and general coming of age.  Read-Alikes include Punching the Air by Ibi Aanu Zoboi and Darius the Great is Not Okay by Adib Khorram.  

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

five-stars

Unstoppable Us, Volume 2: Why the World Isn’t Fair

Unstoppable Us, Volume 2: Why the World Isn’t FairUnstoppable Us, Vol. 2: Why the World Isn't Fair by Yuval Noah Harari, Ricard Zaplana Ruiz
Published by Bright Matter Books on March 5, 2024
ISBN: 0593711521
Pages: 208
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
Volume two in this nonfiction series about human development begins 10,000 years ago and focuses largely on plant and animal domestication, and the emergence of writing. With the invention of writing, comes the heart of Harari’s thesis which is that the world is controlled by stories. Though it is volume two, it stands alone.

Harari has an engaging writing style that feels conversational, like your favorite older cousin, who happens to teach early civilizations, is giving you a play-by-play about how humans organized themselves. It’s all a lead-in to how we got to current-day society. It is informational and thought-provoking. Broken into four major sections: “Everything’s Under Control,” “Oops, We Didn’t See That Coming,” “Things That Scare Adults,” and “The Dreams of Dead People,” each larger chapter has sections set off by large colorful font. The sections make the information easier to absorb and Harari’s use of emboldening key sentences helps highlight the larger ideas in the section.

The one glaring omission is sources. Harari mentions many, many facts and stories but nothing is sourced. In a book written for upper elementary and middle school readers, by a historian, it’s a wasted opportunity and goes against many of the skills and practices enforced by educators. There is a lot here for teachers to use (if they are willing to do some source work) and for a curious young reader who might ask the questions, “why isn’t the world fair?” or “how did humans create the society we know of today?” and then accepts a book as an answer.

Reviewed by Jill O’Connor, Falmouth Middle School

The Fox Maidens

The Fox MaidensThe Fox Maidens by Robin Ha
Published by Harper Alley on February 13, 2024
ISBN: 0062685120
Genres: Folklore, Historical Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
four-stars
Kai can’t understand why the people in her 16th century Korean village can’t just let her pursue her passion for martial arts and stop insisting that she behave like a woman. As she comes of age amid swirling rumors about her mother’s past, Kai discovers that her destiny was set years ago by none other than the legendary nine-tailed fox demon, Gumiho.

The Fox Maidens takes Korean folklore and adds a feminist, lesbian twist. It’s important to read Ha’s note at the end, which fits the story into a generational trauma context. The illustrations and color palette are beautiful, and Kai’s mother is a fascinating character, though the rest are less dimensional. Recommend to fans of Maggie Tokuda-Hall’s Squad, lovers of folklore, or those interested in Asian culture.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

 

four-stars

Mango Memories

Mango MemoriesMango Memories by Nabi H. Ali, Sita Singh
ISBN: 0593486250
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars
“Mango Memories” by Sita Singh & Nabi H. Ali tells the story of a young girl who gets to help with her family’s mango harvest for the first time. The mango is so instrumental to Indian culture that every person in her family has their own core memory related to this King of Fruits. She desperately wants her own special mango memory as well. Through trial and error, she learns that her mango memory will not be climbing the mango tree like Bhai, knocking mangoes down with stones like Dadima, or pulping and pickling mangoes like Ma. After almost giving up, she finds her special memory in mango-slurping. This diverse and intergenerational story was a delight to read and would be a great addition to any picture book collection. The illustrations were expressive and vibrant. The book also includes definitions of Hindi words used throughout the story and fun facts about mangoes at the end. Recommended for ages 5-7 (Kindergarten to 2nd grade).

Reviewed by: Jenn Mead, Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library, Lovell

four-stars

Always Your Stepdad

Always Your StepdadAlways Your Stepdad by Stephanie Stansbie, Tatiana Kamshilina
ISBN: 059370911X
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars
“Always Your Stepdad” by Stephanie Stansbie and illustrated by Tatiana Kamshilina is written as a special letter from a stepdad to his stepdaughter. The message is simple and meaningful – even though the stepdad was not always part of his stepdaughter’s life, he has loved his journey stepping into his new role as a father figure, and will always be there for her. It’s an emotional read, especially for anyone from a blended family. The illustrations are soft and sweet, full of scrapbook style photos and child-drawn artwork, as if looking through a family photo album or memory book. This is a solid addition to any picture book collection, and especially for blended families, or as a gift from a stepparent to a stepchild. Note – there is a companion book by the same author/illustrator for Stepmoms. Recommended for ages 5-7 (Kindergarten to 2nd grade).

Reviewed by: Jenn Mead, Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library, Lovell

four-stars

Built to Last

Built to LastBuilt to Last by Dan Santat, Minh Lê
ISBN: 0593569172
Genres: Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure / General
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars
“Built to Last” by Minh Lê and illustrated by Dan Santat showcases two boys who become friends on accident – when their thoughtfully built creations are destroyed with a small bump. They decide to start collaborating on their builds, with each one getting bigger and better than the last. However, as even their most resilient creations get tested and destroyed, they realize they have built something even more valuable – their friendship. The storyline is simple and heartwarming. The illustrations are amazingly detailed, celebrate the Asian American experience, and exquisitely depict the intertwining of the imaginary and real worlds coming together with each build. Highly recommended for any picture book collection, and for ages 5-7 (Kindergarten to 2nd grade).

Reviewed by: Jenn Mead, Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library, Lovell

five-stars

The Spark in You

The Spark in YouThe Spark in You by Andrea Pippins
ISBN: 059338010X
Genres: Arts, Cultural / African American, Holiday
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars
“The Spark in You” by Andrea Pippins is a delightful book of self-affirmations. The story, as told through the illustrations, depicts a young girl preparing for and attending Brazilian Carnival. She decorates a mask, dresses up, visits shops and street vendors, and partakes in a lively parade/celebration. The illustrations are diverse, inclusive, and vibrant. This short story is full of positive words, and even includes instructions for making your own mask. It would be a great addition to any picture book collection, or fun storytime read-a-loud with craft activity. Recommended for ages 4-6 (pre-K to Kindergarten).

 

Reviewed by: Jenn Mead, Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library, Lovell

four-stars

Bunny and Clyde

Bunny and ClydeBunny and Clyde by Megan McDonald, Scott Nash
Published by Candlewick Press on 3/12/24
ISBN: 1536228737
Genres: Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Horses
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars
Bunny and his chipmunk friend Clyde are tired of being good, so they decide to be rotten to the core.  Unfortunately for them, even when they try to be bad, it doesn’t quite work out like they planned and their bad deeds end up being helpful. This short chapter book is designed for young readers who are just beginning to read chapter books independently or with a little support.  The font is large and there is a lot of space between the lines, consistent with books for newer readers.  There is also repetition in the dialogue between the characters which will help readers with fluency.  Children will enjoy these two characters and the messes they try to get into.  Black and white drawings from Maine resident Scott Nash add humor to the story while helping to break up the text.  This book would be a fun addition to a library that serves early elementary children.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

three-stars