Category: Book Reviews

Influence

InfluenceInfluence by Lilia Buckingham, Sara Shepard
Published by Delacorte Press on January 5, 2021
ISBN: 0593121538
Pages: 368
Genres: Mystery, Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

“Influence” is a collaborated venture by Sara Shepard, who has written the “The Pretty Little Liars” and the “The Perfectionists” series and Lilia Buckingham,  a 17 year old writer, actress, dancer and student.  It is the story of four teenage female influencers, Jasmine Walters-Diaz, Fiona Jacobs, Delilah Rollins and the not to be crossed- Scarlet Leigh.

The life of a social media influencer is a competitive life. Where showing perfection to your fan base is a must. Who you are seen with and where, who you date and how many sponsors you have and how many likes you get on a single post is your life.  The reigning queen is Scarlet Leigh, a force not to be reckoned with. She is perfection.  Fiona is a girl with a secret from the past that haunts her and suffers from OCD.  Jasmine grew up as a child star and can’t break free from that image.  Delilah, is new to the game of being an influencer, having just moved to LA from Minnesota.

The story addresses sexuality issues, peer pressure, having OCD and so much more. It begins as a story about being an influencer but takes a turn into becoming a mystery of whodunit?  A captivating story that addresses the world of being in the public’s eye at all time whether by choice or not.

This would be a good addition for any YA collection and for teens that enjoy realistic fiction. There are so many twists to this story that it easily holds the reader’s attention.

Reviewed by, Amy Tobalske, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook

 

four-stars

OH MY GODS!

OH MY GODS!Oh My Gods! (OMGs #1) by Insha Fitzpatrick, Juliana Moon, Stephanie Cooke
Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt on January 5, 2021
ISBN: 0358299519
Pages: 208
Genres: Folklore, Humor
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
three-stars

“Oh My Gods!” is a middle grade graphic novel written by Stephanie Cooke and Insha Fitzpatrick, and illustrated by Juliana Moon. The story follows Karen, a teen who lives with her mother in New Jersey, but then has to go live with her dad in Greece on Mount Olympus. Her father, who goes by “Zed,” is actually Zeus and Karen’s new classmates are actually gods and demigods. The story turns into a mystery when someone is turning students to stone and Karen is the prime suspect.

The artwork is bright and the style is reminiscent of Lumberjanes or Giant Days. The story itself is fairly short. Character development is a bit weak and it’s hard to suspend disbelief that Karen takes so long to figure out that she’s going to the middle school of the Greek gods. The mystery gets wrapped up a little too quickly and neatly. Despite its flaws, it is a fun and quick read and will probably be enjoyed by middle school readers. Written for ages 9 – 12, “Oh My Gods!” is not a must buy for your graphic novel collection, but consider as an additional purchase.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook.

three-stars

The Little Things

The Little ThingsThe Little Things by Emma Dodd
Published by Templar Books on September 14, 2021
ISBN: 1536220019
Pages: 24
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

The Little Things by Emma Dodd tells the story of all the little things that matter in life. The story revolves around a giant panda and its baby. The kind message that is portrayed throughout this short book is of all the simple things in life to be grateful for. From starting each new day with kisses to watching the clouds float by, to being helpful and kind to others.

In similar fashion with this author’s other books, there is a strong message of gratitude and being loved for just being you.  This is a colorful book with copper metallic accents in a few of the illustrations. The text is done in a rhyming pattern that makes the book fun and easy to read and hear.

This book is appropriate for a child 2-5 years old. It has a nice feel-good message; however, it would not be a first pick to add to a collection. Would make a lovely book to gift to a new parent.

Reviewed by Amy Tobalske, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook

three-stars

I Am A Bird

I Am A BirdI Am a Bird by Hope Lim, Hyewon Yum
Published by Candlewick Press on February 2, 2021
ISBN: 1536208914
Pages: 32
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

This is a story about how people are alike more than you think.

Every morning a little girl and her father bike through town on the way to school. The child joyfully pretends she is a bird that is flying as they zoom along,  singing out like a bird as they pass the townsfolk.

One day, she sees a woman walking along carrying a large bag. She does not smile or wave at her like the other townspeople do.  The child senses a coldness from her and begins to feel uncomfortable whenever they pass by the woman on their bike ride.

This changes one day when they are running late for school. She sees the woman in the park, feeding the birds from her large bag and singing to them.  She waves and smiles to the woman and this time she gets the same response! This makes her happy again and she realizes they both are a little bit alike.

This bright, expressive book presents the message that we are all connected in some way and that we have more in common with each other than not. This would be a nice addition to any library collection.

 

Reviewed by- Amy Tobalske, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook 

three-stars

Lucy Clark Will Not Apologize

Lucy Clark Will Not ApologizeLucy Clark Will Not Apologize by Margo Rabb
Published by Quill Tree Books on May 11, 2021
ISBN: 0062322400
Pages: 368
Genres: Mystery
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

A coming-of-age story that quickly becomes a mystery when Lucy moves from a boarding school to NYC.  Following a bullying situation and an over-the-top response incident, Lucy has been suspended from school and is sent to the city to help an elderly woman. Edith is positive that someone is following her with the intention of ending her life.   Not to be forgotten are Lucy’s wandering parents who have never been there for Lucy and her deceased grandmother.  Despite sparse contact with her parents Lucy is determined to make them proud thus creating a rather unbelievable teenage character.

This is a story that slowly builds to the strange conclusion.  Lucy’s job starts with simple teas and lovely gardens   Many characters circle in and out of the text allowing for a degree of confusion. Teens who enjoy YA books with lots of minor plot changes will enjoy this constant parade of characters.  Those who prefer a riveting mystery may be disappointed.  The chapter heading art work is a nice touch as it ties into the garden theme of the story.  Libraries who collect YA mystery should consider this title.

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

four-stars

Kyle’s Little Sister

Kyle’s Little SisterKyle's Little Sister by BonHyung Jeong
Published by JY on June 22, 2021
ISBN: 1975316541
Pages: 240
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
three-stars

A manga-style graphic novel about sibling rivalry and the pitfalls of going to middle school with an older sibling who has established a friend group and who has carved out a comfortable spot for themselves in the environment. The two siblings, Grace and Kyle, have very different ways of approaching things. Kyle is more extroverted and seems to have an easy-going way that makes him likable. He is also good looking and athletic, hallmarks that make the path through the hormone soup of middle school much easier. Grace, on the other hand, is more introspective and quiet. She prefers video games to people and has just two close friends. The angst felt by Grace seemed to be generated by her own feelings and actions, yet she blamed Kyle because she thought he had it easier. The book does capture the irrationality of feelings of sibling rivalry and shows that if a solution isn’t found, like talking it out or dealing with problems, it can overwhelm a young person’s life. All of the issues and action in the book involve only the young people with very few adult interactions or interventions. Fans of realistic graphic novels will enjoy this one, but this is not a first purchase.

Reviewed by Jill O’Connor, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth

three-stars

What are little Girls made of?

What are little Girls made of?What Are Little Girls Made Of?: Nursery Rhymes to Empower Young Feminists by Isabelle Follath, Jeanne Willis
Published by Nosy Crow on February 4, 2021
ISBN: 1536217336
Pages: 32
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

This nonfiction picture book for readers in grades 2-4 reimages some popular nursery rhymes from a feminist and non-gender affirming point of view.   Girls are made of “sun and rain and heart and brain” and boys much the same.  Little Jade Horner is found in her striped pajamas creating spaceships to send her teddies to Mars.  Georgie Porgie is sent on his way after being told by the girl “don’t kiss me unless I say!”  Little Miss Muffet enjoys ham and eggs and pets the spider’s furry legs when he joins her.  Some of the rhymes may not be as familiar and some of the song cadences may be changed slightly with the re-imagined version, but they all work for a new generation.  The final rhyme entitled “Girls and Boys, Come out to play” support play that doesn’t conformed to gender stereotypes.  The layout provides one and two rhymes per two-page spread with mix media illustrations featuring muted pinks and greys.

Reviewed by Sheila Dube, Youth Services Librarian, Springvale Public Library

five-stars

Thoughts & Prayers

Thoughts & PrayersThoughts & Prayers by Bryan Bliss
Published by Greenwillow Books on September 29, 2020
ISBN: 0062962248
Pages: 448
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Note: published in 2020.  This novel in three parts brings readers into the daily routines and struggles of three survivors of a high school shooting who are trying to go on with their lives in different ways.  Claire, Eleanor and Brezzen each have their own story of how the trauma of the school shooting a year ago hinders or dictates their present situation.  Claire has moved across country under the guardianship of her older brother and struggles to find a way to get beyond the panic attacks that influence her in self-isolating and physically catatonic ways.  The skateboard park and a close group of friends help her start to bridge a way out of her isolation.  A few days after the shooting, Eleanor expressed her anger with a self-created t-shirt featuring unapproved swears which created a movement and backlash on social media and unforeseen consequences for her family.  Now, as she is ready to move on, complete strangers infringe on her privacy and personal safety with mixed school support.   After a year, Brezzen is finally ready to step back into the school for the first time.  Using D&D as a way to be brave, his therapist and his friends support him as he sees a way through his trauma.  This is a powerful book that includes character development, natural dialog and positive points for pondering later.

Reviewed by Sheila Dube, Youth Services Librarian, Springvale Public Library

five-stars

Hello Jimmy

Hello JimmyHello, Jimmy! by Anna Walker
ISBN: 9780358193586
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
two-stars

Without actually stating such, the reader assumes that Jack’s parents are divorced. Jack loves staying at his dad’s house but worries about his did when he seems lonely and depressed. Enter Jimmy, an obnoxious parrot. Dad adores Jimmy but Jack is a bit jealous of him. Jack has a scary dream about birds, opens his window, and Jimmy escapes. He awakes and feeling bad about what happened, goes out to find Jimmy, but Jimmy is gone. Of course Dad goes out to find Jack. Jimmy never returns … but someday he may. This book received many starred reviews, but it sort of left me flat. I did like that it featured a boy and his father. It does provide opportunities to talk about feelings with kids.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

two-stars

Bears at the Beach

Bears at the BeachBears at the Beach by David Walker, Shirley Parenteau
Published by Candlewick Press on May 4, 2021
ISBN: 9781536208382
Pages: 32
Genres: Fiction in Verse/Poetry
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
two-stars

Part of series “Bears on Chairs.” The bears try to build a sand castle but the sand is too dry. Then the sand is too wet. They build one “in between” and this one stands until they poke holes in it. They persist and finally make a grand castle. The rhyming text is a bit forced at times and the pastel bears are a bit too cutesy for my taste, but the book will likely be popular with kids who likes the other books in the series.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

two-stars