Category: Book Reviews

Cece Rios and the Desert of Souls

Cece Rios and the Desert of SoulsCece Rios and the Desert of Souls by Kaela Rivera
on April 13, 2021
ISBN: 0062947559
Pages: 352
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, Folklore
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Cecelia (Cece) Rios lives in a remote town in the desert, and at certain times of the year, criaturas roam the land and threaten humans. When Cece’s sister is kidnapped by a powerful criatura, Cece is determined to do whatever it takes to get her back—even if that means becoming a bruja. Brujas have the power to capture and control criaturas, but their powers aren’t look upon highly by the community, and if caught, Cece will be punished. This is a well-written, engaging middle grade fantasy. Cece loves her family and her sister, and she’s willing to risk her life for them. This book tackles family and cultural dynamics very well, and expands fantasy and folk to different cultural realms. Cece is funny, smart, and determined, and young readers will relate to her tenacity as well as her insecurities. Hand this book to fans of Rick Riordan. Recommended for readers 4th grade and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars

Sylvie

SylvieSylvie by Sylvie Kantorovitz
Published by Walker Books US on February 9, 2021
ISBN: 1536207624
Pages: 352
Genres: Biography/Autobiography, Non-Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
three-stars

In this graphic memoir, author Sylvie Kantorovitz recounts many aspects of her childhood in France. She was born in Morocco, and kids at her school tease her about this. She lives in an apartment at the end of a hallway of classrooms. She isn’t the kid her mom wants her to be, but her father is supportive (although quietly) of her eccentricities. Sylvie finds herself in art. This memoir is interesting albeit a bit directionless at times. Sylvie is delightfully awkward, quirky, and real. Kids will relate to her struggles and her conflicts with both friends and family. The art is simple and cartoonish but conveys Sylvie’s emotions well. Recommended for readers 3rd grade and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

three-stars

Escape at 10,000 Feet

Escape at 10,000 FeetUnsolved Case Files: Escape at 10,000 Feet: D.B. Cooper and the Missing Money by Tom Sullivan
Published by Balzer + Bray on March 2, 2021
ISBN: 0062991523
Pages: 104
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
five-stars

This is a new graphic nonfiction series about unsolved cases, and it begins with the only unsolved skyjacking in American history. In 1971, a man boarded a plane, requested money and some parachutes, then jumped out of the back of the plane. He has never been seen since. This is a fun series that will delight young sleuths. The text is interspersed with many images of actual evidence as well as extra sidebar bits of information about the time period or the nature of the crime. This series is sure to be a hit. Recommended for readers 3rd grade and up and for Cream of the Crop.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

five-stars

Mel Fell

Mel FellMel Fell by Corey R. Tabor
Published by Balzer + Bray on February 2, 2021
ISBN: 0062878018
Pages: 40
Genres: Adventure, Animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

One day, Mel, a blue and orange bird, decides she’s ready to try flying. Her siblings are hesitant and ask her if she’s afraid. Mel says she’s afraid but isn’t going to let that stop her. Mel leaps from the nest, and falls. She falls and falls and falls—past other animals all afraid for her fate. And then—SPLASH! Mel lands in the water, catches a fish, and emerges! She flies up and up and up back to her nest and her mom’s encouraging words.

This is a fun book about perspective and confidence. The colored pencil and acrylic paint illustrations are full of motion and emotion and really keep the reader engaged. The only downfall is that the book is a little difficult to read aloud as it begins in one orientation and flips to another midway through the book. There is an author’s note at the end about kingfishers and how they catch fish. Recommended for fans of humorous fiction and books with animals as the center. Recommended for readers 3 and up and for Cream of the Crop.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

five-stars

Case File: Little Claws

Case File: Little ClawsCase File: Little Claws (The Animal Rescue Agency, #1) by Eliot Schrefer
Published by Katherine Tegen Books on January 12, 2021
ISBN: 0062982338
Pages: 176
Genres: Adventure, Animals, Humor
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Little Claws, a young polar bear cub, finds himself separated from his mother and floating dangerously far from shore on a small ice floe. His predicament wasn’t accidental, however, it was part of a more sinister plot concocted by humans to capture Little Claws and put him in a zoo. When an animal is in danger like this, there’s only one option—The Animal Rescue Agency! Esquire Fox and her chicken sidekick, Mr. Pepper are on the case, and they’re determined to save Little Claws no matter how dangerous or zany their strategy.

This is the first in a new early chapter series with animal characters that are full of wit, humor, adventure, and intrigue—there’s also a chicken wearing a tea cozy. This easy to read and fun story will delight young independent readers and giggles will abound. Some of the jokes may be lost on the youngest readers, but the story doesn’t suffer without them. Recommended for readers 2nd–4th grade.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

three-stars

Root Magic

Root MagicRoot Magic by Eden Royce
Published by Walden Pond Press on January 5, 2021
ISBN: 0062899570
Pages: 352
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, Folklore
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Almost 11 yr old twins Jezebel and Jay are in for some big changes. It’s 1963 in South Carolina, and Jez and her brother are about to start school with a whole suite of new kids thanks to school integration. The local police won’t stop harassing Jez’s family about insignificant things, and Jez’s grandmother, the family matriarch, has just passed away. The biggest change comes when Doc, the twins’ uncle, tells them he’s going to begin training them in rootwork. They’ve always been fascinated by this African American folk magic and its long ties to their family, but things run much deeper and much darker than Jez or Jay expected.

This is a well-written and engaging historical ghost story with a side of magic. The writing is poetic, colorful, and really allows the reader to visualize the environment and feel the creepiness in the marsh on that foggy night. Recommended for readers 4th grade and up and for readers who enjoy a little fantasy and not a lot of scare.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars

Mindi and the Goose No One Else Could See

Mindi and the Goose No One Else Could SeeMindi and the Goose No One Else Could See by Linda Olafsdottir, Sam McBratney
Published by Candlewick Press on March 9, 2021
ISBN: 9781536212815
Pages: 40
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

A little girl named Mindi says she is being visited by a big goose—a scary creature that is visible only to her. Her parents try everything they can think of to drive it away. Finally, they turn to their wise farmer friend Austen who proposes trading Mindi a goat in exchange for the goose. Sam McBratney (Guess How Much I Love You) explores the sensitive topic of childhood fears with charm and wit. The story has a feel of an old folktale. Ólafsdóttir’s delightful illustrations add to the old-fashioned look with idyllic mountainous green pastures, cute farm animals, and a farmer who wears Scandinavian sweaters, Wellingtons, and wool cap. The imaginary goose is represented only by a foreboding shadow. “McBratney’s posthumously published tale is filled with a gentle kindness, and the illustrations pick up on that, both treating the child’s fear with respect.” (Kirkus Review)

Publishers Weekly (starred review)

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

five-stars

Sprouting Wings: The True Story of James Herman Banning, the First African American Pilot to Fly Across the United States

Sprouting Wings: The True Story of James Herman Banning, the First African American Pilot to Fly Across the United StatesSprouting Wings: The True Story of James Herman Banning, the First African American Pilot to Fly Across the United States by Floyd Cooper, Louisa Jaggar, Shari Becker
Published by Crown Books for Young Readers on January 5, 2021
ISBN: 1984847627
Pages: 48
Genres: Biography/Autobiography
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

This is the true story of James Herman Banning, the first African American pilot to fly across the country. Banning, a farm boy from Oklahoma, always dreamed of flying. After many struggles, he achieves a journey in an airplane that would span 3,300 miles, take twenty-one days, and inspire a nation. A well researched book, including Banning’s own writings and an interview with the aviator’s great-nephew, that is complemented by Floyd Cooper’s earth-toned dreamlike illustrations. This picture book biography content will appeal to fans of Hidden Figures and upper elementary and middle school students.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer. Liberty Library

four-stars

Welcome to Florida; Welcome to Texas; Welcome to Arizona

Welcome to Florida; Welcome to Texas; Welcome to ArizonaWelcome to Florida (Welcome To) by Asa Gilland
Published by Doubleday Books on January 5, 2021
ISBN: 9780593178256
Pages: 32
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
three-stars

A series of picture books about each US state. Each book contains information about the state’s animals, plants, regions, food, people, customs, and fun places to visit. No author or authority is provided. Asa Gilland is the illustrator and her cutesy, cartoonish drawings are bright and amusing. There is not enough information for research, but preschoolers to 7-year olds from each state and those who’d like to visit the state will enjoy the illustrations and fact-filled picture books.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

three-stars

Time for Kenny

Time for KennyTime for Kenny by Brian Pinkney
Published by Greenwillow Books on January 12, 2021
ISBN: 9780060735289
Pages: 40
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

This is a family-oriented picture book full of action about a preschool boy’s day. It includes four simple stories. First, Kenny must get dressed. Then, he must overcome his fear of the vacuum cleaner, learn to play soccer, and get ready for bedtime. Pinkney’s bright, action-packed illustrations of Kenny and his African American multigenerational -family compliment the simple text. It will be fun for families to share and discuss this book together. It could also serve as an emergent reader book since the text is so controlled, but the large format may prove undesirable to beginning readers.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

four-stars