Category: Book Reviews

Where we go from here

Where we go from hereWhere We Go From Here by Larissa Helena, Lucas Rocha
Published by Push on August 6, 2018
ISBN: 133855624X
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

“Where we go from here” by Lucas Rocha is a young adult novel, originally written in Brazilian Portuguese and now translated into English. Three young men are thrown together by a chance meeting in an HIV testing clinic and we follow them as they navigate issues facing them. This book provides a lot of education about what it means to be HIV positive and answers questions that people may worry about when they find out they have HIV or are involved with someone with HIV. It manages to be informative without sounding overly clinical and by bringing up these issues in the course of the characters’ lives. Partially told through a series of conversations and text messages, this is a quick read that personalizes HIV and gives a lot of information to the reader.

Recommended for young adults and older teens, this book is a must-buy for any YA collection, especially where realistic fiction is popular.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook.

four-stars

Does Earth Feel?

Does Earth Feel?Does Earth Feel?: 14 Questions for Humans by Marc Majewski
Published by Katherine Tegen Books on February 16, 2021
ISBN: 0063021536
Pages: 40
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Environmentalist of all ages will declare Does Earth Feel?  a winner.  This picture book goes beyond the normal dimension of its genre as it requires readers to ponder deep questions regarding our Mother Earth.  The slight storyline offered in question form is accompanied by large and lush illustrations which prompt thoughtfulness. Each full-page illustration demands attention to detail.  This reader would love to view the full-size acrylic paintings.

Art teachers and grade K to 2 classrooms would appreciate a copy of this title in their collections.   Public libraries should consider purchasing and shelving with picture or concept book titles.  Earth day programs could be built around Does Earth Feel?

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

four-stars

Poojo’s Got Wheels

Poojo’s Got WheelsPoojo's Got Wheels by Charrow
Published by Candlewick Press on March 16, 2021
ISBN: 1536210366
Pages: 32
Genres: Adventure, Animals
Goodreads
five-stars

An action filled romp yet a charming and sweet story, Poojo’s Got Wheels is sure to please.  Born with only front legs this adorable dog learns to use a specifically built wagon that minimizes his disability.  This story centers around the big-hearted and self-confident character who shows all readers how to maintain their smile and positive attitudes.    The illustrations are joyful and action packed surrounded by lots of white space.  The cast of characters includes all breeds of dogs and neighborhood wildlife. Certainly, young audiences will most appreciate the double page spread featuring the costume parade.

This is a delightful book in both storyline and illustration.  Public Librarians will want to add to their preschool collections and use for story programs.   School media specialist and social workers will find Poojo’s Got Wheels to be an excellent addition to collections dealing with disabilities.  This preschool to grade 1 book is nominated to the Cream of the Crop collection.

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

five-stars

Cathedral of Bones

Cathedral of BonesCathedral of Bones by A.J. Steiger
Published by HarperCollins on February 16, 2021
ISBN: 0062934791
Pages: 368
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy
Goodreads
three-stars

In an unknown time and equally unrecognizable location a dark fantasy develops surrounding one family and its community all tightly bound by magic.  Simon never seems to accomplish his goals or reach the potential expected by others yet he knows that he is a capable Animists.  In a defiant move Simon leaves his job and goes to rescue a village from a monster.  A coming-of-age story that is wound in fantasy and spiced by some horror; this is a story for adventurous middle grade readers.

Most of the characters are intriguing and well developed although hard to imagine.  Simon and Alice are both good and bad, the author has created a diabolical storyline that offers twist and turns. Supporting characters are less defined creating confusion.  At times this reader found that a quick perusal of a paragraph was adequate to follow the development of the plot.    Add to middle age library collections where fantasy is in demand.

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

three-stars

My Day With the Panye

My Day With the PanyeMy Day with the Panye by Sara Palacios, Tami Charles
Published by Candlewick Press on March 16, 2021
ISBN: 0763697494
Pages: 40
Genres: Adventure, Realistic Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Fallon who wants to be a strong woman like her mom is thrilled to go off to market.  As Manman prepares to carry the panye Fallon wraps a scarf around her head in imitation of her mother’s mouchwa.   Charles takes the reader on a tour of Port-au-Prince as mother and daughter walk to the city market.  We view neighbors, foliage, storefronts with French signs and even the famous Haitian tap-tap bus along the journey.  The text seems to sing out with joy as the market comes alive.  The illustrations are balanced between multi colored coverage to large expanses of white space.  Each works as the tale progresses in action and Fallon’s skill increases.

This is a loving tale that speaks to national pride and the strength of women. The author’s note offers a personal touch to a book for students in grades K-3.  Add this cheerful informative picture book to public libraries and primary school media centers.

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

four-stars

The Patchwork Bike

The Patchwork BikeThe Patchwork Bike by Maxine Beneba Clarke, Van Thanh Rudd
Published by Candlewick Press on April 13, 2021
ISBN: 1536217417
Pages: 40
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Previously published in Australia and New Zealand this paperback copy is the second US printing; a hardcover was published in 2018.  Written about three siblings who built a bike from scrap materials this is a book that will resonate with children everywhere.  Clarke offers a unique look at childhood in a remote village at the edge of a desert in a far-off land.  Kids will be kids is a universal concept which is proved by the existence of these three youngsters who find fun and adventure with their personal creation. The storyline is simple but it speaks volumes about the tenacity and creativity of youngsters.  Rudd’s dramatic and action filled illustrations add another level to the overall quality of this book.  His use of various shades of sand  places the book in a specific environment while his illustrations pull in the international Black Lives Matter Movement.

The Patchwork Bike is an excellent story begging to be shared with readers.  Librarians, K-2 gr teachers and art instructors will cherish a copy.  Add to libraries where paperback picture books are collected.

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

four-stars

Bump

BumpBump by Matt Wallace
Published by Katherine Tegen Books on January 26, 2021
ISBN: 0063007983
Pages: 288
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

MJ’s dad has recently died, and it’s a pain she’s not familiar with. There were so many things about their life together that she cherish. Until now, MJ has been an active gymnast, but now it doesn’t feel like something she wants to do anymore. When she discovers her neighbor was a famous luchador who now teaches people to be luchadores, she’s eager to join their ranks. MJ is younger than all the other students, but she manages to find her way. While studying at Victory Academy, MJ finds her family and connection to her culture through Lucha Libre—something she and her father used to love together.

This is a wonderful book about family, friendship, self esteem, and of course, wrestling. The story is fun, MJ is completely relatable through many of her typical middle school struggles, and the plot has some unexpected twists. This book also fills a gap in stories about girls who wrestle or who want to wrestle. Recommended for wide purchase and for readers 4th grade and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars

Red, White, and Whole

Red, White, and WholeRed, White, and Whole by Gordon Korman, Rajani LaRocca
Published by Balzer + Bray, Quill Tree Books on February 2, 2021
ISBN: 006304742X
Pages: 224
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Reha is Indian American, and she feels torn between being true to her family and her heritage while fitting in with the other kids at school. When her mother becomes ill, Reha is determined to help heal her. As Reha struggles with her mother’s illness and dire prognosis, she realizes how she relies on her friends to help her.

This is a beautifully written own voices novel in verse. The text flows seamlessly through a difficult subject and plot line. Reha is relatable as she struggles with many issues typical of any middle schooler. She’s also deeply devoted to her family and her Indian heritage. Navigating these two identities is at the core of this book about family, friendship, loss, and finding oneself. Recommended for readers 4th grade and up and for Cream of the Crop.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

five-stars

Over the Shop

Over the ShopOver the Shop by JonArno Lawson, Qin Leng
Published by Candlewick Press on January 5, 2021
ISBN: 1536201472
Pages: 48
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

A young girl and a curmudgeonly looking older woman live at and own a general store. The woman decides to attempt to rent the apartment over the shop, but the apartment has boarded-up windows and is in a general state of disrepair. They show the apartment to many potential tenants, and all quickly leave. Just when they’re about to give up, a young biracial couple asks to see the apartment and decides to move in right away. Able to look past the cracks and dirt, the couple sees the potential in the apartment and in the community. They fix it up, and their efforts begin to spread. They paint the outside of the general store, they add flower boxes, and suddenly the neighbor is seen painting his front door. Their generosity and kindness is spreading and helping to build community.

This wordless picture book is a wonderful story of taking chances, kindness, community, and believing in the good in the world. The ink and watercolor illustrations are beautifully rendered to show all the detail and emotion necessary to carry a story with no text. It is clear that potential tenants left quickly and that some of them left angry. The unending hope and belief in the possibility of something good the young girl shows is evident throughout. The shift from more muted and drab color to more bright colors toward the end makes clear the shift in the community spirit as they all work together to clean up and form bonds. Recommended for readers 4 and up and for Cream of the Crop.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

five-stars

Amari and the Night Brothers

Amari and the Night BrothersAmari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston
Published by Balzer + Bray on January 19, 2021
ISBN: 0062975161
Pages: 416
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Amari Peters has always loved her older brother, Quinton, and when he mysteriously goes missing, she refuses to believe anything other than that he’s alive and still out there. Amari discovers a strange suitcase in her brother’s room, and it turns out he’s nominated her for a special summer camp he attended for years before his disappearance. What Amari discovers is that her brother was a part of the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs, and now she’s been nominated to join their ranks as well. Upon arrival at The Bureau, Amari learns her brother was among the most talented agents The Bureau has ever seen. She also discovers she has very strong magical powers that some people aren’t very excited about. Amari’s fate at The Bureau is inextricably linked to her brother, and along with some new friends, she embarks on a challenging quest to find and rescue him.

This book is so much more than a girl searching for her brother. Amari and her family live in subsidized housing, and she’s been bullied at school in the past. This book covers topics like racial and socioeconomic inequality, friendship, the Black experience, bullying, and it does so with grace and ease. It is a fast paced, action packed, character driven story that will keep readers engaged and waiting with great anticipation for the sequel. Recommended for readers 4th grade and up, hand this to Harry Potter fans. Recommended for Cream of the Crop.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

five-stars