Category: Book Reviews

The Great Gatsby: A Graphic Novel Adaptation

The Great Gatsby: A Graphic Novel AdaptationThe Great Gatsby: A Graphic Novel Adaptation by F. Scott Fitzgerald, K. Woodman-Maynard
Published by Candlewick Press (MA) on January 5, 2021
ISBN: 1536213012
Pages: 240
Genres: Historical Fiction, Realistic Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
four-stars

A graphic-novel adaptation of The Great Gatsby that does justice to the original novel. The illustrations pair perfectly with the period in which the story takes place, bold lines, simple facial features, and splashes of color help pull you into the story. While there are minor changes to the text the graphic novel remains true to its source material. After reading the author’s note at the end Woodman-Maynard discusses the exhaustive research she undertook to make sure her illustrations depicted accurately the time and place of The Great Gatsby. This graphic novel adaptation could be used as a companion to the novel or an introduction to a classic for reluctant readers. I would recommend this book for 7th grade and up.

Reviewed by Sophie Gagnon, Skidompha Library

four-stars

Be Not Far From Me

Be Not Far From MeBe Not Far from Me by Mindy McGinnis
Published by Katherine Tegen Books on March 3, 2020
ISBN: 0062561626
Pages: 240
Genres: Adventure
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

A survival story that ranges from adventure to near horror.   What is different is that the surviving protagonist is a teenage girl who has the ability and spunk to survive.  The big question is who is responsible for her current situation of being injured, lost, and alone in the woods?

Readers will wrestle with why Ashley is in this position and how will she survive without any camping equipment, food or water.  McGinnis raises the emotional pitch making the readers into a cheering squad for Ashley.  A well written story that will appeal to teen girls and perhaps some guys.  This is a story about failed relationships and personal inner strength. Be Not Far from ME is intended for an older teen audience but belongs in public library YA collections.

 

Reviewed by Jan Hamilton, retired youth service librarian in Scarborough, ME.

five-stars

Overground Railroad

Overground RailroadOverground Railroad by James E. Ransome, Lesa Cline-Ransome
Published by Holiday House on January 7, 2020
ISBN: 0823438732
Pages: 48
Genres: Historical Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Beautifully presented historic fiction story of a family migrating north via train.  The term Overground Railroad may be new to many readers. Lesa Cline-Ransome tells the story using short lyrical poems as readers share the journey through the eyes of young Ruthie.  Hope and trust in the future are within these pages for more than one family moving north.  This is American history full of dreams and painful memories.

Each page is informative and engaging with illustrations that superbly assist the storytelling.  Intended for early grade students this book will find its way into middle school history classes and in art classrooms. It belongs on the shelves of all primary school media centers and in public library collections.

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

five-stars

The Witches of Brooklyn

The Witches of BrooklynWitches of Brooklyn by Sophie Escabasse
Published by Random House Graphic on September 1, 2020
ISBN: 0593119274
Pages: 240
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
five-stars

This graphic novel, the first in a new series about a family of witches in Brooklyn, is delightful. The illustrations are lush and colorful and the aunts, Selimene and Carlota, are fantastic (yay for older queer representation). When Effie is dropped on their doorstep upon the death of her mother, a much-younger step sister of Selimene, the two women are surprised, but they roll with the new addition to their family. Effie is seamlessly woven into the lives of these supportive women. And Effie, surrounded by magic, sees her own magic awaken. It is refreshing to see adults support a child and take her seriously and answer her questions. They also give her  space to try things and to problem solve.  When a beloved pop-star appears on the aunts’ door with a magical problem, they attempt to fix the curse. Working together, they get to the bottom of the curse and counter the ancient magic (a book from the aunts’ extensive library points the way to the cure). Effie makes new friends, whose stories will hopefully be explored further in future books, and she learns that she can appreciate the work of an artist without liking the artist herself; an interesting side note to the story. Readers of Okay Witch or Witch Boy will fall in love with Escabasse’s witchy family as will readers of more realistic graphic novels. This is a book to savor and will be a much-circulated series.

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

five-stars

Fauja Singh Keeps Going

Fauja Singh Keeps GoingFauja Singh Keeps Going: The True Story of the Oldest Person to Ever Run a Marathon by Baljinder Kaur, Simrat Jeet Singh
Published by Kokila on August 25, 2020
ISBN: 0525555099
Pages: 48
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Oh my goodness, I loved this book. It’s the inspirational story of Fauja Singh, a 108 year old marathon runner who didn’t start running until he was 81. Singh was born with a weakness in his legs that led people to believe he would be unable to walk. With daily encouragement from his mother he worked at it until, at five years old, he was able to. He grew up to have a farm and family and was happy. After his children were grown his wife passed away and he moved in with family in England but was lonely and depressed there as he didn’t speak English. After seeing people running a race on TV he decided he needed to run and he hasn’t stopped. This man is amazing! He found a coach and ran his first marathon at 89! A great book about running, determination, and even how difficult a move to a new country can be, this book is uplifting and it would be a great addition to any upper elementary school classroom.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

five-stars

A Ben of All Trades: The Most Inventive Boyhood of Benjamin Franklin

A Ben of All Trades: The Most Inventive Boyhood of Benjamin FranklinA Ben of All Trades: The Most Inventive Boyhood of Benjamin Franklin by Matt Tavares, Michael J. Rosen
on March 17, 2020
ISBN: 1536201219
Genres: Biography/Autobiography
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

BEN OF ALL TRADES is a lovely biography for ages 4- 10 and up,  about young Benjamin Franklin . Ben desperately desires to become a man of the sea.  HIs father, Josiah, tries over and over –  unsuccessfully,  to convince young Ben that this is not a good choice. “Son of mine,” says Josiah, “I will not see another Franklin lost to the sea.”  Ben tried many jobs during his early years: a joiner, a boot closer, a turner and a chandler. None were to his satisfaction. Eventually  Josiah  tells Ben  that he will sign indentures with his brother James’s print shop where Ben was to  become a journeyman.  “Perhaps you will read and study and write to the contentment of your heart.,” And so it was there, at the print shop,  that Ben, from his roots as a reader and a “woolgatherer,” blossomed. In time,  he became an inventor,  ambassador, political leader, journalist, editor, college president, scientist and postmaster!

A GORGEOUSLY  illustrated book depicting the activities of young Ben Franklin. Children will be pulled in by the engaging  and realistic illustrations of artist,  Matt Tavares.

BEN OF ALL TRADES shows us a deeply determined  and curious young boy, willing to  experiment with the many activities that ultimately lead to his successful career.

Could be used to exemplify the valuable traits of persistence and of knowing oneself well

Also, very useful when studying “childhood biographies of famous people.”

Reviewed by Connie M. Smith, Breakwater School, Portland, ME

 

five-stars

The Dark Matter of Mona Staff

The Dark Matter of Mona StaffThe Dark Matter of Mona Starr by Laura Lee Gulledge
on April 7, 2020
ISBN: 1419742000
Pages: 182
Goodreads
five-stars

This graphic novel by Page by Paige author, Laura Lee Gulledge, is a book that everyone may need to read right now. Mona is the artsy oddball of her family. When her best friend moves away and Mona feels overwhelmed, alone, and sad; then her depression (or “dark matter”) begins to overwhelm her. Many readers in 2021 will relate to feeling overwhelmed and sad because of the isolation due to the current pandemic. Mona shares her story honestly with the reader in chapter titles that read as comforting pieces of advice: Notice Your Patterns, Break Your Cycles, Turn Emotion into Action, and Pull Yourself Up…With Help. The grayscale pictures are equally illuminating. Gulledge illustrates Mona’s “dark matter” in different ways for different situations, such as a black blanket that engulfs Mona or a monster that binds her in doubt. Mona’s diary and sketches are included that provide extra insight into her creativity and her depression; these pages burst with emotional impact. The author shares the connections between Mona and her personal story at the end of the book, along with playlists, reading lists, and her personal self-care plan. Recommended for grades 8 and up. 

Elizabeth Andersen, Librarian, Westbrook High School

five-stars

Your Corner Dark

Your Corner DarkYour Corner Dark by Desmond Hall
Published by Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books on January 19, 2021
ISBN: 1534460713
Pages: 384
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

In Desmond Hall’s, Your Corner Dark, a picture of Jamaica will emerge that will not be seen in any tourist brochures. Eighteen-year-old Frankie Green has tried to make his father proud. He has studied in schools, stayed away from the dangerous and politically corrupt gang life of Jamaica, but then a series of events forces him to join his uncle’s gang (posse) in order to support his family. Trying to balance family responsibilities with friendships, a budding romance, and his personal ambitions, Frankie finds himself between a rock and a hard place (which in Jamaican culture is known as “your corner dark.”). Debut author Desmond Hall, who was born in Jamaica and lost his uncle to violence, draws a picture of a country that lives in fear of the gangs that are aligned with the two major political parties. Recommended for fans of Angie Thomas, Renee Watson, and Lamar Giles, grades 7 and up.

To learn more about the author, this book, and Jamaica, watch an interview with the author: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lkun-R5_YfY 

Elizabeth Andersen, Librarian, Westbrook High School

five-stars

THE LADY WITH THE BOOKS

Published by Kids Can Press Genres: Biography/Autobiography, Historical Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
five-stars
THE LADY WITH THE BOOKS  is a picture book  inspired by the  remarkable works of a Jewish woman, Jella Lepman (who, with her two children had to flee Germany during Hitler’s reign.)

One day, at the end of WW!!,  Anneliese and Peter, who lived in Munich,   joined a long line of people,  which they thought  was a food line.  They were surprised to find, that instead,  they had been waiting to view an  exhibition of 40,000 international books!  This international collection had been gathered by Jella Lepman.  This story imagines what it must have been like for children who attended this exhibition at the Haus der Kunst, the art museum in Munich.

This is a lovely and very meaningful story,  all the more engaging as we learn of Anneliese and Peter’s daily struggle to survive at the end of the war.  The illustrations are child engaging and expressive.

There is a short biography of Jella Lepman in the back of the book as well as information regarding the book collection itself. – mention of some best loved stories,  read  the world over as in their many translations.  Jella was a founder of the International Board on Books for Young People. The collection, (since 1983 is housed in Blutenburg Castle in Munich, Germany,)  has grown to  a lending library of 30,000 books.  She decided to have one American book translated into 30,000 German copies! That  much loved book  was  “The Story of Ferdinand” by Munro Leaf.

This book presents a wonderful perspective on  “unexplored history.”  By sharing books from many countries children are “building bridges” to a greater understanding of other cultures –  Very appropriate particularly in current times. It also  is an excellent model of “good character,” and thus useful when doing “character” studies.

 

Reviewed by Connie M. Smith, Breakwater School, Portland, ME. .

five-stars

What Makes Us

What Makes UsWhat Makes Us by Rafi Mittlefehldt
Published by Candlewick Press on October 15, 2019
ISBN: 0763697508
Pages: 352
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars
This incredibly heavy book attempts to tackle many topics and themes, some of which are parent/child relationships, prejudice, violence in protest, and terrorism.  Unfortunately, the overall message of the book gets lost in too many plot points and viewpoints from three different main characters.  First is Eran who has grown up with only his very stoic and private mother.  His mother formerly known as Devorah.  And Eran’s new friend Jade who knows her parents are keeping something from her.  The main storyline features Eran’s passion about social justice and protest plan that goes wrong.  He ends up in a shoving match with another person caught on camera.  The press then digs into his past and discovers the truth about Eran’s father and his family.  Devorah’s storyline is told via flashbacks to Eran’s childhood and the fallout from what his father did.  Intertwined with this is Jade’s storyline of being on the fringe of Eran’s life and struggling with whatever secret her family is keeping from her.  Her’s is the storyline that really over-complicates.   There’s a lot to relate to the current climate, with unjust hatred and racism being lobbied at innocent parties simply because their background is another religion or country.  Mittlefehldt’s second book falls short of its goals by including too much.  It may still be of interest to teens studying the current political climate or talking about peaceful vs violent protest.  Best for grades 8+.

Reviewed by Kara Reiman, Maine State Library

three-stars