Cut Off

October 28, 2020

Cut Off by Adrianne Finlay
Published by HMH Books for Young Readers on August 11, 2020
ISBN: 0358006457
Pages: 384
Genres: Horror, Science Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

This Sci-fi thriller for readers in grades 10-12 provides page turning suspense and thought provoking outcomes. Recommending for Cream of the Crop consideration. The newest entertainment is a 24-hour live streaming game show called “Cut Off” that takes the “Survivor” type reality show premise to an extreme level through a 3D Virtual Reality experience. Four young adult contestants are left after an earthquake knocks out their communications with the producers of the show and they must work together to survive and try to be rescued. At first it seems like the earthquake is the issue, but hour by hour they are faced with ever increasing life threatening situations that seem to come from within each contestant’s own worst fears. Is it real or a hallucination? Can they find their way back home or will they all die? Finlay intersperses action chapters with producer’s files and contestant audition interviews that fuel the page turning suspense of the story. There are many twists and surprise connections that send the ending to an unsuspecting conclusion. There is action, suspense, danger, technology and a bit of romance in this suspenseful, Sci-fi/Horror mashup.

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

The Spirit of Springer

October 27, 2020

The Spirit of Springer: The Real-Life Rescue of an Orphaned Orca by Amanda Abler, Levi Hastings
Published by Little Bigfoot on February 4, 2020
ISBN: 1632172127
Pages: 48
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

The Spirit of Springer might be exactly what I needed today. It’s a gentle and interesting reminder that there are good people everywhere, people that have dedicated their lives to helping others, human or otherwise.

When orphaned, two-year-old orca Springer is found 300 miles from her home it’s up to scientists to reunite her with her pod. It’s not easy; Springer is malnourished and lonely and is more interested in befriending boats than eating. Through perseverance they rebuild her strength and take her back to where she can find her family.

Straightforward and nicely illustrated, The Spirit of Springer would be great for reading aloud to a classroom learning about orcas, animal rehabilitation, or kindness. Or for a classroom (or family) just looking for an enjoyable book to read.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

By The Book

October 27, 2020

By the Book by Amanda Sellet
Published by HMH Books for Young Readers on May 12, 2020
ISBN: 0358156610
Pages: 384
Genres: Romance
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars
By The Book, a Book of Prose and Cons is a new contemporary young adult romance. The classic literary references in this book were enjoyable. The main character, Mary, is someone you will either love or hate but it was nice to read about a character who doesn’t mind being herself. The vocabulary used in the book makes me suggest it for older advanced teens. Other than that I found it to be a heartwarming read that would be a nice addition to any young adult collection.

Reviewed by Sophie Gagnon, Skidompha Public Library

The Willoughbys Return

October 26, 2020

The Willoughbys Return by Lois Lowry
Published by HMH Books for Young Readers on September 29, 2020
ISBN: 0358423899
Pages: 192
Genres: Humor
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars
In this absurd and comical story for readers in grades 2-5, Lowry brings back the characters from “The Willoughbys” (2008). Two catastrophic situations happen simultaneously in the world. In the United States, Congress bans candy and in the Swiss Alps a couple, who were frozen for 30 years, thaw out (thanks to global warming). The couple is Mr. and Mrs. Willoughby who had traveled to the Swiss Alps in the first book. They are now faced with missing out on 30 years of complaining about their children, being displaced and strangers to all the technological advances. Tim, the oldest of the Willoughby’s children, is a Millionaire candy maker who is faced with being poor since candy is banned. His son, Richie, doesn’t want for anything (ordering everything on Google), is lonely. Their next door neighbors, aptly named Poore, are so destitute that they reuse tea bags, Band-Aids and have never had candy. Winnifred and Winston (a Win-Win situation), the Poore children, hire themselves out as Richie’s companions. In a few missteps and unlikely situations the characters converge and everyone’s perspectives and living situations are changed. The chapters are short 2-3 page gems that flesh out the darkly comical, Dahl-esque story line that fans of the first book will enjoy.

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

The Suitcase

October 23, 2020

The Suitcase by Chris Naylor-Ballesteros
Published by HMH Books for Young Readers on September 29, 2020
ISBN: 0358329604
Pages: 32
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars
A stranger arrives in town, and he’s carrying a suitcase. Everyone asks him what’s in the suitcase, and he tells them of grand things that couldn’t possibly fit inside one suitcase. Do they trust his word or do they attempt to break into his suitcase while he naps? They decide on the latter, and find the stranger was grossly exaggerating the contents of his suitcase. What the friends decide to do for the stranger before he wakes will warm your hearts and restore faith in humanity.

When first reading this book, I was shocked the animals decided to break into the suitcase. What comes of it, however, touches on friendship, compassion, and how we treat others in need. This is a wonderful book for sharing empathy and teaching kids that there is always room for kindness. The illustrations are simple and colorful. The animals are depicted in a cartoonish way that will resonate with younger readers. The text alternates colors to match the color of the individual speaking. Recommended for readers 3 and up.