Category: Book Reviews

David Jumps In

David Jumps InDavid Jumps In by Alan Woo, Katty Maurey
ISBN: 1771388455
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

On his first day at a new school, David is unsure and feeling like an outsider. He feels nervous about making new friends but eventually works up the nerve to ask some other kids to play a game called “elastic skip” with him. He teaches them the game, and it’s a huge hit.

This is a sweet story about friendship and inclusion. It’s well told with compassion and empathy. Any child who has been the new kid anywhere will relate to David’s feelings of insecurity, and watching him overcome his fears may help kids find a way to step up when they’re in that situation. The illustrations are colorful but sparse with lots of white space. They are, however, very effective at conveying David’s emotions before and after making new friends. There is a paragraph on the back pages about the game David plays so kids can learn more about it and its origins. Recommended for children 4 and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

three-stars

Life on an Island

Life on an IslandLife on an Island by Holly Duhig
Published by Crabtree Publishing Company on July 31, 2019
ISBN: 0778764761
Pages: 24
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

One of a series of Human Habitats for young readers. Readers will get a glimpse of the life on an island with boats, fishing and volcanoes. The photos that highlight each area are excellent and the text is appropriate for young readers. This book contains a glossary. It will be a great resource for the classroom.

Reviewed by Ginni Nichols, Gardiner Public Library, Gardiner

four-stars

When You Were Everything

When You Were EverythingWhen You Were Everything by Ashley Woodfolk
Published by Delacorte Press on March 10, 2020
ISBN: 1524715913
Pages: 400
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Woodfolk has crafted an emotionally wrought but ultimately beautiful tale of friendship, love, and relationships.  Cleo is a wonderfully quirky teen who loves jazz music, her best friend, and Shakespeare.  Layla is that best friend, or used to be, and has a stutter and a love for musical theater.  The full story of Cleo and Layla is told in alternating timelines, so we don’t find out exactly what happened to ruin their friendship until near the end.  Cleo  takes an amazing journey through grief, anger, forgiveness, and acceptance.  While her friendship is falling apart, she’s also dealing with the divorce of her parents, lingering difficulty with the death of her beloved grandmother, and meeting a new love interest.  Cleo struggles but ultimately comes out on top with a new lease on life and new relationships.  Anyone who has lost a friend will feel a deep connection with Cleo and this book.  This is a lovely emotional journey that ultimately ends up hopeful.  Recommended for grades 7+.

Reviewed by Kara Reiman, Maine State Library

five-stars

My Ocean is Blue

My Ocean is BlueMy Ocean Is Blue by Ashley Barron, Darren Lebeuf
Published by Kids Can Press ISBN: 1525301438
Genres: Adventure, Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

From cover to cover this is a study of the many shades of blue within the ocean.   Lebeuf introducers readers to a charming nameless girl who explores all the natural wonders with this ocean environment.

Her adventures of the day include meeting animals, listening to the sounds around her and playing in the water as well as sand.  Her disability is not an issue and most important is that the adult accompanying her is an active participant in the day’s activities.   A lovely book to peruse and a valuable addition to k and grade 1 classrooms.  Early readers will be able to follow the text and all will appreciate the collage art work.  These illustrations made me think of the art work done by CATHRYN FALWELL.   Small details like the dragon fly, glistening water and sparkling rocks will delight while the dead fish and slimy seaweed offer educational opportunity.

Add to primary grade media centers and public libraries within hundreds of miles from the ocean.  All nursery and grade school children will want to put their feet in the water with sparkly gems!

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

four-stars

Spindle and Dagger

Published by Candlewick Press Genres: Folklore, Historical Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
three-stars

A great premise but poor execution. I wanted to love this book so much! It has strong female lead characters and takes place in Wales, 1109. unfortunately, I wasn’t a fan of the main character’s inner monologue. She struck me as an unlikeable person from the first chapter. Also, the world-building seemed somewhat flat. I’ve read other books by other authors set in this time and place and they made it feel alive for me. This did not. This book appropriate for ages 15 and up due to rape references throughout the book.

Reviewed by Sophie Gagnon, Skidompha public library

three-stars

Solstice

Published by Imprint Genres: Horror, Humor, Mystery
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
two-stars

Tagged as a “tropical, horror, comedy” this book is a definite beach read. loosely based on the Fyre Festival that became a national sensation after not producing what they promised to the ticket purchaser. This book takes those publicized problems and adds a few dead bodies and a sea creature. The writing was fine but I felt the main character started off likable and went downhill from there. This book is appropriate for ages 13 and up but I wouldn’t waste my money on it.

Reviewed by Sophie Gagnon, Skidompha public library

two-stars

Up Cat Down Cat

Up Cat Down CatUp Cat, Down Cat by Steve Light
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 1536210315
Genres: Animals
Format: Board Book
Goodreads
four-stars

Another well done board book is offered to toddlers by Steve light.   Two cats, one black and one white spend their day together doing just the opposite over six two-page illustrations.   As a concept book this is educational while it is busy being cute.    Back ground colors are brightly intense making the board book attractive to toddlers and their adult readers.  The large font size and simple text offers an opportunity for early readers to share with younger siblings.  Youngsters will enjoy searching for the mouse on each page.   They may also wonder why the wet white cat resembles a dog.

Add a copy to public library collections that include board books and gift to young toddlers.  Especially offer a copy to any cat lover with small children.

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

four-stars

Mission: Python

Published by Lerner Publications (Tm) Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
three-stars

A very basic intro to the coding program Python. This short book offers a brief explanation of coding and how it works. It also includes a few “hands-on Python” activities that were very easy to follow. The audience for this book is 3rd to 6th grade. It’s a fine addition to a Junior non-fiction section but there’s probably a book that covers more ground so that may be a better addition.

Reviewed by Sophie Gagnon, Skidompha Public Library

three-stars

The Wide World of Coding: The People and Careers Behind the Programs

Published by Twenty-First Century Books (Tm) Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
four-stars

A great overview of the “Wide World of Coding.” This simple and easy to understand manual gives a brief overview of jobs that are available in the coding industry. In addition, it also encourages the reader to try coding themselves. Letting them know that all they need is a computer and patience. I would recommend this for any young adult collection ages 12 and up.

Reviewed by Sophie Gagnon, Skidompha Public Library

four-stars

Yes No Maybe So

Published by Balzer + Bray Genres: Realistic Fiction, Romance
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
four-stars

A great example of a cross-cultural romance between two young adults trying to find themselves. The romance in this novel is somewhat of a slow burn, which I prefer when compared to an insta-love romance that can be found in YA novels lately. In addition to a sweet romance, this book highlights teens becoming active in local politics while overcoming personal insecurities. I would recommend this book for ages 13 and up.

Reviewed by Sophie Gagnon, Skidompha Public Library

four-stars