Category: Book Reviews

The Twin

The TwinThe Twin by Natasha Preston
Published by Delacorte Press on March 3, 2020
ISBN: 0593124960
Pages: 377
Genres: Mystery
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Identical twins, Ivy and Iris, haven’t lived with each other since their parents divorce 10 years ago. Ivy stayed with their father and Iris went with their mother, but that has now changed since the unexpected death of their mother. It will take some getting used to and Ivy is willing to try, but her sister is being distant. Iris’s behavior has changed and is started to be more into Ivy’s life, and Ivy isn’t so sure that is a good idea. Things begin to  happen and Ivy is beginning to suspect that their mother’s death wasn’t an accident and that her twin was involved.

You can definitely see where the plot is going with this book, but still a worthy suspense read. Recommended  for grade 7 and up.

Reviewed by Kristin Taylor, Biddeford High School, Biddeford.

four-stars

Watch Hollow: The Alchemist’s Shadow

Watch Hollow: The Alchemist’s ShadowWatch Hollow: The Alchemist's Shadow by Gregory Funaro, Matt Griffin
Published by HarperCollins on February 18, 2020
ISBN: 0062643487
Pages: 240
Genres: Mystery
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Thinking everything was hunky-dory after defeating the horrible tree monster, Lucy and Oliver Tinker are happy with their new life. The one day, the real heirs of the Blackford House appear at their doorstep and nothing has been the same since. Stairways, doorways and the entire house starts turning itself into a maze, why, because the house is trying to protect them from the vicious minotaur that is attempting to kill them.

A great continuation of the first book in the series (Watch Hollow). Many new characters have been added along with the Greek mythology of the Minotaur. Recommended for grade 4 and up.

Reviewed by Kristin Taylor, Biddeford High School, Biddeford.

five-stars

Body 2.0: The Engineering Revolution in Medicine

Body 2.0: The Engineering Revolution in MedicineBody 2.0: The Engineering Revolution in Medicine by Sara Latta
Published by Twenty-First Century Books (Tm) on November 5, 2019 (text copyright 2020)
ISBN: 1541528131
Pages: 96
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Body 2.0 gives a glimpse into the future of medical technology. Even though biomedical engineering has been around for quite awhile (prosthetic toes made by ancient Egyptians, no joke!), the advancements that have made are monumental. Great for research on biomedical technologies.

TOC, glossary, source notes, etc. are present along with further information for those research hungry teens. Recommended for grades 8 and up.

Reviewed by Kristin Taylor, Biddeford High School, Biddeford.

five-stars

Mindfulness and Meditation: Handling Life with a Calm and Focused Mind

Mindfulness and Meditation: Handling Life with a Calm and Focused MindMindfulness and Meditation by Whitney Stewart
Published by Twenty-First Century Books (Tm) on August 6, 2019
ISBN: 1541540212
Pages: 120
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Mindfulness and Meditation may have been written with teens in mind, but many will find this book helpful There are many coping skills that are so desperately needed to handle today’s society and this book could just be the answer. There are numerous simple exercises and techniques ranging from how to calm the stress in your life to dealing with your social-media presence.

Very well written and easy to follow. There is a TOC, source notes, glossary, etc. along with further information to expand your meditational needs. Recommended for grade 8 and up (that means adults, too!)

Reviewed by Kristin Taylor, Biddeford High School, Biddeford.

five-stars

I Wish I Was a Llama

I Wish I Was a LlamaRanger Rick: I Wish I Was a Llama by Jennifer Bove
ISBN: 006243229X
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
three-stars

This early reader asks the question — do you want to be a llama, or do you want to be their wild cousins, the guanaco (wah-nah-ko)? Throughout the book, the differences and similarities are pointed out between the wild guanaco and the domesticated llama. The entire premise of the book is for the reader to decide which of the two they’d prefer to be. The book features full color photographs throughout, and they really help illuminate characteristics of the animals. This is a great book for beginning readers, and topic will resonate with young animal lovers. Recomended for kids 4 and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

three-stars

B is for Becca

B is for BeccaBecca's Bunch: B Is for Becca: An ABC Book by Jam Media
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 0763690864
Format: Board Book
Goodreads
three-stars

Based on TV series Becca’s Bunch, this is a colorful, fun introduction to a child learning their ABC’s. Colorful characters throughout will. Very young children will want you to read this over and over.

For Preschoolers

Reviewed by Ginni Nichols, Gardiner Public Library, Gardiner

three-stars

The Oregon Trail: Gold Rush

The Oregon Trail: Gold RushGold Rush! by Jesse Wiley
Published by HMH Books for Young Readers, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt on September 10, 2019
ISBN: 0358040582
Pages: 176
Genres: Adventure, Historical Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads

A really fun create your own adventure book that takes you on a journey form Oregon to California, during the 1851 gold rush. Children will choose which way they will go and overcome many obstacles along the way, according to the choices they make.

# 7 in the series

For ages 10 to 12

Reviewed by Ginni Nichols, Gardiner Public Library, Gardiner

Charles Darwin’s On the Origin of the Species

Charles Darwin’s On the Origin of the SpeciesCharles Darwin's on the Origin of Species by Sabina Radeva
Published by Crown Books for Young Readers on October 29, 2019
ISBN: 1984894919
Pages: 64
Genres: Animals, Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

An interesting attempt to explain a very difficult concept to children. I am not sure if I think it succeeded. Easy to read text and appropriate illustrations add to its appeal. Perhaps more appropriate for middle school ages.

For ages 6-12

Reviewed by Ginni Nichols, Gardiner Public Library, Gardiner

four-stars

Sun

SunSun by Alison Oliver
Published by Clarion Books on June 11, 2019
ISBN: 1328781623
Pages: 40
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Sun is a little boy who loves soccer but also feels that he is missing something. He encounters a fox on a walk and through this encounter learns what he is missing and loves to do the most. Loved the illustrations and the story.

For Preschool to 7 years old.

Reviewed by Ginni Nichols, Gardiner Public Library, Gardiner

five-stars