Category: Book Reviews

Puffin and Penguin

Puffin and PenguinPuffin and Penguin by Helaine Becker, Kevin Sylvester
ISBN: 1525306545
Genres: Animals
Format: Graphic Novel
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

When Puffin’s mom gets a new job at the United Avian Nations, his family relocates from Iceland to New Stork City. His new class is a full cast of characters, from King Penguin “the Cool Kid” to Blue Jay “the Class Clown” and Loon “the Gossip”. How will Puffin fit in? Puffin gets assigned a buddy to show him around – Penguin. But Penguin is so popular, and so busy, that Puffin doesn’t feel like a priority. So, Puffin decides to try to educate the other students about puffins (did you know that puffins can fly and have beaks that light up?!?) and join the drama club. Puffin finds his place on the stage crew, with Penguin being the lead of the play. When there is an unexpected power outage during the performance – they truly work as a team, with Puffin’s glow-in-the-dark beak saving the day! This graphic novel was full of bird puns, cute illustrations, and tells a classic tale of fitting in, being your true self, and making friends. Especially good for the bird or nature lovers, and actually includes some real facts about puffins (it turns out their beaks really do glow in the dark due to bioluminescence!). Recommended for ages 7-8 (2nd to 3rd Grade).

Reviewed by: Jenn Mead, Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library, Lovell

four-stars

Everyone Loves Career Day but Zia

Everyone Loves Career Day but ZiaEveryone Loves Career Day but Zia: A Zia Story by Dream Chen, Jenny Liao
ISBN: 0593425456
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

It’s Career Day at school, and all of the parents are invited to come teach the class about their jobs! Zia wishes that her mom could come teach the other students about her job as a seamstress. But her mom is not comfortable speaking English (her native tongue is Cantonese), and besides – she never misses work. With the help of her teacher, Zia is able to video call into the factory where her mom works. Her mother demonstrates to the class how to make a beautiful dress while Zia translates her words into English. This heartwarming story would be a great addition to any picture book collection, and is cream-of-the-crop worthy. It demonstrates diversity in the classroom, showcases different and unique families and professions (such as a stay-at-home Dad who also comes to school for Career Day), and provides a window into the day-to-day lives of immigrant families. The words and illustrations perfectly celebrate the story, by bringing to life and intermingling the English and Cantonese words onto each page. The back of the book includes an Author’s Note describing her experience growing up as a translator for her parents, as well as a glossary of English to Cantonese words. Recommended for ages 6-7 (1st to 2nd Grade).

Reviewed by: Jenn Mead, Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library, Lovell

five-stars

Bubble Gum Bison Needs a Bath

Bubble Gum Bison Needs a BathBubble Gum Bison Needs a Bath (The Bison Family Series) by Pete Oswald, Scott Rothman
ISBN: 0593702956
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

The Bison family is back, and this time Bubble Gum Bison needs a bath – like really really needs a bath. At first, she’s merely covered in mud, and declines the opportunity to have one. When she tries to sneak back to the park to find her friends, she finds herself also covered in bubblegum and feathers! And even worse – the water is now out all over town since her brother decided to ram his head on the water tower. Bubble Gum Bison MacGyvers a water tower repair, and finds herself elated that the water is back on and everyone can now take baths again. This fun story has cute and colorful illustrations, and could even be a good tool for caregivers needing to coax resilient children into bathtime. Recommended for ages 5-7 (Kindergarten to 2nd Grade).

Reviewed by: Jenn Mead, Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library, Lovell

four-stars

Earnest Sandpiper’s Great Ascent

Earnest Sandpiper’s Great AscentEarnest Sandpiper’s Great Ascent by Timothy Basil Ering
Published by Candlewick Press on April 9, 2024
ISBN: 0763697354
Genres: Animals, Emotions & Feelings
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

This heartfelt story is about overcoming fear using a gentle text and bright illustrations to encourage growth in one’s own sweet time. This is the day the sandpiper children will learn to fly. Two of them are ready; the third, Earnest, isn’t. His parents are patient and his siblings offer Earnest guidance and reassurance. After being left alone, Earnest makes a flying attempt but fails. He sees a free-flying balloon and follows it into the water and becomes entangled in its dangling ribbon. His cries for help go unanswered until his returning family finally arouses sufficient belief in himself that he is ready to fly. Earnest frees himself by flapping his wings hard, allowing him to take flight. An author’s note offers more information on the dangers balloons pose to wildlife. The largish-size format will make this a nice readaloud for ages 5-7 as it is on the longer side for a picture book and packs a lot into its pages. Follow-up with discussion.

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

five-stars

Such Charming Liars

Such Charming LiarsSuch Charming Liars by Karen M. McManus
Published by Delacorte Press on July 30, 2024
ISBN: 059348505X
Pages: 389
Genres: Psychological thriller
Format: Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Liam’s father is an unabashed grifter. Kat’s mother, Jamie, is a reluctant jewel thief, but is only in it to pay back a Gem, a jewelry-forging criminal who helped her years ago. When Jamie decides it’s time to take Kat and leave Gem for good, Gem agrees to help support her new life in exchange for one final job. Jamie and Kat take off for Maine to steal one last piece of jewelry from the fabulously rich Sutherland family, and then life will be guilt and crime free.  On their way, they run into Liam and his father Luke, an awkward reunion since the last time Kat and Liam saw one another they were small children and had wandered out of a Las Vegas hotel room to explore the casinos during the one weekend Jamie and Luke were married. When the theft plans go spectacularly awry and one of the Sutherlands is murdered, Liam and Kat team up again to figure out who the killer is, who is telling the truth, and how to get out of there alive.

Such Charming Liars is perfect for fans of Knives Out, Succession, or the One Final Job trope. It’s a quick, twisty read and Kat and Liam, along with their new friend Augustus Sutherland, are a trio easy to root for. Suggest to fans of Holly Jackson or E. Lockhart.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

four-stars

Carter Avery’s Tricky Fourth Grade Year

Carter Avery’s Tricky Fourth Grade YearCarter Avery's Tricky Fourth-Grade Year by Rob Buyea
Published by Delacorte Press on September 3, 2024
ISBN: 0593376188
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

Carter Avery is dreading 4th grade.  Everyone said his teacher Ms. Krane is mean and he is stuck with his bossy nemesis, Missy Gerber.  To make matters worse, Carter struggles in school because writing is hard for him, he can’t sit still for long, and often blurts out the first thing he thinks of.  Luckily Carter has a good support system at home in his grandma and his older sister (his parents died in a car crash when he was young).  After suspecting his teacher will trick him somehow, Carter’s perspective slowly shifts when he realizes how kind and creative she is.  He also works on a project with Missy, and he starts to think differently about her too.  Things are going relatively well until Ms. Krane isn’t at school anymore.  Eventually he finds out that it’s because she had her baby prematurely, not because of a petition some families are signing to get her removed because she is pregnant through artificial insemination.  After getting off to a rocky start with the long term substitute, Carter is able to make things right and works as hard for the substitute as he did for Ms. Krane.  

Carter learns a lot in this novel geared towards 4th-6th graders.  He overcomes many obstacles, learns what it means to be a true friend, and how to be brave and stick up for others.  Carter values friends of all kinds because he has a hard time making them.  He comes up with creative ways to show the people in his life that he cares about them, including hosting Thanksgiving and throwing a party for his teacher.  Carter is very accepting of others, like his teacher who has a prominent birth mark on her face and Mason and his guide dog Susie, whom he met at the library during Summer Reading.  Carter isn’t perfect, but he is always working hard to be better.  This story is told from Carter’s perspective and his funny yet thoughtful voice is a strength of this novel.  Readers will enjoy getting to know Carter and will appreciate how his confidence and success grows because of a variety of caring adults in his life.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

four-stars

Old Wounds

Old WoundsOld Wounds by Logan-Ashley Kisner
on September 10, 2024
ISBN: 0593814746
Genres: Horror, Supernatural
Format: Fiction, Young Adult
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

Erin and Max are two complicated teens: they used to date, they’re both trans, and together they’ve fled their homes in Ohio for sunny California, where they imagine a better, more accepting life. However, an unexpected stop in rural Kentucky leaves them stranded and in danger. Not only do the two have to deal with the social horror of transphobes, but they also have to face the supernatural horror of a woman-devouring monster. Together, the two will need to find each other and fight to survive the night.

There are plenty of heavy, honest themes in this book. The two protagonists have differing levels of acceptance (and rejection) for their transness: Max has attempted suicide in the past, Erin’s mother is distant, and both are deeply concerned about being outed to strangers. Kisner includes content warnings at the beginning of the book to prepare readers. While these are serious topics, they are addressed with compassion and honesty.

Kisner has written several essays on queer representation in horror, and the book itself feels like a slasher movie with two teens fighting for survival and to be seen as who they really are. The book’s creativity and meta analysis on being trans are combined with the idea of a supernatural monster and how it sees trans and genderfluid people. Patrons looking for trans representation in genres other than realistic fiction may enjoy this supernatural horror novel. Due to the multiple on-page deaths by gunshot and supernatural entities, discussions of suicide and self-hate, and transphobia, this book is recommended for mature readers.

Reviewed by Raechel Moore, Maine State Library, Augusta

four-stars

Red Bird Danced

Red Bird DancedRed Bird Danced by Dawn Quigley
Published by Heartdrum on June 4, 2024
ISBN: 0063223627
Genres: Fiction in Verse/Poetry
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

This novel-in-verse is told in the alternating voices of Ariel and Tomah who are urban Native Americans – they live in a Native American housing complex. This may be a new concept to many readers. Ariel takes up jingle dress dancing not only to honor her heritage but to save money. Money is tight since her beloved Aunt has disappeared. As time passes, Ariel learns about the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (#MMIW) movement. Thousands of Indigenous Women are murdered or reported missing each year and several groups are working to create awareness of the problem and help organize searches for these women. Tomah is an observer – he watches over the birds and the people in their housing complex. When he falls ill, the community rallies to watch over him. Although Tomah struggles academically, he is a gifted storyteller and uses his gift to help Ariel raise awareness for missing Indigineous women by displaying red dresses, a la the REDress project. Don’t let the short length fool you – this book packs a powerful punch. Readers will be inspired to learn more about #MMIW and the REDress Project. A good choice for middle grade readers who are looking for a story based on real events and a cause to rally around.

Reviewed by Karen Sandlin Silverman, Mt. Ararat Middle School, Topsham

five-stars

Sink or Swim

Sink or SwimSink or Swim by Lee Durfey-Lavoie, Veronica Agarwal
Series: Just Roll With It #2
Published by Random House Graphic on June 4, 2024
ISBN: 0593125517
Pages: 314
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
four-stars

In this cleverly illustrated graphic novel, Ty is recovering from a broken arm just as summer starts. He feels bad about missing the entire swim season and as captain of the team, he worries that he let his friends down. He especially feels bad about how he ghosted his teammate and best friend Max. Ty doesn’t simply feel bad – he is struggling mightily with depression, anxiety, body image issues, and dysregulated eating. He’s especially anxious about summer camp where he will be bunking with Max. Tensions are high between Max, Max’s twin sister Heather, and Ty and build to a climax during their boat-building activity. Between a caring camp counselor, new friends, and the long history of friendship between Ty and Max, things work out in the end. Heather is able to tell her brother and Ty about her girlfriend and Max and Ty acknowledge the romantic feelings they have for each other. After reading Louder Than Hunger by John Schu about a boy’s struggle with anorexia, I was hoping for a little back matter on eating disorders and depression or advice that Ty seek professional help. Nonetheless, this is an excellent story to use as a conversation starter with upper elementary and middle school students. This is the second book in the Just Roll With It series but it certainly stands alone. Graphic novel fans who love the wide-eyed expressions used in manga will love the characters’ faces when they are excited.

Reviewed by Karen Sandlin Silverman, Mt. Ararat Middle School, Topsham

four-stars

Quill the Forest Keeper

Quill the Forest KeeperQuill the Forest Keeper by Marije Tolman
Published by Levine Querido on September 8, 2022
ISBN: 164614452X
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars
It’s impossible not to enjoy a book that begins “Outside it’s cold and quiet. Inside it smells of hot blueberry pie.” While basking in the delicious aroma, Grandpa hedgehog is asked to tell a story of a prior, less relaxing time. He regales his family with a tale of the Terrible Rush Era, when everybody rushed around and had no time to pick up their environment. Everybody, that is, but Quill the Forest Keeper, a dedicated forest-cleaning hedgehog who worked so incessantly to clean up everyone’s mess he eventually collapsed, ushering in a new era of animals banding together to keep the forest clean and reprioritize their values.

In a time of political uncertainty and eco-anxiety, books like Quill the Forest Keeper become treasures. There is no virtue signaling involved on Quill’s part; he just does what he can to help out and ends up inspiring others to do the same. The illustrations are unique and bold, yet charming and effective. It’s pure hygge for the picture book set; a simple message full of comfort and warmth.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

five-stars