Category: Book Reviews

We Always Had Wings

We Always Had WingsWe Always Had Wings by Jess X. Snow
ISBN: 9780593428511
Genres: Family, Immigrants
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
two-stars
Jess X. Snow created this memoir of their childhood return to China to “offer (their) six-year-old self courage and imagination.” In the author’s note, Snow describes it as a personal story about displacement, belonging, and a return to homeland and family. The theme is simple: people have the right to feel belonging wherever they are. However, Snow’s allegorical treatment of the narrative may muddle the story for younger readers.
While on a plane to China with their mother, Little Snow experiences anxiety about emigration and identity, wondering about questions many children face: What makes a place home? Who gets to say who belongs where? Outside, red-crowned cranes fly through purple and rose skies over a mountainous city. To calm Little Snow’s fears, their mother shares a story about ancestors flying across the sea as birds. The cranes then transform into amalgamated shapes, carrying humans—including Little Snow and their mother—on their backs.
Once they arrive, Little Snow and their mother reunite with Grandmother, enjoying a warm homecoming. As Little Snow realizes that both China and the United States are part of who they are, they take off into the sky to go wherever they can imagine. While the story and imagery are beautifully poetic, the connection between the crane allegory and the realistic family reunion feels disjointed, making the transitions feel clunky. Libraries looking for picture books about emigration and multicultural identity will find more cohesive titles readily available.

Deanna Contrino, SLMS/MLIS

K-2 School Resource Librarian, Scarborough Schools

two-stars

Nice Work

by Nicholas Day
Published by Penguin Random House on May 12, 2026
ISBN: 9780593806296
Pages: 40
Genres: Emotions & Feelings
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
four-stars

Friendship, patience, and change are central themes that weave through Nice Work, a picture book written by Nicholas Day and illustrated by Hala Tahboub. A family decides to plant a peach tree, which starts off looking only like a stick. The child decides to plant more sticks with a friend, Maya, to see if they grow into trees as well. With care and patience, the real tree grows and eventually bears fruit, but sadly, Maya moves away. An older woman moves into Maya’s house and new connections are made. The child shows through a letter to Maya that he learns about patience, care, and how to cope with change. This is a philosophical, gently paced story with some diverse characters.  All of this is conveyed with the straightforward tone of a kid who just tells it like it is, which brings light humor to this meaningful book. The illustrations seem straightforward at first, but the use of light and shadow conveys the complexities of friendship and loss, anticipation and waiting, constancy and change. Early Elementary readers will enjoy this book, and it could also be a good read aloud for K-5th graders. 

Reviewed by Antona Briley, Librarian, Dora Small School, South Portland

four-stars

Alien Nate

Alien Nate by Dave Whamond
Published by Kids Can Press on 2020
ISBN: 1525302094
Genres: Juvenile Fiction / Comics & Graphic Novels / Humorous
Format: Graphic Novel
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

Alien Nate, by Dave Whamond, is a cute graphic novel about a being named Nate from the Vega system who is sent to Earth with one mission: to find more pizza. The Vegans found a pizza that was accidentally left behind on theVoyager I–the spacecraft launched in 1977 with a golden record sampling many aspects of life on Earth–but the pizza is the only thing that the aliens want to know more about. Nate crash lands on Earth, which immediately sets government agents on his trail. Fortunately, Nate meets up with Fazel, a savvy kid who keeps the government agents away and helps Nate to find pizza, friends and a way back home. The plot is well paced and predictable, the dialogue has corny jokes that will amuse most kids. The illustrations are colorful, showing the characters silly expressions and bringing humor and energy to the plot. Early Elementary readers of Pizza and Taco or Narwhal and Jelly may like this book. 

Reviewed by Antona Briley, Librarian, Dora Small School, South Portland

three-stars

Hypergifted

Hypergifted (Ungifted #3) by Gordon Korman
Published by Harper Collins / STORYTIDE ISBN: 0063429292
Genres: Humor, Juvenile Fiction / Social Themes / Friendship, Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

Gordon Korman continues the Ungifted series with a third book, Hypergifted. Written in chapters that tell the story from multiple perspectives, Hypergifted focuses on Noah Youkilis, a 12 year old genius, with the superstar status of being the youngest new student at Wilderton University. Since there are no peers at the college his age, Noah chooses his free thinking, sometimes mischievous best friend, Donovan Curtis, to be his roommate for the summer. Noah and Donovan are both reluctant to be there for different reasons. Noah quickly becomes obsessed with being inducted in a secret society, and is treated with starstruck reverence by some, and as a naive kid by others. Donovan is unwillingly assigned to be a summer camp counselor for younger kids, where his creative, yet practical thinking, and easygoing attitude become strengths. Raina Overbrook, the daughter of two Wilderton professors and an experienced “kid on campus” and summer camp counselor, brings experience and know-how to the scene, and can’t quite figure out whether to trust Donavan, despite his irritating ability to solve problems with ease. Together, Noah and Donavan need to solve an AI crisis that has far greater consequences than a college prank.

Middle grade chapter book readers who love Gordon Korman’s style and humor, which in this book includes pig mascots, elderberries and other high jinks, will enjoy this book. 

Reviewed by Antona Briley, Librarian, Dora Small School, South Portland

three-stars

An Expanse of Blue

An Expanse of BlueAn Expanse of Blue by Kauakanilehua Mahoe Adams
on May 19, 2026
ISBN: 0063417952
Genres: Fiction in Verse/Poetry, Realistic Fiction, Romance
Goodreads
three-stars

Aouli feels like she lives her life in a cage. Her father is overbearing, abusive, and keeping a horrible secret. Her mother does little to stop his rage. Her sister is the model daughter, which Aouli resents. She goes to church with her family, but doesn’t believe. Her best friend is drifting away to the more popular crowd. The only place where Aouli feels free is with her Native Hawaiian diaspora community at her Aunty Ehu’s house. Then, a new boy, Nalu, moves to town, and her world expands.

Told in verse, the  story is a love story, but it’s not only about romantic love. Aouli and her sister Kāia’s relationship is just as central as Aouli and Nalu’s. The romantic love story is compelling, and the poetic language really immerses the reader in that feeling. The title refers to both Aouli and Nalu – in Hawaiian their names mean the blue sky and the blue ocean, respectively – but it also refers to the two of them together. They compliment and seem to complete each other, expressed best when Nalu writes an accompanying guitar piece Aouli’s lyrics. There is some kissing and some vague thought beyond that, but nothing outwardly “spicy.”

The family side of things is much more complicated and dives into some trauma (including domestic violence and sexual abuse), though most things happen off-page and are only alluded to. At times the story was wanting for even more depth. Mom, for example, flattens on the page, and the death of a family member doesn’t quite have as much weight as it seems it should.

Back matter including an author’s note, editor’s note, discussion questions, and an invitation to write one’s own poems are inspiring. The imprint, Heartdrum, focuses on books by Native authors and is one to watch. Hand this title to students who enjoy the strong emotions of something like If He Had Been With Me, but want a story that’s more grounded and lyrical.

Reviewed by Kristin Arsenault, Mountain Valley High School, Rumford.

three-stars

Breakout

BreakoutBreakout by Angie Thomas, Ashley Woodfolk, Dhonielle Clayton, Nic Stone, Nicola Yoon, Tiffany D. Jackson
Published by Quill Tree Books on June 2, 2026
ISBN: 0063217503
Pages: 343
Genres: Mystery, Suspense
Format: Young Adult
Goodreads
four-stars

Torn apart by their former queen bee Keisha “Key” White’s drowning a year before, what’s left of Key’s crew, The Six – a tight-knit circle of high-powered Black youths at a prestigious DC prep school – join Gatsby-ish, enigmatic newcomer Anthony “Ant” Brooks on his dad’s yacht for a trip to the Brooks’ exclusive, near-empty resort in the Florida Keys. After Ant appears to drown under suspicious circumstances on the anniversary of Key’s death, the remaining Five find themselves slammed by back-to-back hurricanes, effectively trapped on the island with the resort’s skeleton crew – while it becomes increasingly evident a serial killer is on the loose. The stress of it all causes already frayed loose ends to unravel, and everyone sinks to their absolute worst. 

Like the sinister spring break at its center, this book gets off to a rough start. While the bulk of the book is a deliciously creepy, impossible-to-put-down thriller, the fragmented narration and out-of-touch, hyper-wealthy (and often deplorable!) characters make for a slow start. Later on, some truly cringeworthy lines leave the storytelling feeling amateurish. Agatha Christie-savvy readers may pick up on subtle clues about the first of several late-stage plot twists, but the final surprise will likely leave most readers cold. The all-star writing team, now on their third collaboration, doesn’t quite slam-dunk this dark portrait of rich kids behaving badly.

Reviewed by Emily Ender, Oxford Hills Middle School Library, South Paris

four-stars

Shim Jung Takes the Dive

Shim Jung Takes the DiveShim Jung Takes the Dive by Julia Riew
Published by Quill Tree Books on 4/28/26
ISBN: 0063294079
Genres: Fantasy, Folklore
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

This middle grade novel combines South Korean folklore and fantasy to tell Jung’s story of grief and growth.  Every twelve-year-old girl on Haemin Island participates in a diving ceremony, but ever since her mother disappeared in the water, Jung has been afraid of the water.  Jung freezes and doesn’t make the dive.  Later, still upset, Jung has an accident and is swept away in the water, but she doesn’t drown.  Instead, she ends up in the water realm of the Dragon’s Queendom, trapped with all the other palace girls kidnapped by the queen.  Forced into servanthood, Jung focuses on escape, a pursuit that could be deadly.  She befriends Prince Jae who is planning to escape his death and run away. Instead, they team up to escape together.  They face many dangers, the most lethal being Jae’s mother.  But with the help of a little red dragon, they are able to strip the queen of her power and survive.

The journey to freedom has changed Jae and Jung.  Jae has become more aware of the negative impacts his mother has had on people’s living conditions and the responsibility that comes with being a ruler.  Jung has become more confident and braver, and more willing to share her fears with her friends and father.  When Jung returns to Haemin, she takes these lessons with her, though she and none of the freed palace girls reveal what actually happened while they were missing.

This novel is ideal for upper elementary or middle grade readers, especially those who are interested in folklore or who like fantasy.  There is plenty of action to keep readers hooked and Jung’s voice as a narrator is fun and authentic.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

three-stars

Is This a Plum?

Is This a Plum?Is This a Plum? A Peek-Through Picture Book by Dan Ojari
Genres: Babies/Infants, Children's Beginning Readers, Humor, Picture book/animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Is This a Plum? a delightful peek-through picture book by Dan and Finn Ojari, will keep readers on their toes! Page cut-outs look like one thing, but you’ll be surprised with every turn of the page. Readers of any age will enjoy the guessing game as well as the charming critters determined to lead your guesses astray. And such illustrations! Like Eric Carle, Dan Ojari can command a page with basic shapes and colors. Those who tend to be visually overwhelmed will especially love the design of the book. Even the texture of the cover has a tactile appeal.

Recommended for ages 3-8, and the book begs to be read aloud. Daycares, preschools, K-3 classrooms, library children’s collections, and caregivers of all types would do well to add Is This a Plum? to their collections.

Bonus! The book was inspired by Dan’s son Finn who realized a plum looks a lot like a … well, you’ll have to find that out for yourself.

Reviewed by Beth Almquist, Lewiston Public Library

five-stars

You’re the Boss, Gracie Wei

You’re the Boss, Gracie WeiGracie Wei #2: You're the Boss, Gracie Wei by Basia Tran, Kristen Mei Chase
ISBN: 0593813006
Genres: Emotions & Feelings, Family, Juvenile Fiction / Social Themes / Friendship, Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

Gracie Wei is back with her cast of amazing friends – and this time, they are ready for summer vacation! Gracie and her friends have decided to form the “Summer Club of Awesome” – meeting together every day for fun activities. Gracie, who is hosting activities at her house, is determined to plan every last detail and schedule every activity. But her friends keep suggesting they do other activities than what she had planned! Worst of all – they want to go biking, and Gracie hasn’t gotten on her bike since she last fell off. Can she be the boss and direct them to other activities instead? Or will she learn to be flexible and face her fears? Like the first story, this early chapter book is full of good lessons, sweet friendships, and diverse characters. The black-and-white pencil and graphite illustrations are thoughtfully placed throughout the text and perfectly depict the emotions of the characters. Recommended for ages 7 to 9 (2nd to 4th Grade).

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

four-stars

You’re a Winner, Gracie Wei

You’re a Winner, Gracie WeiGracie Wei #1: You're a Winner, Gracie Wei by Basia Tran, Kristen Mei Chase
ISBN: 0593812964
Genres: Emotions & Feelings, Family, Juvenile Fiction / Social Themes / Friendship, Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

Gracie Wei knows for certain that she is going to win the Grapevine Elementary Fourth-Grade Class Spelling Bee. She knows because her teacher says “practice makes perfect,” she’s pretty sure that perfect people win spelling bees, and because she has practiced (a lot!). When Gracie wins the spelling bee, she will finally have something of her own displayed on her family’s “Wei Special Wall” of awards and prizes. She is the only person in her family that hasn’t gotten an award yet (including her toddler brother who got one for going potty at school!). However, when she gets to school, it looks like Gracie has competition – Elena Yarberry has also practiced, and is ready to win. When they take the stage, Elena panics and leaves the auditorium. Worried, Gracie follows Elena to see if she is OK. Gracie helps Elena to feel better, but both end up missing the spelling bee! How will Gracie Wei make it onto the Wei Special Wall now? This early chapter book is full of good lessons, sweet friendships, diverse character representation, and descriptive cultural details. It includes black-and-white pencil and graphite illustrations, which nicely break up the text and provide depth and emotion to the storyline. Recommended for ages 7 to 9 (2nd to 4th Grade).

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

four-stars