Category: Book Reviews

Red Star Rebels

Red Star RebelsRed Star Rebels by Amie Kaufman
on February 3, 2026
Genres: Science Fiction
Format: Young Adult
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

“Red Star Rebels” is a young adult science fiction novel by Amie Kaufman. Hunter is the rich heir of a billionaire family. He travels to Mars to meet with his mom and sister. Cleo is a teen who has been living in secret on Mars trying to eke out a living while avoiding her shady past. When the Mars base goes on lockdown due to a criminal takeover, Hunter and Cleo must work together to save themselves. Kaufman’s trademark humor makes this a fun read, though predictable at times. A suggested purchase for YA science fiction collections, especially where Kaufman is popular.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, ME.

four-stars

Shiny Happy People

Shiny Happy People by Clay McLeod Chapman
on November 11, 2025
ISBN: 0593904087
Genres: Horror
Format: Young Adult
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

“Shiny Happy People” is a young adult horror novel by Clay McLeod Chapman. Kyra is a high school student who refrains from using drugs (due to her absent mother’s addiction), unlike many of her fellow students. Kyra’s brother starts acting strangely in a body-snatcher type way, so she starts investigating. An interesting premise that falls a little flat, though the message that there is power in being yourself is a good theme. This YA horror is an additional purchase where YA body horror is popular.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, ME.

three-stars

Into the Wild Magic

Genres: Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
four-stars

“Into the Wild Magic” is a middle grade fantasy novel by Michelle Knudsen. Bevvy is a sixth grader who is used to being bullied. She loves fantasy books. She meets Cat, a new student, at her favorite tree and wonders if they could be friends. Cat is brusque and doesn’t plan on making any friends. Cat has magical powers and creates a magical portal to an alternate world called LorelKey. The world-building in the story is well done and interesting. I liked the themes of believing in yourself and your own strengths and that a person’s identity doesn’t make them a bad person; their actions do. A suggested purchase where middle grade fantasy is popular.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, ME.

four-stars

Philomena and the Big Bad Mimi

Philomena and the Big Bad MimiPhilomena and the Big Bad Mimi by Geneviève Jannelle, Jasmine Mirra Turcotte
ISBN: 1525315188
Genres: Emotions & Feelings
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

No one will play with Philomena at recess because every time someone tells a story, the Big Bad Mimi takes over Philomena’s mouth and she just has to tell a story about her instead. The Big Bad Mimi makes it hard for Philomena to listen to others. Philomena decides to ask an adult for help so that the other children will enjoy spending time with her again. After getting some help from a tiny creature called a Yoo-yoo, Philomena learns that other people might have interesting things to say too. 

This short picture book has bright and engaging illustrations. It would be a wonderful choice for a teacher or parent who is helping a child work through feelings of self-centeredness. It gives adults child friendly language to use with young children and a simple tool to practice listening to others. Many children will be able to relate to the feeling of the Mimi taking over.

Reviewed by Rebecca Duquette, Pittston Randolph Consolidated School 

three-stars

The Littlest Elephant: A One and Only Ruby Story

The Littlest Elephant: A One and Only Ruby StoryThe Littlest Elephant: A One and Only Ruby Story by Katherine Applegate, Lita Judge
ISBN: 006351544X
Genres: Animals, Emotions & Feelings
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

The Littlest Elephant is a picture book companion to the award winning One and Only series by Katherine Applegate. In this book we are introduced to Ruby, the littlest elephant in the herd. She is about to celebrate her tusk day: a day when elephants celebrate young elephants who get their tusks. Ruby is not sure if she likes her tusks. She is scared of what it means to be a grown up elephant. The older elephants in the herd help Ruby work through her fears and remember all the gifts she has been given as well as the hard times she has been through. 

The illustrations and text of this book are a wonderful introduction to the world created by Kristina Applegate in her One and Only series. We see some brief cameos by Bob and Ivan, but this book can be fully read and understood without reading any other books in the series. The illustrations are approachable and the text is child friendly. This would be a great book for any child who loves elephants or who needs a reminder of all the beautiful gifts life has to offer.

Reviewed by Rebecca Duquette, Pittston Randolph Consolidated School

four-stars

When We Go Home

When We Go HomeWhen We Go Home by Heather Beaumont, Nátali de Mello
ISBN: 1525312510
Genres: Cultural / African American, Family, Immigrants
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

When We Go Home is a book that explores what it means to be a part of two cultures and helps children understand how a person could have more than one home. It is beautifully written and illustrated, showing the differences between the main characters’ environments and cultures. Natali de Mello’s illustrations are the highlight of this book. They bring Marlee’s perspective to life in a way that both kids and adults will enjoy. 

When Marlee’s parents tell her that they will be going home for a visit, Marlee says “Not my home.” She and her brother have never been to the islands where her parents grew up. To her home means snowy city streets. After traveling to the islands and meeting her family members, Marlee participates in activities that make the islands feel like home to her as well. Marlee learns that it is possible for a person to have more than one home in their heart. 

Reviewed By Rebecca Duquette, Pittston-Randolph Consolidated School 

four-stars

Donutella Hamachi and the Library Avengers

Donutella Hamachi and the Library AvengersDonutella Hamachi and the Library Avengers by Kim Chi, Stephan Lee, utomaru
Published by Candlewick Press on September 5, 2025
ISBN: 1536236705
Pages: 183
Genres: Humor, Inspiration, Juvenile Fiction / Social Themes / Friendship, LGBTQ+
Format: Middle Grade Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

Jae Han, a 12-year old Korean immigrant loves the time he spends at this library. While he’s there he plays video games, practices his English, hangs out with other outcast kids, and works on his comic book centered around drag superhero Donutella Hamachi.
When the mayor plans to close the library to create a parking lot Jae Han springs into action, recruiting the librarian and friends to come up with a fundraising plan to help keep their much loved home away from home open and available to them.
This is a modern story of empowerment for young people showing exactly the power that young people with passion hold in this world.

Ages 8-12
Reviewed by MaryAnn Lopes, Elementary Librarian. Lewiston Public Schools, Lewiston, Maine.

four-stars

I Love You 100

I Love You 100I Love You 100: A Counting Book Full of Love (McKellar Math) by Danica McKellar, Josée Masse
Series: McKellar Math
Published by Random House on November 4, 2025
ISBN: 1101933909
Genres: Counting Books, Family
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

Mom and son count the many ways they love one another and the things they do together. Whether they are running in the sand, playing boats, or swinging high they are happy and grateful to be doing those things together and counting the ways they love one another, all the way up to 100.
A counting book with heart this book is joy filled while teaching counting.

Ages 4-8
Reviewed by MaryAnn Lopes, Elementary Librarian. Lewiston Public Schools, Lewiston, Maine.

three-stars

Dasher and the Polar Bear

Dasher and the Polar BearDasher and the Polar Bear by Matt Tavares
Series: Dasher
Published by Candlewick Press on September 30, 2025
ISBN: 1536236314
Genres: Holiday
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

Dasher the reindeer is out exploring and enjoying the Northern Lights one night near Christmas when she is startled by a polar bear named George. They start talking and George is astounded that Dasher is able to fly. Dasher tries to teach him to fly too but no success.
On Christmas Eve when Dasher is out with Santa and the rest of the reindeer Dasher makes a stop at George’s. While George may not be able to fly on his own with a little help from Santa and the reindeer and a little Christmas magic George’s dream is able to come true that night.

Ages 4-8
Reviewed by MaryAnn Lopes, Elementary Librarian. Lewiston Public Schools, Lewiston, Maine.

five-stars

Best Bunny Brothers Ever

Best Bunny Brothers EverBest Bunny Brother Ever (Beginner Books) by Marilyn Sadler, Tim Bowers
Published by Random House Books for Young Readers on January 6, 2026
ISBN: 979-8217032464
Genres: Children's Beginning Readers, Sports
Format: Early Reader
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

P.J. loves his little sister, Honey Bunny Funnybunny. He has been there for all her big and small life events. P.J. also loves baseball and Honey Bunny wants to learn to play, too but she’s too young. Our ever thoughtful P.J. decides to teach her how to play t-ball instead. He works through how to hit and how to pitch and the best part making a homerun! P.J. introduces her to a t-ball coach and Honey Bunny is asked to join the team. She makes an amazing first showing at her game and even scores her first homerun in a game. Winning is great but is it as great as the love she has for her big brother P.J.?

Ages 3-7
Reviewed by MaryAnn Lopes, Elementary Librarian. Lewiston Public Schools, Lewiston, Maine.

four-stars