Category: Book Reviews

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes

The Ballad of Songbirds and SnakesThe Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (The Hunger Games, #0) by Suzanne Collins
Published by Scholastic on May 19, 2020
ISBN: 1338635174
Pages: 517
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads

What an ambivalent delight it was to return to the cruel world of Panem. In this prequel to Collins’ best-selling trilogy, readers return to the reaping and the brutal preparations for the Hunger Games on the very first page. Set years before Katniss enters the arena, a teenage Coriolanus Snow is a mentor in the Hunger Games; ironically, he is assigned the female tribute from District 12. There are many other such blatant nods to the trilogy, which readers will either love or find trite. Overall, this book explains how Snow becomes a ruthless dictator. There is not as much action as in the original books, but there are many themes to ponder. Readers who are interested will find references to the philosophical themes of Locke, Hobbes, and Rousseau to consider (all of whom are quoted in the epigraph). This book is a must purchase for libraries serving tween and YA readers. 

Brave. Black. First.: 50+ African American Women Who Changed the World

Brave. Black. First.: 50+ African American Women Who Changed the WorldBrave. Black. First.: 50+ African American Women Who Changed the World by Cheryl Hudson, Erin K Robinson
ISBN: 0525645829
Genres: Biography/Autobiography, Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars
Written with consultation from the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and the Smithsonian Institute, Brave. Black. First. is a testament to 50+ African American women who have shaped the course of history. Each eye-catching double spread pairs a page of biographical text with a beautiful portrait illustration of the subject. The text provides enough information for a brief overview of achievements and historical significance, and is a good introduction for further research and exploration. Final pages include additional factual information about each featured woman, a section dedicated to highlighting artifacts held at the National Museum of African American History and Culture along with a brief overview of the museum, a list of media on display at the National Portrait Gallery, and an index. With the current, reinvigorated global spotlight on the Black Lives Matter movement, this book would be a welcome addition to any public or school library. Well-suited for kids ages 8-12.

Reviewed by Jennifer Benham, Prince Memorial Library, Cumberland

four-stars

Wonder Woman: Tempest Tossed

Wonder Woman: Tempest TossedWonder Woman: Tempest Tossed by Laurie Halse Anderson, Leila del Duca
Published by DC Comics on June 2, 2020
ISBN: 1401286453
Pages: 208
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
three-stars
This Wonder Woman origin story starts as most do, with Diana coming of age in Themyscira, the protected and hidden home of the Amazons.  In this installment, Diana is just turning 16 and struggling with puberty, which the Amazons think makes her a changeling and not just a teenager.  She’s not as strong or graceful as the other Amazons, but she more than makes up for it with her strength of character.  That empathy is what leads to her becoming  trapped outside the Themyscira protective bubble.  She ends up in a Greek refugee camp and then moving on to the U.S.A where she moves in with a family and gets to know the horrors of life outside her island.  The book features issues of human trafficking, refugees, environmentalism, homelessness and poverty.  While those are surely noble issues to discuss, it’s a bit much to have them all in one graphic novel.  Particularly as some of them are wrapped up as being the work of the same man.  The message ends up being muddled.  The realistic  art starts off with shades of green and orange and moves to blues and browns with the change of location.  Back matter includes resources for human trafficking and the Naturalization Oath of Allegiance to the United States of America.  Recommended for grades 8+

Reviewed by Kara Reiman, Maine State Library

three-stars

The Passover Mouse

The Passover MouseThe Passover Mouse by Joy Nelkin Wieder, Shahar Kober
Published by Doubleday Books for Young Readers on January 28, 2020
ISBN: 1984895516
Pages: 32
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars
Highlighting the Jewish custom to remove all traces of leavened foods from the home before Passover, The Passover Mouse is a quick-paced tale based on a passage of the Talmud. A mouse brings remnants of chometz (leavened food) from one person’s home to another, setting off alarm and questioning throughout the village. It is not only a story of Jewish traditions, but also a story of the interconnectedness and support of a community. The pace of the story is mirrored in the illustrations, projecting the sense of panic and worry instigated by the thieving mouse. Final pages include an author’s note explaining the tale from the Talmud that this story is based upon, as well as a glossary of terms, both useful for those readers with limited knowledge of the Jewish faith. Intended for children ages 4-7, The Passover Mouse is a great addition for any librarian looking to expand their collection of stories from the Jewish faith.

Reviewed by Jennifer Benham, Prince Memorial Library, Cumberland

four-stars

The Bug Girl (A True Story)

The Bug Girl (A True Story)The Bug Girl: A True Story by Margaret McNamara, Sophia Spencer
Published by Schwartz & Wade Books on February 11, 2020
ISBN: 0525645934
Pages: 44
Genres: Animals, Biography/Autobiography, Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
three-stars
An autobiographical narrative, The Bug Girl tells the story of a young girl’s fascination with bugs. The language and writing style is clearly the voice of a child, which may appeal to young readers. A trip to a butterfly sanctuary when Sophia was two and a half years old ignites her interest in arthropods. The story follows Sophia through her young childhood, where her passion for bugs generates both positive and negative reactions from her peers, and ultimately leads her to find a community of scientists who share her enthusiasm. The watercolor illustrations are sweet and enjoyable. The final pages offer additional bug facts, Sophia’s pick of her four favorite bugs, information about the butterfly life cycle, and advice for studying bugs. Intended for children ages 5-8, The Bug Girl is an encouraging story for budding entomologists, and a reminder to be true to oneself, even in the face of adversity.

Reviewed by Jennifer Benham, Prince Memorial Library, Cumberland

three-stars

Almost Time

Almost TimeAlmost Time by Elizabeth Stickney, G. Brian Karas, Gary D. Schmidt
Published by Clarion Books on January 14, 2020
ISBN: 0544785819
Pages: 32
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars
A gentle and sweet story about maple sugaring season, Almost Time brings the reader through late winter and early spring on the family homestead. A story placing emphasis on the importance of patience, Ethan must wait for the sap of the maple trees to begin flowing in order to enjoy sweet maple syrup, which corresponds with the change of seasons and the anticipation of the dropping out of a loose tooth. Fans of illustrator G. Brian Karas will easily recognize his renderings of the relationship between father and son. This is a gentle story that tells of changing seasons, maple sugaring, and the value of patience. Intended for children ages 4-7, this is a lovely addition to any youth collection.

Reviewed by Jennifer Benham, Prince Memorial Library, Cumberland

four-stars

Cool Cuts

Cool CutsCool Cuts by Mechal Renee Roe
Published by Doubleday Books for Young Readers on February 11, 2020
ISBN: 1984895575
Pages: 32
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars
A companion book to Happy Hair, Cool Cuts celebrates the spirit and many hairstyles of Black and Brown children. While Happy Hair focuses on female depictions, Cool Cuts focuses on male depictions, although there are a number of illustrations that do not have clear gender identity assigned. With bold, affirming statements paired with a large, colorful illustration on each double spread, the format is eye catching and inspiring. Cool cuts is a simple book with a clear message for Black and Brown children: I am born to be awesome. A great, affirming selection for children ages 3 – 7 for any public or school library.

Reviewed by Jennifer Benham, Prince Memorial Library, Cumberland

four-stars

My Tiny Pet

My Tiny PetMy Tiny Pet by Jessie Hartland
Published by Nancy Paulsen Books on August 6, 2019
ISBN: 1524737534
Pages: 32
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction, Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars
When a family decides to simplify a child must say goodbye to her house full of pets and, while they enjoy the peace and quiet  of their newly downsized life, they long for just one pet. The parents refuse but the child comes up with the prefect pet for their new lifestyle and after describing the care and size of it, Mom and Dad agree. So they go to the woods and find a tardigrade in some moss and they all live in simplified harmony! Tardigrades are so interesting; I’m so glad there’s a book about them. It’s illustrated nicely and has a lot going on story-wise (I think many kids are probably struggling with wanting things while the family decides to live more simply) and at the end there is an informative section on tardigrades. They are truly some formidable little animals.

five-stars

Most of the Better Natural Things in the World

Most of the Better Natural Things in the WorldMost of the Better Natural Things in the World by Angel Chang, Dave Eggers
Published by Chronicle Books on November 5, 2019
ISBN: 1452162824
Pages: 52
Genres: Adventure, Animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars
I love so much that Dave Eggers is writing children’s books. This one has a wordy title but otherwise minimal text with each page being a beautifully illustrated image of different areas of the earth (taiga, foothills, ridge. etc.). A white tiger with a chair strapped to its back and a bird explore each natural phenomenon; the chair seems inexplicable and it would be fun to ask kids halfway through why they think it’s carrying it. While most of the images are self-explanatory, there is a helpful glossary at the end. I would like a print of every single page!

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

five-stars

Rules for Being a Girl

Rules for Being a GirlRules for Being a Girl by Candace Bushnell, Katie Cotugno
Published by Balzer + Bray on April 7, 2020
ISBN: 0062803379
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars
This  book is incredibly difficult to read, but so important for awareness, particularly in the #metoo era.  Marin is a high school senior who goes through an incredibly difficult time.  Her teacher ends up kissing her, and when she denies him, he takes it out on her schoolwork and her college application.  When she reports it, no one believes her, including her best friend.  She finds herself friendless, boyfriendless, and in trouble at school.  The authors leave Marin in the best situation she can be while keeping it very authentic. The authors worked well together, with a steady voice throughout.  Recommended for grades 8+.

Reviewed by Kara Reiman, Maine State Library

five-stars