Category: Book Reviews

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

Itch

ItchItch by Polly Farquhar
Published by Holiday House on February 4, 2020
ISBN: 0823445526
Pages: 256
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Isaac Fitch, aka Itch, has idiopathic angioedema — essentially, he gets really itchy, gets covered in hives, and no one knows why it happens. As if that wasn’t enough, a huge tornado ravages his town, his mom leaves on a two month trip to China, and his best friend has a severe allergic reaction to food that he gave her. Sixth grade is hard, but things seem extra difficult for Itch these days. At least he has a job at a pheasant farm he loves, but a friend is pressuring him to steal a bird from the farm, and Itch is conflicted about what to do. How far will he go to save his friendships, and what will he learn in the process — about his friends and about himself?

Overall, this book was good. It’s a well written, own voices story about friendship, family, conflict, and more. It’s a debut novel, and I’d recommend it for purchase and look forward to future books by this author. Recommended for middle grade readers, 4th-8th grade.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

three-stars

Soccer’s G.O.A.T.: Pele, Lionel Messi, and More

Soccer’s G.O.A.T.: Pele, Lionel Messi, and MoreSoccer's G.O.A.T.: Pele, Lionel Messi, and More by Jon M. Fishman
Published by Lerner Publications (Tm) on August 1, 2019
ISBN: 1541556003
Pages: 32
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Kids who enjoy sports will like this series detailing top ten players in each of six sports. This title focuses on soccer (football to readers outside of the United States) and the ten greatest players of all time. The book starts with a short history of the sport and then acknowledges that the top ten players in this book might not be the same as the top ten players on the reader’s list of favorites and allows that it’s okay to have differences of opinions as that is what makes people true fans. The list of greats counts down from 10 to 1 and includes eight men and two women and provides a concise write-up of the accomplishments and any feats achieved. The end matter in the book challenges kids to make their own list of greatest players and share it with family, which is a nice touch. This book would be appropriate for grades 2-4 and would be good for libraries with larger sports collections as the price point with a library binding is high and the material inside is bound to age quickly with the addition of more athletes contributing to the field.

Reviewed by Jill O’Connor, Merrill Memorial Library

three-stars

Little Libraries, Big Heroes

Little Libraries, Big HeroesLittle Libraries, Big Heroes by John Parra, Miranda Paul
Published by Clarion Books on September 3, 2019
ISBN: 0544800273
Pages: 36
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Like most children Todd wanted to be a superhero but he was less than heroic as a student.  Inspired to love books by his mother Todd built the first Little  Free Library and filled it with books.  This title tells Todd’s story in a charming way as he enlisted the help of friends to achieve his mission.  Readers will learn how and where these Little Free Libraries sprung up all over the world.  The illustrations bring imagination and creativity to the non-fiction text.  There is an amazing number of things to look at as the pages are perused;  all readers will want to locate the hidden ribbon.

A wonderful story that explains the origin of book boxes which are popping up all over.  Children will learn about a hero as they identify with those who love books and place little libraries on their property for the community to enjoy.  It is recommended that readers go online to see where Little Free Libraries are located in your community.  Librarians will want to add this title to public libraries  shelves while families might  gift to others who would be interested in being Stewards.

Submitted by Jan Hamilton, retired youth services librarian in Scarborough, ME.

four-stars

Ella McKeen Kickball Queen

Ella McKeen Kickball QueenElla McKeen, Kickball Queen by Beth Mills
Published by Carolrhoda Books (R) on September 3, 2019
ISBN: 1541528972
Pages: 32
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

The message is clear the storyline is believable and the digital painted illustrations are well done.  Ella is a talented kickball player who has never before met a challenge.  When one of her famous kicks is caught by a new classmate Ella does not handle the situation well.  Eventually her meltdown ends but her day is spent thinking about her reaction.

This title would be appreciated by classroom teachers, guidance counselors, gym instructors and coaches.  Adults will find lots of discussion points concerning anger, frustration and sportsmanship behavior.  Since this is Mills first book, I look forward to additional titles in the future.  Primary school media specialist should consider this picture book for their shelves and youth services librarians will want to add it to their collections.

Submitted by Jan Hamilton,  retired youth services librarian in Scarborough, ME

four-stars

Ember Queen

Ember QueenEmber Queen (Ash Princess Trilogy, #3) by Laura Sebastian
Published by Delacorte on February 4, 2020
ISBN: 152476714X
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Ember Queen is the last installment in the Ash Princess Trilogy and it does not disappoint. I’ve grown really attached to these characters over the past couple of years and I think that speaks highly of the writing. I will say that each book follows somewhat the same formula with a beginning a battle and an end with romance tossed in for good measure. As an avid reader of YA fantasy, I’ve come to expect this formula and I still enjoy it. Some readers may find this series repetitive because of it. I would recommend this series for ages 13-18.

Review written by Sophie Gagnon, Teen Librarian, Skidompha Library

four-stars

Hands to Heart; Breathe and Bend With Animal Friends

Hands to Heart; Breathe and Bend With Animal FriendsHands to Heart: Breathe and Bend with Animal Friends by Alex Bauermeister, Flora Waycott
Published by HMH Books for Young Readers on March 26, 2019
ISBN: 1328550419
Pages: 32
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Certainly not the first book of yoga for children, Hands to Heart is among the better.   From preschool to primary grades many little ones will enjoy bending and stretching with the adorable animals as illustrated.  Each page teaches a new skill from breathing through various poses and ending with mediation.  At times the text feels forced perhaps to maintain the rhyming flow.  Young readers will return over and over, some to read the text and others to practice the poses.  The Author’s note appears to be above the lexile score of some youngsters but will prove helpful to parents reading aloud.

The illustrations of animals are adorable and interactive expressing motion and body flexibility.  From cover to cover the flowers add interest and texture to each page.  How many little ones will search for the mouse on each page?  All yoga instructors need to own this book and it would make a nice addition to public libraries and nursery schools.

Submitted by Jan Hamilton, retired youth services librarian in Scarborough, ME.

four-stars

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder

A Good Girl’s Guide to MurderA Good Girl's Guide to Murder (A Good Girl's Guide to Murder, #1) by Holly Jackson
Published by Delacorte Press on February 4, 2020
ISBN: 1984896369
Pages: 400
Genres: Mystery
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Five years ago, Andie Bell disappeared and her boyfriend, Sal Singh was the suspect. But, before charges could be brought against Sal, he unexpectedly committed suicide. Now, 5 years later, Pippa has decided to do her Senior Capstone Project on this unsolved mystery to prove Sal’s innocence. Intriguing, captivating and dangerous moments will lead the reader to  fear for Pippa’s own safety.

Well written and very suspenseful, the author’s debut novel is a most have for all murder mystery and suspense fans. Fans of Maureen Johnson’s Truly Devious will quickly fall in love with this book.

Recommended for grades 9 and up.

Reviewed by Kristin Taylor, Biddeford High School, Biddeford.

five-stars

Giraffe Extinction: Using Science and Technology to Save the Gentle Giants

Giraffe Extinction: Using Science and Technology to Save the Gentle GiantsGiraffe Extinction by Tanya Anderson
Published by Twenty-First Century Books (Tm) on October 1, 2019 (Text copyright 2020)
ISBN: 1541532384
Pages: 128
Genres: Animals
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

With lots of information presented, the readers will learn how and why giraffe populations are decreasing. Focusing on the conservation efforts through various independent organizations, the author encourages the readers, through social media platforms to spread the awareness of the decreasing giraffe populations. Very easy to read, with photos (some might be disturbing to younger readers) and diagrams that support the plight of the giraffe.

TOC, giraffe guides (more than one species for those that didn’t know), source notes, bibliography, index and further information sections available. Recommended for grades 6 an up. Best used for research on the subject of giraffes.

Reviewed by Kristin Taylor, Biddeford High School, Biddeford.

five-stars

You Do You: Figuring Out Your Body, Dating, and Sexuality

You Do You: Figuring Out Your Body, Dating, and SexualityYou Do You by Sarah Mirk
Published by Twenty-First Century Books (Tm) on November 5, 2019
ISBN: 1541540220
Pages: 120
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

You Do You covers the basics such as reproductive organs, puberty, hygiene, etc. What is great about this book is it’s point blank honesty especially when covering consent, social media, sexting and abortion. It is well organized, easy to follow with diagrams and graphs with side bar information available to the readers. Could be used just for information, but also in conjunction with health classes as a side reference.

TOC, glossary, source notes, bibliography, index and a further information section are helpful in locating the topics needed. Recommended for grades 8 and up.

Reviewed by Kristin Taylor, Biddeford High School, Biddeford

five-stars