Category: Book Reviews

Weird Little Robots

Weird Little RobotsWeird Little Robots by Carolyn Crimi, Corinna Luyken
Published by Candlewick Press on October 1, 2019
ISBN: 0763694932
Pages: 240
Genres: Realistic Fiction, Science Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Penny Rose has always been into science, and she’s built several robots from what others consider trash. When she befriends an equally science-minded girl named Lark (who loves birding), the two of them create an entire robot city. But something unexpected happens — the robots come to life! Despite their close friendship, Penny Rose is being pulled in other directions, and she must decide between a new group of friends or staying true to Lark and to herself.

Penny Rose and Lark are both likable, a little nerdy, and great examples of girls not being afraid to try something new. There are a few illustrations in this book, and they’re classic Corinna Luyken black and white drawings, and they add to the story nicely. A heartwarming story of friendship, growing up, and science — this is sure to be a hit with budding scientists. Best for 3rd-5th grade readers.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

three-stars

When you trap a tiger

When you trap a tigerWhen You Trap a Tiger by Tae Keller
Published by Random House Books for Young Readers on January 28, 2020
ISBN: 1524715700
Pages: 304
Genres: Folklore, Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

A young girl discovers her family history when she makes a deal with a magical tiger from her grandmother’s stories. Lily and her family move in with her sick grandmother, Halmoni, and the tiger from her grandmother’s stories appears to Lily with a deal: return what Halmoni stole in exchange for Halmoni’s health. Of course, dealing with a tiger is never straighforward.

This book brings forward aspects of Korean history, family dynamics, and folklore. It is a touching story of family, magic, and perseverance. Best for 4th-6th graders, this book is sure to be a hit.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars

Clean Getaway

Clean Getaway by Nic Stone
on January 7, 2020
ISBN: 1984892975
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

I can‘t stop thinking about this book. A young boy embarks on what appears to be a benign road trip with his grandmother. As the story unfolds, however, some things seem out of place: his grandmother keeps changing their license plates, he’s pretty sure she didn’t pay for their dinner at a restaurant, and he definitely saw her steal some earrings. Why won’t she answer his dad’s phone calls? At the same time, she’s teaching him about his family history, Black history in America, and what it was like for her (a white woman) to be married to a Black man in the 60s.

Throughout this book, I couldn’t decide if it was a heartwarming story about family and Black history, or if I felt really uncomfortable because the main character’s grandmother was essentially kidnapping him. The more you read, the more it becomes apparent that it is both these things and more. There’s so much packed into this short novel, you won’t want to put it down. Best for 5th grade and up, this would be a great book club book.

Recommended for Cream of the Crop.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

five-stars

The Line Tender

The Line TenderThe Line Tender by Kate Allen
Published by Dutton on April 16, 2019
ISBN: 0735231605
Pages: 384
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

I find it interesting that the book is about death and sharks but the sharks don’t cause the deaths. Twelve-year-old Lucy Everhart is growing up in Rockport, MA with her dad and a close community of friends because her mother, a shark specialist, died when she was seven. Lucy and her friend/neighbor, Fred, are working on a field guide of native species as an extra credit assignment. Fred dies in a swimming accident. Allen has created an interesting story and a helpful model for how Lucy deals with her grief and relies on the support of the imperfect adults around her. The inclusion of women scientists is applauded, as is Lucy’s own budding interest in marine biology. A sketch of a different shark accompanies each chapter, reflecting Lucy’s own artwork.

Cream of the Crop
Note: I reviewed but did not receive this book.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

five-stars

The Hunt for the Mad Wolf’s Daughter

The Hunt for the Mad Wolf’s DaughterThe Hunt for the Mad Wolf's Daughter by Diane Magras
on March 1, 2019
ISBN: 0735229317
Genres: Adventure, Historical Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

The Hunt for the Mad Wolf’s Daughter is the sequel to The Mad Wolf’s Daughter. In the Scottish medieval setting, Drest learns that Lord Faintree’s traitorous uncle has claimed the castle for his own and convinced the knights that she has slain the lord. So they are all out to capture her. As fast-paced and gripping as the first book, it lacked the arching dilemma of individual conscience and family ties that the first book conveyed. However, Drest is an admirable heroine, and I highly recommend reading both books.

5 stars
Note: I reviewed but did not receive the book.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

five-stars

Crayola Cinco de Mayo Colors

Crayola Cinco de Mayo ColorsCrayola: Cinco de Mayo Colors by Robin Nelson
Published by Lerner Publications (Tm) on August 1, 2018
ISBN: 154151095X
Pages: 32
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
two-stars

Probably more effective as a book exploring the customs of Cinco de Mayo than a book of color concepts. The photographs are beautiful, but I felt this book was a commercial for Crayola crayons. Don’t get me wrong! I love Crayola crayons, but I don’t need to read a commercial about them. The writing is too simplistic and not relatable, e.g. “YELLOW and BLUE dresses swing as dancers move to the music. You can move to the music, too!” I wonder who the first kid will be to color in the book even though they are invited to copy the pages and color. Part of series “Crayola ® Holiday Colors”: Christmas Colors, Hanukkah Colors, and Holi Colors.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

two-stars

Movin’ and Shakin’ Projects: Balloon Rockets, Dancing Pepper and More

Movin’ and Shakin’ Projects: Balloon Rockets, Dancing Pepper and MoreMovin' and Shakin' Projects: Balloon Rockets, Dancing Pepper, and More by Rebecca Felix
Published by Lerner Publications (Tm) on August 1, 2019
ISBN: 1541554957
Pages: 32
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Clear directions and colorful photographs describe how to create a variety of experiments. Some would qualify more as examples of scientific principles than movement. Nevertheless, they all require common materials and kids should be able to complete them without adult assistance. I’m not sure the “unplugged” gimmick will entice many kids but making air cannons might. The “Science Takeaway” for each experiment is written clearly and resulted in my giving the book 4 stars rather than 3.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

four-stars

Killer Kissing Bugs

Killer Kissing BugsKiller Kissing Bugs (Bugged Out! the World's Most Dangerous Bugs) by Kevin Blake
Published by Not Avail on January 1, 2019
ISBN: 1642801704
Pages: 24
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Guaranteed to gross you out! I never heard about a kissing bug until reading this fascinating book even though six to seven million people are infected with the parasite that causes Chagas disease. About 12,000 people die from the disease each year and most did not even know that had the disease. Triatomines were given the name “kissing bugs” because they tend to bite near a person’s mouth while a person is asleep. Once full of blood, the bug defecates on the bite and allows the parasite to enter the body. Another reason to be concerned about climate change – they are spreading north! Pets are also at risk. While fascinating information, I would have liked more about how Chagas disease affects people and how scientists are combating the bugs and Chagas disease. Other books in series “Bugged Out! the World’s Most Dangerous Bugs”: Filthy Flies, Frightening Fleas, Murderous Mosquitoes, Terrifying Ticks, and Wretched Worms. Not for the squeamish but engrossing (pun intended) informational book.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

four-stars

The Thank You Letter

The Thank You LetterThe Thank You Letter by Jane Cabrera
Published by Holiday House on October 29, 2019
ISBN: 0823442500
Pages: 34
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

After her birthday party, Grace writes thank-you letters to her friends and family for her gifts. Even when a gift might not have been perfect (she receives a toy dog rather than a living pup and gloves that are too large), she’s thankful nonetheless. But when all the gift givers are thanked, Grace begins to write thank you notes to her teacher for teaching her to read and write. She thanks her cat and dog. She even thanks the sky for being blue. Soon she is receiving love notes from everyone in town. This is a sweet story (without being saccharin sweet) teaching about being grateful for the many wonderful things in your life. The illustrations are cute and clear and represent a diverse community. This book can be used to teach young readers about letter writing, (Who doesn’t enjoy getting a letter in their mailbox?) but most importantly about gratitude. Grace is aptly named as she demonstrates grace perfectly.

5 star

Cream of the Crop

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

Reviews

SLJ – VERDICT A love story about kindness and gratitude that serves as a good reminder for the young and the young-at-heart.
Reviewed by Amy Shepherd, St. Anne’s Episcopal School, Middleton, DE , Oct 01, 2019

 

five-stars

Riding a Donkey Backwards: Wise and Foolish Tales of Mulla Nasruddin

Riding a Donkey Backwards: Wise and Foolish Tales of Mulla NasruddinRiding a Donkey Backwards: Wise and Foolish Tales of Mulla Nasruddin by Khayaal Theatre Company, Sean Taylor, Shirin Adl
Published by Candlewick Press on August 13, 2019
ISBN: 1536205079
Pages: 48
Genres: Folklore
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Twenty-one classic trickster tales about a much-loved character from Muslim cultures. Nasruddin is the wisest man in the village and also the biggest fool. School Library Journal describes the tales this way: “The simple, clipped narrations are witty and conversational in tone,” and I would agree. Fun stories to readaloud. I have mixed feelings about the illustrations. The mixed photo collages are sometimes fun and other times a bit freaky. Then there is one page that is a drawn storyboard rather than a collage????? However odd, the stories in this fun book is wonderful to introduce kids to another culture and folk hero. And why is he “riding the donkey backwards?” “What are you talking about? I’m facing forward. It is the donkey who’s facing backwards!”

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

four-stars