Category: Book Reviews

Peg + Cat: Peg Up a Tree

Peg + Cat: Peg Up a TreePeg + Cat: Peg Up a Tree: A Level 1 Reader by Jennifer Oxley, Billy Aronson
Published by Candlewick Press (MA) on November 12th 2019
ISBN: 1536209686
Pages: 32
Goodreads
four-stars

The unexpected twist of a girl being stuck in a tree instead of a cat and the cat attempting to rescue her will amuse most readers. Cat’s bumbling but good-hearted attempt at building a ladder results in both being stuck in the tree along with their friend Ramone, and then Peg’s yo-yo saves the day. The Peg + Cat is a popular PBS TV series so many kids will be familiar with the characters and won’t mind that Cat is purplish-blue. I was glad to see Ramone depicted as a person of color and who knows how to construct a ladder with parallel sides and rungs. The Level 1 Reader is written at about an end of first-grade/beginning second-grade level with short sentence structure, repetitive words, and in three chapters, with the longest third chapter consisting of half the book. A Table of Contents could have been included. A good addition to any Early Reader library collection.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library, Liberty

four-stars

Little Lunch: Triple Treats

Little Lunch: Triple TreatsLittle Lunch: Triple Treats by Danny Katz, Mitch Vane
Published by Candlewick Press on June 11th 2019
ISBN: 0763694711
Pages: 112
Goodreads
one-star

Based on an Australian TV show, three short stories center on a group of students during lunch and snack time. Katz seems to be emulating the “Wimpy-Kid” craze, but I am not sure these kid’s antics will translate well to the American audience. Much of the humor was mean-spirited. I did not find it funny, although I can relate to the strict school rules that didn’t allow use of gluten, nuts, milk, or shellfish. Cartoonish illustrations throughout fit with the style of book but did not add much to the story. There is a list of the characters with illustrations at the front of the book to help distinguish among the many characters.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library, Liberty

one-star

Parker Bell and the Science of Friendship

Parker Bell and the Science of FriendshipParker Bell and the Science of Friendship by Cynthia Platt, Rea Zhai
Published by Clarion Books on May 21st 2019
ISBN: 1328973476
Pages: 160
Goodreads
two-stars

Fifth-grader (?) Parker really wants to win the school Science Triathlon with her BFF Cassie, but she is unhappy that Cassie has invited her coding friend Theo to be part of the team. While I wanted to like this STEM related book with strong female characters, I thought the author tried too hard to include all the pertinent and politically correct topics of the day. The dark grayscale illustrations did not fit well with the plot and depicted characters as younger and more comical than they seemed in the narrative. Reminded me a bit of “Little Lulu” cartoon. In the end, Parker’s Team came in second-place much to her displeasure (I was glad they didn’t get first.) and predictably, Parker misjudged some of her classmates and now has several BFFs. I would choose the similar Ada Lace series of books over this one.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library, Liberty.

two-stars

The First Christmas Sweater

The First Christmas SweaterThe First Christmas Sweater (and the Sheep Who Changed Everything) by Ryan Tubridy
Published by Walker Books US on September 10th 2019
ISBN: 153621132X
Pages: 144
Goodreads
three-stars

It was inevitable that someone would write a book about the ubiquitous “Ugly Christmas Sweater.” Hilary is the only sheep with rainbow colored wool in this Irish flock. So when Santa wants the perfect sheep’s wool for a sweater, Hilary is a shoo-in for the honor. Silly puns (and some are rather clever) abound throughout the book. The black-lined illustrations add to the comical story, as do the supporting characters, such as a jelly-bean-obsessed farmer, a starling named Didya, and a naughty sheep named Brian. But Hilary (and of course Santa!) is the star of the show, and this would be a fun readaloud to share during the holiday season. You can also incorporate a cursory geography lesson. “A Brief History of the Christmas Sweater” relates the origins of the Christmas sweater’s Scandinavian origins.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library, and Liberty.

three-stars

Playing with Collage

ISBN: 9781536205398
four-stars

Jeanne Baker shares her knowledge of using different mediums to create collages. The book is set up in chapter format. Introduction, tools. tips, playing with materials, paper, making your own paper collection, playing with paper, out in nature, finding nature materials, playing with nature, on the beach, collecting beach materials, playing with treasure, in the kitchen, finding kitchen materials, playing with your kitchen materials, translucency, playing with translucency, a guess what game and answer key. The photos are vibrant. Great book for finding new ways to be creative.

Reviewed by Jeri Fitzpatrick, GNGMS Gray

four-stars

Mind Games

Mind GamesMind Games by Shana Silver
Published by Swoon Reads on August 27th 2019
ISBN: 1250192927
Pages: 320
Goodreads
four-stars

A fast-paced mystery that delves deep into the world of computers and how genius students operate them.  When Arden realizes that her little money making side line is compromised she needs to find out why memories are disappearing.  The story will draw in readers but at time is choppy and confusing as we accompany the heroin through her crisis in school and lab.  Is Arden a positive force or does her dishonest behavior make her a negative character?

Hand this book to gamer teens and to science fiction readers.  Mature middle school readers will appreciate having Mind Games on the shelf of their media center. Librarians in areas that experience frequent book challenges might consider the romantic content.  Public libraries with YA science fiction collections will want to purchasing this book.

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

four-stars

The Bus to Everland

The Bus to EverlandLast Bus to Everland by Sophie Cameron
Published by Roaring Brook Press on June 18th 2019
ISBN: 1250149932
Pages: 336
Goodreads
five-stars

The storyline is both intense and intuitive as Brody attempts to navigate school and his family situation. Years of artistic interest have earned him the nickname “Fairy” making him wonder what his sexual orientation is.   Upon meeting Nico a new world opens up where Brody is accepted and free to be himself.  Is Everland a fantasy alternate world or just a safe place?  Readers will have to decide for themselves as they go on weekly visits to this lush and accepting environment.

Last Bus to Everland is different, it blends fantasy and real life in a unique manner that makes the reader want to visit Everland themselves.  Character development is good, offering just enough insight into the private thoughts of several teens.  Regardless of their individual struggle each character exposes some of their personal inner pain and challenges.   Add this to Middle School and High School media centers and do place on the shelves of public library YA shelves.    This is a book that teens will be talking about.

Submitted by Jan Hamilton, retired librarian in Scarborough, ME

five-stars

Rules We’re Meant to Break

Rules We’re Meant to BreakRules We're Meant to Break by Natalie Williamson
Published by Swoon Reads on June 11th 2019
ISBN: 1250313260
Pages: 289
Goodreads
four-stars

Amber lives by a specific set of rules which keep her heart protected from her mother’s love life.  But mom’s most recent boyfriend and those related to him are threatening to break down those walls. Featuring an awesome dog, a cute boy, and kissing galore, romance readers will love this.  It’s impossible not to cheer for Amber, and she shows real growth in her character arc. This is a quick read and hard to put down; great for vacations. For fans of Sarah Dessen and Kasie West.  Best for grades 9 & up.

Reviewed by Kara Reiman, Maine State Library

four-stars

Healthy Eating Habits

two-stars

This informational book aims to help the youngest of readers understand the basics of healthy eating. In spite of being a primer, Healthy Eating Habits uses vocabulary like “protein” but doesn’t define it or give examples. There is a picture glossary in the back of the book where I expected to find terms like “protein” and “fat”. Instead, it strangely includes “habits” and “balanced meal,” among other terms. On the plus side, the colorful design and photographs help reinforce the message about healthy eating; variety and balance are key! In addition, throughout the book, Reinke includes critical thinking questions which are paired nicely with the images and the text. This book is best suited for PreK-Grade 1.

Reviewed by Savannah Sessions, SAD 17 Elementary Librarian, Oxford Hills.

two-stars

Girls On the Verge

Girls On the VergeGirls on the Verge by Sharon Biggs Waller
Published by Henry Holt and Co. (BYR) on April 9th 2019
ISBN: 1250151694
Pages: 229
Goodreads
five-stars

The first thing readers will notice is the clear, strong, bold, brave voice of Camille. Camille is pregnant and has enlisted the help of her friends to terminate her pregnancy. Camille is not able to tell her family and the baby’s father about the pregnancy and after a failed visit to a “crisis clinic” in her home state of Texas, Camille realizes she needs to enlist some help. Camille begins her journey with Annabelle, the new friend with a strong feminist outlook and Bea, the life-long friend, who is more conservative and sheltered. To be clear, the author does have an agenda. In the Author’s Note, Waller states that she wants to “sound the alarm” on legislation that regulates women’s bodies and talks about how shame is used as a weapon against women and she does just that. This book is filled with information about women’s reproductive rights and the girls discuss the options in an informative, thoughtful manner, without any element of preachiness. However, this book is also a satisfying road trip story about friendship. Each girl has a secret and as the miles pass their truths are revealed. This book will satisfy readers with its story and it will inform readers on reproductive rights and options in the United States. It is an important addition to any YA collection serving grades 10 and up. Recommended for Cream of the Crop.

Elizabeth Andersen, Librarian, Westbrook High School

five-stars