Category: Book Reviews

Tree of Dreams

Tree of DreamsTree of Dreams by Laura Resau
Published by Scholastic Press on March 26th 2019
ISBN: 0545800889
Pages: 336
Goodreads
four-stars

Coco and her once best friend Leo enter the same dessert contest. They both make a chocolate creation and they tie for the first prize- a trip to go to the Amazon. Coco wants nothing to do with Leo (her former best friend), she only wants to find the treasure she hears whispered to her by the Ceiba Tree deep in the Amazon rain forest. Bits of magic, lots of chocolate chemistry, eating lots of chocolate (really eating a lot of chocolate) and Amazon destruction run throughout the story. I did get a bit tired of the chocolate descriptions and found the treasure a bit hard to believe. But the Amazon deforestation and it’s impact on the people and animals that live there was interesting and something that isn’t often written about in stories for children.

Reviewed by Mary Lehmer, Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Maine

four-stars

Only Ashes Remain

Only Ashes RemainOnly Ashes Remain (Market of Monsters #2) by Rebecca Schaeffer
Published by HMH Books for Young Readers on September 3rd 2019
ISBN: 1328863557
Pages: 432
Goodreads
four-stars

Only Ashes Remain

 

This book is a gritty horror story with extremely gruesome details.  Nita has killed many; most for the reason of keeping herself alive.  Her best friend/boyfriend, Kovit, feeds on people’s suffering, the more horrific the better.  He must have this in order to live, a fact that Nita has a hard time accepting.  Nita is searching for Fabricio throughout the book and attempts to kill him many times.  Fabricio had revealed Nita’s whereabouts to people and creatures on the Dark Web who kidnapped her, and Nita is filled with animosity towards him.  This book is the second in a trilogy and I found it somewhat hard to keep abreast of what was happening, even though explanations were given.  I’m not sure that this book stands on its own.  For horror fans and those who want to read about vampires, unicorns, (not the pleasant creatures one might be expecting), kelpies, and zannies, I would suggest reading the first book, Not Even Bones, and then continuing on with this one for an inordinate dose of horror.

 

Reviewed by Ellen Spring, Oceanside High School, Rockland

four-stars

Dr. Esperanto and the Language of Hope

Dr. Esperanto and the Language of HopeDoctor Esperanto and the Language of Hope by Mara Rockliff, Zosia Dzierżawska
Published by Candlewick Press on March 12th 2019
ISBN: 0763689157
Pages: 40
Goodreads
four-stars

This picture book biography about Leyzer Zamenhof and his invention of Esperanto is well written and has charming illustrations. Zamenhof was born in 1859 in a Polish town with many different groups of people speaking their own languages. He decided at a young age that he would make up a universal language that would help people understand each other and live in peace. As an adult he shared this language in a book and signed it Dr. Esperanto. Although, Esperanto hasn’t become a universal language, it hasn’t disappeared. There is an annual international meeting called The Universala Kongreso for people interested in pursuing Zamenhof’s dream. This fascinating book will delight readers. The author included more information about Esperanto and Zamenhof at the end of the book. There is also a bibliography of print sources. Grades 2-4, Reviewed by Kris Zuidema, retired school librarian, Standish

four-stars

Silver Meadows Summer

Silver Meadows SummerSilver Meadows Summer by Emma Otheguy
Published by Knopf Books for Young Readers on April 30th 2019
ISBN: 1524773239
Pages: 240
Goodreads
three-stars

Eleven year old Carolina has moved with her mother, father, and younger brother to upstate New York from Puerto Rico. They moved in with her aunt, uncle, and older cousin, Gabriela. Carolina and Gabriela are in summer camp together on a farm. Carolina is an artist. She doesn’t feel close to Gabriela at first. Gabriela seems too concerned about being popular. Carolina develops a friendship with another girl at camp whose father is an artist. This story about family relationships, friendships, and cultural heritage has well developed characters. The characters in the story grow and learn from each other with the choices they face. The author weaves in poetry from Robert Frost and two Spanish poets to enrich the story. At the end of the book there is information about these poets. Grades 3-5, reviewed by Kris Zuidema, retired school librarian, Standish

three-stars

Missing! Mysterious Cases of People Gone Missing Through the Centuries

Missing! Mysterious Cases of People Gone Missing Through the CenturiesMissing!: Mysterious Cases of People Gone Missing Through the Centuries by Brenda Z. Guiberson
Published by Henry Holt & Company on February 12th 2019
ISBN: 1250133408
Pages: 240
Goodreads
four-stars

These biographies of famous and not so famous people are informative and well written. The cases explored still have many unanswered questions surrounding their disappearances. The people included are Jimmy Hoffa, D.B. Cooper, Barbara Follett, Amelia Earhart, William Morgan, and the two princes in the Tower of London. Each story is well researched and when possible information about the person’s childhood is included. The black and white photographs and drawings add interest. The author’s choice of people is a good variety and will be read for pleasure and research. There is an extensive bibliography and index. Grades 5-9 Reviewed by Kris Zuidema, retired school librarian, Standish

four-stars

Secret Soldiers

Secret SoldiersSecret Soldiers: How the U.S. Twenty-Third Special Troops Fooled the Nazis by Paul B. Janeczko
Published by Candlewick Press on April 23rd 2019
ISBN: 0763681539
Pages: 304
Goodreads
four-stars

This is the story of the Twenty-Third Headquarters Special Troops. Their goal was to deceive the Nazis into believing that the sights and sounds they were experiencing were real. Camouflage tactics and sound engineering were created by a variety of people specially chosen to be a part of this elite “Ghost Army.” Artists, set designers, actors, sound engineers and others working together were able to accomplish their goal with inflatable tanks, guns, false radio broadcasts and other tactics. The author provides detailed information about the troops and their work that military buffs will enjoy. There are numerous black and white photographs and maps. The book is well written and informative. I found the highlighted sections within the chapters awkward. Stopping midsentence to read a highlighted area was cumbersome. An introduction, epilogue, source notes, extensive bibliography, image credits, and comprehensive index are included.  Grades 9-12, adult . Reviewed by Kris Zuidema, retired school librarian, Standish

four-stars

The Owls Have Come to Take Us Away

The Owls Have Come to Take Us AwayThe Owls Have Come to Take Us Away by Ronald L. Smith
Published by Clarion Books on February 19th 2019
ISBN: 132884160X
Pages: 224
Goodreads
three-stars

Twelve year old Simon believes that he was abducted by aliens while on a camping trip alone with his parents. Simon is obsessed with aliens and UFOs. He loves playing video games that involve role playing. His brother’s girlfriend introduces him to a group who also believes in aliens and UFOs. Her father is a member of that group. Simon’s father is in the Air Force and appears disappointed in Simon. Simon’s mother thinks Simon has mental health issues. Bullying, bi-racial families, and life on a military base are all a part of this unique action packed novel. The story is told from Simon’s point of view. A fantasy story that Simon is writing is a part of the novel. The characters are well developed and believable. There are many layers in this suspense filled novel. It will keep readers guessing right up to the end. This novel will appeal to readers with an interest in aliens and UFOs. Grades 5-7 Reviewed by Kris Zuidema, retired school librarian, Standish

three-stars

Good Dog, McTavish

Good Dog, McTavishGood Dog, McTavish by Meg Rosoff, Grace Easton
Published by Candlewick Press on April 9th 2019
ISBN: 1536200581
Pages: 112
Goodreads
four-stars

This is a story of a rescue dog that rescues the family that adopts him. Ma Peachey has decided that since she gets no help from the rest of family with the household chores she is giving up as a mother. She decides to pursue her interest in yoga. McTavish and eight year old Betty work together to get the Peachey family back on track. The charming black and white illustrations add to the humorous text. This short chapter book will delight readers with descriptions of the family members and how McTavish’s clever plans develop.  Grades 2-5  Reviewed by Kris Zuidema, retired school librarian, Standish

four-stars

Spy Runner

Spy RunnerSpy Runner by Eugene Yelchin
Published by Henry Holt & Company on February 12th 2019
ISBN: 1250120810
Pages: 352
Goodreads
four-stars

Jake is twelve years old and lives with his mother near an Air Force base. It is early in the 1950s during the Cold War. His father was declared Missing in Action during World War II. Jake’s mother decides to rent out a room since they could use more income. The renter is Russian and works in photography which greatly concerns Jake. He thinks the renter is a spy and feels he has to find out more about this situation. Jake’s best friend’s dad who is a major in the Air Force becomes involved. This novel is action packed and will keep readers guessing right up to the very end. The numerous black and white grainy and out of focus photographs add to the mystery.  Grades 3-6        Reviewed by Kris Zuidema, retired school librarian, Standish

four-stars

Clackety Track

Clackety TrackClackety Track: Poems about Trains by Skila Brown, Jamey Christoph
Published by Candlewick Press on March 12th 2019
ISBN: 0763690473
Pages: 32
Goodreads
five-stars

Climb aboard to the perfect train poem in this non-fiction picture book by Skila Brown.  The poems are written in a variety of forms that set the tone for the variety of trains depicted.  The welcoming jaunt of the railroad yard, the anticipation that tracks must feel, the “sleek and slick” Bullet train and the calming rhythm felt in a sleeper car come alive with the right mix of words and illustrations.  Snow Plow trains, the Zoo train and the Underground Subway Train are all represented.  The digitally rendered illustrations cover each two page spread with the train as the center piece showing movement, details and a diverse group of people. The poems are brief enough to share the whole book during a train story time.  Young engineers can learn more facts to supplement the poems in a Train facts spread in the back.

Reviewed by Sheila Dube, Springvale Public Library

five-stars