Category: Book Reviews

I Love Space

I Love SpaceI Love Space: Explore with sliders, lift-the-flaps, a wheel, and more! by Allison Wortche
Published by HMH Books for Young Readers on April 23rd 2019
ISBN: 1328529363
Pages: 14
Goodreads
three-stars

A colorful, informative board book to introduce the youngest readers/listeners to the concept of outer space. The science in the book is sound and the planets are represented well. Told in simple, clear text and illustrated with bright colors and glitter, along with plenty of flaps, this will appeal to little fingers.

Reviewed by Jill O’Connor, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth

three-stars

Birds of a Feather; Bowerbirds and Me

Birds of a Feather; Bowerbirds and MeBirds of a Feather: Bowerbirds and Me by Susan L. Roth
Published by Neal Porter Books on May 14th 2019
ISBN: 0823442829
Pages: 40
Goodreads
five-stars

Primary teachers and librarians may select this book because it highlights bowerbirds, perhaps to learn more about this Australian species of bird.  Art teachers will select this book because it provides the experience of viewing an artist at work.  It is parents and children who will make the choice to purchase Birds of a Feather: Bowerbirds and Me just because it is fascinating and beautiful.  Roth points out the artistic eye of the bowerbird and compares his creations to her own.  His composition is made using different tools but his materials are found object like hers.  The bowerbird’s goal of attracting a female bird is achieved, the artist’s goal of depicting her work process is presented and the result is a winning package.

Each page is delightful, some two page spreads are busy while others offer white space. Readers learn about a new species of bird but it is Roth’s artistic illustrations that make this a fantastic read.   Backgrounds vary, materials are organic and the colors used are consistent throughout the book.  Children will question if the author used feathers to make her hair and wonder how long it took her to collect all her bits and pieces for these stunning collages.  A recommended  addition to grade k-3  schools and public libraries.  Art teachers working with all ages would love to be gifted a copy of this title.

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

five-stars

Harriet Tubman: Conductor on the Underground Railroad

Harriet Tubman: Conductor on the Underground RailroadHarriet Tubman: Conductor on the Underground Railroad by Ann Petry
Published by Amistad on January 2nd 2018
ISBN: 0062691309
Pages: 272
Goodreads
three-stars

Harriet Tubman: Conductor on the Underground Railroad was originally written by African American author Ann Petry. The 2018 edition features a forward by the renowned author, Jason Reynolds, and cover art by acclaimed illustrator, Kadir Nelson. This biography is written in a smooth, narrative style that makes it an easy read. The book chronologically recounts the story of Harriet Tubman’s life. The end of each chapter features one or two paragraphs of contextual information that helps the reader understand historical events beyond the narrative of Tubman’s life. The table of contents and index helps the reader navigate the text, and extension activities at the end will guide teachers and librarians as they continue to incorporate this text in their classes. However, this book would benefit from a list of sources–it is unclear how the author gained knowledge of Tubman’s heroic efforts to lead enslaved people to freedom and her thoughts and feelings during those years she served as a “conductor.” For this reason, I might be hesitant to share it with students as an exemplar of nonfiction writing. Recommended grades 5 and up

 

Reviewed by Amy Roberson, Yarmouth High School, Yarmouth

three-stars

Deep Water

Deep WaterDeep Water by Watt Key
on April 17th 2018
ISBN: 0374306540
Pages: 264
Goodreads
four-stars

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. But, then again, this is the first book I read by Watt Key, and I will definitely be reading more by this author. This adventure-filled novel features Julie Simms, a strong, accomplished 12-year old SCUBA diver, who lives with her father, Gibson. Gibson owns a struggling SCUBA diving tour company on the coast of Alabama, and Julie often tags along with her father, especially when he is not feeling well. Gibson believes his SCUBA diving business is about to take off when he finds an untouched sunken ship. The first customers Gibson and Julie take out to this new site are Hank Jordan and his son, Shane who happens to be Julie’s classmate. The Jordans are wealthy, entitled, and arrogant, which leads to them making poor decisions under water. Julie, Hank, and Joran become separated from Gibson and the boat, and find themselves in deep water, both figuratively and metaphorically. 

Those interested in strong female leads, adventure, or SCUBA diving will enjoy this novel, and middle graders coping with divorce will relate to Julie’s relationship with her parents. This is a middle grades novel recommended for ages 10-14. 

Reviewed by Amy Roberson, Yarmouth High School, Yarmouth

four-stars

Over the Moon

Over the MoonOver the Moon by Natalie Lloyd
Published by Scholastic Audio Books on March 26th 2019
ISBN: 1338330675
Goodreads
four-stars

In the town of Coal Top, now smothered by the Dust, 12 year old Mallie and the rest of the citizens must work for the wealthy people of the valley and toil in the mines in order to get by. When the opportunity to gain “riches untold” by performing a dangerous task presents itself, Mallie jumps at the chance only to discover that things in her town are not quite what they seem. The Head Guardian, Mortimer Good, is keeping a secret and if Mallie can figure it out, it could change everything.

There is lots to enjoy here! Mallie is spunky and determined and has great confidence in herself despite the fact that she only has one arm. Perhaps the greatest gift to readers is the message that we do not have to live the story we are given. We can fight fear and oppression and bring back the light, we just need a little courage (and maybe a flying horse).

Grades 3rd-6th

Reviewed by Kerrie Lattari, York Middle School, York

four-stars

Unnatural Disasters

Unnatural DisastersUnnatural Disasters by Jeff Hirsch
Published by Clarion Books on January 22nd 2019
ISBN: 0544999169
Pages: 336
Goodreads
four-stars

The year is 2049. Climate change has put the coasts of much of the U.S. under water. Lucy and Luke have decided that instead of going to college or working after high school like most of their classmates, they’re going to take a road trip to the west and then settle somewhere in Colorado and live a quiet life. All of their plans go up in smoke on prom night when Washington, DC is blown up and that sets off a worldwide nuclear attack. Luke’s family takes off for South America with their church. Half of Lucy’s family has to leave for Canada to care for other family. Lucy is left with her father who is spending more and more of his time holed up in his office. This book is a horrifying look at what could easily be a future for our world and how a teenage girl has to survive in it. It ends with a hopeful outlook of the survival of humanity and its ability to endure. Buy where dystopian fiction is still popular or is experiencing a resurgence in popularity. Best for ages 14+.

Reviewed by Kara Reiman, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook

four-stars

Come Find Me

Come Find MeCome Find Me by Megan Miranda
Published by Crown Books for Young Readers on January 29th 2019
ISBN: 0525578293
Pages: 336
Goodreads
five-stars

In Come Find Me by Megan Miranda, two teenagers, Kennedy and Nolan, are both alone after tragic events in their families. Kennedy sneaks out each night to continue her brother’s research into the cosmos, but discovers an unexpected signal. Meanwhile, in the next county over, Nolan yearns to understand what happened to his missing brother when he picks up an odd pattern on his electromagnetic field meter. Longing to understand what has happened, Kennedy and Nolan find one another on an Extraterrestrial Intelligence discussion board. Kennedy and Nolan find they are connected in unexpected ways as they work to understand the events that are taking place in their lives. 

While the novel starts off with strong paranormal elements, it quickly becomes a psychological thriller with well executed surprises that make this a quick read. This difficult to categorize book is perfectly suited for teenagers who enjoy Stranger Things and suspense-filled novels. Recommended for grades 8 and up

Reviewed by Amy Roberson, Yarmouth High School, Yarmouth

five-stars

I Love Science

I Love ScienceI Love Science: Explore with sliders, lift-the-flaps, a wheel, and more! by Allison Wortche, Steve Mack
Published by HMH Books for Young Readers on April 23rd 2019
ISBN: 1328529371
Pages: 14
Format: Board Book
Goodreads
two-stars

A board book about science that asks questions using bright colors, flaps, and glitter  seems like it should be a winner. But there are a few things that don’t work: there are no answers offered and while this is mimicking how a scientist might think, asking questions with no answers in an attempt to provoke discussion and experimentation, this is a tall order for a board book. And the page with the rainbow on it does not have the rainbow in correct order according to the light spectrum; this might not be a big deal in another board book, but in a book about science it seems like an important detail. The page with the scientists’ lab could have had a few things labeled but it instead chose to include words that scientists do, which is nice, but didn’t work with the flow of the text. Kids will like the flaps and illustrations, so this will circulate in any children’s collection, but it could have been better executed.

Reviewed by Jill O’Connor, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth

two-stars

Maybe Tomorrow?

Maybe Tomorrow?Maybe Tomorrow? by Charlotte Agell
Published by Scholastic Press on March 26th 2019
ISBN: 1338214888
Pages: 40
Goodreads
five-stars

Elba is a little hippo struggling with a big sadness, in fact her sadness is so big it has formed a block that she is dragging around everywhere she goes. Norris is a crocodile who dances and brings fluttery butterflies with him  everywhere he goes. When the two meet, Norris suggests a walk to the beach, but Elba puts him off saying, “maybe tomorrow,” pointing to the dark block tethered to her arm. Norris gently coaxes Elba to share her block with him and as Elba opens up about her sadness, sharing it with her new friend, she finds that her block is not quite so heavy anymore. This simple metaphor is accessible to the readers of a picture book and will resonate with readers/listeners. The book is a lovely exploration of loss and the power found in being present with a person who has experienced loss. Illustrations by Gonzalez perfectly capture the stunningly beautiful text by Agell. A must-have for any collection and recommended for Cream of the Crop.

Reviewed by Jill O’Connor, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth

five-stars

Gondra’s Treasure

Gondra’s TreasureGondra's Treasure by Jennifer Black Reinhardt, Linda Sue Park
Published by Clarion Books on April 2nd 2019
ISBN: 0544546695
Pages: 40
Genres: Adventure, Animals, Biography/Autobiography, Fantasy
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads

Gondra, a little dragon with an Eastern dragon dad and a Western dragon mom, celebrates her uniqueness in this sparkling collaboration between Newbery medalist Linda Sue Park and rising star artist Jennifer Black Reinhardt.
Gondra has inherited traits from both her eastern (Asian) dragon dad and western (European) dragon mom and enjoys them all. She's especially happy that she's a combination of both. Cheerful banter and hilariously adorable dragon portrayals present a warm, appealing family portrait. The beautiful and fanciful illustrations are rich in whimsical details that invite repeated readings.

“Gondra’s Treasure” is told from the perspective of a baby dragon who has a Western Dragon  mom and an Eastern Dragon dad.   Gondra sports characteristics of each and is curious as to the origin of each talent and power that she witnesses.   Gondra’s parents appreciate their own differences  as well, sometimes lovingly  teasing   one another regarding  their varying traits. (a trait perhaps observed in a loving and happy family)  Learning to apprecite what she  has inherited form both parents is encouraged and praised, thus helping little Gondra appreciate what she herself   has inherited.  Gondra wonders: Will she be able to fly like mom? Will she live in the clouds and rivers like her dad?  Will she have bronze scales like mom or green and blue  scales like dad? Gondra replys that she likes classy and she likes flashy both.  Her parents marvel at her traits in spite of whichever ones come forth. Rather than possessing and guarding  treasure in  caves,  as the Western dragons do –  or carry  around  a pearl in their  claw,  as the Eastern dragons do,  Gondra has enough conficence to declare “Oh, that’s right . We don’t need them anymore – because I’m  your treasure.”

This clever story points up the importance of learning to appreciate and value one’s own talents and abilities. This story would be good to use for increasing self confidence and allowing  one to be prous of their heritage.   A good book for recognizing  one’s uniqueness and learning to appreciate who we each are.

The illustrations are quite remarkable – well defined and humorous – whimsical and reminicent of Steven Kellog perhaps.  Children will enjoy their  humour and detail.  The author’s  note included at the end is well worth reading –  informative and interesting.

Reviewed by Connie M. Smith, Breakwater School. Portland, ME.