Category: Book Reviews

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. 

Ready for Action

Ready for ActionReady for Action (Toy Academy #2) by Brian Lynch, Edwardian Taylor
Published by Scholastic Press on January 29th 2019
ISBN: 1338149164
Pages: 192
Goodreads
three-stars

Another addition in the Toy Academy series, Ready for Action is funny, witty and perfect for adventure-driven readers who are looking to experiment with a novel instead of their go-to graphic novel.  Black and white illustrations accompany each page, chapters are short and the story is just silly-enough to keep readers giggling as they find out what will happen next.  Grumbolt, a short cuddly stuffed animal, has been given admittance to Toy Academy to train to protect fellow toys from villains and enemies to Toy World. Grumbolt, along with good friend Micro and least-favorite person Rex Everything, compete through a variety of challenges to prove their metal to Professor Goldhawk.  On one particular training day, students get to find out who will be their sidekick. Grumbolt’s joy soon evaporates when he discovers that Goldhawk gave him the role of sidekick to Rex Everything.  Rex is mean and self-centered and rather than work together to be a great team, Rex lets Grumbolt know in no uncertain terms that he is inferior and useless.  Grumbolt is disheartened but when Toy Academy is attacked by Tempest Boomcloud, a discontinued toy, Grumbolt actually does quite a bit to save the day, earning Rex’s respect and friendship.  A light-hearted, quick read, students who enjoy the Toy Story franchise will love this look into the secret world of toys.  A good addition to all middle grade collections.  

Reviewed by Suzanne Dix, Westbrook Middle School

three-stars

Instagraphics: A Visual Guide to Your Universe

Instagraphics: A Visual Guide to Your UniverseInstaGraphics: A Visual Guide to Your Universe by Dan Green
Published by Scholastic Nonfiction on March 26th 2019
ISBN: 1338215574
Pages: 128
Goodreads
four-stars

Dan Green’s InstaGraphics: A Visual Guide to Your Universe will delight fans of Scholastic’s Book of World Records or Nat Geo Kid’s Weird But True series.  Each page is visually dynamic with color photos, short text boxes and little known (and oddly curious) facts that reel in the reader.  Chapters cover a variety of topics on natural disasters, animals, the human body and technology. While this nonfiction will surely be in high demand due to its eye-catching page displays of infographics, charts and visuals, it does not offer enough knowledge on any given topic.  Hopefully this will prove a springboard for readers to then dive more deeply into other meatier nonfiction. There is definitely “gross-factor” appeal with this title and library displays could certainly play up the sections on longest finger nails (358.1 inches!), the dung beetle (and its love of manure) and the delicious (and potentially fatal) pufferfish.  A glossary is also included.

Reviewed by Suzanne Dix, Westbrook Middle School, Westbrook

four-stars

Hats off to Mr. Pockles!

Hats off to Mr. Pockles!Hats Off to Mr. Pockles! by David Litchfield, Sally Lloyd-Jones
Published by Schwartz & Wade Books on January 29th 2019
ISBN: 0399558152
Pages: 32
Genres: Adventure, Animals, Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

“Hats off to Mr. Pockles” is an  imaginative and clever  picture book for ages 4  through 8.  Mr. Pockles, an odd little dog,  has a huge collection of hats.  “For Mr. Pockles,  going without a hat was like going around without any pants on.” Mr. Pockles owns  “an eating cornflakes hat, a drinking a cup of tea hat, and a going to bed hat among many others  BUT  a scarcity of  friends.  “It’s funny how wearing a hat cheers a personage up,” said Mr. Pockles.  But one day it didn’t and Mr. Pockles desperately wanted to attend “hat day” at the PandaPolitan Club. But Mr. Pockles was not a black and white  panda  and not allowed to attend.   To cheer himself up,  he dicided to buy a treat at the “Treat House,” whereupon he meets  Mrs. Lady Coco Fitz-Tulip sporting a hat decorated with banans, grapes, and pineapples. What happens,  after some bunny rabbits begin to snack upon her hat is well . . . both funny and very silly

A nice book to utilize when discussing how it feels to be left out and to not have many friends.  Young children will  enjoy the silliness of this story while  learning about  kindness, compassion, generousity and inclusiveness.  This book wonderfully demonstrates the  fact that  our similarities are much more significant  and universal in nature  than our perceived differences.  The story ends on a positive note by showing the happiness that can result from making new friends, sharing, and by discovering the pure joy of being alive and celebrating life all together.

The illustrations in the book are bright, lively and humorous while  accentuating and supporting  the text nicely.

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

five-stars

Brave Ballerina; The Story of Janet Collins

Brave Ballerina; The Story of Janet CollinsBrave Ballerina: The Story of Janet Collins by Michelle Meadows, Ebony Glenn
Published by Henry Holt & Company on January 8th 2019
ISBN: 1250127734
Pages: 32
Goodreads
four-stars

From the lovely cover to the Author Notes and Sources page this is an impressive biography. Janet Collins always knew she wanted to dance, with her personal talent, instruction and dedication she achieved her dream. Meadows shares that Collins’ achievements were not without racial barriers as she worked her way to become the first African American to become a prima ballerina in the famous Metropolitan Opera House.

Inspirational and in rhyming text this biography will be a welcome addition to any public library and primary school media center.  Young dancers will keep it off the shelf as they read the story and pour over the subdued illustrations. This book brings the story of an important dancer to life and may encourage youth readers to go after their dreams.

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

four-stars

PTSD

PTSD by Guillaume Singelin
Published by First Second on February 26th 2019
ISBN: 1626723184
Pages: 208
Goodreads
three-stars

Jun returns home from war and finds herself on the dangerous streets run by gangs. She escapes from her memories of war by taking illegal drugs. While living on the violent streets of futuristic Tokyo, Jun finds solace from her friendship with the owner of a noodle shop and through the companionship of a stray dog. Guillaume Singelin uses sombre colors and the graphic novel format to portray a grim picture of the war and its effects on people. By setting the story in the future instead of describing past world conflicts, the story remains focused on PTSD and the trauma induced by war. Illicit drug use, gun violence and flashbacks from war make this a graphic novel aimed at older teens and adults. Recommended for grades 9 and up

Reviewed by Cathy Potter, Falmouth Middle School, Falmouth

three-stars