Category: Book Reviews

Trace

ISBN: 9780062698841
four-stars

Trace Carter has gone to live with his Auntie Lea in New York after the death of his parents. She lives in a brownstone, listens to music that matches whatever she has for supper, gave Trace her artist studio, and has no clue how to be a parent. Too much wine with dinner one night, Trace doesn’t share what his parents would have thought about that.

Trace hasn’t made any real friends yet at his new high school, but he is hoping that will change when he is assigned to create a workgroup for SS the 1860’s decade of America.

Trace sees a boy lost in the basement of the Public Library. When he tries to report it, he finds out he was downstairs illegally and misses his hookup with the study group.

Tracing his own history, trace discovers the boy is a ghost. Trace was in the car when his parents went over the bridge. Someone’s arms grabbed him and pulled him clear from the car even though the windows were all closed.

Great middle school and older ghost story read.

Reviewed by Jeri Fitzpatrick, GNG Middle School, Gray

four-stars

My Weirder-est School 1 Dr. Snow Has to Go!

My Weirder-est School 1 Dr. Snow Has to Go!Dr. Snow Has Got to Go! (My Weirder-est School #1) by Dan Gutman
Published by HarperCollins on January 8th 2019
ISBN: 0062691023
Pages: 112
Goodreads
three-stars

This is book 1 of in a series of 9. Ella Mentry School is the setting for the series. A.J. is the narrator of this book. Dr. Snow is a scientist who has come to the school to help teach the kids about STEM and science fair projects.

The story is written for 3rd graders and up. I read it with my soon to be 7th-grade grandson in a day. He loved it for the figurative language that everywhere in the text. “the all-Porpose”  room = the all-purpose room, my teacher passed out…passed out pencils, the vomitorium = cafetorium, there was electricity in the air… Well not really…we would all get electrocuted.

The science fair choices beyond volcanoes, egg drop from the school roof, Galileo in the library (librarian), and a leaf blower to blow out birthday candles.

I’m planning on using this series to help teach the difference between connotative and denotative  meanings of words in middle school.

 

Reviewed by Jeri Fitzpatrick, GNG Middle School, Gray

three-stars

Like a Lizard

Like a LizardLike a Lizard by April Pulley Sayre, Stephanie Laberis
Published by Boyds Mills Press on March 12th 2019
ISBN: 162979211X
Pages: 32
Goodreads
four-stars

Lizards in all sort of shades and sizes are introduced in these colorful pages.  Although there is not enough information for report writing the back pages do provide some essential information regarding all 28 varieties of lizards presented.   There are several pages that will spark discussions regarding reptiles in general and their place on the food chain.  Many future naturalist will search for the Komodo Dragon but some will be enthralled by the less scary gecko.  The illustrations are very life like and show how the animals blend into their environment.

Like a Lizard will be useful in STEM programs but there could be many request and a long waiting time for grade 1-3 students at the school library.   Public libraries should add this to their animal collection, the book will not sit on the shelf for long.

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

four-stars

The Day the Universe Exploded My Head

The Day the Universe Exploded My HeadThe Day the Universe Exploded My Head: Poems to Take You Into Space and Back Again by Allan Wolf, Anna Raff
Published by Candlewick Press on March 5th 2019
ISBN: 0763680257
Pages: 56
Goodreads
four-stars

Hang on tight for a raucous bounce through the solar system and back -- propelled by funny, fanciful, factually sound poems and exuberant illustrations.

The universe poured into me. My brain was overloaded. It smoked and glowed red-hot. And then it actually exploded.

Ever wonder what the sun has to say about being the closest star to Earth? Or what Pluto has gotten up to since being demoted to a dwarf planet? Or where rocket ships go when they retire? Listen closely, because maybe, just maybe, your head will explode, too. With poetry that is equal parts accurate and entertaining -- and illustrations that are positively out of this world -- this book will enthrall amateur stargazers and budding astrophysicists as it reveals many of the wonders our universe holds. Space travelers in search of more information will find notes about the poems, a glossary, and a list of resources at the end.

Explode indeed, this is a unique take on the universe that is sure to appeal to grade 3-6 readers.  Poems delve into all things space covering shooting star, planets and moons before it ramps up with reader’s theater.  Several lengthy poems have multiple parts that can be easily read in different voices or performed by two or more individuals.  Even Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde have their two minutes of glory when discussing eclipses.

The illustrations are amusing and creative, adding educational and silly value to the text.  Unfortunately it looks like a picture book and may be shunned by readers who feel too old for the design. There is a lot to ponder and learn within these pages making it a good purchase for intermediate schools and public libraries who collect poetry.  The notes page and glossary will be a hit with both librarians and teachers. The Day the Universe Exploded My Head will make a great gift book for intermediate readers who love outer space.

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

four-stars

Hazy Bloom and the Mystery Next Door

Hazy Bloom and the Mystery Next DoorHazy Bloom and the Mystery Next Door by Jennifer Hamburg, Jenn Harney
on February 26th 2019
ISBN: 0374305013
Pages: 176
Goodreads
three-stars

Hazy is convinced her summer will be boring until she has a tomorrow vision and suspects there is a ghost in her neighbor’s house.  Figuring out what each vision means while trying to find the ghost occupies Hazy’s thoughts despite her babysitter, Aunt Jenna, trying to provide her with surprises (gardening two hours a day) and a Fantastic Day of Fun (which wasn’t).  Hazy’s tomorrow power surprises her with a vision predicting the next day’s events. These visions are simple (a crinkled yellow circle) and often lead to a normal event (deflated balloon). Only Hazy’s best friend, Elizabeth, knows about her power and possibly her aunt.  Hazy figures out how to navigate these powers, be patient with her theater obsessed best friend, and enjoy summer while solving the mystery. Illustrations break up the text and add to the humor and story line.  Readers will find Hazy likeable, funny and may learn from her as she changes her opinion about an annoying classmate and a teacher.  Friendship and patience are the major themes.  Recommended for ages 7-10.

Reviewed by Heather Hale, Easton School District, Easton

three-stars

I See the Moon: Rhymes for Bedtime

I See the Moon: Rhymes for BedtimeI See the Moon: Rhymes for Bedtime by Nosy Crow, Rosalind Beardshaw
Published by Nosy Crow on March 12th 2019
ISBN: 1536205796
Pages: 24
Goodreads
four-stars

I See the Moon is a nice collection of bedtime rhymes that adults will remember from their own childhood.   Many selections are classics while others are lesser known, all however will charm the preschool age child.  What is so special about this bedtime book is the lovely illustrations that shine much like the light of the moon.   Silver foil has been applied to enhance the natural environment highlighting the flowers, animals, and sky.  For the delight of readers many of the rhymes are presented in two page spreads.

The only drawback is the horrible stitched binding.   Public libraries may not want to add this title to their collection as the wear of many hands is bound to lead to lost pages.  This title is best served as a gift book or family purchase.

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

four-stars

Math in Science

Math in ScienceMath in Science by Nancy Dickmann
Published by Hungry Tomato (R) on August 1st 2018
ISBN: 1541500989
Pages: 32
Goodreads
three-stars

Dickmann illustrates how math has been used for centuries and is behind many important discoveries.  Some of the topics covered include the periodic table, lenses, circumference, the sundial, triangles, and the metric system.  Readers are shown how math impacted all of these ideas, led to great discoveries (the arch), and continue influencing the world (satellites).  Each section provides a “Math in Action” activity with answers provided in the back of the book. Colorful pictures and drawings add understanding to each section.  Topics are briefly covered leaving the reader wishing for additional resources. Librarians and teachers will want to recommend this title to readers wondering why math matters and those looking for connections between math and science.  Recommended for ages 8-11.

Reviewed by Heather Hale, Easton School District, Easton

three-stars

Rotten

RottenRotten!: Vultures, Beetles, Slime, and Nature’s Other Decomposers by Anita Sanchez
Published by HMH Books for Young Readers on January 22nd 2019
ISBN: 1328841650
Pages: 96
Goodreads
four-stars

Most everything decomposes.  How, where, and when depends on multiple factors.  Sanchez covers these and the role dung beetles, earthworms, fungi, and scavengers have in decomposition.  Other topics covered are rotting logs, rot and bacteria in food, what happens to our trash, and rotting people.   Information is presented in a humorous manner and in small chunks with many colorful illustrations, “Decomposer Selfies”, and “Rot it Yourself” sections.  Readers learn the difference between aerobic and anaerobic decomposition as well as fun facts such as butterflies love to land on poop. Readers may connect with the idea of a rotting log being a hotel hosting many organisms.  Notes, glossary, an index, and a bibliography are included. Older readers may find the amount of illustrations and colors distracting as well as wanting slightly more information. Younger readers may enjoy the cartoonish drawings, but find the reading level slightly challenging.  Most all readers interested in smelly things will find a new piece of information in this book. Recommended for ages 8-11.

Reviewed by Heather Hale, Easton School District, Easton

four-stars

Pandemic

PandemicPandemic: How Climate, the Environment, and Superbugs Increase the Risk by Connie Goldsmith
Published by Twenty-First Century Books (Tm) on August 1st 2018
ISBN: 1512452157
Pages: 136
Goodreads
five-stars

Pandemic is a well written, well organized, informative book discussing the causes of and factors increasing the likelihood of a pandemic occurring within the next few decades. Climate change, increased travel, superbugs caused by overuse of antibiotics, conflict/crowding, and disruption of animal habitats all contribute to the risk of an upcoming pandemic (most likely influenza).  Various viruses and bacteria are covered detailing their history, case studies, and probability of being the next threat. The book wraps up with a chapter discussing how to prevent a pandemic including ways the reader can help (pack your own lunch). Goldsmith writes in a clear, easy to read manner without being sensationalizing while explaining unfamiliar words as well as explaining familiar words (bacteria, viruses, antibiotic).  Pictures, text boxes, charts, and a graphic organizer are interspersed throughout the book adding valuable information (how to safely remove a tick). Source notes, a glossary, an index, a bibliography, and many additional books, websites, video and audio recordings are listed for further information. Readers interested in pandemics or researching for a paper/presentation will find this book very valuable. Recommended for ages 12-17.

Reviewed by Heather Hale, Easton School District, Easton

five-stars

Bone Hollow

Bone HollowBone Hollow by Kim Ventrella
Published by Scholastic Press on February 26th 2019
ISBN: 1338042742
Pages: 240
Goodreads
four-stars

Bone Hollow

 

Gabe’s parents and his grandparents have died leaving him to live with his neighbor, Miss Cleo, who has never been kind to Gabe.  But he has his dog, Ollie, who is the most loving dog character ever.  However, during a storm Gabe is sent out by Miss Cleo to rescue her favorite chicken from the roof and he falls off the roof and dies.  But, readers learn, that Gabe isn’t really dead yet.  He is living in an in-between state.  The townspeople are immensely frightened of him and believe he is a type of zombie creature.  Just in the nick of time he meets Wynne who turns out to be a type of guide who sees a light when people are dying and helps them go across and not be alone.  At first this freaks Gabe out and he wants nothing to do with the job.  However, when Wynne herself needs to be helped across to the next world, leaving a job as Death’s helper, Gabe assists Wynne and begins his next job.

This book gave an interesting take on death and what happens next.  Gabe was a kind and considerate character and his dog Ollie, who helps animals who are dying cross over, make for an interesting take on the universal question of what happens when someone dies.

It is recommended for grades 4-8.

 

Reviewed by Ellen Spring, Oceanside High School, Rockland

four-stars