BIG WORDS small stories: The Traveling Dustball

BIG WORDS small stories: The Traveling DustballThe Traveling Dustball by Judith Henderson, T.L. McBeth
Published by Kids Can Press on April 2nd 2019
ISBN: 1771387890
Pages: 56
Goodreads
four-stars

“The Traveling Dustball” is the second book in the “BIG WORDS small stories” series written by Judith Henderson and illustrated by T. L. McBeth. It is a graphic novel series of very short stories/chapters with one BIG WORD sprinkled in each tale. The Sprinkle Fairy likes to sprinkle big words around the book for kids to learn, so readers get introduced to words like “brouhaha,” “lollygagging,” and “phenomenon.” Each word is sounded out on the page and defined at the end of each story.

The drawings in this graphic novel are simple and silly, reminiscent of Captain Underpants or Dog Man’s stick figure illustrations. Each story is short and very silly. The main characters, Davey (a boy) and Abigail (a dog) get into a bunch of funny situations, starting with the discovery of a giant dustball that can take them wherever they want! Written for kids aged 5 through 8, kids will enjoy the funny stories and drawings and might pick up a few BIG WORDS along the way.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook.

four-stars

Charlotte the Scientist Finds a Cure

Charlotte the Scientist Finds a CureCharlotte the Scientist Finds a Cure by Camille Andros, Brianne Farley
Published by Clarion Books on March 12th 2019
ISBN: 0544813766
Pages: 40
Goodreads
four-stars

In “Charlotte the Scientist Finds a Cure,” Charlotte, a young bunny who loves science, faces a mysterious malady: lots of animals in the forest are getting sick! What could have caused it? Charlotte does some information gathering, runs scientific tests, and tries to figure out the sickness. Older doctors tell Charlotte that they will figure it out on their own and don’t need her help; Charlotte wonders if she really can make a difference with her research since she’s so young. Written by Camille Andros, the book has a lot of fun and long words that kids may not know, but luckily there is a glossary in the back of the book! Brianne Farley’s illustrations are detailed and colorful without seeming too busy. Comical pictures of the animals will make kids laugh along with the funny story.

Aimed at ages 4 to 7 years old, this is the second book in the “Charlotte the Scientist” series after “Charlotte the Scientist is Squished.” A fun read with a strong STEM component, children will enjoy following along as Charlotte performs her science!

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook.

four-stars

The Center of the Universe

The Center of the UniverseThe Center of the Universe by Ria Voros
Published by Kids Can Press on April 2nd 2019
ISBN: 1525300385
Pages: 512
Goodreads
four-stars

What happens within a family when one person is mystically removed?  Grace Carter and her family live this horror day by day after her mother disappears and is suspected of having been kidnapped.  The author leads readers through various paths while the police seek the truth and Grace searches for answers.  As family relationships become strained, school feels uncomfortable, and friends are reduced Grace shows herself to be strong.  Voros has provided a true teenage girl with all the ticks and issues of the time then adds a dash of inner strength and intelligence.  While the story line moves in and out the characters keep readers intend on solving the mystery.  The recipe for this book includes mystery, coming of age, and romance. 

Early high school readers may well find themselves within these pages, but might be put off by the length of the book.  YA librarians should consider this for their collections and put into the hands of girls trying to find themselves.

four-stars

Sea Bear

Sea BearSea Bear: A Journey for Survival by Lindsay Moore
Published by Greenwillow Books on January 22nd 2019
ISBN: 0062791281
Pages: 40
Goodreads
four-stars

“Sea Bear,” (a journey for survival) is a realistic fiction picture book for children 4-8 years.  A polar bear shares her own story of survivla with  readers. She tells us how her own mother taught her that she must wait and be patioent.   She tells us how her very survivla depends upon the floes of Artic ice.  We learn what the polar bear  must do when the ice becomes so thin and small that there is no longer any room for her at all.    Her story of survivla is not an easy one.  She must remember what she was taught  by her own mother –  to be”as patient as a glacier.”  She must hope and wait.  A wonderful story that tells of the relationship between a bear and the ocean..  Without being said,  we become aware  that a  changing environment  with  less Artic ice, could be detrimental to the survival of polar bears.

Lovely , claming illustrations, convey the feeling of time passing slowly.  This nicely  reinforces a theme of the story that a polar bear must be patient and wait.  A good book to read when studying polar bears and/or Artic animals.  Also, good when  discussing climate change and it’s effects on animals around the globe.  A calming story to read before rest time, as well.

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

 

four-stars

Peasprout Chen: Battle of Champions

Peasprout Chen: Battle of ChampionsPeasprout Chen: Battle of Champions by Henry Lien
Published by Henry Holt & Company on January 22nd 2019
ISBN: 125016575X
Pages: 384
Goodreads
four-stars

Henry Lien is back with a sequel to Peasprout Chen: Future Legend of Skate and Sword. Peasprout is in her second year at Pearl Famous Academy of Skate and Sword where she is studying wu liu, a sport that combines martial arts and figure skating. The tensions between Peasprout’s native home of Shin and the city of Pearl are growing. Still, Peasprout must continue to prove herself to not only be good at wu liu but to be the best. With the help of her brother, some friends, and a new student Peasprout suspects may be a spy, this heroine must try to keep the school that she has grown to love safe.

Lien creates a seamless world and a plucky protagonist that will draw any reader with ambitions in.

Reviewed by Sarah Cropley, Scarborough Public Library

four-stars

Look Up With Me

Look Up With MeLook Up with Me: Neil deGrasse Tyson: A Life Among the Stars by Jennifer Berne, Lorraine Nam
Published by Katherine Tegen Books on February 5th 2019
ISBN: 0062844946
Pages: 40
Goodreads
five-stars

Featuring beautiful cut paper illustrations, this picture book biography of Neil deGrasse Tyson is a love story to both him and our universe.  The book opens with vivid blue endpapers featuring constellations and a young Neil cutting out stars. It then features an introduction from the featured man himself.  Neil encourages us all to “never stop being a kid.” We learn how Neil first fell in love with the sky at the Hayden Planetarium in New York City, and continued his education by dragging his telescope up to the roof of his building.  He gave his first lecture at the age of 15. After a life of passionate learning and working hard, he became the director of the very planetarium where he first discovered his love for the universe. There is an illustrated page of quotes from deGrasse Tyson that shares facts about space.  The back matter includes an author’s note about her personal connection to deGrasse Tyson and a glossary of space related terms (not all of which were used in the book). The book ends with the same blue constellation page, but this time young Neil is naming them all. This is a must-buy for all public and elementary school libraries. Recommended for grades K-2.

Reviewed by Kara Reiman, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook

five-stars

Landscape With Invisible Hand

Landscape With Invisible HandLandscape with Invisible Hand by M.T. Anderson
Published by Candlewick Press on April 9th 2019
ISBN: 0763699500
Pages: 160
Goodreads
four-stars

Set in the near future, humans are controlled by the vuvv, aliens who have monitored Earth since the 1940s. The vuvv never technically invade Earth, instead, humans surrender control and in return, the vuvv will cure all diseases and do all the work. It did not work out as planned. The vuvv have colonized Earth and the human economy has collapsed and healthcare is unaffordable for most; the rich are getting richer and the middle class is struggling to survive. Adam and his family are struggling until one day Adam and his girlfriend find a way to make money. The vuvv love the quaintness of 1940s America, so Adam and Chloe record themselves performing quaint charming romantic activities like running hand-in-hand or lying on a roof gazing at the stars. When they break up, Adam struggles with finances and how to confront the injustices of colonization. Using his unique brand of satire, Anderson forces readers to ask questions about the politics and economics of our modern world.

Recommended for Grades 10 and up.

Elizabeth Andersen, Librarian, Westbrook High School

four-stars

Manchester United

Manchester UnitedManchester United: Soccer Champions by Jeff Savage
Published by Lerner Publications (Tm) on August 1st 2018
ISBN: 1541519876
Pages: 32
Goodreads
one-star

This book is one in Lerner’s Champion Soccer Clubs series. Chapter 1 starts with a confusing description of a game in the 2016-2017 season, instead of starting with an introduction to Manchester United. This opening might work for readers who already have an understanding of the team, but readers looking for an introduction to Manchester United or the sport of soccer will have to muddle through until Chapter 3 which provides background information. Although the book highlights fan-favorite players from the past, it is odd that only one of the three current players on the front of the book are mentioned in the text. The pictures throughout the book capture interesting action and will appeal to readers. The glossary in the back defines the highlighted words in the text. Source notes, an Index, and Further Reading resources are also provided. Consider for an additional purchase.

For Grades 4 and up.

Elizabeth Andersen, Westbrook High School

one-star

Kid Gloves: Nine Months of Careful Chaos

Kid Gloves: Nine Months of Careful ChaosKid Gloves: Nine Months of Careful Chaos by Lucy Knisley
Published by First Second on February 26th 2019
ISBN: 1626728089
Pages: 256
Goodreads
four-stars

Lucy Knisley, author of Relish, shares with the reader her experience of getting pregnant, miscarriage and the eventual full term pregnancy that almost led to her death due to Eclampsia that was misdiagnosed. Funny, thoughtful and filled with information on the history of obstetrics, disproving many myths that have evolved around pregnancy and exploring the treatment the pregnant women have endured over the years.

Illustrations are colorful and cheerful complimenting the text of the graphic novel. This would be considered an adult book for young adults and recommended for grades 11 up.

Reviewed by Kristin Taylor, Biddeford High School, Biddeford, ME.

four-stars

High: Everything You Want to Know About Drugs, Alcohol and Addiction

High: Everything You Want to Know About Drugs, Alcohol and AddictionHigh: Everything You Want to Know About Drugs, Alcohol, and Addiction by David Sheff
Published by HMH Books for Young Readers on January 8th 2019
ISBN: 0544644344
Pages: 272
Goodreads
four-stars

Father and son, David (Beautiful Boy: A Father’s Journey Through His Son’s Meth Addiction) and Nic (Tweak) Sheff have written this book on drugs, alcohol addiction based on Nic’s own addiction experience and personal stories of other teens.  Mental health and addiction are the forefront of this book. All though there are interesting facts, graphs and stories, the coverage is too broad in the sense that some drugs are covered in depth whereas others only have a few paragraphs dedicated to them skipping scientific facts.

The book is well laid out with various types of information that could be used for research on the topic. Blue pages are throughout  the text that are personal experiences of the author and other teens that have faced addiction and recovery. TOC, appendices, bibliography, resources and helpful books are listed for readers who wish more information on the subject. The glossary is referred to as the Addictionary  that breaks down each type of drug by name, common/street names, forms taken and possible health effects.

Recommended for grades 9 and up.

Reviewed by KristinTaylor, Biddeford High School, Biddeford, ME.

four-stars