Category: Book Reviews

Summer of ’69

Summer of ’69Summer of '69 by Todd Strasser
Published by Candlewick Press on April 9th 2019
ISBN: 0763695262
Pages: 384
Goodreads
five-stars

Todd Strasser relives and shares with the reader his experiences as Lucas Baker, a newly graduated high school senior, who just wants to spend the summer hanging with his friends doing plenty of acid and smoking weed and best of all — Woodstock Music Festival. But as series of mishaps leads him to bad acid trips, testing his faithfulness to his girlfriend Robin, who happens to be in Canada for the summer, his parents separation and the worst of all — the draft. Vietnam was in full swing and the only way a healthy young male didn’t goto war was to be in college, which unfortunately, Lucas found out that he wasn’t accepted to college and way too late to do anything about it.When  Lucas finds this out he meets with a conscientious  objector counselor to figure out ways to avoid being drafted; other than escaping to Canada as many did, go to jail for refusing to be drafted or maim himself.

Despite the time span, many teens will relate to issues in this book — relationships and friendship, politics, families, road trips and much more and even more so for those that find the 60s interesting. Recommended for grades 10 and up.

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

five-stars

Birds

BirdsBirds by Carme Lemniscates
Published by Candlewick Studio on March 12th 2019
ISBN: 1536201782
Pages: 40
Goodreads
four-stars

Lemniscates has caught birds at their best, expressing their lighthearted emotions and depicting their life styles.   The two page spreads features one or more variety of birds as they make homes and interact in their environment.  Each illustration is more lovely than the previous as the colors in nature dominate the space.

 The text is simple and endearing, making this a good choice for nursery schools and public libraries.  Pre-school children who connect with birds will love to just look at the illustrations, name the types of birds, and enjoy the vibrant illustrations.  This reader imagines many little ones saying “please read it again”.

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

four-stars

Space Cat-astrophe

Space Cat-astropheSpace Cat-Astrophe: My Fangtastically Evil Vampire Pet by Mo O'Hara, Marek Jagucki
Published by Feiwel & Friends on February 26th 2019
ISBN: 1250128137
Pages: 192
Goodreads
two-stars

Apparently it makes sense for an evil astronaut to visit an evil summer camp but this reader found the plot and action lacking.  Groups of campers are offered the opportunity to undergo space testing to achieve their one goal, get into space.  Ever present are two pets that probably were intended to remind readers of those in Harry Potter; but not so much as the kitten is truly evil.

The text is written with a lisp that should not bother confident early readers but may pose problems for those with learning disabilities.   The illustrations are typical pen and ink that do capture the fear and malice presented in the text.  It is the storyline and level of nastiness that brings the rating down.  Written for the 2nd and 3rd grade readers there is sure to be a small audience.  Libraries can pass this two book series.

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

two-stars

The Goose Egg

The Goose EggThe Goose Egg by Liz Wong
Published by Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers on January 22nd 2019
ISBN: 0553511572
Pages: 40
Genres: Adventure, Animals, Fantasy
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars


From the author of Jumpstart's Read for the Record pick

Quackers

comes the story of Henrietta the Elephant, whose life goes from calm to chaotic when a baby goose comes to stay.

Henrietta likes her quiet life. A morning swim, a cup of tea--all is serene.

But everything changes when she bumps her head and winds up with a goose egg--a REAL goose egg. Henrietta tries to return the baby goose to the nest, but her flock has flown. It's up to Henrietta to raise her.

Goose isn't anything like Henrietta. She's flappy, and noisy, and exhausting. But Henrietta raises that goose right. She teaches her to swim, and to honk, and to fly. When Goose flies off with the other geese, Henrietta is so proud!

And then . . . lonely. How quiet her life feels now.

But the love you give has a way of coming back to you. And Henrietta has a wonderful surprise in store. . . .

Henrieta is an elephant who “savored the stillness of the morning as she sipped her Darjeeling.” Sometimes, when swimming underneath the lake in the quiet murmer of the water, Henrietta would become  lost in her her own thoughts.   And sometimes,  Henrietta became  a little too lost.  And then one day,  it  took  a”bonk” on the head to wake Henrietta up.  Henrietta returns  home to collect herself and soon discovers that the “bonk” was a literal,  “real”  goose egg,  which landed smack  on the top of Henrietta’s head.   But there  is no mother goose to care for the gosling,  so Henrietta take the job on herself.  Her silence, that she loves so very much is now shattered, but when the gosling  finally learns to fly away on it’s own, Henrietaa is sad.  The ending is a surprise; however, not totally unexpexpected.

“The Goose Egg” is an  adorable picture book with endearing  watercolor illustrations.  This book can be used when exploring uncommon animal relationships.   “The Goose Egg,” would also  make a delighful read and introduction of the topic  “taking on  responsibilities.”  Why and when might some animals do it . Why and when might people do it.  What information might inform their decisions.   Do animals have feelings?  Are animals “loyal” to one another? Do animals “think” like people or is their behavior instinctive?  Definitely a story to ponder, learn from, and to enjoy!

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

 

four-stars

Fame, Fate, and the First Kiss

Fame, Fate, and the First KissFame, Fate, and the First Kiss by Kasie West
Published by HarperTeen on February 5th 2019
ISBN: 0062675796
Pages: 384
Goodreads
three-stars

A companion novel to “Love, Life, and the List,” this novel again brings us a light romance focusing on a teenage girl attempting to accomplish a passion of hers with love being a secondary storyline. Actress Lacey has scored the chance of a lifetime playing a zombie next to an action star for her first movie role, but she’s struggling to have chemistry with him. As their on-screen kiss approaches, she attempts to use her budding relationship with her teen tutor as inspiration. However, it becomes clear that someone is attempting to sabotage the film.  The only question is, are they sabotaging her or the whole movie? Lacey is a somewhat likeable character. She’s confident and has a great sense of humor. But she avoids her responsibilities and can’t seem to stand up for herself when it matters. There’s an interesting dynamic to her relationship with her father that West handles well. In the end, Lacey solves her problems and gets the (right) guy. Recommended for ages 13-16.

Reviewed by Kara Reiman, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook

three-stars

Elvis is King!

Elvis is King!Elvis Is King! by Jonah Winter, Red Nose Studio
Published by Schwartz & Wade Books on January 8th 2019
ISBN: 039955470X
Pages: 40
Goodreads
two-stars

“Elvis is King” covers the life of Elvis from his birth to his first song being on the radio. Each entry on a particular portion of his life has its own headline followed by a paragraph. The author chose to use stereotypical Southern colloquial speech patterns, which feels entirely unnecessary.  There are also vocabulary words that are too high for a picture book level biography.  The background art is made from found objects like cereal boxes and fabric thread while the main characters are made from polymer clay, and look a tad creepy. There’s a great explanation of how the art was made on the inside of the front cover, but that makes it inaccessible to copies processed in libraries.  An author’s note in the back includes pictures, more details about Elvis’s life, and a link to a website that is said to have further information and a video. As of the writing of this review, that website is not working. Best for grades K-2.

Reviewed by Kara Reiman, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook

two-stars

Guts: All About Our Digestive System!

Guts: All About Our Digestive System!Guts: Revised Edition by Seymour Simon
Published by HarperCollins on March 5th 2019
ISBN: 0062470426
Pages: 32
Goodreads
four-stars

Although I do not have a copy of Simon’s previous published book (2005) about the digestive system I do remember finding it useful for school projects as well as helpful when called upon to answer young readers’ questions.   Published in May of 2019 the updated edition is attractive and remains informative.   As in many of his books the photos are engaging, bright and well explained.  Students in grades 2- 5 will find this new version pleasing to the eye and very informative.   The use of dark and bright background pages adds drama to what could be a boring subject – but no science books by this author could be called boring.  Full color photos show the workings of the digestive system in all of its glory.

 A glossary increases the usefulness for STEM programs and classrooms. Public libraries and media centers in primary and intermediate schools will want to place the update on their shelves.  As science materials need to be current the 14 years between publication call for replacing.   

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

four-stars

The Hawk and the Dove

The Hawk and the DoveThe Hawk and the Dove by Paul Kor
Published by Kids Can Press on May 7th 2019
ISBN: 152530125X
Pages: 32
Goodreads
five-stars

Not only a lovely example of papercut illustrations, this children’s book excelled in all ways.  This reader experienced tears while slowly turning pages which revealed how peace can grow from war.  Much like the peace posters of the 1960’s The hawk and the Dove makes the change feel possible, tangible, and real.  If only life followed art, this new title could affect social change.  Each time a page is turned the reader is offered a different way to view war machines; bombs become butterflies and battleships become sailboats. 

A strong feeling of hope is contained across the pages of this book, the message is strong and direct. Readers would do well to open themselves to the possibilities presented in this book.

Art teachers and social studies teachers will want this book at their disposal to use with classes.  Librarians in media centers and public libraries will find this an excellent addition to their collections. Excellent for grade 2-4 and for art classes of all ages.

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

 

Consider for Cream

five-stars

Fat Angie: Rebel Girl Revolution

Fat Angie: Rebel Girl RevolutionFat Angie: Rebel Girl Revolution by E.E. Charlton-Trujillo
Published by Candlewick Press on March 5th 2019
ISBN: 0763693456
Pages: 352
Goodreads
five-stars

Fat Angie:  Rebel Girl Revolution

 

Angie is horribly teased, taunted, and physically abused at school.  At home her mother wishes Angie had died instead of her “perfect” sister.  But when Angie meets her sister’s fiancée at a celebration of her life and he gives Angie a postcard with a list of the places in Ohio her sister wanted them to travel to together, Angie knows that she is supposed to go on a journey.  Going with her are her former friend, a girl called Zeke, and the best friend of her tormentor at school.  The road trip is some of the best writing and experiences ever, especially having the description of a Men’s Room at a gas station and Angie singing with a punk girl group.  Angie is depressed because of her weight, being gay, and lack of social skills.  But, after the road trip, she begins to accept herself, although her relationship with her mother never improves.  There is not a perfect ending, but it is much more realistic.  There is excellent writing which mirrors the mind of a high school student:  “too-many-tabs-open-in-her-mind”, “Feminine Female products”, and “Pinterest lies, Angie”.  It is the sequel to Fat Angie but it isn’t necessary to have read it first.  This book is recommended for grades 9-12 and for Cream of the Crop.

 

Reviewed by Ellen Spring, Oceanside High School, Rockland

five-stars

Angel and Bavar

three-stars

Angel and Bavar was first published in England as A Far Away Magic. Angel has lost her parents. They were killed by monsters. Angel meets Bavar at her new school. She is drawn to him. She describes him as a monster. He shuffles, hunches his shoulders, and has a lot of dark curly hair. At first he appears not to be interested in her, but things change. There is magic, mystery, monsters, and battles in this story of friendship and bravery. The chapters alternate between Angel’s and Bavar’s points of view. Readers who enjoy fantasy will be satisfied with this creative and modern version of Beauty and the Beast. Recommended for grades 5-8

Reviewed by Kris Zuidema, retired school librarian, Standish

 

three-stars