Category: Book Reviews

Hidden Witch

Hidden WitchThe Hidden Witch by Molly Ostertag
Published by Graphix on October 30th 2018
ISBN: 1338253751
Pages: 208
Goodreads
five-stars

The sequel or continuation of Aster’s story from Ostertag’s first graphic novel Witch Boy. It’s tough for a second book to maintain the excitement and fire of a series, and while this book is a little less thrilling in its message of suspense and self-discovery, it makes up for that in messaging. Aster is really coming into his own as a witch, now being allowed to attend witch lessons in the open, and the support and compassion shown by many of the characters in the book was delightful. At the same time that Aster is dealing with an old evil, that of intolerance and hate from the past, he is being embraced by family and friends. And the other characters in the book are struggling to find their place in the world, but they are doing it with support, guidance, kindness, and love. There is a new character, Ariel, who dabbles in dark magic and whose backstory is hinted at, hopefully, sowing a seed for a 3rd book in the series. The artwork is clear and vibrant and pairs fantastically with the story. Like a Fetch hunting its prey, this GN will fly off the shelf.

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

five-stars

Hip-Hop

Hip-HopHip-Hop Lollipop by Susan Montanari, Brian Pinkney
Published by Schwartz & Wade Books on October 2nd 2018
ISBN: 1101934824
Pages: 32
Goodreads
four-stars

Hip-Hop Lollipop by Susan McElroy Montanari and illustrated by Brian Pinkney is a joyful bedtime or anytime celebration made to be read aloud. Full of rhythm and rhyme this hip-hop ode to a happy family will get bodies swaying and fingers snapping. A little girl is sent off to bed, but she cannot contain her dancing. With her sister, “Teeth brushing. Music crushing! Bass thumping! Shoulders pumping! Head rotation. Jubilation!” With the help of dog, cat, mom, and dad, the little girl gets into bed and dreams hip-hop. Brian Pinkney’s ink and watercolor swirls of movement on every page match the beat of the text. Practice reading this aloud, get the rhythm, and enjoy sharing it with a three to seven your old.  Highly recommended.

Reviewed by Margy Soule, Coffin School, Brunswick, Maine.

four-stars

Me, Frida, and the Secret of the Peacock Ring

Me, Frida, and the Secret of the Peacock RingMe, Frida, and the Secret of the Peacock Ring by Angela Cervantes
Published by Scholastic Press on March 27th 2018
ISBN: 1338159313
Pages: 240
Goodreads
four-stars

Middle grade readers will enjoy this fast-paced story that blends mystery, art, and Mexican history. Paloma travels to Mexico City with her mother to learn more about her father’s birthplace. While in Mexico City, Paloma is introduced to the work of Frida Kahlo. Palamo is intrigued when she hears about special peacock ring that has gone missing from Kahlo’s estate. With the help of new friends, Lizzie and Gael, Paloma is determined to locate the missing ring. Readers will not predict the ending to this mystery due to red herrings, several mysterious characters, and the introduction of a subplot. Author, Angela Cervantes, has created a high-interest story that pays homage to Frida Kahlo. A recommended purchase for mystery collections. Recommended for grades 4-6.

Reviewed by Cathy Potter- Falmouth Middle School, Falmouth, ME

four-stars

The Three Rules of Everyday Magic

The Three Rules of Everyday MagicThe Three Rules of Everyday Magic by Amanda Rawson Hill
on September 25, 2018
ISBN: 1629799408
Goodreads
three-stars

Kate is trying to maintain a sense of normalcy since her grandmother moved in after recent diagnosis of dementia. Kate’s dad has recently moved out of the house as he struggles with depression. Kate could really use support from her best friend, but Sofia has made a new best friend. Just when Kate thinks she can’t take anymore disappointment and heartache, her grandmother introduces her to everyday magic. If Kate uses the everyday magic just right, she is convinced it will bring her dad home and rekindle her friendship with Sofia. This coming-of-age story will appeal to middle grade readers looking for poignant stories about friendship and families. The book may strike a chord for tweens who are dealing with mental health issues in their own homes, and it is likely to spark conversations about empathy and compassion.

Grades 4-7

Reviewed by Cathy Potter- Falmouth Middle School, Falmouth, ME

three-stars

Blue

BlueBlue by Laura Vaccaro Seeger
Published by Roaring Brook Press on September 25th 2018
ISBN: 1626720665
Pages: 40
Goodreads
five-stars

Elegant and deceptively simple, Blue by Laura Vaccaro Seeger explores the many shades of blue. With die-cut  illustrations, the story shows,  with only two words per spread, a child over the years enjoying a dog from puppy-hood (baby blue) to death/grief (true blue  .. so blue) and a new friend with a dog (new blue) years later.  The book invites discussions from multiple perspectives  such as seeing different blues all around us, the joys of having and losing a pet, the passage of time and seasons, and feeling different moods. Children on their own will enjoy looking for the various shapes and locations of the die-cut holes with blues peeking through the pages.  This book can stand alone or be used with Seeger’s Green. The textured artwork is Seeger’s characteristic thick acrylic paint on canvas. Recommended Cream of the Crop for preschool through first grade children.

Reviewed by Margy Soule, Coffin School, Brunswick, Maine

five-stars

The Beloved World of Sonia Sotomayor

The Beloved World of Sonia SotomayorThe Beloved World of Sonia Sotomayor by Sonia Sotomayor
Published by Delacorte Press on September 4th 2018
ISBN: 1524771147
Pages: 352
Goodreads
four-stars

Sonia Sotomayor has adapted her adult memoir story for teen readers in The Beloved World of Sonia Sotomayor. The Supreme Court justice relates stories of growing up as part of a close-knit Puerto Rican family in the Bronx. She recounts the challenges of living with Type 1 diabetes and the tragic death of her father. Readers will be inspired by the chapters devoted to Sotomayor’s college years at Princeton and Yale Law School as well as her work in the District Attorney’s office in New York. Throughout the narrative, Sotomayor pays tribute to those who supported her along the way including her Abuelita and her mentor, Judge Joseph Cabrenes. She also describes micro-aggressions and macro-aggressions she encountered throughout high school, college, law school and in the workplace. Sotomayor’s hard work, determination ethics and civic work serve as a model for teen readers.  Unfortunately, awkward sentence structure, invented dialogue and several grammatical errors prevented it from being a Cream of the Crop contender. Several times “till” is used instead of “until,” and “I” is used as an object on page 36 instead of “me.” There is also a reference to “drunken Indians” in a college anecdote, which was problematic.

Grades 6-12

Reviewed by Cathy Potter- Falmouth Middle School, Falmouth

four-stars

The Giver

The GiverThe Giver by Lois Lowry
Published by HMH Books for Young Readers on October 2nd 2018
ISBN: 1328471225
Pages: 256
Goodreads
five-stars

In twelve year old Jonas’ world everything is controlled. On the surface everyone and everything is comfortable and equitable. At twelve years old all children receive their life assignment. They will then be trained to enact their assigned role in the community. When Jonas is assigned to be the new Receiver for the community he soon realizes that this perfect community is not as it seems. He knows he has a responsibility that only he can accomplish. This novel is every bit as powerful as it was when first published. This 25th anniversary edition offers a new afterward that is informative and insightful. Lowry shares personal memories that influenced the writing of this book. Her Newbery acceptance speech is also included. Lowry relates memories ranging from childhood to adulthood that helped form ideas and events in The Giver. The afterward and speech offer a wealth of information. I highly recommend this 25th edition because of these additions. Reviewed by Kris Zuidema, retired school librarian, Standish

five-stars

Counting to Perfect

Counting to Perfectthree-stars

Cassie is a seventh grader, a competitive swimmer, and the aunt to Addie, the baby of her teenage sister Julia. Julia was always the perfect sister until her senior year pregnancy. Julia decides to get away from it all with her baby without telling her parents. She asks Cassie to join them on a road trip. The story is written from Cassie’s point of view. The characters are realistic and likeable. At times the story line seems farfetched, yet somehow it seems to work. This interesting approach to teenage pregnancy through a younger sister’s eyes is well written and an enjoyable read. Recommended for middle grade students. Reviewed by Kris Zuidema, retired school librarian, Standish

 

three-stars

Hiding

HidingHiding by Henry Turner
Published by Clarion Books on April 3rd 2018
ISBN: 0544284771
Pages: 272
Goodreads
four-stars

This is the story of a teenage boy who slips into the home of his ex-girlfriend, Laura. The first line of the book, “I’m good at hiding,” is very effective in drawing the reader into this mystery. The narrator is able to observe Laura and her family while hiding in their home. Everything is not as it seemed when Laura dumped him. The family dynamics are a surprise to him. He not only learns about Laura’s difficult relationship with her family, he learns the importance of his relationship with Laura. This thriller will appeal to both middle school boys and girls. Readers will have much to think about after finishing this story. Reviewed by Kris Zuidema, retired school librarian, Standish

four-stars

Henry and Eva and the Castle on the Cliff

Henry and Eva and the Castle on the CliffHenry & Eva and the Castle on the Cliff (Henry & Eva, #1) by Andrea Portes
Published by HarperCollins on November 6th 2018
ISBN: 0062560026
Pages: 288
Goodreads
four-stars

Henry’s and Eva’s prominent parents have disappeared at sea. Henry is ten with an IQ of 180 and on the spectrum. Eva is twelve and is the narrator of this adventure filled mystery. According to some helpful and amusing family ghosts the disappearance at sea was not an accident. The children are being cared for in their family home on the cliff by an uncle, “Claude the Clod,” and his girlfriend, “Terri the Terrible.” This brother and sister team work well together in spite of the many obstacles they encounter. Middle grade readers will enjoy this fast paced mystery that features magic tricks, a lasso performance, and quirky ghosts that guide Henry and Eva on their journey to resolve the loss of their parents. This is the first book in the Henry and Eva series. Reviewed by Kris Zuidema, retired school librarian, Standish

 

four-stars