Call Me Adnan

November 6, 2023November 6, 2023

Call Me Adnan by Reem Faruqi
on June 13, 2023
ISBN: 0063284944
Genres: Fiction in Verse/Poetry, Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Adnan loves playing table tennis and dreams of becoming a champion. When he wins a local competition, he is excited to qualify for a championship tournament in Florida. His family decides to turn the trip into a “cousin vacation” and to spend Eid with their family while traveling to the tournament. Unfortunately, tragedy strikes the family in Florida and Adnan gives up table tennis. The author uses the analogy of flight (thrust, weight, drag, lift) to tell Adnan’s story. Poignant and heartbreaking, this middle-grade verse novel is a story of grief and the power of family and friends.

Reviewed by Karen Sandlin Silverman, Mt. Ararat Middle School, Topsham

The Ghost Job

November 3, 2023November 3, 2023

The Ghost Job by Greg Van Eekhout
Published by HarperCollins ISBN: 006325333X
Genres: Horror
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars
“The Ghost Job” by Greg Van Eekhout is a thoroughly enjoyable middle grade novel for fans of ghost stories and heist fiction alike. When seventh grader Zenith and her three best friends are killed in an unfortunate science class lab experiment gone wrong, they’ll do anything to try to get out of the afterlife (basically the school auditorium), even if it means stealing a magical device from a very evil, very alive necromancer. Pooling the talents they had when they were alive, and the new powers they find themselves with as ghosts, they pull off a series of heists in preparation for the biggest job of their undead lives. Witty dialogue, snarky humor, delightful side characters (both living and dead), and a few poignant moments between the friends make this a really solid choice for a middle grade collection. This book has universal appeal for all types of readers, and the humor, friendships and bittersweet emotions of the kids make what could be a scary premise a really fun read.

Recommended for grades 5-7.

Lee Remick, York Middle School, York

Two-Headed Chicken: Beak to the Future

October 30, 2023

Two-Headed Chicken: Beak to the Future by Tom Angleberger
Published by Walker Books on 9/12/23
ISBN: 1536223220
Genres: Humor, Science Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars
The two-headed chicken is back in this entertaining graphic novel sequel. In this adventure, the two-headed chicken experiences time travel as they search for their missing Astrocap, which allows them to jump from universe to universe. In their quest, they travel to random points in time and encounter a hungry dinosaur, face an angry moose, and meet poet Emily Dickinson. The chaotic plot is fast-paced with many unexpected twists and turns. There is some type of humor on every page and kids will no doubt laugh out loud. One thing that distinguishes this graphic novel from others are the interactive activities readers find along the way, like funny quizzes, a maze, and spot the difference (between two pages). Elementary school readers who appreciate humor and randomness will love this graphic novel.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

Hoops

October 27, 2023

Hoops Hoops: A Graphic Novel by Matt Tavares
Published by Candlewick Press on March 14, 2023
ISBN: 1536201367
Genres: Historical Fiction, Sports
Format: Graphic Novel
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars
Hoops is a graphic novel inspired by the true story of the first women’s high school varsity basketball team in a town in Indiana. The girls on this team love to play basketball, but are forced to overcome many obstacles on their path to the playoffs, obstacles the boys’ team doesn’t have to deal with. The girls refuse to be quiet about the inequities and find different ways to fight for what they need. This graphic novel is perfect for upper elementary students. It revolves around the basketball team and their amazing first season, but it also offers a glimpse into life for women in the 1970s and includes elements of friendship and some romance. The pace of this graphic novel is pretty quick and there is a great balance between text heavy panels and pages and panels and pages that are solely illustrations. This would be great for any school or public library collection.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

The Alchemyst – The Graphic Novel

October 26, 2023

The Alchemyst – The Graphic Novel The Alchemyst: The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel Graphic Novel by Chris Chalik, Michael Scott
ISBN: 0593304675
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Graphic Novel
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
two-stars
The new graphic novel version of “The Alchemyst – The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel” by Michael Scott is adapted by Nicole Andelfinger and illustrated by Chris Chalik. Twins Sophie and Josh discover that magic is real and that Josh’s bookseller boss is actually the immortal Nicholas Flamel. When a magical book is stolen, the twins must face danger to get it back and save the world. This adaptation of the bestselling young adult fiction series may satisfy fans of the original. The storyline is very close to the original book. Artwork seems a bit stilted and some of the word bubble lettering is very tough to read, but the plot is engaging. Written for ages 12-14, this book is recommended for large YA graphic novel collections where fantasy is popular.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, ME.

The Little Match Girl Strikes Back

October 24, 2023

The Little Match Girl Strikes Back by Emma Carroll, Lauren Child
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 1536233358
Genres: Fairy Tale, Historical Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars
The Little Match Girl Strikes back is a retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic folk tale, but with a social justice focus. In this version, the little match girl has a name- Bridie. She sells matches made in the factory where her mother works. Despite long hours in dangerous working conditions, their family struggles to pay rent and put food on the table. Bridie decides to strike her last three matches instead of selling them, and experiences a bit of magic that shows her a better life for her family and how to accomplish this. Once the magic wears off, Bridie helps to lead a strike at the match factory, demanding pay increases and a safer work environment. The author’s note reveals that this is based on a true story of a London strike in 1888. This chapter book would be most appropriate for upper elementary/middle school students. Readers will enjoy Bridie’s tenacious and fiery spirit, which is reflected in the illustrations that are black and white, save for Bridie’s red hair and the red of the match flame. This is a quick read as the pages are small in size and the font is larger, but the living and working conditions described in the text and the power of the women to improve them, will stick with readers long after they finish reading.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

Pizza y Taco: ¿Quién es el mejor?

October 24, 2023

Pizza y Taco: ¿Quién es el mejor?: (A Graphic Novel) (Pizza and Taco) (Spanish Edition) by Stephen Shaskan
ISBN: 0593704320
Genres: Humor
Format: Early Reader, Graphic Novel
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

“Pizza y Taco: ¿Quién es el mejor?” is the Spanish edition of “Pizza and Taco: Who’s the best?” by Stephen Shaskan. Pizza and Taco are best friends, but which one of them is the best? They vote on it, but end up in a tie (or with a write-in candidate winning their second voting attempt). They decide to have a competition! Who is the best? Bright and engaging illustrations that are a combination of photos and cartoony drawing catch the eye. Written for ages 5 through 8, this is a silly graphic novel about friendship with lots of goofy antics, this book is a must-buy for all youth graphic novel collections.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, ME.

Cantora Mercedes Sosa, La Voz de Latinoamerica

October 24, 2023October 24, 2023

Cantora (Spanish Edition): Mercedes Sosa, la voz de Latinoamérica by Melisa Fernández Nitsche
ISBN: 0593704991
Genres: Biography/Autobiography
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars
“Cantora Mercedes Sosa, La Voz de Latinoamerica” by Melisa Fernandez Nitsche is a picture book biography about Argentiniean singer and activist Mercedes Sosa. We start with Mercedes’ childhood in Argentina, growing up among the sounds of the cicadas and the smell of oranges. She enters a radio competition under a false name and wins handily. From there her singing career took off. She sang songs about poverty and injustice and was called the voice for those who have no voice. The government dictatorship arrested her and she then fled to Europe and spent three years in exile before returning to the country she loved to continue singing.

The illustrations are stylized and colorful. The back of the book contains a note from the author, a timeline, playlist, and selected sources, so there is a lot of supplemental information given in case readers want to learn even more about Mercedes Sosa. Recommended for ages 6 to 8, this book is a suggested purchase for all youth biography sections. I read the Spanish edition of this book.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, ME.

Pepita y Bebita

October 24, 2023

Pepita y Bebita (Pepita Meets Bebita Spanish Edition) by Gabriel Frye-Behar, Maribel Lechuga, Ruth Behar
ISBN: 0593705033
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads

“Pepita y Bebita” is the Spanish edition of “Pepita meets Bebita” by Ruth Behar and Gabriel Frye-Behar, illustrated by Maribel Lechuga, translated by Yanitzia Canetti. Pepita is a little dog and is the baby of the house, but then things start to change. Papi is building all kinds of things. Abuelo and Abuela bring a blanket instead of treats or toys for Pepita. Inevitably, a baby arrives. Pepita has a very hard time getting used to Bebita and no longer being the center of attention, but things turn all right in the end. Colorful and funny images uplift the emotional story about Pepita learning about Bebita and eventually becoming friends. Written for ages 4 to 8, a recommended purchase (either in English or Spanish) for your picture book collection.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, ME.

Vlad the Fabulous Vampire

October 24, 2023

Vlad, the Fabulous Vampire (The World of Gustavo) by Flavia Z. Drago
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads

“Vlad the Fabulous Vampire” is written and illustrated by Flavia Z. Drago. Vlad is a vampire who loves fashion, but has a terrible secret… His cheeks are rosy pink! Too lifelike! Too bright! What would his friends say if they knew?!? So he tries designing different fashion looks to hide his cheeks. The book ends with the theme that it is better to love what makes us unique rather than force ourselves to fit in. I like that the book admits that even when being yourself, you may still feel insecure at times, but your real friends will still love you.

I love the bright crayon-like illustrations. Characters are cartoony and fun and each image has a lot of details to delve into. Written for kids 4 to 8, this book is a recommended purchase for picture book collections, especially where monsters like vampires and ghosts are popular. I read both the English and Spanish editions of this book.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, ME.