Category: Book Reviews

Where the Heart Should Be

Where the Heart Should BeWhere the Heart Should Be by Sarah Crossan
on 2025
ISBN: 0063384914
Genres: Fiction in Verse/Poetry, Historical Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction, Young Adult
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

“It is hard to tell a love story

and also the story of a people

being torn apart.

 

But this is what was happening in 1846:

I was falling in love

when everything 

around me was 

falling

down.”

 

The opening of Crossan’s historical fiction novel in verse has the whole novel’s theme quite beautifully laid out.  Young Nell and her family are living in Ireland at the height of the potato famine.  Nell is lucky enough to get work in the landlord’s kitchen, a job that provides barely enough money for her family to survive.  Her father appreciates his daughter’s contribution, but is also deeply upset that he is unable to provide for his family.  The truly maddening way that the English “haves” blatantly refuse to assist the Irish “have nots” leads to actions that have unjust consequences.  Amongst all this, Nell falls in love with the English landlord’s heir, Johnny.  A relationship that must be kept secret due to its forbidden nature.

Crossan has written a YA, historical fiction, novel in verse.  The verse not only makes this a quick read, it also adds so much to the mood and tone of the novel in a very powerful way.  The relationships between Nell and her family are so well written and readers pull for them all.  Johnny is a perfectly placed character to have Nell try to educate on the ruthless behavior her community experienced at the hands of the landlords.  This is a devastating yet beautiful story perfect for readers 13+.

Reviewed by Heidi Kopishke, Camden Hills Regional High School, Rockport, ME.

five-stars

The Scorpion and the Night Blossom

The Scorpion and the Night BlossomThe Scorpion and the Night Blossom (The Three Realms, #1) by Amélie Wen Zhao
on March 4, 2025
ISBN: 0593813847
Genres: Fantasy, Romance
Format: Chapter Book Fiction, Young Adult
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

The Scorpion and the Night Blossom by Amélie Wen Zhao

This fantasy novel is based on Chinese mythology. A battle between the Kingdom of the Night and the Kingdom of Rivers has been raging for years.  Àn’yīng’s mother was attacked by one of the demonic creatures that have multiplied within the mortal realm and now Àn’yīng plans to enter the Immortal Trials to save her mother’s soul.  Àn’yīng has been trained by her warrior father, who was killed by one of the creatures many years before. She goes into the trials, as she believes, well prepared to survive and be gifted immortality (which she will use for her mother).  She meets a handsome young warrior and although she knows in her gut she can trust no one, she starts to find herself breaking down her mistrustful walls.  Within the twists and turns of the plot, things do not go as expected and everyone has a secret or two that they are guarding.  

With good vs. evil, a quest, a love triangle, a reluctant hero, an underdog story, a mysterious mentor, magical objects, demonic creatures, and more, Amélie Wen Zhao has worked in everyone’s desired tropes into the plot of the novel.  For those who can’t get enough of this, the book is easy to get swept up in.  Frustratingly, the protagonist is extremely biased or discriminatory in that she judges others based on their birth, and while the reader expects that is part of a greater lesson to be learned or flaw to overcome, it doesn’t quite feel like it’s resolved.  The novel is the first of a duology.  The YA novel is best suited for the 14+ audience. 

Reviewed by Heidi Kopishke, Camden Hills Regional High School, Rockport, ME.

four-stars

The Hawk Shadow

The Hawk ShadowThe Hawk Shadow by Jan Bourdeau Waboose, Karlene Harvey
ISBN: 1525310844
Genres: Adventure, Animals, Cultural / African American, Nature, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

Big Ed is walking to his favorite fishing spot on Hawk River, and his little sister Serenity insists on tagging along. The two Anishinaabe siblings make their way to the river, with Serenity stopping repeatedly to interact with birds and guzzle chokeberries. After they start fishing, Big Ed winds up in danger, but Serenity is able to help him with the guidance of the Hawk, or River Keeper, and her fishing rod. This is a sweet native story bursting with nature, sibling banter, Indigenous culture, and vibrant illustrations. This diverse story would be a wonderful addition to any picture book collection. However, it lacks back matter, which could have been helpful for some readers. Recommended for ages 6 to 7 (Grades 1 to 2).

Reviewed by: Jenn Mead, Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library, Lovell

four-stars

Ode to Grapefruit: How James Earl Jones Found His Voice

Ode to Grapefruit: How James Earl Jones Found His VoiceOde to Grapefruit: How James Earl Jones Found His Voice by Bryan Collier, Kari Lavelle
on July 30, 2024
ISBN: 059337276X
Genres: Biography/Autobiography, Cultural / African American, Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

James Earl Jones stuttered as a child. He didn’t want the teacher to call on him in class, and there were many times he tried to speak and no words came out at all. He found it easier to simply not speak, nodding or using other non-verbal communication instead. While he didn’t speak, James listened intently to the news, stories, music, and poetry. One day he received a shipment of grapefruit in the winter, and became so inspired by the fruit that he wrote a poem and recited it in front of his entire poetry class. While he still stuttered on occasion, he found his voice through the beauty of rhythm and poetry, and began to share what would become the legendary sound of his voice with the world. This is an inspirational non-fiction tale, especially for anyone with a stutter or other speech delay. The watercolor and collage illustrations are full of emotion, and capture both the times of struggle and success. The book also contains helpful back matter about the life of James Earl Jones and stuttering. Recommended for ages 6 to 7 (Grades 1 to 2).

Reviewed by: Jenn Mead, Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library, Lovell

four-stars

Sona Sharma: Wish Me Luck

Sona Sharma: Wish Me LuckSona Sharma, Wish Me Luck by Chitra Soundar, Jen Khatun
Series: Sona Sharma #4
Published by Candlewick Press on 2/18/25
ISBN: 1536238171
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

The Sona Sharma early chapter book series continues with Wish Me Luck.  Friends Sona, Joy, and Renu are worried their beloved teacher will move away after getting married during their mid-year break.  The girls are excited to be invited to the wedding, but they still try several different things to try to bring themselves luck and have Miss Rao stay.  The book ends happily as the girls discover that change is inevitable but this time change is good because their teaching is staying, just her name has changed.  The girls also learn the important lesson of wanting what’s best for other people, even if it makes them sad.  This chapter book has a large font and many black and white drawings, making it ideal for first or second grade readers.  It takes place in India, so readers will learn a little bit about this culture as they make their way through this realistic fiction book.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

three-stars

Love On Paper

Love On PaperLove on Paper by Danielle Parker
on January 21, 2025
ISBN: 0593565312
Genres: Realistic Fiction, Romance
Format: Young Adult
Goodreads
two-stars

In Love on Paper by Danielle Parker, the main character, Macy, is the daughter of divorced, bestselling author parents. She is very open about being a weak writer and admits that her mother’s influence is likely why she was admitted into the prestigious San Francisco writer’s retreat where the story is set. Macy wants to use this opportunity to prove that she has a story to tell, all she has to do is write a romance. Macy’s love interest, Caleb, is also the child of bestselling author parents that are supposed to be her family’s rivals, though neither of them know why their parents don’t like each other. Instead of focusing on her writing, Macy and Caleb quickly move from “enemies” to lovers walking around San Francisco trying to solve a scavenger hunt mystery left behind by a famous romance writer.

The writing shines brightest in the tender moments Macy describes Caleb. Unfortunately, outfit descriptions did the heavy lifting for everyone else’s character development. The mystery plot will keep readers interested, but the conclusion is lackluster and only meaningful for Macy and Caleb. Though Macy’s experiences with imposter syndrome and the high expectations her mother puts on her could be relatable – a fake enemies-to-lovers, insta-love romance between two self-described “nepo babies” at a prestigious writers retreat probably won’t connect with most readers.

Recommended for middle grade readers who want a clean YA romance.

Reviewed by Ivy Burns, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth

two-stars

The Rose Bargain

The Rose BargainThe Rose Bargain by Sasha Peyton Smith
on February 4, 2025
ISBN: 0063372525
Pages: 389
Genres: Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Romance
Format: Young Adult
Goodreads
four-stars

Sasha Peyton Smith’s newest YA novel, The Rose Bargain, is both easy and difficult to describe. It would be easy to say that this is a mash up of many successful YA series like The Cruel Prince, The Selection, or even Twilight. But despite its many familiar plot lines and tropes, Smith’s writing makes this a uniquely compelling story in the oversaturated roman-tasy genre.

Set in an alternate Victorian-era England that is ruled by an immortal, totalitarian fairy Queen from the Otherworld. The Rose Bargain follows Ivy as she fights to save her disgraced family from poverty. Things do not go according to plan on the day of her debut when the Queen announces that instead of the normal courting season, girls can choose to compete to marry the beloved fairy Prince, Bram, but in true fairy fashion there are dangerous consequences for losing. Furious with the choices in front of her, Ivy enters the competition and joins a plot to dethrone the Queen with the black-sheep of the court, the fairy Queen’s human step-son, Emmet.

What sets The Rose Bargain apart is its sharp critique of the Victorian era’s patriarchal standards for women. The young women in this novel all have their own motivations for entering into the competition and the attention paid to them as individuals lifts the novel from being about “girls fighting over the same boy”. Though the plot is fairly predictable, the twists are still satisfying and the magical Bridgerton-esk setting allows the reader to fully sink into the story.

On the other hand, the good boy / bad boy step-brother love triangle that Ivy engages in is a tired trope that holds this story back. And though Emmet is an interesting character and their relationship does feel organic, there is an “open door” intimate scene that feels unnecessary and makes this novel more New Adult than YA.

Ultimately, this story is best for patrons over 16 who feel like they have outgrown YA, and adult readers who like YA-adjacent series like ACOTAR and Fourth Wing. The Rose Bargain could be the next big thing – if it doesn’t blend into the overcrowded roman-tasy shelf.

Reviewed by Ivy Burns, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth.

four-stars

On a chariot of fire: the story of India’s Bene Israel

On a chariot of fire: the story of India’s Bene IsraelOn a Chariot of Fire: The Story of India’s Bene Israel by Erica Lyons, Siona Benjamin
ISBN: 1646144341
Genres: Family, Historical Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

You can learn a lot from a picture book. On a Chariot of Fire: The Story of India’s Bene Israel was my first introduction to this group of Jews who left Israel over two thousand years ago and landed on India’s coast. Nani Penkar details the traditionally told account of their arrival to her granddaughter Maya (both appearing to be Bene Israel Jews living in India) as they prepare Malida (a ceremonial rice dish). 

Nani relates the Bene Israel’s journey from the escape of religious persecution in Israel to a shipwreck off the coast of India and the integration of seven survivors into the community.  According to the author, the Bene Israel practiced Judaism without persecution in  Mumbai, “for they too had forbidden foods and holy days marked by the movement of the moon”. This adherence to religious traditions and practices leads to the appearance of a chariot of fire driven by Eliyahu HaNavi (Elijah), who declared that one day the Bene Israel would return to Israel, “because we hadn’t abandoned our faith”. 

The illustrations are vibrant and textural, although not always in harmony with the text. For those unfamiliar with the Bene Israel (like me), the story, in addition to the author’s note and glossary within the backmatter, provide an introduction to this group of people and their history. 

Recommended for school and public libraries.

Deanna Contrino, K-2 School Resource Librarian, Scarborough

three-stars

Two Birthdays

Two BirthdaysTwo Birthdays (Cedric and Boo Books) by Tim Hopgood
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 1536238902
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

Cedric (a crocodile) and Boo (an elephant) are the best of friends. The story opens on Boo’s “best birthday ever”, according to him. Cedric presents Boo with a superlative card and handknit scarf. Boo and Cedric share ice cream and thoroughly enjoy celebrating Boo’s birthday. A few weeks later, Cedric’s birthday arrives but without any of the fanfare or celebration. There is no acknowledgement from Boo, and no Boo. Cedric eats cake alone and the ”day did not feel special at all.”

Birthdays and fairness are two themes young readers consistently take an interest in, and no doubt many will take umbrage at the turn of events. The next day, Boo realizes he forgot and apologizes but there is still discomfort on both sides: Cedric because his feelings are still hurt and Boo because  he is aware he has caused his friend pain. This awareness allows Boo to come up with a plan to make amends. The resolution is a chance for redemption and forgiveness. A simple story that shows that friendships can survive mistakes and hurt feelings. The book ends with “Cedric and Boo, Friends Forever: A Song”, further extolling the pair’s affection. 

Highly recommended for school and public libraries.

Deanna Contrino, K-2 School Resource Librarian, Scarborough

five-stars

Beanie the bansheenie

Beanie the Bansheenie by Eoin Colfer, Steve McCarthy
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 1536240664
Genres: Family, Supernatural
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

Eoin Colfer turns Irish legend on its head in this long-form picture book about kindness and caring. Beanie the Bansheenie (a baby banshee named by atom fish) is destined to warn the small human girl named Rose when she is about to die (that is, after all, a banshee’s job). Circumstances collide, as seen in the graphic illustrations by Steve McCarthy, and Beanie is unable to bind with Rose in the way traditional to banshees. Instead, Beanie spends important developmental time in the company of the atom fish who name her and sustain her through storytelling and song. When Beanie is ready to learn of Rose (so she can do her Banshee job), she watches Rose (a creative and joyful human) and this observation, along with all the other non-traditional circumstances of Bansheenie’s existence, change the path of their destined relationship. 

The story and accompanying illustrations are entertaining and clever. Older readers will enjoy Colfer’s signature wry humor and McCarthy’s bold, graphic illustrations embellished with Celtic ornamentation and the depiction of Rose and Bansheenie as nonconforming (Rose is a brown-skinned girl with dark brown hair streaked with pink; Bansheenie looks like a punk rocker with her biker jacket, motorcycle boots and wallet chain). 

In an author’s note below the dedication, Colfer explains how and what inspired him to turn an Irish legend into a delightful story with an important message about unexpected opportunities to do good, be kind, and make a lifetime friend.The long form (64 p.) lends itself to a more complex plot, making this a good fit for older readers. Recommended for school and public libraries.

Deanna Contrino, K-2 School Resource Librarian, Scarborough

five-stars