Category: Book Reviews

Love, Life, and the List

Love, Life, and the ListLove, Life, and the List by Kasie West
Published by HarperTeen on December 26th 2017
ISBN: 006267577X
Pages: 384
Goodreads
three-stars

Seventeen-year-old artist Abby is spending her summer trying to get into an art show and get over being in love with her best friend, Cooper.  The head of the art show tells her that she needs more depth in her art. In order to make that happen, she decides to make a list of life experiences that should accomplish that goal.  She brings Cooper in on the list as well, trying to win him over at the same time. West makes a bit of a departure in this book, focusing more on the main character’s arc and keeping her love interest from returning any romantic feelings until the very end of the book.  Abby is a like-able character with a great sarcastic sense of humor that she shares with her grandfather. Their relationship is a joy to witness, and the best written one in the book. While not a must buy, it’s a worthy purchase where West’s books and teen romances are popular.  Recommended for grades 8 and up.

Reviewed by Kara Reiman, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook

three-stars

The Little Prince 75th Anniversary Edition

The Little Prince 75th Anniversary EditionLittle Prince 75th Anniversary Edition: Includes the History and Making of the Classic Story by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Published by HMH Books for Young Readers on October 23rd 2018
ISBN: 1328479757
Pages: 224
Goodreads
four-stars

The 75th Anniversary Edition of “The Little Prince” comes packed with information about the author, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry , how the story came to be, unused chapters, sketches of the characters, a bonus audio reading of the book, and a whole lot more! Color photographs and illustrations throughout the book are a nice addition and it’s clear that a lot of research has gone into the creation of this edition.

I learned that “The Little Prince” was first published in America and was actually not published in France until after the author’s death, which was surprising. The story itself is obviously the same as in past editions, but with a lot of additional information. The additional material is clearly written with older kids or adults in mind, because the font is small and the vocabulary words are big, as opposed to the story itself, which is for kids in fifth grade and older. I would not say that this book is a must-buy for your library unless your current copy of “The Little Prince” needs replacing, but it is beautiful and full of information.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook

four-stars

Astrid the Unstoppable

Astrid the UnstoppableAstrid the Unstoppable by Maria Parr, Guy Puzey
Published by Candlewick Press (MA) on November 13th 2018
ISBN: 1536200174
Pages: 320
Goodreads
four-stars

This book has a couple of themes. One theme is friendships come in different ages. Another is when families separate it’s never the children’s fault. People can love one another from far away and over time.

The first is Astrid is growing up in the Norwegian mountains. She is the only child in her village. Her best friend is her godfather and he is in his 60/70s. He is a grumpy old man who plays the violin. Astrid keeps him in line.

There is a retreat run by Mr. Hagen who hates children (They are not allowed at his campground). His place is located between Astrid’s farm at the top of the mountain and Gunnvald’s farm. Getting to her godfather’s is more of an adventure on some days than others.

Gunnvald falls and breaks his leg in 2 places. He is laid up in the hospital and rehab for weeks.  This is when Astrid learns that the whole town had lied to her. Gunnvald has a daughter who plays the violin for the world, and she has been gone for 30 years! Now she is back and plans to sell the farm. Gunnvald and his daughter have not spoken in all that time. Astrid’s own mother is away for months at a time because she works in Iceland tracking the disappearance of the ocean. What if her mother had asked her to leave the mountain, would she leave her dad behind?

Reviewed by Jeri Fitzpatrick, GNG Middle School, Gray

four-stars

Dust Storm

Dust StormDust Storm! by Terry Lynn Johnson
Published by HMH Books for Young Readers on November 6th 2018
ISBN: 0544970985
Pages: 128
Goodreads
four-stars

 

Do not panic! Again, do not panic! That’s the best advice to anyone caught in an emergency, such as in this book about getting caught in a dust storm.

In this volume of the “Survivor Diaries,” the story unfolds as sixth-grader Jen describes her experience to a reporter. She and competitive classmate Martin learn that their personal strengths can be used together to increase their chances of survival, and that their personal weaknesses need not be hidden or be ashamed of. They also learn to accept each other’s differences.

Back matter is full of useful information: actual survival strategies from the New Mexico Search and Rescue, list of wilderness travel essentials, and author information that lends authenticity to the series.
There’s are online games that parallel each book in the series, and if the player makes all the “right’ choices, s/he survives.

Occasional illustrations in grayscale hint at the reduced visibility one would experience in a dust storm.

This lacks the realistic details and intense drama of Paulsen’s “Hatchet” or Tarshis’ “I Survived” series, but could be an additional purchase for survival fans who are younger or less experienced readers.

Reviewed by Lynn Mayer, Librarian, Old Town Elementary School, Old Town

four-stars

Wild Buildings and Bridges

Wild Buildings and BridgesWild Buildings and Bridges: Architecture Inspired by Nature by Etta Kaner, Carl Wiens
Published by Kids Can Press on October 2nd 2018
ISBN: 1771387815
Pages: 40
Goodreads
five-stars

This is a great book for the next step of life after legos. The future architects will love this book. It’s a true story of building and bridges from around the world that were inspired by nature. One learns from observing how nature works wetland copycats dirty toilet water turns into a living machine, paint mimics butterfly wings to let the rain keep a round shape to roll right off, turning a desert green,  it’s not cool to be hot, and how to survive earthquakes. The Council House 2 office building in Melbourne, Australia was modeled after termite towers in Africa. They meant for the tower to work like lungs, but discovered they didn’t have it quite right. It still saves a lot of energy in ways that they didn’t expect. The school in San Juan Comalapa thick walls are made from used tires, dirt, plastic bottles stuffed with inorganic trash, this keeps the building cool during the day and warm in the evening.

The book is a mix of watercolor and photos. The stories include the history of some of the architects, the structures, and how they work.

After reading the book, students wanted to learn more about some of the structures, they researched on their own

Review by Jeri Fitzpatrick, GNGMS School, Gray

five-stars

The Ghostly Carousel

The Ghostly CarouselThe Ghostly Carousel: Delightfully Frightful Poems by Calef Brown
Published by Carolrhoda Books (R) on August 1st 2018
ISBN: 151242661X
Pages: 32
Goodreads
two-stars

Great book for some spooky fun poems. There are seventeen poems  “I’m not afraid of bats or bee stings, but late at night I think I see things… Illustrations are acrylic. The poems are mostly cuplets  and short.

Reviewed by Jeri Fitzpatrick, GNG Middle School, Gray

two-stars

Ginny Goblin is not allowed to open this box

Ginny Goblin is not allowed to open this boxGinny Goblin Is Not Allowed to Open This Box by David Goodner, Louis Thomas
Published by HMH Books for Young Readers on July 17th 2018
ISBN: 0544764153
Pages: 40
Goodreads
four-stars

Ginny Goblin has a box for her, but she is not allowed to open it until after dinner. She cannot wait to open it, so she tries many different ways to get to the box (ninja suits, catapults, goats, and a motorcycle are just a few things she tries). Nothing works, as her parents are always moving the box out of reach. Eventually, Ginny Goblin gets discouraged and stops trying to get to the box. But now we, the reader, want to know what is in the box!!! Written by David Goodner and illustrated by Louis Thomas, “Ginny Goblin is not allowed to open this box” is funny and smart and will appeal to kids who like silly books, like Jon Klassen’s “This is not my hat.” Kids will enjoy the ridiculous attempts by Ginny and the bright and funny drawings. Aimed at children 4 – 7, this book is a must-buy if you have a large picture book collection.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook

four-stars

Wacky Things Pets Do: Volume 1

Wacky Things Pets Do: Volume 1Wacky Things Pets Do, Volume 1: Weird and Amazing Things Pets Do! by Heidi Fiedler, Marta Sorte
Published by Walter Foster Jr. on August 1st 2018
ISBN: 1600587887
Pages: 32
Goodreads
three-stars

“Wacky things pets do” is filled with weird facts about different types of animals that are sometimes kept as pets. Did you know that horses can sleep standing up? Or that rabbits can get cavities from eating too many carrots?  Or that ferrets dance around when they’re happy? Each page has a different fact about animals from salamanders to cats and super bright and funny illustrations of pet owners interacting with their pets. Marta Sorte’s illustrations are simple, bright, and humorous and were my favorite part of the book.  Aimed at grades 3 – 5, this short book is not necessarily a must buy for your book collection, but is a fun purchase for kids who love fact books.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook

three-stars

Island War

Island WarIsland War by Patricia Reilly Giff
Published by Holiday House on October 23rd 2018
ISBN: 0823439542
Pages: 208
Genres: Historical Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Told in alternating chapters, Izzy and Matt form an unlikely alliance in an effort to survive and outwit invading soldiers during World War II.  Izzy’s father has recently died and Izzy’s mother, a bird lover, has delayed a family trip to the Aleutian Islands to study migration. Though hesitant to leave without her husband’s guidance and support for such a long trip from Connecticut, she and Izzy soon leave by boat for the island.  Matt and his father are making the same journey from Long Island though Matt’s father’s intentions are much more secretive and dangerous. Through a misadventure on the ship Matt and Izzy get off on the wrong foot and their relationship only worsens on the island. Though both are attending the same small island school, they avoid each other and Matt especially projects hostility toward Izzy.  Suddenly war is declared on the Japanese and within days, the island is taken over by Japanese soldiers. Every person on the island is loaded onto a ship and taken away yet Izzy and Matt have remained hidden. Next begins a tense time of staying out of sight of soldiers, keeping warm and fed, and finding a way off the island. Matt and Izzy come to depend on each other and ultimately will find their way home.  This novel could have benefitted from a map of the Aleutian Islands which could give readers a sense of clarity as to how far away from the United States this story was taking place. Overall a good middle grade historical fiction by a consistently reliable author but for students looking to learn more about World War II, this lacks breadth and depth.

Reviewed by Suzanne Dix, Westbrook Middle School, Westbrook

three-stars

The Fix-It Friends Eyes on the Prize

The Fix-It Friends Eyes on the PrizeEyes on the Prize by Nicole C. Kear, Tracy Dockray
Published by Imprint on January 23rd 2018
ISBN: 1250115809
Goodreads

Because paying attention can be tricky.

Veronica Conti's on a mission. She wants a trophy. She needs a trophy. She will not rest until a glorious golden trophy is in her hands! So when her school's 100 Day Contest is announced, Veronica vows to take home the grand prize.

But when Veronica gets teamed up with none other than Matthew Sawyer, her biggest enemy, she thinks all hope is lost. Matt gets distracted and has a history of losing stuff, not to mention that he and Veronica can't stop arguing.

To win the prize, Matt needs to organize. And to do that, he needs the Fix It Friends! Together, the friends help Matt and Veronica discover that unexpected friendship is the best prize of all.

Great story for encouraging students to be open to finding friends within the classroom, in most unlikely people. Third-grader Veronica wants a trophy, medal, certificate, just some form of recognition of excellence. Everyone in her family has something, even her two-year-old sister brings home a medal for using the potty.

Veronica decides her trophy will come from the school 100-day project event. Her teacher chooses the work groups. It includes one best friend, yes! Another best friend, yes! Her nemesis Mathew Sawyer, who suffers from attention deficit. NOOOOOO!

Who knew that working together would make a new friend.

The book has a Fix-It Friends Toolbox at the back of the book with hints on how to pay attention and get organized.

Reviewed by Jeri Fitzpatrick, GNG Middle school, Gray