Category: Book Reviews

Squirm

SquirmSquirm by Carl Hiaasen
Published by Knopf Books for Young Readers on September 25th 2018
ISBN: 0385752970
Pages: 304
Goodreads
five-stars

Carl Hiaasen continues to deliver top-notch environmental thrillers. Billy lives with his mom and sister in, where else?, Florida. His father took off when he was young and his mother moves the family frequently because she wants to always live in close proximity to an active eagle nest. Billy loves eagles too and he also has an affinity for snakes. He discovers that his father is living in Montana and hatches a plan to reconnect. This funny and at times improbable tale will prove popular with middle school students who have enjoyed Hiassen’s earlier books (Hoot, Flush).

Recommended for Cream of the Crop.

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

five-stars

Milla Takes Charge

Milla Takes ChargeMilla Takes Charge (Daring Dreamers Club #1) by Erin Soderberg
Published by Random House Disney on June 5th 2018
ISBN: 0736439242
Pages: 224
Goodreads
three-stars

Book one in the Disney Daring Dreamers Club. Milla and her friends are in 5th grade and decide to call their advisory group the Daring Dreamers Club. Their advisor loves Disney princesses and asks Milla and her friends to think about which princess inspires them and journal about it. Milla longs to travel and loves books — and owns a not-so-teacup-sized pig named Chip — so naturally she is drawn to Belle of Beauty and the Beast. Aimed at elementary-aged readers, this series might appeal to Disney princess fans but the overt message that all little girls should aspire to be a Disney princess may turn off some readers.

 

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

three-stars

Kawhi Leonard

Kawhi LeonardKawhi Leonard by Jon M. Fishman
Published by Lerner Publications on January 1st 2018
ISBN: 1541500415
Pages: 32
Goodreads
three-stars

This biography of San Antonio Spurs star player Kawhi Leonard is part of the Sports All-Stars series. Leonard is known for his big hands and wide wingspan (the distance from fingertip to fingertip when your arms are spread straight out). The book covers his early career as a high school basketball star (voted best basketball player in the state of California), his college career, and his professional career with the Spurs. Along the way, he has had to overcome the tragic death of his father while still in high school and various injuries. He also gives back to his community, even donating a new car he won to an organization helping children. His latest endeavor is designing clothing. With brief chapters and photographs, the attractive design should appeal to basketball enthusiasts and is appropriate for upper elementary/middle school readers (grades 4-6). The book includes an index, glossary, bibliography, and source notes.

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

three-stars

Walk and See ABC

Walk and See ABCWalk and See: ABC by Nosy Crow
Published by Nosy Crow on February 13th 2018
ISBN: 0763696234
Pages: 26
Goodreads
four-stars

Both preschool children featured in this book are adorable and inquisitive. This is one of the titles in a new series of board books for toddlers and nursery school children that will teach and delight. As a concept book, ABC pairs letters of the alphabet with animals and items that exit in nature. Even the ants and bees appear friendly toward the smiling faces of Beardshaw’s little ones. This reader appreciates the use of X in eXamine as it sums up the nature hike. The letters and words are large and printed in a readable font but it is the illustrations that push the book to the top. Even the jackets worn by the children are designed in nature prints.

We have a storyline, clear text, and adorable character within in a well-illustrated package. Add this to public library collections and gift to babies – toddlers and to those who love them.

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

four-stars

Zora & Me: The Cursed Ground

Zora & Me: The Cursed GroundThe Cursed Ground (Zora and Me #2) by T.R. Simon
Published by Candlewick Press (MA) on September 11th 2018
ISBN: 0763643017
Pages: 272
Goodreads
five-stars

Although a sequel to Zora & Me this second book is able to stands alone.   Simon presents readers with two spunky and inquisitive children who live in the first incorporated black township in the USA.  As a historic fiction this is a revealing book about the time following slavery in the south.   It is however the adventures of Carrie and Zora that bring the story to life.   We see their community through their eyes devoid of any rose colored glasses.  Zora & Me: The Cursed Ground will send chills up the spine of readers as he/she begins to comprehend the silence and violence touched upon by excellent characters.  Interaction between the individuals makes the book come alive, adults like Mr. Polk and Old Lady Bronson add intrigue to the adventure.

Place this book in middle school media centers and public libraries.  Any library purchasing this book should consider ordering the first book as well but it is not a necessary purchase.

Consider for Cream

Submitted by Jan Hamilton, retired children’s services librarian in Scarborough, ME

five-stars

Birds from Head to Tail

Birds from Head to TailBirds from Head to Tail by Stacey Roderick, Kwanchai Moriya
Published by Kids Can Press on October 2nd 2018
ISBN: 1771389257
Pages: 36
Goodreads
four-stars

Birds is part of the From Head to Tail series of early science picture books.  From nicely illustrated end pages to the two page spreads with informational text, this book is fun and educational.  Several pages include only a hint of the bird while others display the bird in full glory.  Alternate spreads ask the reader a question and the following illustrations and text reply with the answer.  In many cases the piece of anatomy is enough to identify but then Roderick and Moriya throw in a stumper like the Kiwi or Blue-Footed Booby.

Children who love nature and animals will want to take this from the public library over and over.  While there is not enough information for even primary class reports this book belongs in early grade media centers.  Make your favorite child happy by reading Birds but be ready for repeated request to open the cover and devour.

Reviewed by Jan Hamilton, retired children’s services librarian in Scarborough, ME

four-stars

Birds of a Color

Birds of a ColorBirds of a Color by Elo
Published by Candlewick Studio on May 8th 2018
ISBN: 1536200638
Pages: 20
Goodreads
five-stars

Each two page spread in this board book contains one black and white bird.  The shape and size of the bird and the background colors make this a winner without even viewing the minimal text.  Each bird’s flap exposes one word, the color visible when the flap is lifted.   Simple concept married to excellent illustration makes this a stand out board book for very young readers.

Add this treasure to the concept area of public libraries or shelve with board books.  Birds of a Color is perfect for the pre-reader and would be well received in day care centers and nursery schools.  Give at baby showers or as a first birthday gift.  The intended audience are toddlers and grandparents who love to read to little ones.

Consider for Cream.

Submitted by Jan Hamilton, retired children’s services librarian in Scarborough, ME

five-stars

All That Was

All That WasAll That Was by Karen Rivers
Published by Farrar Straus Giroux on January 16th 2018
ISBN: 0374302464
Pages: 384
Goodreads
three-stars

All That Was—Book Review

 

Piper is the best friend no one should ever have.  She forces her will on her BFF Sloane by belittling her, forcing her to lose her virginity to a stranger while being filmed, telling Sloane that even though she said No to the rape that she really meant yes, and cutting Sloane’s hair in the same style as Piper’s after the sex.  Sloane has been interested in a boy named Soup since they were in 4th grade, but when she expresses her feelings to Piper that is all it takes for Piper to go after Soup and become his girlfriend.  Piper is murdered by the boy who raped Sloane and the story is told in the past and present, showing the guilt Sloane and Soup feel about their part in her death.

The writing style is excellent in a stream of consciousness manner.  Readers first only hear Sloane’s thoughts and her emotional problems are front and center.  Towards the end we read Soup’s thoughts which adds a great deal to the story.  This book should provoke discussions about the hazards of peer pressure, when No means No, and the emotional stress which so many young adults feel.  It is recommended for grades 9-12 young adults.

 

Reviewed by Ellen Spring, Oceanside High School, Rockland

 

 

 

 

three-stars

Neon Leon

Neon LeonNeon Leon by Jane Clarke, Britta Teckentrup
Published by Nosy Crow on July 24th 2018
ISBN: 0763699152
Pages: 24
Goodreads
three-stars

Neon Leon is a sad chameleon who is in search of a place where he fits in.    Clarke and Teckentrup  reveal his struggle in this most appealing and bright picture book.   Being the wrong color and unable to change like his mates creates huge problems that must be overcome.  Together the author and illustrator  take readers for a walk through several habits till a satisfying ending is achieved.

The story line will reassure children who find social situations challenging while the illustrations will lighten their hearts.  Being one of the crowd, just like everyone else, and finding your group are heavy issues for primary school students.   Leon will resonate with K- 2nd graders who strive for the right balance.  The brimming colors and large illustrations are sure to please and will bring smiles to small faces.

Add to primary grade media centers and to public libraries which serve children.   This is an excellent book to purchase for children who are searching for the right balance in social situations.

 

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

three-stars

Where I Live

Where I LiveWhere I Live by Brenda Rufener
Published by HarperTeen on February 27th 2018
ISBN: 0062571095
Pages: 352
Goodreads
four-stars

Ruffener has presented a heart wrenching story of courage and resilience in her first novel.  Readers slowly learn what makes Linden tick and how she survives in her new environment.  The plot goes deeper as the pages turn revealing a variety of issues facing a homeless teen.   This is a book that reveals a social issue that many readers are unable to imagine.   Her need of warmth and comfort goes beyond the lack of a place to sleep, the author exposes hardships of the body and spirit.

There are moments when the story seems to lag but the overall product is very well done.  Readers will learn about a social issue they may never have encounter in high school.    While there is romance within the pages that is not the focus.  One has to ask: how can a girl be so invisible when she is hiding in sight of the entire school and community?  Other issues surround this story line; we see bulling, physical abuse, sexual identity, as well as the use of addictive products within the pages.

Consider for middle school media centers, add to high school shelves and to public library YA collections.

 

Reviewed by Jan Hamilton, retired librarian in Scarborough, Maine

four-stars