Category: Book Reviews

Beth is Dead

Beth is DeadBeth is Dead by Katie Bernet
Published by Sarah Barley Books ISBN: 9781665988698
Genres: Mystery, Psychological thriller
Format: Young Adult
Goodreads
five-stars

On New Year’s Day, in modern-day Concord, Massachusetts, Jo March wakes up to find her sister Beth dead, seemingly killed. Everyone is a suspect. Amy, who took Beth to a New Year’s Eve party, was too busy hooking up with Laurie to have any answers. Meg is off at Harvard studying medicine, becoming a nurse like their mother. Dad is MIA. He left the home and the girls in an attempt to protect them from the controversial fallout of his novel, Little Women. Beth is Dead is told in alternating perspectives of all four sisters with a non-linear structure (Then and Now).

Little Women being a book-within-a-book shifts this novel from being a simple alternate-universe retelling to something more. It allows the March girls to critique the source while also depicting fan-favorite and familiar scenes. Beth is concerned about being too meek and perfect. Meg is concerned with being perceived as a snob. Amy is hated by nearly all readers, but seems to revel in her brashness. Jo, meanwhile, is everyone’s favorite character (and favorite Instagram/Substack influencer), which she struggles to live up to while nursing her own literary aspirations. Despite the title, all the sisters are all incredibly alive on the page, and each have their own closely-held secrets. Their snappy banter and frequent arguments feel completely realistic. The sister’s deep love for each other and Bernet’s love of the source material are both clear.

This structure also allows for an intriguing conversation about writing itself. Is writing about those around you exploitative? It is dishonest? Is it selfish? The novel never completely answers those questions (can they be answered?), but it leaves the reader with something deeper to chew on in addition to the truly thrilling twists and turns of the mystery itself. Perfect for fans of the source and newcomers alike, Beth is Dead is a great addition to any young adult collection.

Nominated for Cream of the Crop for its subversive retelling, thrilling plot, and lovably complex characters.

Reviewed by Kristin Arsenault, Mountain Valley High School, Rumford.

five-stars

I Will Not Walk To School

I Will Not Walk To SchoolI Will Not Walk to School by Kelly Collier, Naseem Hrab
Published by Kids Can Press ISBN: 1525314394
Genres: Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Another school day, another dreaded commute for Monster. School’s not the issue, it’s just getting there that has him dragging his feet. Luckily he has Bird, a selfless source of motivation who reminds Monster that it’s pancake day and then proceeds to stick with him every step of the meandering, increasingly infuriating way.

Presented entirely in banter between Monster and Bird, this picture book for younger grades will appeal to both Mo Willems fans and those who have similar trouble making the daily trek to school.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski. Patten Free Library, Bath

three-stars

Worm on the Job

Worm on the JobWorm on the Job by Maureen Fergus, Paul Hammond
ISBN: 1525313169
Genres: Picture book/animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Worm on the Job

Author: Maureen Fergus

Illustrator: Paul G. Hammond

 

This picture book for ages 3-7 demonstrates that size isn’t everything and that you can do anything you put your mind to!

Worm is a librarian, but he’s read all the books on the shelves and has decided it’s time for a new job. He considers numerous options, such as lifeguard, deep-sea fisherman, and window washer, but none are the right fit for him. Then, he finds a sign looking for a courageous night security guard to keep a thief from stealing the Invention Convention’s exhibits. Unfortunately, the hiring manager doesn’t think that Worm would be good at the job since he is just a small worm. Worm proves to be perfect for the job, competent in ways that people aren’t, and is even offered a promotion! Worm sets his sights even higher- outer space

The illustrations contain clever details and funny pictures that warrant multiple readings. This is a great story celebrating optimism, self-confidence, and perseverance. Worm is sure to inspire others to reach for their dreams.

Reviewed by: Lindsey Hopkins, Jay-Niles Library, Jay

5 stars

five-stars

A Smile Like Yours

Genres: LGBTQ+, Realistic Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
five-stars

A Smile Like Yours is a YA graphic novel about a group of teens in their first year at university who struggle to find their way in this new phase of their lives. One of the standout aspects of this book was the inclusion of an invisible disability of prosopagnosia or face blindness. Rhys can only recognize people by identifiers like their clothes or hair but can’t recognize them by their faces, even his family members. The graphic novel style paired beautifully with this aspect by highlighting the identifiers Rhys uses to recognize people and highlighting them in a different color from the rest of the artwork. Another standout aspect was the inclusion of LGBTQIA+ identities in the book and the discussions the characters have around sexuality. Since these were the two main themes (invisible disabilities and sexual orientation), a lot of the book was also about trust and developing relationships with other people, which I think is so important for young people to read about. This book is definitely the next Hearstopper, and I can’t wait to see kids reading it. This is a must-add to any library serving young adults and up. This was a five-star, cream of the crop read for me.

Reviewed by Katy Jones, Gardiner Area High School Library, Gardiner

five-stars

A House of Vipers

A House of VipersA House of Vipers by Emma Jackson
Published by Delacorte Press Genres: Mystery, Psychological thriller
Format: Young Adult
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

Meddlehart Academy is an exclusive, elite boarding school nestled in the mountains of Colorado. It is also the last place Lawson Heyward was seen alive. A year and a half after his disappearance the night of prom, his younger brother Sutter and his friends Carter, Greyson, Fallon, and Margot set out to find him and the legendary founder’s treasure he was hot on the trail of. To do so, they must join the secretive treasure-hunting Order of the Vipers and endure their initiation trials. Meanwhile, someone who seems to have all the answers keeps leaving them notes with clues. Who could it be?

The story is told in a 3rd person, multi-POV style through the core trio of the quintet: Sutter, Fallon, and Grayson, who also happen to be in a love triangle. Readers who favor the  found family trope will enjoy this crew. Each of them (save Carter) suffer from alienating home lives that make Meddlehart a home away from home. Sutter’s father is overbearing in maintaining the patriarchal status-quo. Margot’s family seemingly cares more about their business ventures than her. Grayson found his mother dead from an overdose and his famous father is neglectful, contributing to his depression and deep anger. Fallon’s parents died in a car crash, leaving her with intense abandonment trauma. The friend group largely reads as white, Carter is described as having dark-brown skin. The plot itself revolves around Sutter, but Fallon is the heart of the novel (and not just because the romance subplot hinges on her decision between the two boys). Her Hermione-like bookwormishness and rule-following is the moral center of the group.

Dark academia abounds in this story, which starts with a morose tone of a cloudy day and dives deeper and darker as the mystery unfolds. Light violence at the beginning (fistfights) makes way to murder (off-page), but isn’t gruesomely described. The ending satisfyingly resolves both the mystery and the love story, but is not all happy endings. Perfect for fans of We Were Liars, This Place Kills Me, and One of Us is Lying looking for their next fix.

Reviewed by Kristin Arsenault, Mountain Valley High School, Rumford

four-stars

I’m So Happy You’re Here: A Celebration of Library Joy

I’m So Happy You’re Here: A Celebration of Library JoyI'm So Happy You're Here: A Celebration of Library Joy by Lorraine Nam, Mychal Threets
Genres: Emotions & Feelings, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

In this love letter to libraries, Mychal the Librarian (a librarian, viral social media personality, and literacy advocate) conveys the most important message shared by all librarians: “I’m so happy you’re here.” The very simple text is a gentle reminder that everyone belongs in the library, just as they are. And while libraries have lots of books, you can also do so much more at the library by attending activities and programs. The paint and collage illustrations are pure joy and full of color and emotion. The text and illustrations are incredibly inclusive, showcasing different races, ages, families, abilities, and housing situations. A sweet addition to any library collection. Recommended for ages 3 to 7 (Preschool to 2nd Grade). Cream of the crop nominee.

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

five-stars

Emily Saw a Door

Emily Saw a DoorEmily Saw a Door by Mel Rosenberg, Orit Magia
Genres: Emotions & Feelings, Inspiration
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

In this motivational picture book, Emily is searching for a door that will open for her. She knocks on all kinds of doors during her search for one. She encounters a blue door that only opens for people feeling blue, a dishonest door that only opens for liars, and a very tall door that only opens for people who are tall enough. Finally, she realizes that she must create her own door – and so she does! When a new friend comes knocking, it is already open for them.

The text is humorous at times, and even includes a carnivorous door that wants Emily to stay for lunch. The illustrations (created with paint and paper textures combined with digital media) are delightful and use ample white space to focus on each door. While this book contains an important message about belonging and creating your own path, the metaphor does not seem readily apparent to the intended younger audience. Recommended for ages 5 to 8 (Kindergarten to 3rd Grade).

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

four-stars

All the Water on Earth

All the Water on EarthAll the Water on Earth (CitizenKid, 29) by Madelyn Goodnight, Rochelle Strauss
ISBN: 1525310887
Goodreads
four-stars

All the Water on Earth by Rochelle Strauss is part of the Citizen Kid series, encouraging children to be “global citizens.” The book is an informative and accessible resource on water, its uses, and its limits. I found it struck a good balance between hard facts (“Water is always on the move. It circles from Earth to the sky and back down again…over and over and over”) and inspiring wonder (“Imagine…the water you sipped today may be the same water a triceratops slurped!). Throughout the book we are reminded that “all the water on Earth is…all the water on Earth”).  Lively illustrations and engaging text will keep young learners interested in the many ways water sustains our lives.

Appropriate for ages 4-8, All the Water on Earth would make a welcome addition to school and public library nonfiction collections. End matter includes more facts about water and conservation, questions for discussion, as well as book and website suggestions for digging deeper. Useful for units on water, conservation, pollution, and the environment.

Beth Almquist, Lewiston Public Library

four-stars

Charmed and Dangerous

by Shelly Page
Published by Joy Revolution Pages: 266
Genres: Fantasy, Mystery, Romance
Format: Young Adult
three-stars

There is a LOT going on in Shelly Page’s Charmed and Dangerous, a lighthearted rom-com set in small town Fair Glen, where magic is a part of everyday life. The Bureau of Mystical Affairs, where high school senior Monroe Bennett is a Junior Recruit, oversees everything from enchanted objects (legal) to charms (illegal), like the love charm running amok at Fair Glen High. When the rogue charm causes flirtatious, popular girl (and Bureau Chief’s daughter) Iris to suffer a dangerous magical mishap, Monroe’s daring and romantically-charged rescue of Iris goes viral, launching the pair into a fake-dating scheme for varying motives. What follows is a pat romance plot that hits all the beats just when you’d expect them while also trying to manage the mystery behind the charm and some rather messy magical worldbuilding. 

At times, the chaos of these competing ambitions gets in the way of the romance, which, despite increasingly didactic explanations about being real with the person one loves, still relies very heavily on physical attraction between two otherwise engaging Black, lesbian teens. The writing, peppered with today’s pop ephemera, leans toward the young end of YA, and its strongest elements – the mystery, diverse representation throughout, and Monroe’s struggles with her parents’ divorce – give readers plenty to love, even if the romance ultimately lacks a little magic.

Reviewed by Emily Ender, Oxford Hills Middle School Library, South Paris

three-stars

Mungo on His Own

Mungo on His OwnMungo on His Own by Julie Benbassat, Matthew Burgess
ISBN: 006321671X
Genres: Picture book/animals, Animals, Emotions & Feelings, Nature
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Mungo on His Own by Matthew Burgess takes the reader on a young fox’s first journey into the forest alone. Still hungry after dinner, Mungo and his mother decide it’s time for him to venture out to find his own food at the red berry bush. The dangers of the forest are darkly illustrated as Mungo endures predators, or perhaps they are just trees that appear to be bears and owls? The reader is encouraged to decide for themselves. Mungo triumphs in his quest, and returns home enjoying his success and the beauty of his first snowfall.

The book is appropriate for ages 4-8 and encourages children to do challenging things, even if things may appear scary at first. The language is descriptive and poetic, without being too obtuse: “…wonders sometimes happen when we stand inside our fear on four feet, eyes sharp, breathing deep.” A young reader could appreciate a simple message of accepting challenges, while older readers could spend some time unpacking what it means to be brave when fear is strong, how imagination can cloud reality, and how to be “sharp” while “breathing deep.”

Recommended for school and public libraries. The book could be well used as a read-aloud while teaching about forests, winter, courage, imagination (with its occasional perils), and meeting challenges.

Reviewed by Beth Almquist, Lewiston Public Library

four-stars