Category: Book Reviews

Rolls and Rivalry

Rolls and RivalryRolls and Rivalry (Gaming and Romance, #3) by Kristy Boyce
on May 5, 2026
ISBN: 0593899229
Genres: Realistic Fiction, Romance
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

It’s Hazel Buchanan’s senior year, and she has plans: lead her color guard team to superior ranking, win the MVP award, and even start her first Dungeons and Dragons game. But when her childhood best friend, Max, transfers back to her school, her plans quickly come crashing down. They quickly begin a rivalry when Max joins the drum section in the marching band. Their overbearing parents even coerce Max into Hazel’s D&D game. Will the game bring them closer together? And will their rivalry turn into something more?

Rolls and Rivalry by Kristy Boyce is a cute rom-com that’s easy to read and perfect for reading slumps. It’s very relatable to teens as it embodies the high school experience. From teenage angst to complicated relationships, this story has realistic and multidimensional characters who are likeable. Hazel especially goes through a lot of character growth as the protagonist. Watching her journey from becoming a strict perfectionist to an empathetic friend is incredibly gratifying as the reader. Of course, Rolls and Rivalry is a romance at its core. And, there’s no doubt that Hazel and Max’s enemies-to-lovers romance brings butterflies to your stomach. But, Rolls and Rivalry is also a coming of age story. That’s what makes it special and worth putting on the shelves. Recommended for Grade 7 and up.

Reviewed by Kristen Simmons, Medomak Valley High School

 

four-stars

Science Encyclopedia: Atom Smashing, Food Chemistry, Animals, Space, and More!

Science Encyclopedia: Atom Smashing, Food Chemistry, Animals, Space, and More!National Geographic Kids Science Encyclopedia, 2nd Edition: Atom Smashing, Food Chemistry, Animals, Space, and More! (NGK Encyclopedias) by National Geographic Kids
Published by National Geographic Kids on 8/11/26
ISBN: 9798217224845
Genres: STEM
Format: Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

Upper elementary and middle school science fans will love National Geographic’s Science Encyclopedia.  It is full of experiments kids can do with materials on hand, interesting photographs and diagrams, and information about real scientists who contributed to the topic being discussed.  The encyclopedia is organized into topics related to physical science, space and earth sciences, or life science and includes sections on forces and machines, the universe, and the human body.  Each page is a little different, but they all include a brief explanation of the topic, photographs, and colorful text boxes.  Some include jokes, experiments, and definitions of important words.  While this encyclopedia doesn’t go into great detail, it does provide enough information to explain how or why things work and would be a good jumping off point for kids to read further on topics they find interesting.  Nonfiction features include a table of contents, index, and thorough glossary.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

three-stars

Shadow Reaper

Shadow ReaperShadow Reaper by Lynette Noni
Series: Shadow Reaper #1
Published by Penguin Random House on 2026
ISBN: 979-8-217-0334504
Genres: Fantasy, Romance
Format: Chapter Book Fiction, Young Adult
Goodreads
five-stars

In Aravell, children turning fourteen sacrifice their magic to the Obelisks, towers that keep the deadly blackmist away.  Reapers steal their magic, and hunters try to stop them. Seventeen year old Viridia is a talented hunter whose parents were murdered by the Reaper Priest seven years ago.  To make matters worse, her brother Braeden and best friend Reeve became reapers that day.  When Reeve is arrested, Viridia uncovers a sinister plot to destroy the Obelisks that involves stealing children. She breaks Reeve out of jail and joins a crew of Reapers working to stop the Reaper Priest before that happens.  Viridia begins to remember hidden memories of the day her parents died that turns her life upside down.  Will she and Reeve manage to save the children and all of Aravell?  

This is the first in a duology and ends on a major cliffhanger. The book is a romantasy but skews more toward fantasy. It is clear that Viridia and Reeve are fated to be together, but that is not the main focus of the book. Their stories intertwine in a shocking plot twist that kept me reading more. Sleep was lost. The supporting characters are just as compelling and interesting as the main characters. This copy includes a beautiful map as well. 

Reviewed by Jaime Beal, RSU 40

five-stars

The Day My Mom Came to Kindergarten

The Day My Mom Came to KindergartenThe Day My Mom Came to Kindergarten by Maureen Fergus, Mike Lowery
on March 1, 2013
ISBN: 152531565X
Genres: School, Family
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads

This is a paperback reissue of a 2013 title. A humorous spin on the important social emotional learning that happens in kindergarten. Our narrator is a kindergartener who loves school, but things take a zany turn when she invites her mom to join her in the classroom for the day. And while you might think that a kindergarten alum like a mom would know just how to behave, it turns out that this mom has forgotten the basics: she speaks out of turn, cuts in line, and runs inside in her outdoor shoes, among other embarrassing transgressions. Our narrator is horrified, but gentle in her corrections of Mom’s behavior: “I’m sorry, Mom, but…” or “Don’t worry. Everyone makes mistakes at first.” After a quick check in with her teacher, the two decide to give Mom a bit more time to get used to the kindergarten rules, and she does make some improvements by the end of the day. Ultimately, though, Mom decides to stick to a job that plays to her strengths. Our narrator has a kind suggestion: “you’re really good at being a mom, Mom.” Lowery’s child-like illustrations amplify the humor, and select typography emphasizes Mom’s wrongdoings. VERY EMBARRASSING! A fun Freaky Friday where the kid gently and kindly guides the parent through their misbehavior. Main characters read as white.

Reviewed by Carolyn Gallmeyer, Lithgow Public Library, Augusta

Magic Tree House Fact Tracker Graphic Novel: Titanic

Magic Tree House Fact Tracker Graphic Novel: TitanicMagic Tree House Fact Tracker Graphic Novel: Titanic by Jomike Tejido, Mary Pope Osborne, Meika Hashimoto
ISBN: 0593705920
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
four-stars

Magic Tree House Fact Tracker Graphic Novel: Titanic

Young readers in grades 2 through 5 (possibly even older depending on level and interest), especially those who like graphic novels, will love this one! Even many adults will learn a thing or two about the Titanic through this engaging graphic novel. Readers will appreciate how the author takes us through the events before, during, and after the Titanic’s voyage and sinking. Readers will love how the illustrations help them further understand the text and give them a sense of how grandiose everything about the ship was. Teachers will appreciate that larger vocabulary words are defined, making the text more accessible and educational for students. Librarians will appreciate that, like the other books in the series, readers are encouraged to learn more about the book’s topic and consult a library and librarian for help with further research. Any reader who appreciates learning about history, non-fiction, graphic novels, or books about the Titanic will absolutely love this one. Strongly recommended for libraries serving elementary-aged readers or those with a particular interest in the Titanic. This was a four-star read for me.

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

four-stars

Smash or Pass

Smash or PassSmash or Pass by Birdie Schae
on May 12, 2026
Pages: 249
Genres: LGBTQ+, Mental Health, Romance
Format: Young Adult
Goodreads
four-stars

Smash or Pass is a YA realistic fiction novel about a girl named Ellie who’s been feeling like she needs to change who she is to be more palatable for others. Her twin, Noah, has been trying to convince her for years to abandon her “rules”-the guidelines she came up with to figure out how to mask her autism and be popular among her peers-but Ellie was so set on following them that she distanced herself from Noah instead. When her relationship with her boyfriend, Daniel, crashes and burns, Ellie thinks she has to do whatever it takes to get Daniel back over the summer so that no one will see the real her. However, when she attends Smash!, a volleyball camp, she discovers that there are more people than just Noah who like Ellie for who she really is.

This own-voices novel unmasks some of the struggles autistic people face, while also creating dynamic, relatable characters who aren’t any one thing: Schae even has Ellie make the point that if you’ve met one autistic person, you’ve met one autistic person. There’s also strong LGBTQIA+ representation with characters who are non-binary, questioning, trans, queer, and even demi-romantic. Schae’s wide representation of mental health and sexuality in these teen characters is a standout feature in this novel and one that makes it a strong addition to any library serving teens in grades 9-12. Patrons who like coming-of-age, realistic fiction, diverse characters, quick reads, and romance will scoop this one up quickly. This was a four-star read for me. Reviewed by Katy Jones, Gardiner Area High School Library, Gardiner

four-stars

Encore!

Encore!Encore! by Miles Toriko Burks
on June 2, 2026
ISBN: 0063282453
Genres: LGBTQ+
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
five-stars

Encore! is a YA graphic novel about two teens, Clay and Aron, who were best friends when they were younger but then had a falling out in middle school. Forced back together in a theater class, they have to reconcile their differences. As they become partners on a theater project and spend more time together, they start to wonder where it all went wrong, if it’s too late to fix their friendship, and if what they’re feeling might be more than just friends.

This is Burk’s debut, and you’d never know it! The characters are dynamic and well developed; even side characters have flaws and redeeming qualities and distinct personalities. The illustrations are beautiful and engaging, especially the characters’ facial expressions, which are detailed and make such an impression on the reader.

There were two standout features in this text: One was the conversations around sexuality. There were characters who were gay, lesbian, trans, questioning, bisexual, and more. Each one was approached with nuance rather than stereotype and as part of a character rather than the entire character. One of the main characters discovers that he’s bisexual and pushes back on his friends and teammates making jokes about it, which is important representation for change in our culture. The second standout feature was the conversations around friendship. Throughout the book, each character has moments of being a good friend and a bad friend, and these are discussed amongst each other. Readers will appreciate the examples of navigating difficult moments with friends and learning what it means to be a good friend. This would be a strong addition to any library serving teen readers, especially those who like graphic novels, theater, and popular reads like Heartstopper. This was a five-star read for me. Reviewed by Katy Jones, Gardiner Area High School Library, Gardiner

five-stars

Someday Perfect

Someday PerfectSomeday Perfect by Kat Schneider
on April 21, 2026
ISBN: 0593809629
Pages: 288
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
three-stars

Someday Perfect is a graphic novel by Kat Schneider about a girl named Meg whose father is a pastor and who is spending the summer at a Christian sleepaway camp. Meg’s friends at camp start bending the rules and she starts crushing on a boy, named Danny, and suddenly she’s not sure what to believe: the teachings of her father and her church or what her friends and her heart want her to do.

The illustrations were eye-catching, engaging, and help the reader move back and forth in time as she reflects on her previous school year at her first non-denominational school and her present-day experiences at camp; the illustrations from the previous year are always in blue, unlike the scenes that take place in the present day. When Meg’s mind wanders during meetings or sermons, the illustrations blur the words so they fall into the background for the reader as well.

Some aspects of this book could be triggering for some readers, especially those who might struggle to read about sexism or religious trauma. For example, we see how much the camp leaders focus on the girls being modest, criticize their choices, make them serve the males at the camp, and shame them for any perceived mistakes or immodesty. The tension between the teachings of the camp and Meg and the other girls’ inner voices is the main conflict in the book. While it’s published as about a summer crush, a lot of the book is really about the damage these religious teachings can do; several of the girls demonstrate struggles with their mental health. This would be a good fit for readers who appreciate graphic novels, want a window into someone else’s experience, or those who liked Gaytheist. Readers who are already struggling with their mental health or beliefs might be better served by a read that reinforces their worth and value; while Schneider presents some potentially harmful beliefs, this isn’t balanced by any of the characters affirming their self-worth. This was a three-star read for me. Reviewed by Katy Jones, Gardiner Area High School Library, Gardiner

three-stars

Felix Powell, Boy Squirrel

Felix Powell, Boy SquirrelFelix Powell, Boy Squirrel: A Funny Chapter Book about Friendship, Family, and Animals for Kids (Ages 6-10) by Erin Entrada Kelly
ISBN: 0063337266
Genres: Emotions & Feelings, Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure / General, Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Horses, Magical Realism, Nature
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

Felix Powell talks to animals, and wants to be a zoologist one day. He also knows magic when he sees it, which leads him to buying his favorite blanket at the thrift store for $1 (there was just something special about it). One sunny afternoon he goes outside with his dog, Mary Puppins, and his blanket to play. A strange thing happens, and Felix wakes up as a squirrel. His squirrel instincts kick in – sending him right up a tree at lightning speed. Fortunately, he runs into Reginald (another squirrel), who recognizes him as the boy who has previously talked to him. Felix desperately wants to retrieve his favorite blanket, which has wound up stuck high in the branches of another tree. Reginald is terrified to leave his nest after a previous encounter with a predator, but is also madly in love with the squirrel who resides in an adjacent tree. Can Felix and Reginald work together to overcome their fears, retrieve the beloved blanket, and meet the squirrel next door? Will Felix be able to change back into a boy by dinnertime?

This short chapter book is an easy and delightful read for all ages. There are black and white illustrations throughout that bring life to the pages. The story is also packed full of fun facts about squirrels and other animals, and includes puns and characters that will leave any reader chuckling. Felix lives with his Nan (or grandma), who takes care of him, showcasing a diverse family structure. Second in a series, but also a great stand-alone read. A wonderful addition to any early chapter book collection. Recommended for ages 7 to 10 (2nd to 5th Grade). Nominated for Cream of the Crop.

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

five-stars

Yeti is not Ready for Game Over

Yeti is not Ready for Game OverYeti Is Not Ready for Game Over by Leigh Anne Carter
ISBN: 059380810X
Genres: Emotions & Feelings, Family, Fantasy
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

Yeti is SO CLOSE to winning the snow cone chef game that she’s been playing on her tablet. She just can’t find the right flavor to please a picky snowman. She keeps getting interrupted for daily tasks (like eating meals and doing chores) – and then it’s GAME OVER and she loses! With some encouragement from her dad, she takes a break from the game and plays outside with her friend, Mira. During the time spent with her friend, Yeti finds the inspiration she needs to go back and win the game she was playing. After a while on her tablet, she also gets to enjoy some screen free time with her dad (he even puts down his phone!). Next time, when it’s “game over,” Yeti will be ready. This fun picture book is ready to meet kids and parents where they are at – acknowledging that screens and games are often a daily part of life, but showing that it can also be great to take a break once in a while. The digital illustrations are colorful and reminiscent of a video game. Recommended for ages 4 to 7 (Pre-K to 2nd Grade).

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

four-stars