Category: Book Reviews

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

A voice in the storm

A voice in the stormA Voice in the Storm by Karl James Mountford
ISBN: 1536238880
Genres: Emotions & Feelings
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads

The story begins, “The air had been heavy all day . . . . “ and sets up the foreboding that Rat, the main character, carries with her. Rat runs from the concern of her friend, Jackdaw, and her own feelings, into the danger of the growing storm.  There are more perils than just the storm, however, and Rat’s feelings of helplessness and hopelessness make her vulnerable. In the middle of the storm, she runs into Bear (literally), and Bear gently encourages Rat to seek shelter and understand that letting someone help takes worlds of courage. 

Rat’s pain is visceral and Bear’s soothing presence is a balm. The illustrations are visual expressions of the crushing weight of Rat’s sorrow, and as she is able to set down that burden, the palette and the cloud cover lighten. 

This is a powerful story to share with anyone, but especially children struggling with expressing deep sadness, and those needing guidance in how to help them. Highly recommended for school and public libraries.

Deanna Contrino, K-2 School Resource Librarian, Scarborough

Mauntie and me

Mauntie and Me by Nadia Alam, Rajani LaRocca
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 1536229415
Genres: Emotions & Feelings, Family
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Priya’s Poornima Auntie is “Mauntie” (My Auntie). Priya’s relationship with Mauntie is blissful. In Priya’s house,  she is “too young” to play with her older siblings and the cousins who arrive every Saturday, along with the aunties and uncles. Who needs cousins when Mauntie is there to play games, style hair, and tell riddles? And then cousin Aditi arrives from far away and Priya has to share Mauntie. 

Mauntie’s riddles provide a throughline for Priya’s emotional rollercoaster as she struggles with overwhelming feelings of jealousy toward Aditi, and being on the outs, because Aditi is just enough older to make Priya feel like she’s too young to understand. Eventually, Mauntie asks the riddle, “What grows when you share it?” Once Priya figures that out, things get better.

The illustrations in Mauntie and Me cleverly reflect the story through depictions of an extended South Asian family, with generations of relatives on the pages, and peeks into family traditions. Readers will enjoy detailed pictures that show characters of many different skin tones filling Priya’s house at family events.

LaRocca’s picture book contains a story many readers will identify with, if they’re lucky enough to have a “cool” aunt who dotes on them and makes time and space to give that child their full attention. The resolution is satisfactory, if predictable, and allows for growth and understanding on Priya’s part, without too much sacrifice.

Highly recommended for school and public libraries.

 Deanna Contrino, K-2 School Resource Librarian, Scarborough 

five-stars

Box of Dreams

Box of DreamsBox of Dreams by Christine Almeda, Faith Kazmi
on May 7, 2024
ISBN: 0063251361
Genres: Family, Immigrants
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

The title refers to a balikbayan box, and the young Filipino-American girl narrating the story learns from her mother that balikbayan means “return to home”. Through the gifts and practical items (school supplies, jeans, swim goggles) packed in the large cardboard box, the narrator learns more about her relatives’ way of life in the Philippines. The prose is simple; Filipino words are used in context to connect the reader with the narrator and her story of immigration and connection to Filipino culture.

The colorful illustrations connect the young girl to her family in the Philippines and the reader to the main character through everyday objects (slippers, baby photos displayed on the wall) and happenings.

This story culminates in a trip to the Philippines with the accompanying balikbayan box, and family reunion is beautifully expressed through the illustration. Box of Dreams offers the Filipino perspective on the immigration story, and the family that remains in the Philippines. This story could be used as a springboard to discuss what readers would put in a box for a family far away and lead to finding similarities to other immigration stories about leaving one’s homeland for opportunity, and sharing with those who stayed behind. 

The author’s note explains reasons for Filipino emigration to escape economic hardship, as well as her own family’s emigration story. Meant as a read-aloud for children ages 4-8. Highly recommended for school and public libraries.

Deanna Contrino, K-2 School Resource Librarian, Scarborough

five-stars

Eight sweet nights: A festival of lights

Eight sweet nights: A festival of lightsEight Sweet Nights, A Festival of Lights: A Hanukkah Story by Charlotte Offsay, Menahem Halberstadt
ISBN: 059380872X
Genres: Holiday
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

Sweet traditions (old and new) of Hanukkah are celebrated in brief, poetic prose. Every page features an inset containing brief explanations for those unfamiliar with Hanukkah and its customs. This picture book’s focus is on the desserts eaten during Hanukkah, and the illustrations expand on the text, telling the story of a multi-generational family gathering to observe the beginning of the holiday as they make and eat latkes, sufganiyots (fried doughnuts filled with jam), and other sweet treats while spinning the dreidel. The characters present with diverse skin tones. Families looking for a light story to read around Hanukkah will enjoy this. 

Recommended as a supplemental purchase for library collections where Hanukkah picture books with diverse characters are needed.

 Deanna Contrino, K-2 School Resource Librarian, Scarborough

three-stars