Tamales for Christmas

December 18, 2024

Tamales For Christmas by Sonia Sanchez, Stephen Briseño
ISBN: 0593647815
Genres: Holiday
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Tamales For Christmas is based on a true story about a grandmother who makes thousands of tamales to sell for money for Christmas presents. Readers will love seeing the count of tamales increase throughout the book and will have fun guessing how many tamales she ends up making (12,000!). The author and illustrator work together to pull the reader in, help them get to know the grandmother, and feel a part of the family too. By the end of the story, readers will be looking forward to the holidays and eager to taste tamales for themselves.

The story is a great representation of community and family: The grandmother not only uses the money she makes to buy Christmas presents for her large family but also to help neighbors in need. Even though the majority of the book is about earning money to pay for Christmas presents, readers, especially adults, will appreciate the ending’s focus on family and togetherness: The family helps the grandmother make and sell the tamales and in the end tell the reader that the best present of all is each other. A unique aspect of the book is the author’s note about the inspiration for the book from his own grandmother, including her picture, and her recipe for tamales. This would make a great addition to any collection, especially if you’re seeking more diverse Christmas stories for K-3. Four stars.

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

Harold Hates to Hibernate

December 18, 2024

Harold Hates to Hibernate (A Harold the Bear Story) by Vern Kousky
ISBN: 0593712331
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Harold Hates to Hibernate is the follow-up to Harold Loves His Woolly Hat. Though you don’t have to read the first, readers will get much more depth from the second book after reading the first: In Harold Loves His Woolly Hat, Harold is bothered by a crow who stole his hat and he tries everything to get it back with no luck. Fed up, Harold climbs to the crow’s nest to steal his hat back—but when Harold gets to the nest he discovers the crow was stealing everything for its babies and Harold leaves his hat to keep them warm and comfortable.

In Harold Hates to Hibernate, Harold is now friends with the baby crows who’ve grown up. He loves playing with them but as the days get shorter he has less and less time to play and it’s nearing time to hibernate — but Harold isn’t ready. He’s worried the crows will forget him while he sleeps the winter away and is determined to stay awake. The crows get Harold everything he asks for to stay awake but he finally starts to succumb to hibernating. As he starts to drift off, he thanks them and wishes they won’t forget him and just before he falls asleep the crows bring him back his favorite hat to show him how much he means to them.

Readers will relate to not wanting to give up playtime and will have fun guessing if Harold ends up hibernating or not. They’ll also enjoy the connections to the first book and the way Harold and the crows have become friends. Kids and adults alike will be touched by this fantastic, but not heavy-handed, representation of friendship and the beautiful illustrations. Highly recommend for K-3 and as an addition to any seasonal unit. Five stars!

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

Elmore the Christmas Moose

December 18, 2024

Elmore the Christmas Moose (Elmore the Moose) by Dev Petty, Mike Boldt
ISBN: 0593487168
Genres: Holiday
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Written by the author of Don’t Eat Bees (Dev Petty), Elmore the Christmas Moose is a lighthearted and fun Christmas book about finding our place in the world. Elmore is so eager to be a reindeer and, when he finds out that Santa is a reindeer short for the season, he excitedly applies for the job! However, when he shows up for his interview he realizes he doesn’t exactly qualify. On his way home he writes to Santa and asks for another chance. Santa feels for him and brings him back only to discover he cannot fly. Elmore again writes to Santa on his way home. Santa brings him back one last time and Elmore asks if he finally got the job but Santa has another plan. This book is not only feel-good but also laugh-out-loud funny with unexpected moments, wit, and humor that kids and adults will giggle at. The plot highlights how we can all find our unique talents and place in the world, even when it’s not what we thought we wanted. This one is already a family favorite and I know K-4th or even 5th graders will love the personality, humor, and Christmas fun in Elmore the Christmas Moose. While not the main focus of the book, it’s also a fun look at job applications, interviews, and qualifications, which could be a seasonal pairing for a job or community helper unit. Five stars.

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

It Happened to Anna

December 17, 2024December 17, 2024

It Happened to Anna by Tehlor Kay Mejia
on August 6, 2024
ISBN: 0593647033
Genres: Horror, Supernatural
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Scary middle-grade story about Sadie who is cursed by a ghost. The ghost was responsible for what happened to her best friend Anna. Sadie and her dad have moved to leave the ghost – and bad memories – behind. Sadie keeps to herself at school because the ghost seems to have caught up to her and causes minor disturbances like exploding light bulbs. When Sadie makes a new friend, Mal, she dares hope that the ghost will leave her and Mal alone. Sadie starts to question her allegiance to Mal when Mal suggests Sadie prank their classmates and the pranks become meaner and meaner. Readers may be annoyed at some of the typos and will see the big twist coming, but this doesn’t make the story any less scary. Sadie does have suicidal thoughts (thanks to the ghost of course) which may be upsetting for some readers.

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

Gentlest of Wild Things

December 13, 2024

Gentlest of Wild Things by Sarah Underwood
on August 15, 2024
ISBN: 0063234521
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction, Young Adult
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars
“Gentlest of Wild Things” is a young adult fiction spin on Greek mythology. The story focuses on twin sisters Eirene and Phoebe, who have managed to avoid being struck with Desire, a magic spell from Leandros (descendant of Eros) that brainwashes women to do his bidding. Unfortunately, Leandros now has set his eyes on Phoebe. Eirene makes a deal with Leandros where she will complete four tasks and marry him instead of Phoebe. Meanwhile she meets Leandros’ hidden daughter Lamia and begins to fall for her.

An interesting read with themes of sisterhood and feminism. Those who are more familiar with Greek mythology may enjoy the book’s twists and reimagining more. A suggested purchase for YA fiction collections where Greek myth retellings like “Lore” are popular.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, ME.

The Brightness Between Us

December 13, 2024

The Brightness Between Us (The Darkness Outside Us, #2) by Eliot Schrefer
on October 1, 2024
ISBN: 0063343762
Genres: Science Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction, Young Adult
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars
“The Brightness Between Us” is a young adult science fiction novel by Eliot Schrefer. The book is a sequel to Schrefer’s “The Darkness Outside Us.” Ambrose and Kodiak have managed to set up a small settlement on the planet Minerva. They have two teen children grown from embryos: Yarrow and Owl. Yarrow is about to turn 16 and when he does he begins acting out in violent and unexpected ways. The family needs to figure out how to help him, while also preparing for a potentially deadly comet strike.

The story is told from different points of view that tie up together in the end. We get to see how Ambrose and Kodiak handle parenting and how their little family manages. Past actions of humans involved in the project to get Ambrose and Kodiak to the exoplanet are revealed and we see how they react and cope. A must-buy for YA science fiction collections that have the first book.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, ME.

Adventures of Mary Jane

December 13, 2024

Adventures of Mary Jane by Hope Jahren
Published by Delacorte Press on June 25, 2024
ISBN: 0593484118
Genres: Adventure, Historical Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction, Young Adult
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars
“The Adventures of Mary Jane” is a young adult historical fiction novel by Hope Jahren. Mary Jane is a teen living frontier life in Minnesota in the mid-1800s, when she is sent down the Mississippi River on a riverboat to help her aunt. Jahren is a scientist and clearly has done her research into the history of the time. The book’s setting feels real and accurate. Mary Jane is a smart, funny, and adventurous girl who showcases girl power in the best way. The book includes a map, suggested reading for more information, and a note from the author about the history in the text. A very well written and exciting novel that will keep readers interested. A recommended purchase for YA fiction collections where historical fiction is popular.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, ME.

Blood City Rollers

December 11, 2024

Blood City Rollers by Tatiana Hill, V.P. Anderson
on April 9, 2024
ISBN: 0593485696
Genres: Supernatural
Format: Graphic Novel
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars
“Blood City Rollers” is a middle grade graphic novel written by V.P. Anderson and illustrated by Tatiana Hill. Mina is a middle schooler who injures herself badly in figure skating and makes a deal with vampire roller derby team to play for them as their jammer in exchange for healing of her injury. Mina learns to accept what she wants to do and makes new friends along the way. At times it felt like there were a few too many subplots going on, but the dialogue is humorous and the illustrations are bright and colorful. A recommended purchase for middle grade graphic novel collections.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, ME.

The Monstrous Kind

December 11, 2024

The Monstrous Kind by Lydia Gregovic
Published by Delacorte Press on September 3, 2024
ISBN: 0593572378
Genres: Fantasy, Horror, Romance
Format: Young Adult
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars
Lydia Gregovic weaves a fantasy world loosely based on Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility. Merrick Darling believes she has escaped the world of grief her mother’s passing has thrust her into when she moves to London. Unfortunately, her father’s sudden passing a mere four months later pulls her back to Sussex and Norland House to bury her father and support her older sister Essie’s rise to Manor Lord. What she finds is a sister who is floundering and a land being swallowed up by the fog. The fog holds dark monstrous creatures who will turn people into phantoms. Her high born family blood makes her immune to the fog. Merrick must attempt to aid her family while keeping this secret from the public. When her sister goes missing, she must unravel the mystery of who to trust and she’s not sure where to turn for help.

This fantasy with a romantic subplot has many twists and turns. One never is quite sure who is a reliable character and who has devious plans afoot. It will hit the spot for young adult readers who enjoy the popular gothic romantic fantasy genre. Jane Austen fans will also recognize many allusions woven throughout the plot, just be prepared for some monsters and horror as well. This is Gregovic’s debut novel.

Reviewed by Heidi Kopishke, Camden Hills Regional High School, Rockport, ME.

You Can’t Say That!: Writers for young people talk about censorship, free expression, and the stories they have to tell.

December 11, 2024

You Can’t Say That!: Writers for young people talk about censorship, free expression, and the stories they have to tell. You Can't Say That!: Writers for Young People Talk About Censorship, Free Expression, and the Stories They Have to Tell by Leonard S. Marcus
Published by Candlewick Press on September 16, 2021
ISBN: 1536232971
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Young Adult
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars
In this nonfiction collection, thirteen popular authors are interviewed by Leonars S. Marcus with a focus on their experiences with their writing being challenged. How they felt about the challenges and how it shaped their future writing are common threads. Challenges run the breadth of race, sex, LGBTQ matters, and the always contentious “course language.” Authors that are interviewed include: Matt de la Pena, Robie H. Harris, Susan Kuklin, David Levithan, Meg Medina, Leslea Newman, Katherine Patterson, Dav Pilkey, Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell, Sonya Sones, R.L. Stein, and Angie Thomas. The forward is written by Levar Burton. The format of the book is that of a chapter per author starting with an introduction to the author’s background followed by what feels like an informal chat/interview between the author and Marcus.

The intended audience of this book should be those out there who feel the need to protect young readers by restricting what they read. Those who are facing these challenges (librarians, educators, authors, literary fans) are more likely the ones to pick up this book and read it. It’s informative and a real eye opener for those not in the thick of dealing with challenged books. It’s packed full of powerful quotes for those wanting to support the first amendment.

Reviewed by Heidi Kopishke, Camden Hills Regional High School, Rockport, ME.