Red Bird Danced

November 4, 2024

Red Bird Danced by Dawn Quigley
Published by Heartdrum on June 4, 2024
ISBN: 0063223627
Genres: Fiction in Verse/Poetry
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

This novel-in-verse is told in the alternating voices of Ariel and Tomah who are urban Native Americans – they live in a Native American housing complex. This may be a new concept to many readers. Ariel takes up jingle dress dancing not only to honor her heritage but to save money. Money is tight since her beloved Aunt has disappeared. As time passes, Ariel learns about the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (#MMIW) movement. Thousands of Indigenous Women are murdered or reported missing each year and several groups are working to create awareness of the problem and help organize searches for these women. Tomah is an observer – he watches over the birds and the people in their housing complex. When he falls ill, the community rallies to watch over him. Although Tomah struggles academically, he is a gifted storyteller and uses his gift to help Ariel raise awareness for missing Indigineous women by displaying red dresses, a la the REDress project. Don’t let the short length fool you – this book packs a powerful punch. Readers will be inspired to learn more about #MMIW and the REDress Project. A good choice for middle grade readers who are looking for a story based on real events and a cause to rally around.

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

Sink or Swim

November 1, 2024November 1, 2024

Sink or Swim by Lee Durfey-Lavoie, Veronica Agarwal
Series: Just Roll With It #2
Published by Random House Graphic on June 4, 2024
ISBN: 0593125517
Pages: 314
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
four-stars

In this cleverly illustrated graphic novel, Ty is recovering from a broken arm just as summer starts. He feels bad about missing the entire swim season and as captain of the team, he worries that he let his friends down. He especially feels bad about how he ghosted his teammate and best friend Max. Ty doesn’t simply feel bad – he is struggling mightily with depression, anxiety, body image issues, and dysregulated eating. He’s especially anxious about summer camp where he will be bunking with Max. Tensions are high between Max, Max’s twin sister Heather, and Ty and build to a climax during their boat-building activity. Between a caring camp counselor, new friends, and the long history of friendship between Ty and Max, things work out in the end. Heather is able to tell her brother and Ty about her girlfriend and Max and Ty acknowledge the romantic feelings they have for each other. After reading Louder Than Hunger by John Schu about a boy’s struggle with anorexia, I was hoping for a little back matter on eating disorders and depression or advice that Ty seek professional help. Nonetheless, this is an excellent story to use as a conversation starter with upper elementary and middle school students. This is the second book in the Just Roll With It series but it certainly stands alone. Graphic novel fans who love the wide-eyed expressions used in manga will love the characters’ faces when they are excited.

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

Quill the Forest Keeper

November 1, 2024

Quill the Forest Keeper by Marije Tolman
Published by Levine Querido on September 8, 2022
ISBN: 164614452X
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars
It’s impossible not to enjoy a book that begins “Outside it’s cold and quiet. Inside it smells of hot blueberry pie.” While basking in the delicious aroma, Grandpa hedgehog is asked to tell a story of a prior, less relaxing time. He regales his family with a tale of the Terrible Rush Era, when everybody rushed around and had no time to pick up their environment. Everybody, that is, but Quill the Forest Keeper, a dedicated forest-cleaning hedgehog who worked so incessantly to clean up everyone’s mess he eventually collapsed, ushering in a new era of animals banding together to keep the forest clean and reprioritize their values.

In a time of political uncertainty and eco-anxiety, books like Quill the Forest Keeper become treasures. There is no virtue signaling involved on Quill’s part; he just does what he can to help out and ends up inspiring others to do the same. The illustrations are unique and bold, yet charming and effective. It’s pure hygge for the picture book set; a simple message full of comfort and warmth.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

Safiyyah’s War

October 31, 2024

Safiyyah’s War by Hiba Noor Khan
Published by Andersen Press on July 6, 2023
ISBN: 1839133139
Pages: 336
Genres: Historical Fiction
Format: Middle Grade Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars
During WWII, the brave leaders at the Grand Mosque of Paris protected Jewish people with forged religious documents and risked their lives transporting over a thousand Jewish people to safety using catacombs under the mosque. Though there are countless options when it comes to stories about this time period, this history has been largely forgotten and Hiba Noor Khan is hoping to change that with her debut novel, Safiyyah’s War.

Safiyyah is an adventurous, spirited, and thoughtful young Muslim girl living above the mosque when Nazis invade Paris. It is clear throughout the novel that war is not a children’s game, but without many options Safiyyah’s family cautiously allows her to aid the Resistance movement. Khan’s prose is often poetic, but doesn’t shy away from intensely emotional moments. Families are separated, people are hungry, and Safiyyah herself survives the initial bombing of Paris. Despite the horrific circumstances, Safiyyah never stops fighting and side plots about kittens, plants, libraries, and religion offer respite for the characters and readers. This story’s honest depiction of children traumatized by war and the realities of life under occupation may be difficult for sensitive readers, but the overall message of perseverance, bravery, love, and hope will resonate with readers drawn to strong female leads and novels about war.

Safiyyah’s War has the perfect combination of forgotten history, dynamic characters, and beautiful prose that make it a fresh classic in an oversaturated genre. Nominated for Cream of the Crop.

Reviewed by Ivy Burns, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth

Woe: A Housecat’s Story of Despair

October 30, 2024October 30, 2024

Woe: A Housecat's Story of Despair by Lucy Knisley
Published by Random House Graphic on July 2, 2024
ISBN: 0593177630
Pages: 208
Genres: Animals
Format: Graphic Novel
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars
“Woe: A Housecat’s Story of Despair” by Lucy Knisley is a graphic novel comprised of a collection of web comics about the relationship between the author and her cat Linney. The story humorously explores all the ups and downs of being a pet owner, including all of the quirks of owning a beloved cat. Through charming illustrations and witty narration, Knisley captures the emotional landscape of her and Linney’s experiences, blending humor with poignant moments of reflection on love, pet care, loss, and the day to day antics of her cat. Although often funny, the book doesn’t shy away from the difficult and heartbreaking aspects of pet ownership. Although I, as an adult reader, would prefer more of a story than a series of graphic vignettes, this graphic novel is beloved by my middle grade animal loving daughter. This book would be a popular addition to any middle school library’s graphic novel collection.

Reviewed by Rebecca Duquette, Pittston Randolph Consolidated School

Silent Sister by Megan Davidhizar

October 30, 2024

Silent Sister by Megan Davidhizar
on August 6, 2024
ISBN: 0593705645
Genres: Mystery, Psychological thriller
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars
“Silent Sister” by Megan Davidhizar tells the story of a young woman whose sister disappears during an overnight school trip. The sister who comes home, Grace, grapples with the complexities of her missing memories of that night, particularly concerning her sister, who Grace discovers has been keeping secrets from her. As Grace uncovers hidden truths about her family and classmates, she confronts issues of identity, loyalty, and the impact of silence in relationships. Beyond the mystery, this story explores the process of healing from trauma and the pain of loss. Although an experienced mystery reader can predict many of the twists and turns of the story, the relationship between Grace and her sister Maddy, as well as the mystery of what really happened is enough to keep readers hooked throughout the story. This would be a great addition to any high school library.

Reviewed by Rebecca Duquette, Pittston Randolph Consolidated School

Peekaboo Lion

October 30, 2024

Peekaboo Lion Peekaboo: Lion (Peekaboo You) by Camilla Reid, Ingela P. Arrhenius
ISBN: 1536234834
Genres: Animals
Format: Board Book
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars
With bright illustrations thanks to the prolific Arrhenius, Reid’s book is simple and interactive. Pages include rhyming text such as “Peekaboo monkey”, “Peekaboo munch”, “Peekaboo toucan”, “Peekaboo crunch” and sliders that reveal various animals. The final page includes a slider with a hidden mirror.

While the text is nothing spectacular, it doesn’t need to be; toddlers and their parents love interactive board books, and they are perfect for those ages 0-2 who are exploring their physical world for the first time. This book will certainly circulate and is recommended for libraries looking to boost or refresh their selection for their youngest patrons.

Reviewed by Kristi Favaloro, Skidompha Public Library, Damariscotta

My Salty Mary

October 29, 2024

My Salty Mary (Mary, #3) by Brodi Ashton, Cynthia Hand, Jodi Meadows
on August 20, 2024
ISBN: 0062930109
Genres: Fantasy, Historical Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction, Young Adult
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars
“My Salty Mary” is a YA historical fantasy novel by “The Lady Janies,” authors Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows. This book is a retelling of the Little Mermaid mixed in with a bit of the history of the female pirate, Mary Read. Mary is a mermaid who trades her fins for legs for the love of the prince, who turns out to be a dud. She then gets rescued by a pirate crew and decides to join up. This all leads to her meeting Tobias, the son of Blackbeard, and Mary attempting to become the Pirate King. This is a fun, feminist retelling with a little history thrown in. The main characters are interesting and readers will follow along to find out what happens. A recommended purchase for YA collections, especially where the other Lady Janies’ books are popular.

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

Love is in the Hair

October 29, 2024

Love Is in the Hair by Gemma Cary
on August 27, 2024
ISBN: 059365126X
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction, Young Adult
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads

“Love is in the Hair” is a young adult realistic fiction novel by Gemma Cary. Eva is a 15 year old, dealing with typical high school girl pressures, when her best friend, Frankie, is bullied for her facial hair due to her PCOS. The bullies go so far as to shave part of her head and take a video of it. Eva decides to fight back, creating the “Hairy Girls Club” to help normalize girls having hair.

A good story about friendship and the basics of feminism, Eva is a compelling main character, though her friend Frankie felt a little thin, plot-wise. Still a worthwhile purchase for teen/YA collections where realistic fiction is popular.

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

Life in the Wild

October 25, 2024

Life in the Wild: The Collected Adventures of the Bear, the Moose and the Beaver by Nicholas Oldland
Published by Kids Can Press ISBN: 1525312928
Genres: Animals, Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars
Join the Bear, the Moose, and the Beaver (and an adorable unnamed bird) as they navigate life in the forest and the roles they play in their habitat. Read as the Bear, an unabashed hugger, grapples with feeling anger for the first time in his life. See the Moose, suffering from severe FOMO, go on an adventure and return a forever changed cervid. And watch the Beaver, a relentless tree chewing machine, reform and make amends with the woods he has nearly mowed to the ground and the animals he has displaced in the process.

Life in the Wild combines absurdist humor, funny illustrations, and oddly touching stories to create a life lessons (of sorts) book that will have readers laughing out loud. Widely appealing stories and drawings will make this easy to recommend. An excellent addition to your library or classroom.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath