Category: Book Reviews

The Obsession

The ObsessionThe Obsession by Natasha Preston
Published by Delacorte Press on December 2, 2025
Format: Young Adult
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
two-stars

Though a widely popular author of teen thrillers, Preston’s latest may ultimately be a hard sell due to its predictable plot and unlikeable main character. 

Connie is tired of constantly living under a magnifying glass, as the daughter of a popular family vlogger who spares no detail: no matter how personal. But what happens when those eagerly watching her move from online to in real life? 

This book has a promising premise of addressing the dangers of having your entire life online. However, the main character is painfully oblivious in a way that can frustrate the reader and make the “plot twist” no surprise at all. It is definitely still a fast-paced book that will entice readers initially, but overall if you’re on a tight budget there are better thrillers for young adults out there. 

Reviewed by Hannah Doktor, Skidompha Public Library, Damariscotta

two-stars

Broken Dolls

Broken DollsBroken Dolls by Ally Malinenko
Published by HarperCollins on September 30, 2025
ISBN: 0063355191
Format: Middle Grade Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

This spooky story explores how to manage grief, mental health, and some dolls that are alive with vengeance. 

Kaye is going through lots of changes. A summer move to upstate New York after her grandfather’s death leaves her coping in unique ways. She’s started counting everything around her to calm down and literally cannot find the words to speak. That is until she has no choice but to use her words to warn her family that the dolls her little sister keeps finding have sinister intentions of making her their forever playmate… 

This middle grade book is a great reflection on how to cope with the loss of a family member, especially when grief feels isolating. Students will take away the message that you are not alone, and it’s always good to reach out to friends and family for help. These more serious topics are sprinkled in amongst chilling imagery of human-like dolls, reminiscent of classic horror authors like R.L. Stine and Mary Downing Hahn, but with a modern take. Characters are also openly queer, with a hint of romance between Kaye and her new friend Joey. Recommended for ages 10 and up. 

Reviewed by Hannah Doktor, Skidompha Public Library, Damariscotta

five-stars

Keep Your Friends Close

Keep Your Friends CloseKeep Your Friends Close by Cynthia Murphy
Published by Delacorte Press on September 2, 2025
ISBN: 059380578X
Format: Young Adult
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

This fresh twist on the dark academia trope will immediately pull even the most reluctant of readers in.  

Chloe is having a rough start to her senior year. Her best friend not only stole her guaranteed spot of Head Girl, but also stole her boyfriend. At least she still has hopes of obtaining a university scholarship as a member of the elite secret society on campus, Jewel and Bone. Though when her fellow members start showing up dead, she wonders what the real price of success is… 

This is a solid, quick read with lots of red herrings that will keep the reader guessing. Though normally an abrupt ending would be disappointing, in this novel it can be a great tool for students to continue discussions of the book long after it is finished. Characters will be most relatable to teens grades 9 and up.  

Reviewed by Hannah Doktor, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta

four-stars

The Peach Thief

The Peach ThiefThe Peach Thief by Linda Joan Smith
Published by Candlewick Press on March 4, 2025
ISBN: 1536237787
Genres: Adventure, Historical Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

Scilla, a hungry and desperate workhouse orphan, risks sneaking into an earl’s walled garden to get a peach. Caught and mistaken for a boy, she’s given a job washing garden pots to work off her crime. Finding the food better and the bed softer than she’s ever had, Scilla hopes to stay. She learns about gardening and discovers she has a passion for it, but unfortunately she cannot pass as a boy forever. The situation is complicated by a handsome, young troublemaker,  a housekeeper from India, and the head gardener, and others. Beautiful, detailed descriptions of an 1850s English estate and its gardens.

(I have not yet finished this book so may adjust my opinion after I have finished it.)

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

 

four-stars

Snow

SnowSnow by Meera Trehan
Published by Walker Books on January 14, 2025
ISBN: 1536219258
Pages: 304
Genres: Adventure, Fairy Tale, Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

This is a smart modern fairy tale about the friendship between a strong princess and a modern-day Indian American girl in the kingdom of Mistmir. This story combines science and magic to create a moving setting with charming, detailed worldbuilding that’s tinged with eeriness and sadness. There is a good bit of humor in the book, as well. An enjoyable read that I have been vacillating between a rating of a 4 or 5. Reading age 8-12 years.

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

five-stars

Maisy Loves Frogs

Maisy Loves FrogsMaisy Loves Frogs: A Maisy's Planet Book by Lucy Cousins
Published by Candlewick Press on October 7, 2025
ISBN: 1536240370
Genres: Animals, Informational
Format: Board Book
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

Book 4(?) in A Maisy’s Planet Book series. Toddlers love frogs! And they love Maisy! Likely, they will be intrigued by this introduction to frogs and toads with Maisy. There is quite a lot of information about these amphibians in an 11-page book. Typical Lucy Cousin bold primary colored illustrations. Sure to be a hit with 1-4 year olds.

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

four-stars

Seven Ways Through the Woods

Seven Ways Through the WoodsSeven Ways Through the Woods by Devin Elle Kurtz, Jenn Reese
Published by Greenwillow Books on September 16, 2025
ISBN: 0063356260
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, Magical Realism
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

When the forest beckons, pick your path trhough the woods. You can stick to the path. Or ride a griffin, take a sprite tunnel, or ride the river on the backs of crystal serpents. Or take Way 7 and stray off the path and don’t go through the woods at all. There are many metaphors here, but the youngest child will simply enjoy the magic of the luminous illustrations. Reese’s second-person prose is playful and invites curious readers to step off the path. Different ages will get different meanings from this book…but all will enjoy the amazing illustrations.

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

four-stars

Extreme Places: The Most Remote Homes on Earth

Extreme Places: The Most Remote Homes on EarthExtreme Places: The Most Remote Homes on Earth by Giles Laroche
Published by Clarion Books on September 30, 2025
ISBN: 0358690188
Genres: History, Informational, Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

Journey around the world to some of the most challenging and remote spots on Earth in this stunningly illustrated book that celebrates human ingenuity, community, and the people who call these places home. Laroche’s cut-paper collage artwork illustrations are stunning. Using a consistent textual format which includes a synopsis, location, who lives here, fascinating fact, and adapting to extremes, he  suggests what it takes to survive there. A list of places included: Tristan da Cunha; Sahara Desert; Mentawai Islands; Verkhoyansk, Siberia; Isla Navarino; Spiti Valley; Goreme, Cappadocia; Floating Islands of the Uros; Atafu Atoll; Gobi Desert; Agoashima ;Socotra; and, Atka, Alaska. A map of the world at the end of the book indicates where all of these places are located. Give this book to anyone interested in geography or as a model of beautiful collage artwork.

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

four-stars

Not Like Ever Day: Finding Calm During School Lockdown Drills

Published by Random House on 9780593652220
Genres: Emotions & Feelings, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
four-stars

During his school’s lockdown drill, Henry tries to make himself as small and quiet as possible, but even though he knows it’s just a drill, he still doesn’t like it. When the drill is over, it still doesn’t feel over for him. With guidance from a reassuring teacher, Henry is able to relax, talk about his feelings, and feel safe again. This book belongs in all elementary school libraries.

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

four-stars

SPARK: Jim West’s Electrifying Adventures in Creating the Microphone

SPARK: Jim West’s Electrifying Adventures in Creating the MicrophoneSpark: Jim West's Electrifying Adventures in Creating the Microphone by Ainissa Ramirez
Series: Black Inovators
Published by MIT Kids Press on October 21, 2025
Genres: Biography/Autobiography, Cultural / African American, STEM
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

The first book in the MIT Kids Press Black Innovators series. This picture book biography is for science lovers. Author Ainissa Ramirez shares the story of Jim West who patented the foil-electret microphone, a unit integral to everything from cell phones to hearing aids. Her explanations of the science are in-depth and sure to appeal to STEM-minded kids. Growing up on a farm, West had a compulsion to take things apart to see how they worked and had a fascination with electricity. He studied science in college, where he was one of only two Black students, and then went on to work at Bell labs. West’s advocacy for more diversity in the technology field paved the way for many scientists of color to follow their interests and curiosity. Back matter provides an author’s note, a time line, a bibliography, and more information on the life and work of Jim West. Ages 8-12.

Nominated for Cream of the Crop

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

five-stars