Category: Book Reviews

Last One to Die

Last One to DieLast One to Die by Cynthia Murphy
on January 7, 2021
ISBN: 0593705548
Pages: 275
Genres: Mystery, Psychological thriller, Supernatural
Format: Fiction
Goodreads
two-stars

Niamh is beyond thrilled to attend a drama camp in London for the summer, but her excitement quickly turns to fear as students in her program are attacked and, in one case, murdered. As unnerving as that would be for anybody, Niamh feels especially threatened as she realizes that she is the common thread between the victims. To distract herself from what appears to be an increasingly perilous situation, she turns all her thoughts to Tommy, a handsome young man who works at a living museum with her.

The book suffers greatly from an unconvincing main character; Niamh is likeable enough, but the amount of risk she takes by staying in London in order to be around Tommy is unbelievable. Between stock characters and a weak mystery, there just isn’t enough to latch on to in the story to achieve the suspension of disbelief that would be required to make it work. Fans of supernatural thrillers might enjoy it, but it’s not a must-have for a collection.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

 

two-stars

Nigeria Jones

Nigeria JonesNigeria Jones by Ibi Zoboi
Published by HarperCollins Publishers on May 9, 2023
ISBN: 0062888846
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

Sixteen year old Nigeria Jones is a young black woman being raised in her father’s separatist group in West Philadelphia. Called the Movement, the group’s way of life is more of a cult than a belief system. After her mother goes missing, Nigeria, despite her intense grief, is expected to follow in her footsteps, helping raise her baby brother, becoming the female face of the Movement, and embracing her leadership role in the teen group. At the same time, she begins to discover the shocking truth behind her mother and father’s relationship, her mother’s desires for Nigeria’s future, and the deceptions behind the business side of the Movement. Having been homeschooled her whole life, and taught prejudice and distrust of anyone outside of the Movement, she longs to go to her local private school like her cousin whose family has left the Movement, and she begins to question her upbringing and her relationship with her father while longing to learn new ideas, explore the world, and even go away to college. This is a gripping story of self discovery, rebirth and finding one’s inner strength. The complexities of her family dynamic and friendships that are at odds with her vision of a future for herself, set against the backdrop of modern racial tensions make this a strong choice for any YA collection. While not all readers will be able to relate to Nigeria’s upbringing or belief system, many teens will see themselves in her need to spread her wings and fly.

 

Lee Remick, York Middle School, York

five-stars

Windrush Child

Windrush ChildWindrush Child: The Tale of a Caribbean Child Who Faced a New Horizon by Johh Agard, Sophie Bass
Published by Candlewick Press on April 11, 2023
ISBN: 1536228532
Pages: 32
Goodreads

This beautifully written poem tells the tale of migration from the Caribbean to Britain in the mid twentieth century from a child’s point of view. The short stanzas are built on rhythm and rhyme. The lovely flow of the language is exemplified by the seabirds on the wind and the rolling sea. The gouache and pen illustrations support the verse and provide a beautiful and optimistic mood to the picture book. The rich, bright colors represent the hopeful new horizon that this child from the Caribbean faces. 

The child’s perspective of this poem supports the accessibility to the target audience of three to seven year old children. The colorful art will keep children engaged and support understanding of the story. 

Children and adults will both enjoy this universal story of migration and seeking a better life. A Note from the Author gives a brief explanation of the Windrush Generation. This book would be a great mentor text for a poetry unit or a great way to introduce a social studies unit on immigration for older students, but it is recommended for, and appropriate for ages 3 – 7 and anyone who enjoys poetry and historical fiction.

Reviewed by Lisa Roberts, South Portland Public Library, South Portland

My Dad Thinks He’s a Pirate

My Dad Thinks He’s a PirateMy Dad Thinks He's a Pirate by Katrina Germein, Tom Jellett
Published by Candlewick Press on August 23, 2023
ISBN: 1536225029
Pages: 32
Goodreads

This sequel to My Dad Thinks He’s Funny is full of dad jokes, punny humor, and colorful digital illustrations reminiscent of the Saturday comics of yore. Large font, less than six lines per page, and use of dialogue with punctuation will help young readers develop text awareness. The illustrations support the text and add color to the humor. There is a true treasure chest at the end of the book for readers to wrap up this silly, heartfelt story of a day at the beach with dad. 

This great read aloud is perfect for kids of all ages, but especially for kids between the ages of 4 and 8. Adults will enjoy reading this story to their young ones at home and this is a great read aloud for PreK or early elementary classes.

Reviewed by Lisa Roberts, South Portland Public Library, South Portland

Madame Badobedah and the Old Bones

Madame Badobedah and the Old Bones by Lauren O'Hara, Sophie Dahl
Published by Walker Books US on 2024
ISBN: 1536233560
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

This is the second picture book by Dahl about this mysterious, glamorous old lady and her young adventurer friend, Mabel. Both present as white. Mabel describes Madame Badobedah (“it rhymes with ‘ooh la la’”) as an “ancient villain” who resides at the Mermaid Hotel managed by Mabel’s parents, and where Mabel and her parents live. Mabel and Madame Badobedah have extraordinary adventures together, fueled by the magic of story-telling and imagination. 

In this outing, they dress for the part – black velvet catsuit (Madame B) and oversized trench coat (Mabel)  – and crawl through the back of the magical closet in Room 32. All it takes is knocking three times on a rafter and a silent wish on a special coin to whisk them to the Museum of Natural History. There they encounter many surprising characters, including an iguanodon and triceratops. Upon first glance, the cover struck me as overly twee. However, the illustrations, in partnership with the book, are whimsical and clever. 

It is divided into four parts, slightly longer than the standard picture book story, but for intrepid adventurers, it will end too soon. Strongly recommended for library collections. 

Reviewed by Deanna Contrino, SLMS/MLIS, Young School Librarian, Saco

four-stars

Here are the Seeds

Here are the SeedsHere Are the Seeds by JaNay Brown-Wood, Olivia Amoah
Published by Kids Can Press on 2024
ISBN: 1525308300
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

Just in time for spring, Here are the Seeds is a picture book about two young protagonists who are experiencing the ups and downs of gardening. The two small gardeners, who present as Black, are planting seeds, solving problems, and patiently outlasting all the real-life tribulations that come the way of those who dig in the dirt.

The rhythm of the story follows The House That Jack Built (“Here are the seeds that we will sow to help our garden grow.”), and the reader sees the gardeners put in the work: planting, watching, waiting and then, “OH NO!”. Just like in real-life gardening, one imagines that all is well and the next day, half the seedlings look like they’re giving up. Have no fear. The text on the next page explains that the plants need more sun, and the gardeners solve the problem. And so it goes. Mother Nature throws a lot of obstacles at the determined duo (not enough water, too much water, overly aggressive mushrooms, etc.) but they persevere and are rewarded for their efforts.

The illustrations are attractive, simple and convey the “OH NO!” moment for attentive readers; others will have to wait until the following page to understand what’s befallen the garden.The story and illustrations are uncluttered and engaging, making it an ideal read-aloud for a pre-K storytime with an accompanying gardening activity.  

Here are the Seeds shows the readers that problems arise, can be dealt with, but don’t prevent further problems from occurring. Persistence and patience make gardening (and life) rewarding and enjoyable. Strongly recommended for collections in need of more gardening titles for young readers.

Reviewed by Deanna Contrino, SLMS/MLIS, Young School Librarian, Saco

four-stars

The Great Lakes: Our Freshwater Treasure

The Great Lakes: Our Freshwater TreasureThe Great Lakes: Our Freshwater Treasure by Barb Rosenstock, Jamey Christoph
Published by Random House Children's Books on 2024
ISBN: 0593374355
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Learning about the formation of the Great Lakes, and their importance in the ecosystem through this informational picture book was entertaining. The Great Lakes: Our Freshwater Treasure opens with a double-page spread of a map of North America, and a conversational narrative that engages the reader immediately: “Can you find them on this map? The Great Lakes . . . . .  How did they get there?” 

Also helpful are the combination of concrete numbers and vivid comparisons, to help readers wrap their heads around the scope of the subject. It is well researched, with a balance of important and interesting facts about the Great Lakes that young readers will love to share.

The accompanying  watercolor illustrations are pleasant and usually support the information presented, but aren’t a strong contribution. This could be a good read-aloud for middle grade students learning about geographical features. Recommended for larger library collections.

Reviewed by Deanna Contrino, SLMS/MLIS, Young School Librarian, Saco

four-stars

Green Machines and Other Amazing Eco-Inventions

Green Machines and Other Amazing Eco-InventionsGreen machines and Other Amazing Eco-inventions by Meadows, Michelle
Published by Random House Children's Books on 2024
ISBN: 9780593488041
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Early Reader
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
one-star

This informational book uses the image of the Lorax and other characters from the Seuss book to introduce the reader to many interesting eco-inventions The Lorax is the narrator. Inventions are described using rhyming couplets with simple words and short sentences, for beginning readers. The last section of the book uses prose, longer words and more complex sentences to explain how inventors do what they do. This book is meant to open young readers up to inventions that solve ecological problems of all kinds, from polluted riverways to animal poachers.

The book leans hard into the Seussian rhyming couplet format, but the rhymes are forced and clunky. In describing a portable water filter: 

“Flip the whole thing over.
Glug, glug, glug, glug. Glug.
Safe drinking water flows into a clean jug.” 

The illustrations are mixed-media collage, combining photos with characters from The Lorax. In one description of drones being used to plant trees, there’s an image of the Oncler and his Super Axe Hacker superimposed over a photo of a deforested area. 

The connection between a beloved literary character and environmental inventions should work but the writing is uneven and unenjoyable. This book is not recommended.  

Reviewed by Deanna Contrino, SLMS/MLIS, Young School Librarian, Saco

one-star

An Impossible Thing to Say

An Impossible Thing to SayAn Impossible Thing to Say by Arya Shahi
on September 26, 2023
ISBN: 0063248352
Pages: 416
Genres: Fiction in Verse/Poetry, Realistic Fiction
Format: Young Adult
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars
Omid is a first generation Iranian American teenager living in Tuscan, Arizona.  Throughout the novel, Omid struggles to find his voice.  Whether it be with his grandfather who has just arrived in the states directly following the tragic events of 9/11, his best friend who gains popularity without seeming to try, or the new girl in school who Omid wishes to date.  Omid starts to find confidence in the words of Shakespeare.  Being on stage is a pathway to Emily (who also is in the play) and to the wordplay of rap music allowing him to express himself in a way he never could before.  

Shahi’s debut YA novel in verse is a must read.  The book explores themes of cultural identity, self-expression, and general coming of age.  Read-Alikes include Punching the Air by Ibi Aanu Zoboi and Darius the Great is Not Okay by Adib Khorram.  

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

five-stars

Unstoppable Us, Volume 2: Why the World Isn’t Fair

Unstoppable Us, Volume 2: Why the World Isn’t FairUnstoppable Us, Vol. 2: Why the World Isn't Fair by Yuval Noah Harari, Ricard Zaplana Ruiz
Published by Bright Matter Books on March 5, 2024
ISBN: 0593711521
Pages: 208
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
Volume two in this nonfiction series about human development begins 10,000 years ago and focuses largely on plant and animal domestication, and the emergence of writing. With the invention of writing, comes the heart of Harari’s thesis which is that the world is controlled by stories. Though it is volume two, it stands alone.

Harari has an engaging writing style that feels conversational, like your favorite older cousin, who happens to teach early civilizations, is giving you a play-by-play about how humans organized themselves. It’s all a lead-in to how we got to current-day society. It is informational and thought-provoking. Broken into four major sections: “Everything’s Under Control,” “Oops, We Didn’t See That Coming,” “Things That Scare Adults,” and “The Dreams of Dead People,” each larger chapter has sections set off by large colorful font. The sections make the information easier to absorb and Harari’s use of emboldening key sentences helps highlight the larger ideas in the section.

The one glaring omission is sources. Harari mentions many, many facts and stories but nothing is sourced. In a book written for upper elementary and middle school readers, by a historian, it’s a wasted opportunity and goes against many of the skills and practices enforced by educators. There is a lot here for teachers to use (if they are willing to do some source work) and for a curious young reader who might ask the questions, “why isn’t the world fair?” or “how did humans create the society we know of today?” and then accepts a book as an answer.

Reviewed by Jill O’Connor, Falmouth Middle School