Dark Star Burning, Ash Falls White

April 19, 2024

Dark Star Burning, Ash Falls White (Song of the Last Kingdom, #2) by Amélie Wen Zhao
on January 2, 2024
ISBN: 0593487540
Pages: 345
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

“Dark Star Burning, Ash Falls White” is the sequel to “Song of Silver, Flame like Night” by Amélie Wen Zhao. A Young Adult/Teen fantasy duology, set in a world inspired by Chinese myths, Lan, our main character, has discovered that the mark on her arm means that her mother sealed her powerful connection to the Silver Dragon, a demon god. She is afraid to use the power because she knows that the dragon will take over her mind. Her companion, Zen, is fighting his connection to the demon Black Tortoise (who he bound himself to to get the power to avenge his family). Together they must fight to free the Last Kingdom.

The characters struggle with power and whether or not power should be embraced or destroyed. There is some romance and the two main characters are fully fleshed out and compelling. The world building that Zhao has done is impressive. A recommended purchase for YA collections where fantasy is popular (as long as you also get the first book).

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

The Mystery Traveler at Lake Fortune

April 11, 2024

The Mystery Traveler at Lake Fortune by Cathie Pelletier
Published by Down East Books ISBN: 1684750768
Genres: Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure / General, Mystery
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

When the Baker parents announce that they have rented a rustic cabin on a lake in small town Maine, 9-year-old Charlie and his drama queen sister, 10-year-old Clarissa, are less than happy. No electricity? No running water? No cell phones? Things are even worse when Charlie is awakened during their first night – by ghosts in the attic! Nothing about this so-called vacation seems fun at all.

But the next morning they take a boat out to the small island in the middle of the lake with their parents, and there the siblings discover a ball jar with a mysterious clue tucked inside. In the city they might not get along, but in order to unravel the mystery kicked off with that first riddle, they begin to discover that spending time together…isn’t so bad after all. That first clue is the beginning of two weeks of unforgettable adventure – making friends, discovering the town their father came to as a child, and, finally, solving the last clue: just in time to figure out just who was behind it.

Maine author Cathie Pelletier has penned a delightful MG story with authentic sibling fractiousness and love, a hint of mystery, and the kind of summer adventure that is possible if only we can unplug for a bit. Great for fans of classic sibling adventure stories, from The Railway Children to Magic Treehouse. A wonderful story that offers something for readers of all ages. Delightful pencil illustrations dotted throughout add whimsy. Highly recommend: five stars.

Submitted by Jenny Martinez Nocito, Maine State Library, Augusta

15 Secrets to Survival

March 31, 2024March 31, 2024

15 Secrets to Survival by Natalie D. Richards
on November 7, 2023
ISBN: 0593644123
Genres: Adventure, Humor
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

Four 12-year-olds and an 18-month-old have an unexpected adventure in the Montana woods as a consequence of breaking a school rule. The sixth graders are going to stay with former kids’ camp owner Uncle Hornsby for lessons in teamwork while their parents are going to Aruba for a vacation. Things take a dangerous turn when Uncle Hornsby disappears. They must now work together to find him and stay alive themselves. Their unwillingness to cooperate develops into a realization of individual strengths, weaknesses, and friendship. Fans of Gordon Korman and Dan Gutman will enjoy. Useful for teaching the value of one another’s strengths. Great cover!

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

A Horse Named Sky

March 31, 2024March 31, 2024

A Horse Named Sky (A Voice of the Wilderness Novel) by Kirbi Fagan, Rosanne Parry
ISBN: 0062995952
Pages: 260
Genres: Historical Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

A stand-alone companion to the national bestsellers A Wolf Called Wander and A Whale of the Wild. In mid-19th-century Nevada, a colt named Sky grows up to lead his band of wild horses. Chronicling a wild horse in the first person, imagining its point of view, and detailing his capture, Sky grows from a newborn to a leader. I found the first person narrative by a horse difficult to understand at times. Those who love horses and horse stories will enjoy this book.

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

The Revenge Game

March 29, 2024March 29, 2024

The Revenge Game by Jordyn Taylor
on November 7, 2023
ISBN: 0593563646
Pages: 320
Genres: Psychological thriller, Realistic Fiction, Suspense
Format: Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Prep school junior Alyson is a romance novel enthusiast, but hasn’t had a boyfriend despite having some serious crushes. She falls for a senior lacrosse player (and eventual missing person in a subplot that is told Carrie-style with interviews and news articles) named Riggs and can’t believe it when she finds herself in what seems like a relationship straight out of one her favorite books. But is it, though? Piece by piece the female students put together clues that the males have been using them to rack up points according to the sexual acts they engage in. Alyson is convinced that Riggs can’t be part of it, even though his own father’s game is still admiringly talked about. The girls band together and reciprocate with their own game: they publicly humiliate boys, whether or not there is proof that they are involved in the game.

A meta-romantic thriller with a likeable cast of female characters (it should be noted that we only get tiny glimpses of even remotely likeable males), The Revenge Game is a little overblown, but its value lies in the more subtle signs of red flags in Riggs and Alyson’s willful determination to ignore them in the name of love. Recommend to those looking to explore generational toxic masculinity and/or those who might enjoy a solid tale of revenge.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

The Totally True Story of Gracie Bryne

March 29, 2024

The Totally True Story of Gracie Byrne by Shannon Takaoka
on October 31, 2023
ISBN: 1536228788
Genres: Magical Realism
Format: Young Adult
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

The Totally True Story of Gracie Byrne by Shannon Takaoka

Sixteen year old Gracie Byrne, like most teenagers, wishes her life were different. Her parents are recently divorced and her grandfather has passed away. Gracie, her mom, and her brother have decided to move in with her grandmother, whose Alzheimers has gotten worse. Having social anxiety does not help with starting a new school.

Gracie stumbles upon a blank journal of her grandmother’s. A gifted writer, Gracie starts weaving tales, using the cute popular boy from her new school as a muse. Then the impossible happens. The stories begin to come true. Acting as a moral compass, her friend and cute neighbor, Tom, helps Gracie navigate the ins and outs of this magical “gift.”

The author skillfully blends family, friendship, romance, and magical realism into this novel for young adults. Younger readers of the middle grade novels The Silver Pencil by Alice Dalgliesh or The Bronze Pen by Zilpha Keatley Snyder will age up and love this novel as well.

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

Hidden Truths

March 26, 2024

Hidden Truths by Elly Swartz
Published by Delacorte Press on 10/31/23
ISBN: 0593483669
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

Dani and Eric are best friends, but everything changes when a horrible accident happens while they are camping together on Cape Cod. Dani is severely injured and her long road to recovery means she can not play on the school baseball team. Eric blames himself for the accident and soon everyone else does, too. Through all of the turmoil, Dani and Eric start to go their separate ways, making new friends, though each does feel sadness over the loss of their friendship. As Dani works hard to regain her strength and independence, Eric focuses on making sure an accident like this never happens to anyone else. This middle grade novel will appeal to kids who enjoy books that address perseverance and friendship issues. Readers will relate to the main characters as they navigate challenging situations while trying to figure out who they are and who they want to be. This story is ultimately uplifting and recommended for any middle school library.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

Boop!

March 22, 2024

Boop! by Bea Birdsong, Linzie Hunter
ISBN: 0063214806
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

“Boop!” is written by Bea Birdsong and illustrated by Linzie Hunter. The book is all about “booping” (lightly touching) the “snoots” (noses) of dogs. There are so many dog snoots to boop in this book: big dogs, small dogs, all different colors. Children will have fun booping the snoots of the dogs on each brightly colored page. The book starts with a disclaimer that all of the dogs in the book want their snoots booped, but you should always ask the dog’s human before booping their snoot of a real dog. Hopefully kids understand that booping snoots in a book is fun, but not something to do much in real life. Written for ages 1 to 4, this book is an additional purchase for your picture book collection.

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

Gift and Box

March 22, 2024

Gift & Box by Brizida Magro, Ellen Mayer
ISBN: 0593377613
Genres: Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

“Gift and Box” is a picture book written by Ellen Mayer and illustrated by Brizida Magro. Grandma is sending her granddaughter a gift through the mail, so she puts Gift into Box to be able to ship them. Together they are a Package. The story follows their journey as Box protects Gift. Gift is occasionally worried and impatient, but Box is calm and confident. The illustrations are a colorful and bright collage style, with Box and Gift having big cartoony eyes and faces. Children who have gone on a long trip will understand how Gift feels. The ending of the book is cute and happy, and is NOT the end of Box and Gift’s friendship. Written for ages 3 to 5, this is a recommended purchase for picture book collections.

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

A Way to the Stars

March 22, 2024

A Way to the Stars by David Almond, Gill Smith
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 1536231258
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

“A Way to the Stars” is a picture book written by David Almond and illustrated by Gill Smith. Joe, a kid, wants to find a way to the stars. His friends laugh, but his dad is encouraging and helps Joe. They try a ladder, wings, a trampoline, and more, but no luck. The solution they find is beautiful. Artwork in the book is bright, flowy, and gorgeous. It’s nice to see a parent brainstorming with their child and trying different solutions before finding one that works. Written for ages 4 to 7, this is a recommended purchase for picture book collections.

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