A Study in Drowning

February 1, 2024February 1, 2024

A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid
Published by HarperTeen on September 19, 2023
ISBN: 0063211505
Pages: 378
Genres: Fairy Tale, Fantasy, Folklore, Magical Realism
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

Ava Reid’s YA debut is an atmospheric, dreamy fantasy that dances the line between what is real and what is believed to be real.

Effy Sayre is one of the highest scoring students ever to enter the Llyrian University, but, as a woman, she is not allowed to study literature, so she ends up in the Architecture college instead. Lonely and unhappy, she seeks solace in her well-worn pages of Angharad, Emrys Myrddin’s epic masterpiece about the love between a mortal girl and the bewitching – but malicious – fairy king. When Myrddin dies, a contest is announced to redesign his estate. A contest which Effy, a first-year architecture student, inexplicably wins. She travels far south, to the most distant reaches of the land, where she finds herself isolated by geography, superstition, and land-swallowing storms. Her host is the son of Myrddin, and it is clear he is harboring a dark secret. Effy’s only ally is a fellow student from the university, there with his own secret mission, of proving Myrddin a fraud. Together they peel back layer upon layer of the mystery behind Angharad, and, in turn, Effy herself, who it turns out had her own brush with the Fairy King as a child, and has been stalked by him ever since.

Drowning is in turns creepy, desolate, disturbing, deeply magical, and fascinating. Two threads to be aware of: there is an oft-referred to incident of abuse at the hands of a professor that happened just before the beginning of the story. Also, Effy’s mother believes she is mentally unstable and forces her to take meds to control her visions and anxieties – both of which she ultimately discovers to be real, and the result of her lifelong entanglement with the Fairy King.

Perfect for fans of fantasy that draws on dark magical themes while having one foot in a recognizable world, such as Melissa Albert’s Hazel Wood. A great addition to library shelves.

5 stars

Reviewed by: Jenny Martinez Nocito, Maine State Library, Augusta

Three Tasks for a Dragon

February 1, 2024February 2, 2024

Three Tasks for a Dragon by Eoin Colfer, P.J. Lynch
Published by Candlewick ISBN: 1536229997
Genres: Fairy Tale
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

Upon his father’s death, Prince Lir’s evil-villain of a step-brother Delbayne neatly tricks him into undertaking a dangerous quest, sure that Prince Lir will perish in the process, and the kingdom will be his. The studious and caring young prince has been tasked with – he believes – saving a hapless maiden from a fearsome dragon. In truth, Delbayne has sent the maiden to the dragon’s island as bait, and magicked the dragon into compliance.

But things do not go as planned – the maiden is no helpless girl, nor is she discontented with her lot on the dragon’s island. And the dragon, while truly fearsome, has resisted full enchantment by Delbayne. Prince Lir invokes his right, as a Questor, to perform three tasks for the dragon to win the maiden, rather than fighting to the death, and the dragon, intrigued, agrees.

The three tasks are done; the dragon is pleased; Lir and the girl, Cethlenn, have become friends. Delbayne hears that his plan has failed and launches a second attack, which is foiled by the three allies, at considerable cost. But all does not end there; dark years pass before the poignant and beautiful ending of this tale.

A gorgeously illustrated, wholly original fairy tale with a subtle but pleasing feminist slant. Language and storyline are middle grade; this book might need some hand selling due to it presenting like a (very thick) picture book at first, but the author’s fame will help to promote it.

Highly recommend. 5 stars, cream.

Reviewed by: Jenny Martinez Nocito, Maine State Library, Augusta

Frank and Bean: The Stinky Feet Monster

February 1, 2024

Frank and Bean: The Stinky Feet Monster by Bob Kolar, Jamie Michalak
Series: Frank and Bean
Published by Candlewick Press on 09/23/24
ISBN: 1536225460
Genres: Humor
Format: Early Reader
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

Frank and Bean are back in this funny early reader/early chapter book. Frank is on the hunt for the Stinky Feet Monster, which Bean doesn’t believe is real. They follow Frank’s map through the woods and into a cave, singing a song to try to attract the monster. Instead they find a friendly family of monsters who run a cheese shop. Young readers will enjoy the last chapter when they learn that Bean is actually the Stinky Monster! The colorful and fun illustrations enhance the humor of the story and help move the plot forward. There are other books in this series, but this book definitely works as a stand alone and would be a fun addition to any collection.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

Tethered to Other Stars

January 31, 2024January 31, 2024

Tethered to Other Stars by Elisa Stone Leahy
Published by Quill Tree on October 3, 2023
ISBN: 0063255480
Pages: 313
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Wendy just wants to keep her head down as she starts her new school. Her family has moved because many of their friends – including her best friend and her brother’s girlfriend – were recently detained by ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) agents. Unfortunately, Wendy finds it hard to stay invisible between her friend Etta who wants to loudly protest for human – and immigrants’ – rights and becoming the target of bullies. With a woman seeking sanctuary in the church next door and the charming bully stealing her science fair project, things begin to heat up. Wendy starts to question her family’s desperate need to lay low as her brother starts attending rallies. While at times challenging and disturbing to read – especially reading about the mistreatment immigrants face in our country – it is nonetheless hopeful. This middle grade novel is timely and may be of interest in our Maine communities welcoming New Mainers. While well-written and engaging, it does not quite rise to the level of cream of the crop.

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

Gnome is Where Your Heart Is

January 31, 2024January 31, 2024

Gnome Is Where Your Heart Is by Casey Lyall
ISBN: 0063239825
Genres: Science Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Lemon decides this is the summer she will make contact with Gnemo, the gnome-like alien that her grandfather met thirty years ago. If only she could find Gnemo and also figure out how to evade the nurse guarding the door at her grandfather’s nursing home. When she discovers Gnemo and her crew have actually crash-landed in the woods, she must convince her friends to help her make contact. Reminiscent of Leonard, My Life as a Cat, this science fiction gem explores family relationships – especially when family members are stuck in their ways and beliefs. The author also tells a poignant story about grief and loss – especially when families are dealing with Alzheimer’s. This book is perfect for middle grade readers, especially readers who profess not to like science fiction. While delightful and innovative, it does not quite rise to the level of cream of the crop. The mushroom storyline was a little confusing and the gnome joke spread out over an entire novel verged on the silly.

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

The Queens of New York

January 29, 2024

The Queens of New York by E.L. Shen
on June 6, 2023
ISBN: 0063237954
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

“The Queens of New York” is a young adult novel by author E. L. Shen. The book follows three Asian-American best friends going off and doing different things for the summer. Chapters change between Jia, Ariel, and Everett as each experience the summer in New York City, San Francisco, and Ohio. Shen believably portrays the teens and themes of friendship and personal growth. The three teens face pressure, racism, and grief, but their friendship helps them persevere. A recommended purchase for library Teen/YA collections where realistic fiction is popular.

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

AlphaBot

January 22, 2024January 22, 2024

AlphaBot by Vicky Fang
Published by MIT Kids Press ISBN: 153622653X
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

AlphaBot is a fun and interactive book comprised of 26 separate flaps, one for each letter of the alphabet. Readers can mix and match to create 729 possible robots. This book is inviting with playful and bright illustrations and interesting sounding robotic terminology on each flap. It’s also a great vocabulary builder with terms such as LED, yaw and tread. Each term has a simplified definition that’s easy to understand for both children and adults. Sturdily constructed with reinforced carboard and a spiral binding this book is sure to get a lot of use. It would be a great STEM themed addition to a library or classroom for children ages 3-7.

Reviewed by Emily Stowers, Maine State Library, Augusta

How to Babysit Your Grown-Up

January 22, 2024

How to Babysit Your Grown-Up: Activities to Do Together (How To Series) by JaNay Brown-Wood, Jean Reagan, Lee Wildish
Published by Alfred A. Knopf ISBN: 0593479238
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

If you’re looking for creative and engaging ideas on what to do with kids, then this book is a great resource to have! Although the title includes the words, “how to babysit your grown-up” this book is for both kids and adults to use the next time somebody says, “I’m bored!”

This book contains a spread of 44 activities complete with supply lists and a step-by-step guide as well as charming, kid-friendly illustrations of adults and kids interacting with each other and of the activity.

There is a good mix of crafts, STEM projects, snack recipes, outdoor activities and games. All the activities require a short list of common household supplies that take minutes to gather and set up. Additionally, there is a checklist on the last page of all the activities so you can keep track of which ones you have or have not completed. This book seems to be written for families with young kids or for a grandparent or babysitter charged with entertaining a child, but many of the activities are easily transferrable to a classroom setting or a library program. This book is excellent for ages 4-8.

Reviewed by Emily Stowers, Maine State Library, Augusta

The Improbable Tales of Baskerville Hall

January 18, 2024

The Improbable Tales of Baskerville Hall by Ali Standish
ISBN: 0063275570
Pages: 310
Genres: Fantasy, Historical Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

“Arthur hadn’t known what he had set in motion the afternoon back in Edinburgh… One never knew where one’s choices might lead. All one could do was make the right choice in the moment.” A chance encounter between a young Arthur Conan Doyle and a mysterious man begins this adventure tale of mystery, secret societies, science fiction, and a little fantasy. Arthur is whisked off to a secret school for brilliant young minds called Baskerville Hall. Together with a familiar crew of friends (and enemies) he must follow the clues to keep the truth from falling into the wrong hands.

This novel is one that keeps readers guessing right up to the end. Those familiar with the Sherlock Holmes series and characters will truly appreciate the creativity that went into weaving this tale, while those not acquainted with the world of Holmes could become lost. Standish has partnered with the Conan Doyle estate for the creation of this series. Fans of Harry Potter and The Mysterious Benedict Society will enjoy this multilayered historical mystery filled with intricate details and nods to Doyle’s real life childhood. Recommended for readers aged nine to fourteen.

Reviewed by Heidi Kopishke, Camden Hills Regional High School (ESVM Library), Rockport, ME.

Peep and Ducky: It’s Snowing!

January 18, 2024

Peep and Ducky It's Snowing! by David Martin, David Walker
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 1536233285
Genres: Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure / General
Format: Board Book
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads

Peep and Ducky are excited to play in the snow. They go sledding and build a snowman together, but things don’t always go as planned. They begin kicking snow at one another and yelling in anger, until their parents arrive to give them hot chocolate and cookies.

While there was a great opportunity in this board book to teach about positive conflict resolution, it unfortunately fell short and was a bit problematic. This book is not recommended as a good model for young children.

Reviewed by Kristi Favaloro, Skidompha Public Library, Damariscotta