Category: Cream of the Crop Nominees

Songlight

SonglightSonglight (The Torch Trilogy, #1) by Moira Buffini
on September 3, 2024
ISBN: 0063358212
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Young Adult
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

Elsa lives each day with a life altering secret.  She possesses the power of songlight.  The ability to connect telepathically with others holding the gift.  Unfortunately, in the dictatorship of Brightland, those with the gift are ruled “Unhuman” and people are rewarded for turning in torches, those with songlight.  Once discovered, torches are marked for a procedure rendering them into a thoughtless state of servitude.  The only other person to know of Elsa’s secret is Rye, who shares the same gift and also a blossoming relationship.  

Everything falls apart when Rye is betrayed, sparking a chain of events in Elsa’s life that puts not only her life on a dangerous path, but the entire path of societal authority.  In her state of grief, Elsa cries out with her songlight only to “harmonize” with Nightingale, a girl hundreds of miles away.  Both girls benefit from the dangerous connection, but Nightingale also has a secret.  Her father is the head of a government group in charge of rooting out Unhumans, and he doesn’t know about his own daughter’s gifts.  

Buffini’s first book in what will be a trilogy introduces great notes of fantasy, dystopian society, star crossed lovers, danger at every corner, adventure, human rights, and so much more. There are diverse characters and multiple viewpoints.  The book does contain sexual assault, adult relationships, and is heavy on the cursing, making it more appropriate for a mature YA audience.   

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

five-stars

Pau: The Last Song of the Kaua’i ‘O’O

Pau: The Last Song of the Kaua’i ‘O’OPau: The Last Song of the Kaua’i ‘o’o by Mackenzie Joy, Tony Piedra
Published by Candlewick Press on September 17, 2024
ISBN: 1536219495
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

Pau is an ecological history of the Hawaiian island of Kaua’i focusing on its now extinct songbird, the ‘O’O. We follow through the book with sparse and lyrical text over the course of 5.1 million years. Gorgeous illustrations carry the reader as we discover how the island was created and then became inhabited by animals, including the ‘O’O, and plants over time. As changes came to the island so did effects on the population of the ‘O’O. Scientists studied the bird until there was only one and then none.

Each page is listed with the time period it covers and there is extensive back matter providing information on other animals and how they came to the island. While simple in text this book gives a thorough and beautiful look at a serious topic in a poignant manner.

Reviewed by MaryAnn Lopes, Elementary Librarian, Lewiston, Maine.

five-stars

The Last Boyfriends Rules for Revenge

The Last Boyfriends Rules for RevengeThe Last Boyfriends Rules for Revenge by Matthew Hubbard
on April 30, 2024
ISBN: 0593707176
Format: Young Adult
Goodreads
four-stars

Ezra’s self-esteem has been ripped to shreds through his secret relationship with closeted football player, Presley. After Presley cheats on him and Ezra’s best friends Lucas and Finley also find themselves breaking up with their boyfriends, they each devise a plan to get revenge on their exes. Through the use of an anonymous TikTok account, Ezra sets his plan into motion. Soon enough though, the social media presence takes on a much larger purpose–exposing their Alabama school district’s “Watch What You Say” policy that seeks to silence queer voices. 

One of the most endearing elements of this story is Ezra’s relationship with his Dad, who is delightfully supportive and encouraging. His Dad’s determination to get him to love himself as he is gives the story an extra injection of heart. This book will appeal to teens not just because of its LGBTQ+ themes and its dash of romance, but because it reminds them that they have the power to make significant change no matter who or where they are. The way that Ezra and his friends use civil disobedience to fight back against an administration that continually gaslights them by claiming they are on their side, threatens them, and uses the tired argument that the district’s mission is to protect family values is inspiring. There are consistent reminders to queer students throughout the book that they are enough and that they must continue to fight for visibility no matter who is trying to push them back into the closet. A call to action in our present times indeed. 

Grades 9-12

Recommended for Cream of the Crop

Kerrie Lattari, York Middle School, York

four-stars

A Place for Vanishing

A Place for VanishingA Place for Vanishing by Ann Fraistat
on January 16, 2024
ISBN: 0593382234
Genres: Horror
Format: Young Adult
Goodreads
five-stars

After a stint in the hospital following her attempted suicide and a new bipolar III diagnosis, sixteen-year-old Libby has moved into her mother’s childhood home along with her family. Known as Madame Clery’s House of Masks, this long abandoned house known for its seances has a storied past including a long history of disappearances, most notably that of her mother’s parents back when she was a young child. Libby tries to make the best of this adjustment, knowing that voicing her concerns about the house will only drive a deeper wedge between her, her mother, and her thirteen-year-old sister, Vivi. But the bug infestations, mysterious masks, odd decor, strange noises, and unsettling blue roses adorning the property are too much to ignore. Noticing the hold the house seems to have over her mother and a change in her behavior that gets creepier by the day, Libby works to uncover the house’s secrets before it’s too late. It will take all the strength she can muster, including asking for help from her infuriatingly cute neighbor, Flynn, to save her family and herself from the same fate suffered by so many before them. 

A Place for Vanishing is a deeply atmospheric tale with mental health at its core. Libby’s inner turmoil of fighting her triggers and searching to find the strength within to keep herself from falling into the despair that makes her wish she could disappear is a direct link to Madame Clery’s masks and her belief in human metamorphosis. While obvious, the weaving of the supernatural with Libby’s struggle is very well done. This page-turner offers plenty of spine-tingling, disquieting, and flat-out frightening moments, body horror, and a tiny bit of romance. Fans of gothic horror will undoubtedly gobble this one up but those with a fear of insects will want to stay far away!

Grade 8 and Up

Recommended for Cream of the Crop

Kerrie Lattari, York Middle School, York

five-stars

When We Gather: (Ostadahlisiha): A Cherokee Tribal Feast

When We Gather: (Ostadahlisiha): A Cherokee Tribal FeastWhen We Gather (Ostadahlisiha): A Cherokee Tribal Feast by Andrea L. Rogers, Madelyn Goodnight
ISBN: 0063076799
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars
This beautiful book covers so many desirable picture book categories: Indigenous knowledge and traditions, community, sustainability, family, food, caring for our elders, and so much more.

At the start of the story, a Cherokee girl welcomes the onset of spring. Details of tasks being done by different family members help set the tone, and readers will enjoy the family adventure to gather wild onions. The tale continues as everyone makes their way to the community center to help prepare a meal. Various traditional dishes are described and recipes are included in the back of the book.

In addition to the recipes, back matter includes a glossary of native words, a note to the reader, and a longer and more detailed author’s note. When We Gather was published in association with We Need Diverse Books. This selection is recommended for all libraries with picture book collections.

Reviewed by Kristi Favaloro, Skidompha Public Library, Damariscotta

five-stars

Work: Interviews with People Doing Jobs They Love

Work: Interviews with People Doing Jobs They LoveWork: Interviews with People Doing Jobs They Love by Julia Rothman, Shaina Feinberg
Published by Candlewick Press on December 3, 2024
ISBN: 1536232661
Pages: 64
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

Work takes an inclusive and global look at a varied grouping of jobs people are doing in today’s world. The book interviews real people following their passions and doing the jobs they love. Readers will get insight into jobs such as toy shop owner, surfer,street food vendor, vegan butcher, candlestick maker, and prosthetics maker.

Each worker’s story includes information about themselves, the job they do, and why this job is important to them. Work takes a look at the day to day jobs that make the world run and shows how following your passion can lead to work that is fulfilling and rewarding as well as inspiring to others.

Ages: 6-9 years

Reviewed by MaryAnn Lopes, Elementary Librarian, Lewiston Public Schools

five-stars

Narwhal: Unicorn of the Arctic

Narwhal: Unicorn of the ArcticNarwhal: Unicorn of the Arctic by Candace Fleming, Deena So'Oteh
ISBN: 0593377788
Genres: Animals
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars
At first the second person narrative seems a bit jarring, but the reader soon settles into what life as a narwhale might be like. Rich in facts making the book both lyrical and informative. So’Oteh’s spectacular artwork seems to jump off the page, complimenting the immersing text. This book will be popular with animal lovers or as a companion book to the Narwhale & Jelly series. This book not only informs but takes you on an adventure!

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library
Nominated for Cream of the Crop

five-stars

Mr. Fox’s Game of “NO!”

Mr. Fox’s Game of “NO!”Mr. Fox's Game of No! by David LaRochelle, Mike Wohnoutka
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 1536229679
Genres: Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars
A hilarious interactive picture book by Geisel winner David LaRochelle, who challenges kids to answer every question with “NO”. The rules are simple: every time he asks a question, you must respond with “NO.” If you accidentally say “YES,” then it’s back to the beginning of the book for you, where you must start all over again. Some of these questions are tricky: Are you ready? (Oops!) Do you live on planet Earth?  Are you wearing any underwear? What does Y-E-S spell? Kids will giggle as they try to avoid Mr. Fox’s clever traps to the very last engineered question: “Have you ever read a funnier, better written, more beautifully illustrated book than this one?” The illustrations are comically wonderful, especially Stinkpot the water buffalo, and this will be a big hit at Story Time.

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library
Nominated for Cream of the Crop

five-stars

The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman

The Tenth Mistake of Hank HoopermanThe Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman by Gennifer Choldenko
on June 11, 2024
ISBN: 1524718920
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars
This  book is heartbreaking but also humorous and relevant. Hank, a sixth grader, is left to cope with caring for himself and his 3-year-old sister, Boo, when their alcoholic mother leaves and doesn’t return for a week.  When the landlord threatens an eviction, Hank travels several hours by bus to an old friend of his now deceased grandmother. These strangers are kind to them but the situation does lead to involvement with the foster care system and the threat of being separated. The first-person narrative really engages the reader. I was impressed  with the depiction of Hank’s encounters from his diverse classmates at his new middle school.  A wonderful model for kids about how to treat newcomers to their schools. Plus it is important for readers to imagine what they might do if faced with similar circumstances. This book is not all sadness and consequences though. Hank and Boo are very likable characters. Boo is a hoot! Readers will be relieved when the author gives the pair a mostly happy ending. Highly recommended for 5-8th grade readers.

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library
Nominated for Cream of the Crop.

five-stars

Leo’s First Vote

Leo’s First VoteLeo's First Vote! by Christina Soontornvat, Isabel Roxas
ISBN: 0593644263
Genres: Immigrants
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Leo’s First Vote is about a little boy named Leo whose father is voting in America for the first time after becoming a US citizen. While Leo’s father is getting ready to vote, Leo’s teacher is teaching the class about voting and elections. These make a nice parallel as Leo and his father work through their thoughts about voting. Leo and his dad go through the whole process: learning about the candidates, watching the debates, finding a polling place, staying in line to vote, registering to vote, and voting rights. Throughout the book Leo and those around him bring up important questions and ideas about voting, including the most central of all: Does one vote make a difference? Leo’s dad starts to answer this question, discussing how the overwhelming problems in the world can make our actions feel unimportant but that we must do our best to do our part. Then, in Leo’s class’ mock election the results are down to just one vote —showing that each vote makes a difference. Best of all, the book is not focused on if Leo or his father’s choice of candidate wins the election but about the importance of voting itself. It ends with an illustration of Leo’s dad reading the front page of the newspaper with an article that talks about a “historic turnout.” The author deftly avoids any political party and allows the reader to focus on the importance of voting itself, separate from the outcome.

Leo’s First Vote is an exceptionally thorough yet accessible introduction to voting. While this would be a great text for elementary students (K-5), it would also be a great start to any civics, government, or other history unit in the secondary grades; I will definitely be adding it to our high school collection for our unified history class. Furthermore, though it is not the primary idea in the book, Leo’s First Vote is a very positive depiction of New Americans and his father being a productive citizen. Adults will appreciate Leo’s father’s point that voting and democracy aren’t a right everywhere in the world and that the authors are careful to create a positive impression of immigrants, something all collections need. This story is also a great representation of community: Leo’s father is helped by many members of the community from politicians to neighbors to elders in the community to college students who help him with different aspects of voting from understanding candidates, finding a polling location, and knowing voting rights like staying in line even if the polling location is closing. Highly recommend for all collections, 5 stars. *Cream of the crop nominee* 

Reviewed by Katy Jones, Gardiner Area High School Library, Gardiner

five-stars