Category: Cream of the Crop Nominees

Yonder

YonderYonder by Ali Standish
Published by HarperCollins on May 10, 2022
ISBN: 006298568X
Pages: 368
Genres: Historical Fiction, Mystery
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Yonder is a well written coming of age story with multiple strong characters. The setting is in a quiet small town within the Appalachian Mountains during WW II. Not only does the setting become better defined, but the action and behavior of residents is more intense with each short chapter. Some characters grow stronger while others begin to exhibit their prejudice, intolerance, and violent behavior. Danny proves that the strongest amongst us may not be the most powerful or largest in size. Compassion, bravery, and responsibility are threads throughout the book. Standish exposes the weakness of bullies and the strength of their victims. This book is a fast read that is hard to put aside; it will be appreciated by young readers and adults. Recommended for parent child book groups and for intermediate and middle school media centers as well as public library collections. There may be challenges of this historical fiction work but the content is real and does depict many areas of our country during the 1940’s. Consider for Cream

Reviewed by Jan Hamilton, Retired Youth Services Librarian

five-stars

Poppy’s House

Poppy’s HousePoppy's House by Karla Courtney, Madeline Kloepper
Published by Walker Books US on June 7, 2022
ISBN: 1536211524
Pages: 32
Genres: Adventure, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

What a first book! Courtney has written a snuggle-book full of love and memories. A true connection between child and grandfather is evident within the text, as well as a deep connection to this lovely environment in Newfoundland. The author’s writing style adds to the degree of heartwarming reassurance this book provides. The attention to detail by illustrator Kloepper launches the book to a higher level. Quilters will appreciate all of the detailed patterns which integrate the story line and its location. While the Atlantic puffin is superb, all of the little reoccurring prints, lines, and shapes are fantastic.

Add this book to all public libraries and gift to early primary classroom collections. Even if a school is located inland the sentiments and illustrations will be appreciated by all in any primary media center. |

Recommended for Cream

Reviewed by Jan Hamilton, Retired Youth Services Librarian

five-stars

Marshmallow Clouds: Two Poets at Play among Figures of Speech

Marshmallow Clouds: Two Poets at Play among Figures of SpeechMarshmallow Clouds: Two Poets at Play among Figures of Speech by Connie Wanek, Richard Jones, Ted Kooser
Published by Candlewick Press on March 15, 2021
ISBN: 1536203033
Pages: 72
Genres: Fiction in Verse/Poetry
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

“Celebrated poets Ted Kooser and Connie Wanek, along with illustrator Richard Jones, invite you to let your imagination run wild and celebrate unique visions.” The poems in this book are framed by the four elements: fire, water, air, and earth. However, they are more about imagination and what ifs. Evocative metaphors, e.g. “We keep our fire in a playpen where we feed it, mostly leftovers from the woods,” and arresting imagery, e.g. “The TV remote means to change the world one channel at a time.” cause readers to pay attention. Beautiful illustrations from Richard Jones compliment the 27 poems each on a 2-page spread. An intriguing collection to share with budding poets that will likely cause the most reluctant poets to pause and think about everyday things. Recommend this book of poetry to everyone!

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

five-stars

Carrimebac, the Town That Walked

Carrimebac, the Town That WalkedCarrimebac, the Town That Walked by David Barclay Moore, John Holyfield
Published by Candlewick Press on March 8, 2022
ISBN: 1536213691
Pages: 40
Genres: Folklore, Historical Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

When old Rootilla Redgums and her 9-year-old grandson, Julius Jefferson arrive at the small town of Walkerton, Georgia, residents are suspicious and scared of the old lady because there are rumors that Rootilla is a witch who has magic and who is over 100 years old. Rootilla uses her magic to teach the residents how to weave rugs that never wear down. She also teaches them to create ceramic jugs that never empty, which help the town trade with surrounding towns. Rootilla’s kindness does not go unnoticed. Hate groups arrive in Walkerton and the town must decide what to do about the outsiders. Moore does a fantastic job showing how African Americans were treated after the Civil War, as well as adding a thin layer of folklore. The illustrations are acrylic and the facial features and expressions are beautifully painted. The intended audience is 1st through 4th graders (Ages 6 through 10). This book is useful when introducing youth to systematic racism during the 19th century after the Civil War. This picture book would be a great addition to any public/school library collection and any classroom library.

Reviewed by Brandon Dyer, Auburn Public Library

five-stars

Loyalty

LoyaltyLoyalty by Avi
Published by Clarion Books on February 1, 2022
ISBN: 0358248078
Pages: 352
Genres: Adventure, Historical Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

In the year 1774, it was not advisable to pray for King George with the windows open. Loyalist pastor Solomon Cope did just that and it cost him his life. His family watched in horror as he was dragged outside his home, tarred, and feathered. That day, twelve-year-old Noah Cope became the head of the household. This is where our story begins. Newbery winning author, Avi, weaves historical moments of the American Revolution with the challenges of adolescence throughout Noah’s story. To care for his mother and sisters and to honor his father’s legacy, Noah becomes a spy for the British. The reader watches as everything that Noah ever thought about the meaning of loyalty is challenged. Especially as his friendship deepens with Jolla Freeman, his black supervisor at the Boston tavern where the Sons of Liberty meet. Filled with action, this moving novel encourages readers to think for themselves and learn that the strongest loyalty is in friendship. This book should be added to the middle-grade collections of both school and public libraries.

Reviewed by Liz Davis, Children’s Librarian, Waterville Public Library

five-stars

The Last Mapmaker

The Last MapmakerThe Last Mapmaker by Christina Soontornvat
Published by Candlewick Press on April 12, 2022
ISBN: 1536204951
Pages: 368
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Sai works for the famous mapmaker Paiyoon in the kingdom of Mangkon. Now that Mangkon has won a long-time war, the Queen wants to explore her newly conquered territory and arranges for boats to search for the never-seen continent in the Southern Hemisphere. Paiyoon signs on as mapmaker on a ship and arranges for Sai to travel with him. Sai jumps at the opportunity as she comes from a poor background and her father is a grifter. She’s worried that her apprenticeship will come to an end when she turns 13 and does not receive a lineal necklace from her family representing her ancestry. At its heart, this is a swashbuckling sea adventure with a strong female protagonist that features mutiny and sea creatures and readers will be hoping to read more of Sai’s adventures!

Recommended for Cream of the Crop.

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

five-stars

Message Not Found

Message Not FoundMessage Not Found by Dante Medema
Published by Quill Tree Books on March 29, 2022
ISBN: 0062954431
Pages: 400
Genres: Mystery, Psychological thriller
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

When Bailey’s best friend Vanessa dies in a car accident Bailey struggles to make sense of the death. Bailey “borrows” an AI app from her mom and programs a virtual version of Vanessa she names V so they can continue to exchange text messages. Bailey becomes a little too obsessed – going so far as to mine personal data from communications Vanessa had with her boyfriend and others. Will Bailey discover why Vanesa was nowhere near her house the night of the accident? Will she uncover the secrets Vanessa kept from her? Written in a unique mix of text messages, notes, and brief chapters, readers will scarf down this YA thriller/mystery in one sitting.

Recommended for Cream of the Crop.

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

five-stars

Maizy Chen’s Last Chance

Maizy Chen’s Last ChanceMaizy Chen's Last Chance by Lisa Yee
Published by Random House on February 1, 2022
ISBN: 1984830252
Pages: 288
Genres: Historical Fiction, Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Maizy and her mother spend the summer in Last Chance, Minnesota so they can help take care of her ailing grandfather. Maizy’s grandparents – who have been estranged from Maizy’s mom – own and run a Chinese restaurant and don’t understand Maizy’s mom’s career as a food stylist. Maizy can’t wait to get back to her life and friends in Los Angeles but she finds that she enjoys getting to know her grandparents and hanging out at their Golden Palace restaurant. Maizy’s grandfather shares the story of her great-grandfather Lucky who first ran the Golden Palace and how he got to Minnesota. She also learns how challenging it was to be a Chinese immigrant in the late 1800s/early 1900s when Lucky came to America. Maizy is curious about the photographs of young men in the restaurant office and learns about “paper sons” that came through Last Chance. The only pathway for citizenship for Chinese immigrants in the wake of the 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act was to show proof that they were the children of US citizens of Chinese descent. It was fairly easy to purchase fake documents and thus become “paper sons” of US citizens. Maizy also experiences racism first hand  but unlike Lucky, she is able to confront it head on. Includes an author’s note with more historical information.

Recommended for Cream of the Crop.

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

five-stars

John’s Turn

John’s TurnJohn's Turn by Kate Berube, Mac Barnett
Published by Candlewick Press on March 1, 2022
ISBN: 1536203955
Pages: 32
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Every Friday, a kid gets up and does something in front of the whole school. Today is John’s turn, and he’s going to dance. When the classical music begins, some kids laugh and wonder how you dance to that music. John is brave. He dances and dances and smiles with his whole being. His classmates cheer.

This is a wonderful book. John is dancing ballet in front of his entire (presumably) elementary school. The watercolor illustrations do a wonderful job of conveying John’s emotions as they range from nervous to fearful to elated. This book celebrates the underrepresented dancers and all who choose to do something outside the box.

Recommended for readers 3 and up and for Cream of the Crop.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

five-stars

Anybody Here Seen Frenchie?

Anybody Here Seen Frenchie?Anybody Here Seen Frenchie? by Leslie Connor
Published by Katherine Tegen Books on February 15, 2022
ISBN: 0062999362
Pages: 336
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Aurora and Frenchie are best friends. Aurora has a lot to say, Frenchie has never spoken a word. When the two friends encounter a piebald deer, Aurora feels compelled to follow it, and she gets this compulsion every time she sees it. Both Frenchie and Aurora are creatures of habit, and when Frenchie doesn’t make it to first period at school one day, Aurora immediately knows something is up. The entire town helps to search, and it seem impossible that no one has seen him.

At it’s core, this is a story of friendship between two neurodiverse kids who experience the world in very different ways. It is a story of finding one’s voice in unexpected and tumultuous times. It is well written, and the character development leaves you rooting for both Frenchie and Aurora. Leslie Connor’s ability to give voice to the voiceless is unparalleled, and like with The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle, this story will not disappoint. Hand to fans of realistic fiction and those looking for a feel-good read.

Recommended for readers 3rd grade and up and for Cream of the Crop.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

five-stars