Category: Cream of the Crop Nominees

Ada and the Galaxies

Ada and the GalaxiesAda and the Galaxies by Alan Lightman, Olga Pastuchiv, Susanna Chapman
Published by MIT Kids Press on September 7, 2021
ISBN: 9781536215618
Pages: 40
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Renowned MIT physicist Alan Lightman collaborates with with author Olga Pastuchiv in this fiction/nonfiction book. Ada, who has brown skin and curly hair, can’t see stars in New York City so  is delighted to arrive at her grandparents’ Maine island house. There is lots to like about this book: the depiction of Maine and coastal environment, photographs taken from the Hubble Space Telescope mixed in with beautiful watercolor illustrations, the bond between the child and her grandparents, Ama and Poobah, and the interconnectedness with humans and the universe. Ada is a bumptious child but not unrealistic. The story was inspired by the author’s granddaughter visiting him in Maine and the story comes across as a real event.  Olga Pstuchiv lives in Maine and it is unclear how she contributed to the book – the text or the illustrations. Probably best shared individually with a budding scientist.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

five-stars

One-osaurus, Two-osaurus

One-osaurus, Two-osaurusOne-osaurus, Two-osaurus by Kim Norman, Pierre Collet-Derby
Published by Candlewick Press on March 23, 2021
ISBN: 1536201790
Pages: 32
Genres: Animals, Humor
Goodreads
five-stars

Recommending for Cream.  Get ready for a romping, stomping game of hide and seek, dinosaur style!  This is a counting picture book with the right chemistry of colorful dinosaurs, large digital numbers and the right amount of humor when the dinosaur who is “it” is a mini-T-Rex.  The text flows perfectly and the energy goes high and low at just the right places.  Dinosaur lovers will beg for repeat readings.  A perfect choice for story times and preschool groups.

Reviewed by Sheila Dube, Youth Services Librarian, Springvale Public Library

 

five-stars

Merci Suarez Can’t Dance

Merci Suarez Can’t DanceMerci Suárez Can't Dance by Meg Medina
Published by Candlewick Press on April 6, 2021
ISBN: 0763690503
Pages: 384
Genres: Humor, Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Merci Suarez returns in a sequel that has the ability to stand alone.  Medina has brought back a well-developed character readers met and loved in Merci Suarez Changes Gears.  Now starting seventh grade Merci is continuing to mature with all the fear and dreams that most pre-teens experience.  Within her multigenerational family things are changing as her grandfather deals with decline.  The author presents her characters as strong individuals who rely on close relationships and love.  This title offers humor, dedication and responsibility, a touch of romance, as well as emotional growth to its readers.  Merci’s cultural background and dedication too her strong family helps her navigate the world of middle school.  Median’s  character deals with the potential loss of a valued friendship and the blooming of her first romantic interest.

Dancing may not be her only apprehension and it may not be shared by readers.  Pre-teens will identify with Merci’s doubts and concerns about herself, her friendships and her family.  All middle school media centers and public libraries need to add both this sequel and the original title about Merci Suarez.

Submitted by Jan Hamilton, retired youth services librarian in Scarborough, ME

Recommended for Cream of the Crop.

five-stars

Josephine Against the Sea

Josephine Against the SeaJosephine Against the Sea by Shakirah Bourne
Published by Scholastic Inc. on July 6, 2021
ISBN: 1338642081
Pages: 304
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Josephine Against the Sea

 

Josephine’s mother has died and her father is her whole world.  But, the women of the community in Barbados where they live, are attracted to him, also.  Josephine has been able to fend them off with fish soup on the head and all manner of exploits until Mariss arrives.  She is not intimidated at all and soon has moved in.  There is something very strange about Mariss and soon Josephine, with the help of her best friend, Ahkai, is searching for a way to rid the community of the sea creature.

Ahkai is on the autism spectrum but he is accepted by all and it isn’t a point of emphasis.  Cricket plays an important role and, for those readers who aren’t familiar with the sport, this book may entice them to learn more.  The mythology of Barbados and the Caribbean are utilized in creative ways.

This book is unique and I believe it should be a Cream of the Crop contender.  It is recommended for 3rd-6th grades.

 

Reviewed by Ellen Spring, Oceanside High School, Rockland

five-stars

The Genius Under the Table

The Genius Under the TableThe Genius Under the Table: Growing Up Behind the Iron Curtain by Eugene Yelchin
Published by Candlewick Press on October 5, 2021
ISBN: 153621552X
Pages: 208
Genres: Biography/Autobiography
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Eugene (Yevgeny) Yelchin remembers growing up in Cold War Russia in this fascinating, laugh- out-loud funny, and heartbreaking memoir. Young Eugene and his family live in a communalka, a small apartment that shares a kitchen, bathroom and KGB spy (every communalka had one, according to Yelchin) with other families. His Grandmother lives with them but his Grandfather is gone and not spoken of; his face has been cut out of all family photos. Eugene is desperate to find his talent, something that will help him to leave Russia, and though he draws all night under his Grandmother’s table, where he sleeps, the family doesn’t know it and thinks of him as a lost cause. His mother works for a ballet company and is obsessed with Mikhail Baryshnikov and so poor Eugene tries ballet despite his passion for art.

This is a terrific book. Its deadpan delivery made me burst out laughing several times and lulled me into thinking this would be a funny, if a little unnerving, recounting of his rise to success in art and his eventual move to the USA. It’s not though. Instead, it’s devastating. I was unprepared for the last few chapters and realized I’d grown attached to the characters like one does in a much longer novel. I would recommend this to anyone; there is a strength to this family that is inspiring in the chaos of today’s world. It also will resonate with any child who feels that information is being withheld from them; while it won’t help them discover information in their own families, it will help explain why a family might keep secrets from its own members.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

five-stars

Alone

AloneAlone! by Barry Falls
Published by Pavilion Books Company Ltd. on March 2, 2021
Pages: 32
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Billy McGill lives by himself on the top of a hill, and he quite enjoys his quiet, solitary lifestyle. When a mouse makes an appearance in his home, Billy stops at nothing to get rid of it, bringing in a cast of characters, both animal and human alike, to fix this unacceptable problem! As the situation at home gets more and more out of control, Billy realizes that perhaps one doesn’t have to be alone all the time.

This rhyming cumulative story (in the same vein as The House That Jack Built and If You Give a Mouse a Cookie) will delight young readers and adults alike. The repetitive verse of ‘”This is my hill,” said Billy McGill. “I live here alone! Always have, always will” ‘ is perfect for an interactive read aloud. Engaging illustrations and a simple plot make this a great choice for PreK-1 collections. Recommended for Cream.

Kerrie Lattari, York Middle School, York

four-stars

The Troubled Girls of Dragomir Academy

The Troubled Girls of Dragomir AcademyThe Troubled Girls of Dragomir Academy by Anne Ursu
Published by Walden Pond Press on October 12, 2021
ISBN: 0062275127
Pages: 432
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

In the Kingdom of Illyria, boys are sought out and tested for magical talent so that they might become sorcerer’s capable of defending the land against a deadly curse known as the Dread. When Marya accidentally disrupts her brother Luka’s test, she is sent to Dragomir Academy, a school for troubled girls. Alongside the other girls, Marya tries to figure out how to shape herself into the expectations of a society that doesn’t have a place for her. She quickly realizes that what they have been told their whole lives is not the full truth, and that those with power will do anything to keep it for themselves. 

This captivating fantasy is a must-have for middle grade collections. Strong female characters fighting for their place in a patriarchal society with a critical message about the question that we must all remember to ask ourselves: “Who does the story serve?” Perfect for fans of Colfer’s “A Tale of Magic.” Nominated for Cream. 

Kerrie Lattari, York Middle School, York

five-stars

The Museum of Everything

The Museum of EverythingThe Museum of Everything by Lynne Rae Perkins
Published by Greenwillow Books on May 11, 2021
ISBN: 0062986309
Pages: 40
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars
Recommending for cream.  A young girl explains to readers how she focuses on details when the world becomes overwhelming.  She imagines them as pieces in a museum, even if the museum is in her mind.  The young narrator quietly and gently allows the reader to think, ask questions and wonder about various things.  After a time of thinking and imagining museums, the young girl then goes back outside to the busy world.  Perkins brings these contemplative thoughts alive with bright three-dimensional illustrations that clearly show textures, movement and a creative use of everyday things.   Some of the illustrations demand multiple “viewings” and easily could pass for rooms in a doll house or an art installation.  There is much to see, feel and think about in this gem of a picture book most suitable for prek-3 grade readers.

Reviewed by Sheila Dube, Youth Services, Springvale Public Library

 

five-stars

The Beatryce Prophecy

The Beatryce ProphecyThe Beatryce Prophecy by Kate DiCamillo, Sophie Blackall
Published by Candlewick Press on September 28, 2021
ISBN: 1536213616
Pages: 256
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars
Recommending for Cream.   DiCamillo weaves a fairy-tale story that celebrates the power of words, knowledge of self and the steadfastness of love. Set in an unidentified medieval time of war and using her stylized power of precise and beautiful descriptions, Dicamillo introduces the reader to each character while building the tension of a fairy tale quest.  Brother Edik is a monk in the Chronicles of Sorrowing whose joy comes from creating the illuminated letters.  Answelica is the obstinate demon goat who terrorizes the monks.  Beatryce is a young girl who doesn’t remember anything besides her name but she has the unlawful ability to read and write.  The morning Brother Edik finds Beatryce in the barn protected by Answelica as she slept, he knows that the prophecy of a young girl who will unseat the king has come true.   With the help of Jack Dory, a brave boy who listens to animals and Cannoc, an old man with hidden secrets, Beatryce makes her way to the castle with Answelica her comical protector.   A story of a mermaid is also found in the rich fabric of the tale.  Blackall’s black and white illustrations pair perfectly with the story in their placement before each short chapter.  They are also precise and provide readers foreshadowing of action while providing a sense of the Medieval style.  This story could be suggested as a read aloud, character study, supplementing a historical unit and used for a fairy tale or creative writing unit.  For grades 3-6.

Reviewed by Sheila Dube, Youth Services, Springvale Public Library

five-stars

The Life I’m In

The Life I’m InThe Life I'm In by Sharon G. Flake
Published by Scholastic Press on January 5, 2021
ISBN: 1338573179
Pages: 336
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars
This book is simultaneously difficult to read and impossible to put down. A companion novel to Flake’s The Skin I’m In, this book picks up several years later with the first book’s bully as the main character. When Char’s parents died, her older sister became her guardian and her whole world flipped upside down. She struggled to deal with the loss, and often found herself lashing out and getting into trouble, eventually getting expelled from school. 

Char’s sister reaches a point where she feels she can no longer care for her, and forces Char to get on a bus to go live with their grandparents. Char feels betrayed, scared, and furious, so rather than transfer mid-trip, she sets off on her own. A fellow traveler abandons her baby, leaving it with Char, who decides to set out on her own, care for the infant, and not look back. She moves into a seedy hotel, struggles for months to make ends meet, tries to define herself and her life, and refuses to tell anyone from her past life where she is. 

Sadly, Char’s situation is all too common, and she is exactly the type of person preyed upon by human traffickers. After an initial grooming period, she finds herself trapped in a world that devalues her, abuses her, and destroys her sense of self. She and the other girls she is trapped with find ways to connect with one another and survive. Char learns that escape is rare, and even those who are lucky enough to get away will never be the same. 

This book is not a feel-good read, but it is so important, and very well-written. Recommended for high school students and above.

Reviewed by Kristi Favaloro, Skidompha Public Library, Damariscotta

five-stars