Category: Cream of the Crop Nominees

Marco Polo Brave Explorer

Marco Polo Brave ExplorerMarco Polo Brave Explorer by Cynthia Lord, Stephanie Graegin
Series: Book Buddies #2
Published by Candlewick Press (MA) on March 8, 2022
ISBN: 1536213551
Pages: 68
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy
Format: Early Reader
Goodreads
five-stars

The second title in the easy reader Book Buddies series by award winner Maine author Cynthia Lord is enchanting and sensitive.  The author knows her audience and has provided a heart-warming story about a boy who needs something to make him brave.   Marco is a small character with a large heart who is borrowed from the local library for a special reason.    Without the mouse, readers might never have experienced a first sleepover with a charming protagonist named Seth.   The story is told in a compassionate voice which is reassuring and very honest.   Graegin’s illustrations make for a perfect complement as they depict the three boys, a family cat and the lost toys.   This reader is unsure who her favorite character really is; it could be Marco Polo, Tulip the cat, or Seth.

If only all libraries offered book buddies to their young patrons, what a service that would be!  Marco Polo Brave Explorer is a delightful easy reader with 68 pages of exciting text and delightful illustrations.   Media Centers in primary schools, public libraries and grade 1-3 classroom collections should all have this and the first book in the Book Buddies series.

Recommended for Cream of the Crop.

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

five-stars

Out of This World: Star-Studded Haiku

Out of This World: Star-Studded HaikuOut of This World : Star-Studded Haiku by Matthew Trueman, Sally M. Walker
Published by Candlewick Press on April 12, 2022
ISBN: 1536203564
Pages: 48
Genres: Fiction in Verse/Poetry
Format: Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Walker has created haiku poetry about constellations (three stars in a row/Orion fastens his belt/ready for the hunt), the beginning of the Universe, stars, our solar system, eclipses, and asteroids. The poetry is excellent and the accompanying illustrations are stunning. This works well as a picture book with poetry. It’s a little overwhelming though for those who might want to reference this as a nonfiction source about the solar system and space as the “further explorations” section is quite dense and not reader-friendly. I wish the author had included a brief note on the structure of haikus.

Recommended for Cream of the Crop.

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

five-stars

Rescue

RescueRescue by Jennifer A. Nielsen
Published by Scholastic Press on March 2, 2021
ISBN: 1338620991
Pages: 387
Genres: Historical Fiction, Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars
Meg Kenyon’s father left their home in France to fight for the Allied forces during World War II. It’s been a long time since she’s seen her father, she’s recently learned he was taken hostage by the Nazis, and all she has from him are the codes he’s left her to decipher. When Meg an injured British spy in her grandmother’s barn, she finds herself with an opportunity to save her father. Meg, Captain Stewart, and a group of German refugees set off on a trek across Nazi-occupied France in an attempt to get to the freedom and neutrality of Spain.

This is an extremely well written and engaging story of family, history, and survival. The relationships between Meg and her fellow travelers are well developed, and will leave readers surprised when people who seemed loyal turn traitorous. The dynamic of codes and deciphering them will keep readers thinking and trying to guess what’s coming next. This is a wonderful addition to any middle grade historical fiction collection.

Recommended for readers 4th grade and up and for Cream of the Crop. Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

five-stars

The Samosa Rebellion

The Samosa RebellionThe Samosa Rebellion by Shanthi Sekaran
Published by Katherine Tegen Books on September 21, 2021
ISBN: 0063051532
Pages: 352
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars
Muki has always lived on the island of Mariposa. His parents moved there before he was born—it’s the only home he’s ever known. When the government divides the citizens of Mariposa into two factions—butterflies and moths—Muki and his family are at risk. Butterflies are only people with long family history on Mariposa, and anyone newer than three generations is considered a moth. Camps are set up to house all the moths before they’re deported to other countries. A resistance movement led by Muki’s parents is underway, however, and ready to expose any cracks in the president’s armor. Muki’s grandmother (Paati) is detained, his parents are in hiding, and he’s not sure who he can trust help lead the resistance.

This is a harrowing tale of courage, family, strength, and determination. Though set on the fictional island of Mariposa, the theme touches on many contemporary immigration issues and it does so in an age appropriate and accessible way. The story is engaging, Muki is a very relatable character (as are his friends and family), and the pacing is perfect. Readers will find themselves thinking about Muki and his fellow Mariposans long after finishing this book.

Recommended for readers 4th grade and up and for Cream of the Crop. Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

five-stars

The Insiders

The InsidersThe Insiders by Mark Oshiro
Published by HarperCollins on September 21, 2021
ISBN: 0063008106
Pages: 384
Genres: Fantasy, Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars
Héctor Muñoz has just moved from the San Francisco area to Orangevale, CA, and it is a far cry from the only home he knew before now. Back home, being gay wasn’t a big deal; at Orangevale Middle School, however, things are not so simple. Héctor is bullied from the first day for how he dresses and acts. Despite making some new, accepting friends, he still feels alone. When trying to escape the bullies one day, Héctor finds himself in what he thought was the janitor’s closet. The room, however, transforms into something much better. This seemingly magical room provides whatever Héctor needs in the moment—even two new friends from other parts of the country. Héctor and his friends use the room to overcome obstacles and in the process find their voices and comfort in being themselves. Award winning author, Mark Oshiro, makes their middle grade debut with this book, and they’ve really hit the mark. The characters are relatable, and their struggles are real and contemporary. The story is engaging, well-paced, and fun to read. This is a great book for fans of realistic fiction as well as fantasy fans. The magic of the room won’t put-off those who don’t like fantasy.

Recommended for readers 4th grade and up and for Cream of the Crop. Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

five-stars

One Jar of Magic

One Jar of MagicOne Jar of Magic by Corey Ann Haydu
Published by Katherine Tegen Books on February 9, 2021
ISBN: 0062689851
Pages: 352
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars
Coming of age fantasy story of Little Luck who is expected to maintain the family tradition of finding and capturing the most and the best bits of magic in jars. Her father has a collection that takes over the house and he is blind to her struggle. She questions why she is the one who must carry this on, and discovers an uncle and cousins who don’t believe in the magic.

An engaging read for those middle readers who struggle with rules no one has told them and who don’t measure up to family and community expectations – the disappointments, the discouragement, pretending, and the final redemption and recognition of not fitting the mold.

Highly recommended.

Reviewed by Lynn Mayer, Librarian, Old Town Elementary School, Old Town

five-stars

We Are Water Protectors

We Are Water ProtectorsWe Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom, Michaela Goade
Published by Roaring Brook Press on March 17, 2020
ISBN: 1250203554
Pages: 40
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars
Finally! AILA Awards meets Caldecott! This book sends messages of hope, courage, and awareness of Indigenous issues. The author (Anishinaabe/Metis) speaks for her people yet for everyone on our planet to protect our natural resources.

Flowing. colorful illustrations by Michaela Goade (Tlingit/Haida) include people from a number of tribes, ceremonial ribbon skirts, and clan symbols.

This book could be used for Native studies, environmental studies, and how to write lyrical verse.

 Check out the American Indian Library Association’s Award page for more must-purchases to update your collection..

Reviewed by Lynn Mayer, Retired Librarian, Old Town Elementary School, Old Town

five-stars

The Ice Monster

The Ice MonsterThe Ice Monster by David Walliams, Tony Ross
Published by HarperCollinsChildren’sBooks on November 6, 2018
ISBN: 000816469X
Pages: 496
Genres: Adventure, Animals, Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars
Ten-year old orphan Elsie stumps authorities as she helps bring the newly discovered wooly mammoth back to life and organizes a trip with a collection of misfits to return it to the North Pole, then must face Queen Victoria upon her return. 

Cockroaches for Breakfast – chapter one’s title, will grab readers’ attention, and they will be quickly drawn into London in 1899. Lots of action and characters add to the adventure. Wide-space lines and font size help younger elementary readers access the story.

Recommended purchase!

Reviewed by Lynn Mayer, Librarian, Old Town Elementary School, Old Town

five-stars

The Last Windwitch

The Last WindwitchThe Last Windwitch by Jennifer Adam
Published by HarperCollins on April 13, 2021
ISBN: 0062981307
Pages: 448
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars
The definition of ‘high fantasy’ (involves noble people involved in great events which will greatly affect the world created by the author) is a perfect description of this book. Brida thinks she’s an orphan and is grateful to be taken in as an apprentice to Mother Madgi, a hedgewitch, but struggles to learn the craft. Instead, she is drawn to another type of magic that Mother Madgi avoids discussing. Mysterious events multiply until Brida finds out her mother is alive (predictably the white dove frequently hovering), Madgi is her aunt, and their third sister is the evil queen destroying the realm. Most importantly, Brida discovers her own magic is that of a Windwitch and in true hero humility, turns down the offer to become the rightful queen to fully develop her strengths.

Wonderful coming-of-age, suspense, and mystery story woven as carefully as the magic of Fenwood Reach.

Reviewed by Lynn Mayer, Retired Librarian, Old Town Elementary School, Old Town

five-stars

This Way, Charlie

This Way, CharlieGenres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
five-stars
Inspired by a real animal friendship at the Wild Heart Ranch Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center in Oklahoma, this picture book describes the challenging friendship between Jack, a goat, and Charlie, a horse. Jack likes his own space until Charlie arrives one day. Jack discovers Charlie is progressively growing blind, and they each realize they can change their attitudes as they find ways to help and protect each other.

Charles Santoso creates soft illustrations that set the mood, including how dark things are growing for Charlie. Author’s note describes the rescue center. I’m not sure why the cover shows the title in lowercase letters.

The author reads this book on her website: https://www.caronlevis.com/

Dig out a space on your animal-lovers’ shelves right after you dig out a tissue!

Reviewed by Lynn Mayer, Retired Librarian, Old Town Elementary School, Old Town

 

five-stars