Category: Cream of the Crop Nominees

Escape at 10,000 Feet

Escape at 10,000 FeetUnsolved Case Files: Escape at 10,000 Feet: D.B. Cooper and the Missing Money by Tom Sullivan
Published by Balzer + Bray on March 2, 2021
ISBN: 0062991523
Pages: 104
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
five-stars

This is a new graphic nonfiction series about unsolved cases, and it begins with the only unsolved skyjacking in American history. In 1971, a man boarded a plane, requested money and some parachutes, then jumped out of the back of the plane. He has never been seen since. This is a fun series that will delight young sleuths. The text is interspersed with many images of actual evidence as well as extra sidebar bits of information about the time period or the nature of the crime. This series is sure to be a hit. Recommended for readers 3rd grade and up and for Cream of the Crop.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

five-stars

Mel Fell

Mel FellMel Fell by Corey R. Tabor
Published by Balzer + Bray on February 2, 2021
ISBN: 0062878018
Pages: 40
Genres: Adventure, Animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

One day, Mel, a blue and orange bird, decides she’s ready to try flying. Her siblings are hesitant and ask her if she’s afraid. Mel says she’s afraid but isn’t going to let that stop her. Mel leaps from the nest, and falls. She falls and falls and falls—past other animals all afraid for her fate. And then—SPLASH! Mel lands in the water, catches a fish, and emerges! She flies up and up and up back to her nest and her mom’s encouraging words.

This is a fun book about perspective and confidence. The colored pencil and acrylic paint illustrations are full of motion and emotion and really keep the reader engaged. The only downfall is that the book is a little difficult to read aloud as it begins in one orientation and flips to another midway through the book. There is an author’s note at the end about kingfishers and how they catch fish. Recommended for fans of humorous fiction and books with animals as the center. Recommended for readers 3 and up and for Cream of the Crop.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

five-stars

Mindi and the Goose No One Else Could See

Mindi and the Goose No One Else Could SeeMindi and the Goose No One Else Could See by Linda Olafsdottir, Sam McBratney
Published by Candlewick Press on March 9, 2021
ISBN: 9781536212815
Pages: 40
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

A little girl named Mindi says she is being visited by a big goose—a scary creature that is visible only to her. Her parents try everything they can think of to drive it away. Finally, they turn to their wise farmer friend Austen who proposes trading Mindi a goat in exchange for the goose. Sam McBratney (Guess How Much I Love You) explores the sensitive topic of childhood fears with charm and wit. The story has a feel of an old folktale. Ólafsdóttir’s delightful illustrations add to the old-fashioned look with idyllic mountainous green pastures, cute farm animals, and a farmer who wears Scandinavian sweaters, Wellingtons, and wool cap. The imaginary goose is represented only by a foreboding shadow. “McBratney’s posthumously published tale is filled with a gentle kindness, and the illustrations pick up on that, both treating the child’s fear with respect.” (Kirkus Review)

Publishers Weekly (starred review)

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

five-stars

Allergic

AllergicAllergic: A Graphic Novel by Megan Wagner Lloyd, Michelle Mee Nutter
Published by Graphix on March 2, 2021
ISBN: 1338568906
Pages: 240
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
five-stars

An engaging and heartwarming graphic novel that tells the story of a girl, her love for animals, and the allergies that keep them apart. Maggie dreams of having a pet. When her parents agree to let her get a dog, her dream is close to coming true. But, in addition to finding her perfect pup, Maggie discovers her raging allergies to all things furred and feathered. She tries other pets from lizards to turtles to tarantulas (seriously?), but none of these quite fit. Resigned to allergy shots (which will lessen but not eliminate her allergic reactions) and a pet-less life, Mia is devastated. When a new neighbor, Claire, moves in next door, Maggie is thrilled to have a new friend to take her mind off of her dog-free life. In a typical coming-of-age story, things go wrong as Claire makes a decision that deeply hurts Maggie; Maggie attempts to thwart her own allergies; and a shift occurs in Maggie’s family dynamic that causes her to reassess her views. Lloyd’s story is well-crafted and Nutter’s cozy illustrations perfectly capture the turmoil and melodrama of the thoughts and feelings of a middle grader. The design of the book is clean with plenty of white space and an uncluttered flow. Fans of RainaTelgemeier and Jennifer Holmes will gravitate to this book, but all lovers of graphic novels will gobble it up.

Reviewed by Jill O’Connor, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth

five-stars

The Sea in Winter

The Sea in WinterThe Sea in Winter by Christine Day
Published by Heartdrum on January 5, 2021
ISBN: 0062872044
Pages: 250
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Maisie Cannon loves ballet — it’s what she loves doing most. When a knee injury stops her dancing, she feels hopeless and lost. She’s not at all looking forward to her family’s winter road trip up the coast near the Makah community where her mother grew up. She loves learning about her Native history, but she’s struggling to keep a strong face on when inside she’s full of turmoil and anxiety. A potential reinjury of her knee while hiking on their trip sets her over the edge, and all her emotions come spilling out. She reconnects with her family, and finds some wonderful coping strategies to help her through this difficult time.

This is a beautiful book about family, depression, anxiety, and finding oneself when what that looks like seems to be changing. Maisie has many of the same struggles that middle schoolers have, and kids will relate to that. The story is well written, engaging, and easy to follow and includes some education about Indigenous Cultures as well. Recommended for readers 4th grade and up and for Cream of the Crop.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

five-stars

Sheepish (Wolf Under Cover)

Sheepish (Wolf Under Cover)Sheepish (Wolf Under Cover) by Helen Yoon
Published by Candlewick Press on January 12, 2021
ISBN: 1536207322
Pages: 40
Genres: Animals, Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

A wolf is hatching a plan—disguise himself as a sheep, get the sheep to trust him, and then….but wait. The sheep like him. He decides he can’t do it and retreats to his den where he studies alternative meat sources and even vegetarianism. When the sheep unexpectedly appear at his door dressed like wolves and telling him they miss him, the story comes full circle.

This sparsely worded book is adorable. The illustrations are high color, full of emotion and humor, and really help carry the story. Without the illustrations, the text isn’t enough. Some aspects may require explanation for the youngest readers, but overall this is an easy to follow story. Recommended for readers 3 and up and for Cream of the Crop.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

five-stars

Poojo’s Got Wheels

Poojo’s Got WheelsPoojo's Got Wheels by Charrow
Published by Candlewick Press on March 16, 2021
ISBN: 1536210366
Pages: 32
Genres: Adventure, Animals
Goodreads
five-stars

An action filled romp yet a charming and sweet story, Poojo’s Got Wheels is sure to please.  Born with only front legs this adorable dog learns to use a specifically built wagon that minimizes his disability.  This story centers around the big-hearted and self-confident character who shows all readers how to maintain their smile and positive attitudes.    The illustrations are joyful and action packed surrounded by lots of white space.  The cast of characters includes all breeds of dogs and neighborhood wildlife. Certainly, young audiences will most appreciate the double page spread featuring the costume parade.

This is a delightful book in both storyline and illustration.  Public Librarians will want to add to their preschool collections and use for story programs.   School media specialist and social workers will find Poojo’s Got Wheels to be an excellent addition to collections dealing with disabilities.  This preschool to grade 1 book is nominated to the Cream of the Crop collection.

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

five-stars

Red, White, and Whole

Red, White, and WholeRed, White, and Whole by Gordon Korman, Rajani LaRocca
Published by Balzer + Bray, Quill Tree Books on February 2, 2021
ISBN: 006304742X
Pages: 224
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Reha is Indian American, and she feels torn between being true to her family and her heritage while fitting in with the other kids at school. When her mother becomes ill, Reha is determined to help heal her. As Reha struggles with her mother’s illness and dire prognosis, she realizes how she relies on her friends to help her.

This is a beautifully written own voices novel in verse. The text flows seamlessly through a difficult subject and plot line. Reha is relatable as she struggles with many issues typical of any middle schooler. She’s also deeply devoted to her family and her Indian heritage. Navigating these two identities is at the core of this book about family, friendship, loss, and finding oneself. Recommended for readers 4th grade and up and for Cream of the Crop.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

five-stars

Over the Shop

Over the ShopOver the Shop by JonArno Lawson, Qin Leng
Published by Candlewick Press on January 5, 2021
ISBN: 1536201472
Pages: 48
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

A young girl and a curmudgeonly looking older woman live at and own a general store. The woman decides to attempt to rent the apartment over the shop, but the apartment has boarded-up windows and is in a general state of disrepair. They show the apartment to many potential tenants, and all quickly leave. Just when they’re about to give up, a young biracial couple asks to see the apartment and decides to move in right away. Able to look past the cracks and dirt, the couple sees the potential in the apartment and in the community. They fix it up, and their efforts begin to spread. They paint the outside of the general store, they add flower boxes, and suddenly the neighbor is seen painting his front door. Their generosity and kindness is spreading and helping to build community.

This wordless picture book is a wonderful story of taking chances, kindness, community, and believing in the good in the world. The ink and watercolor illustrations are beautifully rendered to show all the detail and emotion necessary to carry a story with no text. It is clear that potential tenants left quickly and that some of them left angry. The unending hope and belief in the possibility of something good the young girl shows is evident throughout. The shift from more muted and drab color to more bright colors toward the end makes clear the shift in the community spirit as they all work together to clean up and form bonds. Recommended for readers 4 and up and for Cream of the Crop.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

five-stars

Amari and the Night Brothers

Amari and the Night BrothersAmari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston
Published by Balzer + Bray on January 19, 2021
ISBN: 0062975161
Pages: 416
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Amari Peters has always loved her older brother, Quinton, and when he mysteriously goes missing, she refuses to believe anything other than that he’s alive and still out there. Amari discovers a strange suitcase in her brother’s room, and it turns out he’s nominated her for a special summer camp he attended for years before his disappearance. What Amari discovers is that her brother was a part of the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs, and now she’s been nominated to join their ranks as well. Upon arrival at The Bureau, Amari learns her brother was among the most talented agents The Bureau has ever seen. She also discovers she has very strong magical powers that some people aren’t very excited about. Amari’s fate at The Bureau is inextricably linked to her brother, and along with some new friends, she embarks on a challenging quest to find and rescue him.

This book is so much more than a girl searching for her brother. Amari and her family live in subsidized housing, and she’s been bullied at school in the past. This book covers topics like racial and socioeconomic inequality, friendship, the Black experience, bullying, and it does so with grace and ease. It is a fast paced, action packed, character driven story that will keep readers engaged and waiting with great anticipation for the sequel. Recommended for readers 4th grade and up, hand this to Harry Potter fans. Recommended for Cream of the Crop.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

five-stars