Category: Cream of the Crop Nominees

Pumpkin

PumpkinPumpkin (Dumplin', #3) by Julie Murphy
Published by Balzer + Bray on May 25, 2021
ISBN: 0062880454
Pages: 336
Genres: Realistic Fiction, Romance
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

In the third visit to Murphy’s Clover City, Texas, we meet twins Waylon (Pumpkin) and Clementine. Waylon is gay and chubby and biding his time until he can leave the small town and become “Full Waylon.” After being dumped and finding out his sister decided to go to a different college but didn’t tell him, Waylon records a not serious video auditioning for his favorite drag show. Of course it gets shared with the whole school. A group of mean boys nominate Waylon for prom queen, alongside Clem’s girlfriend Hannah as king. Hannah helps Waylon discover that he can be himself–Full Waylon–even in their tiny town. Fans of Murph’s previous Clover City books (Dumplin’ and Puddin’) will clamor for this one, and won’t be let down. Recommended for grades 9+.

Reviewed by Kara Reiman, Maine State Library

five-stars

The Girl From the Sea

The Girl From the SeaThe Girl from the Sea by Molly Ostertag
Published by Graphix on June 1, 2021
ISBN: 1338540572
Pages: 256
Genres: Fantasy, Realistic Fiction, Romance
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
five-stars

A stunning graphic novel from the author of the Witch Boy trilogy, this one aimed at a slightly older audience. Morgan lives on an island with her divorced mom and her angry younger brother. She is gay but has not come out to anyone, not even her three closest friends; she is afraid of being different preferring to stay closeted and blend in. When she kisses a mysterious girl on the beach, she unknowingly binds that girl to her because she is a selkie and a kiss is a promise. Morgan is simultaneously thrilled and terrified by this new development. Instead of dealing with it or talking with anyone, she hides Keltie and their growing involvement. A story that illustrates the difficulty a teen can have coming to grips with who they are and how to communicate with others, even those who seem to be accepting and open. The artwork is lovely and Keltie is a full-bodied girl who seems fearless yet has a secret of her own. Hand to fans of Tillie Walden and  Vera Brosgol, or to those who enjoy a strong coming of age story.  Highly recommend.

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

five-stars

Honeybee

HoneybeeHoneybee: The Busy Life of Apis Mellifera by Candace Fleming, Eric Rohmann
Published by Neal Porter Books on February 4, 2020
ISBN: 0823442853
Pages: 40
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

This book fills me with absolute awe for honeybees. I thought I knew bees are busy and I thought I knew that they work altruistically and tirelessly for their entire, short, lives for the sake of the hive but, really, I had no idea. The book follows the life of one worker bee, Apis, as she emerges from larvae-hood and embarks on her journey. She immediately starts working and the book follows her from one task to the next and stresses how much work is accomplished before she even leaves the hive to look for nectar. This book is really fascinating and is beautifully illustrated. It’s perfect for younger grades but could also be used for slightly older students (4th-5th grade) looking to learn about bees.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

five-stars

Carpenter’s Helper

Carpenter’s HelperCarpenter's Helper by Camille Garoche, Sybil Rosen
Published by Schwartz & Wade Books on March 16, 2021
ISBN: 0593123204
Pages: 40
Genres: Animals, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Renata is a young brown skinned girl, and she and her Papi are remodeling their bathroom. They’re just about to install windows when a wren flies through and builds a nest in the unfinished space. Papi and Renata watch as the wrens build the nest, incubate the eggs, and then rear the young chicks. Once the chicks have fledged, they know it’s safe to finish work on the bathroom. This is a tender story about compassion for all creatures. It is a wonderfully positive representation of a father/daughter relationship as well with no mention of another parent. The illustrations are colorful and full of little details that really help bring the story to life. This book is a welcome addition to most collections, recommended for readers 3 and up and for Cream of the Crop.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

five-stars

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