Category: Cream of the Crop Nominees

You Call This Democracy?: How to Fix Our Government and Deliver Power to the People

You Call This Democracy?: How to Fix Our Government and Deliver Power to the PeopleYou Call This Democracy?: How to Fix Our Government and Deliver Power to the People by Elizabeth Rusch
on March 31, 2020
ISBN: 0358176921
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

You Call This Democracy? is an accessible examination of America’s government. Rusch tackles this topic in a measured  yet impassioned voice and makes clear that while we do enjoy many important freedoms in the United States, our democracy is broken and we have the power to change it.

Twelve chapters cover issues such as gerrymandering, money in politics, voter disenfranchisement, and more. Examples of these issues are representative of both sides of the aisle giving balance to otherwise polarizing topics. Graphics help to break up the text and provide strong visualization of heavy information. Each chapter ends by telling teens what they can do to take action, allowing this book to not just teach, but to inspire our young citizens to get involved and make real change. Sections for further reading and source information are included.

Recommended for grades 6 and up.

Nominated for Cream of the Crop.

Kerrie Lattari, York Middle School, York

five-stars

Measuring Up

Measuring UpMeasuring Up by Ann Xu, Lily LaMotte
Published by HarperAlley on October 27, 2020
ISBN: 006297386X
Pages: 208
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
Cici and her parents have left Taiwan to move to the U.S. for a chance to give Cici a “better life”. But Cici has left her beloved grandmother, A-ma, behind, and is feeling sad and disconnected. She does make a few good friends in America, but she misses much about her old life, her grandmother most of all. When a multi-week cooking contest offers a cash prize, Cici hopes to turn her love of and skill at cooking into the money to bring her grandmother to the U.S. for a visit. Cici is partnered with an American-born girl whose father owns an Italian restaurant. The two find great success and advance far into the contest. When they are separated, Cici has to trust her own cooking instincts and flair for spice. A heartwarming story that offers a character who is unsure of herself, but who finds her feet and earns her well-deserved hug from A-ma. LaMotte deftly weaves many of the microaggressions felt by Asians into regular school day interactions. The illustrations could have been a little sharper, particularly those depicting food ingredients, but the colors are vibrant and complement the story well. For readers in grades 4 and up.

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

I Hope You’re Listening

I Hope You’re ListeningI Hope You're Listening by Tom Ryan
Published by Aw Teen on October 6, 2020
ISBN: 0807535087
Pages: 368
Genres: Mystery, Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars
At the age of seven, Dee and Sibby go into the woods to play.  Only Dee comes back out.  Ten years later, Dee is haunted by what she can’t remember.  To cope, Dee has started a podcast that shares stories of missing people, hoping that she can make a difference in someone else’s case.  The podcast has gained a large following and has actually been able to bring some people home.  Dee doesn’t talk about Sibby.  Until another young child goes missing from the same house that Dee used to live in.  People recall Sibby’s case and try to find a link between the two.  Finally, Dee has to deal with Sibby’s case and her past.  This is a fast-paced thriller that will keep you turning the pages and constantly keeps you guessing about the truth.  Give to fans of true crime podcasts and mysteries.  Recommended for ages 13+.

Reviewed by Kara Reiman, Maine State Library

five-stars

See the Cat: Three Stories About a Dog

See the Cat: Three Stories About a DogSee the Cat: Three Stories About a Dog by David LaRochelle, Mike Wohnoutka
Published by Candlewick Press on September 8, 2020
ISBN: 9781536204278
Pages: 64
Genres: Animals, Fantasy
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars
Controlled vocabulary and repetitive text makes this book an ideal first easy reader. The sharp humor and the cartoon-style illustrations that expertly support the text makes it an exceptional one. Recommend this clever book to fans of Mo Willems. Giggles will abound!

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

Nominee for Cream of the Crop

Winner of the 2021 Theodor Seuss Geisel Award

five-stars

The League of Super Feminists

The League of Super FeministsThe League of Super Feminists by Mirion Malle
Published by Drawn and Quarterly on October 13, 2020
ISBN: 1770464026
Pages: 60
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
five-stars
Translated from French, The League of Super Feminists tackles high level topics like consent, beauty standards, and privilege by creating short comics addressing each one.  Malle somehow boils these incredibly complicated topics into simple, conversational short comics that perfectly explain what they mean. While geared toward tweens and teens, this is a great book to put into anyone’s hands and does really well at dispelling some of the myths of feminism. Recommended for ages 10+.

Reviewed by Kara Reiman, Maine State Library

five-stars

If You Want to Visit a Sea Garden

If You Want to Visit a Sea GardenIf You Want to Visit a Sea Garden by Kay Weisman, Roy Henry Vickers
Published by Groundwood Books on September 1, 2020
ISBN: 1554989701
Pages: 32
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars
Come for the art, stay for the text! Sea gardens, also known as clam gardens, are best appreciated early in the morning during low tide. This book refers to those gardens in the Pacific Northwest, and the beautiful, silhouette art in deep, pure, rich colors by local Roy Henry Vickers subtly depicts his Indigenous people of the area. The backmatter explains the science; the text lures the reader to come, explore, and appreciate these man-made walls that protect and provide a nourishing environment for clams and other edible sea life to flourish. 

Great introduction to the Pacific Northwest Peoples, or man-made attempts at sea life preservation, ecosystems, or for an art lesson with middle elementary ages.

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

five-stars

Dear Baby: A Love Letter to Little Ones

Dear Baby: A Love Letter to Little OnesDear Baby,: A Love Letter to Little Ones by Holly Hatam, Paris Rosenthal
Published by HarperCollins on September 29, 2020
ISBN: 0063012723
Pages: 40
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars
Babies might not understand these important life’s messages just yet, but they will certainly feel the love with which this book is read when snuggled into a caregiver’s arms! Each page spread starts with “Dear Baby,” and gives a strategy about growing up and adapting to the world, such as “Sometimes you will need to speak up. Sometimes you will need to listen. And sometimes you’ll need to do a little bit of both.” or “Put yourself in someone else’s shoes. You’ll go far.”

Simple, bright illustrations on mostly white background are neat and clear, and support the text, occasionally with humor. Text is spread out and varies in size and font is changed for emphasis.

If you’re looking for an addition to or update on “I’ll Love You Forever,” (Munsch, 1995) pick this!

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

five-stars

All Thirteen: The Incredible Cave Rescue of the Thai Boys’ Soccer Team

All Thirteen: The Incredible Cave Rescue of the Thai Boys’ Soccer TeamAll Thirteen: The Incredible Cave Rescue of the Thai Boys' Soccer Team by Christina Soontornvat
Published by Candlewick Press on October 13, 2020
ISBN: 1536209457
Pages: 280
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars
The detailed story of the Thailand cave rescue that riveted the world in 2018. This non-fiction book will have readers on the edge of their seats reading about this true-life survival story. From Thai Navy seals to US Air Force leaders to engineering and water experts to medical professionals to religious leaders, this was a massive rescue and support effort. This book is extensively researched with sources and photographs, illustrations, and sidebars.

Recommended for Cream of the Crop.

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

five-stars

Cannonball

CannonballCannonball by Josh Morgan, Sacha Cotter
Published by Sourcebooks Wonderland on June 1, 2020
Genres: Adventure
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars
A dream turned to embarrassment. Trying to fit in. Trying others’ ways. Not giving up. Finding a way – my own way. The young unnamed narrator wants to make a perfect, blooming, slapping, splashing, dripping cannonball. After a few of his own failures, he tries everyone’s suggestions, which also end in embarrassing results. Finally, after consulting his Nan, (who gives him just the right encouragement to “listen to (your) heart), the book concludes with his spectacular splash.

Bright, inviting colors supply amusing details, especially on the endpapers (don’t miss the orange octopus hiding here and there). Published in 2018 in New Zealand as “The Bomb”, the brief glossary includes two Māori words.

Pair with many other stories of perseverance, such as “Great” (Glen Gretzky, 2016). Use wherever perseverance and individuality stories are called for. A creative writing exercise could have youngsters producing a mantra for one of their own dreams.

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

five-stars

The Voice That Won the Vote: How One Woman’s Words Made History

The Voice That Won the Vote: How One Woman’s Words Made HistoryThe Voice That Won the Vote: How One Woman's Words Made History by Elisa Boxer, Vivien Mildenberger
on March 15, 2020
ISBN: 1534166734
Genres: Biography/Autobiography, Historical Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars
Most new lawmakers don’t have much influence, but most new lawmakers don’t have Febb Burn as their mother. After reading his mother’s recent letter, Harry Burn changed his tie-breaking vote from Nay to Aye, which allowed women in Tennessee the right to vote. Tennessee became the 36th state to ratify the Nineteenth Amendment thus allowing all women in the United States the right to vote.

Full-color illustrations are adequate, and facial expressions and images of newspaper headlines add to the emotional atmosphere of this crucial vote. Text in various sizes, colors, and boldness help the reader grasp some of the important details.

What did his mother say in her letter? “Hurrah and vote for suffrage and don’t keep them in doubt.”

Use this book anytime you need a story on courage, speaking up, Suffrage, or women’s history in the US. Be sure to pair this with “I Could Do That: Esther Morris Gets Women the Vote” (Linda Arms White, 2005).

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

five-stars