Category: Cream of the Crop Nominees

Faruq and the Wiri Wiri

Faruq and the Wiri WiriFaruq and the Wiri Wiri: A Celebration of Family and Food by Sandhya Prabhat, Sophia Payne
ISBN: 1536241229
Genres: Family
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

A young boy curious about cooking and eager to help create the dishes he sees his ajee making every day for the family meals, finally gets his chance when a friendly neighbor invites him into her kitchen, and into the wonderful world of cooking food with love for family. Ajee discourages Faruq from taking an active role in the kitchen and advises him to stay away from the wiri wiri peppers in the garden. Luckily, Faruq’s elderly neighbor welcomes Faruq into her kitchen and teaches him through hands-on learning.

Faruq is an inquisitive and attentive student, and Mrs. Joseph is a generous teacher. She lets him know that it’s okay to make mistakes, as Faruq masters how to make Indo-Guyanese foods such as lime cookies, cook-up rice, and wiri wiri soup. We learn along with Faruq, that wiri wiri are peppers called “cherry bombs” for their appearance and heat. Faruq’s skills and desire culminate in the climax of the book, as he creates food to make his grandmother feel better, and feeds his family.

The story and illustrations work well together to create an attractive environment around cooking in an Indo-Guyanese kitchen. The vibrant colors and collage-appearing illustrations of characters,  enjoying themselves in the kitchen, cooking with traditional ingredients will draw the readers in, and invite curiosity about the food and culture.

This simple story about doing what makes you happy, no matter what conventional gender roles dictate, welcomes the reader into Indo-Guyanese kitchens and makes a great read-aloud. Many children will make a connection between Faruq’s desire to do more than simply watch his grandmother cook, and enjoy the process as Faruq not only learns to cook, but becomes the hero of the story as he feeds his family delicious food with love.

Highly recommended for school and public libraries.

Deanna Contrino, SLMS/MILS
K-2 School Resource Librarian, Scarborough Schools

five-stars

Very, Bad at Math

Very, Bad at MathVery Bad at Math (A Very Graphic Novel #1) by Hope Larson
Published by Harper Alley on January 21, 2025
ISBN: 0063311283
Genres: Learning Disabilities, Juvenile Fiction / Comics & Graphic Novels / Humorous
Format: Graphic Novel
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

Verity “Very” Nelson is an overachieving 8th grader who cheerfully and enthusiastically succeeds at everything she does. Almost. She wins her bid for re-election to class president and all seems to be going well until the principal calls her in to tell Very she will have to step down from the post if she doesn’t improve her math grade. Embarrassed, Very goes out of her way to hide the fact she’s failing math and having to take special tutoring during study hall, rather than trusting her family and friends to understand and support her. When the tutoring doesn’t seem to be helping, things get worse, causing Very to stress out and mess up a fundraising order for t-shirts. Amazingly, that mistake provides an important clue her math tutor needs to finally realize Very has dyscalculia. Similarly to dyslexia, people with dyscalculia mix up numbers, rather than letters. Once her learning disorder is properly diagnosed, Very gets the help she needs and trusts those closest to her with the truth, vastly improving her life at school and at home.

This graphic novel does a beautiful job of portraying the anxieties that may surround learning disabilities and the many ways family, friends, and learning professionals can be supportive. Suggested for ages 8-12 years old.  Highly recommended!

Reviewed by Crystal Wilder, University of Southern Maine, Gorham Campus Library

five-stars

The Assassin’s Guide to Babysitting

The Assassin’s Guide to BabysittingThe Assassin's Guide to Babysitting by Natalie C. Parker
Published by Candlewick Press on January 7, 2025
ISBN: 153623009X
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy
Format: Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

A fun, high-tension, high-thrill novel set in a shadowy Kansas City where a society of Talented people lives alongside – and unnoticed by – regular humans. Tru is the most unusual type of talent, most of whom fit into one of four groups based on the special skill they are born with (strongarm, wingtip, bullseye or bombshell). She’s a bastion, which means she can’t be easily hurt. Her parents were killed protecting her secret, and she was raised by a former assassin who taught her how to hide. The action kicks off when Tru is on what appears to be a normal babysitting job, and masked intruders break in, demanding the one-year-old she has been watching. Tru escapes with the baby (also being targeted for being a bastion, she later discovers), but in the skirmish her secret is discovered. Her guardian is killed protecting her and she and her band of three friends are suddenly on the run from assassins. Tru and her friends work to keep themselves and the baby alive, and to figure out who they can trust while being pursued by talented bounty hunters. Readers will enjoy worldbuilding, excellent character development and suspense paired with an original plotline. A subtle subplot builds in the second half of the book with a budding romance between Tru and her friend Sage’s older sister Lila, one of the bounty hunters chasing the friends down. Snappy and fast paced, this is a hard book to put down.

5 stars

Reviewed by Jenny Martinez Nocito, Maine State Library, Augusta

five-stars

Where the Heart Should Be

Where the Heart Should BeWhere the Heart Should Be by Sarah Crossan
on 2025
ISBN: 0063384914
Genres: Fiction in Verse/Poetry, Historical Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction, Young Adult
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

“It is hard to tell a love story

and also the story of a people

being torn apart.

 

But this is what was happening in 1846:

I was falling in love

when everything 

around me was 

falling

down.”

 

The opening of Crossan’s historical fiction novel in verse has the whole novel’s theme quite beautifully laid out.  Young Nell and her family are living in Ireland at the height of the potato famine.  Nell is lucky enough to get work in the landlord’s kitchen, a job that provides barely enough money for her family to survive.  Her father appreciates his daughter’s contribution, but is also deeply upset that he is unable to provide for his family.  The truly maddening way that the English “haves” blatantly refuse to assist the Irish “have nots” leads to actions that have unjust consequences.  Amongst all this, Nell falls in love with the English landlord’s heir, Johnny.  A relationship that must be kept secret due to its forbidden nature.

Crossan has written a YA, historical fiction, novel in verse.  The verse not only makes this a quick read, it also adds so much to the mood and tone of the novel in a very powerful way.  The relationships between Nell and her family are so well written and readers pull for them all.  Johnny is a perfectly placed character to have Nell try to educate on the ruthless behavior her community experienced at the hands of the landlords.  This is a devastating yet beautiful story perfect for readers 13+.

Reviewed by Heidi Kopishke, Camden Hills Regional High School, Rockport, ME.

five-stars

Two Birthdays

Two BirthdaysTwo Birthdays (Cedric and Boo Books) by Tim Hopgood
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 1536238902
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

Cedric (a crocodile) and Boo (an elephant) are the best of friends. The story opens on Boo’s “best birthday ever”, according to him. Cedric presents Boo with a superlative card and handknit scarf. Boo and Cedric share ice cream and thoroughly enjoy celebrating Boo’s birthday. A few weeks later, Cedric’s birthday arrives but without any of the fanfare or celebration. There is no acknowledgement from Boo, and no Boo. Cedric eats cake alone and the ”day did not feel special at all.”

Birthdays and fairness are two themes young readers consistently take an interest in, and no doubt many will take umbrage at the turn of events. The next day, Boo realizes he forgot and apologizes but there is still discomfort on both sides: Cedric because his feelings are still hurt and Boo because  he is aware he has caused his friend pain. This awareness allows Boo to come up with a plan to make amends. The resolution is a chance for redemption and forgiveness. A simple story that shows that friendships can survive mistakes and hurt feelings. The book ends with “Cedric and Boo, Friends Forever: A Song”, further extolling the pair’s affection. 

Highly recommended for school and public libraries.

Deanna Contrino, K-2 School Resource Librarian, Scarborough

five-stars

A voice in the storm

A voice in the stormA Voice in the Storm by Karl James Mountford
ISBN: 1536238880
Genres: Emotions & Feelings
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads

The story begins, “The air had been heavy all day . . . . “ and sets up the foreboding that Rat, the main character, carries with her. Rat runs from the concern of her friend, Jackdaw, and her own feelings, into the danger of the growing storm.  There are more perils than just the storm, however, and Rat’s feelings of helplessness and hopelessness make her vulnerable. In the middle of the storm, she runs into Bear (literally), and Bear gently encourages Rat to seek shelter and understand that letting someone help takes worlds of courage. 

Rat’s pain is visceral and Bear’s soothing presence is a balm. The illustrations are visual expressions of the crushing weight of Rat’s sorrow, and as she is able to set down that burden, the palette and the cloud cover lighten. 

This is a powerful story to share with anyone, but especially children struggling with expressing deep sadness, and those needing guidance in how to help them. Highly recommended for school and public libraries.

Deanna Contrino, K-2 School Resource Librarian, Scarborough

Box of Dreams

Box of DreamsBox of Dreams by Christine Almeda, Faith Kazmi
on May 7, 2024
ISBN: 0063251361
Genres: Family, Immigrants
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

The title refers to a balikbayan box, and the young Filipino-American girl narrating the story learns from her mother that balikbayan means “return to home”. Through the gifts and practical items (school supplies, jeans, swim goggles) packed in the large cardboard box, the narrator learns more about her relatives’ way of life in the Philippines. The prose is simple; Filipino words are used in context to connect the reader with the narrator and her story of immigration and connection to Filipino culture.

The colorful illustrations connect the young girl to her family in the Philippines and the reader to the main character through everyday objects (slippers, baby photos displayed on the wall) and happenings.

This story culminates in a trip to the Philippines with the accompanying balikbayan box, and family reunion is beautifully expressed through the illustration. Box of Dreams offers the Filipino perspective on the immigration story, and the family that remains in the Philippines. This story could be used as a springboard to discuss what readers would put in a box for a family far away and lead to finding similarities to other immigration stories about leaving one’s homeland for opportunity, and sharing with those who stayed behind. 

The author’s note explains reasons for Filipino emigration to escape economic hardship, as well as her own family’s emigration story. Meant as a read-aloud for children ages 4-8. Highly recommended for school and public libraries.

Deanna Contrino, K-2 School Resource Librarian, Scarborough

five-stars

Outspoken Paul Robeson Ahead of His Time: A One-Man Show by Carole Boston Weatherford & Eric Velasquez

Outspoken Paul Robeson Ahead of His Time: A One-Man Show by Carole Boston Weatherford & Eric VelasquezOutspoken: Paul Robeson, Ahead of His Time: A One-Man Show by Carole Boston Weatherford, Eric Velásquez
Published by Candlewick Press on 2024
ISBN: 1536212970
Genres: Biography/Autobiography
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

In this first person narration, biographical, picture book in verse, Newbery Honor Winner Carole Boston Weatherford steps into the shoes of the multitalented Paul Robeson.  Those talents expand to All-American Football, baseball, and basketball player, valedictorian of Rutger class of 1919, Columbian Law Degree recipient, actor, singer, and activist.  His impact reached far and wide as he traveled around the world, using his amazing voice and strong influence to, “…speak out against the injustices against the Negro people of this land… fighting for the rights of my people, who are still second-class sitizens in this United States.”  There are so many things to say about this remarkable man, but you just have to read the book to learn more.  

While this is a “picture book,” it is written for a middle grade and older audience.  The verse is layered with lyrics from spirituals and folk songs.  The illustrations by Eric Valasquez are exquisite and add a lot to understanding the wonderful and tragic events of Robeson’s life.  The back of the book contains a timeline of Robeson’s life as well as a bibliography for further reading.

Reviewed by Heidi Kopishke, Camden Hills Regional High School, Rockport, ME.

five-stars

A Pinecone!

A Pinecone!A Pinecone! by Helen Yoon
Published by Candlewick Press on 2024
ISBN: 1536226262
Genres: Adventure, Family, Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

In this picture book, Yoon brings back the parent-child relationship from her book Off-Limits.  In this story, the father and daughter go out for a walk.  The father is very distracted as his daughter becomes gripped with the exciting task of collecting pinecones.  Her great enthusiasm is portrayed mostly through the comedic artwork and few words.  The text is bold and easy to read as well as cleverly placed on the page to create whimsey.  The father’s response is to encourage his daughter’s imagination and not lose his temper.  This book is a perfect read aloud to young children, yet entertaining for readers of all ages.    

Reviewed by Heidi Kopishke, Camden Hills Regional High School, Rockport, ME.

five-stars

True Life in Uncanny Valley

True Life in Uncanny ValleyTrue Life in Uncanny Valley by Deb Caletti
Published by Labyrinth Road on March 18, 2025
ISBN: 059370861X
Pages: 401
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Young Adult
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

Sixteen-year-old Eleanor and her older sister Ros were raised by a single mom. Their father, billionaire tech genius Hugo Harrison, lives in the same city but a world apart, and they have no contact with him. Despite this, or maybe because of it, Eleanor finds herself drawn to his glittery, famous, wealthy world. Accidentally (sort of) she bumps into Aurora, the young, gorgeous social media influencer stepmother she’s never met – and finds herself being offered the position of live-in nanny for her two-year-old half-brother. Eleanor provides a false last name and finds herself catapulted into a summer of secrets: not telling her mother or sister who she’s really working for, and not telling her father’s family who she really is.

As the weeks progress, one thing becomes clear: nothing in this family is as it seems from outside. The idyllic life portrayed on social media and followed by millions isn’t real. As Eleanor digs deeper into the secret of what Hugo Harrison is developing – his next huge, world changing tech reveal – she is horrified to discover both what it is, and how her young half-brother has been being used in the development of it. The titular “Uncanny Valley” is a reference to the instinctual revulsion that humans feel when faced with lifelike AI beings that are undefinably “off” – and ultimately it’s that confrontation that that will define Eleanor’s summer, by challenging the very idea of how humans connect to one another, and what the role of family – most especially parents – really is.

This is a great novel on many levels; Eleanor is a realistic and sympathetic character trying to find her place in a confusing world as a teenager, navigating family drama, a budding romance, and a (one sided) experience of trying to connect with father’s family. It is also a searing look at tech, social media, and AI – both the good, and the bad. Caletti looks hard at tech: both the way new advances are touted publicly, but also the impact on a personal level, and she does this in a highly readable, hard-to-put-down way. Secondary characters are thought out and three dimensional, adding substance and grounded reality to the story.

Highly recommend! Widespread appeal given multiple themes of tech, family dynamics, teenage coming-of-age themes and light romance.

5 stars/cream

Reviewed by Jenny Martinez Nocito, Maine State Library, Augusta

five-stars