Category: Cream of the Crop Nominees

Astronauts: Women on the Final Frontier

Astronauts: Women on the Final FrontierAstronauts: Women on the Final Frontier by Jim Ottaviani, Maris Wicks
Published by First Second on February 4, 2020
ISBN: 1626728771
Pages: 176
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
five-stars

This is a fascinating graphic novel of the story of the first women astronauts, from cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova to Sally Ride to Mary Cleave. This is not only an interesting and informative look at the world of space flight and scientific experiments in space, it is also the history of women’s equality. The text is funny at times and the illustrations are beautiful.

Recommended for Cream of the Crop.

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

five-stars

Darwin’s Rival

Darwin’s RivalDarwin's Rival: Alfred Russel Wallace and the Search for Evolution by Christiane Dorion, Harry Tennant
ISBN: 1536209325
Genres: Animals, Non-Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

This large format book is simply gorgeous and packed with interesting information. Everyone attributes the discovery of evolution and natural selection to Charles Darwin, but another scientist/explorer named Alfred Russel Wallace arrived at the same conclusions at about the same time from his own observations. It’s like convergent evolution in the discovery of evolution!

This book chronicles Wallace’s travels and collections and shows how he arrived at the conclusion of evolution. The text is informative and well written. It isn’t overly bogged down with details so kids will remain interested throughout. It follows many of the hardships and pitfalls of his explorations, which are bound to interest readers. The illustrations really set this book apart, however. There are large illustrations on every page, and many use few and muted colors. The exceptions to this are the gorgeous and colorful illustrations of the different species of insects and birds Wallace encountered in his travels. There are dual page spreads of beetles, butterflies, and more. Give this book to science, nature, and animal lovers, and they will not be disappointed. Recommended for 3rd grade and up, and recommended for Cream of the Crop.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

five-stars

Rules for Being a Girl

Rules for Being a GirlRules for Being a Girl by Candace Bushnell, Katie Cotugno
on April 7, 2020
ISBN: 0062803379
Genres: Realistic Fiction, Romance
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Marin is the co-editor of the school newspaper, a bright student, and has dreams of heading to Brown one day. She and her friend, Chloe, jokingly fantasize about their young, dreamy English teacher, Bex (Mr. Beckett), but when he takes things too far with Marin, everything changes and she begins to really question herself. Why don’t people, even Chloe, believe her? Did she actually misread the situation? Did he really kiss her? Why won’t the school administration hold him accountable for his actions?

I really enjoyed this book — it feels very relevant right now. It is equally infuriating and inspiring. The plot moves quickly, the story is easy to follow, and the writing is decent. It isn’t a difficlut read, so it will be accessible to readers at many levels. I’d recommend this to teens 14 and up, and it would make a great book group book. Definitely a worthwhile purchase for YA collections, and recommended for Cream of the Crop.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

five-stars

Thank You for Coming to My TED Talk: A Teen Guide to Great Public Speaking

Thank You for Coming to My TED Talk: A Teen Guide to Great Public SpeakingThank You for Coming to My TED Talk: A Teen Guide to Great Public Speaking by Chris Anderson, Lorin Oberweger
Published by HMH Books for Young Readers ISBN: 1328995070
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

I loved this book! Short, sweet, and to the point this book is a great resource for public speaking. The advice was easy to understand and, in my opinion, simple to put into practice. I would highly recommend this for any young adult non-fiction section.

Reviewed by Sophie Gagnon, Skidompha Public Library

five-stars

Mindfulness and Meditation: Handling Life with a Calm and Focused Mind

Mindfulness and Meditation: Handling Life with a Calm and Focused MindMindfulness and Meditation by Whitney Stewart
Published by Twenty-First Century Books (Tm) on August 6, 2019
ISBN: 1541540212
Pages: 120
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Mindfulness and Meditation may have been written with teens in mind, but many will find this book helpful There are many coping skills that are so desperately needed to handle today’s society and this book could just be the answer. There are numerous simple exercises and techniques ranging from how to calm the stress in your life to dealing with your social-media presence.

Very well written and easy to follow. There is a TOC, source notes, glossary, etc. along with further information to expand your meditational needs. Recommended for grade 8 and up (that means adults, too!)

Reviewed by Kristin Taylor, Biddeford High School, Biddeford.

five-stars

My Life as a Potato

My Life as a PotatoMy Life as a Potato by Arianne Costner, James Lancett
Published by Random House Books for Young Readers on March 24, 2020
ISBN: 0593118669
Pages: 272
Genres: Humor
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Ben moves to a new school and is bummed- the school’s team are the Spuds, their mascot a potato. Ben  feels he has a potato curse because several bad things have happened to him and a potato of some sorts always seems to play a part. But when Ben gets in trouble things get worse, he is going to have to be the school mascot for part of the basketball season, and that means wearing a potato costume. Ben is so embarrassed he does everything he can to hide it from his parents and friends, which gets way more complicated than he planned. Lots of humor in here and middle school issues with some sports as well. The shenanigans Ben goes through to keep his mascot identity a secret are funny and understandable.  Filled with humor, middle school bullies and cliques and sports, this is a terrific read. Ages 9 and up. Cream

Mary Lehmer, Youth Services Librarian, Freeport Community Library, Freeport, ME

five-stars

Bloom

BloomBloom by Kenneth Oppel
on February 4, 2020
ISBN: 152477300X
Genres: Science Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

The Earth has been invaded by plants, and these plants not only out-compete Earth’s native plants for survival, they can use humans as a food source. No one knows how to stop them but on an island off of Canada, 3 teens are beginning to notice physical changes in their bodies when the plants arrive. And their changes might be the only thing that can stop the alien plants. This is a sci-fi, thriller, survival story. The plant aliens are brutal in here. The teens that are taking them on are cool too- and not perfect. Love the hint of the powers and what comes next. A series that will pull kids in. Ages 10 and up. Cream

Mary Lehmer, Youth Services Librarian, Freeport Community Library, Freeport, ME

five-stars

A Home for Goddesses and Dogs

A Home for Goddesses and DogsA Home for Goddesses and Dogs by Connor, Leslie
Published by Groundwood Books, HarperCollins, Katherine Tegen Books on February 25, 2020
ISBN: 006279678X
Pages: 385
Genres: Non-Fiction, Realistic Fiction
Format: Board Book, Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Lydia’s mom died of cancer recently. The 2 were very close and Lydia has so many memories, Especially of her mom being honest with Lydia about her disease and their creation of goddesses to celebrate things in their lives. Now she is living with her Aunt Brat and her wife Eileen, both have made her feel welcome but Lydia wants to make sure that she does everything right. The problem is the dog they adopt and want Lydia to love too, is a hand full and a dog that most people would find hard to love. There is humor in this story and tearful moments as well. The adopted dog (Guffer) is far from perfect, he is really awful and challenging, a dog that most people would not keep. But the way this new family works at that, their passions, humor and love, shine through to make things work. One of the best parts is the relationship between Lydia’s two aunts. It isn’t always perfect and there are arguments but the love they have for each other (and Eileen’s humor) keep the couple, and eventually Lydia and Guffer loved and grounded. Terrific book. Ages 9 and up. Cream.

Mary Lehmer, Youth Services Librarian, Freeport Community Library, Freeport, ME

five-stars

The Camping Trip

The Camping TripThe Camping Trip by Jennifer K. Mann
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 1536207365
Genres: Adventure, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Ernestine is invited by her aunt and cousin to experience her first camping trip.  From the cover pages of The Camping Trip  a realistic job of expressing a true outdoor adventure is offered.  Readers view an illustrated listing of necessary equipment before the story even begins.  Within the content a personal equipment list is incorporated and new experiences are explored.  Aunt Jackie and cousin Samantha are supportive and compassionate as Ernestine grows to love this new experience.   The art work is done in comic style panels that are fun and colorful.  This reader appreciates how one of the early two-page spreads is almost identical to a later illustration in the same spot.  All ages will enjoy this adventure and perhaps it will influence some families to go camping for the first time.

Bring on the s’mores and purchase this book for both primary school and public libraries.  Gift a copy to families who are interested in taking their first camping trip.

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

five-stars

Not So Pure and Simple

Not So Pure and SimpleNot So Pure and Simple by Lamar Giles
Published by HarperTeen on January 21, 2020
ISBN: 0062349198
Pages: 304
Genres: Realistic Fiction, Romance
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Edgar Award-winner and founding member of We Need Diverse Books, Lamar Giles, steps away from mystery to write a YA romantic comedy; however, readers should not expect a typical love story. Giles takes the classic boy-gets-girl trope and tackles toxic masculinity and societal expectations to create an original love story that is fresh and honest. Del has a reputation as a ladies’ man, so when the girl he has a crush on volunteers to be part of the purity pledge group at Church, he shocks everyone by joining too. Del works under the false assumption, that if he is nice, girls will owe him something; so when that doesn’t work, Del is confused and angry. Luckily, Del has friends and family who will be brutally honest with him. As he begins to listen to their assessments of his behavior, he begins to be more honest with himself. At times it reads like a much-needed, how-to-manual for teen boys. Girls will shake their heads in recognition and laugh at the humor, but there will not be any revelations for them. Boys will be able to laugh along with Del and possibly even at themselves as Giles tackles serious coming-of-age themes. This book should be on the shelves of all libraries working with teens! Recommended for grades 8 and up. 

Elizabeth Andersen, Librarian, Westbrook High School

five-stars