Category: Cream of the Crop Nominees

Noise Makers: 25 Women Who Raised Their Voices & Changed the World

Noise Makers: 25 Women Who Raised Their Voices & Changed the WorldNoisemakers: 25 Women Who Raised Their Voices & Changed the World - A Graphic Collection from Kazoo by Alitha E. Martinez, Ashley A. Woods, Brittney Williams, Chan Chau, Emil Ferris, Emily Flake, Erin Bried, Jackie Roche, K.L. Ricks, Kat Leyh, Kiku Hughes, Little Corvus, Lucy Bellwood, Lucy Knisley, Mari Naomi, Maris Wicks, Molly Brooks, Naomi Franquiz, Rebecca Mock, Rosemary Valero-O'Connell, Sarah Winifred Searle, Shannon Wright, Shauna J. Grant, Sophie Goldstein, Weshoyot Alvitre, Yao Xiao
on February 4, 2020
ISBN: 0525580174
Genres: Biography/Autobiography, Non-Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
five-stars

I loved this book. It’s a graphic collection of mini biographies about 25 revolutionary women. The book is broken into 6 sections with 3-5 women highlighted in each section. Each biography is illustrated by a different talented female or non-binary artist, and many of the pairings are delightfully perfect. Mary Shelley, for example, has some nicely creepy illustrations. From Eugenie Clark to Frida Kahlo to Mother Jones, this book has something for everyone, and it has a nice mix of well-known and not so well known women.

Recommended for middle grade readers, this is a great way to get them reading some nonfiction. 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
Published by Balzer + Bray on April 7, 2020
ISBN: 0062803379
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

This  book is incredibly difficult to read, but so important for awareness, particularly in the #metoo era.  Marin is a high school senior who goes through an incredibly difficult time.  Her teacher ends up kissing her, and when she denies him, he takes it out on her schoolwork and her college application.  When she reports it, no one believes her, including her best friend.  She finds herself friendless, boyfriendless, and in trouble at school.  The authors leave Marin in the best situation she can be while keeping it very authentic. The authors worked well together, with a steady voice throughout.  Recommended for grades 8+.

Reviewed by Kara Reiman, Maine State Library

five-stars

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder

A Good Girl’s Guide to MurderA Good Girl's Guide to Murder (A Good Girl's Guide to Murder, #1) by Holly Jackson
Published by Delacorte Press on February 4, 2020
ISBN: 1984896369
Pages: 400
Genres: Mystery
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Five years ago, Andie Bell disappeared and her boyfriend, Sal Singh was the suspect. But, before charges could be brought against Sal, he unexpectedly committed suicide. Now, 5 years later, Pippa has decided to do her Senior Capstone Project on this unsolved mystery to prove Sal’s innocence. Intriguing, captivating and dangerous moments will lead the reader to  fear for Pippa’s own safety.

Well written and very suspenseful, the author’s debut novel is a most have for all murder mystery and suspense fans. Fans of Maureen Johnson’s Truly Devious will quickly fall in love with this book.

Recommended for grades 9 and up.

Reviewed by Kristin Taylor, Biddeford High School, Biddeford.

five-stars

You Do You: Figuring Out Your Body, Dating, and Sexuality

You Do You: Figuring Out Your Body, Dating, and SexualityYou Do You by Sarah Mirk
Published by Twenty-First Century Books (Tm) on November 5, 2019
ISBN: 1541540220
Pages: 120
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

You Do You covers the basics such as reproductive organs, puberty, hygiene, etc. What is great about this book is it’s point blank honesty especially when covering consent, social media, sexting and abortion. It is well organized, easy to follow with diagrams and graphs with side bar information available to the readers. Could be used just for information, but also in conjunction with health classes as a side reference.

TOC, glossary, source notes, bibliography, index and a further information section are helpful in locating the topics needed. Recommended for grades 8 and up.

Reviewed by Kristin Taylor, Biddeford High School, Biddeford

five-stars

The Rise and Fall of Charles Lindbergh

The Rise and Fall of Charles LindberghThe Rise and Fall of Charles Lindbergh by Candace Fleming
Published by Schwartz & Wade Books ISBN: 052564654X
Genres: Biography/Autobiography, Non-Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Digging deep into Charles Lindbergh’s past, the author uncovers his true character. Lindbergh was known as America’s hero after he flew across the Atlantic, but after the kidnapping and murder of his first born child, Lindbergh’s fame as an American hero rapidly faded to the point of being hated and despised by his fellow Americans. Fleming talks about his early childhood, his inventing of the first artificial hear, environmentalism and how he was depicted as a Nazi sympathizer, blaming the American Jewish peoples into leading American into WWII.

Using primary sources and personal journal and diary entries of both Lindbergh and his wife to create a nonfiction that reads like a suspense novel. A definite must read to learn about what America’s flying hero was really about. Recommended for grades 8 and up.

Reviewed by Kristin Taylor, Biddeford High School, Biddeford.

five-stars

The First Conspiracy: The Secret Plot to Kill George Washington

The First Conspiracy: The Secret Plot to Kill George WashingtonThe First Conspiracy: The Secret Plot to Kill George Washington by Brad Meltzer, Josh Mensch
Published by Roaring Brook Press on January 7, 2020
ISBN: 1250244838
Pages: 368
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

The First Conspiracy regales an little known account of a conspiracy plot to assassinate George Washington during the Revolutionary War, while Washington was the leader of the Continental Army. George Washington was able to decipher this plot against him that was created by the then Governor of colonial New York, William Tyron. This is the first know documented use of American counterespionage.

Fast paced, dramatic and intriguing, author Brad Meltzer has created another historical work that still has unknown answers. A great read for history buffs that will leave the reader wanted to know more. Recommended for grade 10 and up.

Reviewed by Kristin Taylor, Biddeford High School, Biddeford.

five-stars

Great Shark Rescue: Saving the Whale Sharks

Great Shark Rescue: Saving the Whale SharksThe Great Shark Rescue by Sandra Markle
Published by Millbrook Press (Tm) on October 1, 2019
ISBN: 1541510410
Pages: 48
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Sandra Markle has been educating young scientists about animals, fish, and reptiles that are on the endangered or vulnerable list for years. Her series has looked at the perils of penguins, rhinos, golden lion tamarins, and amur leopards to name just a few. Her newest addition to the series is about the largest fish in the ocean- the whale shark!  While little is known about this giant,they are considered endangered because of their decreasing population.  Author Markle  takes the reader with the scientists as they try to uncover the plight of these creatures- why are there so few, where are the females and the mature males? Time is of the essence as commercial fishing and climate change continue to threaten the great shark. Text is straightforward and understandable, and supported by photos, maps, charts, an author’s note,and timeline. This selection should be in every school and public library with her other books. Use In units about fish, sharks, climate change, even units on fishing.  Consider it a CREAM selection.

Use with grades 4 and up.

Submitted by Kathy George, Gray Public library, Gray, Maine.

 

five-stars

Grandpa’s Top Three

Grandpa’s Top ThreeGrandpa's Top Threes by Daniel Egneus, Wendy Meddour
Published by Candlewick Press on September 3, 2019
ISBN: 1536211257
Pages: 32
Genres: Historical Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads

A young boy's original game coaxes a grieving grandpa to reconnect with the world in a touching intergenerational story of love and resilience.
Henry loves talking with Grandpa, but Grandpa has stopped listening. Mom says to just give him time. But Henry wants to talk to Grandpa now. So Henry tries his favorite game: Top Threes. And something amazing happens: Grandpa starts talking again. Out of a tale of favorite sandwiches and zoo animals, outings and trains, emerges a moving story about love, loss, and the wonder of grannies and grandpas.

“Grandpas’ top Three” is a lovely, inter – generational picture book for ages 4 through 8. When Henrytries to get Grandpa to listen and to interact with him, he finds that Grandpa isn’t ready “just now”to talk.Henry, however,  wants to talk “now”  and does not understand why Grandpa is so reticent.When Henry decides to try his game of “Top Three”on Grandpa (for example – “What are your top three favorite sandwiches?” he then very slowly warms up to Henry’s persistence in playing the game .When Henry asks his Grandpa who his top three Grannies are, Grandpa doesn’t answer. We then surmise that perhaps Henry’s Granny has passed away.

Henry then states who his own top three Grannies are:

“Granny who is dead. Granny who loves on top of the shoe shop, and Granny in Little Red Riding Hood.”

It is then that Grandpa opens up a bit and begins to speak of Granny who has passed away. This in turn leads to the start of a loving relationship between Grandpa and his grandson.

A lovely sad and poignant tale about how through the persistence of a young boy, Grandpa slowly begins to comes to realize the importance.

A heartfelt loving story to be enjoyed by inter-generations of folks who wish to foster closer relationships.

 

Reviewed by Connie M. Smith, Breakwater School, Portland, ME

 

Little Fox and the Missing Moon

Little Fox and the Missing MoonLittle Fox and the Missing Moon by Ekaterina Trukhan
Published by Random House Books for Young Readers on March 19, 2019
ISBN: 039955565X
Pages: 32
Genres: Adventure, Animals, Fantasy
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Help Fox solve another simple mystery in this bedtime companion to Apples for Little Fox!
The mystery-loving fox from Apples for Little Fox returns with a new case! When Fox dreams that the moon is missing, he and his friends go on a quest to find it and return it to the sky. Teamwork and companionship are highlighted in this simple, inviting mystery that allows readers to follow along.
The muted palette and clean design will calm overstimulated children at the end of their busy days.

“Little Fox and the Missing Moon is a companion book for “Apples for Little Fox,” both bedtime stories by Ekaterina Trukhan.  Little Fox becomes a detective  when he, along with his friends, must solve the mystery of the “missing moon.”  Little Fox has a nightmare about a monster who eats the moon, and,  lo and behold,  when he got up in the middle of the night to check outside his window, the moon was indeed –  missing! Little Fox grabs a  flashlight and begins his search for the missing moon.  Little Fox encounters his friends, Owl, Wolf, and Bear, along the way who help in the search.   When they all decide to go to Rabbit’s house to enlist his help as well,  they are  surprised to  find Rabbit  busily scrubbing the “dirty” moon in his kitchen sink.  Now, children will  wonder, –  just  how  will  the moon get back into the sky?”

A clever , simple, and enchanting  story that explores how friends working together  together can solve a mystery.

The illustrations are engaging, expressive and endearing – all at the same time.

This book would make a perfect bedtime story along with its companion, “Apples for Little Fox.  Also, good to read when  beginning a introduction to “what is a mystery, detective” book” –  for the Kindergarten through second graders.  Also can be utilized when discussing  “teamwork” and “companionship.”

Reviewed by Connie M. Smith

five-stars

Tornado Scientist

Tornado ScientistThe Tornado Scientist by Mary Kay Carson, Tom Uhlman
Published by HMH Books for Young Readers on March 19, 2019
ISBN: 0544965825
Pages: 80
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction, Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Tornado, the very word strikes fear to the people in their path.  Author Carlson introduces the reader to Robin Tanamachi, a storm chaser. She has been obsessed with severe weather since she was a child and now is a meteorologist, tornado specialist, radar expert, and veteran storm chaser. Her goal- to understand the hows and whys of tornadoes and therefore save the lives of those caught in their path. Young scientists learn how and why these storms form and where these storms are most prevalent. Another Scientists in the Field selection that doesn’t disappoint! Solid information, supported with photographs, glossary, bibliography.  A must for every public and school library, especially now with tornadoes that are becoming the norm rather than an isolated incident. CREAM.

Good for grades 4 and up.

Submitted by Kathy George, Gray Public Library, Gray, Maine

five-stars