Category: Cream of the Crop Nominees

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

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, Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

This book follows the life of a single bee within the beehive. It so perfectly and easily explains the honeybee life cycle, from the various jobs the bees perform to how their bodies change as they age.

This book is gorgeous and informative without being bogged down with too many details. As a beekeeper, I still learned something new. The illustrations are simply stunning. When I picked the book up the first time, I thought the cover image was a photograph. Eric Rohman does a wonderfully detailed job depicting the bees and their lives. This book would be great for kids K-3rd grade.

Recommended for Cream of the Crop.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

five-stars

Packs

PacksPacks: Strength in Numbers by Hannah Salyer
Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt on January 28, 2020
ISBN: 1328577880
Pages: 46
Genres: Animals, Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

What do you call a group of wildebeest? This book will teach you this and more. This beautifully illustrated picture book explores the different types of animal groups with one overarching message: we’re better/stronger together.

The book starts with several two-page spreads with just one word for the group of animals: packs, herds, etc. The book then gets more into detail about how different animals work together. It circles back to humans with the message that we’re better together. The colorful illustrations have visible brush strokes, are colorful and gorgeous. The text is brief but informative and appropriate for the age of the intended audience. My only complaint about the text is that it’s written as if the animals are speaking, and I don’t enjoy anthropomorphizing of animals in a nonfiction book. This book would be great for kids PreK and up.

Recommended for Cream of the Crop.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

five-stars

Deathless Divide

Deathless DivideDeathless Divide (Dread Nation, #2) by Justina Ireland
Published by Balzer + Bray on February 4, 2020
ISBN: 0062570633
Pages: 560
Genres: Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Horror
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads

This is the sequel to Dread Nation and I loved both books! Its so hard to find a refreshing new concept in YA novels lately but this series has it in spades. This book catches up with the main characters of the first book, Jane and Kate, with the addition of new faces, that, thankfully only add to the story instead of being a distraction. This is supposed to be the last book of the series but the author has left it open enough for there to be many more books set in this world. I also want to mention that 99% of all the characters are people of color and it’s such a nice change! I would recommend this for 9-12 grades.

Reviewed by, Sophie Gagnon, Skidompha Public Library, Damariscotta

Clean Getaway

Clean Getaway by Nic Stone
on January 7, 2020
ISBN: 1984892975
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

I can‘t stop thinking about this book. A young boy embarks on what appears to be a benign road trip with his grandmother. As the story unfolds, however, some things seem out of place: his grandmother keeps changing their license plates, he’s pretty sure she didn’t pay for their dinner at a restaurant, and he definitely saw her steal some earrings. Why won’t she answer his dad’s phone calls? At the same time, she’s teaching him about his family history, Black history in America, and what it was like for her (a white woman) to be married to a Black man in the 60s.

Throughout this book, I couldn’t decide if it was a heartwarming story about family and Black history, or if I felt really uncomfortable because the main character’s grandmother was essentially kidnapping him. The more you read, the more it becomes apparent that it is both these things and more. There’s so much packed into this short novel, you won’t want to put it down. Best for 5th grade and up, this would be a great book club book.

Recommended for Cream of the Crop.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

five-stars