Category: Cream of the Crop Nominees

Witchycakes #1: Sweet Magic

Witchycakes #1: Sweet MagicWitchycakes #1: Sweet Magic by Ariane Moreira, Kara LaReau
Published by Random House on August 5, 2025
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

Sweet Magic, the first book in the Witchycakes series, is a sweet early chapter book about a young witch learning magic from their mother.  Blue, and their familiar Gully, a sea gull, deliver baked goods from Blue’s mom’s bakery, to customers all over their coastal town of Shellville.  Blue has a kind heart and wants to help people they encounter, but the magic doesn’t always work as planned.  Blue doesn’t give up though, and is able to come up with creative solutions to help those in need. 

This book is divided into short chapters and is full of bright colorful illustrations, perfect for young readers transitioning into reading or listening to chapter books. There are also fun sound effects throughout the book that are in color. The characters in this book are diverse, with the main character Blue using “they/their” pronouns and the cafe they deliver to is run by a married gay couple.  The illustrations of the characters also show readers a variety of ethnicities and cultural backgrounds that aren’t mentioned in the text.  The book as a whole also has an important message that is summarized at the end which will resonate with readers. Blue realizes that when things went wrong and they used their imagination, they came up with much better solutions, no magic required! This book is highly recommended for school and public libraries serving new readers.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

five-stars

Our Mothers’ Names: Love in Many Languages

Our Mothers’ Names: Love in Many LanguagesOur Mothers' Names: Love in Many Languages by Rahele Jomepour Bell, Uma Menon
Published by Candlewick on April 22, 2025
ISBN: 153622250X
Genres: Cultural / African American, Family, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

There are many ways to say mother. The narrator is an unnamed dark-skinned girl whose family speaks two languages at home – English and Malayalam. (The most common language in Kerala, India, where her parents and grandparents were born.) She calls her mother Amma, but her friend Angelina, who also lives in the United States and speaks two languages, calls her mother Mamá. She goes on to visit other friends who speak Greek, Arabic, Russian, French, Japanese, and other languages and the name they call their mothers.

I enjoyed the flow of the story and the depiction of the different families, which conveyed much information without being blatant. This is an obvious pick for Mother’s Day story time. But I could also see this being used as a springboard for primary-aged children to research other words, such as for father or grandparent, etc. in different languages. A fact in the “Did You Know …?” section at the back intrigued me: “There are more people in the world who are bilingual or multilingual, which means they can use and understand two or more languages, than there are people who can use only one.”

This is an important book for American children to recognize multilingualism and see the connections between all children in this world, and to reassure others about their place in this country.

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

Nominated for Cream of the Crop

five-stars

Dead Happy (HappyHead #2)

Dead Happy (HappyHead #2)Dead Happy (HappyHead, #2) by Josh Silver
on May 2, 2024
ISBN: 0593812069
Genres: Emotions & Feelings, Horror, LGBTQ+, Mental Health, Psychological thriller, Suspense
Format: Young Adult
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

Dead Happy picks up directly at the end of the first book in this YA duology, HappyHead, with the chosen ten teens regaining consciousness on a flooding boat approaching Elmhallow. Seb has no choice but to fake a relationship with Eleanor as the teens are forced to complete increasingly disturbing and violent challenges for bloodstones under the rule of a perfectly reformed HappyHead couple. When Seb finds out that Fin is also on the island they decide to escape no matter the cost.

Dead Happy is a dark survival drama in the vein of Squid Games and the Hunger Games series with elements of horror such as torture, animal death, gaslighting, and homophobia. The romance between Seb and Fin continues to be the backbone of the duology and remains strong throughout the second novel. Dead Happy moves at a relentless pace, keeping the reader on edge throughout the novel as did HappyHead. Recommended for all teen collections where survival stories or romance are popular genres.

Reviewed by Sarah Hartje, Lewiston Public Library, Lewiston Maine

five-stars

HappyHead (HappyHead #1)

HappyHead (HappyHead #1)HappyHead by Josh Silver
Published by Rock the Boat on March 16, 2023
ISBN: 0593812026
Genres: Emotions & Feelings, Horror, LGBTQ+, Mental Health, Psychological thriller, Romance, Suspense
Format: Young Adult
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

When 17-year-old Seb is offered a place on a radical retreat designed to solve the national crisis of teenage unhappiness, he is determined to change how people see him and make his parents proud. When the assessments at HappyHead get increasingly more disturbing and dangerous, Seb finds himself wondering what is really going on and how far he’s willing to go to be ‘happy.’

This first novel in the HappyHead duology by debut author, Josh Silver, features strong character development, a well-developed plot, suspense, horror elements, LGBTQ+ relationships, and steady pacing. The HappyHead series is recommended for fans of Squid Games and the Hunger Games series and features similar elements of survival in extreme circumstances. This series is recommended for YA readers.

Reviewed by Sarah Hartje, Lewiston Public Library, Lewiston Maine

five-stars

Strong Like Me

Strong Like MeStrong Like Me by Kelechi Okafor, Michaela Dias-Hayes
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 1536241849
Genres: Emotions & Feelings
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Strong Like Me

Author: Kelechi Okafor. Illustrator: Michaela Dias-Hayes

 

This picture book for ages 3-7 tells the story of Karama, a girl whose physical strength makes her stand out from others. At first, Karama is proud to be strong; she can give piggyback rides to her older brother and climb trees with ease. Kamara hopes to fun faster than anyone else and beat her classmate, Benji, in the annual Big Race. Benji accuses Kamara of showing off, but Karama’s friend Josie tries to reassure her that he is just jealous. Auntie Lynda give Kamara advice everyone, especially young people, should hear: “Your friends will shine in different ways, so don’t dim your own light just to please them.”

This story inspires kids to embrace their gifts and be secure in who they are, while also teaching the importance of grace and compassion. It also highlights the importance of different kinds of strength.

5 stars

Reviewed by Lindsey Hopkins, Jay-Niles Memorial Library, Jay

five-stars

Speak Up, Santiago!

Speak Up, Santiago!Speak Up, Santiago!: (A Hillside Valley Graphic Novel) by Julio Anta, Gabi Mendez
Published by Random House Graphic on March 4, 2025
ISBN: 0593651642
Pages: 224
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
five-stars

The first in a new graphic novel series about Hillside Valley. Santiago is spending the summer in Hillside Valley with his abuela, who speaks Spanish, and though Santi looks like he should speak the language, he is Colombian after all, he is not that good at it. As he worries about fitting in, he meets other kids in town, who help him. Readers who love realistic fiction graphic novels about friendship, sports, fitting in, and family will eat this book up and eagerly await the next title, which will feature one of Santi’s new friends in Hillside. The illustrations are sharp and crisp and the dialogue is spot-on. 

Reviewed by Jill O’Connor, Falmouth Elementary School

five-stars

The Search for Carmella

The Search for CarmellaThe Search for Carmella (Hidden Wonders) by Chloe Savage
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 153623897X
Genres: Adventure, Animals, Emotions & Feelings, Oceans, STEM
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Dr. Rose is a marine biologist, passionate about the ocean and all its creatures. She always loved listening to the tales of old fisherman, especially about the mythical(?) creature Carmella. One day, Dr. Rose is determined to search for Carmella. She puts the word out to her colleagues, recruits a crew for her ship, and sets sail. Dr. Rose explores the deepest waters in a submarine with her partner (and pilot), Anne, and her dog, Stanley. Dr. Rose feels frustrated and impatient when they don’t find Carmella right away. Anne reminds Dr. Rose that they are still seeing so many wonderful new things, and that they have so much to explore. In the end, Dr. Rose is looking forward to having a lifetime of adventures with Anne, even if they haven’t found Carmella yet.

This picture book would be a wonderful addition to any collection. In the forefront, it showcases a female scientist. But it also has other more subtle (or inferred) inclusive references, such as a possible service dog, a character that uses gender neutral pronouns, and a possible same-sex partnership. The main character also practices mindfulness when she struggles in her journey. The illustrations are lovely and fun, celebrating science and the ocean, and include Carmella sneaking up or behind Dr. Rose and Anne throughout their explorations. Recommended for ages 5 to 7 (Kindergarten to 2nd Grade). Cream of the crop nominee.

Reviewed by: Jenn Mead, Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library, Lovell

five-stars

The Library of Unusual Treasures

The Library of Unruly Treasures by Jeanne Birdsall
Published by Alfred A. Knopf on 8/5/25
ISBN: 9780525579045
Genres: Magical Realism
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

Gwen is forced by her terrible parents to spend her summer outside of Boston with her Uncle Matthew, whom she has never met, and his unusual dog Pumpkin.  She quickly realizes her uncle is nothing like her parents- he loves her and cares what she thinks and feels.  Gwen knows this is going to be a great summer.  Things get even better (and weirder!) when she starts hearing and seeing fairy-like creatures called Lahdukan at the library nearby. The Lahdukan are tiny and usually can only be seen by young children, but Gwen learns she is special and will take on the important role of protecting the Lahdukan, if she can only be brave enough to overcome her fears. She is faced with a big challenge she must complete by herself- without getting caught.

Elementary students will love this book. Gwen is a relatable and likeable character who readers will be pulling for.  The elements of magical realism are fun and not overwhelming. It’s perfect for kids who like realistic fiction.  There is enough danger and action to keep the pace of the novel moving and enough magic to keep it fun.  There are black and white drawings throughout the book that add to its whimsy.  This book is highly recommended for any elementary school or public library.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

five-stars

Amelia, if Only

Amelia, if OnlyAmelia, If Only by Becky Albertalli
Published by Harper on June 10, 2025
ISBN: 0063045923
Pages: 295
Genres: Humor, LGBTQ+, Realistic Fiction, Romance
Format: Young Adult
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

Amelia might have a parasocial crush on Walter Holland, the somewhat famous bisexual teenage star of his own YouTube channel, whose coming out video made her feel seen properly for the first time. But really, her friends don’t have to make such a big deal of it, right? After all, it’s not like he took her up on her singing Instagram post inviting him to prom (cringe!)

But then Walter announces he’s going to be doing a live meet-and-greet at nearby(ish) Blackwell College, and Amelia rallies her three best friends – twins Mark and Natalie, and Zora – to take a pre-graduation long weekend road trip. Because surely, if she could just meet him for real, it would be obvious how perfect they’d be together.

Except…Walter might not actually be the person causing the butterflies in Amelia’s stomach. It is possible he has been a fun distraction for her real feelings for Natalie. And now that Nat’s on-again-off-again girlfriend is out of the picture, Amelia might just be facing those feelings head on.

Albertalli’s fans will not be disappointed in her latest rom-com starring a group of queer teens. Four of the five primary characters identify as bisexual, one as lesbian, and a minor character is nonbinary; Amelia and the twins are Jewish, Zora is Black. Amelia describes herself as “medium fat” but in a way that indicates overall feelings of body positivity. Social media plays a large role in the teens’ lives, and there is ample discussion about both the positives and negatives of that; time is spent looking at the big picture of online fandom, and how impactful it can be for both influencers and followers.

Those who enjoyed Imogen, Obviously will recognize the setting of Blackwell College and a few familiar characters who make a cameo. Amelia is an endearing protagonist coming to terms with her feelings for her best friend, and secondary characters are well rounded. An easy book to recommend for teens looking for a charming and fun read relevant to the times.

5 stars, cream nominee

– Jenny Martinez Nocito, Maine State Library

five-stars

Hilwa’s Gifts

Hilwa’s GiftsHilwa's Gifts by Anait Semirdzhyan, Safa Suleiman
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 1536229423
Genres: Cultural / African American, Family, Gardening, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars
Ali is visiting his family in Palestine – his first ever visit during the olive harvest. Above all, Ali is so excited to see Hilwa, his most beloved olive tree, immediately running to climb on her branches and sit in her shade. Ali is surprised to learn how olives are harvested by whacking the branches, and reluctantly learns to accept the technique after trying to pick Hilwa’s olives by hand (one by one). The whole family pitches in with the harvest – singing, clapping, and dancing along the way. The olives from the tree bring many gifts – from oil to soap, and everyone comes together to celebrate the harvest with a delicious picnic. Best of all, Ali comes home with a cutting to grow his own olive tree. Complete with an Arabic glossary and author’s note, this story is a joyous celebration of Palestinian culture, and is recommended for any picture book collection. The sketchy/watercolor illustrations create depth on each page and are full of life. Recommended for ages 6 to 7 (Grades 1 to 2). Cream of the crop nominee.

Reviewed by: Jenn Mead, Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library, Lovell

five-stars