Category: Cream of the Crop Nominees

No Room for a Pup

No Room for a PupNo Room for a Pup! by Elizabeth Suneby, Laurel Molk
Published by Kids Can Press on October 1st 2019
ISBN: 1525300296
Pages: 32
Goodreads
five-stars

A clever retelling of the Yiddish folktale, It Could Always Be Worse. Mia wants a dog but her mother says that there is NO ROOM for one in their small city apartment. So Grandma hatches a plan with Mia and comes to visit with her squawking parrot Roger, the class bunny, a neighbor’s cat, and even grandma’s book club accompanied by their pet pig. Mother is relieved when they all leave and decides there might be room for one little dog. The book has a consistent format throughout building up to the gratifying conclusion. I will use No Room for a Pup for a readaloud during preschool Story Time, inviting kids to join in when mom cries “NO ROOM.” The full-color illustrations of the animals are adorable and characters are fashionably dressed people of varying ages and races. The picture on the last page of only the “pint-sized” pup and Mia will surprise and delight readers of all ages. Primary students could compare and contrast this book with It Could Always Be Worse: A Yiddish Folk Tale by Margot Zemach.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library, Liberty

Reviews: Perfect for young ones yearning for a pet.―Kirkus Reviews; 4.8 out of 5 on Amazon

five-stars

The Bus to Everland

The Bus to EverlandLast Bus to Everland by Sophie Cameron
Published by Roaring Brook Press on June 18th 2019
ISBN: 1250149932
Pages: 336
Goodreads
five-stars

The storyline is both intense and intuitive as Brody attempts to navigate school and his family situation. Years of artistic interest have earned him the nickname “Fairy” making him wonder what his sexual orientation is.   Upon meeting Nico a new world opens up where Brody is accepted and free to be himself.  Is Everland a fantasy alternate world or just a safe place?  Readers will have to decide for themselves as they go on weekly visits to this lush and accepting environment.

Last Bus to Everland is different, it blends fantasy and real life in a unique manner that makes the reader want to visit Everland themselves.  Character development is good, offering just enough insight into the private thoughts of several teens.  Regardless of their individual struggle each character exposes some of their personal inner pain and challenges.   Add this to Middle School and High School media centers and do place on the shelves of public library YA shelves.    This is a book that teens will be talking about.

Submitted by Jan Hamilton, retired librarian in Scarborough, ME

five-stars

Light it Up

Light it UpLight It Up by Kekla Magoon
Published by Henry Holt and Co. (BYR) on October 22nd 2019
ISBN: 1250128897
Pages: 368
Goodreads
five-stars

After police shoot and kill an unarmed 13-year-old girl, Shae Tatum, a whole community reels.  This excellent novel is told from a variety of perspectives, including the daughter of the officer who shot Shae, Shae’s best friend, community organizers, social media accounts, and others who grapple with injustice and unrest.  The novel leads readers through the days following Shae’s death, including a protest where an attempt to respond peacefully turns violent.

This book belongs on shelves in libraries and classrooms where readers are ready to grapple with upsetting scenes where justice comes into question.  Light It Up would appeal to readers who loved The Hate U Give, On The Come Up, All American Boys,  Long Way Down, and other recent novels that perfectly execute discussion of race and justice.

Reviewed by Noelle Gallant, Saco Middle School

five-stars

Girls On the Verge

Girls On the VergeGirls on the Verge by Sharon Biggs Waller
Published by Henry Holt and Co. (BYR) on April 9th 2019
ISBN: 1250151694
Pages: 229
Goodreads
five-stars

The first thing readers will notice is the clear, strong, bold, brave voice of Camille. Camille is pregnant and has enlisted the help of her friends to terminate her pregnancy. Camille is not able to tell her family and the baby’s father about the pregnancy and after a failed visit to a “crisis clinic” in her home state of Texas, Camille realizes she needs to enlist some help. Camille begins her journey with Annabelle, the new friend with a strong feminist outlook and Bea, the life-long friend, who is more conservative and sheltered. To be clear, the author does have an agenda. In the Author’s Note, Waller states that she wants to “sound the alarm” on legislation that regulates women’s bodies and talks about how shame is used as a weapon against women and she does just that. This book is filled with information about women’s reproductive rights and the girls discuss the options in an informative, thoughtful manner, without any element of preachiness. However, this book is also a satisfying road trip story about friendship. Each girl has a secret and as the miles pass their truths are revealed. This book will satisfy readers with its story and it will inform readers on reproductive rights and options in the United States. It is an important addition to any YA collection serving grades 10 and up. Recommended for Cream of the Crop.

Elizabeth Andersen, Librarian, Westbrook High School

five-stars

The Music of What Happens

The Music of What HappensThe Music of What Happens by Bill Konigsberg
Published by Arthur A. Levine Books on February 26th 2019
ISBN: 1338215507
Pages: 338
Goodreads
five-stars

This romantic novel is filled with poetry, food, and art, but it also tackles the serious issues of consent, grief, and gender conformity. Through happenstance, Max and Jordan end up in the hot, Arizona summer heat working on a derelict food truck, “Coq Au Vinny.” The food truck belonged to Jordan’s deceased father and Jordan desperately needs it to be successful. Max’s lives with his mother since his parents divorced and his plans for sleeping in, playing video games, and hanging out with his friends have been thwarted by his mother who is forcing him to work instead. Romance ensues as the boys spend time learning about each other and making the food truck successful. They take turns narrating the chapters and Konigsberg masterfully creates a unique voice for each boy. This most important feat of this novel is the insight it gives to the issue of young men and rape; it feels as powerful as Laurie Halse Anderson’s Speak. Recommended for grades 10 and up.  Recommended for Cream of the Crop. 

Elizabeth Andersen, Librarian, Westbrook High School

five-stars

The Great Santa Stakeout

The Great Santa StakeoutThe Great Santa Stakeout by Betsy Bird, Dan Santat
Published by Arthur A. Levine Books on September 3rd 2019
ISBN: 133816998X
Pages: 40
Goodreads
five-stars

A really good STEM book doesn’t look like a STEM book. In this one, all the planning concepts and engineering are hidden in an entertaining Santa story. Freddy is obsessed with Santa: Santa costumes at birthday parties and Valentine parties. He collects everything Santa: boot book ends, posters, and even underwear. Try reading that page with a straight face to a group of youngsters! He now wants a selfie with Santa, fresh out of the chimney. And he has a plan. Of course, Santa fools him, but Freddie is not discouraged; he simply makes another plan for next year. 

Don’t miss the endpages – they’re detailed plans of Freddy’s plans – this year’s in the front, and next year’s in the back, making good bookends to the story. And take a peak under the cover!

Full color illustrations, double spreads with close-ups of Freddie’s face with various expressions are visually entertaining.

I field-tested this with first and third grade classes. Seventeen third graders gave it 5 stars (two gave it 4, and one gave it 3). All first graders said keep it for the library, except one student who said I should NOT put it on our shelves because too many students would all want to borrow it and they would argue about who would get it first.

Quality and original Santa stories are hard to come by; this one fits the bill.

Reviewed by Lynn Mayer, Librarian, Old Town Elementary School

five-stars

The Rhythm of the Rain

The Rhythm of the RainThe Rhythm of the Rain by Grahame Baker-Smith
Published by Templar Books on August 20th 2019
ISBN: 1536205753
Pages: 40
Goodreads
five-stars

The water cycle has never been so gorgeously depicted as within the pages of The Rhythm of the Rain. The text follows a jarful of water that Isaac pours into the mountainside pool near where he plays. Traveling down the mountainside, over a waterfall, past animals drinking by the water’s edge, its journey continues through a riverside city and is eventually washed out to the ocean, where it is swallowed by a whale, blown out through its blowhole, turned over in a great wave, evaporated in the heat of the sun and rained down in a torrent upon a mountainside.

The text is light; the pictures are stunning. Full-bleed illustrations depict life all over the world, all dependent upon water. Beautiful. A great addition to any school or public library. Grades PreK and up.

Reviewed by Kelly Greenlee, Prince Memorial Library, Cumberland

 

five-stars

Sweety

SweetySweety by Andrea Zuill
Published by Schwartz & Wade Books on March 26th 2019
ISBN: 052558000X
Pages: 32
Goodreads
five-stars

Sweety is awkward, even for a naked mole rat with thick glasses and a head gear. She doesn’t always fit in, but with encouragement from her eccentric aunt combined with her own self confidence, she finds that being true to herself is the best way to be and the way to find true friendship. Sweety is a lovable, nerdy mole rat who will resonate with inquisitive, unique kids everywhere. Zuill’s illustrations are easy to follow and include small details that children may not catch but that adults will find humorous and endearing. This book is best for one-on-one sharing or for sharing with a small group. The overarching message of embracing individuality and being true to oneself paired with creative, funny characters and witty text make this a great book to share with a wide age range of readers. A recommended purchase for all public libraries and should be considered for Cream of the Crop.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta

five-stars

Shadow Scent

Shadow ScentShadowscent (Shadowscent #1) by P.M. Freestone
Published by Scholastic Press on November 5th 2019
ISBN: 1338335448
Pages: 368
Goodreads
five-stars

Shadow Scent

 

In a world governed by scent and perfumery live Rakel and Ash who, in alternating chapters, tell of intrigue, torture, murder, and giant chrysalises.  Rakel’s father is plagued with “The Rot” in his leg and is dying.  Ash is the “Shield” for the soon-to-be-ruler, Nisai, who has been poisoned.  Rakel and Ash join together on a quest to all of the provinces, not trusting each other at first, but needing to procure the ingredients to replicate the poison and then to cure it, and then save Rakel’s father.  Their journey is plagued by giant chrysalises, living bones, and engravings on a locket.  The world-building is impressive in this fantasy world.  There are many characters and, at first, it is hard to keep track.  But, during the quest, it becomes much easier.  The story ends on a cliff-hanger which will keep readers wanting to know what happens.  This story feels intelligent and having it based on scent is unique.  This book is recommended for grades 7-12 and for consideration for Cream of the Crop.

 

Reviewed by Ellen Spring, Oceanside High School, Rockland

five-stars

The Miracle and Tragedy of the Dionne Quintuplets

The Miracle and Tragedy of the Dionne QuintupletsThe Miracle and Tragedy of the Dionne Quintuplets by Sarah Miller
Published by Schwartz & Wade on August 27th 2019
ISBN: 1524713813
Pages: 320
Goodreads
five-stars

In May of 1934, in a small Canadian town, 5 baby girls were born into a family with 5 older siblings and became a global sensation as their lives and of their family are thrown into the spotlight. Their total birth weight was 13 pounds. Yvonne, Cecile, Emilie, Annette and Marie are subsequently removed from their home and basically raised by the government of Ontario across the street in a custom-built hospital — all of this to protect the girls from showmen and exploitation.

Respectfully written and sometimes heart wrenching story of the world’s most famous babies in a time when miracles were meant to be. Recommended for grades 10 and up. TOC, notes and indexes are available.

Reviewed by Kristin Taylor, Biddeford High School, Biddeford.

five-stars