Category: Cream of the Crop Nominees

Out of my Shell

Out of my ShellOut of My Shell by Jenny Goebel
Published by Scholastic Press on June 25th 2019
ISBN: 1338259555
Pages: 224
Goodreads
five-stars

Olivia’s parents are getting a divorce. She’s trying very hard to be cheerful and not let anyone down. She’s pretending that everything is still okay. She’s going through her first family vacation at her grandparents with mom,  and her little sister Lanie. Mom and Lanie were a bookend and she and her dad were the other bookends in looks, personality, and interests. Her aunt comes for a visit with her twin toddlers (the mob) and starts trash talking her dad, and trying to get her mom to move back to Florida. Her friend from across the street is different this summer. His grandfather is a caretaker to a big Hotel that has a new owner. The new guy is a jerk and doesn’t care about the turtles that are trying to nest on the beach. Olivia does some research, some growing up, and learns to come out of her shell. Her sister almost drowns …

Reviewed by Jeri Fitzpatrick GNGMS Gray

I recommend this book for cream, it’s a very realistic self-help book for kids who can identify with family problems.

 

five-stars

My Grandma and Me

My Grandma and MeMy Grandma and Me by Mina Javaherbin, Lindsey Yankey
Published by Candlewick Press on August 13th 2019
ISBN: 0763694940
Pages: 32
Goodreads
five-stars

My Grandma and Me

Not only an autobiographical love story of a little girl and her Grandma this book goes beyond the family to include the larger Muslin community in Iran.   Readers feel the adoration in the storyline as they learn about traditions in a culture that may be unlike their own.  Unity of thought however comes alive as the reader remember their own childhood cooking with a grandmother and playing with friends.  The Holidays may be different but the underlying reality of love between generations and sharing of time is comprehended by all.  This title can be seen as a work of art, My Grandma and Me is full of lovely patterns in the curtain, clothing, rugs, tiles and fabrics.   All of the characters are charming as they express their happiness, joy and love in simple daily task.  This is a cultural story of love that will touch all who open the book and read the story.

Add this to primary school media centers, public libraries and gift to families.  A perfect story book for grandmas and granddaughters.

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

five-stars

On Snowden Mountain

On Snowden MountainOn Snowden Mountain by Jeri Watts
Published by Candlewick Press on September 10th 2019
ISBN: 0763697443
Pages: 208
Goodreads
five-stars

This historical fictional novel takes place during WWII. Twelve year old Ellen faces many challenges. Her father has left to fight in the war and her mother is suffering from severe depression. Ellen contacts her aunt to help them. They go to her aunt’s home in the mountains of Virginia. There is no electricity or running water. Life is much different than what Ellen and her mother were used to in Baltimore. Ellen meets and becomes friends with a classmate who faces his own set of difficulties. There are many touching moments in this well written story that deals with family, friendship, mental illness, domestic violence, and alcoholism. The characters and the plot are very well developed. Although, this story takes place in the 1940s the issues are contemporary. I highly recommend this exceptional book for grades 4-6. Reviewed by Kris Zuidema, retired school librarian, Standish

five-stars

Rachel’s Roses

Rachel’s RosesRachel's Roses by Ferida Wolff, Margeaux Lucas
Published by Holiday House on August 20th 2019
ISBN: 0823443655
Pages: 112
Goodreads
five-stars

This short chapter book is set in the early 1900s in an immigrant neighborhood in New York City. Rachel is in third grade and has a younger sister Hannah. The family is getting ready for the Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashanah. Rachel and her sister will be wearing identical skirts and she wants hers to stand out from Hannah’s skirt. Rachel ends up in a situation that causes her to need extra money for some special buttons that are beyond her family’s means. This endearing story about family relationships demonstrates what is really meaningful in the end. The story is short and simple. The message is strong and clear, but not didactic. Black and white drawings enhance this delightful book. An author's note is included. I highly recommend this for 3rd and 4th grade readers. Reviewed by Kris Zuidema, retired school librarian, Standish.

five-stars

Voyages in the Underworld of Orpheus Black

Voyages in the Underworld of Orpheus BlackVoyages in the Underworld of Orpheus Black by Marcus Sedgwick, Julian Sedgwick, Alexis Deacon
Published by Walker Books US on August 13th 2019
ISBN: 1536204374
Pages: 320
Goodreads
five-stars

Fans of The Book Thief and Slaughter-House Five will thoroughly enjoy Marcus Sedgwick’s hybrid novel of war torn London and the mythical underground world of Orpheus, a Greek poet. Harry Black is at odds with his family during WWII — Harry is a Conscientious Objector and helps with the Fire Force to protect London during the bombings, whereas his brother, Ellis, is in the trenches. He sketches what he witnesses through the bombings to help him cope, but one afternoon when he leaves the local bar, leaving his brother inside, a bomb is dropped and Harry makes it his mission to find Ellis. Hence, the story is Harry’s search, knowing that Ellis is alive and how Harry must save him.

Inter-dispersed among the wonderfully created graphics are poems/songs written and/or sung by Orpheus as Harry begins to locate Ellis. An interesting combination of war stories and mythology that will urge readers to continue on. Recommended for grades 9 and up.

Reviewed by Kristin Taylor, Biddeford High School, Biddeford.

five-stars

On Edge

On EdgeOn Edge by Raelyn Drake
Published by Darby Creek (Tm) on January 1st 2019
ISBN: 1541540387
Pages: 104
Goodreads
five-stars

Trevor and Micah decided to blow off school and go hiking and rock climbing for the day — just as long as they are home by their normal time — everything should be okay.  Almost to the top of the climb, the rope breaks and Micah falls and severely injures himself. To make things worse, once Trevor gets Micah comfortable and they figure out to get out safely — Trevor gets bit by a rattlesnake. Now it is a race to save Trevor’s Life.

A fast paced story of friendship and survival that will keep the reader going to find out how it ends. Recommended for grades 7 and up and will be a great addition to shelves.

Reviewed by Kristin Taylor, Biddeford High School, Biddeford.

five-stars

The Island

The IslandThe Island by D. A. Graham
Published by Darby Creek (Tm) on January 1st 2019
ISBN: 154154028X
Pages: 112
Goodreads
five-stars

Ethan desperately wants to win the Teen Wilderness Masters reality show challenge — the Grand Prize is $50,000.  He wants to help pay off bills that his parents accrued while his dad was sick. He shouldn’t have any problems — was raised by research biologists, taught how to live off the land, find edible plants, make clean drinking water and to love nature. But, when he and nine other teen contestants are dropped off on an uninhabited island with no technology or other resources available to them — maybe he has bitten off more than he can chew.

A great survival/competition story that all will enjoy — especially those that are fans of reality tv shows like Survivor. Recommended for grades 7 and. up. Well written and easy to follow.

Reviewed by Kristin Taylor, Biddeford High School, Biddeford.

five-stars

Cracking the Bell

Cracking the BellCracking the Bell by Geoff Herbach
Published by Katherine Tegen Books on September 10th 2019
ISBN: 0062453149
Pages: 247
Goodreads
five-stars

Isaiah was saved by football. His life prior to the sport was utter chaos and he was constantly in trouble. His parents gave him an ultimatum — play football or go back to the group home. Football was his savior, but now he has to decide whether to continue playing.

College recruiters are watching him, giving him offers that he can’t resist, but a series of severe concussions has left him struggling to cover up what is happening to him. What should he do — football has been his life, but is it worth the chance of him dying.

Recommended for grade 8 and up. With concussions being a hot topic with student athletes, this novel puts the  dilemma that many have to face in perspective.

Reviewed by Kristin Taylor, Biddeford High School, Biddeford.

five-stars

Shatter City

Shatter CityShatter City (Impostors, #2) by Scott Westerfeld
Published by Scholastic Press on September 17th 2019
ISBN: 1338150413
Pages: 416
Goodreads
five-stars

In the sequel to Westerfeld”s “Imposters”, Frey and Rafi have traded places with the intent of Frey killing their father. Frey, Rafi’s twin sister and body double, is set to marry Col with the intention of bringing peace to their two nations. Things don’t go as plan and Frey along with Col’s help escape to Paz, an app happy city where the citizens use apps to control their emotions. Frey tries to warn the city of Paz (actually an IA) to their upcoming doom, but was too late and the battle continues to eliminate the twin’s evil warlord father.

Action packed, fast paced and lovers of Scott Westerfeld will continue to eat this story up. It helps to have read “Impostors” for the back ground story of Rafi and Frey. Recommended for grades 8 and up.

Reviewed by Kristin Taylor, Biddeford High School, Biddeford.

five-stars

Bug Off! A Story of Fireflies and Friendship

Bug Off! A Story of Fireflies and FriendshipBug Off!: A Story of Fireflies and Friendship by Cari Best, Jennifer Plecas
on June 25th 2019
ISBN: 0374380627
Pages: 32
Goodreads
five-stars

Let’s take a vote. How many of us think fireflies are bugs? Well…they are beetles, and beetles ARE insects, and bugs are insects, but fireflies and bugs are two different classes of insects. Confusing? It is to Maude, a newcomer in the neighborhood. She’s trying to make friends, and when she sees a poster advertising the Bug-of-the-Month Club, she thinks it’s the perfect way to meet other children and share her new passion for fireflies. However, it’s not at all confusing to club leader Louise, who rejects Maude’s bid for membership based on the fact that fireflies are NOT bugs!

The text weaves in basic information about bugs and lots of information about fireflies and how to create a firefly-friendly environment. It’s not preachy or dry – just the right balance to inform and entertain. The cartoonish, full color illustrations show mostly night scenes with the contrasting bright yellow fireflies and proportionately large white eyes of the children.

This book could be used to initiate a study of animal kingdom orders and classifications, but probably more useful as a how-to-be-a-friend’ story. Now, could we have a discussion about the terms firefly vs lightening bug?

Reviewed by Lynn Mayer, Librarian, Old Town Elementary School, Old Town.

five-stars