The Girl With More Than One Heart

The Girl With More Than One HeartThe Girl with More Than One Heart by Laura Geringer Bass
Published by Harry N. Abrams on April 17th 2018
ISBN: 1419728822
Pages: 288
Goodreads
five-stars

This is a beautiful homage to grief. Briana always had a special bond with her father because her younger autistic brother Aaron required extra attention from their mother. When her father dies suddenly from a cardiac event, Briana must take up her father’s role to care for the family because (as Briana’s friends describe it) her mother goes a little crazy. Their mother is unable to do much but sleep and occasionally bake cookies. When she ventures out, she often wears her slippers and appears unkempt. With the help of Grandpa Ben, Briana takes Aaron to school and picks him up in the afternoon. Just after her father’s funeral, Briana discovers she has a second heart — her father’s heart — in her belly. This second heart talks to her, reminisces with her, and even sings to her with her father’s voice. With the help of her second heart, she learns to live with her grief while navigating middle school, changing friendships, and first love. This is a beautiful and touching book that will stay with the reader long after they finish it.

Recommended for Cream of the Crop

Reviewed by Karen Sandlin Silverman, Mt. Ararat Middle School, Topsham

 

 

five-stars

A Lady Has the Floor: Belva Lockwood Speaks Out for Women’s Rights

A Lady Has the Floor: Belva Lockwood Speaks Out for Women’s RightsA Lady Has the Floor: Belva Lockwood Speaks Out for Women's Rights by Kate Hannigan, Alison Jay
Published by Calkins Creek on February 20th 2018
ISBN: 1629794538
Pages: 32
Goodreads
five-stars

This picture book biography is very well written and beautifully illustrated. Belva Lockwood believed in equality, not just for women, but for all people. As a young school teacher she saw that she was not paid the same as male teachers. When she taught in schools around New York she saw that girls were not allowed to speak in front of the school or participate in physical activity like the boys. She worked with Susan B. Anthony to push for teaching public speaking to boys and girls. She eventually moved to Washington D.C. to apply to law school. She faced obstacles along the way, but through determination became a lawyer and was able to argue cases in front of the Supreme Court. She was the first woman to appear on the ballot as a candidate for president of the United States, though women did not have the right to vote at that time. The layout of the book is excellent. The artwork is done with a type of oil paint and a crackle varnish making the full page illustrations appear as old paintings. The author’s note offers more information about Lockwood’s achievements such as her work with the Cherokee Nation concerning The Trail of Tears. There is an extensive timeline, bibliography, and source notes. I highly recommend this fascinating biography to young readers. Reviewed by Kris Zuidema, retired school librarian, Standish

five-stars

Spooked!: How a Radio Broadcast and The War of the Worlds Sparked the 1938 Invasion of America

Spooked!: How a Radio Broadcast and The War of the Worlds Sparked the 1938 Invasion of AmericaSpooked!: How a Radio Broadcast and the War of the Worlds Sparked the 1938 Invasion of America by Gail Jarrow
Published by Calkins Creek Books on August 7th 2018
ISBN: 1629797766
Pages: 144
Goodreads
five-stars

The author gives the detailed steps to the broadcast that shook the world and how the story was delivered that had listeners believing that unbelievable was truly happening. The way the broadcast was delivered had many feeling that considerable time had elapsed, when in actuality it had only been mere minutes. Jarrow also explains why this broadcast was so famous and some of the changes it brought to radio and the people that became famous because of it. Further discussion later in the book, covers hoaxes of the past  and how this should be a lesson with today’s forms of communication.

Well documented and the illustrations portray the story  of an alien invasion and are strategically placed throughout. There are also photos of Orson Welles and the members of the Mercury Theater and other important individuals that are  mentioned. Also included are snippets of some of the telegrams that were sent to either CBS or the FCC  after the broadcast   — some are damning and others are quite humorous.

There is a TOC, index, extensive bibliography and source notes. Good addition to the stacks for reference and fun. Recommend for grades 7 and up.

Reviewed by Kristin Taylor, Biddeford High School

five-stars

House of Dreams: the Life of L.M. Montgomery

House of Dreams: the Life of L.M. MontgomeryHouse of Dreams: The Life of L. M. Montgomery by Liz Rosenberg, Julie Morstad
Published by Candlewick Press on June 12th 2018
ISBN: 0763660574
Pages: 352
Goodreads
five-stars

This biography of the author of the Anne of Green Gables books is absolutely excellent. It is well written, insightful, and inspiring. Entries from Lucy Maud Montgomery’s personal journals offer an intimate look into her complicated life. She preferred to be called Maud without an “e.” Her mother died when she was young and she spent her childhood with her grandparents. Maud’s great imagination and perseverance served her well as a person and an author. She experienced incredible joys and deep tragedies. The author presents Maud’s experiences in such an engaging way that I found this book difficult to put down. An epilogue, source notes, and bibliography are included. Black and white sketches enhance each chapter. I would highly recommend this moving biography to readers whether they are familiar with the author’s works or not. Reviewed by Kris Zuidema, retired school librarian, Standish

five-stars

My Family Divided

My Family DividedMy Family Divided: One Girl's Journey of Home, Loss, and Hope by Diane Guerrero
Published by Henry Holt & Company on July 17th 2018
ISBN: 1250134862
Pages: 256
Goodreads
five-stars

With all that is happening with immigration in the United States today, Diane Guerrero’s autobiography about her experiences as the daughter of undocumented immigrants is sad, angering and leaves the reader asking questions. This book is the YA version of  In the Country We Love: My Family Divided . The photographs  are of her family and are placed throughout various chapters.

Her personal account is filled with happy family moments, celebrations, love of family, community and country along with the determination of not only her family , but others like theirs, to be hard working and lawful members of the country they hoped to be citizens of.

At the back of the book there are sources listed where the reader can learn more about the immigration reform debate being held in the United States and how the reader can get involved, if interested. Recommended for grades 7-12.

Reviewed by Kristin Taylor, Biddeford High School

five-stars

Assassination of Brangwain Spurge

Assassination of Brangwain SpurgeThe Assassination of Brangwain Spurge by M.T. Anderson, Eugene Yelchin
Published by Candlewick Press on September 25th 2018
ISBN: 0763698229
Pages: 544
Goodreads
five-stars

This character-driven and wonderfully funny book is centered on two main characters — Spurge, the Elfin historian, who is sent to the Goblin kingdom, by his childhood nemesis to give the Goblin overlord, what Spurge thinks is a peace offering. Meanwhile the goblin historian, Werfel, is to host Spurge like his life is at stake, until the evil overlord is ready to meet Spurge. Needless to say things don’t turn out as either Spurge or Werfel expect! A quote from Kirkus Review (7/1/18) describes this book perfectly, “Monty Python teams up with Maxwell Smart for a wrestling match with Tolkien”.

The illustrations are done in pen and ink then assembled digitally. Most of the chapters that pertain to Spurge are illustrated, telling his thoughts and journeys; then they are unfolded with Werfel’s viewpoint in the next chapter.  Recommended for grades 5- 8, but anyone who likes a good fantasy will enjoy this book.

Highly recommended!

five-stars

RA the Mighty Cat Detective

RA the Mighty Cat DetectiveRa the Mighty: Cat Detective by Amy Butler Greenfield, Sarah Horne
Published by Holiday House on September 18th 2018
ISBN: 0823440273
Pages: 224
Goodreads
five-stars

Ra is the Pharoah’s cat and does nothing but sleep and eat. But when young Tedimut, a servant, gets accused of stealing jewelry from the Pharaoh, Ra decides to help solve the mystery of who did it with the help of a dung beetle friend Khepri. Ra is basically a lazy cat that does end up helping solve the mystery but only because his sidekick, Khepri, figures out what to do. Humor (definitely some dung rolling in this story), illustrations, big font and fast paced action make this a perfect fit for young readers. In addition, some really cool  bits of Egyptian daily life and history are sprinkled thoughout the story.  Recommended for ages 7 and up.

Mary Lehmer, Freeport Community Library, Freeport, ME

five-stars

Skyward

SkywardSkyward by Brandon Sanderson
Published by Delacorte Press on November 6th 2018
ISBN: 0399555773
Pages: 528
Goodreads
five-stars

Spensa, the main character, lives on a planet that is being constantly attacked by aliens. The planet’s only defense against the aliens is to send up their own pilots to shoot them down. Spenca wants to become one of those pilots, just like her dad was. Unfortunately he died a coward and many people feel she will follow in his foot steps if she becomes a pilot. But Spenca has other ideas and she is going to prove all of them wrong, including the admiral that does anything she can to stop Spenca from achieving her dream. This is a FANTASTIC sci-fi story. Spenca is such a great character; strong in mind and body, definitely has a few flaws and carries a ton of baggage. Great battle scenes and strategies. The humorous parts in the book dealing with the AI (artificial intelligence) known as M-Bot, are just terrific.  Sci-fi is becoming very popular with teen readers and this one nails it in every way. Recommended for ages 12 and up.

Mary Lehmer, Freeport Community Library, Freeport, ME

five-stars

The Christmasaurus

The ChristmasaurusThe Christmasaurus by Tom Fletcher, Shane Devries
Published by Random House Books for Young Readers on October 23rd 2018
ISBN: 1524773301
Pages: 384
Goodreads
five-stars

William wants a dinosaur for Christmas so he writes a letter to Santa asking for one. But when his wish comes true he realizes that dinosaurs might be trickier than he thought to raise. Lots of humor in this story along with great black and white drawings that capture the characters and situation really well. The bad guys in here aren’t nice and readers will want them to get caught or change their ways. An interesting twist on Santa and the elves was fun and added quite a bit of silliness to the story. This would make a great read-a-loud.

Mary Lehmer, Freeport Community Library, Freeport, ME

five-stars

Strays Like Us

Strays Like UsStrays Like Us by Cecilia Galante
Published by Scholastic Press on June 26th 2018
ISBN: 1338043005
Pages: 320
Goodreads
five-stars

Fred, the main character, has to go to foster care because her mother is in trouble. While at her new foster home, she meets the next door neighbor’s dog Toby that is neglected and connects with him. The two become friends and she decides she will find a way to save him, even if his owner forbids it. A lovely story with just the right amount of heartbreak but with a feel good ending. Fred’s mom’s drug addiction is done well and will be the right fit for the 4-6 grade crowd. The relationship between Toby and Fred is wonderful and one that animal lovers will understand and route for.

Mary Lehmer, Freeport Community Library, Freeport, ME

five-stars