Category: Cream of the Crop Nominees

To Be Honest

To Be HonestTo Be Honest by Maggie Ann Martin
Published by Swoon Reads on August 21st 2018
ISBN: 1250183154
Pages: 304
Goodreads
five-stars

Martin’s new book is so much more than the cover reveals.  Although the heroine is a teen who does not fit the stereotype size 6, she is a strong and confident individual who knows what is important.  The author had offered readers a character who is dealing with abandonment issues after her sister has left for college and her mother is experiencing a weight related crisis.  The storyline deals with several psychological issue that are not commonly addressed even in YA literature.  While the mom’s behavior is scary and a new boyfriend has emotional baggage, Martin’s character is able to identify her needs and addresses them head-on.

This is a book that goes deep into family dynamics and mental abuse.  Public libraries and high schools should have this title on their shelves.  To Be Honest  stands up to eating disorders as it offers a sweet romantic read.

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

five-stars

We Love Dinosaurs

We Love DinosaursWe Love Dinosaurs by Lucy Volpin
Published by Nosy Crow on June 26th 2018
ISBN: 0763699594
Pages: 32
Goodreads
five-stars

Simple rhyming text and colorful dinosaur drawings will make this a big hit with very young children, especially those that like dinosaurs. The inside covers have drawings of dinosaurs with their official names but the text of the book does not go into that. Great way to read about dinosaurs for those that don’t know their dinosaurs but also info for those that do. The text itself gives a piece of info on each dinosaur in easy to understand sentences. The last page does bring up the word extinct which might be tricky for young ones, but the book is still terrific. Ages 2 and up.

Reviewed by Mary Lehmer, Freeport Community Library, Freeport, ME

five-stars