Format: Chapter Book Fiction

Crimson Twill: Witch in the Country

Crimson Twill: Witch in the CountryCrimson Twill: Witch in the Country by Kallie George, Birgitta Sif
Published by Candlewick Press on July 11, 2023
Pages: 80
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

Book two in an emerging reader chapter book series about an earnest young witch who is learning her boundaries and navigating friendships. Crimson is awaiting the arrival of her city friends at her farm in Cackle County. She wants to show them all of the wonderful, terrible things about her home, but when her friends show up and start the tour, everything goes wrong. When the tour involves exploding rotten apples, a floating wizard, and, finally, a face-full of frog’s breath, Crimson and her friends are forced to abandon their adventures. As they are returning to the house, they encounter the legendary Giant of the Hill and Crimson realizes why her granny has unexpectedly shown up with a giant pot of stew. Unfortunately, there is no time to get to the stew and the Giant is hungry. Crimson’s quick thinking and spell finesse save the day and she realizes that an imperfect day can be pretty perfect with good friends and flexible thinking. Plenty of black & white illustrations and a fast-moving plot with touches of humor will keep readers who are ready for more text than an early reader engaged.

Reviewed by Jill O’Connor, Falmouth Middle School

 

three-stars

Treasure Island: Runaway Gold

Treasure Island: Runaway GoldTreasure Island: Runaway Gold by Jewell Parker Rhodes
Published by Quill Tree Books on 10/3/23
ISBN: 9780062998354
Pages: 336
Genres: Adventure
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

Zane and his skateboarding friends, Kiko and Jack, and his dog Hop-Hop, are treasure hunting in the streets of Manhattan in this modern twist of the classic Treasure Island.  Armed with a real treasure map and a hunger for adventure, Zane hopes to find enough treasure to save his family home.  He and his group must figure out clues about New York City’s role in slavery as they ward off a rival skateboarding gang.  They get some help along the way from a city pirate who happens to turn up just at the right moment.  This fast-paced middle grade novel is packed with adventure and danger, which will no doubt keep readers engrossed.  Readers don’t know who Zane can trust and his anguished thoughts are revealed in the text, which adds to the novel’s intrigue.  This page-turner would be a great addition to any library.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

four-stars

The Terribles: Clash of the Gnomes!

The Terribles: Clash of the Gnomes!The Terribles #3: Clash of the Gnomes! by Travis Nichols
ISBN: 0593425790
Genres: Fantasy, Humor
Format: Chapter Book Fiction, Graphic Novel
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

“Clash of the Gnomes” is the third book in Travis Nichols’ “The Terribles” middle grade mixed prose/graphic novel series. On an island where monsters/aliens/cryptids can live in peace without humans trying to destroy them, Nichols follows the daily life of the children of the monsters. In this installment, each chapter follows a different story. The monster children are challenged to a game of creepoball by gnomes from a nearby island, the invisible boy and his friends form an “EXTREME” club, the band “Vlad and the Maggots” put on a show, and more!

The monsters show friendship, acceptance, and humor throughout the story. The book is a mixture of graphic novel style illustrations and prose, similar to the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. Readers will enjoy the silly antics and the funny ways that the monsters go about their lives. Aimed at ages 8 to 12, this series is a good addition to collections where middle grade graphic novel/prose hybrid books are popular.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, ME.

three-stars

Frankie and Friends: Breaking News

Frankie and Friends: Breaking NewsFrankie and Friends: Breaking News by Alea Marley, Christine Platt
Series: Frankie and Friends #1
Published by Walker Books on October 10, 2023
ISBN: 1536222097
Genres: Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure / General
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
two-stars

Frankie’s mother is a famous journalist who has to travel for work to cover important events.  While she is gone, Frankie, a budding journalist, decides to work on a broadcast of her own.  With the help of her dolls and toys, Frankie goes undercover and then does a human interest story with her older sister to share what she learned.  This early chapter book would be good for kids who are interested in learning about journalism.  New terms are explained within the text and there is a glossary in narrative form at the end of the book with explicit definitions.  The size of this book, larger font, and thicker glossy pages lends itself more as an early reader, but the vocabulary, content matter, and the amount of text makes the audience of this book a little older.  The colorful, expressive illustrations break up the text and add visual interest for readers.  The dialogue at times doesn’t seem realistic and the book seems very didactic, but the camaraderie between the sisters and the broadcast they make together brings the story to a satisfying conclusion.  

 

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

two-stars

Champion of Fate

Champion of FateChampion of Fate (Heromaker, #1) by Kendare Blake
on September 19, 2023
ISBN: 0062977202
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

“Champion of Fate” is the first book in Kendare Blake’s Heromaker young adult fantasy series. It follows Reed, an orphan who is selected to try out for the Order of Aristene, a group of immortal and very powerful female warriors, similar to Amazons. She must guide a hero as part of her first trial, but if she fails, she must leave the group. There is obvious chemistry between Reed and the hero she must guide to glory, Hestion, but Aristene are forbidden from making bonds with regular humans. The idea of fate and whether it’s worth attempting to change it if it goes against your beliefs is a clear message in the book. Written for older teens and young adults, this is a recommended purchase for YA fantasy collections.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, ME.

three-stars

The Stupendous Switcheroo: New Powers Every 24 Hours

The Stupendous Switcheroo: New Powers Every 24 HoursThe Stupendous Switcheroo: New Powers Every 24 Hours by Chad Sell, Mary Winn Heider
ISBN: 0593427300
Genres: Science Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction, Graphic Novel
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

The first book in “The Stupendous Switcheroo” series, “New Powers Every 24 Hours,” is a combination graphic and prose novel written by Mary Winn Heider and illustrated by Chad Sell. The book starts with our main character waking up with unexpected superpowers. Deciding to become a superhero, they call the headquarters of their favorite superhero, Vin Valor to see if he needs any super help. They do! The Stupendous Switcheroo learns that becoming a superhero isn’t easy, especially when your powers change every day.

Part adventure, part mystery, middle grade readers will enjoy the humor and excitement as well as the black, white, and teal illustrations throughout the book. Aimed at readers age 8 to 12, this book is a recommended purchase wherever mixed graphic/prose middle grade books (similar to “Diary of a Wimpy Kid”) are popular.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, ME.

three-stars

The Lost Galumpus

The Lost GalumpusThe Lost Galumpus by Joseph Helgerson, Udayana Lugo
Published by Clarion Books on January 10, 2023
ISBN: 0358415225
Genres: Adventure, Animals, Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

During the biggest blizzard in memory, a possum named Gilly is given the daunting task of returning a creature none of the animals in Theodore Wirth Park have ever seen before to his unknown home. While making plans to help the lost creature they’ve named a galumpus, the group encounter a teaching robot from the future. The robot informs the animals their galumpus is a wooly mammoth from the past who was mistakenly pulled through a time portal, and that time is limited before the portal they were transported through closes permanently. To further complicate matters, the mammoth is being hunted by three cavemen from his home as part of a prehistoric coming-of-age ceremony. The story follows the group’s challenges as they attempt to guide the time-traveling visitors back to the portal.

The simple black ink drawings throughout the book add an engaging visual element that contrasts with an otherwise overly complicated story. Although Gilly is a charming narrator, the slow pacing, disjointed storytelling, and repetitive arguing between the characters may turn away readers interested in other fantasy titles of similar length. Overall, this is an average tale for readers between the ages 8-12 who enjoy prolonged fantasies featuring animal narrators with mild conflict.

Reviewed by Sarah Hartje, Lewiston Public Library, Lewiston

three-stars

Actually Super

Actually SuperActually Super by Adi Alsaid
ISBN: 0593375807
Genres: Science Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

“Actually Super” by Adi Alsaid is a young adult fiction novel. Protagonist Isabel is a high schooler who is depressed by how things are going in the world. She hears about potential “superheroes” that exists and decides to leave school to find them and see if they are using their powers to help solve the world’s problems. Her friends Sam and Chio agree to meet with Isabel in a year in Mexico, but when Isabel doesn’t show up, they start looking for her. The book switches between Isabel during her yearlong search for supers and Clio and Sam looking for Isabel in the present.

Themes of good and evil versus a more grey and nuanced reality will resonate with teens and young adults as Isabel meets up with potential superheroes and discovers their truth. Plot moves a little slowly at times and the switching of narrators and time is occasionally confusing. A recommended supplemental purchase for young adult collections.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, ME.

three-stars

The Homecoming War

The Homecoming WarThe Homecoming War (Underlined) by Addie Woolridge
ISBN: 0593568664
Genres: Romance
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars
The Homecoming War by Addie Woolridge is a heartfelt, grounded high school romance. When rival schools are forced to merge – chaos ensues, and it is the responsibility of the school’s respective junior high presidents (Meg and Chris) to unite the schools. Their chemistry is undeniable from the start, but if they move too fast the fragile truce they have built between the schools could crumble…

The diverse cast of lived-in characters fit perfectly in their central California setting. The escalating pranks were at times far-fetched, but everything else about the plot, characters, and setting were refreshingly authentic. This clean romance (only kissing) was a slow burn that was well worth the wait, but the real treasure at the emotional heart of this novel is what it has to say about grief. The Homecoming War’s themes of letting go, having fun, and prioritizing your happiness are perfect for all current and former overachievers. If you have a lot of romance readers in your library, this is a great addition!

Reviewed by Ivy Burns, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth

four-stars

Alice Atherton’s Grand Tour

Alice Atherton’s Grand TourAlice Atherton's Grand Tour by Lesley M.M. Blume
Published by Alfred A. Knopf on 10/10/2023
ISBN: 0553536818
Pages: 208
Genres: Historical Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars
Alice Atherton’s father sends Alice to France to spend the summer with some dear friends and their children.  He is hoping that being around this eccentric family will help Alice find joy after her mother’s death from scarlet fever.  As part of the children’s summer lessons, Mr. and Mrs. Murphy arrange for Alice and their three children to make art with Pablo Picasso, dance with the Ballets Russes, and go on a treasure hunt with F. Scott Fitzgerald.  Through these adventures, Alice grieves for her mother but also starts living with happiness again.  When Alice’s father picks her up at the end of the summer, he is thrilled with the changes he sees in his daughter.  Elementary school readers will enjoy this imaginative historical fiction novel; it would also make a good classroom read aloud.  Backmatter includes short biographies about the famous historical figures the children meet in the story.  Although not a must have, this sweet story of ingenuity  and resilience would make a great addition to any library.

 

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

three-stars