Format: Chapter Book Fiction

Unnatural Disasters

Unnatural DisastersUnnatural Disasters by Jeff Hirsch
Published by Clarion Books on January 22nd 2019
ISBN: 0544999169
Pages: 336
Goodreads
four-stars

The year is 2049. Climate change has put the coasts of much of the U.S. under water. Lucy and Luke have decided that instead of going to college or working after high school like most of their classmates, they’re going to take a road trip to the west and then settle somewhere in Colorado and live a quiet life. All of their plans go up in smoke on prom night when Washington, DC is blown up and that sets off a worldwide nuclear attack. Luke’s family takes off for South America with their church. Half of Lucy’s family has to leave for Canada to care for other family. Lucy is left with her father who is spending more and more of his time holed up in his office. This book is a horrifying look at what could easily be a future for our world and how a teenage girl has to survive in it. It ends with a hopeful outlook of the survival of humanity and its ability to endure. Buy where dystopian fiction is still popular or is experiencing a resurgence in popularity. Best for ages 14+.

Reviewed by Kara Reiman, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook

four-stars

Come Find Me

Come Find MeCome Find Me by Megan Miranda
Published by Crown Books for Young Readers on January 29th 2019
ISBN: 0525578293
Pages: 336
Goodreads
five-stars

In Come Find Me by Megan Miranda, two teenagers, Kennedy and Nolan, are both alone after tragic events in their families. Kennedy sneaks out each night to continue her brother’s research into the cosmos, but discovers an unexpected signal. Meanwhile, in the next county over, Nolan yearns to understand what happened to his missing brother when he picks up an odd pattern on his electromagnetic field meter. Longing to understand what has happened, Kennedy and Nolan find one another on an Extraterrestrial Intelligence discussion board. Kennedy and Nolan find they are connected in unexpected ways as they work to understand the events that are taking place in their lives. 

While the novel starts off with strong paranormal elements, it quickly becomes a psychological thriller with well executed surprises that make this a quick read. This difficult to categorize book is perfectly suited for teenagers who enjoy Stranger Things and suspense-filled novels. Recommended for grades 8 and up

Reviewed by Amy Roberson, Yarmouth High School, Yarmouth

five-stars

Maybe Tomorrow?

Maybe Tomorrow?Maybe Tomorrow? by Charlotte Agell
Published by Scholastic Press on March 26th 2019
ISBN: 1338214888
Pages: 40
Goodreads
five-stars

Elba is a little hippo struggling with a big sadness, in fact her sadness is so big it has formed a block that she is dragging around everywhere she goes. Norris is a crocodile who dances and brings fluttery butterflies with him  everywhere he goes. When the two meet, Norris suggests a walk to the beach, but Elba puts him off saying, “maybe tomorrow,” pointing to the dark block tethered to her arm. Norris gently coaxes Elba to share her block with him and as Elba opens up about her sadness, sharing it with her new friend, she finds that her block is not quite so heavy anymore. This simple metaphor is accessible to the readers of a picture book and will resonate with readers/listeners. The book is a lovely exploration of loss and the power found in being present with a person who has experienced loss. Illustrations by Gonzalez perfectly capture the stunningly beautiful text by Agell. A must-have for any collection and recommended for Cream of the Crop.

Reviewed by Jill O’Connor, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth

five-stars

Ready for Action

Ready for ActionReady for Action (Toy Academy #2) by Brian Lynch, Edwardian Taylor
Published by Scholastic Press on January 29th 2019
ISBN: 1338149164
Pages: 192
Goodreads
three-stars

Another addition in the Toy Academy series, Ready for Action is funny, witty and perfect for adventure-driven readers who are looking to experiment with a novel instead of their go-to graphic novel.  Black and white illustrations accompany each page, chapters are short and the story is just silly-enough to keep readers giggling as they find out what will happen next.  Grumbolt, a short cuddly stuffed animal, has been given admittance to Toy Academy to train to protect fellow toys from villains and enemies to Toy World. Grumbolt, along with good friend Micro and least-favorite person Rex Everything, compete through a variety of challenges to prove their metal to Professor Goldhawk.  On one particular training day, students get to find out who will be their sidekick. Grumbolt’s joy soon evaporates when he discovers that Goldhawk gave him the role of sidekick to Rex Everything.  Rex is mean and self-centered and rather than work together to be a great team, Rex lets Grumbolt know in no uncertain terms that he is inferior and useless.  Grumbolt is disheartened but when Toy Academy is attacked by Tempest Boomcloud, a discontinued toy, Grumbolt actually does quite a bit to save the day, earning Rex’s respect and friendship.  A light-hearted, quick read, students who enjoy the Toy Story franchise will love this look into the secret world of toys.  A good addition to all middle grade collections.  

Reviewed by Suzanne Dix, Westbrook Middle School

three-stars

Summer of a Thousand Pies

Summer of a Thousand PiesSummer of a Thousand Pies by Margaret Dilloway
Published by Balzer + Bray on April 16th 2019
ISBN: 0062803468
Pages: 378
Goodreads
four-stars

After her dad is arrested (again), 12 year old Cady winds up being taken in by her aunt Shell, whom she has never met. Throughout the summer, Cady helps Shell and her partner Suzanne run their struggling small town bake shop all the while learning about the complexities of family, friendship, and the power of community. 

Current topical aspects woven into this story include undocumented immigrants and celiac disease. Middle school students will identify with the reluctance to ask for help even when you need it most and the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity. Aspiring bakers, or even just those with a sweet tooth, won’t be able to resist this treat. Recipes  are even included in the back! Wonderful! 

Grades 5th-8th.

Reviewed by Kerrie Lattari, York Middle School, York

four-stars

Wings of Olympus

Wings of OlympusWings of Olympus (Wings of Olympus #1) by Kallie George
Published by HarperCollins on March 5th 2019
ISBN: 0062741527
Pages: 224
Goodreads
two-stars

Every hundred years, the gods and goddesses of Mount Olympus hold a race of their winged horses and select a mortal child to be the riders. 12 year old orphan Pippa never imagined she would be chosen, and nobody believes she can win, but with the love of her new horse, Zephyr, maybe she can change her fate.  

As this book just hits 200 pages there is not much time for character development or enough tension to drive the story. A handful of black and white illustrations are included which do not enhance the writing. This is the first of a planned series, though I am not entirely sure where the next installment would go. Readers who love horses or who are looking for a brief glimpse into the world of Greek mythology may be interested in this one. For grades 3rd-6th.

Reviewed by Kerrie Lattari, York Middle School, York

two-stars

Last Girl Lied To

Last Girl Lied ToLast Girl Lied to by Laurie Elizabeth Flynn
Published by Imprint on April 16th 2019
ISBN: 1250158133
Pages: 347
Genres: Mystery, Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

When Fiona first met Trixie it was when Trixie jumped into Fiona’s car as she was escaping from her sometime boyfriend, Jaspar.  Trixie had the type of personality that made people gravitate to her and do whatever she wanted.  But now Trixie has disappeared, as had Fiona’s crush, Beau’s brother, Toby, a year before.  Are the two together and what, if any role does Jaspar play?  Now Jaspar has moved on to a relationship with Fiona as he goes with her to Tijuana where Fiona suspects Trixie may have gone.

Amidst all this angst, uncertainty, and relationship drama Fiona manages to get accepted to every college to which she applies, including Princeton, NYU, and UCLA.  Fiona finally learns that she must make her own decisions and not be so influenced by those around her.  The ending of the book is a surprise that wasn’t expected.  It made for a fast-moving book that I couldn’t put down.  It is recommended for grades 9-12.

 

Reviewed by Ellen Spring, Oceanside High School, Rockland

four-stars

Bad Dad

Bad DadBad Dad by David Walliams
Published by HarperCollins on March 19th 2019
ISBN: 0062561103
Pages: 448
Goodreads
three-stars

“Bad Dad” by bestselling author David Walliams is actually about a dad who is a good guy, but makes bad decisions and ends up working for a crime boss to make money. Frank, son of “Bad Dad,” loves his dad a lot. His dad’s car accident leads to money troubles and a bunch of bad situations. Frank goes along with the chaos to try and keep his dad out of trouble, but it doesn’t work.

The book reminds me of Roald Dahl’s outrageous situations and stories, and is illustrated by Quentin Blake. The female characters are a bit one-note (Auntie Flip who loooves poetry, Reverend Judith who just wants people to go to church, etc.), but the story is funny and exciting and features an LGBTQ wedding at the end. The illustrations are hilarious and the various sizes and styles of fonts will catch kids’ eyes. This middle grade novel is not a must-buy, unless Walliams’ books are very popular with your library or child.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook.

three-stars

Nixie Makes Waves: Mermaids to the Rescue

Nixie Makes Waves: Mermaids to the RescueNixie Makes Waves (Mermaids to the Rescue #1) by Lisa Ann Scott
Published by Scholastic Paperbacks on March 26th 2019
ISBN: 1338266977
Pages: 128
Goodreads
three-stars

The author of this new series is a veteran writer of early readers for primary graders.  Scott has brought the Wish Fairy series as well as  Enchanted Pony Academy to many new readers.  Her characters interest the intended audience while the storylines always please.  Nixie a merchild who is about to select her seapony partner is a new member of the Royal Mermaid Rescue Crew.  This story follows their adventures as they work with other teams to keep the ocean safe.  Readers will cheer for Nixie and Rip as they save friends and find a missing jewel. 

Some of the concepts seem beyond the early reader but that does not seriously detract from the story. The illustrations are well done and the font selected is large making it easy to read. Parents will appreciate this new series and K – grade 2 teachers will want the series in their classroom collections.   Add to public libraries where paperbacks are collected.

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

three-stars

King of Scars

King of ScarsKing of Scars (Nikolai Duology, #1) by Leigh Bardugo
Published by Imprint on January 29th 2019
ISBN: 1250142288
Pages: 514
Goodreads
five-stars

This page-turner is another chapter in the Grishaverse for Bardugo. This book, the first in a new duology that is set about 6 months after the Six of Crows/Crooked Kingdom duology, centers on three characters (told in alternating chapters), Nikolai Lantsov, king of Ravka, Zoya Nazyalensky, the king’s general and a powerful Grisha who fought against the Darkling, and Nina Zenik, a Grisha spy fresh off her adventure with Kaz Brekker and looking for closure after the loss of her beloved. There is plentiful action and a fair share of soul-searching as the three characters confront their greatest fears and attempt to stop those that would destroy the world. The book covers themes of loss and family and honor and duty. There are plot twists and a chilling cliff-hanger ending and lots of lovely prose. Bardugo has built a fantastic world and then populated it with complex and engaging characters, leaving readers wanting more. Fortunately, there is a sequel. Recommended for grades 9 and up.

Reviewed by Jill O’Connor, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth

five-stars