Format: Chapter Book Fiction

One Speck of Truth

One Speck of TruthOne Speck of Truth by Caela Carter
Published by HarperCollins on March 5th 2019
ISBN: 0062672665
Pages: 288
Goodreads
four-stars

Alma knows family is more than just blood.  She leads fulfilling life, sharing everything with her best friend and cherishing her mother and her stepfather, Adam.  But when Adam disappears from the family and her mother starts acting funny and selling off all of their possessions, Alma begins to question the stability of her family situation.

An important book about family and knowing our histories.  Readers of Forever or a Long Long Time will appreciate Carter’s delicate handling of the main character’s internal thinking.  Suggested for readers ages 10 and up.

Reviewed by Noelle Gallant, Saco Middle School

four-stars

Deep Water

Deep WaterDeep Water by Watt Key
on April 17th 2018
ISBN: 0374306540
Pages: 264
Goodreads
four-stars

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. But, then again, this is the first book I read by Watt Key, and I will definitely be reading more by this author. This adventure-filled novel features Julie Simms, a strong, accomplished 12-year old SCUBA diver, who lives with her father, Gibson. Gibson owns a struggling SCUBA diving tour company on the coast of Alabama, and Julie often tags along with her father, especially when he is not feeling well. Gibson believes his SCUBA diving business is about to take off when he finds an untouched sunken ship. The first customers Gibson and Julie take out to this new site are Hank Jordan and his son, Shane who happens to be Julie’s classmate. The Jordans are wealthy, entitled, and arrogant, which leads to them making poor decisions under water. Julie, Hank, and Joran become separated from Gibson and the boat, and find themselves in deep water, both figuratively and metaphorically. 

Those interested in strong female leads, adventure, or SCUBA diving will enjoy this novel, and middle graders coping with divorce will relate to Julie’s relationship with her parents. This is a middle grades novel recommended for ages 10-14. 

Reviewed by Amy Roberson, Yarmouth High School, Yarmouth

four-stars

Over the Moon

Over the MoonOver the Moon by Natalie Lloyd
Published by Scholastic Audio Books on March 26th 2019
ISBN: 1338330675
Goodreads
four-stars

In the town of Coal Top, now smothered by the Dust, 12 year old Mallie and the rest of the citizens must work for the wealthy people of the valley and toil in the mines in order to get by. When the opportunity to gain “riches untold” by performing a dangerous task presents itself, Mallie jumps at the chance only to discover that things in her town are not quite what they seem. The Head Guardian, Mortimer Good, is keeping a secret and if Mallie can figure it out, it could change everything.

There is lots to enjoy here! Mallie is spunky and determined and has great confidence in herself despite the fact that she only has one arm. Perhaps the greatest gift to readers is the message that we do not have to live the story we are given. We can fight fear and oppression and bring back the light, we just need a little courage (and maybe a flying horse).

Grades 3rd-6th

Reviewed by Kerrie Lattari, York Middle School, York

four-stars

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