Format: Chapter Book Fiction

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

Speak

SpeakSpeak by Laurie Halse Anderson
on January 15th 2019
ISBN: 0374311250
Pages: 224
Goodreads
five-stars

The twentieth-anniversary edition of this powerful, exquisitely-written novel is not a must-buy if you already have a copy, but if your original copy is wearing out and needs replacement, this is a lovely edition to add to any library. The cover is stunning with an image of a human-shaped tree with black tape over its mouth and there is added content like a new forward by Ashley Ford, a poem by Anderson, and an afterword by Jason Reynolds addressed to his Young Brother. All boys should read this book as should all girls who have been or who might know someone who has been put into a position of powerlessness as should all parents of adolescents who will struggle to navigate the pitfalls of sex and consent and the social dynamics of high school. Melinda, who called the cops at the first party of the year, is shunned by her classmates for her entire freshman year. She falls into silence turning to art to try to reclaim her voice. When Melinda is threatened again she finally finds the courage to speak. Highly recommend for all teen collections.

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

five-stars

Beware the Night

Beware the NightBeware the Night (Beware the Night, #1) by Jessika Fleck
Published by Swoon Reads on March 12th 2019
ISBN: 1250154758
Pages: 320
Goodreads
three-stars

Beware the Night

 

Life is not easy for Veda.  She is with the impoverished Basso group who worship the sun and are at the lowest level, being below the Dogio group.  She has always believed that those who worship the dark and the moon are the evil forces, until she meets Dorian and learns that she may be the Lunalette for whom everyone has been waiting.  Nico has always been her best friend but he is now with the attacking Imperi forces who are at the top.  This book reminded me very much of The Hunger Games with battles, training on weapons, and people being sacrificed.  But even when there were evil plans being made and when Veda’s grandfather, Poppy, had just died Veda’s thoughts were with the Nico and Dorian triangle and the “butterflies” in her stomach as she tried to decide which man was for her.  This book is recommended for grades 7-12.

 

Reviewed by Ellen Spring, Oceanside High School, Rockland

three-stars

Babysitting Nightmares: The Phantom Hour

Babysitting Nightmares: The Phantom HourBabysitting Nightmares: The Phantom Hour by Kat Shepherd, Rayanne Vieira
Published by Imprint on January 29th 2019
ISBN: 1250156998
Pages: 224
Goodreads
three-stars

“The Phantom Hour” is the second book in the Babysitting Nightmares series by Kat Shepherd. Four best friends have already visited the Nightmare Realm and defeated the evil moon queen, but the supernatural still won’t leave them alone. Clio takes a babysitting job at an old house in town and starts being harassed by a ghost! She gets locked in the pantry after checking to make sure it was unlocked, hears mysterious thumps, and sees a picture fly in the air and smash in front of her. Clearly, something is going on!

Clio, Tanya, Maggie, and Rebecca work together to solve the mystery of the menacing ghost and find a way to get rid of it. Reminiscent of the Baby-Sitters’ Club Mystery series, four girls from different backgrounds use friendship, science, and research to defeat the supernatural. Aimed at ages 8 to 11, this book is a recommended purchase if you have a reader who enjoys mysteries, the supernatural, and strong girls.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook.

three-stars

Sparks

SparksSpark by Sarah Beth Durst
Published by Clarion Books on May 14th 2019
ISBN: 1328973425
Pages: 320
Goodreads
four-stars

Preteens living in Alorria are tasked with caring for and bonding with an egg as they wait for the storm beast to hatch.   Within this society it is the young people and their dragon storm beast who control the  beautiful weather.  Readers will learn of political and environmental barriers to the truth as the well-defined characters  face both social injustice and climate change.  Twelve year old Mina is a fascinating youth, although shy Mina is intuitive and strong.   Relationships between students and one special teacher are tight, the characters respect each other and take pride in their own abilities and those of others.

Spark stands up for the somewhat quiet and exposes one girl’s journey to self-awareness.  Young readers will learn from the cast of characters as they enjoy a rollicking good read.  Public and middle school librarians will want to add this new title to their collections.  Gift to strong but quiet readers and fantasy lovers.

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

four-stars

The Weight of the Stars

The Weight of the StarsThe Weight of the Stars by K. Ancrum
Published by Imprint on March 19th 2019
ISBN: 1250101638
Pages: 384
Goodreads
four-stars

The Weight of the Stars

 

Friendship is everything to the rag-tag group of students who have joined together under the leadership of Ryann.  So, it is no surprise when one of Ryann’s teachers asks her to befriend a new girl, Alexandria, who is prickly and hard to get to know.  When Ryann and her friends come to Alexandria’s house and see her staring at the stars from her roof, there is a series of events that ensue including Ryann being hit in the head and Alexandria falling and breaking her arm.  Ryann learns that watching from the roof is to try to communicate with Alexandria’s mother who is on a space mission that she undertook before she knew she was pregnant with Alexandria.  The girls become friends and then start a relationship.  What impressed me the most with these characters was their kindness towards each other.  They stick up for each other and understand their motivations.  Ryann has a brother who brought home his baby to live with him and Ryann and this is accepted.  Throughout most of the book the brother, James, doesn’t speak but his and Ryann’s love for each other is always there.  This book is recommended for grades 9-12.

 

Reviewed by Ellen Spring, Oceanside High School, Rockland

four-stars