Bianca Torre Is Afraid of Everything

September 15, 2023

Bianca Torre Is Afraid of Everything by Justine Pucella Winans
Published by Clarion on April 11, 2023
ISBN: 0358721644
Genres: Mystery
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Fans of the hit show “Only Murders in the Building” will love Justine Winans’ “Bianca Torre Is Afraid of Everything.” Borderline agoraphobic, sixteen year old Bianca Torre has two hobbies: birding and spying on her neighbors through the telescope in her bedroom. When she witnesses the actual murder of one of her reclusive neighbors, she enlists the help of her one friend, Anderson to solve the crime. Overcoming her many fears, as well as grappling with her burgeoning gender identity crisis, Bianca works with Anderson, and eventually her new crush Elaine, to solve the murder. What they uncover with their sleuthing is far bigger than they imagined. This mystery thriller is darkly funny, with lots of focus on friendship, overcoming fears, and self exploration. A great pick for any YA shelf.

Recommended for ages 13 and up.

Lee Remick, York Middle School, York

Royal Blood: A Scandal to Die For

September 14, 2023January 17, 2024

Royal Blood (Royal Blood, #1) by Aimee Carter
on March 7, 2023
ISBN: 0593485890
Genres: Mystery, Romance, Suspense
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

On the cusp of graduation, Evan is kicked out of yet another boarding school. When she is rescued by her family’s handler, she is taken to meet the father she has never known. Her father who just happens to be the King of England. Evan quickly becomes tabloid and social media fodder and when she is accused of a major crime she has to decide which royal family members she can trust. This is a classic tale of an American girl who is actually royalty (although not quite a princess) that includes some romance and a mystery. Best of all, it’s the first in a planned trilogy. There is an attempted date rape in the book which is handled well and should be suitable for older middle grade readers and high school readers.

Reviewed by Karen Sandlin Silverman, Mt. Ararat Middle School, Topsham

Back to the Bright Before

September 13, 2023

Back to the Bright Before by Jen Bricking, Katherin Nolte
ISBN: 9780593565100
Genres: Magical Realism
Format: Chapter Book Fiction, Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

Ever since her Daddy fell off of a ladder (which she blames herself for), Pet’s world has come crashing down. After two failed surgeries, Daddy’s arm is still unusable so he spends all day and night in bed, while Momma is tired and angry from taking as many waitressing shifts as she can in order to keep their heads above water. Pet’s brother Simon has almost completely stopped speaking, only using the word “cheese” to communicate. Bound and determined to save her family, Pet sets off with Simon, a “borrowed” pony and a chicken to find a long-lost ancient coin whose value will surely provide the money they so desperately need. Along the way, they are helped by three mysterious people while being pursued by a dangerous man who is also seeking the treasure.

This is a story for upper middle-grade readers who like stories about tough topics and a touch of fantasy. The pain and sadness of the family are palpable and Momma’s anger toward Pet could be offputting to some. There is an undercurrent of spirituality, partly due to the presence of the nuns whose abbey is near Pet’s house, but also through the seemingly divine intervention of the beings who come to Pet and Simon’s rescue. This short adventure comes with a smattering of black-and-white illustrations and a happily-ever-after ending.

Kerrie Lattari, York Middle School, York

Only This Beautiful Moment

September 13, 2023

Only This Beautiful Moment by Abdi Nazemian
Published by Balzer + Bray on May 9, 2023
ISBN: 0063039370
Pages: 400
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars
“Only This Beautiful Moment” by Abdi Nazemian is a beautifully written, complex story of three generations of Iranian-American men. The narration alternates between the three as young men roughly the same age in different times – Bobby (Baba) in 1939, Saeed in 1979 and Moud in 2019, as well as switching settings between Los Angeles and Tehran. Bobby and Moud struggle with being gay during oppressive times and regimes, and Saeed struggles with accepting his gay father and gay son. Bobby is under contract in the 1930s at MGM studios, and forced to sign a contract with a “morals” clause, meaning he has to hide his true self. Saeed takes part in the protests in Tehran in the late 70s hoping to change his government to one of freedom and democracy, only to be sent to Los Angeles against his will by his parents for his own safety. Moud is openly gay in Los Angeles currently, but struggles with his feelings of being neither fully American or fully Iranian. He eventually goes with his father Saeed to visit Baba in Tehran, where he discovers the beauty of his homeland, despite the horror of knowing being gay in Iran can be punishable by death. Part historical fiction, part queer coming of age story, focusing on intergenerational family trauma, this book manages to weave two intricate plot lines of finding one’s identity simultaneously.

Recommended for Cream of the Crop.

Recommended for grades 9-12.

Lee Remick, York Middle School, York

The Many Fortunes of Maya

September 13, 2023

The Many Fortunes of Maya by Nicole D. Collier
ISBN: 0358434645
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction, Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

12-year-old Maya Jenkins is determined to get recruited to the Chargers soccer team–the elite team her dad was a part of during his youth. She also is secretly still practicing her flute because while she loves it, she doesn’t believe she can focus fully on soccer if she gives her music the attention she’d like to. Add in her parent’s separation, her now strained relationship with her best friend and swimming lessons, and this summer is not turning out the way Maya was hoping. Using her wheel of fortunes as a compass, Maya tries to navigate the muddy waters of being true to herself under the weight of others’ dreams.

Maya’s struggle to remain loyal to her parents while trying to decide where her true interests lie will be relatable to many middle-grade readers. Surely grappling with parents on the brink of divorce will be familiar territory as well. Her emotional turmoil is honest and each problem is resolved realistically even if predictably. Each chapter is tagged with one of Maya’s collected fortunes which adds an interesting plot device as the story moves along.

Recommended for Cream of the Crop

Kerrie Lattari, York Middle School, York

The Puttermans are in the House

September 12, 2023

The Puttermans Are in the House by Jacquetta Nammar Feldman
ISBN: 0063034433
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Twins Sammy and Matty have always done everything together but when Matty walks away during their baseball game, Sammy realizes she no longer has the same telepathic link to her brother she has always had. After Hurricane Harvey floods their neighborhood and they are forced to kayak out with their dog and parents, they move in with their Aunt and Uncle – now the Puttermans total 9 (including Bubbe and Papa) plus their neighbor and her cat. Will all the Puttermans be able to live together and possibly reconnect under one roof? Will anyone pay attention to cousin Becky’s bat mitzvah when their hometown Houston Astros are on the verge of winning the World Series? This is a great coming-of-age story, complete with the big feeling of adolescence and a feline social media star. This book touches on many topics – climate change, the lack of out gay baseball players, the importance of staying connected to family, contemporary Jewish life, and one character even mentions wanting to vacation in Maine. A book perfect for middle grade readers.

Recommended for Cream of the Crop.

Reviewed by Karen Sandlin Silverman, Mt. Ararat Middle School, Topsham

Chaos Theory

September 11, 2023

Chaos Theory by Nic Stone
Published by Crown Books for Young Readers on February 28, 2023
ISBN: 0593307704
Pages: 288
Genres: Mental Health, Realistic Fiction, Romance
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars
This young adult novel by Nic Stone delivers a raw, honest look at the lives of two teens dealing with serious issues. Andy is trying to move past the death of his younger sister and an increasing disconnect from his demanding, distant mother and turns to alcohol to numb the pain. And Shelbi has bipolar depression and has self-harmed to cope with the overwhelm that she experiences. When the two have a chance text exchange, thanks to a wrong number, they form a cautious friendship. Shelbi’s voice is fantastic, as a character she is clear about her boundaries and is honest and unapologetic about where she is in her mental health journey. The friendship is a slow-burn toward a romantic relationship though not without its serious bumps. There could be triggers for certain readers, but Stone knows this subject well and has written an authentic and gripping story. Recommend for mature 8th grade readers through grade 12.

Reviewed by Jill O’Connor, Falmouth Middle School

Fergus and Zeke for President

September 10, 2023January 17, 2024

Fergus and Zeke for President by Kate Messner, Heather Ross
Published by Candlewick Press on May 23, 2023
Pages: 56
Genres: Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Horses
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars
Fergus and Zeke are pet mice that live in Miss Maxwell’s class. Though the humans in the story don’t seem to notice, the mice like to join in with lessons and projects. This is the fifth early chapter book featuring this cast of characters.

Miss Maxwell talks to her class about the role of the president in the United States. She talks about presidency prerequisites, some of the early and more influential presidents, and asks her students what they think it takes to be an effective leader. The children (and mice) visit the school library to research the presidents and begin a project of their choosing.

An interesting subplot includes Zeke acting as president of the mouse cage and bossing Fergus around. Eventually, Fergus tires of being mistreated and says, “You don’t get to be president just because you say so. And you weren’t acting like a president anyway. Presidents work hard and listen. They care about everyone’s ideas. You were not doing any of those things, Zeke.” Zeke apologizes, and the two work together to complete a project of their own.

It should also be noted that the children in the story ask their teacher why a woman has never been president. The teacher responds with a frank answer addressing the unequal distribution of rights in our nation’s history, including the rights of women, African American people, and Native people.

Highly recommended for libraries that serve an early elementary population.

Reviewed by Kristi Favaloro, Skidompha Public Library, Damariscotta

Conjure Island

September 7, 2023

Conjure Island by Eden Royce
Published by Walden Pond Press on June 27, 2023
ISBN: 0062899619
Pages: 320
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars
Due to her grandmother’s illness, Del must spend the summer with her great grandmother, who she didn’t know existed. Her great grandmother, Nana Rose, lives on an island in South Carolina and runs a school that teaches “conjure magic” with the goal of preserving the rich culture of formerly enslaved people. Del is skeptical but slowly starts to believe in this magic and realizes she is in the perfect place to find the answer to questions her family won’t answer. Specifically, why did her grandmother leave Nemmine Island so long ago and why won’t she talk about Nana Rose? This summer is important for Del as she learns about the importance of friendship and she develops a connection with her family that she didn’t know was missing. Middle grade readers will enjoy this stand alone fantasy novel. The setting is unique and there is enough intrigue and potential danger to keep readers engaged.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

Elf Dog and Owl Head

September 5, 2023

Elf Dog and Owl Head by Junyi Wu, M.T. Anderson
Published by Candlewick Press on April 11, 2023
ISBN: 153622281X
Pages: 240
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars
Elf Dog and Owl Head is a lovely new middle grade fantasy novel by acclaimed author M.T. Anderson that quietly alludes to the Covid pandemic in a very subtle way. Our main character, Clay O’Brian is stuck at home in quarantine with his family due to a “global pandemic”. Tired of fighting with his sisters over the computer, hearing his parents worry about money and only seeing his best friend on video chats, he escapes into the woods near his house. There he finds a beautiful young white dog with red ears and a bejeweled collar named Elphinore. That meeting draws him into a magical world in, around and under the woods and mountain. Eventually his sisters are drawn into this world as well, and the young humans befriend Amos, the owl boy, and Vud the ancient giant among others. They are chased by horrible creatures like wyrms, and the bad People Under the Mountain (where Elphinore came from), but also partake of the magical Midsommers Eve festival. The black and white illustrations by Junyi Wu are both creepy and beautiful, and really add another dimension to the story. Family, adventure, friendship, resilience and empathy are the main themes throughout. This book would appeal to any reader looking for something a little bit different.

Recommended for grades 4-6.

Reviewed by Lee Remick, York Middle School, York