Format: Chapter Book Fiction

Sawkill Girls

Sawkill GirlsSawkill Girls by Claire Legrand
Published by Katherine Tegen Books on October 2nd 2018
ISBN: 0062696602
Pages: 450
Goodreads
five-stars

A heart-stopping tale somewhere between thriller, hero story, and horror, Claire Legrand takes an empowering, feminist spin on the genre with Sawkill Girls. Told in the shifting, close third person perspective of three girls–Marion, who has just moved to Sawkill Island; Zoey, whose best friend was the latest in the long line of girls who’ve disappeared over the years; and Val, the queen bee whose life is not a perfect and simple as it seems–Legrand will scare and inspire readers. The Collector is the horrifying local legend that might turn out to be not such a story after all. Marion, Zoey, and Val find themselves united in a unlikely trio to try to stop this creature.

Legrand shows impeccable ability to create characters that grip the reader’s heart as much as the action and horrors. High school readers won’t be able to put this book down, desperate to find out what happens. As each mystery starts to unravel in a predictable way, Legrand suddenly sends readers down a different path. The result is a fresh perspective on a classic story, one that will capture even those who don’t usually like the genre.

Reviewed by Sarah Cropley, Scarborough Public Library.

five-stars

West

WestWest by Edith Pattou
Published by HMH Books for Young Readers on October 23rd 2018
ISBN: 1328773930
Pages: 528
Goodreads
five-stars

Edith Pattou returns in West, the sequel to her 2003 novel, East. The story picks up three years after Rose and her prince-turned-white-bear-turned-man, Charles have returned from his rescue in a place that is “east of the sun and west of the moon”. The troll queen they thought defeated has returned, grown strong and bitter in the time between her last appearance and now and is ready for revenge. Rose must steel her grit, courage, and resourcefulness against a battle fought not just for her own love, but for the world.

Pattou once again takes a more obscure fairy tale and weaves it into a breathtaking adventure, populated by characters who fight hard for what is good in the world. Stunning, heroic, and a perfect follow up to East, a book that helped many young girls define who they could be, just by embracing the things that made themselves special and working hard. Strongly recommended.

Reviewed by Sarah Cropley, Scarborough Public Library

five-stars

Junior Ninja Champion: The Competition Begins

Junior Ninja Champion: The Competition BeginsJunior Ninja Champion: The Competition Begins by Catherine Hapka
Published by HMH Books for Young Readers on June 5th 2018
ISBN: 1328710580
Pages: 176
Goodreads
three-stars

Based on the hit reality competition show American Ninja Warrior, this first book in what is a planned series takes a group of 5 unlikely friends through the first rounds of the junior ninja champion contest.  The kids all work out at a local gym for different reasons, some for fun, some because they’ve gotten in trouble.  But they all bond together when they find out the show is holding a junior competition and the tryouts will be near their town.  Very unlikely, 4 out of the 5 kids make the finals, and the last one makes it on as an alternate.  Book 2 will feature the group at the finals competition.  The end of the book includes an interview with American Ninja Warrior favorite competitor and teacher Allyssa Beird.  Best for grades 3-6.

Reviewed by Kara Reiman, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook

three-stars

Hidden Witch

Hidden WitchThe Hidden Witch by Molly Ostertag
Published by Graphix on October 30th 2018
ISBN: 1338253751
Pages: 208
Goodreads
five-stars

The sequel or continuation of Aster’s story from Ostertag’s first graphic novel Witch Boy. It’s tough for a second book to maintain the excitement and fire of a series, and while this book is a little less thrilling in its message of suspense and self-discovery, it makes up for that in messaging. Aster is really coming into his own as a witch, now being allowed to attend witch lessons in the open, and the support and compassion shown by many of the characters in the book was delightful. At the same time that Aster is dealing with an old evil, that of intolerance and hate from the past, he is being embraced by family and friends. And the other characters in the book are struggling to find their place in the world, but they are doing it with support, guidance, kindness, and love. There is a new character, Ariel, who dabbles in dark magic and whose backstory is hinted at, hopefully, sowing a seed for a 3rd book in the series. The artwork is clear and vibrant and pairs fantastically with the story. Like a Fetch hunting its prey, this GN will fly off the shelf.

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

five-stars

Me, Frida, and the Secret of the Peacock Ring

Me, Frida, and the Secret of the Peacock RingMe, Frida, and the Secret of the Peacock Ring by Angela Cervantes
Published by Scholastic Press on March 27th 2018
ISBN: 1338159313
Pages: 240
Goodreads
four-stars

Middle grade readers will enjoy this fast-paced story that blends mystery, art, and Mexican history. Paloma travels to Mexico City with her mother to learn more about her father’s birthplace. While in Mexico City, Paloma is introduced to the work of Frida Kahlo. Palamo is intrigued when she hears about special peacock ring that has gone missing from Kahlo’s estate. With the help of new friends, Lizzie and Gael, Paloma is determined to locate the missing ring. Readers will not predict the ending to this mystery due to red herrings, several mysterious characters, and the introduction of a subplot. Author, Angela Cervantes, has created a high-interest story that pays homage to Frida Kahlo. A recommended purchase for mystery collections. Recommended for grades 4-6.

Reviewed by Cathy Potter- Falmouth Middle School, Falmouth, ME

four-stars

The Three Rules of Everyday Magic

The Three Rules of Everyday MagicThe Three Rules of Everyday Magic by Amanda Rawson Hill
on September 25, 2018
ISBN: 1629799408
Goodreads
three-stars

Kate is trying to maintain a sense of normalcy since her grandmother moved in after recent diagnosis of dementia. Kate’s dad has recently moved out of the house as he struggles with depression. Kate could really use support from her best friend, but Sofia has made a new best friend. Just when Kate thinks she can’t take anymore disappointment and heartache, her grandmother introduces her to everyday magic. If Kate uses the everyday magic just right, she is convinced it will bring her dad home and rekindle her friendship with Sofia. This coming-of-age story will appeal to middle grade readers looking for poignant stories about friendship and families. The book may strike a chord for tweens who are dealing with mental health issues in their own homes, and it is likely to spark conversations about empathy and compassion.

Grades 4-7

Reviewed by Cathy Potter- Falmouth Middle School, Falmouth, ME

three-stars

Counting to Perfect

Counting to Perfectthree-stars

Cassie is a seventh grader, a competitive swimmer, and the aunt to Addie, the baby of her teenage sister Julia. Julia was always the perfect sister until her senior year pregnancy. Julia decides to get away from it all with her baby without telling her parents. She asks Cassie to join them on a road trip. The story is written from Cassie’s point of view. The characters are realistic and likeable. At times the story line seems farfetched, yet somehow it seems to work. This interesting approach to teenage pregnancy through a younger sister’s eyes is well written and an enjoyable read. Recommended for middle grade students. Reviewed by Kris Zuidema, retired school librarian, Standish

 

three-stars

Hiding

HidingHiding by Henry Turner
Published by Clarion Books on April 3rd 2018
ISBN: 0544284771
Pages: 272
Goodreads
four-stars

This is the story of a teenage boy who slips into the home of his ex-girlfriend, Laura. The first line of the book, “I’m good at hiding,” is very effective in drawing the reader into this mystery. The narrator is able to observe Laura and her family while hiding in their home. Everything is not as it seemed when Laura dumped him. The family dynamics are a surprise to him. He not only learns about Laura’s difficult relationship with her family, he learns the importance of his relationship with Laura. This thriller will appeal to both middle school boys and girls. Readers will have much to think about after finishing this story. Reviewed by Kris Zuidema, retired school librarian, Standish

four-stars

American Road Trip

American Road TripAmerican Road Trip by Patrick Flores-Scott
Published by Henry Holt and Co. (BYR) on September 18th 2018
ISBN: 1627797416
Pages: 272
Goodreads
three-stars

American Road Trip

 

Teodoro narrates a year in the life of his family from 2008-2009 when his brother, Manny, returns from Iraq with a devastating case of PTSD, his sister, Xochitl, tries to save what is left of her family by giving up her promising musical career to travel cross-country, and Teodoro falls in love and raises his aspirations and his grades in hope of attending the University of Washington.

There was a strong Mexican flavor as meals were described, chilies were grown, and families pulled together at parties, funerals, and farm stands.  One aspect that I didn’t like, though, was that so many people lied to each other, albeit for the greater good.  Xochitl lied to Teodoro over and over about where their trip was headed, no one told their parents about Manny’s suicide note and attempt until the end, and, in order to get Xochitl to perform as the lead act and sign to a recording label, he pretends she is only the opening act.  Somewhat annoying, also, was the way the characters kept repeating the name of the person to whom they were speaking over and over.  This book is recommended for grades 9-12.

 

Reviewed by Ellen Spring, Oceanside High School,

three-stars

Two Dogs in a Trench Coat Go to School

Two Dogs in a Trench Coat Go to SchoolTwo Dogs in a Trench Coat Go to School by Julie Falatko
Published by Scholastic Inc. on May 29th 2018
ISBN: 1338189514
Pages: 192
Goodreads
four-stars

This book is written for those who enjoy a realistic situation that uses humor to move the story. It’s a hilarious romp through the mind of a dog, well, two dogs, who go to school. The premise is silly, in the best way. The execution is fun, if you can suspend your need for realism, which most kids can easily do, and it brings up very real issues like bullying and taking responsibility for your work.  Sassy and Waldo are good dogs; after all, no squirrel has ever breached their perimeter, and they love their boy Stewart. But they are concerned that he is coming home from this terrible place called school smelling like anxiety and boredom, so they hatch a plan to infiltrate this evil place to check it out. Waldo has picked up enough English along the way to pose as a new student. Hi-jinks ensue and the two really do end up helping Stewart be more responsible and enjoy school more. The voices of the dogs were spot-on and the message of taking responsibility and seeing things in a different light would make this a wonderful upper-elementary in-class read-aloud or a family read-aloud (Falatko inserts plenty of witty humor for adults in this one). Jack’s black & white illustrations add to the ease of reading and entertainment of the book. Give this to fans of Bad Kitty, Stink, Stick Dog, and Captain Underpants or to strong elementary readers all the way through to middle grade readers who appreciate a laugh and love dogs. More books in the series are on their way in 2019.

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

four-stars