Actually Super

December 18, 2023

Actually Super by Adi Alsaid
ISBN: 0593375807
Genres: Science Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

“Actually Super” by Adi Alsaid is a young adult fiction novel. Protagonist Isabel is a high schooler who is depressed by how things are going in the world. She hears about potential “superheroes” that exists and decides to leave school to find them and see if they are using their powers to help solve the world’s problems. Her friends Sam and Chio agree to meet with Isabel in a year in Mexico, but when Isabel doesn’t show up, they start looking for her. The book switches between Isabel during her yearlong search for supers and Clio and Sam looking for Isabel in the present.

Themes of good and evil versus a more grey and nuanced reality will resonate with teens and young adults as Isabel meets up with potential superheroes and discovers their truth. Plot moves a little slowly at times and the switching of narrators and time is occasionally confusing. A recommended supplemental purchase for young adult collections.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, ME.

The Homecoming War

December 12, 2023

The Homecoming War (Underlined) by Addie Woolridge
ISBN: 0593568664
Genres: Romance
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars
The Homecoming War by Addie Woolridge is a heartfelt, grounded high school romance. When rival schools are forced to merge – chaos ensues, and it is the responsibility of the school’s respective junior high presidents (Meg and Chris) to unite the schools. Their chemistry is undeniable from the start, but if they move too fast the fragile truce they have built between the schools could crumble…

The diverse cast of lived-in characters fit perfectly in their central California setting. The escalating pranks were at times far-fetched, but everything else about the plot, characters, and setting were refreshingly authentic. This clean romance (only kissing) was a slow burn that was well worth the wait, but the real treasure at the emotional heart of this novel is what it has to say about grief. The Homecoming War’s themes of letting go, having fun, and prioritizing your happiness are perfect for all current and former overachievers. If you have a lot of romance readers in your library, this is a great addition!

Reviewed by Ivy Burns, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth

Alice Atherton’s Grand Tour

December 11, 2023January 17, 2024

Alice Atherton’s Grand Tour Alice Atherton's Grand Tour by Lesley M.M. Blume
Published by Alfred A. Knopf on 10/10/2023
ISBN: 0553536818
Pages: 208
Genres: Historical Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars
Alice Atherton’s father sends Alice to France to spend the summer with some dear friends and their children. He is hoping that being around this eccentric family will help Alice find joy after her mother’s death from scarlet fever. As part of the children’s summer lessons, Mr. and Mrs. Murphy arrange for Alice and their three children to make art with Pablo Picasso, dance with the Ballets Russes, and go on a treasure hunt with F. Scott Fitzgerald. Through these adventures, Alice grieves for her mother but also starts living with happiness again. When Alice’s father picks her up at the end of the summer, he is thrilled with the changes he sees in his daughter. Elementary school readers will enjoy this imaginative historical fiction novel; it would also make a good classroom read aloud. Backmatter includes short biographies about the famous historical figures the children meet in the story. Although not a must have, this sweet story of ingenuity and resilience would make a great addition to any library.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

Mr. Whiskers and the Shenanigan Sisters

December 6, 2023January 17, 2024

Mr. Whiskers and the Shenanigan Sisters by Wendelin Van Draanen
Published by Alfred A. Knopf on October 2, 2023
ISBN: 0593644301
Genres: Humor, Mystery
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars
Zelda and Misty’s father, a professor, has been kidnapped by people claiming to be FBI agents. Mr. Whiskers, the local stray dog , witnesses this and follows the car. What ensues is a light-hearted mystery as Mr. Whiskers teams up with the Shenanigan sisters to unravel the puzzle of who kidnapped the professor and why. This book is narrated by Mr. Whiskers and readers will no doubt enjoy his personality, as the author has given him a unique voice that makes him easy to distinguish from the human characters. Readers who like puns will be entertained by this novel as it is full of dog related word play and humor. The pace of this novel is quick as the trio frequently discover new clues that lead them in and out of danger. This novel is ideal for readers in 2nd-4th grade who like mysteries that aren’t scary or dark. Not a must-have, but still an enjoyable, light book to add to the collection.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

The Puppets of Spelhorst: a Norendy Tale

December 5, 2023

The Puppets of Spelhorst: a Norendy Tale The Puppets of Spelhorst (The Norendy Tales) by Julie Morstad, Kate DiCamillo
Published by Candlewick Press on October 10, 2023
Pages: 149
Genres: Fairy Tale
Format: Chapter Book Fiction, Early Reader
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars
Told with DiCamillo’s trademark elegant simplicity and wit, this first in a series of original fairy tales will not disappoint her many fans.

Five friends, puppets all: a king, a wolf, a girl, a boy, and an owl, are taken from a shop window and become part of a Story. They are at first together in their story, which takes them by a roundabout route to the home of two young girls, before each has an adventure of their own – sometimes gently harrowing – before they are happily reunited. DiCamillo creates wonder in simple pleasures such as a rising moon, and a song, and a puppet show that magically reflects life.

Chapters are short, and black and white pencil drawings by Julie Morstad beautifully illustrate the text. Text is straightforward enough for a reader of short chapter books, but never feels like it is being simplified. It would also make a lovely read-aloud for slightly older children who do not need an illustration on every page to remain engaged.

5 Stars

Reviewed by Jenny Martinez Nocito, Maine State Library, Augusta

Her Radiant Curse

December 5, 2023

Her Radiant Curse (Legends of Lor'yan) by Elizabeth Lim
Published by Alfred A. Knopf on August 29, 2023
ISBN: 0593300998
Pages: 416
Genres: Fairy Tale, Fantasy, Folklore
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars
This prequel to Lim’s bestselling Six Crimson Cranes duology tells the story of Channi, who is offered up by her father in sacrifice to the Demon Witch when she is two years old to save her mother, on her deathbed after birthing a second daughter.

But it is not Channi that the Demon wants; it is Vanna, newly born and somehow in possession of half of a dragon pearl, which gives her otherworldly, radiant beauty, and a magical ability to charm everyone in her orbit. The Demon, who possesses the other half of the broken pearl and desires the power of both together, curses Channi with the face of a serpent. The only way to break the curse, she tells Channi, is to sacrifice Vanna. She will return on Vanna’s 17^th birthday to collect her prize.

Chianni is determined to save her beloved sister, and that sets the course of her life. When the time comes, Chianni must use every part of her physical and mental power to rescue Vanna from the Demon, setting off a chain of intrigue, battles, alliances formed and destroyed, and a (very light) potential for romance. But behind everything she does lurks the demon’s cursed promise: one sister must fall for the other to rise.

Fans of the Six Crimson Cranes duology will love this well written, fast paced and original backstory, set in the same mythological Asian world of Lor’yan. Channi figures in that duology as the much reviled, but ultimately heroic stepmother, and other significant characters in this tale will be familiar as well. Readers will be glad to have this satisfying tale to round out the series. A must-have for any library with the duology already on the shelf; but also a worthwhile purchase for anyone to boost their fantasy collection. It is a fine stand-alone, or could be read before the previously published books; either way it will certainly gain Lim more fans.

Reviewed by Jenny Martinez Nocito, Maine State Library, Augusta

Monstrous

December 1, 2023

Monstrous by Jessica Lewis
Published by Delacorte Press on September 12, 2023
ISBN: 0593434811
Genres: Horror, Supernatural
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
two-stars
Monstrous by Jessica Lewis is undeniably a page turner. The main character, Avie, is a confident, snarky, star athlete about to set off for college who is stuck living with her aunt in a strange Southern town run by a powerful religious cult. When she is sacrificed by the cult to a giant snake that lives in the woods she is able to save herself by making a deal to help the snake escape in exchange for her life, special powers, and the safety of her cousin and her crush.

This book is in the female revenge genre like award winning, The Weight of Blood by Tiffany D. Jackson, but I never found myself rooting for Avie like I rooted for Jackson’s lead Maddy. In order to get the plot moving the author sacrifices the tension and character development needed to feel like a “good for her” horror novel. As a result, Monstrous had the pace of a thriller, the tone of a rom com and the complexity of a middle grade mystery.

There needs to be more Black, queer, female leads in the horror genre and the premise of this book is so original and interesting that I was really rooting for it, but ultimately this isn’t a necessary addition to a YA collection.

Reviewed by Ivy Burns, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth

Mercy Watson is Missing!

December 1, 2023

Mercy Watson Is Missing!: Tales from Deckawoo Drive, Volume Seven by Chris Van Dusen, Kate DiCamillo
Genres: Animals, Humor, Mystery
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

“Mercy Watson is Missing!” is the seventh book in Kate DiCamillo’s “Tales from Deckawoo Drive” series, illustrated by Chris Van Dusen. In this beginner chapter book, the titular character and fan favorite, Mercy Watson (a pig), has gone missing. The Watsons don’t know where she could be. They try the police, who are no help, so they seek the help of a private detective. Percival Smidgely, the ineffective private eye, luckily has help from his pigeon friend, Polly. With lots of fun words and amusing characters, readers will enjoy following along as (spoiler alert!) the family finds Mercy in the end. Black and white drawings are mixed in with full color illustrations by Van Dusen. Artwork adds to the silliness of the story.

Written for ages 6 through 9, this is a recommended purchase for all libraries where beginner chapter books are popular, and wherever the previous series titles have done well.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, ME.

Ready, Set, Dough!

November 26, 2023January 31, 2024

Ready, Set, Dough! by Kelly J. Baptist
ISBN: 0593429184
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars
Zoe is an aspiring writer and loves her journalism class. She has so many good ideas for future news stories that she needs a reliable computer. She dreams of owning a new laptop especially when the family computer keeps crashing. When she learns the top seller in the cookie dough fundraiser will receive the laptop of their dreams, she becomes a selling machine. Unfortunately, her selling tactics come at a price – she neglects her best friend and misses his state championship swim meet, she only sees her brother as someone to give her a ride and not someone with his own dreams and aspirations, and most importantly, she doesn’t realize something is going on with her father’s job until after he loses his job. This realistic fiction book will appeal to upper elementary readers. The author conveys an important message about empathy and selfishness in a gentle and at times humorous way. Readers will find the fundraiser a little over the top but it is really just a vehicle to show the growth of Zoe’s character as she learns to pay attention to her family and friends. While not quite in league with the author’s other 2023 middle grade title (Eb & Flow), younger readers should enjoy this book.

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

Land of Broken Promises

November 26, 2023

Land of Broken Promises by Jane Kuo
ISBN: 0063119048
Genres: Fiction in Verse/Poetry, Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars
Anna is a middle schooler growing up in Southern California in the 1980s. She and her parents are from Taiwan and her parents own a fast-food business. When Anna discovers a cabinet full of mail that her father has ignored – partly because he struggles to read English – the family discovers that they are “illegal.” Their visas have long since expired and they are now officially undocumented. When her parents consult an attorney, they realize they need money for the attorney’s fees so Anna’s mother moves to San Diego for the summer to work in a friend’s bakery under the table to raise the funds. When her best friend’s father loses his job, Anna realizes that she is not alone worrying about her family and eventually finds the courage to confide in her friend. This verse novel is based on the author’s life and while technically a sequel, this reads like a stand-alone novel. This is a tenderly told glimpse of the immigrant experience in America. A good choice for younger readers as the author downplays the harsher realities of the immigrant experience in America. Family is at the center of this story.

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