Format: Chapter Book Fiction

The Shadow Hand

The Shadow HandBabysitting Nightmares: The Shadow Hand by Kat Shepherd
Published by Imprint on June 5th 2018
ISBN: 1250156963
Pages: 208
Genres: Horror
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

First in a new series about a group of friends navigating the usual school and friendship issues who also happen to find themselves with an unusual supernatural situation. Rebecca is babysitting baby Kyle one night when a freak storm occurs. It’s a freak storm mainly because it seemed to only affect Kyle’s house. Rebecca and her friends with the help of Clio’s Aunt Kawanna become convinced that Kyle has been replaced by a changling and that they have until the next full moon to rescue Kyle. This is a light horror/fantasy book that should serve as a not-too-scary way for young readers to test out the genre.

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

 

 

three-stars

The cheerleaders

The cheerleadersThe Cheerleaders by Kara Thomas
Published by Delacorte Press on July 31st 2018
ISBN: 1524718327
Pages: 384
Goodreads
four-stars
This is an engrossing, slightly complicated, mystery for high school readers that brings each party involved into question and leaves room for a neatly engineered and satisfying ending.

Five years ago, five members of the high school cheerleading squad died within weeks of each other leaving the town reeling. The last death was sixteen-year-old Monica’s sister Jen who allegedly committed suicide. Monica calls out sick from school after having a secret abortion and fills her time snooping in her stepdad’s desk, the town police officer responsible for shooting the accused murderer. Monica is spurred on to re-open the various events that led up to the cheerleading deaths, when she finds her sister’s cell phone and anonymous threatening letters in his desk drawer. With a new friend from school, Monica begins connecting the dots and placing herself in situations of escalating danger. This is a solid mystery with the right amount of reveals and high school situations.

Reviewed by Sheila Dube, Springvale Public Library, Springvale

four-stars

Sam and Isla’s Last Hurrah

Sam and Isla’s Last HurrahSam & Ilsa's Last Hurrah by Rachel Cohn, David Levithan
Published by Knopf Books for Young Readers on April 10th 2018
ISBN: 0399553843
Pages: 211
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Goodreads
two-stars

Another story set in NYC written in alternating chapters by the duo of Rachel Cohn and David Levithan. Sam and Isla have hosted dinner parties in their grandmother’s fabulous Upper West Side rent-controlled apartment throughout high school, but now they are seniors this is their “last hurrah.” The twins’ grandmother is selling her apartment and moving to Paris; Sam and Isla will presumably be leaving home as well, but their plans are a little less sure. The traditional dinner party rules established allow each twin to invite three people without telling their sibling who they invited. The night that ensues entails sock puppets, cat dresses, burned lasagna, and realities being confronted. Cohn and Levithan establish the twins are privileged and quirky, but not too privileged and quirky, but the story feels very indulgent when compared to many of the new books being published that provide unique voices to help readers understand the complex relationships in our society. Readers of Cohn and Levithan will find the story predictable, but consider purchasing if this duo’s work is still popular in your library.

Recommended for grades 10 and up

Elizabeth Andersen, Librarian, Westbrook High School

two-stars

The Serpent’s Secret

The Serpent’s SecretThe Serpent's Secret (Kiranmala and the Kingdom Beyond, #1) by Sayantani DasGupta
Published by Scholastic on February 27th 2018
ISBN: 1338185705
Pages: 351
Goodreads
five-stars
Kiranmala would be happy to be an ordinary middle school student in New Jersey. To her embarrassment and annoyance,  her parents have always insisted on telling her stories about her role as an Indian Princess of mythology and legend. Then on her twelfth birthday, the stories become reality as her parents disappear, a giant demon destroys her house, and she makes the acquaintance of two princely brothers who whisk her away to the world of underworld mythology where she learns that she is really the daughter of the Snake King and the Moon. Now she has only so much time to learn the history of her birth world, fight her jealous serpentine siblings, and save her beloved human parents. Lots of action, friendship and trust building, and a unwarranted amount of demon goo as Kiranmala accepts her place as a demonslayer. There is truly something for everyone. An author’s note further explains the folktale characters that appear in the story. Book Two is in production.

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

five-stars

The Cure for Cold Feet

The Cure for Cold FeetThe Cure for Cold Feet: A Novel in Small Moments by Beth Ain
Published by Random House Books for Young Readers on May 8th 2018
ISBN: 0399550844
Pages: 224
Goodreads
five-stars
Izzy is a new 6th grader in a much bigger middle school which she is NOT enjoying.  Many times she retreats to the bathroom stalls where she reads the comments on the walls and bemoans her situation.  In a novel-in-verse format Beth Ain continues the story begun in Izzy Kline has Butterflies with a book that stands on its own in a stream-of-consciousness style that is perfect for the way the middle school brain works.  Izzy has friend problems, an older brother who is too involved with tequila, parents that are divorced and involved with other people, a boy who is NOT A FRIEND, and a crush on a foreign exchange student.  Middle school is not easy, but Izzy perseveres and readers are left with the certainty that she will make it.

This book is perfect for 5th-7th graders who are struggling with the angst of moving to a larger school with many teachers, unfamiliar classmates, and of having the girls who had been friends now being too “shiny” as everyone strives to be popular.

I believe that this book should be on the Cream of the Crop list for its sympathetic depiction of growing up, for its verse format, and for its universal appeal.

 

Reviewed by Ellen Spring, Oceanside High School, Rockland

five-stars

The House (Mason Falls Mysteries)

The House (Mason Falls Mysteries)The House by Raelyn Drake
Published by Darby Creek Publishing on April 1st 2018
ISBN: 1541501179
Pages: 104
Goodreads
three-stars
Three teens accept a dare to spend an hour in their town’s haunted house hoping to demystify the decades long belief stating the ghost of Cordelia Rose lives there.  The investigative teens use logic, research, technology, and compassion to reach their unexpected conclusion.  Written at a fourth grade reading level, this is an excellent book for reluctant readers searching for a fast paced, suspenseful mystery involving a ghost and a haunted house.  Although predictable at the beginning of the book (in a haunted house with a storm moving in), the plot takes satisfying twists involving many positive aspects such as the teens striving to help others, positive/supportive parental involvement, and examining the evidence before jumping to conclusions. Teachers will find this story ideal for a fun, quick, clean, engaging Halloween read aloud.

Reviewed by Heather Hale, Easton School District, Easton

three-stars

Toaff’s Way

Toaff’s WayToaff's Way by Cynthia Voigt
Published by Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers on August 7th 2018
ISBN: 1524765368
Pages: 272
Goodreads
four-stars
Toaff, a young gray squirrel, lives his life constantly asking questions.  His adventure begins during a ferocious winter storm when the tree in which he resides with his family is snapped in half.  Upon waking up alone, Toaff spends the next year trying to survive while searching for his place on the farm. He meets many other living creatures and tries out multiple living environments (alone in the ground, with The Lucky Ones in an exquisite drey, in a narrow tree with the Littles).  Nature lovers will enjoy reading about the world from a squirrel’s perspective although some of the descriptions may be hard to follow for those unfamiliar with a farm or who struggle with figurative language. Discovering the habits of squirrels including their many predators, the rhythms of a farm, and how the earth is impacted by the changing seasons may keep the reader engaged as they learn new terms (whuffling, nest-houses) and meet both common and unfamiliar creatures (fisher).  Readers in grades 4-8 may enjoy this coming of age story and relate to the impulsive, questioning Toaff who is not yet sure what he believes but feels as though he is the only one who thinks like he does. Voight’s creative chapter titles complement the text as do the simple, delightful pen and ink drawings. Parents using this book as a read aloud will find multiple issues to discuss including the value of listening to others, being discerning about what one hears, the purpose of rules, the value of all, loss (of home, of mother, of friend), and independence.

Reviewed by Heather Hale, Easton School District, Easton

four-stars

Running on Empty

Running on EmptyRunning on Empty by S.E. Durrant
Published by Holiday House on September 18th 2018
ISBN: 0823438406
Pages: 200
Goodreads
three-stars
A.J. loves running and has fond memories of attending the London Olympics with his parents and grandfather where they met Usain Bolt. After A.J.’s grandfather dies, A.J. takes on more responsibility by helping his disabled parents read, write and perform household tasks.  A.J. is fearful that child services will take him from his home if anyone find out that he is helping his parents. When A.J. joins the school cross country team, he is disappointed that success does not come easy. With the help of friends, neighbors and teachers, A.J. learns to be an athlete. The 1st person narrative will help readers see the story though A.J.’s eyes as he navigates his complicated world of school and home. The book deals with themes of grief, overcoming obstacles and acceptance. Readers will cheer for A.J. throughout the story, and many will take away a sense of compassion and empathy for others.

Reviewed by Cathy Potter, Falmouth Middle School, Falmouth

three-stars

Stick Pick

Stick PickStick Pick by Steven Sandor
Published by Lorimer on August 1st 2018
ISBN: 145941263X
Pages: 128
Goodreads
After Janine scores the winning goal in the ice hockey championship she is involved in a serious car accident, which leaves her paralyzed. Janine is overcome by anger after the accident and loses hope of ever playing hockey again until a friend introduces her to sledge hockey, a game played on sleds on the ice. This slim sports fiction book is sure to be popular with sports lovers despite the predictable plot. There are some formatting issues (word spacing on the page) that may pose issues for readers.

Reviewed by Cathy Potter, Falmouth Middle School, Falmouth

One True Way

One True WayOne True Way by Shannon Hitchcock
Published by Scholastic on February 27th 2018
ISBN: 1338181726
Pages: 224
Goodreads
four-stars
Allie’s life is turned upside down when her parents separate, and Allie and her mom move to North Carolina. On her first day of school at Daniel Boone Middle School, Allie has two goals: join the school newspaper and make a friend. Within minutes of arriving at school,  Allie meets a charismatic girl named Sam The two girls become fast friends and spend all of their free time together. Soon Allie and Sam realize they have feelings for each other, which poses a problem for Sam’s conservative parents. Set in 1977, this coming of age story eloquently deals with issues of sexual identity, homophobia and religion. The story, told from Allie’s perspective, sets just the right tone. Hitchcock presents readers with complex issues and points of view without becoming didactic.

Reviewed by Cathy Potter, Falmouth Middle School, Falmouth

four-stars