Format: Chapter Book Fiction

Maven Takes the Lead

Maven Takes the LeadGirl Scouts: Maven Takes the Lead by Yamile Saied Méndez
ISBN: 0063317818
Genres: Emotions & Feelings, Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure / General, Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction, Middle Grade Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

Maven is nervous to start 5th grade. Her best friend, Gemma, recently switched schools and now they only get to see each other at Girl Scouts. All of the other kids seem to start the school year boasting about fancy vacations they took, while Maven is self-conscious about spending all Summer entertaining her younger brother and cousins. Maven quickly befriends a new girl, Sylvie, and invites her to Girl Scouts, where Sylvie and Gemma hit it off (perhaps a little too well, leaving Maven feeling left out). In the classroom, Maven has volunteered to lead a robotics competition, which she does not feel prepared for (she’s more of a creative type, and definitely not an expert in robotics). She quickly gets overwhelmed with the competition, spending late nights reading robotics books she checked out from the library and fussing over robotics kits. Even worse, while the class is supposed to be a united team, it has unraveled into a petty competition of boys versus girls (and Maven refuses to let down the girls in her class). Obsessed with the competition, Maven starts neglecting her relationships. With a good look in the mirror, and some honest conversations, she works to repair her relationships, bring her team together, and be proud of who she is. An optional purchase, especially good for areas with active Girl Scout troops or if looking for series similar to the Baby-Sitters Club. Recommended for ages 8-10 (3rd to 5th Grade).

Reviewed by: Jenn Mead, Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library, Lovell

three-stars

Desert Echoes

Desert EchoesDesert Echoes by Abdi Nazemian
on September 10, 2024
ISBN: 0063339633
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction, Young Adult
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

“Desert Echoes” is a young adult fiction novel by Abdi Nazemian. The book switches between freshman year and junior year for Kam, detailing the start of his relationship with his eventual boyfriend Ash, and when his boyfriend goes missing, and then years later, facing the disappearance and accepting his emotions. Kam has amnesia as to why Ash disappeared. The book seemed like it was going to be more of a mystery, but it is mostly an emotional rollercoaster of Kam’s past relationship and tugging at your heartstrings as more facts come to light. At times the switch from present to past seemed confusing, but it was an interesting way to set up the novel. The book deals with a lot of difficult topics, like grief, abuse, and racism. A suggested additional purchase where Nazemian’s books are popular.

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

three-stars

Lucy, Uncensored

Lucy, UncensoredLucy, Uncensored by Mel Hammond, Teghan Hammond
on October 8, 2024
ISBN: 0593814053
Pages: 252
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction, Young Adult
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

“Lucy, Uncensored” is a young adult realistic fiction novel by Mel Hammond and Teghan Hammond. The main character, Lucy, is excited about getting out of her small town and going to college to study drama with her best friend, Callie. When they visit the college, Lucy hears transphobic talk and wonders if she really wants to go here (since Lucy is a trans woman). They look into going to another LGBTQ+ friendly drama program, but the school is an all-women school and they don’t know if they will let a trans woman in, so they go on a road trip to see the college.

The book does a very good job making Lucy and Callie’s friendship seem real and well-developed. Readers may be stung by the transphobic and anti-queer comments that Lucy and Callie face throughout the book, but it did seem realistic and helped set the tone for why Lucy is looking for a place to be her authentic self. I enjoyed the theme that being yourself is important and matters and that true friends and family will rally behind you. A recommended purchase for YA fiction collections.

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

four-stars

Diet Soda Club

Diet Soda ClubDiet Soda Club by Chaz Hayden
Published by Candlewick Press on October 8, 2024
ISBN: 1536223123
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction, Young Adult
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

“Diet Soda Club” is a young adult realistic fiction novel by Chaz Hayden. The story is about Reed, a teenager who has been taking care of his 10 year old sister, Beatrice, who has has spinal muscular atrophy (which the author also has) while their mother has been mostly absent. When their mom goes on an extended vacation for weeks and they are left without food and money, Reed finds a way to make some cash. Unfortunately, it’s illegally making and selling fake IDs.

The friendship between Beatrice and Reed wil inspiring and strong, despite all of the difficulties that they face. A story about siblings, family, and friendship, with well-written characters, albeit with some belief-suspending plot points, this is a suggested purchase for libraries where YA realistic fiction novels are popular.

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

three-stars

Take it From the Top

Take it From the TopTake It from the Top by Claire Swinarski
ISBN: 0063321734
Genres: Emotions & Feelings
Format: Chapter Book Fiction, Middle Grade Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Take It From the Top

Claire Swinarski

This middle grade novel for ages 8- 12 is set at Lamplighter Lake Summer Camp, a residential musical theater camp for those with Broadway aspirations, and follows the friendship evolution of two girls over the course of six summers.

Eowyn Becker comes from a privileged family and has an older brother who performs on Broadway. Her father is often too busy managing her brother’s career to attend her performances. For her, camp is a place where the pain of her mother’s death is eased and she gets to reunite with her best friend, Jules Marrigan. Jules comes from a family that struggles financially, but her parents provide her with unwavering support for her dreams. This summer’s end-of-year production is Wicked, the girls’ favorite musical, and Eowyn and Jules earn leading roles as  Elphaba and Glinda.

But when Eowyn arrives at camp, everything is wrong. Jules will barely even look at Eowyn, let alone talk to her, and Eowyn does not know why.

Told in a series of alternating chapters that flashback to past summers, the girls’ story reveals how wealth, class, money, and privilege can adversely affect a friendship. The story contains frequent references to musicals and songs, which feels a little isolating and exclusionary to readers unfamiliar with the theater world.

4 stars

Reviewed by Lindsey Hopkins, Jay-Niles Memorial Library, Jay

four-stars

Shadow Fox

Shadow FoxShadow Fox by Carlie Sorosiak
on April 11, 2024
ISBN: 1536228966
Genres: Animals, Fantasy, Magical Realism
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

First of all, I would read anything that Carlie Sorosiak wrote, but this book was probably my least favorite of her books. Perhaps a bit too fantastical, bordering on magical realism, for my taste. It is told from the viewpoint of a fox named Shadow who lives near the shore of Lake Superior. (The front cover depicting Shadow is adorable.) Food is scarce. Shadow is thin with patchy fur and likes to steal shoes from rooms at the motel. Nan, the old woman from the motel, used to feed her, but Nan is gone and replaced by her granddaughter, Bee. Meanwhile, the island of Whistlenorth, accessed through a portal on Lake Superior, is the site of imminent devastation. The Night Islanders’ have destroyed much of the magic of the island which threatens Minnesota’s forests. Bee and Shadow bond together to drive the Night Islanders from Whistlenorth.  At times, I felt the environmental theme overshadowed the story. However, Shadow has a dry humor and makes for an interesting narrator.

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

three-stars

Sir Callie and the Witches War (Book 3)

Sir Callie and the Witches War (Book 3)Sir Callie and the Witch's War by Esme Symes-Smith
Published by Penguin Random House ISBN: 0593711084
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

This third installment in the engaging and diverse Sir Callie series is another winner for middle grade fantasy lovers looking for queer and nonbinary main character representation. Symes-Smith grapples with very difficult topics, including discrimination, trauma, complicated families and more, in a way that is very real and appropriate for middle grade readers, neither shying away from these things, but also not including them just to drive a plot point home. A book that will circulate with current fans easily and a must-have for any library that owns the first two in the series.

Reviewed by: Jenny Martinez Nocito, Maine State Library, Augusta

five-stars

Shermy and Shake, The Not-So-New Kid

Shermy and Shake, The Not-So-New KidShermy and Shake, the Not-So-New Kid by Kirby Larson, Shinji Fujioka
Published by Candlewick Press on June 25, 2024
ISBN: 1536219436
Pages: 99
Genres: Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure / General
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

Shermy is extremely excited to be a second grader! He thrives on being helpful and engaged with all parts of school so when he is asked to be a buddy for the new kid he jumps at the chance. It turns out that the new kid is not really so new to Shermy, it’s Shake, his summer friend from out of town. 

Everyone is interested in the new kid, Shake, and now Shermy isn’t feeling so special and more than a little left out. Through the stories in this title we watch as these two summertime friends navigate the hurdles of a new school year, a new grade, and the transition from summer friends to all year long friends. The tales included are charming, funny, and very true to life.

 

Ages 6-9

Reviewed by MaryAnn Lopes, Elementary Librarian, Lewiston Public Schools, Lewiston.

four-stars

Sona Sharma: A Friend Indeed

Sona Sharma: A Friend IndeedSona Sharma, a Friend Indeed by Chitra Soundar, Jen Khatun
Published by Candlewick Press on 10/22/24
ISBN: 1536238163
Genres: Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure / General
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

In this third book in the Sona Sharma series, Sona is having problems with her two best friends, Joy and Renu.  It starts when her teacher announces that they will be holding an election to choose the class leader.  When boastful Prandeep announces he is running, Sona decides to run too, in order to prevent him from winning.  Joy and Renu immediately stop talking to her and don’t tell Soma why.  As Soma prepares for the election, Soma is left to wonder why her friends are ignoring her. The next day, Joy volunteers to become a candidate, leaving Sona even more confused about what to do.  Luckily Sona is part of a very supportive family and she gets support and advice at home and eventually figures out the best way to proceed in this difficult situation.  Sona does a lot of self reflection and is able to mend the relationship with Joy and Renu, apologizing for her mistakes. Her friends also apologize, but there isn’t much character development with Joy and Renu, and their apologies fall a little flat. This book is ideal for readers who are starting to read chapter books.  There are black and white illustrations throughout the book, breaking up the text and giving readers a little more insight into life in India.  The glossary also includes Indian terms that are used in the story.  While this is the third book in this series, readers do not need to have read the previous books, as there is a description of the characters at the beginning of this story.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

three-stars

Bear and Bird: The Adventure and Other Stories

Bear and Bird: The Adventure and Other StoriesBear and Bird: The Adventure and Other Stories by Jarvis
Series: Bear and Bird #3
Published by Candlewick Press on September 10, 2024
ISBN: 153623544X
Pages: 64
Genres: Children's Beginning Readers, Emotions & Feelings
Format: Chapter Book Fiction, Early Reader
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

Bear and Bird are "bestest" friends and this is the third collection of stories from author-illustrator Jarvis about the pair. In this collection of four stories we watch as they navigate situations that most best friends do; how to help a friend when they are sick, The Hole, how to add a third friend (always tricky) to the group, and we go along as they embark on an adventure! Misunderstandings come up in the process and Bear, Bird, and Mole sort out how to work through them with care and concern for themselves and one another. Through it all Bear and Bird are always there for one another!

These stories are wonderfully warm with charming illustrations that carry the reader from one story to the next seamlessly. This would be a great book for emerging chapter book readers as well as a great read aloud with many opportunities for class participation (The Dance from story 1, would be a ton of fun) and engagement activities.

Suggested age: 5-8

Reviewed by MaryAnn Lopes, Elementary Librarian, Lewiston Public Schools.

four-stars