Format: Chapter Book Fiction

The Lost Whale

The Lost WhaleThe Lost Whale by Hannah Gold
Published by HarperCollins on October 11, 2022
ISBN: 0063041111
Pages: 304
Genres: Adventure, Animals
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

The Lost Whale is a sensitive family story that goes beyond the maternal bonds of mother, grandmother, and child. When Rio’s mother falls ill, he is sent to America to stay with his grandmother whom he barely remembers. Feeling depressed and far-removed from home, Rio suffers a difficult transition before he makes a friend on the beach.  Although the title highlights White Beak the whale, this storyline expresses the power of love and protection offered by family and friends. Gold has written a book that is deeply sensitive to relationships as well as to the natural environment. With compassion and tender dialogue this novel is up to par with Gold’s previous work “The Last Bear”.

Budding naturalists and those who have experienced whale watching tours will love the ocean adventure. Readers are sure to cheer for the lost whale and to envy the love between humans and mammals expressed in this book. Librarians in middle grade schools and those in public libraries should add this title to their collections. Hand to readers who appreciate the underwater world of mammals and have dreams of swimming with a whale or dolphin.

Reviewed by Jan Hamilton, retired Youth Services Librarian

four-stars

Ghostlight

GhostlightGhostlight by Kenneth Oppel
Published by Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers on September 6, 2022
ISBN: 0593487931
Pages: 400
Genres: Fantasy, Supernatural
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Suspense, supernatural creatures, and a tight storyline make this newest novel by Oppel a winner. Gabe lands a summer job telling stories while taking tourist on tours of Toronto Island. This novel quickly reveals the underlying historical ghost tales of a long-dead lighthouse keeper and his daughter. Readers are introduced to two additional teen characters who add immensely to the storyline. Each have necessary talents which Gabe leans upon to solve the mysterious long-ago deaths . These three characters appear larger than life, and readers come to know their individual abilities and fears.

Oppel is one of a few authors who can portray ghosts as living creatures, giving them personality and emotion. While reading Ghostlight we come face to face with true evil and yet there is room for compassion. This story reveals the possibility of a human /ghost relationship that goes beyond our human experience.

A great, fast-moving ghost story that is a well-written, creative read. Add this to any middle school media centers or public library collection as librarians will delight in handing this book to middle grade readers.

Nominated for Cream of the Crop

Reviewed by Jan Hamilton, retired Youth Services Librarian

five-stars

The Bridge Battle

The Bridge BattleThe Bridge Battle (The Lemonade War, #6) by Jacqueline Davies
Series: Lemonade War #6
Published by HarperCollins US on March 8, 2023
ISBN: 0358692997
Pages: 240
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

The Bridge Battle is the sixth installment of the popular Lemonade War Series by Jacqueline Davies. Siblings Jessie and Evan each find themselves in new and uncomfortable situations. Jessie, a science nerd, is stuck in a summer day camp singing songs and making fairy houses when she’d rather be in the group building bridges. To make matters worse, her former bullies are part of her group. Evan, normally the popular leader in a group, is accidentally placed in a summer school class with older students. He witnesses bullying and feels guilty for not stopping it, and then feels even worse when he joins in the tormenting of a weaker student. Everything comes to a head when Evan and Jessie try to stop the bully from destroying the bridge Jessie plans to enter into a contest. Chapters alternate between the siblings, but the themes of right and wrong, bullying, and being yourself, are woven throughout this book.

This middle grade novel was well written. The main characters are well rounded and readers can feel their confusion and anguish as they are faced with difficult situations. The antagonists are appropriately cringeworthy and are authentic to the middle grade experience. Although this novel is part of a series, it definitely also works as a stand alone. It would be appropriate for middle grade readers who enjoy realistic fiction with a mostly happy ending or as a read aloud. This book explores some difficult topics such as bullying and learning challenges that could lay the foundation for some important discussions.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

four-stars

The Dragon’s Promise

The Dragon’s PromiseThe Dragon's Promise (Six Crimson Cranes, #2) by Elizabeth Lim
Published by Knopf Books for Young Readers on August 30, 2022
ISBN: 0593300955
Pages: 484
Genres: Fairy Tale, Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

The second book in a fantasy duology, this novel picks up moments after the first, Six Crimson Cranes, left off. This writing style reinforces the epic, sweeping feel of the duology, but, full disclosure, it also means this book is not ideal as a stand-alone novel.

While the first book was loosely based on the Grimm fairytale The Six Swans, this 484-page novel is original. Shiori, the book’s heroine, promised her dying stepmother at the end of book one that she would return a dragon pearl – the heart of a dragon – to its unknown owner, and that is the focus of this tale. She is helped by her six brothers and her betrothed in her journey, as she battles dragons, demons, fellow humans and even the treacherous dragon pearl itself, to keep her promise. On the positive side, the story is engaging and the magical Asian setting is beautifully described. More critically, the book has a few too many distinct arcs, bringing Shiori to the point of certain death in an end-of-book kind of way multiple times, before she is saved and – lo! – sets off on yet another previously unknown leg of her journey, which at times felt a little…ho-hum, here we go again.

On the whole, the duology is an enjoyable tale for readers who enjoy epic fantasy with a little romance, Chinese folklore and mythology, or who enjoyed Grace Lin’s Where the Mountain Meets the Moon trilogy as middle grade readers. This book on its own would be a harder sell for readers who are not familiar with the first; together they are telling a single tale.

Recommended to: libraries who purchased the first book will definitely want to add this one to the collection.

Reviewed by Jenny Martinez Nocito, Maine State Library

four-stars

Lesbiana’s Guide to Catholic School

Lesbiana’s Guide to Catholic SchoolThe Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School by Sonora Reyes
Published by Balzer & Bray/Harperteen on May 17, 2022
ISBN: 006306023X
Pages: 400
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Sixteen-year-old Mexican-American Yamilet is starting over at a new school, and not just any school: a wealthy, mostly white, Catholic school outside the city that could not be more different than the city school she’s left. At her old school, Yami was outed by her (now ex-) best friend, a secret she managed to keep from her Mami, who she is sure would kick her out if she knew. At the new school, she’s determined to act “straight” and stay away from romance, keep her brother out of trouble, and work as much as she can to save money (in case Mami does find out, and she needs to survive on her own.) But then she meets Bo, a queer girl who is unabashedly out, and despite trying hard to ignore her feelings as they become friends, falls hard.

Yami is a vulnerable and very relatable character with a deep commitment to her family. The Mexican-American community around her is loving and strong, and at the core of her cultural identity; but at the same time the more intolerant religious beliefs held by the people she loves threaten her safety if her secret comes out. These deeper storylines ground the budding romance between Yami and Bo into a complex, layered novel with moments of humor and a sense of purpose. Yamilet begins the year often doubting her place in her family and even the world; but new friends and allies – and sometimes her own sheer force of will – help her figure out who she is in the best way possible. This is a debut work that feels very close to the author’s heart.

Highly recommend this to libraries looking to diversity their YA shelves.

Five stars/Cream of the Crop nominee

Reviewed by Jenny Martinez Nocito, Maine State Library

five-stars

Violet and Jobie in the Wild

Violet and Jobie in the WildViolet and Jobie in the Wild by Lynne Rae Perkins
Published by HarperCollins US on November 30, 2022
ISBN: 0062499696
Pages: 240
Genres: Adventure, Animals
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Violet and Jobie are two sibling mice who live in a house. They’ve figured out how to outsmart the snap traps, but they’re unprepared for a trap that leaves them alive but stuck in box. When that box is then delivered to the great outdoors in the middle of nowhere, they’re lost in a new environment. They don’t know what to eat, what wants to eat them (though it seems like that’s everything!), or where they should sleep. They meet a much more experienced mouse, and their adventures in the wild unfold.

This is a fun, lighthearted story perfect for young readers moving up from early chapter books. Potentially scary parts include owls, foxes, and the like, but nothing is overly dramatic. Violet and Jobie are curious, adventurous, and supportive of each other. They work together to problem solve and build up each other’s strengths. The story flows well, is easy to follow, and has enough adventure to keep readers engaged throughout. Recommended for readers 7 and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

three-stars

Morning Sun in Wuhan

Morning Sun in WuhanMorning Sun in Wuhan by Ying Chang Compestine
Published by Clarion Books on November 8, 2022
ISBN: 0358572053
Pages: 208
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

It’s January 2020, and Mei lives in Wuhan with her father. Mei loves to cook, and she often cooks for her father, a doctor who works long hours at the local hospital. When her friend’s grandmother falls ill, Mei reaches out to her father only to find that he’s now stuck at an overflowing hospital and won’t be able to come home for several days. He knew what was coming, so he stocked their kitchen with essentials and favorites. When the eventual mandatory lockdown occurs, Mei finds herself helping others by volunteering to help distribute meals and cooking for those in her building without enough food for themselves.

This book provides some insight into what the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic was like for those at the very epicenter of it all. It is a well written and engaging story about community and the strength we can find from trusting and working together. I would not recommend this book for anyone who has pandemic anxiety or trauma. For those who are ready to read about the pandemic, this is a wonderful way to bring about empathy and understanding from an often underrepresented perspective in youth literature. Recommended for readers 9 and up and for Cream of the Crop.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, E

five-stars

The Year the Maps Changed

The Year the Maps ChangedThe Year the Maps Changed by Danielle Binks
Published by Quill Tree Books on October 18, 2022
ISBN: 0063211602
Pages: 368
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

It’s 1999, Fred is 11 yrs old, she’s never known her biological father, her mother died years ago, and now her stepfather, Luca, is expecting a baby with his new girlfriend. Fred’s trying to figure out how she fits into this new family picture. In addition to the turmoil within her, Fred finds herself grappling with community turmoil when her small Australian town accepts thousands of refugees from Kosovo. Many people, like Fred and her family, want to help the refugees, but there are some who feel they don’t belong and are only causing trouble for the locals.

This is a very well written book that will appeal to readers who enjoy realistic fiction without drama or fear. There are themes of conflict but they’re handled in an age appropriate manner. The plot of this book moves pretty slowly so readers who require page-turning action are likely to lose interest. Fans of Rebecca Stead, Gary Schmidt, and the like will enjoy the story and the details woven into the text. Recommended for readers 8 and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars

A Rover’s Story

A Rover’s StoryA Rover's Story by Jasmine Warga
Published by HarperCollins US on October 4, 2022
ISBN: 0063113929
Pages: 320
Genres: Adventure, Science Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Resilience, a.k.a., Res, is a newly minted Mars rover, and he’s nervous and excited about traveling to the red planet. He loves learning from all the scientists around him, and he begins developing some human-like feelings about them and about the other rovers and drones around him. Accompanied by Fly, his drone, he blasts off to Mars and quickly learns that it’s a rather unforgiving place plagued by dust storms and riddled with hidden cliffs.

This fun, fictional account of a rover on Mars is written from a couple perspectives—from Resilience and from Sophie, the daughter of one of the scientists who programmed Resilience. Sophie’s accounts are heartfelt and bring the perspective of the humans on earth. They also provide a timeline since Res’s accounts don’t convey the decades that pass throughout the book. Res’s account of Mars is entertaining and will leave readers rooting for the rover to succeed. His emotions and insecurities combined with unfailing optimism result in an extemely likable character and a relatable narrator. Recommended for readers 8 and up who enjoy space, adventure, technology, and science.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars

Nikhil Out Loud

Nikhil Out LoudNikhil Out Loud by Maulik Pancholy
Published by Balzer & Bray/Harperteen on October 11, 2022
ISBN: 0063091925
Pages: 320
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Nikhil Shah is pretty famous, but most people don’t recognize him because he’s a voice actor for a very popular animated series. When his mom moves him to a small town in Ohio to care for his grandfather (whom he barely knows), Nikhil is less than thrilled. Once people discover who he is, he is given the lead in the school musical. There’s one problem — Nikhil has terrible stage fright and isn’t a very good singer. To make matters worse, a group of parents are protesting having an openly gay kid playing the lead role AND he wakes up to find his voice is cracking and changing. How can he do the job he loves without the voice that got him that job?

Though Nikhil is famous, he faces many of the same insecurities and fears that tweens and teens encounter daily. He’s grappling with his sense of self, his belonging in a new community, and complicated family dynamics. This book is engaging, funny, heartfelt, and real. Nikhil and his family are East Indian. Nikhil is openly gay, and though his mother is supportive, not all adults in his family and community feel the same way. The issues of bullying, homophobia, and racism are addressed in age-appropriate ways and will resonate with young readers. Hand this book to fans of Rebecca Stead, Barbara Dee, and the like. Recommended for readers 4th grade and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars