Format: Chapter Book Fiction

River

RiverRiver (Warriors: A Starless Clan, #1) by Erin Hunter
Published by HarperCollins on April 5, 2022
ISBN: 0063050080
Pages: 272
Genres: Animals, Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

The book starts with 8 pages of cats, listed by clan, grouped by status within the clan (leader, warrior, etc.), and gives the cats’ names followed by a color description. The book focuses on three cats: Flamepaw, an apprentice warrior trying to live up to his family’s warrior legacy; Sunbeam, a warrior with drama in her life involving a friend; and Frostpaw, a medicine cat apprentice with many responsibilities being thrust on her. This is Book 1 of a new series, the seventh in the extensive canon within Hunter’s Warriors books. This first book is the perfect introduction for new readers, while long-time fans will discover what unfolds after the events of The Broken Code. Faithful readers will eat up the new storyline and the many open strands at the end of the book promise more adventure and intrigue to come.

Reviewed by Betsey Noble, Marcia Buker Elementary School

three-stars

The Black Slide

The Black SlideThe Black Slide Published by HarperCollins on August 16, 2022
ISBN: 0062990551
Pages: 272
Genres: Horror, Historical Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction, Board Book
Goodreads
three-stars

Fifth-grader Griffin knows there is something strange about the new piece of playground equipment that suddenly appears at his school. After his classmates start to disappear, he accidentally follows his friend Laila though it and finds a world populated by pain-loving creatures made of rock and stone who are torturing the kids in a quest for immortality.

Griffin is no stranger to pain, thanks to an abusive father, but does he have what it takes to stand up to an entire dimension based on torture and angst?

Fans of Hellraiser will recognize the Merciless (the pain creatures) as Cenobites. This is no accident; in his acknowledgement Ocker mentions his “Hellraiser for kids” idea. Is Hellraiser for kids a good idea? It really could have been. Between great world-building and the edgy risk of the entire concept, there is a lot to offer here. Unfortunately, the characters would have been much more relatable had they been a little older. Because they’re supposed to be 10-11 years old, the dialog is unconvincing and weakens the character development. This might not bother some readers who are looking for unique middle grade horror, so cautiously recommended for middle grade horror fans.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

three-stars

The Little Bad Book 2

The Little Bad Book 2The Little Bad Book #2: Even More Dangerous! by Magnus Myst, Thomas Hussung
Published by Delacorte Press on October 11, 2022
ISBN: 0593427645
Pages: 160
Genres: Fantasy, Suspense
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
two-stars

The possessed little book is back and this time readers need to solve its riddles and read through its stories in order to get it to spill a massive secret, while sparring with a young girl named Sweet Marie who disapproves of all of this.

For those who enjoyed the first book, this is more of the same; choose-your-own-adventure, math problems, stories, riddles, gross-out humor, etc. For those who did not enjoy the first, this will be a similar experience as well, but with body-shaming thrown in.

The audience for this book is unclear so it’s difficult to recommend for either school or public libraries.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

two-stars

I am the Ghost in Your House

I am the Ghost in Your HouseI Am the Ghost in Your House by Maria Romasco Moore
Published by Delacorte Press on April 19, 2022
ISBN: 0593177215
Pages: 432
Genres: Supernatural
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
two-stars

“I am the Ghost in Your House” by Maria Romasco-Moore is surprisingly NOT a horror novel and is NOT about a ghost. Pie is like any other teenager with the exception of being invisible to everyone except for her mother, who is also invisible. The novel follows Pie as she tries to make friends, despite her mother’s rules that they leave no trace of themselves and hide away from people as much as possible. Pie’s mother was visible once, but developed the invisibility to cope with abuse. The idea of feeling/being invisible will resonate with many readers. The premise is interesting, but doesn’t feel fully fleshed out and could use more worldbuilding.  A young adult novel, “I am the Ghost in Your House,” should be an additional purchase for your library’s collection, but not a must-buy.

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

two-stars

Cake Eater

Cake EaterCake Eater by Allyson Dahlin
Published by HarperTeen on August 9, 2022
ISBN: 0063096773
Pages: 448
Genres: Historical Fiction, Science Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Have you ever wondered what would happen if you took the history of Marie Antoinette and stuck her in the far off future? Wonder no more. “Cake Eater” by Allyson Dahlin is a young adult science fiction novel set in 3070 where Maria Antonia, social media superstar, is sent to the Franc Kingdom to wed royal Louis-Auguste. This is a unique take on historical fiction and seems mostly true to the history even within this futuristic and dystopian world. Characters are believable, but parts of the futuristic world seem unbelievable; will texting really still be a thing over a thousand years from now?

Written for teens, this ya novel will appeal to fans of history (especially those interested in the French Revolution) and science fiction readers, but is not a must-buy for your library collection. Purchase for collections where futuristic historical fiction is popular.

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

three-stars

Violet Made of Thorns

Violet Made of ThornsViolet Made of Thorns (Violet Made of Thorns, #1) by Gina Chen
Published by Delacorte Press on July 26, 2022
ISBN: 059342753X
Pages: 368
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

“Violet Made of Thorns” by Gina Chen is a young adult enemies to lovers fantasy novel. Violet is the new Seer of the kingdom of Auveny and must deal with the internal politics and schemes while figuring out what she truly wants. Prince Cyrus is the cursed “enemy” love interest, though the romantic tension seems forced and both characters are difficult to like.

The worldbuilding Chen has done is creative and the fairy tale influences will remind you that many of them are much darker than we remember. Written for older teens and new adults, this book is not a must-buy, but would fit in well if YA enemies to lovers fantasies are popular at your library.

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

three-stars

Dear Friends

Dear FriendsDear Friends by Lisa Greenwald
Published by Katherine Tegen Books on May 10, 2022
ISBN: 0063062674
Pages: 336
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

“Dear Friends,” a middle grade novel by Lisa Greenwald, will take you back to middle school where friendship and drama go hand in hand. The main character, Leni, is understandably upset when she isn’t invited to her best friend Sylvie’s sleepover. She realizes that she has had other friendships that have faded away in the past and does an investigation to find out why this happened.

The book has plenty of middle school humor and drama, and Leni discovers some very interesting things about herself and about how to be a good friend.  A useful addition to your middle grade collection, but not a must-buy.

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

three-stars

Well, That Was Unexpected

Well, That Was UnexpectedWell, That Was Unexpected by Jesse Q. Sutanto
Published by Delacorte Press on September 27, 2022
ISBN: 0593433971
Pages: 352
Genres: Humor, Realistic Fiction, Romance
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

A fun Crazy-Rich-Asians-style novel written for a YA audience.

Sharlot and George are two teens in Jakarta, Indonesia (she’s an Indo-American visiting family for the summer, he’s from a super-wealthy Indo family) whose parents – his dad, her mom – unknowingly catfish each other on a dating app on behalf of their respective teen. Their efforts to impress each other by boasting of exaggerated traditional virtues do not represent either teen, so neither looks forward to meeting the other. When they do meet, however, they are attracted to each other – though that attraction is complicated by them each believing the other to be also different (and less likeable) due to their (parent created) online persona. Neither is honest with the other, fearing rejection. Ultimately, an ambitious reporter exposes all in a cringe-worthy reveal that finally brings the only dragging plot point (constant looping thoughts from both characters about what would happen if they were honest) to a close.

The novel, told in alternating POV from both Sharlot and George, has laugh-out-loud moments, and also tackles some high interest topics that teens all over the world deal with: social media; double standards for boys and girls (even in the same situation); insecurities; family dynamics in a media-obsessed (and accessible) age. The book is set in Indonesia, so there is also plenty of scenery, food, and culture to soak up – I felt a little like I was on a mini-vacation while reading it. Great for teens who like lighthearted realistic fiction. Ages 14+.

Reviewed by Jenny Martinez Nocito, Maine State Library

five-stars

Dark Room Etiquette

Dark Room EtiquetteDark Room Etiquette by Robin Roe
Published by HarperTeen on October 11, 2022
ISBN: 0063051737
Pages: 512
Genres: Horror
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Sayers Wayte is kidnapped by a man who informs him that the life he’s lived so far is a lie. Locked in a room with no hope of release and very little information about why, Sayers must figure out a say to survive and hold onto his sanity. What starts out as another YA novel about a privileged high school student turns into a thriller.

Sayers has everything going for him yet he becomes drawn into a horrific situation that is bound to make readers uncomfortable. Roe’s character is confident in his ability to influence people and to manipulate his surroundings until he is unable to control anything. Other characters introduced in the first 80 pages are less defined until readers meet Caleb. Horror, cruelty and absence of reality account for the turn this novel takes. While the plot does truly thicken it is the alternate reality that makes this psychological thriller an emotional read.

Although not a book for all students this deserves a place in any collection where YA thrillers are appreciated. Young adult and adult Stephen King readers will enjoy this survival story of a resilient teen.

Reviewed by Jan Hamilton, Retired Youth Services Librarian

four-stars

Clarice Bean Thinks Like an Elf

Clarice Bean Thinks Like an ElfClarice Bean, Think Like an Elf by Lauren Child
Published by Candlewick Press on September 13, 2022
Pages: 240
Genres: Humor, Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

A middle grade Christmas novel illustrated with Child’s appealing sketch-and-collage designs. Illustrations are playful, storyline is entertaining, messages are positive, ending is happy. Given Clarice Bean’s popularity, this will probably be a holiday book that will circulate, especially among young middle grade readers looking for something seasonal.
Recommend for ages 8-12.

Reviewed by Jenny Martinez Nocito, Maine State Library

three-stars