Format: Chapter Book Fiction

You Only Live Once, David Bravo

You Only Live Once, David BravoYou Only Live Once, David Bravo by Mark Oshiro
Published by HarperCollins on September 20, 2022
ISBN: 0063008157
Pages: 384
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

David Bravo is cursed. He doesn’t know his birth parents, he’s starting middle school and is not in any classes with his best friend Antoine, and worst of all, he gets sick at track practice, causing Antoine to trip and injure himself. Things take a weird turn for David when Fea, a talking dog, informs David that she can take him back to a point in his past so he can make a different decision and create a better outcome. Unfortunately, no matter how many times David and Fea try, they can’t seem to make his terrible first day of middle school any better. The first part of the novel revolves around the fact that David’s parents had a closed adoption, so he knows nothing of his cultural heritage, except that he identifies as Latinx. The book takes a turn in the middle when Fea raises a question about a different aspect of David’s identity, wondering if David’s strong feelings of friendship for Antoine might be something more. The pace of the novel picks up at the end as David learns more about himself and his surprising connection to Fea. This middle grade novel is a fun story about acceptance, family, and not being afraid to be true to yourself.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

four-stars

Heroes Like Us

Heroes Like UsHeroes Like Us: Two Stories: The Day We Met the Queen; The Great Food Bank Heist by Onjali Q Ra�f
Published by Delacorte Press on November 15, 2022
ISBN: 0593488199
Pages: 176
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Heroes Like Us by Onjali Q. Rauf is a book made up of two novellas that deal with important social issues in a simple and kid-friendly way. The first story, “The Day We Met the Queen,” is a sequel to the “Boy in the Back of the Class,” which is about a student who is also a Syrian refugee. Readers do not need to have read that story to understand and enjoy this one. In this installment, a group of young friends prepare to meet the Queen of England, but they face bullying and harassment from people who don’t believe England should support refugees. As a result, the kids have to figure out a way to get by the protestors and get to Buckingham Palace on time!

The second story, “The Great Food Bank Heist,” follows a different group of friends who are trying to figure out who is stealing food from the Food Bank. They stealthily stake out the local grocery store, trying to catch the culprit. This story offers readers a glimpse into the struggles that hungry children and their families face on a daily basis. Both of these stories would be appropriate for students in grades 3-5, because while the stories raise awareness of important issues, they offer hope, and there is still enough action to keep readers interested. The author’s note at the end of the book provides factual information about refugees and food insecurity, encourages readers to ask questions, and mentions ways children can help.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

four-stars

Crimson Twill: Witch in the City

Crimson Twill: Witch in the CityCrimson Twill: Witch in the City by Kallie George, Birgitta Sif
Published by Candlewick Press on July 12, 2022
ISBN: 1536214639
Pages: 64
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Crimson Twill is a very unusual young witch. She doesn’t wear black, doesn’t wear pointy shoes, and is exceedingly kind. When her mother agrees to take her on a shopping excursion to Broomingdale’s in the big city, Crimson is thrilled by the idea of spending the coins she has earned from doing chores. The surprise for the young witch is that she never manages to spend her coins, but has several adventures in Broomingdale’s, gaining something far more valuable than money can buy in the process… new friends.

This cute beginning chapter book teaches the important lesson that money is not necessary to find happiness and friendship. It would also make a fun addition to any Halloween display.

Reviewed by Crystal Wilder, University of Maine, Gorham Campus Library

three-stars

A Place to Call Home

A Place to Call HomeOur Friend Hedgehog: A Place to Call Home by Lauren Castillo
Published by Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers on October 18, 2022
ISBN: 1524766747
Pages: 144
Genres: Adventure, Animals, Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

This adorable sequel to Our Friend Hedgehog: The Story of Us is heartwarming and beautifully illustrated. The story follows Hedgehog as he goes on an adventure to find his own kind and his loyal friends are there to help him on his journey. This story of friendship and perseverance leaves the reader smiling. The illustrations are bright and help pull the reader into the world of Hedgehog. This book is a great addition to any library.

Reviewed by Erin Scott, MSAD 75 Woodside

five-stars

Belittled Women

Belittled WomenBelittled Women by Amanda Sellet
Published by Clarion Books on November 29, 2022
ISBN: 0358567351
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Jo Porter’s mother has inherited an old farmhouse in Kansas. A lifelong lover of “Little Women”, she sees it as the perfect opportunity to make a living while sharing her obsession with the world. Only for Jo, it’s just soul sucking utter humiliation. She and her two sisters, Meg and Amy, along with “Marmee” perform in their family’s live theater production along with the often re-cast “sister” Beth, cute boy friend “Laurie” and occasional other side characters, including the cute boy next door. When her mother arranges for a New York based journalist (and her cute son) to come to Kansas to do a story on their so-called tourist attraction, Jo’s humiliation and desire to be free of her family’s odd business deepens.

This quick reading rom-com has all the elements you’d expect – funny references to the original Alcott book, witty dialogue, hook ups, break ups, and teen angst. And while this is a nice light-hearted read, the author does explore some of the bigger issues that teens face, including family loyalty, self-respect, bouncing back from mistakes, and knowing what you want your future to look like. There was brief mention of darker, harder issues facing one of the sisters, but these were unfortunately glossed over towards the end of the book, which was a shame.

A fun read recommended for grades 8 and up.

Reviewed by Lee Remick, York Middle School

three-stars

Children of the Stone City

Children of the Stone CityChildren of the Stone City by Beverley Naidoo
Published by Quill Tree Books on October 4, 2022
ISBN: 006309696X
Pages: 240
Genres: Science Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Brother and sister Adam and Laila live in the Stone City where they have a loving family, live well, and have advantages like attending a private music school for lessons. However, they are “Nons”, and are forced to live as second class citizens under the ruling class of “Permitteds”. And while their father is a successful archaeologist, their mother lives in constant fear of being deported beyond the wall of the city. Nons are often forced out of their homes by Permitted families, must follow all the rules and laws or risk being arrested, and live in a constant state of fear. After their father dies, things take a turn for the worse when Adam and Laila, along with their cousin Zak, are engaged in a confrontation with some Permitted children. Adam and Zak are subsequently arrested and their future is in peril, along with Adam and Laila’s mother due to her immigration status.

While the Stone City is a fictional place in a dystopian society, Adam and Laila’s overall day-to-day existence is reflective of many of the societies today facing social injustice. Although a bit slow in the beginning, the action picks up substantially in the second half of the book, and the author does not shy away from weighty themes of oppression and injustice. The book also includes some chapters in verse, and references folk tales, music and stories in a lovely bit of juxtaposition.

A solid pick for any young readers who love reading books with social justice themes. Recommended for ages 10 – 13.

Reviewed by Lee Remick, York Middle School

three-stars

McTavish on the Move

McTavish on the MoveMcTavish on the Move by Meg Rosoff, Grace Easton
Published by Candlewick Press on June 28, 2022
ISBN: 1536213764
Pages: 96
Genres: Humor
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

This middle grade chapter book, with grayscale illustrations scattered throughout, tells the amusing tale of McTavish the multi-breed dog who lives with and looks out for the quirky Peachey family. His favorite human is their youngest daughter, Betty. One day, Pa Peachey returns home in an alarming state… he is uncharacteristically happy! This is such a departure from his usual grumpy self that the whole family, including McTavish, is a bit panicked. Pa has a new job that will require the whole family to relocate; new house, new schools, new neighborhood, and new friends! This book takes a fun and gentle look at changes and the uncertainties that accompany them. McTavish comes up with a truly unique solution for Betty’s anxieties and brilliantly introduces her to her new schoolmates in the process, without ever speaking a human word. Also, Pa Peachey reassuringly returns to his morose self after the first day at his new job reveals it’s the same as his old job, “only more so”.

Recommended for early chapter book readers who like dogs and humor. It would also be ideal for children who are relocating, or having to switch schools.

Reviewed by Crystal Wilder, University of Southern Maine, Gorham Campus Library

four-stars

Operation Do-Over

Operation Do-OverOperation Do-Over by Gordon Korman
Published by HarperCollins US on June 1, 2022
ISBN: 0063032740
Pages: 304
Genres: Humor, Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

The adorable illustration of the sheepdog on the cover of this book drew me in, but though Korman’s books are usually enjoyable, this one missed its mark and the plot of the book did not entirely reflect the promise of the cover.

Mason and Ty were the very best of friends until seventh grade when Mason kissed the new girl, Ava Petrakis. Mason and Ty both had a crush on Ava and had agreed to a “non-Ava treaty,” which Mason breaks. The two argue and five years later still have not made up.

While driving home from school, Mason has a car accident, and wakes up to find out that he is twelve again. This is his chance to redo his life and avoid the mistakes that he’d made in the past. This too familiar, “Back-to-the Future” plot, which also shows up in another Korman book, “Restart” (which is better in my opinion), falls flat. Narration alternates between Mason at age 12 and at age 17 making it unclear as to which age the book is geared. The theme that choices you make today can affect you later in life is a worthy one for middle schoolers to consider, but it feels like the book will flounder for lack of audience.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

 

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

The first book of a series. In this first book, Violet, a prophet influencing the royal court with her cleverly phrased divinations, and the not-so-charming Prince Cyrus are at odds, but the reader is not quite sure why. Violet saved Cyrus from being killed by a carriage when he was a young boy, consequently attaining the role as the castle seer. Their enemies-to-lovers relationship develops as they try to save the kingdom from a web of deceit. The fairy tale inspired world-building is more atmospheric than your typical high-fantasy settings, which is enjoyable. Violet is a snarky first-person narrator but at times her snark distracts from the fantasy-building world due to her modern-day vernacular. The story drags in the middle but was engaging enough to continue reading to learn what happens. However, as this is book one, the resolution will have to wait for book two. The supporting characters of Dante and Camilla were engaging, but Prince Cyrus was only a meh character.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

three-stars

The Epic Story of Every Living Thing

The Epic Story of Every Living ThingThe Epic Story of Every Living Thing by Deb Caletti
Published by Labyrinth Road on September 13, 2022
ISBN: 0593485505
Pages: 416
Genres: Adventure, Realistic Fiction, Romance
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

“The Epic Story of Every Living Thing” is a coming-of-age story wrapped in layers of self-doubt and the need to find personal identity. Raised by her mother, Harper is aware that her life started with the aid of a sperm donor. Her journey to learn about her donor starts when a half sibling makes contact. What began as a curiosity becomes an intense challenge fueled by emotion and parental disapproval. Readers travel with Harper and experience her feelings as she discovers more and more half siblings, and each of these characters brings something special to the book.

Beyond the search for identity, this story provides awareness of environmental groups, lost items at sea, and the plans of the US military. Caletti’s extensive research concerning sunken ships and the procedures to remove them is obvious in the crafting of the story and her strong writing brings to life the the book’s action so much so that during dive scenes, readers can almost feel the temperature of the water and see the underwater creatures and sunken treasure.

Highly recommended for high school and YA collections in public libraries.

Reviewed by Jan Hamilton, Retired Youth Services Librarian

five-stars