Format: Chapter Book Fiction

Race for the Escape

Race for the EscapeRace for the Escape by Christopher Edge
Published by Delacorte Press on July 5, 2022
ISBN: 0593486013
Pages: 176
Genres: Adventure, Mystery
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

“Race for the Escape” by Christopher Edge is an adventure featuring several tweens who take part in “The Escape,” a supposedly impossible escape room. Ami, Adjoa, Oscar, Ibrahim, and Min discover that this is no ordinary escape room and that they will need to use all of their skills to “Find the Answer, Save the World” and get out alive.

An exciting middle grade book filled with adventure and mystery, readers will enjoy trying to solve the riddles along with the main characters and guessing what will happen next. A solid purchase for your library collection where adventure/puzzle books, like the Mr. Lemoncello series, are popular.

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

three-stars

The Little Bad Book

The Little Bad BookThe Little Bad Book #1 by Magnus Myst, Thomas Hussung
Published by Delacorte Press on June 28, 2022
ISBN: 0593427610
Pages: 128
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, Humor
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
two-stars

“The Little Bad Book” by Magnus Myst is a choose-your-own-adventure type novel where readers attempt to help the book (yes, the book is a character in the book) become truly bad. Readers are asked to lie, curse, and solve riddles in order to help the book truly be bad. The book says that it is bad to do these things, but kids might not understand, due to the fact that the book is asking them to do these bad things.

Illustrations are both fun and creepy, and add to the general bad-ness that the book is going for. The book itself has funny moments and the puzzles are fun to solve, but I’m not sure who the target audience is. Stories are dark, with kids dying (one actually dies laughing) and one former reader who became a ghost. Recommended for ages 9 – 12, this book is a supplemental purchase for middle grade collections.

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

two-stars

The Notebook Keeper: A Story of Kindness From the Border

The Notebook Keeper: A Story of Kindness From the BorderThe Notebook Keeper: A Story of Kindness from the Border by Stephen Briseño, Magdalena Mora
Published by Random House Studio on June 28, 2022
ISBN: 0593307054
Pages: 40
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Written with deep compassion and knowledge of the immigrant situation at the Mexican border, “The Notebook Keeper” is a valuable book. After a mother tells her daughter that they must leave their village and seek refuge in the USA, their long walk begins. Readers see what Noemi packs for her trip and then follow in their footsteps as mother and child approach the border. Before the tall wall and the solders posted there is a large group of people from many countries. This story highlights the long wait, fear of the unknown, and the lack of compassion given to those waiting to be called to apply for asylum. Illustrations are varied as they depict the mood of those waiting and the cultural use of bright color. Two-page spreads add volume to the crowd of people and reflect the tension felt by those waiting. Everyday life at the border is depicted in a series of circles which provide dimension to the story line. The shining light is the woman who holds the all-important notebook which records all those waiting their turn. It is the kindness of Belinda that gives this story meaning as well as offers hope. “The Notebook Keeper” is based on real people who waited and volunteered at the Mexican border until Covid-19 closed it. Factual background material and a selected source list are included for readers.

This is a story that needs to be shared, read, and discussed beyond the K-grade 3 audience. Primary and intermediate media center librarians should purchase a copy and all public librarians are encouraged to do the same. Schools at all levels and churches who support social justice will want to include this book on their reading list. Recommend as a book discussion title.

Reviewed by Jan Hamilton, retired Youth Services Librarian

five-stars

Little Houses

Little HousesLittle Houses by Kevin Henkes, Laura Dronzek
Published by Greenwillow Books on May 24, 2022
ISBN: 0062965727
Pages: 40
Genres: Animals, Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Natural curiosity is the theme that evolves throughout this picture book. Youngsters who have walked along a seashore beach are sure to identify with the illustrations and text. Those children who are not familiar with a seaside environment are in for a delightful experience as they stroll along with generic grandparents. Henkes catches the sounds of the sea as he develops the story to embrace what critters live within shells and wonder what lives below the surf. The second part of this book shares a sense of wonder as the young girl expresses her desire to know more. She and the audience are charmed by everything they have seen and want to learn more. The illustrations which were painted by Dronzek offer a birds-eye view of a perfect stretch of sandy beach. Color is used to emphasis the text and the animals are mostly in good proportion to the characters. Each shell is correctly drawn and most of the other marine species are accurately shown. One double page spread however shows a marine mammal (whale) that is incorrectly referred to as a big fish. Best of all is the emphasis placed on only removing from the beach shells that have no critters living in them.

This is a good book for primary grade nature study and great for families who love outdoor activities. May all children have the opportunity to view little marine houses and be able to take a couple empty shells home, if allowed by beach rules. Primary and nursery schools located in states that have ocean coastline should add this title to their picture book shelves. Public libraries ought to seriously consider including this book in their collections for families who have access to seaside beaches.

Reviewed by Jan Hamilton, retired Youth Services Librarian

four-stars

Manatee Summer

Manatee SummerManatee Summer by Evan Griffith
Published by Quill Tree Books on June 28, 2022
ISBN: 0063094916
Pages: 288
Genres: Adventure, Animals
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

An endearing adventure and scientific research novel which might best be noted as a middle grade coming-of-age story. Griffith has created two intriguing characters who are experiencing a unique summer, what should be their best summer ever. Pain, fear, loss of confidence, and family problems are all visible as Peter and Tommy interact in a somewhat dishonest relationship. Other characters are developed enough to hold their place in the story but it is a Florida manatee named Zoe who holds the story line in place. Unsettled parents, a failing grandfather, naturalists, and a grouchy neighbor contribute to the action which never stops from cover to cover.

The struggle these characters face is typical in society. Readers will encounter divorce, dementia in a grandparent, climate change, and an upcoming long-distance move. Each issue is enough to turn the life of a middle grader upside-down.

Griffith’s first novel is bound to be a favorite for juvenile readers. Those interested in marine animals and the scientific research method are sure to become engrossed by this story. Zoe may appear on the cover but this book is about relationships and struggles for humans and animals as well as their interaction. Future naturalist will be delighted with the field study notebook (Discovery Journal) and the marine scientists introduced within the story line. Add to intermediate school and middle school collections and include in public library juvenile collections.

Reviewed by Jan Hamilton, retired Youth Services Librarian

five-stars

The Hurricanes of Weakerville

The Hurricanes of WeakervilleThe Hurricanes of Weakerville by Chris Rylander
Published by Walden Pond Press on June 28, 2022
ISBN: 006232750X
Pages: 432
Genres: Humor, Sports
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

In his newest book for middle grade readers, Chris Rylander introduces us to Alex Weakerman, a lovable misfit who is obsessed with the struggling independent league baseball team of his hometown, the Weakerville Hurricanes. Alex can’t play baseball, but he grew up going to games with his grandfather, who owns the team, and he knows the sport better than anyone else. When his grandfather dies, he makes Alex the manager of the Hurricanes. Despite being in middle school, Alex takes on this challenge, knowing that if his team doesn’t make the playoffs (which is a longshot), the new owner will dissolve it at the end of the season. Most of the team left when Alex was announced as manager, so Alex is left with a team of some professional players but also locals, like farmers and high school students. This would be hard for anyone, but especially for Alex who has Flumpo, the complete inability to speak coherently to anyone except his best friend. The Hurricanes of Weakerville is primarily a humorous book about baseball. Alex talks about strategy, statistics, and baseball magic, which fans can appreciate. There is well written in-game action that makes this a fast-paced book. Alex also undergoes character development as he learns what it means to be a friend and teammate and learns to have more confidence in himself. This is a fun, lighthearted read.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

three-stars

Mystery of the Lost Lynx

Mystery of the Lost LynxMystery of the Lost Lynx (Cooper and Packrat, #5) by Tamra Wight, Carl DiRocco
Published by Islandport Press on May 17, 2022
ISBN: 1952143365
Pages: 240
Genres: Mystery
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

In this fifth installment of Cooper & Packrat (or as I like to think of them as modern day Hardy Boys), the unique wintertime setting is at the Wilder family campground in Maine. Aspiring game warden Cooper Wilder and his friend Packrat, the boy of many pockets, are setting up for the winter festival when they learn of a poacher in the area. These eco-mysteries are fun to read and the environmental intrigue is perfect for outdoorsy middle-grade readers. They are also good read alouds, especially for predicting what will happen, but I would start with the first book. Tamara Wight is from Maine.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

four-stars

The Summer of Bitter and Sweet

The Summer of Bitter and SweetThe Summer of Bitter and Sweet by Jen Ferguson
Published by Heartdrum on May 10, 2022
ISBN: 0063086166
Pages: 384
Genres: Realistic Fiction, Romance
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

On the Canadian prairie a Metis Native family maintains a life style that includes financial worry, racial prejudice, fear of violence, and social discrimination. As a recent high school graduate, Lou is about to spend her last summer scooping ice cream at her family business. Fear and a slowly revealed pattern of lies surrounds her family and extended relationships. As the story progresses so do the truths which include sexual, emotional, and physical abuse. This story is relatable to many females but all the more to Native women in past and current society. The biggest truth is told by the author as she unwinds a dramatic and confusing life story which is all too real. Lou’s character grows stronger as the text progresses making this a hopeful coming- of-age story. Supporting characters are both winners and losers; it is King who stands out as the strongest and most understanding.

A very valuable part of the story is the revelation that Lou does not possess what might be considered normal sexual attraction. Fear that something is wrong with her is magnified when her birth father attempts to enter her life. The dialog constantly reveals deep secrets that have affected the extended family and community.

This is an ambitious book by a debut author and readers will be waiting for her future books. It is worth noting that chapters start with information related to the ice cream made by Lou’s uncle. Each little ditty provides a hint of the story’s ending. Librarians need to place this title in their YA sections and call attention to its many themes. Teens need to be aware of the hurt and pain suffered by those discriminated against as well as those abused. The “Summer of Bitter and Sweet“ is perfect for a mother/ teen daughter book group.

Reviewed by Jan Hamilton, retired Youth Services Librarian

four-stars

Emily’s Big Discovery

Emily’s Big DiscoveryEmily’s Big Discovery (The World of Emily Windsnap, #1) by Joanie Stone, Liz Kessler
Series: The World of Emily Windsnap #1
Published by Candlewick Press on April 12, 2022
ISBN: 1536215228
Pages: 64
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

“Emily’s Big Discovery” is the start of an early chapter book series based on the middle grade “Emily Windsnap” mermaid books. Written by Liz Kessler and illustrated by Joanie Stone, the story follows Emily, a young girl who discovers that she can turn into a mermaid when she gets wet. The middle grade series has been a popular bestseller and this adapted version will probably be popular with younger readers who may not be ready yet for the longer books. Illustrations are fun and colorful. Aimed at kids age 6 – 9, this is a recommended purchase where early chapter books are popular.

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

three-stars

Hangman’s Crossing

Hangman’s CrossingEmbassy of the Dead: Hangman's Crossing by Taryn Knight, Will Mabbitt
Series: Embassy of the Dead #2
Published by Walker Books US on October 26, 2021
ISBN: 153621048X
Pages: 240
Genres: Adventure
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

“Hangman’s Crossing” is the second book in the Embassy of the Dead series written by Will Mabbit and illustrated by Taryn Knight. Jake Green now has a job at the Embassy of the Dead, since he helped a ghost pass to the Afterworld in book 1. With his ghost partner, Cora, he helps ghosts pass on. While working on a routine undoing, Jake overhears a plot to bring a demon through to the realm of the living and apparently he’s one of the only people who can stop it.

A humorous middle grade fantasy book set mostly in the realm of the dead, Jake is an unlikely and reluctant hero. The minimal illustrations are done in a dark pencil style and add to the overall creepiness of the book. Being brave and facing your fears is interwoven with humor and low-key creepiness that you would expect from the land of the dead. Recommended for ages 8 – 12, this book is a good additional purchase if you already have the first in the series and it has proven popular.

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

three-stars