Format: Chapter Book Fiction

Witchwood

WitchwoodWitchwood (Ravenfall #3) by Kalyn Josephson
Series: Ravenfall #3
Published by Delacorte Press on October 1, 2024
ISBN: 0593708822
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

In this third installment of Kalyn Josephson’s Ravenfall series, best friends Anna, a witch,  and Colin, a Raven, have a mystery to solve in Witchwood. They must figure out who is kidnapping witches in the magical town of Witchwood and how to stop them before Anna becomes the next victim.  When they arrive in town, they stay with Anna’s Aunt Miriam and cousin Leah, who Anna has never met before.  Initially Anna and Leah don’t hit it off.  Leah seems jealous of Anna’s magical abilities while also looking down at her because she doesn’t know much about their shared Jewish heritage.  Meanwhile, Colin must face his own insecurities as people in town are suspicious because he is a Raven and he doesn’t feel prepared for this first solo Raven mission.  The trust the three teenagers slowly build is put to the test when Aunt Miriam is captured.  In their attempt to rescue her, they are put in dangerous situations, fighting strong magical strangers and others they thought were friends.  They are forced to put all of their newfound magical skills to the test in order to save Leah’s mom and the other witches who have gone missing.

Upper elementary readers who enjoyed the first two books in the series will no doubt enjoy this one as well.  The suspense builds as witches continue to go missing, culminating in some intense action scenes at the end of the book when Anna, Colin, and Leah battle vindictive and vengeful creatures. The fantasy elements are believable, the characters are well-rounded, and the inclusion of Jewish folklore and religious elements adds a unique element to this novel.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

three-stars

The Glass Girl

The Glass GirlThe Glass Girl by Kathleen Glasgow
on October 1, 2024
ISBN: 0525708081
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction, Young Adult
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

“The Glass Girl” is a teen/YA realistic fiction novel by Kathleen Glasgow. Bella is a fifteen-year-old with an alcohol problem. She started drinking at age 11 and has gotten very good at getting adults to purchase her alcohol outside liquor stores. She thinks that drinking is the way to deal with her past traumas, but when she ends up in the hospital for alcohol poisoning, her mom sends her to an outdoor rehab program.

This story obviously contains heavy topics like addiction, emotional trauma, and rehab. Bella’s character is very well crafted and will make the reader hope for the best. Lots of setbacks, but an overall message of hope, this is a recommended purchase for YA collections where realistic fiction is popular.

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

four-stars

The Frindle Files

The Frindle FilesThe Frindle Files by Andrew Clements
on August 27, 2024
ISBN: 0399557636
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Frindle lovers will enjoy this many-years in the future sequel (and won’t need to read Frindle first to enjoy the Frindle Files). Josh is frustrated that his ELA teacher does not use, or allow the use of technology, in his class. All homework assignments are hand-written and each student must bring their Strunk and White’s The Elements of Style book – not the ebook – to class every day. When Josh’s pen runs out of ink, he borrows one from his mom. The pen has the mysterious word “frindle” printed on it which leads to a google search about that time when a student coined the word frindle and it became somewhat of a viral event. The more Josh learns about frindles, the more he suspects his teacher knows all about frindles and sets out to prove it. Josh is a coder and finds it hard to let go of technology in ELA class and when he downloads an ebook version of The Elements of Style, it quickly becomes clear he has downloaded a pirated and typo-riddled version. There is an interesting juxtaposition between the rules for writing (Elements of Style) and the rules for coding (Python) and binary code scattered throughout the book translates into a secret message. Josh and his classmates rediscover Charlotte’s Web when they realize the connection to The Elements of Style.

Reviewed by Karen Sandlin Silverman, Mt. Ararat Middle School, Topsham

four-stars

Farrah Noorzad and the Ring of Fate

Farrah Noorzad and the Ring of FateFarrah Noorzad and the Ring of Fate by Deeba Zargarpur
on July 2, 2024
ISBN: 0593564413
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Farrah’s father visits her one day each year and her parents steadfastly refuse to explain why she never can visit him or why they only see each other annually. During his latest visit, they spend time rock-climbing and hiking. After the hike, her father hands her a box containing a ring and asks her if she would make a wish if she knew an object gave her the power to make the wish come true. When she holds the ring she is thinking about her father and her family and he suddenly disappears. Evidently Farrah’s wish causes her father to become trapped in the ring. This allowed a boy to escape from the ring and with the boy’s help, she embarks on a journey to rescue her father by traveling to his jinn world. Her journey is also one of self-discovery where she finally learns more about who she is. This is a terrific middle-grade fantasy novel that deftly balances the real world with the world of the jinn. The book may be a little long for some readers and the ending will leave readers wanting more. Hopefully a sequel is in the works.

Reviewed by Karen Sandlin Silverman, Mt. Ararat Middle School, Topsham

four-stars

Beti and the Little Round House

Beti and the Little Round HouseBeti and the Little Round House by Atinuke, Emily Hughes
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 1536225185
Genres: Adventure, Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure / General
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars
Beti and the Little Round House

Words by Atinuke

Illustrated by Emily Hughes

This book is a collection of four illustrated short stories, one for each season, about a young girl named Beti who lives with her family in a roundhouse in Wales. Young readers who dream of building forts in the woods from found materials in nature will be inspired by Beti’s home; her round house is constructed from thick earth walls, with tree trucks holding up the grassy roof. Beti’s family lives simply- growing and foraging their food, filling water jugs from the nearby stream, and caring for their chickens and horses. Beti, often accompanied by her baby goat, Naughty, turns everyday chores into adventures. Even though Beti may live differently than us, she still has many experiences to which young readers can easily relate; she gets into trouble with her friends, faces consequences of her mistakes, and confronts her fears. The author includes book recommendations for those who wish to learn more about roundhouses, or maybe even attempt to build one. Reading age: 7-9 years, grade level: 2-4.

3 stars

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

three-stars

The Princess in Black and the Kitty Catastrophe

The Princess in Black and the Kitty CatastropheThe Princess in Black and the Kitty Catastrophe by Dean Hale, LeUyen Pham, Shannon Hale
Series: Princess in Black #11
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 1536234095
Genres: Fantasy, Humor
Format: Chapter Book Fiction, Early Reader
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars
This is book 11 in the Princess in Black series, which likely needs no introduction as it is one of the most popular chapter book series. In this episode, the Princess in Black may know how to handle all kinds of monsters, but a naughty kitten named Plumpkins may be her undoing. The gently ironic text will amuse readers, including adults reading the book aloud. The large print and illustrations give newly independent readers a sense of accomplishment. The ending hints at another hero, the Goat Avenger. Princess Magnolia, aka Princess in Black, is ready for her next adventure and so are her readers.

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

four-stars

The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman

The Tenth Mistake of Hank HoopermanThe Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman by Gennifer Choldenko
on June 11, 2024
ISBN: 1524718920
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars
This  book is heartbreaking but also humorous and relevant. Hank, a sixth grader, is left to cope with caring for himself and his 3-year-old sister, Boo, when their alcoholic mother leaves and doesn’t return for a week.  When the landlord threatens an eviction, Hank travels several hours by bus to an old friend of his now deceased grandmother. These strangers are kind to them but the situation does lead to involvement with the foster care system and the threat of being separated. The first-person narrative really engages the reader. I was impressed  with the depiction of Hank’s encounters from his diverse classmates at his new middle school.  A wonderful model for kids about how to treat newcomers to their schools. Plus it is important for readers to imagine what they might do if faced with similar circumstances. This book is not all sadness and consequences though. Hank and Boo are very likable characters. Boo is a hoot! Readers will be relieved when the author gives the pair a mostly happy ending. Highly recommended for 5-8th grade readers.

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library
Nominated for Cream of the Crop.

five-stars

It Happened to Anna

It Happened to AnnaIt Happened to Anna by Tehlor Kay Mejia
on August 6, 2024
ISBN: 0593647033
Genres: Horror, Supernatural
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Scary middle-grade story about Sadie who is cursed by a ghost. The ghost was responsible for what happened to her best friend Anna. Sadie and her dad have moved to leave the ghost – and bad memories – behind. Sadie keeps to herself at school because the ghost seems to have caught up to her and causes minor disturbances like exploding light bulbs. When Sadie makes a new friend, Mal, she dares hope that the ghost will leave her and Mal alone. Sadie starts to question her allegiance to Mal when Mal suggests Sadie prank their classmates and the pranks become meaner and meaner. Readers may be annoyed at some of the typos and will see the big twist coming, but this doesn’t make the story any less scary. Sadie does have suicidal thoughts (thanks to the ghost of course) which may be upsetting for some readers.

Reviewed by Karen Sandlin Silverman, Mt. Ararat Middle School, Topsham

three-stars

Gentlest of Wild Things

Gentlest of Wild ThingsGentlest of Wild Things by Sarah Underwood
on August 15, 2024
ISBN: 0063234521
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction, Young Adult
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars
“Gentlest of Wild Things” is a young adult fiction spin on Greek mythology. The story focuses on twin sisters Eirene and Phoebe, who have managed to avoid being struck with Desire, a magic spell from Leandros (descendant of Eros) that brainwashes women to do his bidding. Unfortunately, Leandros now has set his eyes on Phoebe. Eirene makes a deal with Leandros where she will complete four tasks and marry him instead of Phoebe. Meanwhile she meets Leandros’ hidden daughter Lamia and begins to fall for her.

An interesting read with themes of sisterhood and feminism. Those who are more familiar with Greek mythology may enjoy the book’s twists and reimagining more. A suggested purchase for YA fiction collections where Greek myth retellings like “Lore” are popular.

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

three-stars

The Brightness Between Us

The Brightness Between UsThe Brightness Between Us (The Darkness Outside Us, #2) by Eliot Schrefer
on October 1, 2024
ISBN: 0063343762
Genres: Science Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction, Young Adult
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars
“The Brightness Between Us” is a young adult science fiction novel by Eliot Schrefer. The book is a sequel to Schrefer’s “The Darkness Outside Us.” Ambrose and Kodiak have managed to set up a small settlement on the planet Minerva. They have two teen children grown from embryos: Yarrow and Owl. Yarrow is about to turn 16 and when he does he begins acting out in violent and unexpected ways. The family needs to figure out how to help him, while also preparing for a potentially deadly comet strike.

The story is told from different points of view that tie up together in the end. We get to see how Ambrose and Kodiak handle parenting and how their little family manages. Past actions of  humans involved in the project to get Ambrose and Kodiak to the exoplanet are revealed and we see how they react and cope. A must-buy for YA science fiction collections that have the first book.

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

four-stars