Format: Chapter Book Fiction

Just Right Jillian

Just Right JillianJust Right Jillian by Nicole D. Collier
Published by Versify on February 1, 2022
ISBN: 0358434610
Pages: 224
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

In this novel, debut author Nicole D. Collier introduces readers to Jillian, a 5th grader who needs to find her voice. Jillian knows she is shy, but after letting her rival win a competition because she is afraid of attention, Jillian realizes she isn’t just shy, she is hiding. With the support of her parents, teacher, classmates, and the memory of her late grandmother, Jillian slowly learns to overcome her fears as she realizes she is just right. She begins following her heart and refuses to blend in with the other students and even takes a risk by participating in the school-wide Mind Bender competition. In her quest to gain self-confidence, Jillian makes the connection that she might be just like the chicks hatching in her science class. While this connection could have come across as forced or obvious, Collier instead does a great job weaving together Jillian’s science project and her personal growth as a way to enhance the themes of the story. Collier writes this novel from Jillian’s perspective, drawing readers in as they get to know this smart, thoughtful, creative girl. She creates a likable, relatable character readers can’t help but cheer for. This book is appropriate for 4th-6th graders, especially those who might need a strong example of the rewards that come from learning to speak out loud what’s in your heart.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

five-stars

Glass Slippers

Glass SlippersGlass Slippers (Sisters Ever After #2) by Leah Cypess
Published by Delacorte Press on April 5, 2022
ISBN: 0593178874
Pages: 272
Genres: Fairy Tale
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
two-stars

The protagonist of this book is Tirza, a third and much younger stepsister whom Cinderella takes to the castle with her when she gets married to the prince, after banishing the two elder stepsisters.

Writing style is straightforward. Unfortunately, a promising fractured fairy tale premise (Cinderella is evil! Stepsisters are good!) gets unnecessarily arduous in the second half, ping-ponging back and forth and ultimately disappointing the reader by being confusing and anticlimactic. Most of the relationships between characters are negative and emotionally manipulative – between Tirza and Cinderella, between Cinderella and her stepfamily (okay, that one sticks to the original) and, later, between Tirza and her sisters as well as the fairy godmother figure. Tirza herself is not particularly likeable, which doesn’t help – in the end she has not grown, changed, or learned much at all, just had a really confusing few weeks not knowing who to trust – which has pretty much been her life up to that point anyway.

There are lots of readers (including myself) who enjoy reading revamped fairy tales – there’s so much opportunity for fun, good humor, and reinventing strong female characters, but this book falls short. If your library has a large budget and reader base eager for every retooled fairy tale that comes along, or if there was great enthusiasm for the first book, then you could consider a purchase. It’s fine as a stand-alone as well.

Reviewed by Jenny Martinez Nocito, Maine State Library

two-stars

Camp Famous

Camp FamousCamp Famous by Jennifer Blecher
Published by Greenwillow Books on May 10, 2022
ISBN: 0063140683
Pages: 272
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Abby describes herself as “normal.” She’s just a typical kid, and she’s always wanted to go to sleepover camp. When her parents finally decide to let her go to camp, she’s thrilled. What she doesn’t anticipate, however, is that she’ll be going to Camp Famous—the summer camp where all the famous kids go. She already struggles to fit in at school, how is she going to fit in among a star-studded group of kids? It turns out to be easier than she anticipates, and she learns a lot about herself and friendship along the way.

This book is a fun, lighthearted read perfect for fans of realistic fiction without a ton of drama. Abby’s struggles and insecurities are typical, and readers will immediately identify with her. At first, she tries too hard to impress the famous kids (with some deception about her own famousness), but by the end she realizes that famous kids are just like her. They just want true friendship and to be loved. This is a gentle read great for advanced 2nd and 3rd graders.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

three-stars

Drifters

DriftersDrifters by Kevin Emerson
Published by Walden Pond Press on May 10, 2022
ISBN: 0062976966
Pages: 592
Genres: Adventure, Science Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Jovie’s best friend, Micah, has been missing for 4 months, and all the search parties have been called off. Even stranger, no one seems to remember that Micah ever existed at all. When Jovie and her new friend Sylvan start digging into this mystery, they discover a more sinister side to their town’s history. They also learn that Micah isn’t the only person to have mysteriously been forgetten, and many of these people continue to exist in an alternate realm.

There is so much to this book, and overall it is well done. The plot is quite complex and, at times, a little hard to follow so I wouldn’t recommend this book for young readers (who may be put off by its length anyway). Readers who enjoy mystery with a touch of scifi will really enjoy this read, and the ending definitely leaves the door open for subsequent books. The science fiction aspects of the plot aren’t so over the top so readers who typically don’t choose scifi may still enjoy this book. Recommended for readers 5th grade and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars

A Wizard in the Wood

A Wizard in the WoodThe Wizard in the Wood by Davide Ortu, Louie Stowell
Series: Kit the Wizard, book 3
Published by Walker Books US on May 24, 2022
ISBN: 1536214957
Pages: 224
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

The Wizard in the Wood is the third book in the Kit the Wizard series by Louie Stowell. A cleverly done recap before the story begins gets readers up to speed, even if they haven’t read the first two books. In the magical world Stowell has created, librarians are wizards, dragons sleep under libraries, dreaming of the stories that they are read; and books are portals to other worlds (libraries). Kit, a newly minted wizard, who loves to play outdoors and her bookish friends, Josh and Alita, must protect a dragon egg from evil wizards who want to remake the world (and not in a good way). Though the threat feels real, Stowell interjects humor throughout: “For someone who wants to keep her friends safe, you’re pretty free and easy with the flammable magic,” complained Josh (p. 148). This is also part of the book’s theme: friends help each other get stronger, rather than sheltering them from all harm. Stowell quietly alludes to a diverse cast of character that Ortu depicts in the digitally created illustrations. Future dragon minders will appreciate the “Guide to Baby Dragon Care” at the back of the book.

The Wizard in the Wood is fast-paced, funny, and rollicking. Readers who enjoy the “Dragon Masters” series and are ready to move on from shorter chapter books but not quite ready for Harry Potter, will appreciate the magical world Stowell has created here. Teachers and librarians will revel in the way multiple genres (poetry, comics) are given props, reinforcing the message that reading is reading, whether it is prose, poem, or picture.

This is a great story to read to any dragon sleeping under the library.

Reviewed by Deanna Contrino, Young School Library, Saco

five-stars

Winnie Zeng Unleashes A Legend

Winnie Zeng Unleashes A LegendWinnie Zeng Unleashes a Legend by Katie Zhao
Published by Random House Books for Young Readers on April 26, 2022
ISBN: 0593426576
Pages: 288
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Winnie Zeng is an overachiever, an eleven-year-old Chinese American entering middle school. She thought the first day couldn’t get any worse until she spotted David, her archrival. Winnie approaches David with a bet that she can make more money through the school’s Fall bake sale. She finds her Lao Lao (Grandmother’s ) old family cookbook and decides to make moon pies. If only Winnie knew that baking and eating the moon pies would open another realm to the spirit world thereby releasing evil spirits and her Lao Lao, and give her Shamanic powers. Winnie, along with another unexpected Shaman, needs to save not only her town but the world from the chaos that awaits.

Winnie Zeng is the first book in the series. It is a sassy, adventurous, heroic, courageous, and fun read. Contains Chinese mythology, history, and recipes. Great for anyone in grades 4-7.

Reviewed by Patricia Szczechowicz, D.A. Hurd Library

five-stars

Jasmine Green Rescues a Foal Called Storm

Jasmine Green Rescues a Foal Called StormA Foal Called Storm (Jasmine Green #11) by Ellie Snowden, Helen Peters
Published by Walker Books US on April 26, 2022
ISBN: 1536222712
Pages: 144
Genres: Adventure, Animals
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Jasmine Green is back for the 8th installment in this early middle grade series. This book follows the format typical of previous books where Jasmine and her friends find an animal in need. In this case, it’s a young foal injured and separated from it’s mother. Jasmine and her friend Tom work together to heal the foal and figure out who owns it. They’re also trying to take care of a bunch of other animals, so they really have their work cut out for them.

This is a fun, lighthearted, and gentle series for early middle grade readers. It’s the perfect length and difficulty level for those ready to move on from early chapter books but who aren’t quite ready for heavy hitting content. Fans of the previous books in the series will not be disappointed in this latest, and those who haven’t read any of the previous books do not need to do so in order to enjoy this book. Recommended for readers 7 and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars

Dream Annie, Dream

Dream Annie, DreamDream, Annie, Dream by Waka T. Brown
Published by Quill Tree Books on February 8, 2022
ISBN: 0063017164
Pages: 352
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Annie Inoue is excited for 7th grade, and she’s looking forward to all the opportunities she has—basketball tryouts, trying out for the school play, and her first crush. When Annie is cast in the school’s production of The King and I, she’s ecstatic until she hears murmurs at school that she only got the part because she’s Asian. This hurts her, but it also emboldens her to show her classmates that she’s really deserving of the part.

This story has a lot of good intentions but somewhat misses the mark. The story is slow and wandering, and it feels about twice as long as it needs to be. It does tackle issues surrounding racism toward Asian Americans, and that part of the story is important. Readers will also identify with Annie’s typical 7th grade insecurities and anxieties. Recommended for readers 4th grade and up and for collections needing to bolster their Asian American representation.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

three-stars

The Last Laugh

The Last LaughThe Last Laugh (The Initial Insult, #2) by Mindy McGinnis
Published by Katherine Tegen Books on March 15, 2022
ISBN: 0062982451
Pages: 384
Genres: Horror, Psychological thriller
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

This is a perfect book to recommend to fans of Edgar Allan Poe, Hemlock Grove, Carrie, or Heathers. In this sequel to The Initial Insult, three narrating characters cope with what must have been quite a cliffhanger in the first book. Tress is nursing an infected panther wound, Ribbit is learning what it means to go viral in the most humiliating way possible, and Rue, an orangutan, worries from her cage about the danger Tress is in (which is separate from the sepsis developing in her blood).

The Last Laugh is gory, fast-paced, has great character development, and is tense and shocking in a “What’s next!? Oh no, that’s next!?” sort of way. It also has a fantastic cover that will get attention if it’s displayed face out. Your horror fans will thank you for this one.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

four-stars

Does My Body Offend You?

Does My Body Offend You?Does My Body Offend You? by Mayra Cuevas, Marie Marquardt
Published by Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers on April 5, 2022
ISBN: 0593425855
Pages: 432
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Melena’s sunburn leaves her unable to wear a bra one morning to school. She has just moved to Jacksonville after her home in Puerto Rico was destroyed by hurricane Maria, and the last thing she is looking for is to start a movement for change at her new school.

Ruby and her parents recently came to Florida from Seattle to help while her grandmother had surgery. She was eager for something new, but she’s also feeling pressure to live up to her sister’s change-the-world accomplishments.

The two girls meet in the nurse’s office the day school officials force Melena to tape panty liners over her nipples. It doesn’t take long for the two to team up and become a force for change. A more grown-up, YA version of the middle grade book Dress-Coded by Carrie Firestone, this book belongs on library shelves for teens. Chapters alternate between the two main characters, creating an interesting literary format that shares the different perspectives. Themes include feminism, women’s issues, intersectionality, and assault. There is a minor romantic subplot.

Reviewed by Kristi Favaloro, Skidompha Public Library

four-stars