Format: Chapter Book Fiction

A Reluctant Witch’s Guide to Magic

A Reluctant Witch’s Guide to MagicA Reluctant Witch's Guide to Magic by Shivaun Plozza
Published by Clarion Books on July 19, 2022
ISBN: 0358541271
Pages: 288
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Willa lives in a village caught between the warring Silverclaw and Irontongue witches where wayward spells create downpours of frogs or turn innocent people into clouds that then float away. When Willa accidentally casts wayward spells of her own, she is accused of being a witch. She is then whisked off to the castle where she will be trained (for a year!) in the art of witchcraft before she will be forced to choose between the warring covens. Of course, she denies being a witch although her parents did always encourage her to keep her fizzing nature under control. With the help of her friends, the dogsbody (a person who does menial work) and the princess who fancies herself the castle librarian, she investigates the mysterious spells that keep popping up and tries to figure out her place in the world of witchcraft and royalty. Written to appeal to kids who love a good potty joke – the witches fling boogers at each other and create “jumble” monsters comprised of body parts from different animals – kids will enjoy the story but I think young readers are perhaps a bit more sophisticated than the author perceives. 

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

three-stars

A Disaster in Three Acts

A Disaster in Three ActsA Disaster in Three Acts by Kelsey Rodkey
Published by HarperTeen on July 5, 2022
ISBN: 0062994492
Pages: 368
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars
Saine is a high school senior focused on creating a documentary worthy of admission to a competitive film program at Temple University. When her original plan falls through, former-best-friend-and-crush Holden allows her to use his entry into a live action video game contest as her subject material, though he is cagey regarding his reason for entering. Saine assumes he is doing it just to win the prize, a coveted VR headset prototype. Sure that this won’t be compelling enough for Temple, she reframes his story without telling him, into a drama about financial woes that don’t really exist—with fingers crossed that he will never ask to see it.

This novel is a thoughtful and enjoyable YA rom-com that tackles some big topics with a light but intentional hand. The main storyline focuses on Saine’s creation of the documentary, and her decision to create a compelling drama about the people involved, rather than to simply tell their story. When this comes to light she is accused – and understands – that her single-minded pursuit of this one dream has caused her to make a series of selfish decisions, which has negatively impacted each of her relationships in different ways. With overlapping subplots that deal with grief, family and friendship changes, self-belief, and mental health, the novel manages to check a lot of boxes. Supporting cast is diverse in sexuality and (more subtly) race and gender, and characters feel realistically flawed, including most of all Saine who finally comes to the realization that while she has risked all of her relationships in her pursuit of her dream, it is also within her to fix the damage she has done.

I’d suggest this for YA collections 14+. There is one scene with a sexual encounter that is pressured but ultimately presented as consensual, though Saine refers to her “self-loathing” the morning after. Fans of Julie Murphy’s Dumplin’ or Lyla Lee’s I’ll be the One will enjoy this book.

Reviewed by Jenny Martinez Nocito, Maine State Library

five-stars

The Darkening

The DarkeningThe Darkening (The Darkening, #1) by Sunya Mara
Published by Clarion Books on July 5, 2022
ISBN: 0358561981
Pages: 400
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars
The Darkening is the epic adventure of Vesper Vale, who lives in a world controlled by magic, the Regia, and a horrific, swirling storm that permanently alters anyone who touches it.  Vesper and her father are on the lookout for the Regia, as he is wanted by them for his revolutionary past (Vesper’s mother was also a revolutionary but chose to enter the storm and hasn’t been seen since). After he is captured Vesper must show her craftiness and try to learn from her father’s handwritten book of ikonomancy in order to free him from prison. Her father’s ikonomancy is legendary but he shielded Vesper from it to keep her safe, so she has a lot to learn and time is sensitive, to say the least.

The cover of this book is beautiful and will get some attention, and the first chapter is exciting and draws you in, but unfortunately, after that this book just doesn’t hold up. While it is well-written, nearly half the book is dedicated to Vesper’s love/hate relationship with Daca, a complicated Regia prince, and it is not even remotely interesting. When the ikonomancy is described, things get exciting again, but the mentions are too few and far between. It’s disappointing because both the magic (amazing!) and the storm (terrifying!) would have made a great book; it just needed to stay focused on them instead of Vesper’s relationships.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

three-stars

Claw and Order

Claw and OrderThe Pack #2: Claw and Order by Lisi Harrison
Series: The Pack #2
Published by Delacorte Press on June 21, 2022
ISBN: 0593180739
Pages: 192
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
two-stars
The Pack (book 1) introduced readers to Charm House, a boarding school for humans with animal traits who must learn to control their instincts to prevent them from being caught and jailed. In this sequel, Sadie, a lion-light struggles with keeping a secret from her pack mates. Sadie is torn because the secret will keep her friend safe, but she isn’t used to having friends and doesn’t want to risk losing one by not telling her the truth about her family- information her friend is desperate to learn. Despite being a sequel, this book would work as a stand alone. The fantasy elements aren’t very intricate or involved, so readers new to the series will be able to understand the plot. This book is geared towards 4th-6th graders who might relate to Sadie as she navigates new friendships and the strong desire to fit in. While the premise of this series is interesting, in many ways this book fell flat. The characters are mostly human and the animal references sprinkled throughout the book seemed forced, though unfortunately necessary, in order to remind readers that the characters are more than just mean girls. Also, Sadie’s dilemma and the resulting fall-out could have been explored more to help readers sympathize with the characters and add some depth to the plot. Readers who enjoyed the first book would probably enjoy this book, and the ending suggests that there will be at least one more book in the series. Otherwise, there are other middle grade books that have similar elements and themes that would be a better read.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

two-stars

Marco Polo Brave Explorer

Marco Polo Brave ExplorerMarco Polo Brave Explorer by Cynthia Lord, Stephanie Graegin
Published by Candlewick Press (MA) on March 8, 2022
ISBN: 1536213551
Pages: 80
Genres: Adventure, Animals
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars
Marco Polo is a mouse Christmas ornament who has been added to the collection of stuffed animals Anne the librarian lends out to children for sleepovers. He is very excited to go home with Seth, but Seth’s dad is worried he’s a bit small, and when Seth gets to the sleepover, Tulip the cat proves him right! The cat hides him behind the couch and Marco Polo has to be as brave as his namesake and save the other stuffed animals behind the couch.

This is a solid addition to a library collection, a quick-moving plot with internal monologues help the reader understand how Marco Polo and Seth are both feeling throughout the story. The illustrations peppered throughout the story are detailed and sweet, adding to the cozy atmosphere of the tale. The message of bravery is a strong one and the last portion of the book really hammers that home. Every kid will be able to catch onto the lesson of Marco Polo. This book is appropriate for grades 3-5.

Reviewed by Mary Randall, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth

four-stars

The Last Beekeeper

The Last BeekeeperThe Last Beekeeper by Pablo Cartaya
Published by HarperCollins on July 12, 2022
ISBN: 0063006553
Pages: 304
Genres: Adventure, Science Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars
This middle grade novel takes place in the aftermath of severe climate change, where landmarks have crumbled and a large portion of plants and animals have become extinct. Humanity quickly adapts to its new environment, re-establishing a new government and creating advanced technology such as augmentation. Yoly, a 12-year-old Vally resident of Silo, is excited to complete her final course in Neurolink to become an official Neurolink Surgeon. This career will undo her family’s ruined name and get her and Yoly’s sister, Cami, out of the Vally and into Silo’s elite. Yoly’s world begins to crumble as unknown forces manipulate her to give up a family heirloom or become a traitor to Silo.

Pablo’s narrative writing and fast-pace storytelling will open the reader’s eyes to the gloomy future if we do not slow down global warming. There are some black and white illustrations under the chapter titles which complement the plot. The book’s audience is young readers ages 8 to 12. Readers who like sci-fi, post-apocalyptic, and dystopian novels will highly enjoy this book, and since Cartaya does not go into complex explanations about technology and science, this is an excellent introduction to the science fiction genre. He also illustrates to readers that the world is not fair or equal between community status and government. Librarians should add this to their diverse collection because Pablo does a fantastic job incorporating his Cuban heritage into this futuristic world.

Reviewed by Brandon Dyer, Auburn Public Library

five-stars

Love & Other Great Expectations

Love & Other Great ExpectationsLove & Other Great Expectations by Becky Dean
Published by Delacorte Press on June 14, 2022
ISBN: 0593429427
Pages: 371
Genres: Adventure, Romance
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars
This book may not be a literary masterpiece, but it does a beautiful job of weaving classic British literature into its plot while giving readers a front-row seat to an adorably wholesome romance.

Britt finds her dreams of playing soccer for UCLA dashed away after a serious knee injury, followed by an even more serious medical diagnosis. When her English teacher presents her and four other classmates with a chance to win $100,000, she finds herself ready to embark on a unique journey. To win, she must let a literature-inspired scavenger hunt lead her across Great Britain, while she interprets the clues given to her and writes about her experiences.

The most surprising part of the trip? Meeting Luke; a smart, kind, adventurous, and slightly mysterious guy who ends up traveling along with her. As with any good YA novel, the characters end up learning a bit (a lot) about themselves.

If you have teens that enjoy romance stories, this would most certainly circulate. Recommended for middle and high school students.

Reviewed by Kristi Favaloro, Skidompha Public Library

three-stars

The Shelterlings

The ShelterlingsThe Shelterlings by Sarah Beth Durst
Published by Clarion Books on June 21, 2022
ISBN: 0358350395
Pages: 256
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars
In this middle grade fantasy novel, Sarah Beth Durst tells the story of a group of animals who live together after being rejected by wizards. Told they are a mistake and unwanted because their magical powers are defective (like turning to stone or turning one hat into another), the shelterlings live together in their own shelter of misfits. When a former shelterling returns with a spell to help correct everyone’s magic, they are eager to help collect all the necessary ingredients. They use their unusual magic to their advantage as they go on dangerous quests to collect the items, but their biggest challenge will be to try to stave off some unexpected foes who have betrayed them. This middle grade novel is filled with exciting adventures and unique characters and would make a great read aloud. It ultimately is a story of self-acceptance and friendship, told by Holly, a loveable squirrel who conjures only pastry, but more importantly helps others see the best in themselves.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

four-stars

Chester Keene Cracks the Code

Chester Keene Cracks the CodeChester Keene Cracks the Code by Kekla Magoon
Published by Wendy Lamb Books on July 5, 2022
ISBN: 1524715999
Pages: 293
Genres: Mystery, Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Chester has never known his father but is convinced his father is a spy because his father sends him occasional gifts like binoculars, books on espionage, and spy kits. When Chester discovers an email address in one of the packages, he begins corresponding with his father. When a mysterious clue appears on his front door, Chester believes his father is in trouble and he must solve the puzzle to save his dad. At school a classmate named Skye appears at his lunch table with another mysterious clue and they realize that they must work together to solve the mystery. Spending their afternoons at the local bowling alley, Chester and Skye stumble upon a criminal conspiracy and mistakenly think this is the crime they must solve.

Chester is a loner so it is a challenge for him to work with Skye. He is anxious and compulsively cleans his apartment and regiments his schedule because he hopes this will please his father. His relationship with his mother becomes strained as she grows closer to her boyfriend. Chester is also being bullied. Middle school is certainly stressful for Chester!

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

five-stars

Rise of the School for Good and Evil

Rise of the School for Good and EvilRise of the School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani
Published by HarperCollins on June 7, 2022
Pages: 356
Genres: Fairy Tale, Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars
This book is the prequel to the popular series School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani. This is an exciting adventure for readers familiar with the series, but it is also enjoyable for those who are new to it. Rhian and Rafal are immortal brothers, one Good and one Evil. They are School Masters at a school of magic. Their goal is to maintain the balance of Good and Evil in the Woods, which they are able to do for a long time. But now that balance seems off, and each brother is forced to do things that test their loyalty to each other and to the school they are entrusted to run. This book, appropriate for 3-7th graders, has new and familiar characters, and is full of unexpected plot twists. It is an entertaining book for fans of fairy tales or fantasy because not only is it face-paced and full of intrigue, it also forces readers to question who is Good and who is Evil.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

four-stars