Format: Chapter Book Fiction

Rise to the Sun

Rise to the SunRise to the Sun by Leah Johnson
Published by Scholastic Press on July 6, 2021
ISBN: 1338662236
Pages: 336
Genres: Realistic Fiction, Romance
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Recommending for Cream of Crop consideration.  Romance and self-realization are the focus of this satisfying queer Black romance novel that takes place over three days at an open air music festival in Georgia.  Olivia and her best friend Imani are first time attendees with a promise to put their friendship first during the weekend.  Almost immediately, this promise is put in jeopardy when Olivia meets Toni and her best friend Peter, who are veterans to the festival and plan to win The Golden Apple contest so Toni can perform with the weekend headliner.  The romantic sparks fly between Olivia and Toni and the week end becomes a fun, musical adventure that dives deep into each character’s difficult life situations, reactions to each other and the heart realizations that transpire in the old and new relationships. Told in alternating chapters from Olivia and Toni’s point of view, their blossoming relationship will have romance fans swooning while issues of gun violence, nonconsensual image sharing and losing parents are interwoven in each other’s backstories in realistic ways.  A beautiful celebration of love and music.  Suggested for readers in grades 10-12.

Reviewed by Sheila Dube, Youth Services Librarian, Springvale Public Library

five-stars

With You All the Way

With You All the WayWith You All the Way by Cynthia Hand
Published by HarperTeen on March 30, 2021
ISBN: 0062693190
Pages: 336
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

With You All the Way

 

At the start of this book it seemed to be all about sex and “first times”, but at continued reading it was broadened to be relationships between:  sisters, friends, parents, step-parents, and colleagues.  Ada is the main character who, at sixteen, is concerned that her beloved step-father may be leaving the family and that she may never experience sex.  Her family is heading for a conference of thoracic surgeons where her mother will be presenting an award and the family will get a vacation in Hawaii.

The author had been to a similar conference and it was easy to relate to.

Throughout Ada believes that her mother is having an affair, (not true).  There are misunderstandings throughout.  I especially loved that when Ada said “No” to sex to both her former boyfriend and friend Nick they both respected her decisions.  The characters were well-defined and their interactions were believable.  I especially liked Ada’s many preparations for first-time sex.

This book is recommended for older YAs.

Reviewed by Ellen Spring, Oceanside High School, Rockland

four-stars

Long Road to the Circus

Long Road to the CircusLong Road to the Circus by Betsy Bird, David Small
Published by Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers on October 5, 2021
ISBN: 0593303938
Pages: 256
Genres: Historical Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Long Road to the Circus

 

At twelve years old Suzy knows that she wants more to  life than her endless farm chores in 1920 Michigan.  One day she follows her uncle to find out why he is always appearing to be sneaking out to escape from farm work.  What Suzy finds is completely not what she expected.  Her famous neighbor, Madame Marantette, is a former circus performer who was able to escape small-town life, but then returned.

Not only does Suzy want answers, but there are ostriches, in Michigan!

Suzy begins to train a particularly ornery ostrich, Gaucho, to pull a surrey in unison with a horse, as Madame tries to break a world record and Suzy attempts to learn to ride Gaucho with a side-saddle.

This book is based on ancestors from the author’s family history, as readers learn in the final sections.

The illustrations are excellent and they tie into the text perfectly.  This book is heartedly recommended for middle graders and for Cream of the Crop.

 

Reviewed by Ellen Spring, Oceanside High School, Rockland

five-stars

Battle Dragons: City of Thieves

Battle Dragons: City of ThievesCity of Thieves (Battle Dragons #1) by Alex London
Published by Scholastic Inc. on September 21, 2021
ISBN: 1338716549
Pages: 272
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Battle Dragons:  City of Thieves

 

Abel is a 7th grader who has always felt that he is less than his older brother and sister.  They are more successful in school and in their scores on the admission test for the academy, and in their interactions with the dragons, which have been subdued and are now ruled by the humans.  However, the dragons have formed gangs, called kins, which are always ready to do battle.

Abel has never been involved until his sister tells him a secret and he is joined to a stolen dragon.

Abel is a hard worker as he trains in dragon riding and fighting and, before he knows it, he is involved in a battle with the other kins, and with his brother and sister, who are quite unlikeable characters.  However, Abel has good friends who are there for him and his relationship with his parents develops positively as he learns to be honest and depend on them.  This book is for dragon-lovers and for adventure readers who believe that hard work will pay off and friends should stick together.

 

Reviewed by Ellen Spring, Oceanside High School, Rockland

 

four-stars

Ivy Lost and Found

Ivy Lost and FoundIvy Lost and Found by Cynthia Lord, Stephanie Graegin
Published by Candlewick Press on September 28, 2021
ISBN: 1536213543
Pages: 80
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction, Early Reader
Goodreads
five-stars

The first in a Book Buddies series; this book follows a doll named Ivy who has spent years in a box, after her owner grows out of the doll phase of her childhood. Years later she is unboxed and brought to a library program by her owner, who is now a librarian, to be lent to young children who want to take a stuffed animal home with them as a Book Buddy.

Ivy meets a cast of stuffed animal characters who talk about their experiences being borrowed. The point of view shifts to the girl, Fern, who ends up taking Ivy home. Ivy, the other dolls, as well as the humans in the story all learn a valuable lesson about growing up and showing kindness toward one another.

This book is a good early chapter book for a confident reader,  has good talking points for showing boundaries out of love, for caring for one another and trying new things. It would also make a lovely read aloud, a chapter or two a night. Overall, it is accessible for kids ages 7-9.

Reviewed by Mary Randall, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Maine.

five-stars

The Robber Girl

The Robber GirlThe Robber Girl by Franny Billingsley
Published by Candlewick Press on September 14, 2021
ISBN: 0763669563
Pages: 416
Genres: Fantasy, Mystery
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Franny Billingsley offers up to readers a riveting tale that involves mystery,  trauma, violence, affection,   bulling and social injustice.  Robber Girl is both a heroine and victim who’s closest relationship is with an inanimate object, a dagger.  Following years of depended on a criminal for daily needs Robber Girl selects a new name, befriends a judge and begins to transfer her trust.   The story line is full of changes often sprinkled with surprises and deep emotional trauma.  Several themes are entwined into this wild west  tale of fantasy yet most prominent is the strength exhibited by a young girl  who finds her place and voice with the aid of a doll house.

Billingsley is a fantastic author who clearly has the ability to make a poor orphaned young girl grow in this unique coming of age story.   Add to middle school media centers and to public libraries.  Librarians will want to recommend this title to young teens as well as to adults.   Book groups for teens and adults will find this a great selection.

Jan Hamilton, retired youth services librarian in Scarborough, ME

This is a clear 5 stars  title and could be recommended for Cream of the Crop.   Suggested reading for other committee members.

five-stars

Zoe Rosenthal is not Lawful Good

Zoe Rosenthal is not Lawful GoodZoe Rosenthal Is Not Lawful Good by Nancy Werlin
Published by Candlewick Press on April 6, 2021
ISBN: 1536214736
Pages: 352
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Zoe Rosenthal discovers the world of cons when she sneaks off to Atlanta for the Dragon Con convention so she can screen a sneak preview of the new season of her favorite show, Bleeders. Bleeders has a small but dedicated (fanatical?) fanbase called Bloodygits. Zoe ends up meeting other Bloodygits and meets up with her new friends at more cons throughout the year. They start a campaign to save the show that includes writing fan fiction and Zoe contemplates where she would fall on the character alignment chart from good to evil and lawful to chaotic. The problem is that her boyfriend is super serious, focusing on his college applications and super-important job on a political campaign. Things get complicated when his sister realizes what Zoe is up to and forces Zoe to bring her along. Will Zoe finish her college applications? Will she and her boyfriend go to college together? YA readers will enjoy this hilarious romp.

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

four-stars

Everything Within and In Between

Everything Within and In BetweenEverything Within and In Between by Nikki Barthelmess
Published by HarperTeen on October 5, 2021
ISBN: 0062976907
Pages: 336
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Everything Within and In Between

 

Ri wants to know her mother but she believes that her grandmother is keeping them separated after finding a photograph from the past.  Her grandmother has always tried to separate Ri from her Hispanic culture, thinking that the more “American” Ri appears the more she will be accepted.  This causes secrets and lies and a brush with cocaine.  In the end Ri and her grandmother reconcile with no more lies between them.

There are many Spanish words and phrases interspersed which add to the authenticity.  This book is recommended for grades 7-12.

 

Reviewed by Ellen Spring, Oceanside High School, Rockland 

four-stars

Amber & Clay

Amber & ClayAmber and Clay by Julia Iredale, Laura Amy Schlitz
Published by Candlewick Press on March 9, 2021
ISBN: 1536201227
Pages: 544
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, Fiction in Verse/Poetry, Folklore
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Set in ancient Greece, “Amber and Clay” by Laura Amy Schlitz crafts an epic tale of two children from very different worlds. Rhaskos is born into slavery by his captive Thracian noble-born mother and has fire-red hair. Melisto, the child of a wealthy Athenian, is despised by her mother for her plain appearance, untamable spirit, and curiosity. In a twist of fate, Rhaskos’ slave mother is sold to a new owner and becomes Melisto’s personal slave. Now motherless, Rhaskos finds comfort in the stables. His time with the horses reveals he has a gift from the gods for art. Melisto is sent to serve the goddess Artemis. As the characters develop and grow, they face numerous challenges including abuse, neglect, and death.

As the story weaves back and forth, the stories of the children become intertwined in surprising ways. Throughout the book, there are historical facts about Greek artifacts, commentaries from the gods, and Rhaskos even develops a friendship with Sokrates.

“Amber and Clay” is thoroughly engaging and should be considered for Cream of the Crop.

Best suited for ages 10 and up.

Reviewed by Liz Davis, Children’s Librarian, Waterville Public Library

five-stars

If You, Then Me

If You, Then MeIf You, Then Me by Yvonne Woon
Published by Katherine Tegen Books on July 6, 2021
ISBN: 0063008645
Pages: 416
Genres: Mystery, Romance
Goodreads
four-stars

Thought the action takes place mostly in Silicon Valley CA the reader gets a peek at Xia’s upbringing in MA.  As a quiet techy she finds adjusting to the social life of high school a challenge and dreams of attending a boarding school for talented coders.  This background is needed to fully understand her adjustment when the dream is achieved.   The character of Xia is well portrayed, she feels like the girl next door who is struggling to understand how to navigate her surroundings.  As a coming-of-age story several other genres are exposed among the pages; this is a mystery and a tender romance in addition to being an expose’ on the male dominated world of technology.  Woon’s portrayal of a driven but anxious teen is heartwarming and sincere.  Readers will experience multiple emotions toward several characters ranging from affection to seething anger.  There are however periods when the text seems to lag.

Librarians will want to hand this to teen girls in grade 8-10 who enjoy coming of age stories that are different then the majority.  Add this title to public libraries where YA is collected and to middle school media centers.

Submitted by Jan Hamilton, retired youth services librarian in Scarborough, ME

four-stars