Format: Chapter Book Fiction

Home is not a country

Home is not a countryHome Is Not a Country by Safia Elhillo
Published by Make Me a World on March 2, 2021
ISBN: 0593177053
Pages: 224
Genres: Fiction in Verse/Poetry, Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Nima feels lost — she doesn’t feel like her family or her community understands her. She lives in a suburban town, but her family grew up far away in an unnamed Arabic speaking country. Nima is bullied for her religion, for the way she looks and dresses, for her family and their customs. She relies heavily on her best friend, Haitham to get through life in this country, but when Haitham is beaten in a hate crime, he ends up in the hospital, and Nima finds herself even more alone and struggling to find her way. In addition to her “normal” teenage struggles, Nima struggles with the idea of being someone else, someone she was expected to be had she been given a different name—Yasmeen. Through the second part of the book, and in a twist of magical realism, Nima comes face to face with Yasmeen, the idealized version of herself she feels so many people wish she actually embodied.

This is a beautifully written book in verse, and the story is haunting, magical, real, and important. Nima’s life in the US is clearly colored by the events of 9/11, and the hatred directed at her, her family, and her friends is real for so many. This book paints a challenging portrait of a teen struggling to find and accept the real version of herself.

This book is recommended for readers 13 and up and for Cream of the Crop. This is a must-read. Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

five-stars

The last super chef

The last super chefThe Last Super Chef by Chris Negron
Published by HarperCollins on July 6, 2021
ISBN: 0062943138
Pages: 416
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Fans of cooking shows, rejoice! This is a highly entertaining read about a young boy who loves to cook. He’s long believed his biological father is the famous chef known as The Super Chef. When The Super Chef announces the final iteration of his TV show will feature kids, Curtis knows this is the only way to show his father who he really is and how talented he is in the kitchen. The prize money won’t hurt their struggling family, either. Of course, nothing goes to plan, and the unexpected and heartwarming ending will leave you with a smile on your face.

This is a lighthearted middle grade read perfect for young advanced readers. The narration of the cooking competitions leave you feeling like you’re a part of the competition, and will inspire young chefs everywhere. The real theme of this book is confidence and friendship. The plot is somewhat predictable (except for the ending) but may be less so for young readers.

Recommended for readers 3rd grade and up. Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars

Lena, the sea, and me

Lena, the sea, and meLena, the Sea, and Me by Guy Puzey, Maria Parr
Published by Candlewick Press on August 3, 2021
ISBN: 1536207721
Pages: 304
Genres: Adventure
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Trille and Lena have always been best friends. When a new girl moves to the small village of Mathildewick Cove, she threatens their friendship as well as Lena’s career as a soccer goalkeeper. Trille is trying desperately to impress the new girl often at the expense of time with his best friend. They’re all left navigating new friendships and emotions.

This is a fun quick read and the sequel to Adventures with Waffles. Reading the first book is not necessary as the two stories act as functional standalones. Lena is an eccentric, strong-willed, and determined young protagonist, and Trille is full of many of the struggles and wonders of boys reaching adolescence. This book is a translation from Norwegian, and all characters read as white.

Recommended for readers 3rd grade and up, this is a great one for advanced younger readers as it isn’t scary or overly dramatic. Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

three-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: Adventure, Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

This is the first book in a new chapter book series for readers in grades 2-4.  When Ivy the doll was given to Anne as a gift, her whole world was complete.  Anne would play with her, sew her clothes and tuck her in with blankets on cold wintry nights.  As Anne grew older, Ivy was regulated to an attic box and forgotten.  Finally, Ivy is brought out of the box and taken to the library to be a book buddy, where Anne is a librarian in the children’s room.  Ivy meets the other toys that have been put on the book buddies shelf.  They are checked out by children for 2 weeks with a journal that children can write about their adventures.  Ivy’s feelings of abandonment change as she listens to the Fern, the first child to check her out.  As Fern works through step sibling issues, Ivy finds new purpose as she goes through adventures with her new book buddy friends.  Five page chapters with various size drawings by Graegin every other page, makes this a perfect series for newer independent readers.

Reviewed by Sheila Dube, Youth Services, Springvale Public Library

four-stars

Julius Zebra: Grapple With the Greeks

Julius Zebra: Grapple With the GreeksJulius Zebra: Grapple with the Greeks! by Gary Northfield
Published by Candlewick Press on June 8, 2021
ISBN: 1536215147
Pages: 320
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Julius Zebra:  Grapple With the Greeks

 

What a fun way to learn about the ancient Greeks!  In this fourth book in the series of ancient civilizations, Julius Zebra and his friends are in for a series of adventures as they search for King Midas and a golden apple and Julius’s missing brother.  Each page has excellent drawings which totally fit with the text.  In the end there is a section explaining the planets, how to dress up as an ancient Greek, the art of Greece, and a Glossary including words from Hades to the Trojan horse to Zeus.  There is humor throughout and it is a very fast read.  The characters act goofy, which will draw in readers.  It will be popular with middle grade readers.

 

Reviewed by Ellen Spring, Oceanside High School, Rockland

four-stars

Sisters of the Snake

Sisters of the SnakeSisters of the Snake by Sarena Nanua, Sasha Nanua
Published by HarperTeen on June 15, 2021
ISBN: 0062985590
Pages: 512
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

“Sisters of the Snake” by Sarena and Sasha Nanua (twin sisters) is a loose fantasy retelling of “The Prince and the Pauper” with two identical twins, Ria and Rani, separated at birth. Rani grows up in the palace as the princess while Ria lived in an orphanage and now survives life on the streets. The rulers of this land are snake speakers and have the magical ability to speak to snakes and share thoughts with a snake familiar. There were other magics in the past, but those have seemingly disappeared. Ria and Rani unexpectedly meet, switch places, and both discover secrets about themselves and their society.

A young adult fantasy adventure based in Indian culture, readers will enjoy this book for its themes of finding oneself and defying fate. The chapters switch between the two sisters’ viewpoints and is done very well; you can definitely tell that each sister is a distinct and separate person. The story seems a little slow at first and I wish that the magical history of the land was explained more, but this book is clearly set up for a sequel so hopefully this will be addressed in the future. For ages 12-17, this book is recommended for Young Adult collections where fantasy is popular.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook.

three-stars

A Donkey Called Mistletoe

A Donkey Called MistletoeA Donkey Called Mistletoe (Jasmine Green #10) by Ellie Snowdon, Helen Peters
Published by Walker Books US on September 14, 2021
ISBN: 1536222453
Pages: 160
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

A Donkey Called Mistletoe

 

When the donkey, Mistletoe’s, owner must go into an assisted living facility our young heroine, Jasmine, volunteers to add Mistletoe to her menagerie.  This is another in the Jasmine Green Rescues series and Jasmine continues to take excellent care of her animals as readers learn the proper way to care for a donkey.  But actually letting a donkey into a health facility seems a bit strange.  Another thing that annoys me is using the expression “me and —” when the rest of the text is in proper English.  There are excellent illustrations which add to the text.  Animal-loving children will enjoy this series.  There is also a quiz at the end to see how much knowledge has been retained.  This is a fine series, but it’s not Cream worthy.

 

Reviewed by Ellen Spring, Oceanside High School, Rockland

three-stars

Influence

InfluenceInfluence by Lilia Buckingham, Sara Shepard
Published by Delacorte Press on January 5, 2021
ISBN: 0593121538
Pages: 368
Genres: Mystery, Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

“Influence” is a collaborated venture by Sara Shepard, who has written the “The Pretty Little Liars” and the “The Perfectionists” series and Lilia Buckingham,  a 17 year old writer, actress, dancer and student.  It is the story of four teenage female influencers, Jasmine Walters-Diaz, Fiona Jacobs, Delilah Rollins and the not to be crossed- Scarlet Leigh.

The life of a social media influencer is a competitive life. Where showing perfection to your fan base is a must. Who you are seen with and where, who you date and how many sponsors you have and how many likes you get on a single post is your life.  The reigning queen is Scarlet Leigh, a force not to be reckoned with. She is perfection.  Fiona is a girl with a secret from the past that haunts her and suffers from OCD.  Jasmine grew up as a child star and can’t break free from that image.  Delilah, is new to the game of being an influencer, having just moved to LA from Minnesota.

The story addresses sexuality issues, peer pressure, having OCD and so much more. It begins as a story about being an influencer but takes a turn into becoming a mystery of whodunit?  A captivating story that addresses the world of being in the public’s eye at all time whether by choice or not.

This would be a good addition for any YA collection and for teens that enjoy realistic fiction. There are so many twists to this story that it easily holds the reader’s attention.

Reviewed by, Amy Tobalske, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook

 

four-stars

Lucy Clark Will Not Apologize

Lucy Clark Will Not ApologizeLucy Clark Will Not Apologize by Margo Rabb
Published by Quill Tree Books on May 11, 2021
ISBN: 0062322400
Pages: 368
Genres: Mystery
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

A coming-of-age story that quickly becomes a mystery when Lucy moves from a boarding school to NYC.  Following a bullying situation and an over-the-top response incident, Lucy has been suspended from school and is sent to the city to help an elderly woman. Edith is positive that someone is following her with the intention of ending her life.   Not to be forgotten are Lucy’s wandering parents who have never been there for Lucy and her deceased grandmother.  Despite sparse contact with her parents Lucy is determined to make them proud thus creating a rather unbelievable teenage character.

This is a story that slowly builds to the strange conclusion.  Lucy’s job starts with simple teas and lovely gardens   Many characters circle in and out of the text allowing for a degree of confusion. Teens who enjoy YA books with lots of minor plot changes will enjoy this constant parade of characters.  Those who prefer a riveting mystery may be disappointed.  The chapter heading art work is a nice touch as it ties into the garden theme of the story.  Libraries who collect YA mystery should consider this title.

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

four-stars

Jasmine Green Rescues: A Goat Called Willow

Jasmine Green Rescues: A Goat Called WillowA Goat Called Willow (Jasmine Green #6) by Ellie Snowdon, Helen Peters
Published by Walker Books US on March 9, 2021
ISBN: 9781536210293
Pages: 160
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Book 6 in series “Jasmine Green Rescues.” Jasmine and her best friend, Tom, adopt an orphaned baby goat for sale at the local fair. Willow, the goat, will not stay in his cage and he wonders all over the village so her parents tell her that she must return the baby goat. Jasmine has other ideas. Similar to the other “Jasmine Green Rescues” in that Jasmine is a plucky character and funny animal antics abound. There is a lesson learned about lying in this book though. Any child who loves animals will enjoy this series of beginning chapter books.

 

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

four-stars