Format: Chapter Book Fiction

The Big Bad Lies

The Big Bad LiesThe Rizzlerunk Club: The Big Bad Lies by Leslie Patricelli
Series: The Rizzlerunk Club
Published by Candlewick Press on January 25, 2022
ISBN: 0763651052
Pages: 256
Genres: Animals, Humor
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

“The Big Bad Lies” by Leslie Patricelli is the second book in the Rizzlerunk Club series. The two club members, Darby and Lily, find themselves in a bunch of trouble regarding two BIG lies. WARNING: There is animal death involved in this book.

The story starts with the class doing an experiment on two rats, which seems ethically wrong to me, but it’s part of the plot. Darby gets to take one of the rats home and Lily accidentally steps on it, killing it. Instead of fessing up to Darby, Lily insists that she didn’t do anything and the rat just died. In turn, Darby draws Michelangelo’s David nude, but when confronted by the teacher, she blames it on Lily. There’s a subplot about bullying, but mostly the book is about learning to face the consequences rather than lying.

The book is very funny, but I was affected by the death of the pet rat. Sensitive readers may find this plot point disturbing and not want to read further. I would recommend this book only if you already have the first one.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook.

three-stars

The Velvet Fox

The Velvet FoxThe Velvet Fox by Catherine Fisher
Published by Walker Books US on November 9, 2021
ISBN: 1536214922
Pages: 208
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, Folklore, Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure / General, Mystery
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

In the second book of the Clockwork Crow series, “The Velvet Fox” the battle continues between Tylwyth Teg, a magical kingdom of Welsh fairy folk, and Seren Rhys, now adopted daughter of Captain Jones and Lady Mair. In the first book, Seren Rhys had rescued young Tomos Jones from the Tylwyth Teg, helped with the worn Clockwork Crow embodied by a human alchemist imprisoned by a spell. One autumn day, Tomos boasts that he would never be captured by the fairies again.

Before they know it, a strange, new governess, Miss Honeybourne, takes up residence at Plas-Y-Fran. Nothing is the same. All the members of the household except Seren Rhys are put under Miss Honeybourne’s spell. Young Tomos sits in a trance in front of a magical toy carousel that he was given on his birthday. Who is really controlling Plas-Y-Fran? Miss Honeybourne or someone more sinister?

When Seren Rhys writes a note with the magical feather quill of the Clockwork Crow. Will the Clockwork Crow come to help her save Plas-Y-Fran? And who is the Velvet Fox?

These endearing characters are perfect for children who love magical fantasy. The age-old theme of good vs. evil is the central element of this story.

Appropriate for children ages 8 and up.

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

four-stars

Finding Junie Kim

Finding Junie KimFinding Junie Kim by Ellen Oh
Published by HarperCollins on May 4, 2021
ISBN: 0062987984
Pages: 368
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Part contemporary, part historical, this is a middle grade novel about a Korean American girl who turns the lessons from her grandparents’ experiences in Korea during the 1950s into the strength to counter the hateful actions of racists in her school.  Junie just wants to fit in at her school, but as an Asian student she is targeted by a bully. When her school gym is graffitied with racist slurs, Junie doesn’t fully understand why her friends, particularly those who are from the ethnic and racial backgrounds targeted by the slurs, are angry and want to take action that will let the rest of the students know how it feels to be a person of color in their school and in this country. Junie is overcome with anxiety and spirals into depression, even toying with suicidal ideation. Through therapy and weekly meetings with her grandfather in which he shares stories from his youth during the Korean War, Junie is able to find coping mechanisms and to reconnect with her friends. Oh uses a story from her own mother’s childhood in Korea as an anchor for the plot and it is deftly woven into the family lore in the book. This is an important story for library collections.

Reviewed by Jill O’Connor, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth

five-stars

Da Vinci’s Cat

Da Vinci’s CatDa Vinci's Cat by Catherine Gilbert Murdock
Published by Greenwillow Books on May 25, 2021
ISBN: 9780063015258
Pages: 278
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

A combination of portal fantasy, historical fiction, and time-travel with a bit of art history. Federico, in sixteenth-century Rome, and Bee, in present-day New Jersey, are linked through a cat that emerges from Leonardo Da Vinci’s mysterious wardrobe. Much like this author’s Newbery Honor-Winning book The Book of Boy, I think it would not work for children-  too confusing. However, it received heaps of starred reviews so perhaps I am missing something. Perhaps I am not the right reader?

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

three-stars

The Verdigris Pawn

The Verdigris PawnThe Verdigris Pawn by Alysa Wishingrad
Published by HarperCollins on July 13, 2021
ISBN: 0062908057
Pages: 368
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

A debut middle grade fantasy that challenges concepts of power and class. Beau is the heir to Himself, iron ruler of the land. As a virus spreads across the land, the people are bled dry by a ruler who cares more for power  than for the love of his subjects. Led by fear of magic and an abhorrence for weakness, Himself is a one-dimensional character offered as a foil to Beau and all that he can become if he can break free from his father’s callous example.

Through the metaphor of a chess-like game called Fist, Wishingrad weaves in strategy, intrigue, and the use of people as playing pieces in a game of power. After coming to terms with the truth about his uncaring father, acquiring real friends, and finding a purpose to his life, the hero Beau, his name appropriately a homonym for the tool that wields the weapon when aimed correctly, learns that he, too, can be sharp and deadly.  The book leans heavily on fantasy tropes like secret magic, a quest, and an alleged hero turned villain, but it does it with aplomb and, in the end, is a highly entertaining and readable book. Give to fans of Adam Gidwitz, Diane Magras, and Anne Ursu.

Reviewed by Jill O’Connor, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth

five-stars

The Crown Heist

The Crown HeistThe Crown Heist by Deron R. Hicks
Series: the Lost Art Mystery #3
Published by Clarion Books on November 16, 2021
ISBN: 0358396069
Pages: 303
Genres: Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure / General, Mystery
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

This is the third installment in the Lost Art Mystery series and the setting is the museums and castles of London.  Twelve-year-old best friends, Camilla and Arthur (Art) have gained an international reputation for solving crimes in the previous novels and this time they think they are on a vacation trip to London with Camilla’s mom so that Camilla can meet her father in person for the first time.  When Dad is a no-show, the friends find themselves on a scavenger hunt to find him and a crown attributed to King Arthur.  They have to solve the riddle and keep ahead of the henchman who is threatening her father to solve the riddle and find the crown first.  Readers are treated to elaborate descriptions of London’s tourist points around the towers and some interesting history attributed to the various kings.  The twelve year olds seem very sophisticated in their riddle solving and in navigating all around London on their own for the first time.  Fans of the series will be surprised at some of the family revelations along the way.

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

four-stars

Creatures of the Flood (Bamboo Kingdom #1)

Creatures of the Flood (Bamboo Kingdom #1)Creatures of the Flood (Bamboo Kingdom, #1) by Erin Hunter
Published by HarperCollins on September 28, 2021
ISBN: 0063021927
Pages: 256
Genres: Adventure, Animals, Fantasy, Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure / General
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

The entity that is Erin Hunter has birthed another adventure of epic proportions. Creatures of the Flood introduces us to triplet panda cubs separated from each other by the Giant Flood. The unexpected catastrophe was not foretold by Sunset, the Dragon Speaker, and resulted in devastation throughout the Bamboo Kingdom. The orphans, Rain, Leaf, and Ghost, long to find out the truth of who they are and their personal connection to the Great Dragon.

Secondary characters include a snow leopard family, fun-loving red pandas, and a troop of golden monkeys that heckle and taunt the pandas. Sunset, the Dragon speaker, resurfaces, bringing hopes that all the lost pandas will return to the Bamboo Kingdom. There are some scenes of peril, including a tiger mauling, an attempted murder, and multiple death scenes.

A mix of action, humor, and mystery, Creatures of the Flood will not disappoint Hunter’s readers and will be a staple for both public and school libraries.

Suitable for ages 9 and up.

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

four-stars

The Leopard Behind the Moon

The Leopard Behind the MoonThe Leopard Behind the Moon by Mayonn Paasewe-Valchev
Published by Greenwillow Books on September 21, 2021
ISBN: 0062993615
Pages: 288
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

The Leopard Behind the Moon

 

The setting of this story is lush Africa.  Ezomo, the main character, is thought of as useless by his village.  His father has recently died and a leopard is the perpetrator.  Ezomo and his two loyal friends are searching for the leopard to kill it, but instead they find some magical leaves that may be able to give Ezomo and his friends what they most desire.

The author takes the reader into the African scenery in an adventure story with a hint of magical realism.  This book is recommended for 4th -8th graders.

 

Reviewed by Ellen Spring, Oceanside High School, Rockland

four-stars

Love & Other Natural Disasters

Love & Other Natural DisastersLove & Other Natural Disasters by Misa Sugiura
Published by HarperTeen on June 8, 2021
ISBN: 006299123X
Pages: 352
Genres: Realistic Fiction, Romance
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Nozomi, a seventeen-year-old queer, Japanese American is riddled with self-doubt about relationships as she and her older brother Max fly out to San Francisco to internships that their Uncles have secured for them at a private art museum.  Being gay is not a concern, but building up potential rom-com situations in her head get her into trouble when she throws herself into a “fake dating” situation with a new girl she is infatuated with.  The pressure to keep this social media created relationship going adds complications to her real life situations which include recently divorced parents, the homophobia of her grandmother with dementia who is resisting assistance from her family and the potential “real” romance with an installation artist at the museum.  Sugiura creates the right balance between calling out issues of body image, homophobia, Asian stereotyping, and racial profiling while keeping the romantic storyline lighthearted.  Some parts are extremely heart felt that will make the reader pause and reflect while other parts of the story are true to the flighty romantic vibe with unbelievable triteness.  Suggested for readers in high school.

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

four-stars

The League of Picky Eaters

The League of Picky EatersThe League of Picky Eaters by Stephanie V.W. Lucianovic
Published by Clarion Books on November 2, 2021
ISBN: 0358379865
Pages: 304
Genres: Humor, Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

The town of Muffuletta was founded by chef and food writers, subsequently, the importance of trying new and inventive foods become a hallmark in every aspect of daily life.  In sixth grader Minerva’s school, the St. Julia Child Middle School, eating is a curriculum requirement.  Minerva is sensitive to certain lingering flavors and that “talent” lands her in the remedial (RETCH) eating tract.  What seems like the worst fate to Minerva actual reveals how she has allowed herself to be bullied by her so called friends over the years.  She comes to realize and appreciate the non-judgmental way her new friends in the remedial class treat each other.  Lucianovic has whipped up an eye rolling, humorous world for foodie lovers. Not all readers will “sink their teeth” into the world of Muffelatta, but those who do will find a solid story of true friendship and interesting facts about loving food in the process.  Suggested reading interests is 4-8 grades.

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

 

five-stars