Format: Chapter Book Fiction

Beauty Mark: A Verse Novel of Marilyn Monroe

Beauty Mark: A Verse Novel of Marilyn MonroeBeauty Mark: A Verse Novel of Marilyn Monroe by Carole Boston Weatherford
Published by Candlewick Press on September 8, 2020
ISBN: 1536206296
Pages: 192
Genres: Fiction in Verse/Poetry
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads

In this verse novel, the author leads us from Norma Jeane’s cradle with an unfit mother to a string of foster homes that she never fit into. As a teenager, age 16, she married a family friend, so that she wouldn’t have to go back to the orphanage after her guardian left her alone again.

Her story brings about unknowns such as her love of books, her business sense, and many deep, dark secrets that seem to unfold as the novel progresses. Well written and easy to follow as you get wrapped up in Marilyn Monroe’s life.

Recommended for grades 9 and up.

Reviewed by Kristin Taylor, Biddeford High School, Biddeford.

 

The Lonely Heart of Maybelle Lane

The Lonely Heart of Maybelle LaneThe Lonely Heart of Maybelle Lane by Kate O'Shaughnessy
Published by Random House LCC US on March 3, 2020
ISBN: 9781984893833
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Maybelle has panic attacks. Her mom worried and about her and tries to help her with them but she can’t always be there. She wishes her daddy (she has never met him) was there to help too. Then she hears his voice on the radio and decides she is going to find a way to meet him. The start of this story is a bit slow but if the reader sticks with it, they will be rewarded. Maybelle’s journey and her friendships that blossom between a class bully and strict teacher will make you tear up, laugh and root for her to find what she is looking for.

 

Mary Lehmer, Youth Services Librarian, Freeport Community Library, Freeport, ME

four-stars

A to Z Mysteries: Space Shuttle Scam

A to Z Mysteries: Space Shuttle ScamA to Z Mysteries Super Edition #12: Space Shuttle Scam by John Steven Gurney, Ron Roy
Published by Random House ISBN: 0525578900
Pages: 132
Genres: Adventure, Mystery
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

A fun mystery book that tells of the adventure of 3 children at the Space Museum. Also contains a hidden message in 26 of the illustrations that spells out the message. Children should enjoy trying to solve the mystery before the end.

For ages 6 to 12

Reviewed by Ginni Nichols, Gardiner Public Library, Gardiner

four-stars

You’d Be Home Now

You’d Be Home NowYou'd Be Home Now by Kathleen Glasgow
Published by Delacorte Press on September 28, 2021
ISBN: 0525708049
Pages: 400
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Main character Emory, a high school junior has always felt invisible, and so acted out in private ways by stealing small things and engaging in sexual behavior. But everything gets flipped on its head when she’s a passenger in a car accident that kills a classmate. Her overdosed brother (Joey) was also in the car driven by his friend and dealer. Joey is sent to rehab out of state while Emory has to deal with her healing injuries and the loathing of the community for the death of her classmate. Emory withdraws even more into herself as her parents expect her to be Joey’s keeper upon his return and keep him from relapsing. This novel tackles so many important issues, from self-esteem to diversity issues in English class assignments, to how addiction affects whole families and whole communities. While the story is deeply troubling, it’s an honest look at what many teens and many families go through. And since Emory’s family has a lot of money, it’s a good reminder that money truly cannot buy happiness. The author doesn’t shy away from showcasing the truth about addiction, drug use, teen sex, suicide, etc. It’s a stark look at the truth of all too many families. Recommended for all high school collections. Best for ages 14+.

Reviewed by Kara Reiman, Maine State Library

five-stars

Fifty-Four Things Wrong With Gwendolyn Rogers

Fifty-Four Things Wrong With Gwendolyn RogersFifty-Four Things Wrong with Gwendolyn Rogers by Caela Carter
Published by Quill Tree Books on October 19, 2021
ISBN: 0062996630
Pages: 336
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Fifty-Four Things Wrong With Gwendolyn Rogers

 

Gwendolyn Rogers wants to be good; she really does.  But, because of the way her brain is wired, and the fact that she isn’t neurotypical, and the way no one can determine what she has and what “initials” go with her, she is in a tough situation.  She has a single mother who loves Gwen but struggles and is forever being called, either by the school or the after-school program concerning Gwendolyn.  In 3rd-4th grade she was evaluated as part of an IEP, but it was inconclusive.  Unfortunately, Gwen saw it and has taken the comments to heart; hence the Fifty-Four things.

Gwen has a brother by a different mother who has many of the same manifestations.  But, the love between them is real.  She also has a group of loyal friends, one of whom identifies as Non-Binary.

Caela Carter takes the readers into the mind and heart of a child that so many of us see in our schools every day.  How many times have we told them to behave, be good, or try harder when, because of their conditions, they aren’t able to?

This book is set in the world of 5th grade, on the edge of middle school.  I believe this should be a Cream of the Crop contender in the upper reaches of the children’s age group.  It is excellent.

 

Reviewed by Ellen Spring, Oceanside High School, Rockland

 

five-stars

A Kind of Spark

A Kind of SparkA Kind of Spark by Elle McNicoll
Published by Crown Books for Young Readers on October 19, 2021
ISBN: 0593374258
Pages: 192
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

A Kind of Spark

 

Addie is an eleven-year-old girl who is on the autism spectrum and has always felt that she should change in order to make other people more comfortable.   She has a horrible teacher who never tries to understand Addie and bullies her.  Her best friend has deserted her for another girl.  But Addie has a great relationship with the school librarian and one of her sisters and she loves studying sharks.  However, when a field trip ignites Addie’s concern for the women in her community who were killed because they were different and believed to be witches, Addie fights for a memorial for them.

There is so much information on autism and what people should know to better treat those who are on the spectrum.  This is an excellent book to educate upper elementary and middle school students and Addie is such a sympathetic character. I believe it should be considered for Cream of the Crop.

 

Reviewed by Ellen Spring, Oceanside High School, Rockland

five-stars

Even and Odd

Even and OddEven and Odd by Sarah Beth Durst
Published by Clarion Books on June 15, 2021
ISBN: 0358350387
Pages: 288
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
two-stars

“Even and Odd” is a middle grade fantasy written by Sarah Beth Durst. The story focuses on two sisters, Emma and Olivia (nicknamed “Even” and “Odd”) who have magic on alternating days. Even has magic on even days of the calendar and Odd has magic on odd days. This is unheard of in their magical world, but they’ve gotten used to it. Their parents own a “border shop” which sells magical and non-magical items. The shop is at the edge of the non-magical world, near a gateway to the magical world, Firoth. One day magic stops working, Even is stuck as a skunk, and the gateway shuts. Nobody knows why. When the gateway opens again, Even and Odd go into Firoth to figure out what is happening.

A funny and predictable fantasy book with themes of accepting yourself and thinking of others, this book is not a must-buy. The novel is short, humorous, and has plenty of magic and yes, unicorns, and will probably be enjoyed by 8 to 12 year olds who like fantasy with laughs. An additional purchase for middle grade fantasy collections.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook.

two-stars

Take Back the Block

Take Back the BlockTake Back the Block by Chrystal D. Giles
Published by Random House Books for Young Readers on January 26, 2021
ISBN: 0593175174
Pages: 240
Genres: Adventure
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Wes Henderson is cool: well-dressed and well-liked. He is about to start 6th grade, and he’d rather be playing video games and being a kid than going to protests with his activist mom. The neighborhood is changing around them. Real estate developers have gentrified nearby neighborhoods, including ones where his friends Kari and Mya live. While Wes loves his friends, he doesn’t really understand the big deal with gentrification until it comes for his neighborhood, Kensington Oaks. Meanwhile, Mya is navigating being new in a more upscale (and whiter) neighborhood and Kari and his family are at risk of losing their home. Wes grows up before our eyes as he leverages his problem solving skills and intimate knowledge of his community in the fight to save his neighborhood. Sometimes you have to look back to see the way ahead. A wonderful middle grade novel, recommended for any library.

 

Reviewed by Savannah Sessions, District Elementary Librarian, RSU #17 (Oxford Hills)

five-stars

These Hollow Vows

These Hollow VowsThese Hollow Vows (These Hollow Vows, #1) by Lexi Ryan
Published by Clarion Books on July 20, 2021
ISBN: 0358386578
Pages: 448
Genres: Adventure, Romance
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

These Hollow Vows

 

All that matters to Brie is getting her sister, Jas, back from the wicked Fae, or Fairy People, who have kidnapped her.  Brie has two suitors, Sebastian and Finn, who are attracted to her for her beauty and courage and for their own selfish reasons.  Who will be the next ruler?  This book will appeal to young adults who love romance and adventure.  The world-building is excellent, as is the cover art.  The ending is a cliff-hanger and will entice readers to want to know whether she ends up with either man, or rules on her own.  Not a Cream of the Crop but a fascinating read.

 

Reviewed by Ellen Spring, Oceanside High School, Rockland

four-stars

Sixteen Scandals

Sixteen ScandalsSixteen Scandals by Sophie Jordan
Published by Clarion Books on May 25, 2021
ISBN: 0358206219
Pages: 256
Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

This Regency set novel, which seems to borrow heavily from the Molly Ringwald movie Sixteen Candles, takes us through a couple of days in the life of the youngest and oft ignored Prim. The youngest of 4 daughters named after flowers, Primrose has just turned 16 and can’t wait to finally be out in society. However, not only does her family largely ignore her birthday, she is informed that she can’t be out in society until her remaining unwed sister is married. Upset at the turn of events, Prim turns to her friend Olympia to plan a rebellious jaunt. That evening they sneak out to the historical pleasure gardens of Vauxhall, where Prim and Olympia almost immediately get separated during a bar brawl. Prim is rescued by a handsome boy who stays with her as she looks for Olympia. Prim has a wild night and goes home to the consequences. While this is a very quick glance into Prim’s life, we get a full story arc and characters to both hate and love. This is a great entree into the Regency romance genre for teens. Recommended for all collections. Best for ages 13+.

Reviewed by Kara Reiman, Maine State Library

five-stars