Format: Chapter Book Fiction

Ben Yokoyama and the Cookie of Endless Waiting

Ben Yokoyama and the Cookie of Endless WaitingBen Yokoyama and the Cookie of Endless Waiting by Matthew Swanson, Robbi Behr
Published by Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers on March 2, 2021
ISBN: 0593302761
Pages: 304
Genres: Humor
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Ben Yokoyama is back and once again his adventures start after receiving a fortune from a cookie. This time he grapples with “Good things come to those who wait.” This immediately lands him in a dispute with his best friend Janet because he decides to wait to apologize after leaving her waiting for him in a rainstorm. He waits to choose a partner in class and ends up with a student he wouldn’t have chosen. This book turns into a great story about friendship.

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

four-stars

Ben Yokoyama and the Cookie of Doom

Ben Yokoyama and the Cookie of DoomBen Yokoyama and the Cookie of Doom by Matthew Swanson, Robbi Behr
Published by Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers on March 2, 2021
ISBN: 0593302753
Pages: 304
Genres: Humor
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Ben Yokoyama loves noodles and when his aunt takes him to dinner at a Chinese restaurant he finds something else to like: fortune cookies. When Ben’s fortune advises him to “live each day as if it were your last,” Ben takes it literally and furiously tries to create a bucket list and check everything off beginning at 12 AM. Ben’s father and best friend end up with their own list of things to accomplish on their last day too. Elementary readers will laugh out loud at this cleverly illustrated chapter book.

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

four-stars

Wild Survival: Crocodile Rescue!

Wild Survival: Crocodile Rescue!Adriana vs. the Crocodile (Wild Survival #1) by Melissa Cristina Márquez
Published by Scholastic Paperbacks on February 2, 2021
ISBN: 1338635050
Pages: 240
Genres: Adventure
Goodreads
four-stars
Wild Survival:  Crocodile Rescue!

 

Adrianna, her brother Feye, and her parents operate Sacred Sanctuary and Zoological Park where they rehabilitate wild animals.  They are also featured in Wild Survival which has really taken off and is now a TV show.  At this time they are in Cuba in search of a wounded American Crocodile which is Vulnerable in the threat category.  There is adventure with Adrianna’s leg being bitten by a giant crocodile, poachers, and thirty baby crocodile eggs needing to be saved.

What I wondered about was why Adrianna and Feye didn’t report the fact that they had seen two infamous poachers.  Also, one of the film crew appeared sketchy, but nothing came of it.

Every so often there would be an illustrated page describing an animal, bird, or turtle.  These were very helpful.

This is the first book in the Wild Survival series which will have a wide readership in the 4th-7th grade age range where animal lovers live.

 

Reviewed by Ellen Spring, Oceanside High School, Rockland

four-stars

Zeus the Mighty: The Trials of Hairy-Clees

Zeus the Mighty: The Trials of Hairy-CleesZeus the Mighty: The Trials of Hairy-Clees (Book 3) by Crispin Boyer
Published by Under the Stars on August 3, 2021
ISBN: 142633897X
Pages: 192
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars
Zeus the Mighty:  The Trials of Hairy-Clees

 

At the Mount Olympus Pet Center there live a lively assortment of animals who, when it is night-time, come out as the ancient Greek creatures they firmly believe they are.  Zeus, a golden hamster, functions as the leader.  Hermes, a “lady chicken” wants to join a group and, by accomplishing a series of trials, she is successful.

This is a creative way to learn about the Greek gods and goddesses who are very endearing as their animal nature fits into their roles from ancient times.  At the end there is a section called “The Truth Behind the Fiction” where heroes, myths, and the ancient Greek characters are described.  Heracles, or Hercules in Roman history, is a main character, and his description goes along with that.  The illustrative drawings add so much to the text.

This book is the 3rd in the Zeus the Mighty series which should appeal to 2nd to 5th graders.

 

Reviewed by Ellen Spring, Oceanside High School, Rockland

four-stars

things that grow

things that growThings That Grow by Meredith Goldstein
Published by Clarion Books on March 9, 2021
ISBN: 1328770109
Pages: 336
Genres: Realistic Fiction, Romance
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars
As senior year looms, Lori’s world comes to a halt when her beloved guardian Grandma Shirley dies.  Following Shirley’s request, Lori, her best friend Chris and a few family members take a road trip around to scatter her cremains in four different gardens and do a reading at each one.  Along the way, with sarcastic humor and much grace, Lori has to face the possibility of moving her senior year, changing her perspectives about her Uncle Seth and acknowledging her suppressed romantic feelings for Chris.    Goldstein provides positive spins on the messy relationships in Lori’s family that need to be tackled during these road trips.  Lori is white and Chris is black.  Every concern is neatly tied up in the end.  The setting is Massachusetts with an emphasis on Natick Mall and surrounding shops.  Readers will be inspired to further check out authors like Dorothy Parker, Stephen King and Edith Wharton.

Reviewed by Sheila Dube, Youth Services, Springvale Public Library

four-stars

The Troubled Girls of Dragomir Academy

The Troubled Girls of Dragomir AcademyThe Troubled Girls of Dragomir Academy by Anne Ursu
Published by Walden Pond Press on October 12, 2021
ISBN: 0062275127
Pages: 432
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

In the Kingdom of Illyria, boys are sought out and tested for magical talent so that they might become sorcerer’s capable of defending the land against a deadly curse known as the Dread. When Marya accidentally disrupts her brother Luka’s test, she is sent to Dragomir Academy, a school for troubled girls. Alongside the other girls, Marya tries to figure out how to shape herself into the expectations of a society that doesn’t have a place for her. She quickly realizes that what they have been told their whole lives is not the full truth, and that those with power will do anything to keep it for themselves. 

This captivating fantasy is a must-have for middle grade collections. Strong female characters fighting for their place in a patriarchal society with a critical message about the question that we must all remember to ask ourselves: “Who does the story serve?” Perfect for fans of Colfer’s “A Tale of Magic.” Nominated for Cream. 

Kerrie Lattari, York Middle School, York

five-stars

Judy Moody in a Monday Mood

Judy Moody in a Monday MoodJudy Moody: In a Monday Mood by Megan McDonald, Peter H. Reynolds
Published by Candlewick Press on September 14, 2021
ISBN: 1536213918
Pages: 144
Genres: Humor, Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars
In the 16th book of Judy Moody, “Judy Moody in a Monday Mood”, Judy wakes with the Monday blahs and dreads going back to school after the weekend. She is what some would call a Monday Morning Mopey. The same old week at school plays out. Every single week.  Until one Monday, when her teacher, Mr. Todd starts his Monday class by celebrating “Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day!”.  Suddenly school has become fun!  His activity brings the realization to her that each day something can be celebrated to make life less dull and memorable.  She, along with her brother, Stink, and her friends and parents come up with various things to celebrate during the week. Everything from playing zucchini ninjas in the neighborhood and ding-dong-ditching zucchinis to their neighbors to making pet rocks for peace. Finally, when Saturday arrives, she is not sure how to celebrate it since they have always been special days. Her parents invent ‘National Blah-Blah -Blah Day” which is doing all those things you mean to do. As, she tackles cleaning her room, she discovers things that make her happy and appreciates. Sunday is a day of doing nothing and thinking of how Mondays are not something to be dreaded anymore. There can be good and fun in every day.

The Judy Moody series are fun and easy to read books.  It is always fun to read about her many adventures with her friends and family. Appropriate for ages 6-9 years old.

Reviewed by, Amy Tobalske, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook

four-stars

Pax, Journey Home

Pax, Journey HomePax, Journey Home (Pax, #2) by Sara Pennypacker, Jon Klassen
Published by Balzer + Bray on September 7, 2021
ISBN: 0062930346
Pages: 256
Genres: Adventure
Goodreads
five-stars
The sequel to the wildly popular book Pax (2016), Pennypacker imbues this book with as much depth and beauty as in her first book about a boy and a fox, bonded by love but separated by circumstances beyond their control. In the sequel, Peter and Pax continue to be separated by distance, but each still holds the other in his memories. Now orphaned by his father’s death in the war, Peter is desperately trying to stop the painful reminiscences of his former life; and Pax, with a new family to protect, uses the memory of his time with a loving human to teach his kits that many humans are dangerous, but not all. Looking for purpose and a way to keep himself distanced from any people who would love him, Peter joins the Water Warriors, a group working to clean the lakes and rivers contaminated by the war. Looking for a safe home for his family, Pax travels back over familiar territory. When his kit is irrevocably injured, Pax seeks out the one human who will open his heart enough to care for an ailing fox. A story of loss and redemption, and one in which a boy who tries to harden his heart learns that love will find its way in through any sliver. The book would make a great read-aloud and could find an audience in readers anywhere from grade 3 and up. Highly recommend.

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

five-stars

Simone Breaks All the Rules

Simone Breaks All the RulesSimone Breaks All the Rules (Simone Breaks All the Rules, #1) by Debbie Rigaud
Published by Scholastic Press on June 1, 2021
ISBN: 1338681729
Pages: 320
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars
Simone Breaks All the Rules

 

All of Simone’s life she has looked forward to her senior prom, but not to her Haitian parents’ insistence that they choose her date.  The Haitian culture is evident throughout the book with the language and really delicious sounding foods.  But it was so easy to see that Simone would end up with her parents’ choice, because when she first met Ben he had a kind smile.  The cover is excellent and will draw readers in, as will the descriptions of her and her friends’ prom dresses.  This is a pleasant plot premise with a happy ending for all that takes place in New Jersey with two characters who love the Mets baseball team.  Not Cream-worthy but a fine choice for middle or high schools.

 

Reviewed by Ellen Spring, Oceanside High School, Rockland

four-stars

The Beatryce Prophecy

The Beatryce ProphecyThe Beatryce Prophecy by Kate DiCamillo, Sophie Blackall
Published by Candlewick Press on September 28, 2021
ISBN: 1536213616
Pages: 256
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars
Recommending for Cream.   DiCamillo weaves a fairy-tale story that celebrates the power of words, knowledge of self and the steadfastness of love. Set in an unidentified medieval time of war and using her stylized power of precise and beautiful descriptions, Dicamillo introduces the reader to each character while building the tension of a fairy tale quest.  Brother Edik is a monk in the Chronicles of Sorrowing whose joy comes from creating the illuminated letters.  Answelica is the obstinate demon goat who terrorizes the monks.  Beatryce is a young girl who doesn’t remember anything besides her name but she has the unlawful ability to read and write.  The morning Brother Edik finds Beatryce in the barn protected by Answelica as she slept, he knows that the prophecy of a young girl who will unseat the king has come true.   With the help of Jack Dory, a brave boy who listens to animals and Cannoc, an old man with hidden secrets, Beatryce makes her way to the castle with Answelica her comical protector.   A story of a mermaid is also found in the rich fabric of the tale.  Blackall’s black and white illustrations pair perfectly with the story in their placement before each short chapter.  They are also precise and provide readers foreshadowing of action while providing a sense of the Medieval style.  This story could be suggested as a read aloud, character study, supplementing a historical unit and used for a fairy tale or creative writing unit.  For grades 3-6.

Reviewed by Sheila Dube, Youth Services, Springvale Public Library

five-stars