Format: Chapter Book Fiction

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

The Life I’m In

The Life I’m InThe Life I'm In by Sharon G. Flake
Published by Scholastic Press on January 5, 2021
ISBN: 1338573179
Pages: 336
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars
This book is simultaneously difficult to read and impossible to put down. A companion novel to Flake’s The Skin I’m In, this book picks up several years later with the first book’s bully as the main character. When Char’s parents died, her older sister became her guardian and her whole world flipped upside down. She struggled to deal with the loss, and often found herself lashing out and getting into trouble, eventually getting expelled from school. 

Char’s sister reaches a point where she feels she can no longer care for her, and forces Char to get on a bus to go live with their grandparents. Char feels betrayed, scared, and furious, so rather than transfer mid-trip, she sets off on her own. A fellow traveler abandons her baby, leaving it with Char, who decides to set out on her own, care for the infant, and not look back. She moves into a seedy hotel, struggles for months to make ends meet, tries to define herself and her life, and refuses to tell anyone from her past life where she is. 

Sadly, Char’s situation is all too common, and she is exactly the type of person preyed upon by human traffickers. After an initial grooming period, she finds herself trapped in a world that devalues her, abuses her, and destroys her sense of self. She and the other girls she is trapped with find ways to connect with one another and survive. Char learns that escape is rare, and even those who are lucky enough to get away will never be the same. 

This book is not a feel-good read, but it is so important, and very well-written. Recommended for high school students and above.

Reviewed by Kristi Favaloro, Skidompha Public Library, Damariscotta

five-stars

Blackout

BlackoutBlackout by Angie Thomas, Ashley Woodfolk, Dhonielle Clayton, Nic Stone, Nicola Yoon, Tiffany D. Jackson
Published by Quill Tree Books on June 22, 2021
ISBN: 0063088096
Pages: 256
Genres: Realistic Fiction, Short Stories
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars
Six interconnected short stories take place in New York City during a blackout. While the characters have to make adjustments as the city grinds to a halt, they discover that the people who live there come alive in new ways. A young adult novel that is well-written and would be enjoyed by teens who appreciate romance and human connection, this book focuses carefully on the perspectives of black adolescents. 

Readers will notice characters changing their perceptions of themselves and others throughout each short story, with the ultimate goal being to make or strengthen some kind of relationship connection. Themes include learning to love yourself, feeling comfortable with being gay, feeling okay with being alone and not in a romantic relationship, navigating changing friendships, and letting go of the past to focus on the present. 

One unique feature of this book is that one of the stories is broken up into chapters that are wedged between the other stories. This longer story helps to weave everything together, and makes for an interesting reader experience. 

Recommended for readers 13-18.

Reviewed by Kristi Favaloro, Skidompha Public Library, Damariscotta

four-stars

You & Me at the End of the World

You & Me at the End of the WorldYou and Me at the End of the World by Brianna Bourne
Published by Scholastic Press on July 20, 2021
ISBN: 1338712632
Pages: 368
Genres: Romance, Science Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars
This apocalyptic YA novel is somehow beautiful and comforting. Hannah and Leo are the only two people left in Houston, Texas, and they can’t quite figure out what happened. They knew each other previously from school, but her life as an almost-professional ballerina and his as a guitar player for his ‘80s-style band Rat Skillet seem like complete opposites. She’s lived her life as a perfectionist; he’s known for being an unreliable slacker. Somehow, they are exactly what the other needs most.

Faced with strange storms, unreliable sun patterns, and the sheer emptiness of society, the pair are forced to discover why they have fallen into certain stereotypes throughout their lives and who they were really meant to be. Somewhere along the way they become tangled up in their own love story as well, and form a deep, supportive friendship that neither one of them could have predicted. 

This is a solid, entertaining book, leaving readers wanting to figure out the mystery while being completely charmed by the protagonists’ relationship. During our teenage years, many of us self-evaluate, so the major theme in this book is relatable and important, leaving readers to ponder many questions. What is it that brings me joy? Do I work hard for myself or for others? Should we let other people (or our past) define who we want to be in the future?

Reviewed by Kristi Favaloro, Skidompha Public Library, Damariscotta

three-stars