Format: Chapter Book Fiction

The Dragon in the Library

The Dragon in the LibraryThe Dragon in the Library by Davide Ortu, Louie Stowell
Published by Walker Books US on March 16, 2021
ISBN: 9781536214932
Pages: 208
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

First book in series “Kit the Wizard.” First published in the UK. Three friends fight a developer who wants to tear down the library. Kit doesn’t like to read and would much rather be having adventures outdoors. Her friends, Alita and Josh, convince her to visit the library with them. Kit discovers magical properties within the books and into wizarding adventures. The author weaves magical elements from familiar books to create a fast-moving and fun story. Not quite a beginning chapter book but simple and engaging enough for novice chapter book readers.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

three-stars

The Seventh Raven

The Seventh RavenThe Seventh Raven by David Elliott, Rovina Cai
Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt on March 16, 2021
ISBN: 0358252113
Pages: 192
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

This retelling of a Brother’s Grimm fairy tale is fanciful and enticing as it is written in a variety of poetic forms and packed with emotion.   The book offers a view of each character’s personality and reveals a peek into their changed lives.   The seven brothers (six of which are named Jack) become ravens when their father curses them upon the near death of their baby sister Alice.  Only one of the birds (Robyn) feels accomplished and comfortable in his new body.  In poetic form, this story centers on Robyn and Alice expressing their strengths and desire for transformation.  Written in flowing verse accompanied by graphic illustrations, The Seventh Raven is a must read for grade 6-8 readers.  The black and white art expresses the fear and entrapment felt by six of the birds. Occasional black background pages convey their depression.

Add this winner to middle school media centers and to public libraries.   In addition, this is a great book to gift to either male or female fantasy readers.

Recommend for Cream of the Crop

Submitted by Jan Hamilton, retired youth services librarian in Scarborough, ME.

five-stars

Red Tigress

Red TigressRed Tigress (Blood Heir Trilogy, #2) by Amélie Wen Zhao
Series: ,
Published by Delacorte Press on March 2, 2021
ISBN: 0525707832
Pages: 464
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Red Tigress is the second of a new trilogy which is going to be popular with fantasy readers.  The book however is in no way able to stand alone, this reader was lost and frustrated for several chapters.   The lack of background information will create a problem for those who have not read Blood Heir.  As the last member of her royal family Ava is a strong and independent woman yet the hero appears to be Ramson who is both dashing and brave.  Perhaps the third book will tie the storyline together and answer questions for readers.  The cover is dramatic,  it will attract  middle school readers to the trilogy.

Public libraries who collect fantasy may consider this trilogy (all three books are necessary) for their shelves.  Fantasy readers will appreciate this series as a gift.

Submitted by Jan Hamilton, retired youth services librarian, Scarborough, ME.

three-stars

The Prison Healer

The Prison HealerThe Prison Healer (The Prison Healer, #1) by Lynette Noni
Published by Clarion Books on April 13, 2021
ISBN: 0358434556
Pages: 416
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Kiva Meridan has spent the last 10 years working as a prison healer inside the notorious death prison known as Zalindov. Life is very challenging inside the prison, but as healer, she’s granted some leeway with guards and other prisoners. When the Rebel Queen is captured in a very injured and sick state, Kiva is charged with keeping her alive. When Kiva’s family sends word that they are coming to get her and that under no circumstances should she let the Rebel Queen die, Kiva volunteers to take the Rebel Queen’s punishment as her own. This punishment, known as the Trial by Ordeal, has never been survived by anyone. If she succeeds, both she and the Rebel Queen will go free. If she fails, they both die.

This is a dark thriller sure to please fans of Sarah J. Maas and the like. The story is engaging and well paced albeit a little repetitive at times. Kiva is a strong, confident, and compassionate female lead. This is the beginning of a series, and the ending will definitely leave you waiting for the release of book two.

Recommended for readers 14 and up. Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars

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