Format: Chapter Book Fiction

Long Lost

Long LostLong Lost by Jacqueline West
Published by Greenwillow Books on May 11, 2021
ISBN: 0062691759
Pages: 288
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, Mystery
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Fiona and her family have moved to a small town to be closer to her sister’s figure skating club, and Fiona is extremely resentful about the whole thing. Small towns can be hard, and Fiona finds comfort in the local library. Before she even has a library card, Fiona finds a book that contains a mystery so compelling she cannot wait to get back to the library to read it again. When she goes back to finish the story, the book is not there. The librarian claims to have never seen or heard of this book. It’s as if the book doesn’t exist. As the story continues, Fiona unravels the history and truth behind the mysterious book and the story held within its pages.

This middle grade novel is a well-paced and fun mystery that will have you coming back for more. The plot has enough twists and turns to keep readers interested and takes a somewhat more sinister turn towards the end but isn’t too dark as to cause concern for young readers. Fiona’s internal family struggles are seamlessly intertwined with the small town mystery plot and help make her a relatable character. Recommended for readers 4th grade and up and for Cream of the Crop.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

five-stars

Bea is for Blended

Bea is for BlendedBea Is for Blended by Lindsey Stoddard
Published by HarperCollins on May 4, 2021
ISBN: 0062878166
Pages: 304
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Bea and her mom have always been there for each other, and it has always just been the two of them. Bea’s mom is marrying Wendell, and Wendell has 3 boys, two dogs, and a cat. Worst of all, one of Wendell’s sons is a bit of a school bully who happens to share a birthday with Bea. With all the turmoil of blending these two families, Bea is looking forward to the soccer season and this year, they actually have enough interest for her school’s first ever all-girls team. When it appears there’s some pushback from the school administration, Bea and her friends are determined to get what they want and what they deserve.

There are many things to like about this book. Bea is a strong-willed young athlete who loves her family and isn’t afraid to fight for what’s right. Her best friend is autistic, and it isn’t a thing. It’s just who he is. The struggles of blending two families are explored well and offer a glimpse into this reality for so many kids. One drawback for some is the many references to specifics about soccer—if one isn’t an athlete or hasn’t ever played the game, many of those descriptions and the terminology used will lose the reader.

Recommended for readers 4th grade and up. Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars

Fade into the Bright

Fade into the BrightFade Into the Bright by Alyssa Schwartz, Jessica Koosed Etting
Published by Delacorte Press on April 27, 2021
ISBN: 0593174917
Pages: 336
Genres: Realistic Fiction, Romance
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Fade into the Bright is an emotional and romantic story of a future clouded by a serious medication diagnosis.  This is a story of two sisters who have a 50/50 possibility of developing a debilitating disease and how it alters their futures.   Sad yet hopeful, the story builds on expected depression, hostility toward a parent who abandoned the sisters, and an honest look at genetic testing.  Fiction at it’s best builds on reality and brings characters to life; this book invites readers to Catalina Island to experience Abby’s summer in a true coming of age story.

Many other stories deal with disease and some with death but this is new.  Etting and Schwartz explore what it is like to learn about your end-of-life prognosis while living a healthy teen existence.  The story is told with compassion for both sisters.  Romance develops and helps to reveal just how human the characters are.   Add this realistic fiction title to public library collections for grade 8-10 and recommended for media centers.  All librarians will hope that none of their patrons will ever have to endure such a future.

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

four-stars

Pumpkin

PumpkinPumpkin (Dumplin', #3) by Julie Murphy
Published by Balzer + Bray on May 25, 2021
ISBN: 0062880454
Pages: 336
Genres: Realistic Fiction, Romance
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

In the third visit to Murphy’s Clover City, Texas, we meet twins Waylon (Pumpkin) and Clementine. Waylon is gay and chubby and biding his time until he can leave the small town and become “Full Waylon.” After being dumped and finding out his sister decided to go to a different college but didn’t tell him, Waylon records a not serious video auditioning for his favorite drag show. Of course it gets shared with the whole school. A group of mean boys nominate Waylon for prom queen, alongside Clem’s girlfriend Hannah as king. Hannah helps Waylon discover that he can be himself–Full Waylon–even in their tiny town. Fans of Murph’s previous Clover City books (Dumplin’ and Puddin’) will clamor for this one, and won’t be let down. Recommended for grades 9+.

Reviewed by Kara Reiman, Maine State Library

five-stars

The Lake

The LakeThe Lake by Natasha Preston
Published by Delacorte Press on March 2, 2021
ISBN: 0593124979
Pages: 384
Genres: Horror, Mystery
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

The Lake is dark, deep, and full of secrets way beyond the physical body of water.  Two teens return to their childhood resident camp as CIT’s for a summer of fun but not everything happens as it was planned.   Esma and kayla arrive with a secret that is about to turn the camp upside down.  The plot thickens as other secrets are made known and personal interactions undergo lots of twists and turns.   There is budding  romance, lots of suspense and  some horror which all adds up to a tantalizing and thrilling read.

Although most of the book is fast paced there are areas where this reader wanted to move on.  It is worth noting that the ink on page 298 is so faint that it is nearly unreadable.  Preston’s two major characters are well defined but other staff members are less revealed; readers are left with questions.   While the storyline occasionally makes readers sit on the edge of their chair it is the surprise ending that is a true thriller.

Public libraries who collect thrillers and other works by Preston should add this to their collections.  Middle school students who follow the author will be waiting for this title to hit their media center shelves.

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

four-stars

Invasions of the Living Ted

Invasions of the Living TedInvasion of the Living Ted by Barry Hutchison
Published by Delacorte Press on January 26, 2021
ISBN: 0593174321
Pages: 208
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

The third and perhaps the final tall tale featuring siblings Marie and Vernon is a good book for grade 3 -5 readers.  Although the characters (human and teddy bears) were new to this reader the book still flowed on an even currant where the action could be followed.  Perusal of the previous two titles many have been beneficial but the storyline and illustrations enabled the book to stand alone.   Adult readers may have a hard time detaching from reality but young readers will laugh, tap their fingers in suspense and cheer on the young heroes.

The illustrations totally support the text in this silly story where teddy bears show teeth, battle with humans and scale tall buildings.  The simple drawings show expression and draw attention to the sinister behavior.     Add this to library collections where the first two books are shelved.  Public libraries should consider purchasing all three volumes of the trilogy for their young readers.

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

four-stars

Of a Feather

Of a FeatherOf a Feather by Dayna Lorentz
Published by HMH Books for Young Readers on February 9, 2021
ISBN: 0358283531
Pages: 336
Genres: Animals, Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Reenie’s mother struggles with addiction and mental illness and is in and out of treatment facilities, and when Reenie is sent to live with an aunt she’s never met, she’s less than enthused about the ordeal. Reenie’s Aunt Bea mentions that she “keeps birds” in her dining room, but what she doesn’t mention is that the birds she keeps are falcons. Aunt Bea is both a wildlife rehabilitator and a falconer. When Reenie shows interest in the sport of falconry, Bea agrees to teach her, and they set a trap to catch a migrating hawk. When they catch an injured and starving Great Horned Owl instead, things change drastically. Reenie and the owl form an instant connection, and they simultaneously teach and learn from each other—about courage, life, trust, and more.

This book is told from alternating perspectives—that of Reenie and that of Rufus, the Great Horned Owl. This is a wonderful young middle grade book with lots of adventure, science, and nature thrown into a coming of age story. It seamlessly touches on parents struggling with mental health issues and addiction and how that complicates things for the children caught in the fray. Well written and paced, this book will delight fans of realistic fiction and animal-led fiction. Hand this book to nature and wildlife fans. Recommended for readers 3rd grade and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars

Glitter Gets Everywhere

Glitter Gets EverywhereGlitter Gets Everywhere by Yvette Clark
Published by HarperCollins on May 4, 2021
ISBN: 0063034484
Pages: 320
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Kitty’s mother died on an “inappropriately sunny Tuesday.” Life hasn’t been the same since, and she’s struggling to find her way without her mom. What she doesn’t expect is that she, her dad, and her sister will move from their cozy and familiar corner of London all the way to the hustle and bustle of New York City. Kitty’s trying to fit in to this new city and school, and she’s also struggling with grief and anger over her mother’s death. Along the way, she makes an unexpected friend, and together they discover who they are inside. This is a sweet coming of age story that tackles the many facets of grief. Kitty has so many emotions and she’s never shamed for any of them. They’re real, they’re raw. She has a couple therapists throughout the book, and it’s refreshing to see a positive (and sometimes humorous) representation of therapy.

This book is a bit hard to read at the beginning as Kitty is really struggling. As she settles into her new life and city, she still struggles, she just has worked out coping strategies and support systems to help her move through her different emotions. Recommended for readers 4th grade and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

three-stars

Don’t Breathe a Word

Don’t Breathe a WordDon't Breathe a Word by Jordyn Taylor
Published by HarperTeen on May 18, 2021
ISBN: 0063038889
Pages: 352
Genres: Historical Fiction, Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Eva’s family has sent her to Hardwick Preparatory Academy, a boarding school that is a far cry from the hustle and bustle of NYC to which she’s become accustomed. She feels like an outsider until she’s recruited by a secret society called The Fives. Desperate for friendship and belonging, Eva does some things for The Fives she could never have imagined before. She is also recruited by the cross country team, and there she meets and befriends Erik. Erick comes from a long line of Hardwick alumni, and when he tells Eva of a family member who tragically dies while at Hardwick, the two decide to investigate a little further. What they uncover goes is far deeper and more sinister than either of them could ever have imagined. Their quest to reveal the truth threatens their futures at Hardwick and beyond.

This book is told in alternating perspectives—that of present day Eva and of 1962 Connie, one of the Hardwick students caught up in the middle of a Stanford Prison Experiment-esque plot that leads to the tragic death of Erik’s family member. This book is part coming of age, part subtle romance, and part mystery. It is entertaining, and the plot is easy to follow and flows well. Some parts are a bit predictable and it buttons up a bit too neatly and quickly at the end. It is still a fun read. Recommended for readers 8th grade and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars

Cece Rios and the Desert of Souls

Cece Rios and the Desert of SoulsCece Rios and the Desert of Souls by Kaela Rivera
on April 13, 2021
ISBN: 0062947559
Pages: 352
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, Folklore
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Cecelia (Cece) Rios lives in a remote town in the desert, and at certain times of the year, criaturas roam the land and threaten humans. When Cece’s sister is kidnapped by a powerful criatura, Cece is determined to do whatever it takes to get her back—even if that means becoming a bruja. Brujas have the power to capture and control criaturas, but their powers aren’t look upon highly by the community, and if caught, Cece will be punished. This is a well-written, engaging middle grade fantasy. Cece loves her family and her sister, and she’s willing to risk her life for them. This book tackles family and cultural dynamics very well, and expands fantasy and folk to different cultural realms. Cece is funny, smart, and determined, and young readers will relate to her tenacity as well as her insecurities. Hand this book to fans of Rick Riordan. Recommended for readers 4th grade and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars