Format: Chapter Book Fiction

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

Case File: Little Claws

Case File: Little ClawsCase File: Little Claws (The Animal Rescue Agency, #1) by Eliot Schrefer
Published by Katherine Tegen Books on January 12, 2021
ISBN: 0062982338
Pages: 176
Genres: Adventure, Animals, Humor
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Little Claws, a young polar bear cub, finds himself separated from his mother and floating dangerously far from shore on a small ice floe. His predicament wasn’t accidental, however, it was part of a more sinister plot concocted by humans to capture Little Claws and put him in a zoo. When an animal is in danger like this, there’s only one option—The Animal Rescue Agency! Esquire Fox and her chicken sidekick, Mr. Pepper are on the case, and they’re determined to save Little Claws no matter how dangerous or zany their strategy.

This is the first in a new early chapter series with animal characters that are full of wit, humor, adventure, and intrigue—there’s also a chicken wearing a tea cozy. This easy to read and fun story will delight young independent readers and giggles will abound. Some of the jokes may be lost on the youngest readers, but the story doesn’t suffer without them. Recommended for readers 2nd–4th grade.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

three-stars

Root Magic

Root MagicRoot Magic by Eden Royce
Published by Walden Pond Press on January 5, 2021
ISBN: 0062899570
Pages: 352
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, Folklore
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Almost 11 yr old twins Jezebel and Jay are in for some big changes. It’s 1963 in South Carolina, and Jez and her brother are about to start school with a whole suite of new kids thanks to school integration. The local police won’t stop harassing Jez’s family about insignificant things, and Jez’s grandmother, the family matriarch, has just passed away. The biggest change comes when Doc, the twins’ uncle, tells them he’s going to begin training them in rootwork. They’ve always been fascinated by this African American folk magic and its long ties to their family, but things run much deeper and much darker than Jez or Jay expected.

This is a well-written and engaging historical ghost story with a side of magic. The writing is poetic, colorful, and really allows the reader to visualize the environment and feel the creepiness in the marsh on that foggy night. Recommended for readers 4th grade and up and for readers who enjoy a little fantasy and not a lot of scare.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars

Jay’s Gay Agenda

Jay’s Gay AgendaJay's Gay Agenda (Jay's Gay Agenda, #1) by Jason June
Published by HarperTeen on June 1, 2021
ISBN: 0063015153
Pages: 368
Genres: Realistic Fiction, Romance
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Jay is the only out gay boy in his whole town. But his life changes in a big way when his parents announce their move to Seattle. Jay is so excited to meet other gay boys that he creates his own Gay Agenda full of experiences he can’t wait to have. Number one is meet another gay kid. Number eight is to lose his virginity. Upon starting school there, he is immediately taken under the wing of genderqueer Max and becomes the Vice President of the school’s Queer/Straight Alliance. Max decides to become Jay’s Gay Guide and help him accomplish his list. Jay throws himself into his new experiences a little too quickly, and drama ensues. However, Jay and the other characters get their happy endings. This is June’s first young adult book and he clearly had fun writing these characters. However, many of the characters feel more like caricatures than well-developed characters. This whole book takes place during about 6-8 weeks, ending right after homecoming, which feels incredibly rushed for all the plots to have taken place. All in all, it’s a fun read, particularly for those in the LGBTQ+ community. The book features lots of sexual acts and kissing, but it’s not graphic. Best for ages 15+.

Reviewed by Kara Reiman, Maine State Library

three-stars