Format: Chapter Book Fiction

Your Corner Dark

Your Corner DarkYour Corner Dark by Desmond Hall
Published by Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books on January 19, 2021
ISBN: 1534460713
Pages: 384
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

In Desmond Hall’s, Your Corner Dark, a picture of Jamaica will emerge that will not be seen in any tourist brochures. Eighteen-year-old Frankie Green has tried to make his father proud. He has studied in schools, stayed away from the dangerous and politically corrupt gang life of Jamaica, but then a series of events forces him to join his uncle’s gang (posse) in order to support his family. Trying to balance family responsibilities with friendships, a budding romance, and his personal ambitions, Frankie finds himself between a rock and a hard place (which in Jamaican culture is known as “your corner dark.”). Debut author Desmond Hall, who was born in Jamaica and lost his uncle to violence, draws a picture of a country that lives in fear of the gangs that are aligned with the two major political parties. Recommended for fans of Angie Thomas, Renee Watson, and Lamar Giles, grades 7 and up.

To learn more about the author, this book, and Jamaica, watch an interview with the author: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lkun-R5_YfY 

Elizabeth Andersen, Librarian, Westbrook High School

five-stars

What Makes Us

What Makes UsWhat Makes Us by Rafi Mittlefehldt
Published by Candlewick Press on October 15, 2019
ISBN: 0763697508
Pages: 352
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars
This incredibly heavy book attempts to tackle many topics and themes, some of which are parent/child relationships, prejudice, violence in protest, and terrorism.  Unfortunately, the overall message of the book gets lost in too many plot points and viewpoints from three different main characters.  First is Eran who has grown up with only his very stoic and private mother.  His mother formerly known as Devorah.  And Eran’s new friend Jade who knows her parents are keeping something from her.  The main storyline features Eran’s passion about social justice and protest plan that goes wrong.  He ends up in a shoving match with another person caught on camera.  The press then digs into his past and discovers the truth about Eran’s father and his family.  Devorah’s storyline is told via flashbacks to Eran’s childhood and the fallout from what his father did.  Intertwined with this is Jade’s storyline of being on the fringe of Eran’s life and struggling with whatever secret her family is keeping from her.  Her’s is the storyline that really over-complicates.   There’s a lot to relate to the current climate, with unjust hatred and racism being lobbied at innocent parties simply because their background is another religion or country.  Mittlefehldt’s second book falls short of its goals by including too much.  It may still be of interest to teens studying the current political climate or talking about peaceful vs violent protest.  Best for grades 8+.

Reviewed by Kara Reiman, Maine State Library

three-stars

Muck and Magic

Muck and MagicMuck and Magic by Michael Morpurgo, Olivia Lomenech Gill
Published by Candlewick Press on November 10, 2020
ISBN: 1536212881
Pages: 64
Genres: Animals, Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars
Bonny has always dreamed of being an Olympic cyclist, but when a crash on her new bike lands her outside a small farm, something shifts for her. Bonny then finds herself intentionally biking (and taking breaks) near the farm so she can see “her” horses and give them carrots. She is intrigued by the woman who lives in the house but never comes to say hello as well as by all the statues adorning the woman’s yard. When the woman, Lizzie, does finally come talk to Bonny, she offers her a job helping her on the farm, and this changes the course of Bonny’s life forever.

This is a short and heartwarming story of friendship and finding your true passion. Bonny is likable, courageous, and at times, sarcastically funny. The relationship she forms with Lizzie and the horses pulls the reader into their lives quickly and effectively. Though the ending was a bit predictable, the story is a good one overall. Throughout, there are beautiful mixed media illustrations that really bring the story to life. There are line drawings as well as full two-page spread paintings, and they’re just really beautiful. The story would be fine without the illustrations, but they enhance it and could help keep reluctant readers engaged. Recommended for readers 3rd grade and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars

One Time

One TimeOne Time by Sharon Creech
Published by HarperCollins on September 8, 2020
ISBN: 0062570749
Pages: 272
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars
Gina is starting a new school year, and she is beginning to questions life’s bigger questions — who am I? Who do I want to be? She has a vivid imagination and has always felt differently from the other kids her age. When a new boy named Antonio moves in next door, she’s intrigued by him and his family. When their new teacher gives them a bunch of writing assignments that won’t be graded, Gina finds herself really exploring her imagination and her relationships with other people.

This story reads like a bunch of short stories woven together. The plot is slow to develop and only feels truly there about 2/3 of the way through the book. Recommended for readers 4th grade and up, it will circulate well because Sharon Creech is a popular local author.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars

Little Bird

Little BirdLittle Bird by Cynthia Voigt, Lynne Rae Perkins
Published by Greenwillow Books on September 15, 2020
ISBN: 0062996894
Pages: 336
Genres: Animals
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars
Little Bird is a tiny crow with a big heart. When the nest is attacked by a fisher, Little Bird and her flock are left devastated, not only because of the attack, but the fisher made off with the shiny pendant that the crows believe brings them good luck. Despite reservations from the older flock members, Little Bird is determined to find the pendant and restore normalcy to their lives. She meets several other animals on her journeys, including a hilarious goat. Is Little Bird ready for the responsibility? Will she return things to the way they should be within the nest and flock?

This is a sweet story perfect for the younger middle grade audience or for advanced younger readers. There’s humor, adventure, survival, and loyalty. The plot flows smoothly and is easy to follow, and nothing is overly scary. The books is an easy and entertaining read, but it doesn’t feel groundbreaking. Recommended for readers 3rd grade and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

three-stars

Land of the Cranes

Land of the CranesThe Land of the Cranes by Aida Salazar
Published by Scholastic Press on September 15, 2020
ISBN: 1338343807
Pages: 256
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars
Betita was born in the US, but her parents are undocumented. When her father is deported, Betita and her pregnant mother are left to figure things out for themselves. In an attempt to see her father, Betita and her mother are also detained. Now living in a family detention camp outside LA, Betita finds strength in her poetry and art. When Betita’s mother goes into early labor, Betita is left in the detention center without her mother.

This book is simultaneously heartwarming and gut wrenching. It is so well written and, at times, so hard to read. The text is in beautifully written verse that perfectly mimics the poetry Betita creates throughout the story. The story effortlessly tackles the difficult subject of family separation through deportation, detention, and immigrations with grace. This is an important and timely book and should be added to most collections. Recommended for readers 5th grade and up and recommended for Cream of the Crop.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

five-stars

Millionaires for the Month

Millionaires for the MonthMillionaires for the Month by Stacy McAnulty
Published by Random House Books for Young Readers on September 1, 2020
ISBN: 0593175255
Pages: 336
Genres: Humor, Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars
This is an entertaining read for readers in grades 4-8.  In their middle school, Felix and Benji have never considered themselves friends.  Felix’s family struggles financially and he follows the rules.  Benji, an only child, loves to bend the rules and money isn’t a concern is his life.  On the day of a field trip, they find a tech billionaire’s wallet and, against Felix’s initial wishes, use $20 of the contents before returning it; this changes their relationship, their thoughts on money, and gives them a lesson on what is valuable.  Laura Friendly, the billionaire, gives them a choice of a $20,000 scholarship each or $5,368,709.12 that together they have to completely spend in 30 days under very strict rules.  They choose the spending spree.  The rules stipulate they can’t purchase houses, investments, gifts, or donate it away.  The biggest rule is that they can’t tell ANYONE.  What follows is a whirlwind of expensive rentals, food purchases and stuff, lots of stuff.  They find themselves juggling time for school, basketball tryouts, and serious item purchasing.  What starts as a fun game becomes tense and quite serious.  Felix finances a wedding for his sister and her girlfriend at one point.  Along the way, the boys’ relationship is tested, their families are upended, a dog transcends all the monetary craziness, and some valuable lessons are gleaned along the way.  All the mathematical computations are included throughout by an illustration showing their daily bank account and the back matter includes charts showing how doubling a penny every day can add up.

Reviewed by Sheila Dube, Youth Services Librarian

four-stars

The Left-Handed Booksellers of London

The Left-Handed Booksellers of LondonThe Left-Handed Booksellers of London by Garth Nix
Published by Katherine Tegen Books on September 22, 2020
ISBN: 006268325X
Pages: 416
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, Folklore, Humor, Romance
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars
Recommending for cream consideration for High School readers.  Seventeen year old Susan has arrived in 1983 London from the country earlier than her school schedule to seek out the father she has never met.  What happens next changes her view of reality, mythical tales and booksellers as she watches a left-handed bookseller disintegrate the only man she believes could help her with a hatpin.  Susan is immediately catapulted into the magical underworld of Old World beings that continue to collide with her everyday human life in action packed, richly descriptive, dangerously magical and sometimes romantic ways.  With the assistance of Merlin, the seventeen year old left-handed bookseller, who is charming, gender questioning, magically manipulative, and a little hot, and his right-handed bookseller sister Vivien, Susan survives Goblin fairs, meetings with the Ancient Ones, some normal London police action and revelations about her lineage.  Nix spins a fast-paced fantasy that bestows ancient powers and fascinating responsibilities to booksellers, explores unknown myths and sets it all in an alternate London that feels authentic and desirable.  Lovers of fantasy, folklore, everything British and romance will find this book a winner.

Reviewed by Sheila Dube, Youth Services Librarian

five-stars

Everything I Thought I Knew

Everything I Thought I KnewEverything I Thought I Knew by Shannon Takaoka
Published by Candlewick Press on October 13, 2020
ISBN: 1536207764
Pages: 320
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars
Senior, Chloe Russell, is in the beginning of what is to be a fulfilling year with AP courses, track and extracurricular activities that would look good on a college resume. Then she passes out a track practice only to find that her heart is failing and the only chance is a new heart. Which only means that someone else has to die in order for her to survive.

After being whisked away in the middle of the night, when the phone call came in to say her new heart is on the way to the hospital, Chloe awakes to realize that she is breathing better, she can feel her hands and feet and that she is thankful to be alive. Then the dreams start coming of blood, and crashing, seeing people that she thinks she knows, but not sure how and the places she remembers even though she has never been there before.

An outstanding book  on a topic that isn’t discussed often — organ transplants and the questions that are asked about how life is fragile, the aspects of death and the possibilities of memories/experiences that might be carried on from donor to recipient.

Recommended for grades 9 and up.

Reviewed by Kristin Taylor, Biddeford High School, Biddeford.

five-stars

It Wasn’t Me

It Wasn’t MeIt Wasn't Me by Dana Alison Levy
Published by Yearling Books on November 13, 2018
ISBN: 1524766461
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars
Victim: Theo, middle grade student whose photography that was on display in a common area at Shipton Middle School was vandalized by unknown suspects.

Suspects: Molly (Overachiever Extraordinaire), Andre (the Invisible Man), Erik (Jockstrap), Alice (Class Weirdo) and Jax (Annoying). All have the same line “It Wasn’t Me”.

This is a middle school version of “The Breakfast Club” where their teacher creates a Justice Circle during school break instead of them being disciplined by the principal. The story is mostly written in Theo’s viewpoint, but scattered throughout the book are Q & A’s that the “suspects have answer through out the week of sitting in the Justice circle. As in the “Breakfast Club” these six students find out more about each other and realize that what happened to Theo’s photos was wronged and a mistake and that neither of them had caused to do so.

Fans of a “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” and “The Popularity Papers” would enjoy this book. Recommended for grades 5-8.

Reviewed by Kristin Taylor, Biddeford High School, Biddeford.

five-stars