Format: Chapter Book Fiction

Rules for Being a Girl

Rules for Being a GirlRules for Being a Girl by Candace Bushnell, Katie Cotugno
Published by Balzer + Bray on April 7, 2020
ISBN: 0062803379
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

This  book is incredibly difficult to read, but so important for awareness, particularly in the #metoo era.  Marin is a high school senior who goes through an incredibly difficult time.  Her teacher ends up kissing her, and when she denies him, he takes it out on her schoolwork and her college application.  When she reports it, no one believes her, including her best friend.  She finds herself friendless, boyfriendless, and in trouble at school.  The authors leave Marin in the best situation she can be while keeping it very authentic. The authors worked well together, with a steady voice throughout.  Recommended for grades 8+.

Reviewed by Kara Reiman, Maine State Library

five-stars

Itch

ItchItch by Polly Farquhar
Published by Holiday House on February 4, 2020
ISBN: 0823445526
Pages: 256
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Isaac Fitch, aka Itch, has idiopathic angioedema — essentially, he gets really itchy, gets covered in hives, and no one knows why it happens. As if that wasn’t enough, a huge tornado ravages his town, his mom leaves on a two month trip to China, and his best friend has a severe allergic reaction to food that he gave her. Sixth grade is hard, but things seem extra difficult for Itch these days. At least he has a job at a pheasant farm he loves, but a friend is pressuring him to steal a bird from the farm, and Itch is conflicted about what to do. How far will he go to save his friendships, and what will he learn in the process — about his friends and about himself?

Overall, this book was good. It’s a well written, own voices story about friendship, family, conflict, and more. It’s a debut novel, and I’d recommend it for purchase and look forward to future books by this author. Recommended for middle grade readers, 4th-8th grade.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

three-stars

Ember Queen

Ember QueenEmber Queen (Ash Princess Trilogy, #3) by Laura Sebastian
Published by Delacorte on February 4, 2020
ISBN: 152476714X
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Ember Queen is the last installment in the Ash Princess Trilogy and it does not disappoint. I’ve grown really attached to these characters over the past couple of years and I think that speaks highly of the writing. I will say that each book follows somewhat the same formula with a beginning a battle and an end with romance tossed in for good measure. As an avid reader of YA fantasy, I’ve come to expect this formula and I still enjoy it. Some readers may find this series repetitive because of it. I would recommend this series for ages 13-18.

Review written by Sophie Gagnon, Teen Librarian, Skidompha Library

four-stars

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder

A Good Girl’s Guide to MurderA Good Girl's Guide to Murder (A Good Girl's Guide to Murder, #1) by Holly Jackson
Published by Delacorte Press on February 4, 2020
ISBN: 1984896369
Pages: 400
Genres: Mystery
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Five years ago, Andie Bell disappeared and her boyfriend, Sal Singh was the suspect. But, before charges could be brought against Sal, he unexpectedly committed suicide. Now, 5 years later, Pippa has decided to do her Senior Capstone Project on this unsolved mystery to prove Sal’s innocence. Intriguing, captivating and dangerous moments will lead the reader to  fear for Pippa’s own safety.

Well written and very suspenseful, the author’s debut novel is a most have for all murder mystery and suspense fans. Fans of Maureen Johnson’s Truly Devious will quickly fall in love with this book.

Recommended for grades 9 and up.

Reviewed by Kristin Taylor, Biddeford High School, Biddeford.

five-stars

Gravity

GravityGravity by Sarah Deming
Published by Make Me a World on November 12, 2019
ISBN: 0525581030
Pages: 400
Genres: Realistic Fiction, Romance
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Although this book contains lots of realism and some romance it is truly a sport story that is full of personal growth sprinkled with grit.  Gravity’s life improves when she joins a boxing gym that offers her the opportunity to develop skills in the ring and friendship in the club.   What this character lacks in experience and privilege is balanced by her strong personal identity and will to achieve her goals.  Readers will cheer for her as a boxer and as a struggling inner-city teen.  Deming exposes us to the life of female boxers while introducing one of the strongest characters of the year.  With each blow thrown, lessons are learned in this somewhat hauntingly sad yet hopeful book.  The cover perfectly depicts the spirit of the text and Gravity’s personality.

Public librarians should add to their YA collections and high schools will want to place on their shelves.  “Gravity” is a great gift  book for any athletic student over grade 8.

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

five-stars

The Real McCoys: Wonder Under Cover

The Real McCoys: Wonder Under CoverThe Real McCoys: Wonder Undercover by Mathew Swanson, Matthew Swanson, Robbi Behr
Published by Imprint on November 5, 2019
ISBN: 1250307821
Pages: 352
Genres: Mystery
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

The third in this outstanding series in no way disappoints. The characters are as intelligent, clever and captivating as in the two previous titles and the action never stops. Moxie is a star detective who is supervising her nerdy little brother Milton with his first solo case.   Readers will delight in the typical school and scouting situations that Moxie encounters while Milton is saving the community.  Constant action, personal morality and situational understanding rule the storyline.   Moxie is a delight; she knows who she is and follows her own path.   Comical art work is intrinsic to the text enriching the story with the result of laugh out loud humor.   Just don’t try to read this book during quiet time!

The Real McCoys series is a winner for all gr 3-6 readers and their parents as well. This reader does recommend all three titles but Wonder Undercover can stand on its own. But why would you not read all three?

It is worth noting that the authors have credited their science advisor.  Another charming addition is their note that “Books are for Sharing”.  Public and intermediate school librarians will want this irresistible in addition to the previous two titles.

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

five-stars

The Giant from the Fire Sea

The Giant from the Fire SeaThe Giant from the Fire Sea by Jeff Himmelman, John Himmelman
Published by Henry Holt & Company on June 18, 2019
ISBN: 1250196507
Pages: 256
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, Humor, Mystery
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Jat is a young boy who collects burning coals from the Fire Sea to help support his family. Newton is a young giant that shows up one day while Jat is working. Newton has much to learn about how to act in this world that is new to him and Jat does his best to teach him. Jat knows that Newton hasn’t told him everything about why he left his own world. Other giants are pursuing Newton. Everyone in the village must work together to save the village. This story is an interesting blend of fantasy, humor, science history, and mystery. The characters have depth. Bonnie, a girl from the village, is especially engaging. Each chapter begins with a small primitive style thickly lined black and white drawing. Recommended for readers ages 10-12 looking for a fantasy with an unusual friendship between a boy and a giant.
Reviewed by Kris Zuidema, retired school librarian, Standish

four-stars

Ghost and Bone

Ghost and BoneGhost and Bone by Andrew Prentice
Published by Delacorte Press on August 13, 2019
ISBN: 0525643931
Pages: 224
Genres: Adventure, Humor, Mystery
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Oscar Grimstone works in a funeral home with his mother. He finds that when he touches things, they die. One night while being mysteriously attacked he discovers that he can turn himself into a ghost and back again. He enters a different world as a ghost and teams ups with a Victorian ghost girl, Sally and her ghost partner, Sir Cedric, a knight. They work together in the ghost city of Londinium, present day London, to find out why and how Oscar can go between the two worlds. Sally and Sir Cedric are employed as detectives in the Ministry of Ghosts. There are many more mysteries to solve in this humorous and spooky story. This book is perfect for middle grade readers looking for a rousing adventure. Recommended for ages 10-12.
Reviewed by Kris Zuidema, retired school librarian, Standish

four-stars

Girl with a Brush and Canvas; Georgia O’Keeffe American Artist

Girl with Brush and Canvas: Georgia O'Keeffe, American Artist by Carolyn Meyer
Published by Calkins Creek ISBN: 1629799343
Genres: Biography/Autobiography
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

This biography is written in the first person. The author has created a believable voice for O'Keeffe. Georgia’s story begins when she is twelve years old living with her family on a farm in Wisconsin. She knew at an early age that she was meant to be an artist. Her family valued education and provided that when possible, even making sacrifices to do so. Georgia was talented in many areas in addition to art. She studied in Chicago and New York and taught in high schools and universities. She found inspiration in the American Southwest. She moved permanently to New Mexico at age forty-two and called it home for another fifty-seven years. This well written biography brings Georgia to life. Her life with her family, experiences as a young adult, her relationship with the photographer Alfred Stieglitz, and her rise to fame make this an exciting and informative portrait of an exceptional artist. An author’s note and website addresses to view her work are included. I highly recommend this well written and extensively researched biography. Recommended for ages 12 and up. Reviewed by Kris Zuidema, retired school librarian, Standish
*No book cover illustration available

four-stars

Among the Fallen

Among the FallenAmong the Fallen by Virginia Frances Schwartz
Published by Holiday House on October 8, 2019
ISBN: 0823441024
Pages: 304
Genres: Historical Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Orpha, sixteen years old, lives in Victorian England. She ends up in Tothill Prison in unspeakable conditions for a crime she didn’t commit involving the death of an infant. Eventually, she is offered an opportunity to move to Urania Cottage, an experimental home for girls. Urania Cottage actually did exist from 1847-1862. Charles Dickens visited Urania Cottage on a regular basis. Orpha is fictional, although the author used actual names of girls who lived at Urania Cottage. The chapters alternate between Orpha’s voice and Dicken’s notes. The descriptions of the poverty, abuse, and squalid conditions are vivid. This historical fiction novel is a powerful story of the lower classes in Victorian England. There is an extensive author’s note and a glossary of Victorian slang. Recommended for ages 12 and up.
Reviewed by Kris Zuidema, retired school librarian, Standish

four-stars