Format: Chapter Book Fiction

Grown

GrownGrown by Tiffany D. Jackson
Published by Katherine Tegen Books on September 15, 2020
ISBN: 0062840355
Pages: 384
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

The cover of the book begs you to pick it up; it is stunning and it pulls you in. Once you crack the book, the opening does not disappoint. You are instantly dropped into a scene out of a horror film – a room covered in blood, our protagonist stumbling and confused not remembering what happened. The book alternates between “Now” and “Then”, backing up to tell you the story of how 17-year-old Chanty got in that blood-stained room. Her story is compelling. It is also tough to read as she is preyed upon by a man, a famous singer who promises to make her dream come true. This book is hard to put down once started. It is an important book as it illustrates how girls/women can be manipulated and controlled and conveys that there is still so much awareness to raise. The end of the book fell apart a little, losing its tight control over the narrative and veering off in too many directions. The issue of the existence of the best friend, the recovery and aftermath of the abuse, and the solution to that blood-stained room were too much to hold onto the clarity of message that was established in the beginning of the book. I would still recommend this book because it is an important entry in the #ownvoices canon and may open the reader to an examination of how abuse can silently creep into a woman’s life and where black girls fit into the world of abuse victims. Due to sexual content and mature situations, recommend for readers in Grades 10 and up.

Reviewed by Jill O’Connor, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth

four-stars

In The Shadow Of The Sun

In The Shadow Of The SunIn the Shadow of the Sun (In the Shadow of the Sun, #1) by E.M. Castellan
Published by Feiwel & Friends on February 11, 2020
ISBN: 1250226023
Pages: 352
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, Historical Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

A true blend of historic fiction, romance and fantasy work well together in this 17th century story about a British princess and a France prince who are thrust into marriage.  Henriette is a talented source who is capable of enhancing a magician’s power yet she prefers to establish a relationship with her new husband.  The story line is full of historical fact but it veers into fantasy and becomes a story about a young wife who feels cheated and lonely.   Henriette is a strong female who finds ways to enhance her position even as her spouse has eyes for another.  Strong characterization and interpersonal moments help to reveal who the characters truly are.  The use of magic makes the story more appealing to middle grade readers.  Sexual images emerge but they may not be what is expected by the audience.

Probably intended for the middle school student this is a book that may create some problems with schools; it does however have an interesting plot.   Purchase for public libraries where historic fiction is trending.

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

three-stars

All the Pretty Things

All the Pretty ThingsAll the Pretty Things by Emily Arsenault
Published by Delacorte on March 17, 2020
ISBN: 1984897055
Genres: Mystery
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

 

Summer for Ivy is spent working for her father at his amusement park.  From the start the theme of this book is mystery and loss, all of it associated with the park.  Her folks have divorced, her brother is staying at college for the summer, a work associate is found dead and now her best friend is hospitalized.  Not a classic who “done it” but a clever presentation that blends mystery with long standing relationships.  At times Ivy seems to wane, her character flows from clear to confused.   By far the most interesting character is her father who only seems to care about Fabuland and carries secrets of his own. Grade eight readers and up who enjoy mysteries may well find this book satisfying.   There are secrets however which could have been treated with more insight and compassion.  A missed opportunity that would have been useful on library shelves and in school social worker or guidance offices.

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

three-stars

A Cloud of Outrageous Blue

A Cloud of Outrageous BlueA Cloud of Outrageous Blue by Vesper Stamper
Published by Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers on August 25, 2020
ISBN: 152470041X
Pages: 320
Genres: Historical Fiction, Realistic Fiction, Romance
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Edyth grew up in a small, quiet village but when she loses everything seemingly over night, she’s sent to live in a priory. Once there, she begins work and falls in love with old books in the scriptorium. When a boy from her past appears on a work crew, her future seems complicated. As the Plague sets in, her future is in even more turmoil. She knows she wants to be with him, but she feels drawn to her work and stuck there at the same time.

This book is phenomenally written. The main character, Edyth, has synesthesia — she sees colors for different emotions and circumstances. Though this plays a role in the plot, it isn’t the main focus. It does, however, lead to some exceptionally colorful and image rich writing. Throughout the book, there are also two-page spread illustrations, and the use of color in these illustrations personifies the imagery in Edyth’s mind. The story is engaging, the artwork is stunning, and the writing is gorgeous. A highly recommended purchase for young adult collections everywhere. Recommended for readers 13 and up and recommended for Cream of the Crop.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

five-stars

Agent’s Handbook

Agent’s HandbookOdd Squad Agent's Handbook by Adam Peltzman, Tim McKeon
Published by Imprint on February 11, 2020
ISBN: 1250222664
Pages: 160
Genres: Adventure
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

A handbook for fictitious Odd Squad agents written for fans of the TV show and readers of series like Dog Man.   Many young agents introduce themselves and each share some mildly vital information concerning the organization and its members.  It is noteworthy that all the agents appear to be preteens with names that begin with the letter O.  Young readers might well enjoy the classification of creatures in pictorial form and the presentation of equipment.   The author obviously had some fun creating this handbook while the illustrations are detailed.   It is unfortunately however that some of the pictures are rather dark making details unclear.   There is a lack of any storyline yet some humor is available within the pages.  Target audience is  age 6-9.

For fans of the show but not a necessary purchase for school or public libraries.

Reviewed by Jan Hamilton, retired youth services library in Scarborough, ME

three-stars

The Tragical Tale of Birdie Bloom

The Tragical Tale of Birdie BloomThe Tragical Tale of Birdie Bloom by Temre Beltz
Published by HarperCollins on March 26, 2019
ISBN: 0062835831
Pages: 368
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, Humor, Mystery
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Birdie Bloom, an orphan, is destined to have her life end tragically as all the other orphans living in The Foulweather Home for the Tragicals. Agnes Prunella is a bored witch. Birdie has never had a friend and Agnes has never wanted one. The two end up exchanging letters and becoming unlikely friends. The letters are delightful. There are many twists and turns in the story, humor, adventure, and magic. The beginning of the book has a two page map. The story is narrated by the book itself and there are numerous footnotes that offer further explanations. The approach to the story is very creative and unique.   Recommended for readers grades 3-5.                              Kris Zuidema,  retired school librarian, Standish.

four-stars

Amelia Fang and the Rainbow Rangers

Amelia Fang and the Rainbow RangersAmelia Fang and the Rainbow Rangers by Laura Ellen Anderson
ISBN: 0593172493
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Amelia and her friends are back for the fourth installment in this fun and lighthearted vampire/fantasy series. This time, they’re going on their first camping trip with the Rainbow Rangers under the guidance of two unicorns, Ricky and Graham. While exploring and earning badges, Ameila and her friends unearth a curse and are shrunked to the size of tiny bugs! How can they get back to the camp site when everything is now so huge, and they’re so tiny?

As with previous Amelia books, this is a great vampire series for younger readers as it isn’t scary at all. There are black and white illustrations throughout, though they really just break up the text more than add to the story. They will, however, make the book more appealing and accessible to younger readers. Recommended for readers 2nd grade and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

three-stars

Amelia Fang and the Memory Thief

Amelia Fang and the Memory ThiefAmelia Fang and the Memory Thief by Laura Ellen Anderson
ISBN: 0593172477
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Amelia and her friends are participating in a cooking contest, and the winners get to visit Pumpkin Paradise Park — the best theme park around! To win the contest, they must create a delicious cookie recipe, and the one who sells the most cookies wins. Something seems amiss when the creatures of Nocturnia are unable to remember anything, including their own names! What’s causing the memory loss? Can Amelia help? She doesn’t even know her own name!

This is a fun and quirky book for young readers. Fans of fantasy and vampires without the scare will like it as it’s whimsical and funny instead of scary and creepy. There are black and white illustrations throughout, though they really just break up the text more than add to the story. They will, however, make the book more appealing and accessible to younger readers. Recommended for readers 2nd grade and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

three-stars

Escape from Hat

Escape from HatEscape from Hat by Adam Kline, Brian Taylor
Published by HarperCollins on March 3, 2020
ISBN: 0062839977
Pages: 176
Genres: Fantasy, Humor, Mystery
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Every person has good luck and bad luck, but few realize it’s because of a rabbit and a black cat that follow them everywhere intervening to outdo the other. When Cecil Bean’s rabbit, Leek, is taken by a magician with questionable skills, things change drastically. Leek is put into the magician’s hat, and he disappears. The only problem is that the magician has no idea how to make the rabbits reappear from the hat. The hat is actually magical, and within its depths, there are tons of missing rabbits as well as many many more sinister things. With the help of some other rabbits, Leek is determined to escape the hat and get back to Cecil, but their journey will be far from easy. And will they ever be able to actually escape?

This debut novel by acclaimed screen writer, Adam Kline, will delight fantasy fans and will be a hit with those who like a little bit of a darker tale. It’s very well written with complexities and nuances that you never expect until they’re right in front of you. Amidst the sinister and dark plot, there is abundant humor — dry, subtle, and quirky, but it’s there. There are some beautiful illustrations throughout, and they really help to bring the story to life. They are simultaneously cartoonish and dark, and fit the tone of the book perfectly. Recommended for 3rd grade and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars

A to Z Mysteries Super Edition 12: Space Shuttle Scam

A to Z Mysteries Super Edition 12: Space Shuttle ScamA to Z Mysteries Super Edition #12: Space Shuttle Scam by John Steven Gurney, Ron Roy
ISBN: 0525578900
Genres: Mystery
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Dink, Josh, and Ruth are back for another mystery — this time, they’re visiting a space museum in Florida. They get to see lots of fun space stuff, but there’s someone lurking around Alice’s Space Museum and house. Why? Can the kids solve the mystery in time?

This is the 12th book in the A to Z Mysteries Super Edition series, and it follows the same rough format of the rest of the book. The writing and plot are appropriate for the intended audience, and fans of the series won’t be disappointed. The illustrations bring little to the story, but they add a fun twist to the book. Each illustration has a hidden letter, and when all the letters are found, there’s a message for the reader. Kids will love looking for these throughout. Recommended for readers 1st grade and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

three-stars