Format: Chapter Book Fiction

Sona and the Golden Beasts

Sona and the Golden BeastsSona and the Golden Beasts by Rajani LaRocca
on March 5, 2024
ISBN: 0063295407
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

The realm of Devia was overthrown by the Malechs centuries before.  Devia is the location of precious gems, of which the Malechian king greedily wants for himself.  The ruling Malechians oppress the Devians and outlaw many things the Devians honor, including music.  Malechian born Sona hears music everywhere, but has to hide this fact, until a golden eared wolf pup shows up.  When her Devian born Aya (nanny/nurse) falls ill, Sona sets off on a quest to retrieve a magical cure.  Subsequently, she hopes to save the young wolf pup from a Malechian hunter who is determined to kill all sacred beasts of Devia.  Accompanied by a Devian boy, Sona’s perilous journey leads her to uncover some surprising truths about her past.  Along the way she realizes that the fate of all the golden beasts of the realm might fall upon her.  

Sona, the novel’s protagonist, is very likable and it’s easy to root for her.  Her heart is in the right place and she fights for what she knows is right.  The pacing is fair and although the story is at times predictable (hero on a quest plot), LaRocca throws in some twists and turns to keep the reader on their toes.  This middle grade fantasy novel is good for readers interested in socio-political issues.  Warning: readers who are upset by the death of animals could find the story too emotionally triggering.  

Reviewed by Heidi Kopishke, Camden Hills Regional High School, Rockport, ME.

four-stars

Deep is the Fen

Deep is the FenDeep Is the Fen by Lili Wilkinson
on April 16, 2024
ISBN: 0593562704
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction, Young Adult
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

“Deep is the Fen” is a young adult fantasy novel by Lili Wilkinson. Merry, the protagonist, is dealing with changes in her friend group. She has a scholarship to university, but doesn’t want to leave her widowed father or her friends. Her friend Teddy plans to join the Toadmen, who are a secretive brotherhood that she suspects of using evil magic. When she is asked by her school rival, Caraway, to go to a Toad Ball with him (spoiler alert: potential semi-enemies to lovers setup), she does so in exchange for his help in thwarting Teddy from joining the Toads.

Themes of friendship and investigating beneath the surface and not accepting the status quo are showcased by Merry as she fights for her family and friends against an ancient evil. Wilkinson has utilized folklore from East Anglia and Lincolnshire about the Fens, but also has created her own modern twist to them. The novel wraps up a bit quickly, but readers who enjoy Holly Black or other modern fantasy will enjoy this. Recommended purchase for YA collections where modern fantasy is popular.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, ME.

four-stars

Little Shrew

Little ShrewLittle Shrew by Akiko Miyakoshi
Published by Kids Can Press on 6/4/24
ISBN: 1525313037
Genres: Animals
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

Little Shrew leads a quiet and structured life.  Every day he eats the same meals, wears the same clothes, and completes his assigned chores each evening.  Despite the monotony, Shrew finds joy in the simple pleasures of his life, like the smell of fresh bread and a nice visit with friends.  This book is broken into three chapters with minimal text on each page, making it ideal for young readers who are ready to start listening to longer stories.  The language the author uses is slow and gentle, reminiscent of Frog and Toad.  The pencil and charcoal illustrations carry this book.  The softly colored pictures balance the black and white sketches and complement the story beautifully, adding details that are not present in the simple text.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

four-stars

Nigeria Jones

Nigeria JonesNigeria Jones by Ibi Zoboi
Published by HarperCollins Publishers on May 9, 2023
ISBN: 0062888846
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

Sixteen year old Nigeria Jones is a young black woman being raised in her father’s separatist group in West Philadelphia. Called the Movement, the group’s way of life is more of a cult than a belief system. After her mother goes missing, Nigeria, despite her intense grief, is expected to follow in her footsteps, helping raise her baby brother, becoming the female face of the Movement, and embracing her leadership role in the teen group. At the same time, she begins to discover the shocking truth behind her mother and father’s relationship, her mother’s desires for Nigeria’s future, and the deceptions behind the business side of the Movement. Having been homeschooled her whole life, and taught prejudice and distrust of anyone outside of the Movement, she longs to go to her local private school like her cousin whose family has left the Movement, and she begins to question her upbringing and her relationship with her father while longing to learn new ideas, explore the world, and even go away to college. This is a gripping story of self discovery, rebirth and finding one’s inner strength. The complexities of her family dynamic and friendships that are at odds with her vision of a future for herself, set against the backdrop of modern racial tensions make this a strong choice for any YA collection. While not all readers will be able to relate to Nigeria’s upbringing or belief system, many teens will see themselves in her need to spread her wings and fly.

 

Lee Remick, York Middle School, York

five-stars

Bunny and Clyde

Bunny and ClydeBunny and Clyde by Megan McDonald, Scott Nash
Published by Candlewick Press on 3/12/24
ISBN: 1536228737
Genres: Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Horses
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

Bunny and his chipmunk friend Clyde are tired of being good, so they decide to be rotten to the core.  Unfortunately for them, even when they try to be bad, it doesn’t quite work out like they planned and their bad deeds end up being helpful. This short chapter book is designed for young readers who are just beginning to read chapter books independently or with a little support.  The font is large and there is a lot of space between the lines, consistent with books for newer readers.  There is also repetition in the dialogue between the characters which will help readers with fluency.  Children will enjoy these two characters and the messes they try to get into.  Black and white drawings from Maine resident Scott Nash add humor to the story while helping to break up the text.  This book would be a fun addition to a library that serves early elementary children.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

three-stars

We Still Belong

We Still BelongWe Still Belong by Christine Day
on August 1, 2023
ISBN: 0063064561
Pages: 256
Genres: Holiday, Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

We Still Belong by Christine Day is a slice of life novel that follows an Upper Skagit Native family on Indigenous People’s day. Wesley Wilder is anxiously excited for school where her poem about Indigenous People’s Day will be distributed in the school newspaper. She plans on using the confidence boost from the poem to ask her crush (a fellow video game enthusiast) to an upcoming dance, but nothing goes according to plan. 

We Still Belong is full of positive depictions of Native life and emphasizes how backward the ‘blood quantum’ laws are that exclude Wesley from becoming a tribal member. The last chapters take place at a powwow and are vibrant compared to the passive, more background heavy earlier chapters. At the powwow Wesley makes new friends, learns more about Native history, and finally shares her poem with an appreciative audience. Unfortunately, the majority of the book focuses on school drama and the slow plot is frequently interrupted by short chapters that inorganically provide background information.

The characters are wholesome and dimensional, the story was educational without being obtrusive, but the pace and scope hold the novel back from being great. Ultimately, the heart of the novel is in the last few chapters and it will take a patient reader to make it there. 

Reviewed by Ivy Burns, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth 

three-stars

Nimbus

NimbusNimbus by Jan Eldredge
on September 5, 2023
ISBN: 0062680374
Genres: Animals, Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

“Nimbus” is a black cat and the title character of Jan Eldredge’s middle grade fantasy novel. She is rescued and nursed back to health by Fletcher, a boy who earns Nimbus’ love and loyalty. When Fletcher is attacked by a goblin, and Nimbus fights and protects him.  Unfortunately, because his aunt believes that Nimbus is the one who attacked Fletcher, she takes her far away and abandons her. Nimbus befriends a fabulous rat named Rhett, is helped by a witch and her cats and learns that she has magic of her own and that Fletcher is in even more danger. Themes of family, love, and loyalty run throughout the book. A recommended purchase for middle grade collections where animal books are popular.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, ME.

three-stars

Dark Star Burning, Ash Falls White

Dark Star Burning, Ash Falls WhiteDark Star Burning, Ash Falls White (Song of the Last Kingdom, #2) by Amélie Wen Zhao
on January 2, 2024
ISBN: 0593487540
Pages: 345
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

“Dark Star Burning, Ash Falls White” is the sequel to “Song of Silver, Flame like Night” by Amélie Wen Zhao. A Young Adult/Teen fantasy duology, set in a world inspired by Chinese myths, Lan, our main character, has discovered that the mark on her arm means that her mother sealed her powerful connection to the Silver Dragon, a demon god. She is afraid to use the power because she knows that the dragon will take over her mind. Her companion, Zen, is fighting his connection to the demon Black Tortoise (who he bound himself to to get the power to avenge his family). Together they must fight to free the Last Kingdom.

The characters struggle with power and whether or not power should be embraced or destroyed. There is some romance and the two main characters are fully fleshed out and compelling. The world building that Zhao has done is impressive. A recommended purchase for YA collections where fantasy is popular (as long as you also get the first book).

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, ME.

four-stars

The Mystery Traveler at Lake Fortune

The Mystery Traveler at Lake FortuneThe Mystery Traveler at Lake Fortune by Cathie Pelletier
Published by Down East Books ISBN: 1684750768
Genres: Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure / General, Mystery
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

When the Baker parents announce that they have rented a rustic cabin on a lake in small town Maine, 9-year-old Charlie and his drama queen sister, 10-year-old Clarissa, are less than happy. No electricity? No running water? No cell phones? Things are even worse when Charlie is awakened during their first night – by ghosts in the attic! Nothing about this so-called vacation seems fun at all.

But the next morning they take a boat out to the small island in the middle of the lake with their parents, and there the siblings discover a ball jar with a mysterious clue tucked inside. In the city they might not get along, but in order to unravel the mystery kicked off with that first riddle, they begin to discover that spending time together…isn’t so bad after all. That first clue is the beginning of two weeks of unforgettable adventure – making friends, discovering the town their father came to as a child, and, finally, solving the last clue: just in time to figure out just who was behind it.

Maine author Cathie Pelletier has penned a delightful MG story with authentic sibling fractiousness and love, a hint of mystery, and the kind of summer adventure that is possible if only we can unplug for a bit. Great for fans of classic sibling adventure stories, from The Railway Children to Magic Treehouse. A wonderful story that offers something for readers of all ages. Delightful pencil illustrations dotted throughout add whimsy. Highly recommend: five stars.

Submitted by Jenny Martinez Nocito, Maine State Library, Augusta

five-stars

15 Secrets to Survival

15 Secrets to Survival15 Secrets to Survival by Natalie D. Richards
on November 7, 2023
ISBN: 0593644123
Genres: Adventure, Humor
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

Four 12-year-olds and an 18-month-old have an unexpected adventure in the Montana woods as a consequence of breaking a school rule. The sixth graders are going to stay with former kids’ camp owner Uncle Hornsby  for lessons in teamwork while their parents are going to Aruba for a vacation. Things take a dangerous turn when Uncle Hornsby disappears. They must now work together to find him and stay alive themselves. Their unwillingness to cooperate develops into  a realization of individual strengths, weaknesses, and friendship. Fans of Gordon Korman and Dan Gutman will enjoy. Useful for teaching the value of one another’s strengths. Great cover!

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

four-stars