Format: Chapter Book Fiction

Clique Bait

Clique BaitClique Bait by Ann Valett
on April 28, 2020
ISBN: 0062918087
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Debut Wattpad author Valett has brought us a tale of  revenge without redemption.  High school senior Chloe is starting off her year with a plan for revenge against a group of 6 “level one” students who rule the school and harass the student body.  We find out that something happened to Chloe’s best friend Monica in the previous year and that Chloe  blames the level ones for it happening.  Chloe’s plan starts off by blackmailing her way into the group so that she can dig up their secrets and take them down.  Over the span of a few months, Chloe exhibits the very behavior she is supposedly standing against, from bullying to actually breaking several laws (breaking and entering, blackmail, and stealing emails).  While there’s no doubt that the rich are powerful, this school goes as far as to have the teachers walk away and pretend they don’t see the level ones bullying the fellow students, which is incredibly unrealistic.  The characters are finally humanized at the very end, but it’s too late to make the story any better.  Chloe predictably falls for Will, the level one she blackmailed, and at the end has absolutely no consequences for her horrid behavior.  This book has the building blocks of something good, but it doesn’t get there.  Best for ages 14+.

Reviewed by Kara Reiman, Maine State Library

three-stars

The Magnificent Monsters of Cedar Street

The Magnificent Monsters of Cedar StreetThe Magnificent Monsters of Cedar Street by Ethan Aldridge, Lauren Oliver
Published by HarperCollins on February 11, 2020
ISBN: 0062345079
Pages: 348
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

It’s the end of the 19th Century, and Cordelia Clay and her father secretly take care of, heal, and save magical creatures in their Boston home. One morning, Cordelia wakes up to find her father and nearly all the creatures gone. She only has a few clues and a ragtag crew of magical creatures to help her find her father and the missing creatures in a world that doesn’t support them or the work they do.

This book was, overall, an entertaining read, but there wasn’t anything overly captivating about it. It has good messages about friendship and feelings of isolation. It was well written and the plot was easy to follow. It did feel, however, that everything wrapped up very rapidly and too easily. An additional middle grade purchase for larger libraries.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

three-stars

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes

The Ballad of Songbirds and SnakesThe Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (The Hunger Games, #0) by Suzanne Collins
Published by Scholastic on May 19, 2020
ISBN: 1338635174
Pages: 517
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads

What an ambivalent delight it was to return to the cruel world of Panem. In this prequel to Collins’ best-selling trilogy, readers return to the reaping and the brutal preparations for the Hunger Games on the very first page. Set years before Katniss enters the arena, a teenage Coriolanus Snow is a mentor in the Hunger Games; ironically, he is assigned the female tribute from District 12. There are many other such blatant nods to the trilogy, which readers will either love or find trite. Overall, this book explains how Snow becomes a ruthless dictator. There is not as much action as in the original books, but there are many themes to ponder. Readers who are interested will find references to the philosophical themes of Locke, Hobbes, and Rousseau to consider (all of whom are quoted in the epigraph). This book is a must purchase for libraries serving tween and YA readers. 

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