Format: Chapter Book Fiction

The Ghost Seekers

The Ghost SeekersThe Ghost Seekers (The Soul Keepers #2) by Devon Taylor
Published by Swoon Reads on August 27th 2019
ISBN: 1250168333
Pages: 320
Goodreads

In the end of this duology, the Harbinger is lost at sea and if Rhett and his friends don’t find the ship, then all the souls on board, including his parents, will be lost forever. But Urcena has complicated things as she sends out her monsters and demons to kill innocent humans in order to lure Rhett into a trap — they need to stop her ASAP!

Definitely need to read the first in the duology to understand the premise behind the Harbinger and her crew of Soul Seekers. Well written and imaginative with an interesting character and plot development. Recommended for grades 9 and up.

Reviewed by Kristin Taylor, Biddeford High School, Biddeford.

Beverly, Right Here

Beverly, Right HereBeverly, Right Here by Kate DiCamillo
Published by Candlewick Press on September 24th 2019
ISBN: 0763694649
Pages: 256
Goodreads
five-stars

In Beverly, Right Here, Kate DiCamillo concludes the story of three friendships that started with Raymie Nightingale and Louisiana’s Way Home.

Beverly is fourteen and seems to be lost. Her best friend Louisiana has moved to Georgia; Buddy, the dog that she, Louisiana and Raymie had rescued has now died — what is she going to do? Leave. Everyone is else , why not her. Beverly hitches a ride with her cousin to Tamaray Beach where she finds a job at Mr. C’s seaside restaurant busing tables, moves in with elderly Iola and makes a new friend at Zoom City.  Despite acting like she doesn’t care, Beverly really does and finds that her new friends care about her as well.

Recommended for grades 5 and up.

Reviewed by Kristin Taylor, Biddeford High School, Biddeford.

 

five-stars

Nixie Ness Cooking Star

Nixie Ness Cooking StarNixie Ness: Cooking Star by Claudia Mills, Grace Zong
Published by Margaret Ferguson Books on June 11th 2019
ISBN: 0823440931
Pages: 144
Goodreads
four-stars

When third grader Nixie’s mother goes back to work it up heaves her perfect after school routine of hanging out with her best friend, Grace. To Nixie’s horror, she is enrolled in an after school cooking program while Grace is sent to a new friend’s house. Nixie watches as Grace’s new friendship develops which leads to jealousy and resentment of her own parents. After some poorly planned attempts to win Grace back, Nixie loses it and hits rock bottom but don’t worry: it all turns out OK.

I didn’t find Nixie a particularly endearing character but the supporting characters are sweet and funny and the overall message here is a good one. So many kids in this age group struggle with losing friends or sharing friends or making new friends that many will be able to recognize parts of themselves in this book making it perfect for reading aloud to a classroom that might be in the middle of social restructuring. The descriptions of the cooking and baking projects are great and this would work equally well for use in a cooking unit. Bonus points for sharing Nixie’s favorite recipe at the end!

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten free Library, Bath

four-stars

Kitty and the Tiger Treasure

Kitty and the Tiger TreasureKitty and the Tiger Treasure by Paula Harrison, Jenny Lovlie
Published by Greenwillow Books on September 10th 2019
ISBN: 0062934767
Pages: 128
Goodreads
four-stars

This book series is about a young girl with cat-like superpowers!  Kitty’s mom is also a superhero who goes on adventures every night.  Kitty is just beginning to develop her superpowers, with the help of her cat crew.  Each book is a different adventure for Kitty, as she masters her new skills and powers.

This simple chapter book has few illustrations, done all in black and orange colors.  The chapters flow nicely, as Kitty communicates to her cat friends about their adventures.   Kitty is still learning her special cat skills, like climbing abilities, night vision, super hearing and vision, but she always solves the mystery  and saves the day!

This book would be wonderful for children first venturing away from the easy readers and graphic novels, to a real chapter book.

Reviewed by Irene Hall, Witherle Memorial Library, Castine

four-stars

Kitty and the Moonlight Rescue

Kitty and the Moonlight RescueKitty and the Moonlight Rescue by Paula Harrison, Jenny Lovlie
Published by Greenwillow Books on September 10th 2019
ISBN: 0062934724
Pages: 128
Goodreads
four-stars

This book series is about a young girl with cat-like superpowers!  Kitty’s mom is also a superhero who goes on adventures every night.  Kitty is just beginning to develop her superpowers, with the help of her cat crew.  Each book is a different adventure for Kitty, as she masters her new skills and powers.

This simple chapter book has few illustrations, done all in black and orange colors.  The chapters flow nicely, as Kitty communicates to her cat friends about their adventures.   Kitty is still learning her special cat skills, like climbing abilities, night vision, super hearing and vision, but she always solves the mystery  and saves the day!

This book would be wonderful for children first venturing away from the easy readers and graphic novels, to a real chapter book.

Reviewed by Irene Hall, Witherle Memorial Library, Castine

four-stars

Little Lunch: Triple Treats

Little Lunch: Triple TreatsLittle Lunch: Triple Treats by Danny Katz, Mitch Vane
Published by Candlewick Press on June 11th 2019
ISBN: 0763694711
Pages: 112
Goodreads
one-star

Based on an Australian TV show, three short stories center on a group of students during lunch and snack time. Katz seems to be emulating the “Wimpy-Kid” craze, but I am not sure these kid’s antics will translate well to the American audience. Much of the humor was mean-spirited. I did not find it funny, although I can relate to the strict school rules that didn’t allow use of gluten, nuts, milk, or shellfish. Cartoonish illustrations throughout fit with the style of book but did not add much to the story. There is a list of the characters with illustrations at the front of the book to help distinguish among the many characters.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library, Liberty

one-star

Parker Bell and the Science of Friendship

Parker Bell and the Science of FriendshipParker Bell and the Science of Friendship by Cynthia Platt, Rea Zhai
Published by Clarion Books on May 21st 2019
ISBN: 1328973476
Pages: 160
Goodreads
two-stars

Fifth-grader (?) Parker really wants to win the school Science Triathlon with her BFF Cassie, but she is unhappy that Cassie has invited her coding friend Theo to be part of the team. While I wanted to like this STEM related book with strong female characters, I thought the author tried too hard to include all the pertinent and politically correct topics of the day. The dark grayscale illustrations did not fit well with the plot and depicted characters as younger and more comical than they seemed in the narrative. Reminded me a bit of “Little Lulu” cartoon. In the end, Parker’s Team came in second-place much to her displeasure (I was glad they didn’t get first.) and predictably, Parker misjudged some of her classmates and now has several BFFs. I would choose the similar Ada Lace series of books over this one.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library, Liberty.

two-stars

The First Christmas Sweater

The First Christmas SweaterThe First Christmas Sweater (and the Sheep Who Changed Everything) by Ryan Tubridy
Published by Walker Books US on September 10th 2019
ISBN: 153621132X
Pages: 144
Goodreads
three-stars

It was inevitable that someone would write a book about the ubiquitous “Ugly Christmas Sweater.” Hilary is the only sheep with rainbow colored wool in this Irish flock. So when Santa wants the perfect sheep’s wool for a sweater, Hilary is a shoo-in for the honor. Silly puns (and some are rather clever) abound throughout the book. The black-lined illustrations add to the comical story, as do the supporting characters, such as a jelly-bean-obsessed farmer, a starling named Didya, and a naughty sheep named Brian. But Hilary (and of course Santa!) is the star of the show, and this would be a fun readaloud to share during the holiday season. You can also incorporate a cursory geography lesson. “A Brief History of the Christmas Sweater” relates the origins of the Christmas sweater’s Scandinavian origins.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library, and Liberty.

three-stars

Mind Games

Mind GamesMind Games by Shana Silver
Published by Swoon Reads on August 27th 2019
ISBN: 1250192927
Pages: 320
Goodreads
four-stars

A fast-paced mystery that delves deep into the world of computers and how genius students operate them.  When Arden realizes that her little money making side line is compromised she needs to find out why memories are disappearing.  The story will draw in readers but at time is choppy and confusing as we accompany the heroin through her crisis in school and lab.  Is Arden a positive force or does her dishonest behavior make her a negative character?

Hand this book to gamer teens and to science fiction readers.  Mature middle school readers will appreciate having Mind Games on the shelf of their media center. Librarians in areas that experience frequent book challenges might consider the romantic content.  Public libraries with YA science fiction collections will want to purchasing this book.

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

four-stars

The Bus to Everland

The Bus to EverlandLast Bus to Everland by Sophie Cameron
Published by Roaring Brook Press on June 18th 2019
ISBN: 1250149932
Pages: 336
Goodreads
five-stars

The storyline is both intense and intuitive as Brody attempts to navigate school and his family situation. Years of artistic interest have earned him the nickname “Fairy” making him wonder what his sexual orientation is.   Upon meeting Nico a new world opens up where Brody is accepted and free to be himself.  Is Everland a fantasy alternate world or just a safe place?  Readers will have to decide for themselves as they go on weekly visits to this lush and accepting environment.

Last Bus to Everland is different, it blends fantasy and real life in a unique manner that makes the reader want to visit Everland themselves.  Character development is good, offering just enough insight into the private thoughts of several teens.  Regardless of their individual struggle each character exposes some of their personal inner pain and challenges.   Add this to Middle School and High School media centers and do place on the shelves of public library YA shelves.    This is a book that teens will be talking about.

Submitted by Jan Hamilton, retired librarian in Scarborough, ME

five-stars