Format: Chapter Book Fiction

Light it Up

Light it UpLight It Up by Kekla Magoon
Published by Henry Holt and Co. (BYR) on October 22nd 2019
ISBN: 1250128897
Pages: 368
Goodreads
five-stars

After police shoot and kill an unarmed 13-year-old girl, Shae Tatum, a whole community reels.  This excellent novel is told from a variety of perspectives, including the daughter of the officer who shot Shae, Shae’s best friend, community organizers, social media accounts, and others who grapple with injustice and unrest.  The novel leads readers through the days following Shae’s death, including a protest where an attempt to respond peacefully turns violent.

This book belongs on shelves in libraries and classrooms where readers are ready to grapple with upsetting scenes where justice comes into question.  Light It Up would appeal to readers who loved The Hate U Give, On The Come Up, All American Boys,  Long Way Down, and other recent novels that perfectly execute discussion of race and justice.

Reviewed by Noelle Gallant, Saco Middle School

five-stars

Girls On the Verge

Girls On the VergeGirls on the Verge by Sharon Biggs Waller
Published by Henry Holt and Co. (BYR) on April 9th 2019
ISBN: 1250151694
Pages: 229
Goodreads
five-stars

The first thing readers will notice is the clear, strong, bold, brave voice of Camille. Camille is pregnant and has enlisted the help of her friends to terminate her pregnancy. Camille is not able to tell her family and the baby’s father about the pregnancy and after a failed visit to a “crisis clinic” in her home state of Texas, Camille realizes she needs to enlist some help. Camille begins her journey with Annabelle, the new friend with a strong feminist outlook and Bea, the life-long friend, who is more conservative and sheltered. To be clear, the author does have an agenda. In the Author’s Note, Waller states that she wants to “sound the alarm” on legislation that regulates women’s bodies and talks about how shame is used as a weapon against women and she does just that. This book is filled with information about women’s reproductive rights and the girls discuss the options in an informative, thoughtful manner, without any element of preachiness. However, this book is also a satisfying road trip story about friendship. Each girl has a secret and as the miles pass their truths are revealed. This book will satisfy readers with its story and it will inform readers on reproductive rights and options in the United States. It is an important addition to any YA collection serving grades 10 and up. Recommended for Cream of the Crop.

Elizabeth Andersen, Librarian, Westbrook High School

five-stars

Fake Plastic Girl

Fake Plastic GirlFake Plastic Girl by Zara Lisbon
Published by Henry Holt & Company on March 26th 2019
ISBN: 1250156297
Pages: 288
Goodreads
three-stars

Readers will be suspicious of Eva-Kate’s and Justine’s friendship right away. They will question what Eva-Kate Kelly, former child actress, and A-List celebrity, sees in Justine, an average teenager who is obsessed with Taylor Swift, bored with summer, and dealing with her parents’ divorce. It all starts with a Gatsbyesque party at Eva-Kate’s new house, across the canal from Justine’s. The party is filled with careless, rich people, pseudo-celebrities and hangers-on. Justine crashes the party and is flattered by Eva-Kate’s attention and for the rest of the summer, Justine ignores her family and high school friends to spend all her time with Eva-Kate. Again, readers will not be able to ignore that niggling feeling that something is not right with this friendship. Little hints are dropped along the way, but Justine is too dazzled by her new friend and surroundings to notice. Then on the last few pages, major secrets are revealed. When Justine is about to confront Eva-Kate, Eva-Kate is found dead! This is a page-turner filled with extravagant details of an Instagram, celebrity lifestyle that reveals just enough secrets to keep readers satisfied, but holds just enough back to keep them clamoring for the sequel! Recommended for grades 9 and up. 

Elizabeth Andersen, Librarian, Westbrook High School

three-stars

The Music of What Happens

The Music of What HappensThe Music of What Happens by Bill Konigsberg
Published by Arthur A. Levine Books on February 26th 2019
ISBN: 1338215507
Pages: 338
Goodreads
five-stars

This romantic novel is filled with poetry, food, and art, but it also tackles the serious issues of consent, grief, and gender conformity. Through happenstance, Max and Jordan end up in the hot, Arizona summer heat working on a derelict food truck, “Coq Au Vinny.” The food truck belonged to Jordan’s deceased father and Jordan desperately needs it to be successful. Max’s lives with his mother since his parents divorced and his plans for sleeping in, playing video games, and hanging out with his friends have been thwarted by his mother who is forcing him to work instead. Romance ensues as the boys spend time learning about each other and making the food truck successful. They take turns narrating the chapters and Konigsberg masterfully creates a unique voice for each boy. This most important feat of this novel is the insight it gives to the issue of young men and rape; it feels as powerful as Laurie Halse Anderson’s Speak. Recommended for grades 10 and up.  Recommended for Cream of the Crop. 

Elizabeth Andersen, Librarian, Westbrook High School

five-stars

Everybody Needs a Buddy

Everybody Needs a BuddyEverybody Needs a Buddy by James Preller
Published by HMH Books for Young Readers on January 29th 2019
ISBN: 1328857190
Pages: 96
Goodreads
two-stars

In this second installment of the Big Idea Gang series, the PTA has a surplus of money (wouldn’t that be nice!), and the gang has noticed a new kid spending most of every recess alone. They decide to convince the school to install a buddy bench so kids don’t have to feel alone at recess, but the PTA has already decided to allocate the money to the library. Through learning about forming an argument and persuasion, the kids and the school find a solution that works for everyone.

This story in this book is an improvement over the first book in this series, but there is still some troubling language that is hard to overlook. Specifically, there are a couple instances of what feel like racial stereotyping. The overall story is a good one, and the concept and message behind it are important and relevant. This book is best for one-on-one sharing with 2nd-4th graders. It would also be appropriate for new independent readers.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta

two-stars

Fake it Till You Break It

Fake it Till You Break ItFake It Till You Break It by Jenn P. Nguyen
Published by Swoon Reads on May 28th 2019
ISBN: 1250308011
Pages: 304
Goodreads
three-stars

This lighthearted, high school romance for readers in grades 9-12 fits the bill for happily ever after fans.  Mia, who is Asian, and Jake, who is not, have been neighbors as far back as they can remember.  Their single mothers are best friends and have been scheming to make them a couple since they were two, so their solution is to be a fake couple and then stage a breakup.  This arrangement starts to backfire when Mia begins to take interest in Ben from theater and Jake is challenged to perform an original song, secretly written for Mia, at a festival.   First kisses, loyal friends and interfering moms result in personal growth and a “real” relationship for Mia and Jake.  The pacing flows smoothly and sarcastic humor provides some chuckles.  Told in the first person voices of Mia and Jake, not always in alternating chapters, the awkwardness, secret crushes and all the unnecessary emotional jeopardy shine through.

Reviewed by Sheila Dube, Springvale Public Library

three-stars

Worst Mascot Ever

Worst Mascot EverThe Worst Mascot Ever by James Preller
Published by HMH Books for Young Readers on January 29th 2019
ISBN: 1328857182
Pages: 96
Goodreads
three-stars

In this first installment of the Big Idea Gang series, four third-grade friends have an idea — their elementary school needs a new mascot. The current mascot, an armadillo, isn’t exciting or ferocious enough. They approach the principal, and it’s decided the school will vote — either Arnold the armadillo will stay, or the school will adopt a new mascot, Drake the Dragon.

This series is aimed at 2nd-3rd graders, but some of the language, and the tone of the interactions between the characters seems a bit older than that target age range. The students do (and hence, the reader will) learn about forming an argument and preparing for public speaking. This book could be read aloud to a new reader, or it would be great for a reader ready to tackle some harder words and a little bit longer chapter book. A second purchase for libraries looking to expand their early chapter book sections.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta

three-stars

The Missing Piece of Charlie O’Reilly

The Missing Piece of Charlie O’ReillyThe Missing Piece of Charlie O'Reilly by Rebecca Ansari
Published by Walden Pond Press on March 5th 2019
ISBN: 006267966X
Pages: 400
Goodreads
three-stars

Charlie knows his brother Liam existed and he can remember so many things about him. But everything about Liam has been erased, no one, not even his parents, remember Liam. Only Charlie still knows he once existed. So when Charlie and his best friend Ana learn that there is a place children are taken to and that Liam is probably there, they know they have to find the place. The trick is going to be how to find the place and then, not get stuck there themselves forever. An interesting twist or two in this one. The place where the children are kept is a bit spooky as are the dreams that Charlie has leading up to his finding where the children are kept. For ages 10 and up.

Mary Lehmer, Youth Services Librarian, Freeport Community Library, Freeport, ME

three-stars

Famous in a Small Town

Famous in a Small TownFamous in a Small Town by Emma Mills
Published by Henry Holt & Company on January 15th 2019
ISBN: 1250179637
Pages: 312
Goodreads
three-stars

Sophie is trying to raise enough money so her high school marching band can march in the Rose Parade. She decides that the only way that will happen is if she gets county singer Megan Pleasant to come home to their town, Acadia, and perform to raise money for the band. She can’t do it alone though and asks for help from all of her friends including new comer August. The banter between the friends is sharp and really fun. The friends support each others ideas and thoughts and even when they get miffed at each other, find ways to use humor to work stuff out. The storyline was just ok. The “trying to get Megan to come perform” parts were not nearly as interesting as the conversations the friends had together. For ages 14 and up.

Mary Lehmer, Youth Services Librarian, Freeport Community Library, Freeport, ME

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

three-stars

A Squirrelly Situation (Calpurnia Tate, Girl Vet #5)

A Squirrelly Situation (Calpurnia Tate, Girl Vet #5)A Squirrelly Situation (Calpurnia Tate, Girl Vet #5) by Jacqueline Kelly
Published by Henry Holt and Co. (BYR) on April 9th 2019
ISBN: 1627798773
Pages: 112
Goodreads
four-stars

In this fifth installment of the Calpurnia Tate, Girl Vet series, the family cat, Idabelle, has one giant kitten they affectionately call Thud. When Travis brings home a baby squirrel, Idabelle adopts and cares for the squirrel despite Mother’s initial objections. As Fluffy, the squirrel, grows and his needs expand, it becomes clear that perhaps a squirrel isn’t the best family pet. The text of this series is perfect for newly independent readers or to be read aloud to younger children. The clear, black and white illustrations support and further the story well. The author does a great job of writing historical fiction for young readers, it’s accessible but not overdone. This series is recommended for libraries looking for early chapter book series and as a great introduction to the world of Calpurnia Tate.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta

four-stars