Format: Chapter Book Fiction

Scary Stories for Young Foxes

Scary Stories for Young FoxesScary Stories for Young Foxes by Christian McKay Heidicker, Junyi Wu
Published by Henry Holt and Company on August 20th 2019
ISBN: 1250181429
Pages: 320
Genres: Horror
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

One night, tired of their mother’s not-so-frightening stories, 7 young foxes sneak out of their den to visit the storyteller who will  “scare some white into their tails.” The storyteller weaves a tale about two young foxes, Mia and Uly, whose lives intertwine through constant peril. As each story unfolds and the kits learn about “the yellow,” Mr. Scratch, and a villainous Miss Beatrix Potter with a penchant for taxidermy,  one by one each heads back home, too afraid to hear more. Only one kit sticks around to hear how it all ends.

Lovely (and occasionally troubling) black and white drawings are interspersed throughout this story of sacrifice, survival, family, loss, and ultimately, hope. This book is more disturbing and creepy than it is scary so students looking to truly be scared might want to look elsewhere. Those who are more sensitive, particularly to the plight of animals, may want to skip this one as they might find this story distressing.

Ages 9-12

 

Reviewed by Kerrie Lattari, York Middle School, York

three-stars

Time Dogs: Balto and the Race Against Time

Time Dogs: Balto and the Race Against TimeBalto and the Race Against Time by Helen Moss, Misa Saburi
Published by Henry Holt & Company on June 4th 2019
ISBN: 1250186331
Pages: 144
Goodreads

A new series that is essentially the Magic Tree House series with dogs instead of kids. The old dogs time travel in an old van – and turn into puppies – to help real-life famous dogs. In this adventure, the dogs travel to 1925 Alaska to help Balto deliver medicine during a diphtheria outbreak. The premise seems pretty silly to me, but the pace is quick and dog lovers may enjoy the puppy antics. Author’s Notes at the end describe the historical event and the liberties the author takes in the story.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library, Liberty

Rocket Out of the Park

Rocket Out of the ParkRocket Out of the Park by Andrea Cascardi, The Jim Henson Company
Published by Candlewick Press on April 2019
ISBN: 1536203122
Pages: 48
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
two-stars

Apparently Dot is a popular animated preschool series about “an 8-year old inquisitive and exuberant tech-savvy girl who launches herself into adventures and fearlessly sets about solving problems,” but I was not familiar with it. In this story, Dot is at the Creative Fair where she and her friends are making fizz-powered rockets. Dot is intent on making her rocket the fastest of them all with no decorations to weigh it down while her friends have other goals. All turn out to be the “best” rockets. While I liked the concept, the vocabulary seemed too challenging for an early reader. I am not sure what audience this book would appeal to as the concepts seems more for 8-10 year olds but the book format seems for 6-7 year old. The author really missed an opportunity to include plans or directions for kids to make their own rockets.

Reviewed by Liberty Library, Liberty

two-stars

Secret Soldiers

Secret SoldiersSecret Soldiers by Keely Hutton
on June 11th 2019
ISBN: 0374309035
Pages: 320
Goodreads
five-stars

This historical fiction novel takes place during WW1. Thomas lies about his age because he is desperate to find his older brother who is missing in the war. Thomas and other underage boys end up working in the tunnels beneath the battlefield on a dangerous secret mission on the Western Front. These young soldiers form a lasting bond in spite of their different social classes and reasons for enlisting. The character development of the four main characters is excellent. It is a gripping story that vividly describes the horrors of life and death in the tunnels and trenches. The author’s note reveals that more than a quarter of a million underage British boys served in this war. I highly recommend this novel for readers age 12 and up. Kris Zuidema, retired school librarian, Standish

five-stars

Bernard Pepperlin

Bernard PepperlinBernard Pepperlin by Cara Hoffman
Published by HarperCollins on September 17th 2019
ISBN: 0062865447
Pages: 224
Goodreads
four-stars

Bernard, the dormouse from Alice in Wonderland, suddenly finds himself in New York City. He is befriended by a cat, a lizard, and others who are attempting to stop a gang of evil weasels called the Pork Pie Gang who are planning to stop time. It is an action filled story of friendship and teamwork that includes a variety of creatures from pets to tap dancing cockroaches. This well written fantasy will delight readers with its imaginative plot. The black and white illustrations add to the charm. I recommend this for readers ages 8-12. Kris Zuidema, retired school librarian, Standish

four-stars

The Potter’s Boy

The Potter’s BoyThe Potter's Boy by Tony Mitton
Published by David Fickling Books on February 26th 2019
ISBN: 1338285394
Pages: 256
Goodreads
four-stars

Ryo, the son of a potter, is determined to become a warrior after witnessing Akio singlehandedly defeat a group of bandits that attacks Ryo’s village. Akio is a monk warrior with the legendary Hidden Ones. When Ryo turns thirteen he leaves his family and village to train with a hermit. After his training with the hermit he is taken to the Hidden Ones for the next part of his preparation to become a warrior. His training with the Hidden Ones involves working in a small group. Each member of the group has their own strength. A sudden tragedy takes place that forces Ryo to change the direction of his life. This is a story of mindfulness and listening to your inner voice. It is well written and thought provoking. The plot moves quickly and will keep readers engaged. I highly recommend this for readers age 10 and up.  Kris Zuidema, retired school librarian, Standish

 

four-stars

The Dog Who Lost His Bark

The Dog Who Lost His BarkThe Dog Who Lost His Bark by Eoin Colfer, P.J. Lynch
Published by Candlewick Press on September 10th 2019
ISBN: 1536204420
Pages: 135
Goodreads
four-stars

This is a story about a puppy who has been mistreated and left on a trash heap. Patrick has always wanted a dog, but his father is allergic to them. Patrick is living at his grandfather’s home with his mother for the summer. His mother has told him that his musician father is working in Australia which is not the entire truth. Patrick is now able to adopt a dog from a local animal shelter. He is drawn to the lonely and scared puppy that was dumped. He names it Oz. Oz requires a lot of patience. The boy and the puppy help each other through each of their difficulties. This heartwarming story about trust, family issues, and friendship is realistic. At times it is sad, yet is also hopeful. The soft black and white illustrations go perfectly with the well written text. I highly recommend this for children ages 7-10. Kris Zuidema, retired school librarian, Standish

four-stars

My Box-shaped Heart

My Box-shaped HeartMy Box-Shaped Heart by Rachael Lucas
Published by Feiwel & Friends on August 20th 2019
ISBN: 125013000X
Pages: 224
Goodreads
three-stars

Holly and Ed have a chance meeting at the pool and are instantly drawn together.  What they don’t know is that they are both struggling with trauma in their lives.  Holly’s mom is a hoarder and recently injured herself, so Holly is playing the parent role while taking care of her.  Ed’s secretive about his past, but he and his mom are in hiding from his abusive father. They both go to the pool to escape, and in the end, find each other.  This story is just okay. It doesn’t showcase the reality of the hoarding issue at all. In the end, someone comes to clean up the house and her mother just miraculously allows it and is okay.  Teens wanting to read stories that feature trauma and recovery from trauma would be better served reading one of Laurie Halse Anderson’s books. For ages 13 and up.

Reviewed by Kara Reiman, Maine State Library

three-stars

The Friendship War

The Friendship WarThe Friendship War by Andrew Clements
Published by Yearling Books on January 8th 2019
ISBN: 0399557628
Pages: 208
Goodreads
three-stars

Fads come and go, but what happens when all the hype challenges a long time friendship? Grace accidentally starts a fad of collecting and trading buttons that takes over her entire school, most of her life, and eventually reaches a breaking point with a long time friend, Ellie. Grace is a quirky, science-minded, borderline OCD with some hoarding tendencies kid who will resonate with many young readers, and students everywhere will connect with school fads and the difficulties of friendship dynamics. This is a fun, lighthearted read for 3-5 graders. Clements does not disappoint, per usual.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

three-stars

Briar and Rose and Jack

Briar and Rose and JackBriar and Rose and Jack by Katherine Coville
Published by Clarion Books on June 11th 2019
ISBN: 1328950050
Pages: 368
Goodreads
one-star

Briar and Rose are twins — Rose is beautiful, Briar is not, and their parents decide to raise them as friends so Rose, the second born, may be heir to the throne. Together, and with other friends, they form a group with plans to slay the local giant who demands unrealistic amounts of food, riches, and livestock from the entire village. This book is a retelling of several stories — Jack and the Beanstalk, Sleeping Beauty, and likely more. It isn’t well done. The beginning is dreadfully slow, the entire book is too wordy, and the vocabulary is beyond the intended audience. The latter could potentially be viewed as a benefit for challenging young readers to expand their vocabulary. This book is a second purchase where this genre is especially popular with middle grade readers.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

one-star