Format: Chapter Book Fiction

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

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