Format: Chapter Book Fiction

The Root of Magic

The Root of MagicThe Root of Magic by Kathleen Benner Duble
Published by Delacorte Press on June 11th 2019
ISBN: 0525578501
Pages: 224
Goodreads
four-stars

Getting lost in a snow storm is scary but almost landing in a cold river following a sliding incident is totally frightening.   This book just started to introduce the characters when the life altering scene begins a huge spiral.   Willow’s family are saved by strangers in a small magical feeling town in rural ME.  Many questions face the reader: how will they get home and how do residences of Kismit seem to know the future?  Most important, what has been making Willow’s younger brother ill?

 

The story is entwined like the plants in Cora’s house but several characters seem limp.  Our heroin and her new friend are provided some introduction time but the reader never clearly sees Willow’s Mom or the town folks.  The imagery of the disappearing bridge is perhaps the highlight of the novel.  Consider purchase where fantasy for intermediate grades is popular.

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

four-stars

Voices: The Final Hours of Joan of Arc

Voices: The Final Hours of Joan of ArcVoices: The Final Hours of Joan of Arc by David Elliott
Published by HMH Books for Young Readers on March 26th 2019
ISBN: 1328987590
Pages: 208
Goodreads
three-stars

Voices: The Final Hours of Joan of Arc is a verse novel that strives to show the trial of the historical figure often called Joan of Arc. Elliott combines poems written from the point of view of Joan, her friends and family, objects such as her sword or the fire, saints, and even concepts such as virginity with actual quotes from the trial. An author’s note before the text gives the reader context for the emotional journey to follow, and a second note after gives additional information about Joan of Arc and the various poetry styles used within.

Though Elliott captures the unfairness of Joan of Arc’s situation and her fierce, unbreakable spirit, it’s difficult to pinpoint the exact right audience for this novel. Give to readers as a fantastic school project book or for those who find great joy in historical figures and poetry. Recommended where similar novels are popular.

Reviewed by Sarah Cropley, Scarborough Public Library.

three-stars

Dungeons & Dragons: Endless Quest: Escape from Castle Ravenloft

Dungeons & Dragons: Endless Quest: Escape from Castle RavenloftEscape from Castle Ravenloft (Dungeons & Dragons: Endless Quest) by Matt Forbeck, Various
Published by Candlewick Press (MA) on September 3rd 2019
ISBN: 1536209228
Pages: 128
Goodreads
three-stars

Continuing his series of choose-your-own-adventure-style books, Matt Forbeck writes the Endless Quest series that take middle school readers through actual Dungeons & Dragons content in an adventure-filled quest. In Escape the Vampire Lair, the reader is a human cleric who wakes up to find themselves in the company of the frightening vampire Strahd. They must make choices about how to fight or flee, hoping to get away from the cursed vampire’s clutches. There are many twists and turns that lead to success or failure. This series of books is particularly good for kids who are already hooked on D&D, kids who love this style of book, or both. It may be an excellent way to introduce readers to Dungeons & Dragons if they haven’t heard of it before or to get those who are into D&D reading more books. Purchase wherever either is popular.

Reviewed by Sarah Cropley, Scarborough Public Library.

three-stars

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