Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction

It’s Trevor Noah: Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood

ISBN: 0525582169

Set against the backdrop of Apartheid, It’s Trevor Noah is the young reader’s adaptation of Noah’s bestselling adult memoir, Born a Crime.  Born to a South African mother and a European father, Noah explains how he is “born a crime” because he is proof of a mixed-race relationship.  Each chapter holds vignettes from Noah’s childhood in South Africa, often leaning heavily on humor to tell his tales of mischief, scheming, and tragedy.  This book, which delicately adapts the often very mature adult memoir,  will have readers laughing out loud, thinking deeply, and crying by the end.  The book features excellent information in the back matter with a historical essay about Apartheid.  Recommended for grades 6 and above.

Reviewed by Noelle Gallant, Saco Middle School 

Breakthroughs in Mars Exploration

Breakthroughs in Mars ExplorationBreakthroughs in Mars Exploration by Karen Latchana Kenney
Published by Lerner Publications (Tm) on January 1st 2019
ISBN: 1541538692
Pages: 32
Goodreads

Mars is one of the few planets that can be seen from Earth with the naked eye. It has been a planet that people thought could be visited and even colonized. Since the 1800s when an Italian astronomer, Giovanni Schaiparelli viewed Mars and thought that the lines that criss-crossed the planet were canals built by aliens scientists have longed to know more about this planet. This slim volume gives the reader the basics of what scientists have done in their quest to reach Mars. The 1960’s when probes flew by and took photos, Mariner 9 that landed in 1971, 1975 when two Viking spacecraft discovered evidence of water, to 2020 when another Rover is due to be sent and the goal of 2030 when men will go to Mars. Photos and artists images support the text. Use this as an introduction to the planet humans might one day call home.

Submitted by Kathy George, Gray Public Library, Gray, Maine

grades 4-6

Suffragette: The Battle for Equality

Suffragette: The Battle for EqualitySuffragette: The Battle for Equality by David Roberts
Published by Walker Books US on October 8th 2019
ISBN: 1536208418
Pages: 128
Goodreads
five-stars

A comprehensive, historical account of the women’s suffrage movement, from its beginnings in the mid- to late-1800s in both the United Kingdom and the United State. David Roberts brings to life the women and men behind the movement, with engaging, accessible text and lively illustrations that are at once playful, descriptive and captivating. His gentle and instructive voice tackles the hurdles many brave women and men overcame and their astounding courage and determination in pursuing the fight to the end. The sheer brilliance and grit of the suffragettes, who, again and again, found new ways to defy the government makes this hefty non-fiction book one that keeps you reading.  The illustrations serve as tempting bait to draw you in to each chapter.

This is would be a great addition to any school or public library, particularly as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Nineteenth Amendment. Grades 2 and up.

Reviewed by Kelly Greenlee, Prince Memorial Library, Cumberland

five-stars

From an Idea to Google – How Innovation at Google Changed the World

From an Idea to Google – How Innovation at Google Changed the WorldFrom an Idea to Google: How Innovation at Google Changed the World by Lowey Bundy Sichol
Published by HMH Books for Young Readers on July 9th 2019
ISBN: 1328954919
Pages: 128
Goodreads
three-stars

This non-fiction book  is a look into the history of Google and the 2 friends who developed it. There are many  black & white illustrations throughout with definitions of key terms and fun facts where the reader will learn about the company and how it earned the catchphrase: Google it!
The reader will also learn where the name “Google” came from. (Hint: It involves a LOT of zeros! )
A very interesting read great for a range of kids and adults!

Reviewed by Melissa Madigan

 

three-stars

Coding With ScratchJr

Coding With ScratchJrCoding with ScratchJr by Aalvaro Scrivano, Sue Downing
Published by Lerner Publications (Tm) on January 1st 2019
ISBN: 1541538757
Pages: 32
Goodreads
two-stars

This short ScratchJr primer will get younger elementary-age kids coding within minutes of downloading the ScratchJr app by walking them through four very simple projects with quick but satisfying results, such as importing their photo into an astronaut that lands on the moon, or animating a cat that can play basketball. Caregivers and educators will also likely be thankful for this introduction as well, as the book is also well-suited to adults and younger children working together to figure out where to begin with this introductory programming language targeted at children ages 5-7. However, those seeking information about coding fundamentals and programming concepts explained easily for children will need to seek elsewhere, as the only real purpose of this book is to provide a very basic overview of the app’s interface and illustrated step-by-step instructions for the four basic projects. There are also random “Did You Know?” facts about space, castles, sports, etc that are somewhat haphazardly thrown in because they relate loosely to the project themes, but they clutter the pages more than serving the text. There is a glossary and a very brief “Further Information” page at the back of the book, which only contains two links and two additional books to explore, which felt lacking.

This book might be a worthwhile addition to a library seeking more up-to-date print content about coding for kids, but like any other tech manual, note that the inevitability of upgrades or changes to the ScratchJr app interface could possibly render this one obsolete.

Reviewed by Kat Luedke, Long Island Community Library

two-stars

Saving the Tasmanian Devil: How Science is Helping the World’s Largest Marsupial Carnivore Survive

Saving the Tasmanian Devil: How Science is Helping the World’s Largest Marsupial Carnivore SurviveSaving the Tasmanian Devil: How Science Is Helping the World’s Largest Marsupial Carnivore Survive by Dorothy Hinshaw Patent
Published by HMH Books for Young Readers on August 20th 2019
ISBN: 0544991486
Pages: 80
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

When author Dorothy Patent caught up with college friend , Jenny Marshall Graves, she was shocked to hear that the symbol of Tasmania- the Tasmanian Devil is on the verge of extinction! Graves, a respected geneticist in her home country of Australia, told her she was part of a group of scientists, including a cancer researcher, ecologist, and a graduate student in genomics that are in a race against time to save this Australian symbol from a fatal disease known as Devil Facial Tumor Disease – DFTD.  Where did it come from, how is it transmitted, is it viral or bacterial She was invited to join the group in Australia to see first hand the what is being done to save these animals.

This new addition to the Scientists in the Field series introduces the reader to the plight of the Tasmanian Devil and the people, from the government down to volunteers in the field in their search for a cure or a vaccine that may save this species. In the meantime, scientists have captured healthy devils and put them into “insurance populations” where they will be monitored and hopefully kept safe until they can be reintroduced into the wild.

This addition has all of the qualities that has made this series a must for libraries. The material is presented in a manner that can be understood by the average reader with  photographs and information boxes to support the information. It is STEM at its best!

Reviewed by Kathy George, Gray Public Library, Gray Maine

five-stars

Hack Your Cupboard: Make Great Food with What You’ve Got

Hack Your Cupboard: Make Great Food with What You’ve GotHack Your Cupboard: Make Great Food with What You've Got by Alyssa Wiegand, Carla Delgadillo
Published by Zest Books (Tm) on October 1st 2019
ISBN: 1541578546
Pages: 168
Goodreads
five-stars

Recommending for cream consideration.  Perfect for high schoolers who will be living on their own either in the dorm or with a roommate.  The cookbook is divided into four sections:  First kitchen, Dorm Room Dining, First Apartment and first Solo Kitchen.  The table of contents clearly explains what to expect in each section.  The focus of the cookbook is providing helpful hints or “hacks” that any seasoned parent wants to convey to their teen about cooking, financial tricks and basic cooking skills.  Learn how to set up to cook in a dorm room (brownies in a mug), when to dispose of smelly dishes, roommate etiquette and transforming those magical staples….Ramen Noodles.  Simple popcorn flavors to more sophisticated cooking like Brie, Goat cheese Salad and Herb Braised Pork are included.  Most recipes and the knife kitchen skills presented for each section are accompanied with large, clear photos.  A conversion chart for measurements and temperatures are provided as well as an index.  Reviewed the sturdy, hardcover edition.

Reviewed by Sheila Dube, Springvale Public Library

five-stars

Tiger Time – True Tales of Rescue

Tiger Time – True Tales of RescueTiger Time by Kama Einhorn
Published by HMH Books for Young Readers on October 29th 2019
ISBN: 1328767078
Pages: 144
Goodreads
two-stars

This tale of life in an animal sanctuary is told from the point of view of Kamal the tiger.  Kamal, along with 500 big cats and other animals, live at the Wild Animal Sanctuary in Colorado.

This is a very colorful book with lots of photos and brief chapters outlining the rescue, recovery, rehabilitation and “release” of animals.   The goal of the sanctuary is to enable animals to live out their life, healthy and happy, in as natural a habitat as possible.

The author runs the sanctuary, and is very much opposed to zoos, circuses and shows.  I agree that animal “acts” in circuses and shows should be a thing of the past, but I have a problem with the sweeping generalizations applied to all shows and zoos.  Modern zoos and educational animal presentations have a place in the world. IF done properly and humanely, they help to educate and motivate the children and visitors to protect our environment and these endangered animals.

The chapters can be a little difficult to follow.  The author, speaking as Kamal, jumps to talking about other animals in the sanctuary and then jumps back to talking about the tiger issues.  I often found myself going back a page to see if I missed a heading or chapter change.

This book is very long; it took me quite a few sittings to get through. The audience it is aiming at is grades 4- 6.  There is a glossary, bibliography and index in the back of the book.  This small 140- page hardcover is durable, with lots of photos and text boxes, and is fairly easy to read.

This is not a bad book, but I would not recommend it, as I don’t feel it is balanced well.   I believe the author shows her bias for sanctuaries, and possible non-involvement with modern zoos.

Reviewed By Irene Hall, Witherle Memorial Public Library, Castine

two-stars

Go, Goats!

Go, Goats!Go, Goats! by Kama Einhorn
Published by HMH Books for Young Readers on October 29th 2019
ISBN: 132876706X
Pages: 144
Goodreads
five-stars

I love goats so much. I love their attitudes and their eyes and how they head butt each other to get food at petting zoos. This book informed me that despite loving goats, I actually didn’t know much about them. I also didn’t know anything about animal rescue and rehabilitation. The book is written from the point of view of an elderly female goat named Lucia. She describes daily life and the challenges caretakers face when trying to rehabilitate rescued animals. It’s surprisingly engaging and I have a whole new appreciation for rescued animals and those who help them. Go, Goats! Is compassionate, affectionate, funny, and doesn’t shy away from the sadness that can accompany these rescues. It would be great for older kids to read alone but I think younger children would love it too and it would be a real benefit to a classroom unit about goats or animal care in general.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

five-stars

The Far Away Brothers: Two Teenage Immigrants Making a Life in America

The Far Away Brothers: Two Teenage Immigrants Making a Life in AmericaThe Far Away Brothers (Adapted for Young Adults): Two Teenage Immigrants Making a Life in America by Lauren Markham
Published by Delacorte Press on August 20th 2019
ISBN: 1984829777
Pages: 288
Goodreads
five-stars

In this young adult adaptation of the title by the same name, author Markham tells the tale of twin brothers, Ernesto and Raul Flores, who made the arduous and terrifying journey from El Salvador to the United States. Ending up on the wrong side of the infamous MS-13 gang, Ernesto’s life was in severe danger and the only way out was escaping to el Norte (United States). Getting as far as Mexico, Ernesto finds that Raul is to join him, as Ernesto’s identical twin he is now being mistaken for Ernesto so he is also in danger.

Markham is not only a journalist, but an English teacher at the Oakland (CA) International High School, where she met the boys and describes the legal process that they and many other undocumented youths have to go through not to be deported back to the hell and violence that they escaped from. Informational text at the end of the book discusses the historical context of immigration and provides thoughts and ideas about how this crisis might possibly be resolved.

Recommended for grades 8 and up and highly recommended for all book shelves.

Reviewed by Kristin Taylor,  Biddeford High School, Biddeford.

five-stars