Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction

Hello Ruby – Expedition to the Internet

Hello Ruby – Expedition to the InternetHello Ruby: Expedition to the Internet by Linda Liukas
Published by Feiwel & Friends on October 9th 2018
ISBN: 1250195993
Pages: 96
Goodreads
four-stars

In this fun exploration of the internet it is explained in terms that a child can understand.  Using a fun story of kids building  snowmen and igloos then connecting  them together the reader not only gets an explanation but also a visual of what the internet is and how it works.

There are also fun activities the kids can do that bring clarification of  concepts.

I read this book to first graders and they loved it and enjoyed the activity we did afterwards.

Previewed by Melissa Madigan retired Youth Services Librarian

four-stars

The Magic School Bus Rides Again – Sink or Swim

The Magic School Bus Rides Again – Sink or SwimSink or Swim: Exploring Schools of Fish: A Branches Book (The Magic School Bus Rides Again, #1) by Judy Katschke
Published by Scholastic Inc. on December 26th 2017
ISBN: 1338194453
Pages: 96
Goodreads
four-stars

This series is part of Scholastic’s early chapter book line called Branches, which is aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, and fast-paced stories. I had some of the kids at the local elementary school read them and they really liked them , and were asking for more. A good addition to any library.

Although the teachers are different they follow the  same familiar motto: take chances, make mistakes, and get messy!

Reviewed by Melissa Madigan retired Youth Services Librarian

four-stars

Whale Quest: Working Together to Save Endangered Species

Whale Quest: Working Together to Save Endangered SpeciesWhale Quest: Working Together to Save Endangered Species by Karen Romano Young
Published by Twenty-First Century Books (Tm) on August 1st 2017
ISBN: 1467792462
Pages: 128
Goodreads
five-stars

Whales have captured the interest of humans for hundreds of years. Author Karen Romano Young introduces young scientists and environmentalists to the whale, its history – from Jonah to Free Willy, how they live, eat, breathe, mate and migrate. She also looks at the current condition of the whale population. Are they struggling with climate change as other animal populations are, how are they fairing in these current conditions and what does the future hold for the largest mammal on earth. Young has included side bars, photographs , a glossary, and a whale guide to give the reader the most accurate information available. Twenty First Century publications have always been on the cutting edge of science – be it whales, climate change, nuclear meltdowns. Add this important edition to libraries large and small. Use this with grades 5 and up.

Reviewed by Kathy George, Gray Public Library, Gray, Maine.

five-stars

Sharks on the Hunt

Sharks on the HuntSharks on the Hunt by Paul Mason
Published by Hungry Tomato (R) on January 1st 2018
ISBN: 1512459755
Pages: 32
Goodreads
four-stars

This book is part of the series: Wild World of Sharks and gives the reader a crash course in sharkology. Within 32 pages, the reader learns the basics about these “wolves of the sea.” Sharks have been around some 400 million years, they are carnivores ( though some supplement their diet with plants). They hunt with all their senses- sight- they have good night vision, smell-nares on either side of their snout pick up scents for hundreds of meters touch- a line of sensors run the length of their body, it lets the shark know when the water is disturbed and they have touch sensitive teeth. They also have electro -location, they can sense anything that produces electricity- including humans. Other areas covered include what makes them sharks, where they can be found and what is their greatest enemy. Written in bullets surrounded with incredible photos, the information is short and sweet. The author offers a shark identification page and a glossary in the back. Author Mason has written a book that will whet the appetite of budding shark scientists. This addition works in any collection, large or small. Good for all ages.

Reviewed by Kathy George, Gray Public Library, Gray Me.

four-stars

Ready For It

Ready For ItReady for It by Chusita Fashion Fever
Published by Imprint on September 25th 2018
ISBN: 1250133882
Pages: 160
Goodreads
four-stars

Ready For It by Chusita is a nonfiction book discussing sex and everything that goes along with it.  Chusita strives to cover a wide variety of topics a teen may have questions about ranging from how to know if someone likes you to how same gender couples have sex. Some of the other topics covered include male/female orgasm, attraction, dating, gender, masturbation, hook ups, breakups, kissing, oral sex, anal sex, and fantasies.  The book is laid out in clear, short sections with emojis and bright orange on every page. Comic strips, quizzes, rules, definitions, slang, and full page sketches are interspersed through the book providing information in a fun versatile manner. Adults will appreciate how Chusita offers many words of caution and advises readers to always have consent, use protection, and have fun.  Readers from ages 14-18 will find Chusita’s gender inclusive, nonjudgmental style relatable and find answers to many questions.

Reviewed by Heather Hale, Easton School District, Easton

four-stars

A Few Red Drops

A Few Red DropsA Few Red Drops: The Chicago Race Riot of 1919 by Claire Hartfield
Published by Clarion Books on January 2nd 2018
ISBN: 0544785134
Pages: 208
Goodreads
four-stars

2019 marks a century since the Chicago Race Riot of 1919.  In that summer of 1919, 38 people died and 537 were badly injured over the course of several days of rioting.  Two-thirds of the victims were African-Americans. Despite this type of violence as categorized blithely as a “southern problem,” this marked a huge wake-up call that the North wasn’t as open minded as they liked to believe.  Historically, Chicago was both opportunity and oppression to recently transplanted African-Americans and new immigrants in the early 20th century. African-Americans were fleeing post-Civil War prejudice, lynchings and poverty of the deep South.  Europeans, especially those from famine-ridden Ireland, were desperate to find work and hope in America. The Midwest appealed to so many with its easy access from the train lines and with the chance to work in any of the large industries, which in Chicago was the meat-packing plants.  Bosses looking to keep wages low, crime lords looking to keep the nationalities in check and union laborers hoping to make a difference all clash throughout the early 1900s with the poor day wager caught in the middle. African-Americans were treated particularly poorly and often the most unskilled immigrant could get a job ahead of a black worker.  Even after heroically serving in World War I, African-Americans were still mistreated and disrespected. Tensions and hostilities in Chicago were at a fever pitch in the Summer of 1919, coinciding with an oppressive heat wave and the tragedy that befell the city brought tremendous shame to politicians, police and industry owners for so badly mismanaging the escalating violence.  The riots brought about needed changes in hiring policies and did help overall conditions between whites and blacks, but as current events demonstrate, Americans are still struggling to offer equality, civility and dignity to one and all. Text includes black and white photos, cartoons from newspapers and an extensive bibliography. An excellent addition to any middle and high school library, particularly where civil rights are taught as part of a curriculum.  Grade 7 and up.

Reviewed by Suzanne Dix, Westbrook Middle School, Westbrook, ME

four-stars

We Are Here to Stay: Voices of Undocumented Young Adults

We Are Here to Stay: Voices of Undocumented Young AdultsWe Are Here to Stay: Voices of Undocumented Young Adults by Susan Kuklin
Published by Candlewick Press on January 8th 2019
ISBN: 0763678848
Pages: 192
Goodreads
five-stars

Originally scheduled to be published in 2017 with full-color portraits of the 9 young adults that were interviewed; the publication was held back do to the executive actions of our government regarding DACA. These actions had many DACA recipients concerned for their lives, making it too risky for the participants of this book to have their pictures posted for all to see. So now in its new publication format the areas where there should be photographs of the interviewees were left to just  white space with captions.

Kuklin had these 9 immigrants from countries such as Colombia, Ghana and South Korea share their experiences  they had coming to the United States and how they are living and surviving as undocumented immigrants. This is powerful and personal, not political. Well written with a realistic portrayal of what life is like for these immigrants. Recommended for grades 7 and up.

Reviewed by Kristin Taylor, Biddeford High School, Biddeford, ME

five-stars

What is Poetry?: The Essential Guide to Reading & Writing Poems

What is Poetry?: The Essential Guide to Reading & Writing PoemsWhat Is Poetry?: The Essential Guide to Reading and Writing Poems by Michael Rosen, Jill Calder
Published by Candlewick Press on January 8th 2019
ISBN: 1536201596
Pages: 208
Goodreads
five-stars

What is Poetry? was written to help guide reluctant poetry lovers to better understand poetry , whether it being the reading and interpretation or the flow of words to create. Recommended for middle school, but could even helpful on the shelves of high school libraries.

Rosen offers technical tips and information on how to write poetry, but also how to read and understand the meaning of the poem in a way that is easy to follow and frequently humorous. Would be useful for students (adults, too!) to better understand the realm of poetry.

Reviewed by Kristin Taylor, Biddeford High School, Biddeford, ME

five-stars

Locked In Ice: Nansen’s Daring Quest for the North Pole

Locked In Ice: Nansen’s Daring Quest for the North PoleLocked in Ice: Nansen's Daring Quest for the North Pole by Peter Lourie
Published by Henry Holt and Co. (BYR) on January 29th 2019
ISBN: 1250137640
Pages: 336
Goodreads
five-stars

Locked In Ice Covers the exciting , daring and extremely dangerous journey of Fridtjof Nansen’s journey to the North Pole, in a fashion that all experts agreed was dangerous and deadly. Lourie uses information provided by Nansen’s well kept and very  detailed records of not only of the preparations that were taken , but also of the journey itself.

Well written and documented, but unfortunately the color of the font — sepia — is also the same of the photographs, etc. that are within the text, making It sometimes  difficult to read and follow. There is a Table of Contents, and an  “After Matter” section that contains the Appendix, Sources, Bibliography, websites, etc.

Recommended for grades 5 and up, who would be interested on information on expeditions  to the North Pole or biographical information on one of Norway’s greatest scientist and Nobel Peace Prize winners. Locked In Ice would be a welcomed addition to any school library’s resources.

Reviewed by Kristin Taylor, Biddeford High School, Biddeford, ME

five-stars

Marshfield Memories

Marshfield MemoriesMarshfield Memories: More Stories about Growing Up in Marshfield by Ralph Fletcher
Published by Henry Holt and Co. (BYR) on November 13th 2018
ISBN: 1627795243
Pages: 208
Goodreads
three-stars

Marshfield Memories by Ralph Fletcher is a companion book to Marshfield Dreams.  Fletcher shares memories about growing up in Marshfield and how the setting and people in his life impacted him.  Fletcher, as the oldest of nine, describes feeling responsible for his younger siblings and having to make difficult decisions (Do I report my younger brother as the Boy Scout mischief maker?).  He shares many adventures (frog catching, almost being kissed, Boy Scout campouts) often leaving the reader feeling introspective. Fletcher conveys his love of writing throughout the book and shares the first poem he wrote.  Loss of a friend, moving away, and a beginning understanding of racial inequality are covered with strong themes of family and friendship. Written at a 4th grade reading level, the short chapters will interest readers in the 5th to 8th grades as many of the stories Fletcher relates revolve around his middle grade years.  Photographs at the beginning of each chapter take the reader to Fletcher’s time and place showing his family, the woods, his first poem, and even Necco wafers. The reader will see a snapshot of life in the early 1960s from a 5th grader’s perspective (radio, square dancing in PE, Necco wafers, playing marbles at recess, the Kennedy assassination).  Librarians may find themselves putting this book in the hands of a reader feeling caught between being a kid and being an adult.

Reviewed by Heather Hale, Easton School District, Easton

three-stars