Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction

I Am Coco: The Life of Coco Chanel

I Am Coco: The Life of Coco ChanelI Am Coco: The Life of Coco Chanel by Isabel Pin
Published by Prestel Junior on September 13, 2022
ISBN: 3791375083
Pages: 96
Genres: Biography/Autobiography
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
one-star

The book is comprised of approximately thirty-eight moments in Gabrielle (Coco) Chanel’s life. These moments are described in snippets of two paragraphs or less, accompanied by charming illustrations. This book is much less about the facts of Chanel’s life than about the connection of these experiences in her life to the inspirations for her designs. The author glosses over Chanel’s known collaboration with Nazis and other challenging times in her life.

Pin’s illustrations of Chanel designs are the draw (!) of this book but for fashionistas and others looking for information about this iconic designer would do better with Coco Chanel: Pearls, Perfume and the Little Back Dress (Goldman).

Reviewed by Deanna Contrino, Young School Library, Saco

one-star

The Wonders We Seek: Thirty Incredible Muslims Who Helped Shape the World

The Wonders We Seek: Thirty Incredible Muslims Who Helped Shape the WorldThe Wonders We Seek: Thirty Incredible Muslims Who Helped Shape the World by Aneesa Mumtaz, Saadia Faruqi, Saffa Khan
Published by Quill Tree Books on June 7, 2022
ISBN: 0062973444
Pages: 160
Genres: Biography/Autobiography, Non-Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

This is a collective biography highlighting 30 Muslims who have made noteworthy contributions to the world throughout history. The book begins with a letter from the authors explaining their motivation for telling these stories—the desire for readers to be aware of the amazing contributions of Muslims, to be awed and inspired, and to have Muslim readers feel pride and joy in their heritage.

Many of the people highlighted in this book are not well known – in fact this may be the first time young readers have heard of them and their accomplishments. Thirty Muslims are highlighted in this book and offer a diverse representation of skills and accomplishments: a surgeon, a female king, scientists, warriors, poets and an Islamic feminist, for example. Although the profiles are short, they provide enough information for readers to get a basic understanding of the notable achievements. The artwork is engaging and rich with colorful illustrations of the subjects set off against the rich palette of the book which is dark, earthy tones of blue, green, rusts and greys.

This well written book accomplishes the writers’ goal of informing readers of the amazing contributions of Muslims throughout history and is a strong addition to both public and school libraries.

Reviewed by Terri Bauld, Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, ME

four-stars

Kay’s Anatomy: A Complete (and completely disgusting) Guide to the Human Body

Kay’s Anatomy: A Complete (and completely disgusting) Guide to the Human BodyKay's Anatomy: A Complete (and Completely Disgusting) Guide to the Human Body by Adam Kay, Henry Paker
Published by Delacorte Press on July 26, 2022
ISBN: 0593483405
Pages: 416
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

The human body is not only fascinating and extraordinary, it is also pretty weird. This guide to the human body will answer important questions such as — are boogers safe to eat? How much of your life is spent on the toilet? Fourteen chapters of doctor guided information that covers a broad range of body parts as well as common conditions. Also included, is straightforward talk on anxiety, depression, the dangers of smoking, drugs & alcohol, and a chapter on life and death. The book is both informational and entertaining with plenty of poop and fart references to keep middle school students laughing. The black and white illustrations are playful and humorous with labeled cutaway views to further convey the information. The illustrations are plentiful and appear throughout the book.

This is a nice to book to supplement a more conventional book on the body as at times more information on the topic would be beneficial. It is, however, a fun book that will provide readers with fun insights into the human body. The back pages include a glossary, index, and further reading suggestions. Recommended for readers ages 10 to 14.

Reviewed by Terri Bauld, Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, ME

four-stars

Camp Scare

Camp ScareCamp Scare by Delilah S. Dawson
Published by Delacorte Press on August 2, 2022
ISBN: 059337326X
Pages: 288
Genres: Horror, Supernatural, Suspense
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Inspired by the author’s own traumatic week at sleepaway camp in 1988, Camp Scare is a tense, unsettling book about the lasting effects of bullying. After a bullying incident is recorded and goes viral at her school, 12 year-old Parker is given a scholarship to Camp Care, a summer camp which prides itself on being bully-free. Her excitement  to make new friends is quickly extinguished by the discovery that one of her bullies from back home is in her cabin and is determined to ruin Parker’s chance of having a fun, normal week of camp. Parker then turns to another outcast camper, who, unbeknownst to her, is a vengeful ghost.

The ghost plot, while important, is secondary in this book, which is mostly concerned with bullies. The adult characters are infuriating in their inability to recognize and intervene with Parker’s tormentors.

This book is decent, but cynical enough so that it would maybe be better off in a teen room. However, the characters are twelve so it’s clearly meant to be middle grade. The bullying that the ghost experienced is really horrific and involves a death that is reported as a suicide (which is a misunderstanding of events). The book is bleak and the resolution between the two main characters is forced; it seems as though the bully would never have had a change of heart if she hadn’t had her life threatened by the ghost. Older R.L. Stine or Christopher Pike fans might enjoy it, but it’s not the intro to the horror genre it appears to be at first glance.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

three-stars

The Hanmoji Handbook

The Hanmoji HandbookThe Hanmoji Handbook: Your Guide to the Chinese Language Through Emoji by An Xiao Mina, Jason Li, Jennifer 8. Lee
Published by Miteen Press on August 30, 2022
ISBN: 1536219134
Pages: 160
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

This accessible book teaches the basics of the written Chinese language using the parallels of Chinese characters and emojis. It not only successfully explains how logographic language works, it is a terrific book on linguistics in general. It’s a clever way to teach a language that seems so different from an alphabetic language; most of use emojis and can combine several to create meaning so this book opens our minds to learning in a whole new way. I would absolutely recommend this for a high school language class (not even necessarily a Chinese class-it’s an all around fun read about language). It is a little intense, so I’m not sure how well it would circulate outside of being used as part of a class, but if your library or classroom has a language instruction shelf, it will fit right in.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

four-stars

5000 Awesome Facts (About Animals)

5000 Awesome Facts (About Animals)5,000 Awesome Facts About Animals by National Geographic Society
Published by National Geographic Kids on September 6, 2022
ISBN: 1426372612
Pages: 224
Genres: Animals, Non-Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars
National Geographic Kids will rope in curious children with 5000 Awesome Facts (About Animals). In the back matter it says putting this book together was a bit like doing a jigsaw puzzle and it reads the same way. Each 2-page spread contains anywhere from 1-100 facts alongside beautiful, photographs and images. Some pages are very text heavy which may limit the interest for some readers. The book, however, is very well produced, as we’ve come to expect from National Geographic, and readers need not travel far to find a page with more of what they like. Topics range from “Social Media Pets”, to gorillas, to “Creature Couples”, to flightless birds, to “Animals That Can Take the Heat” (like tardigrades and camels) and more. The back matter includes an index, credits and citations, and a “behind the book” section.

Unfortunately, like many fact books, this one is not made of the most solid construction. The binding is sewn and some pages were breaking with just one adult gently reviewing the book. These kinds of books circulate heavily and need kevlar bindings! This would be an especially big hit with 2nd-5th graders for an individual check out. 

Reviewed by Savannah Sessions, MSAD#17 Librarian

four-stars

Story Booth: The True & Amazing & Heartbreaking & Inspiring Stories of Real People

Story Booth: The True & Amazing & Heartbreaking & Inspiring Stories of Real PeopleStorybooth by Storybooth
Published by HarperTeen on July 19, 2022
ISBN: 006305793X
Pages: 208
Genres: Short Stories
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
two-stars
Story Booth is a compilation of teen experiences, ranging from a sentence or two to several pages in length. The topics don’t seem to have any discernible theme or organization, with the exception that they are overwhelmingly negative.

Readers might be interested in reading the firsthand accounts of teenagers sharing experiences like their boyfriend committing suicide, having one’s nude photos posted online without consent, having a bad reaction to taking diet pills, and struggling with a range of mental health issues. This reviewer is a big supporter of providing readers with accurate information, along with autobiographical accounts, on mental health and other tough topics that affect teens. The biggest problem with this book is that there never seemed to be a positive side, or any type of suggestions regarding what to do when struggling. In the very back of the book, there is a short list of resource organizations that readers can reach out to, but the inclusion of this information felt very much like an afterthought.

This book is intended for high school students, but is not recommended as a worthwhile addition to library collections.

Reviewed by Kristi Favaloro, Skidompha Library

two-stars

Beware the Burmese Pythons and Other Invasive Animal Species

Beware the Burmese Pythons and Other Invasive Animal SpeciesBeware the Burmese Pythons: And Other Invasive Animal Species by Etta Kaner, Phil Nicholls
Published by Kids Can Press on October 4, 2022
ISBN: 1525304461
Pages: 48
Genres: Animals
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction, Graphic Novel
Goodreads
five-stars
This book is a hybrid graphic novel and informational book. The cover art is sure to grab the attention of upper elementary and middle school children. However, the title is a bit misleading in that the book only contains 4-pages about the Burmese Python, but the rest of the book is about other invasive species, such as Nutria, Cane Toads, Starlings, Crazy Ants, Feral Cats, Rabbitfish, Killer Shrimp, Snakehead Fish, and Cactus Moths. Despite that, the information is fascinating and is presented in an appealing, kid-friendly format. The variety of ways that invasive species get into new ecosystems and the damage they cause is explored in a consistent manner for each animal. Most importantly, it conveys what scientists are currently doing to solve the problems and what you can do to help. Contains a glossary, sources, and further reading at the end.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

five-stars

My Big Book of Outdoors

My Big Book of OutdoorsMy Big Book of Outdoors by Tim Hopgood
Published by Candlewick Studio on February 8, 2022
ISBN: 1536215333
Pages: 128
Genres: Animals, Arts, Fiction in Verse/Poetry, Non-Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars
This is a beautifully illustrated book that celebrates nature in all seasons. The book is broken into sections based on the seasons, and each section contains information, poetry, and activities to do. Spring covers many birds and includes a recipe for chocolate bird nests. Summer covers bees, flowers, summer nights, and more and includes instructions on how to paint a butterfly. In addition to the great information throughout the book, the mixed media illustrations are simply gorgeous. They’re large and cover most every page. The colors used do a wonderful job conveying the feelings of each season. Recommended for readers and explorers 5 and up. This could be a fun book to share parts as a read aloud followed by a craft idea from within the book.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars

Lady Icarus: Balloonomania and the Brief, Bold Life of Sophie Blanchard

Lady Icarus: Balloonomania and the Brief, Bold Life of Sophie BlanchardLady Icarus: Balloonomania and the Brief, Bold Life of Sophie Blanchard by Deborah Noyes
Published by Random House Studio on March 8, 2022
ISBN: 0593122038
Pages: 176
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars
This is a well-researched look at the hot-air balloon craze that started in France in 1783 and swept through Europe and the globe. It also specifically explores what is known of the life of “aeronaut” Sophie Blanchard, explaining how she grew to become a world-famous solo hot-air balloonist from very humble beginnings. At the height of her career, she was appointed the official aeronaut for both Napoleon and Louis the XVIII. Sophie Blanchard died tragically at the age of 41 in a ballooning accident over Paris.

The author clearly did extensive research. The book includes numerous black & white images (portraits, newspaper articles, flyers, etc.), as well as a timeline, bibliography, notes, and an index.

While this was not a typical read for me, I did find the subject very interesting. Particularly appreciated was the author’s introduction explaining the lack of information about Sophie Blanchard’s early life. This book would appeal to readers seeking biographies of daring women, as well as anyone interested in the origins of hot-air ballooning.

Reviewed by Crystal Wilder, USM, Gorham

four-stars