Format: Nonfiction

At the Poles

At the PolesAt the Poles by David Elliott, Ellen Rooney
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 1536205990
Genres: Animals, Fiction in Verse/Poetry
Format: Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

Following his other poetry books,  “At the Pond,” “In the Woods,” and “On the Farm,” Elliot takes readers from the Antarctic to the Arctic in this beautifully illustrated book of fifteen poems about creatures that inhabit the North and South poles. There are the commonest oceanic and land animals, such as penguins and walrus, to some lesser known ones, such as krill, Antarctic shag, tardigrade, and Greenland shark. The poetry is clever and humorous at times but always shows respect for the featured creature. Rooney’s accompanying digital and patterned-paper collage portraits of the animals are beautiful and depict the sparseness of the landscape. In comments at the end, the author expands on the animals in the verses. This book will compliment a unit study about polar regions and perhaps serve as a model for students to write their own poetry.

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

four-stars

A is for Australian Reefs

A is for Australian ReefsA is for Australian Reefs by Frané Lessac
Published by Candlewick, Candlewick Press on June 13, 2023
ISBN: 1536228303
Pages: 48
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Nonfiction, Picture Book Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

Many alphabet books are done in service to an interesting subject that doesn’t bear up well under the pressure of having to come up with a compelling entry for each letter of the alphabet. A is for Australian Reefs is a marvelous example of an alphabet book that is delightful in its own right and has fascinating and factual entries for even the most challenging letters (looking at you, xanthid crabs!). The book is well-organized; within the alphabetical order, the author has carefully selected entries that take the reader from the big picture (A is for Australian Reefs, B is for Biodiversity) to individual species and subspecies. 

Each full-bleed two-page spread illustrated entry starts with a prominent image of the letter (which contains a depiction of the exemplar for the entry), a broad overview of the entry subject and a number of interesting detailed facts within each entry on the subject, many focused on the important role many species play in balancing the ecosystem. Did you know that “sea cucumber poop contains several substances that fertilize coral, helping it grow”? The illustrations are realistic and whimsical, drawing the reader from fact to fact to fact.

Readers between ages of 7-10 who love browsable nonfiction and are interested in ocean life will find this a terrific read. This beautiful book is specific to Australia but wider issues like conservation and coral reef protection are included. Teachers looking to discuss nonfiction or conservation and ocean life could introduce the text to students by reading the generalized entries at the top of each page, and simply browsing the illustrations. Highly recommended.

Deanna Contrino, SLMS/MLIS Young School Library Saco, ME 

five-stars

Bravey (Adapted for Young Readers)

Bravey (Adapted for Young Readers)Bravey (Adapted for Young Readers): Chasing Dreams, Befriending Pain, and Other Big Ideas by Alexi Pappas
Published by Delacorte on 08/22/23
ISBN: 0593562747
Genres: Biography/Autobiography, Mental Health, Non-Fiction
Format: Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

Brave (Adapted for Young Readers) is a motivating memoir by author, film writer, actor and Olympian, Alexi Pappas. Pappas describes some of the most meaningful moments in her life as she shares valuable insights to help young readers, especially girls, become brave and chase their dreams.  Important lessons include seeking out mentors, changing can’t to maybe, and how to deal with mental and physical pain.  Despite her success, life has been hard for Pappas, and she doesn’t shy away from discussing difficult these challenges, starting with her mother’s suicide when she was four. Pappas also struggles with significant mental health challenges and details this personal journey as well.  Middle school readers, especially those interested in self-improvement or chasing big dreams, will enjoy this book.  Each chapter starts with an inspiring quote or message and ends with bullet points of what readers can take away from each section.  While the tone of this book is generally upbeat and optimistic, the part about her mother’s self harm and suicide is a bit graphic and might be hard for some young people to read.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library, Orono, ME

four-stars

Maybe an Artist

Maybe an ArtistMaybe an Artist, a Graphic Memoir by Liz Montague
Published by Random House Studio on October 18, 2022
ISBN: 059330781X
Pages: 176
Genres: Biography/Autobiography
Format: Graphic Novel, Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

At what point in our lives does the tiny seed of a big dream first emerge? What, exactly, causes us to either nourish or squelch its growth?

Montague’s graphic memoir allows readers to spectate as she goes through phases of celebrating her passions and then discarding them in pursuit of more pragmatic goals. Themes include living as a young Black American, witnessing xenophobia post-9/11, navigating relationships as a teen, and dealing with the pressure of others’ expectations.

Montague went on to become a cartoonist, writer, and illustrator for the New Yorker and many other notable publications and organizations. Her story is one that will resonate with many teens; her passions and talents do not always align with how she and others envision her future, so she finds herself struggling to find balance. Highly recommended for any library that serves teens.

Reviewed by Kristi Favaloro, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars

Why? Animals

Why? AnimalsWhy? Animals: Cool Questions and Awesome Answers by Julie Beer
Published by National Geographic Kids on September 20, 2022
ISBN: 1426372752
Pages: 192
Genres: Animals, Non-Fiction
Format: Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

This is the first in a brand new series of books from National Geographic Kids, and this book’s focus is animals. Filled to the brim with information on a wide range of animals, this book will have high appeal to children who love facts! The question and answer format works very well when accompanied by such superb photography, clearly written text and fantastic layout. The questions are interesting and diverse – from things children may never have thought of to very straightforward questions. In addition to the questions and answers, tips from in-the-field experts are included. Topic covered are wide in scope and vary from protecting animals to taking better photos of your pets. The back pages include an index and credits. This is an excellent book that will keep children from ages 8 to 12 occupied for hours. A strong addition to any library.

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

four-stars

Hiding in Plain Sight

Hiding in Plain SightHiding in Plain Sight by Jorge Cham, Daniel Whiteson
Series: Elinor Wonders Why #2
Published by Kids Can Press on September 6, 2022
ISBN: 1525306197
Pages: 40
Format: Graphic Novel, Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

This book is part of a new graphic novel series based on the popular PBS series — Elinor Wonders Why. The graphic novel format works well to bring the characters to life and is a successful book adaptation. There is currently a second book out in the series, with two more books to follow in June of 2023.

The main character is a curious and spunky bunny rabbit named Elinor who goes on STEM-based adventures with her two friends, Ari, a jokester bat, and Olive, a bookish elephant. The three of them ask lots of questions throughout the story. Their questions are answered within Let’s Find Out! panels that pop up throughout the story. The graphics are colorful and the textblocks pop out on the pages so children will be able to clearly follow the story.

On a field trip to the mountains of California, the characters explore a forest of sequoia trees and learn many facts throughout the story. The back pages include an experiment that children can do to figure out how to measure trees without leaving the group and a section that includes more observations for children to record. A solid STEM-based book series that will especially appeal to pre-schoolers who watch the program, but will also be interesting to those who do not. A strong addition to both public and school libraries.

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

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

So Cool! Dinos

So Cool! DinosSo Cool! Dinos by Crispin Boyer
Published by National Geographic Kids on February 1, 2022
ISBN: 1426339046
Pages: 32
Genres: Animals, Non-Fiction
Format: Nonfiction, Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

These So Cool! books are excellent early nonfiction. While the text is accessible to preschoolers, the tone is so entertaining even much older people will enjoy this book. So Cool! Dinos shows examples of all kinds of cool dinosaurs – some that were as big as a building and others that were smaller than a chicken. All of the basic need-to-know facts are covered like where the name “dinosaur” came from, what they ate, how their babies hatched, how they mostly disappeared, and that dinosaur relatives still live today. The pages are filled with lively, detailed illustrations, side bars, and pronunciation guides for each kind of dinosaur! Recommend for ages 4 and up (though the Tarbosaurus on page 2 is a little bit of a surprise!).

Review by Savannah Sessions, MSAD #17 librarian

four-stars

Out of This World: Star-Studded Haiku

Out of This World: Star-Studded HaikuOut of This World : Star-Studded Haiku by Matthew Trueman, Sally M. Walker
Published by Candlewick Press on April 12, 2022
ISBN: 1536203564
Pages: 48
Genres: Fiction in Verse/Poetry
Format: Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Walker has created haiku poetry about constellations (three stars in a row/Orion fastens his belt/ready for the hunt), the beginning of the Universe, stars, our solar system, eclipses, and asteroids. The poetry is excellent and the accompanying illustrations are stunning. This works well as a picture book with poetry. It’s a little overwhelming though for those who might want to reference this as a nonfiction source about the solar system and space as the “further explorations” section is quite dense and not reader-friendly. I wish the author had included a brief note on the structure of haikus.

Recommended for Cream of the Crop.

Reviewed by Karen Sandlin Silverman, Mt. Ararat Middle School, Topsham

five-stars

Defiant: Growing Up in the Jim Crow South

Defiant: Growing Up in the Jim Crow SouthDefiant: Growing Up in the Jim Crow South by Wade Hudson
Published by Crown Books for Young Readers on October 12, 2021
ISBN: 0593126351
Pages: 272
Genres: Biography/Autobiography, Cultural / African American
Format: Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars
This is an excellent autobiography by Wade Hudson, who was born in Louisiana in the mid-1940s and grew up during Jim Crow. The book begins with Hudson hearing an announcement over the radio that there is an active search for him and a warrant for his arrest. He has done nothing wrong but his friends convince him to turn himself in to avoid more trouble.

The book then goes back to his birth and childhood and is a detailed and affectionate memoir of his neighborhood and what it was like to grow up Black in the south in the Jim Crow era. Hudson was a gifted student and excels in school which leads him to college. Along the way, he is constantly wondering about the treatment of Black Americans compared to white and is determined to help work toward a solution to the disparity.

Defiant takes a little while to get going but I think by the fourth chapter or so most students won’t be able to put it down. The memories he has of his family, church, neighborhood, his family’s Christmas meal (!),  and school are a captivating and informative look at the life many Americans led in the 50s and 60s. Every school and library should have this.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

five-stars