Format: Nonfiction

Drawn to Change the World

Drawn to Change the WorldDrawn to Change the World Graphic Novel Collection: 16 Youth Climate Activists, 16 Artists by Anoosha Syed, Bill Masuku, Derick Brooks, Devon Holzworth, Emma Reynolds, Erin Hunting, Gloria Felix, Jade Zhang, Margarita Kukhtina, Natasha Donovan, Natasha Nayo, Shivana Sookdeo, Teo Duvall
ISBN: 0063084228
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel, Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Drawn to Change the World pairs 16 youth climate activists with 16 illustrators to offer some hope for the future of our environment. These kids and teens are remarkable and are doing wondrous things to help save our planet.

Each chapter is set up as a brief biography of the activists with different illustrators contributing to the graphic novel format of the book. While it is a graphic novel, there is plenty of straight text as well, and the additional information is very extensive. It lists a lot ways to connect to other activists through social media, which allows for immediate action for youth who are interested.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

four-stars

The Mona Lisa Vanishes

The Mona Lisa VanishesThe Mona Lisa Vanishes: A Legendary Painter, a Shocking Heist, and the Birth of a Global Celebrity by Nicholas Day, Brett Helquist
Published by Random House Studio on September 5, 2023
ISBN: 0593643844
Pages: 288
Genres: Arts, Biography/Autobiography, Mystery, Non-Fiction
Format: Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

Did you know that before 1911, the famous painting by Leonardo da Vinci, known in France as La Joconde but in the US as the Mona Lisa, was in fact not famous? Written by Nicholas Day and copiously illustrated by Brett Helquist (A Series of Unfortunate Events), this narrative non-fiction book relates the fascinating tale of the theft of a small portrait from the Louvre in the early 20th century and how its disappearance sparked an international search for one of Leonardo’s only finished paintings. Day interchanges brief chapters of the heist and hunt with information on Leonardo da Vinci, his life in Renaissance Italy, and how the man of many talents but no follow through came to paint the Mona Lisa. Along the way, readers learn about art, fingerprints, and two time periods of court and political intrigue. Day keeps the momentum by adroitly cutting to different settings and characters connected to the creation or capture of what is now the most visited work of art in the world. This title is highly recommended for all middle grade and junior high school students. Cream of the Crop.

Reviewed by Melissa M. Orth, Richmond Middle/High School, Richmond, ME

five-stars

One in a Million

One in a MillionOne in a Million by Claire Lordon
Published by Candlewick Press on 2023
ISBN: 1536213675
Genres: Biography/Autobiography, Mental Health, Non-Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel, Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

The subtitle of One in a Million, a graphic memoir by Claire Lordon, is “High school is hard enough without a mysterious illness”, which introduces the reader to Claire’s challenging life. In Claire’s junior year, she begins experiencing excruciating headaches in addition to other symptoms that are difficult to deal with as a teenager such as unexplained weight gain, hair loss, and severe acne. Worse than all of these combined is an extreme lack of concentration and energy, making studying and having the ability to play sports or partake in activities with friends impossible. Claire’s lifeline is her diary and sketchbook. Now an adult, those outlets are the basis for this graphic memoir. One in a Million captures the frustration of feeling ill but not knowing why, the stress of a calendar filled with testing and medical appointments, and the relentless pain and exhaustion that sucks the joy from life. Lordon so clearly channels her teenage self, that the reader cannot help but feel deep empathy with her experience. She drew most of the frames using shapes of purple, with breaks in full black to express negative emotions. Unfortunately the sheer relentless anxiety and depression can overwhelm the reader at times. A trigger warning in the introduction is helpful. Anyone who has ever dealt with a chronic illness or who enjoys medical mysteries would appreciate this graphic memoir.

Reviewed by Melissa M. Orth, Richmond Middle/High School, Richmond, ME

four-stars

Songs of America: Young Readers Edition: Patriotism, Protest, and the Music that Made a Nation

Songs of America: Young Readers Edition: Patriotism, Protest, and the Music that Made a NationSongs of America: Young Reader's Edition: Patriotism, Protest, and the Music That Made a Nation by Jon Meacham, Tim McGraw
Published by Delacorte on 2023
ISBN: 0593178793
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

Jon Meacham does an impressive job of connecting American music to major social issues in United States history, from the Revolutionary War to the 2008 election of America’s first Black President, Barack Obama. Country music superstar Tim McGraw’s added commentary throughout the book provides a more personal voice to the dryer historical analyses provided by Meacham. While the book is clearly well-researched and attractively presented with extensive color and black & white illustrations and photographs, I found the content much easier to appreciate once I began to recognize the actual songs the authors were discussing. I would recommend this book for collections with a special interest in American music history.

Reviewed by Crystal Wilder, University of Southern Maine, Gorham Campus Library

four-stars

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