True Life in Uncanny Valley

May 21, 2025

True Life in Uncanny Valley by Deb Caletti
Published by Labyrinth Road on March 18, 2025
ISBN: 059370861X
Pages: 401
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Young Adult
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

Sixteen-year-old Eleanor and her older sister Ros were raised by a single mom. Their father, billionaire tech genius Hugo Harrison, lives in the same city but a world apart, and they have no contact with him. Despite this, or maybe because of it, Eleanor finds herself drawn to his glittery, famous, wealthy world. Accidentally (sort of) she bumps into Aurora, the young, gorgeous social media influencer stepmother she’s never met – and finds herself being offered the position of live-in nanny for her two-year-old half-brother. Eleanor provides a false last name and finds herself catapulted into a summer of secrets: not telling her mother or sister who she’s really working for, and not telling her father’s family who she really is.

As the weeks progress, one thing becomes clear: nothing in this family is as it seems from outside. The idyllic life portrayed on social media and followed by millions isn’t real. As Eleanor digs deeper into the secret of what Hugo Harrison is developing – his next huge, world changing tech reveal – she is horrified to discover both what it is, and how her young half-brother has been being used in the development of it. The titular “Uncanny Valley” is a reference to the instinctual revulsion that humans feel when faced with lifelike AI beings that are undefinably “off” – and ultimately it’s that confrontation that that will define Eleanor’s summer, by challenging the very idea of how humans connect to one another, and what the role of family – most especially parents – really is.

This is a great novel on many levels; Eleanor is a realistic and sympathetic character trying to find her place in a confusing world as a teenager, navigating family drama, a budding romance, and a (one sided) experience of trying to connect with father’s family. It is also a searing look at tech, social media, and AI – both the good, and the bad. Caletti looks hard at tech: both the way new advances are touted publicly, but also the impact on a personal level, and she does this in a highly readable, hard-to-put-down way. Secondary characters are thought out and three dimensional, adding substance and grounded reality to the story.

Highly recommend! Widespread appeal given multiple themes of tech, family dynamics, teenage coming-of-age themes and light romance.

5 stars/cream

Reviewed by Jenny Martinez Nocito, Maine State Library, Augusta

The History of Everything

May 8, 2025

The History of Everything: A Graphic Novel by Victoria Evans
Published by Harper Alley on February 18, 2025
ISBN: 0063268892
Format: Graphic Novel, Young Adult
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads

This graphic novel is a tender look at how friendships evolve when they are challenged by big moves and new partners being introduced.

Best friends Agnes and Daisy are excited to finally be on summer break, when Agnes’ mom drops the bombshell that they will be moving 12 hours away come August. Together, the friends resolve to complete a summer bucket list of all their favorite activities to go out with a bang. Plans change when Daisy starts dating the new kid in town, as she struggles to balance the excitement of her first boyfriend with hanging out with Agnes. Daisy assumes Agnes will always be there for her, but with the cross country move rapidly approaching is that really still true? This graphic novel would be appealing to both younger and older teens, as it accurately portrays common themes of moving away from old friends, staying true to yourself and how difficult it can be to process and address change. Overall, a great recommendation for those moving on from the Baby Sitters Club graphic novels to deeper insight on friendships and the ups and downs they might undergo.

Reviewed by Hannah Doktor, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta

The Wolf-Girl, the Greeks, and the Gods: A Tale of the Persian Wars

May 2, 2025

Format: Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult
Source: MSL Book Review
two-stars
A book that blends history and mythology, this is a read that would be appealing to patrons who want to learn a more realistic perspective beyond just Greek gods and their powers.

The story opens with Gorgo, daughter of the Spartan king whose mother’s dying words are a warning of the Persians coming to take over Greece. Eventually becoming the queen of Sparta herself, the reader is able to gain an understanding of events, both real and fantastical, that lead the small, ragtag army of Spartans and Athenians to defeating the mighty Darius the Great and King Xerxes of Persia. Features of the book include beautiful illustrations, a cast of characters list (though not as extensive as is needed for the story) and multiple maps to track the progression of battles. Though marketed as a graphic novel, the book is actually quite dense and text heavy, making it a slower and un-bingeable read. This along with gory battle descriptions makes it better for tweens and teens instead of the publisher recommended age group of 9-11. Overall, only add this book to your collection if you have exhausted other resources on Greek mythology and ancient wars.

Reviewed by Hannah Doktor, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta

Unhallowed Halls

April 25, 2025

Published by Delacorte Genres: Horror, Supernatural
Format: Fiction, Young Adult
four-stars
Page is struggling emotionally and physically after she unintentionally caused a terrible accident at school. When she receives a surprise scholarship to Agathion College, a boarding school in the Scottish moorlands, she takes the opportunity to leave Florida and dedicate her mind to her studies. Once there, she is immersed in rigid academia, a dreary yet beautiful campus, and a new group of friends. Things are strange from the start though, and Page feels increasingly unsettled as students randomly “graduate”, teachers seem possessed, the mascot pig won’t stop screaming at her, and her Samhain birthday is mentioned by the faculty far more often than it should be. What is Agathion College hiding?

The first half of this book is so fun; the mood is perfect, the character development is excellent, and the foreboding gloom keeps the pages turning. The second half loses momentum somewhat but certainly not enough to discourage dark academia, classical studies, and/or demonology fans from devouring it in a few sittings.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

Love Requires Chocolate

March 20, 2025March 20, 2025

Love Requires Chocolate by Ravynn K. Stringfield
on August 20, 2024
ISBN: 0593571541
Genres: Romance
Format: Chapter Book Fiction, Young Adult
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads

“Love Requires Chocolate” is a YA romance novel by Ravynn K. Stringfield. Whitney is a Black American teen who is doing a semester abroad in Paris. She has a huge list of must-dos while she is there, as well as creating a play about her idol, Josephine Baker. Things aren’t shaping up the way she pictured: her roommates are standoffish and her French tutor, an older French teen, Thierry, is grumpy and only doing it to end his suspension from the soccer team. They strike a bargain where Thierry will help her with her list and she will give him a good review to have him reinstated. Lots of fun scenes where we learn about Paris. I enjoyed Stringfield’s attention to the Black history of Paris. Some parts of the plot seem a bit rushed, but the book is a happy and engaging romance. An additional purchase for YA romance collections.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, ME.

A Constellation of Minor Bears

March 18, 2025

A Constellation of Minor Bears by Jen Ferguson
on September 24, 2024
ISBN: 0063334224
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Young Adult
Goodreads
five-stars

A Constellation of Minor Bears is about Molly, her brother, Hank, and their best friend, Traylor. All of their lives changed when Hank’s climbing equipment failed and he fell way too far, Traylor helpless to stop his best friend from breaking his body and seriously injuring his brain. Hank spends weeks in a coma and then months in rehab. While his life hung in the balance Molly made a promise to the universe she doesn’t know if she can keep anymore: If he wakes up, she’ll continue on the path her parents set for her to become a doctor but when he wakes up she starts to realize medicine might not be right for her. The plans they all made for their futures suddenly change, especially their plan to hike the Pacific Crest Trail together the summer after graduation.

As the book opens, Molly and Traylor graduate while Hank is stuck in summer school. Molly and Traylor head off on their dream hike without Hank. Molly can’t contain her anger towards Traylor: she can’t help but feel he should have been able to save her brother from falling—but meanwhile Traylor is in love with her, imagines a future for them. Can Molly move on and figure out what she wants next? Or will she continue to carry her anger? As Hank decides to join Traylor and Molly the tension builds between the characters who are all struggling with life that looks different from how they thought it would.

Ferguson’s strategic and artful storytelling bring this story to life. From switching perspectives between the main characters—Molly, Hank, and Traylor—to going back and forth in time, to developing metaphors around song making and bears, to writing about characters who are on a metaphorical journey while also on a literal hiking adventure, Ferguson brings many plot lines, themes, and important conversations together in an engaging and natural way. Reminiscent of Nic Stone, Aiden Thomas, and Angie Thomas, Jen Ferguson uses a character driven story to help readers think about privilege, intersectionality, advocacy, body image, racism, native land, and more. Every library that serves secondary students needs a copy of this book.

There are so many reasons to love this book: It’s a great conversation starter for so many important topics. It also has something that can appeal to so many kinds of readers—those who love hiking, the outdoors, and the wilderness; those who love a romance; and those that love books that are strong on character development, show characters overcoming their grief, or coming of age tales. There is something for everyone! This would be a fantastic addition to any secondary library and would be a great choice for any program, book club, or required or choice reading. Five stars - Can’t recommend enough!

Reasons to read:
-A book featuring Indigenous characters written by an Indigenous author
-Important topics from fat phobia, homophobia, privilege, land back movements, MMIW, grief, disability representation, coming of age, romance, friendship, and found family.
-Something for everyone — romance, outdoors, coming of age, character driven plot, action & adventure
-Written in partnership with We Need Diverse Books and Heartdrum — Cynthia Leitich Smith’s Native focused imprint of HarperCollins
Reviewed by Katy Jones, Gardiner Area High School Library, Gardiner

Desert Echoes

March 6, 2025

Desert Echoes by Abdi Nazemian
on September 10, 2024
ISBN: 0063339633
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction, Young Adult
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars
“Desert Echoes” is a young adult fiction novel by Abdi Nazemian. The book switches between freshman year and junior year for Kam, detailing the start of his relationship with his eventual boyfriend Ash, and when his boyfriend goes missing, and then years later, facing the disappearance and accepting his emotions. Kam has amnesia as to why Ash disappeared. The book seemed like it was going to be more of a mystery, but it is mostly an emotional rollercoaster of Kam’s past relationship and tugging at your heartstrings as more facts come to light. At times the switch from present to past seemed confusing, but it was an interesting way to set up the novel. The book deals with a lot of difficult topics, like grief, abuse, and racism. A suggested additional purchase where Nazemian’s books are popular.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, ME.

Lucy, Uncensored

March 6, 2025

Lucy, Uncensored by Mel Hammond, Teghan Hammond
on October 8, 2024
ISBN: 0593814053
Pages: 252
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction, Young Adult
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars
“Lucy, Uncensored” is a young adult realistic fiction novel by Mel Hammond and Teghan Hammond. The main character, Lucy, is excited about getting out of her small town and going to college to study drama with her best friend, Callie. When they visit the college, Lucy hears transphobic talk and wonders if she really wants to go here (since Lucy is a trans woman). They look into going to another LGBTQ+ friendly drama program, but the school is an all-women school and they don’t know if they will let a trans woman in, so they go on a road trip to see the college.

The book does a very good job making Lucy and Callie’s friendship seem real and well-developed. Readers may be stung by the transphobic and anti-queer comments that Lucy and Callie face throughout the book, but it did seem realistic and helped set the tone for why Lucy is looking for a place to be her authentic self. I enjoyed the theme that being yourself is important and matters and that true friends and family will rally behind you. A recommended purchase for YA fiction collections.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, ME.

Diet Soda Club

March 4, 2025

Diet Soda Club by Chaz Hayden
Published by Candlewick Press on October 8, 2024
ISBN: 1536223123
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction, Young Adult
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars
“Diet Soda Club” is a young adult realistic fiction novel by Chaz Hayden. The story is about Reed, a teenager who has been taking care of his 10 year old sister, Beatrice, who has has spinal muscular atrophy (which the author also has) while their mother has been mostly absent. When their mom goes on an extended vacation for weeks and they are left without food and money, Reed finds a way to make some cash. Unfortunately, it’s illegally making and selling fake IDs.

The friendship between Beatrice and Reed wil inspiring and strong, despite all of the difficulties that they face. A story about siblings, family, and friendship, with well-written characters, albeit with some belief-suspending plot points, this is a suggested purchase for libraries where YA realistic fiction novels are popular.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, ME.

Heart-Shaped Lies

February 28, 2025

Heart-Shaped Lies by Elizabeth Agyemang
on November 26, 2024
ISBN: 0593484495
Genres: Mystery, Psychological thriller
Format: Young Adult
Goodreads
three-stars
Elizabeth Agyemang’s debut YA novel, Heart-Shaped Lies, adds a few twists to a familiar story. Three very different girls discover that behind his popular YouTube prank-star persona, their dream-boy, Tommy, is rotten to the core. Classic “John Tucker Must Die” revenge story, right? Not quite. When Tommy is actually found dead after his cheating and disturbing class prank are revealed, the girls believe they are suspects and work together to clear their names.

The publisher’s blurb refers to this story as a “tongue-in-cheek” mystery, but don’t expect humor. The first half of the book has solid character development, it explores these young women’s unique obsessions with public image and how Tommy uses that to manipulate them. The power he has over them creates a real tension in the story. Unfortunately, that tension is broken when Tommy’s death and the damaging content on his phone irreparably harms the girl’s public personas. What’s left is a finger-pointing whodunit with a Scooby-Doo style murderer reveal. It is possible that it was the author’s intention to satirize the popular teen-girls-solving-murders trend in YA literature by having these obviously innocent characters implicate themselves by interfering with a police investigation, but their choices often felt out of character and their omissions about the night of the murder unnecessarily stretch out the story.

There is an uncomfortable balance in the tone of Heart-Shaped Lies. In some ways it is a very realistic story that could educate young women about common red-flags in abusive relationships. But Tommy’s cartoonishly villainous behavior, it being set in a fictional Disney World, and reveal of the real killer make the plot unbelievable. Is this a revenge story? No. Is it a mystery? Kind of. Is this an empowering story for girls? Maybe?

Though it is only Tommy engaging in most of this behavior, be aware that there is physical abuse, emotional abuse, alcohol use, drug use, and mentions of sexually-explicit images throughout the novel. Ultimately, this isn’t a must buy, but Agyemang might have a promising future in YA.

Reviewed by Ivy Burns, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth