Source: MSL Book Review

Rex Rocket, Cosmic Weiner Dog

Rex Rocket: Cosmic Wiener Dog: (A Graphic Novel) by John Gallagher
ISBN: 0593712307
Genres: Adventure, Humor
Format: Graphic Novel
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

Rex Rocket, Cosmic Weiner Dog by John Gallagher

This new graphic novel from John Gallagher, creator of the Max Meow series, does not disappoint. Rex Rocket is an overconfident dachshund whose earnest mistakes keep getting him promoted to the head of S.T.A.R.R. Command. His former commanding officer, General Dill (as in pickle) holds a long standing grudge against Rex and sends Dr. B. on a mission with Rex and his crew of loyal rag tag misfits.

This book is full of silly comedy bits, nuggets of true science facts, and laugh-out-loud jokes. There are also small teasers to keep the reader guessing. At one point a character asks, “Why is Rex so stretchy?” and General Dill replies, “That’s a story for a different time!” Leaving us hanging and wanting more.

Woven within the goofiness are some serious themes of social justice–King Krog has taken over a planet and is using mind control to force its inhabitants to mine Element X for fuel. With the help of Dr. B., will Rex Rocket figure out how to defeat King Krog and save the true queen of Gratuvius 4? Rex Rocket, Cosmic Weiner Dog will capture the hearts, minds and funny bones of kids who love Dogman, Max Meow, and Investigators graphic novels. 

Reviewed by Antona Briley, Librarian, Dora Small School, South Portland

four-stars

Lucy in Between

Lucy in BetweenLucy in Between by Sarah Callender
Published by Holiday House on 8/18/26
ISBN: 0823455513
Genres: Mental Health, Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

Lucy is a seventh grader who loves to mime, has only one friend (Charles) and has an older brother, Henry, who is a violin prodigy.  Henry also struggles with his mental health.  Their dad is out of the picture, and their mom focuses all her attention on Henry.  Lucy often feels unseen and unimportant, existing only as Henry’s sidekick.  When Henry dies by suicide, Lucy and her mother go to live with Lucy’s father in Peru, needing to be somewhere Henry’s absence isn’t as obvious.  Lucy and her mom work through their grief with the help of a Peruvian bookshop owner.  They learn how to remember the good times with Henry while acknowledging their sadness will never go away.

Lucy is an honest and quirky protagonist who grows a lot through this story.  She learns how to communicate her needs, sets boundaries with her father, and becomes a better friend to Charles and their new classmate, Tia.  Readers who like character driven plots will enjoy getting to know Lucy.

This book would be ideal for a YA collection.  Although the reading level is appropriate for upper middle school students, Henry’s suicide, though not graphic or unexpected, causes this book to fit better in YA.  The blurb on the inside flap and the note to readers prepares the readers for Henry’s death, so readers can determine whether or not this subject matter is appropriate for them.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

three-stars

The Gods will Sing our Song

The Gods will Sing our SongThe Gods Will Sing Our Song by Autumn Krause
on September 1, 2026
Genres: Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Immigrants, Romance
Format: Chapter Book Fiction, Young Adult
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

“The Gods will Sing our Song” is a young adult historical fantasy romance by Autumn Krause. In 1942, two Japanese American teens meet in an internment camp during the war and start a romance. Ren and Violet both have small animal relics that draw them to each other through magic. Krause describes in detail the internment camp and how Japanese Americans were affected. The magical elements and Japanese mythology were very interesting as well as the historical details, but the romance felt like it moved a bit too quickly. Overall a very interesting story and a recommended purchase for YA collections.

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

four-stars

A Thousand Nights

A Thousand NightsA Thousand Nights: (A Survival Fantasy Inspired by Arabian Nights and Muslim Folklore, Featuring Stories of Refuge, Hope, and Resilience) by Intisar Khanani, Nafiza Azad
on September 8, 2026
ISBN: 1536241547
Genres: Adventure
Format: Chapter Book Fiction, Young Adult
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

“A Thousand Nights” is a young adult anthology edited by Nafiza Azad and Intisar Khanani. A group of young refugees swap stories on a dangerous journey. This book features stories from Muslim women authors. The stories feature folklore from various Islamic societies. The stories have themes of strength and grit and while some tales are more interesting than others, they all play a part in the overall journey. This is a recommended purchase for YA anthology collections.

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

four-stars

Eyes like Stars

Genres: Romance, Science Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction, Young Adult
Source: MSL Book Review
three-stars

“Eyes like Stars” is a young adult Star Wars romance novel by Ashley Poston. Ardent is a teen girl who hasn’t had to think about the subjugation of the First Order until she ends up stowing away a handsome teen boy named Sian who is trying to escape. Poston does a great job of describing the different planets in the Star Wars universe and the romance, while cliche, is fun and the characters are written smartly. Readers do not have to know Star Wars, but it helps a lot. A suggested purchase for YA collections where sci-fi romances are popular.

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

three-stars

Grove Hollow: Metamorphosis

Grove Hollow: MetamorphosisMetamorphosis (Grove Hollow #1) by Shelby Nicole
Genres: Romance, Supernatural
Format: Chapter Book Fiction, Young Adult
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
two-stars

“Metamorphosis” is the first in the “Grove Hollow” young adult supernatural romance series. Jade has lived with her grandfather since her parents’ deaths, but after he passes, she moves in with an unknown side of the family in Grove Hollow, New York. It’s tough enough being new in high school, but she makes some friends called the Misfits, but Jade also has caught the eye of the rugby captain. Throw in a handsome teen ghost tied to a locket and things get messy.

The premise of the story is interesting, but felt a little convoluted at times and while this is the first in a series, the ending did not feel like it wrapped enough up to be satisfying. An additional purchase for YA collections.

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

two-stars

To Dance the Moon and Stars

To Dance the Moon and StarsTo Dance the Moon and Stars by Barbara Perez Marquez, Tasia M.S.
on July 14, 2026
ISBN: 0593809181
Genres: Fantasy, Romance
Format: Graphic Novel, Young Adult
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

“To Dance the Moon and Stars” is a young adult graphic novel written by Tasia M S and illustrated by Barbara Perez Marquez. Myra is the next in line to become the high priestess, but she is worried that she is not ready. Dancing is forbidden in their land because it supposedly will bring darkness. However, Myra loves dancing and dances in secret. An interesting plot with gods and goddesses and beautiful fluid artwork, readers will enjoy seeing Myra face her fears and anxiety to be true to herself. A suggested purchase for YA graphic novel collections where fantasy is popular.

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

three-stars

When The Sun Goes Down

When The Sun Goes DownWhen the Sun Goes Down by Greg Pizzoli
ISBN: 059364980X
Genres: Animals, Nature, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

From award-winning author and illustrator Greg Pizzoli, is a classically perfect bedtime picture book. With his signature illustration style, and rhythmic, repetitive lines, the narrator asks,

“Where do you go? Where do you go when the sun goes down?”

the butterfly responds, “I go under a leaf. I find a good leaf and I crawl underneath. I go under a leaf when the sun goes down.”

And it repeats, so soothingly, for each animal as the story goes on. The font is simple, the illustrations are eye-catching, and the lines are poetic. Parents and children alike will read this on repeat. Reads like a modern classic akin to Margaret Wise Brown. An absolute must for public libraries’ picture book collection. Best for ages 0-5.

Recommended for Cream of the Crop

Reviewed by Gia Charles, Patten Free Library, Bath

five-stars

The Big One

The Big OneThe Big One by Dashka Slater, Myo Yim
Genres: Adventure, Folklore, Realistic Fiction, Suspense
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

Avast! There’s a Big One in the waters of a fictional coastal town, and a grandmother and her small granddaughter are determined to catch it. In this refreshing, intergenerational story Nana and Marina believe they have the “grit and the gumption” to haul it in. With many failed attempts, and a variety of different bait, Marina starts to doubt that they’ll be able to catch it. (It is odd that they chose peaches, cantaloupes, and other tropical fruits). But after singing a few sea shanties and drifting out to the open sea, something giant nudges the boat. Something much bigger is in need of their help, as a tangled whale bursts up beside them. Nana cuts the fishing ropes and her and Marina are able to come back to shore with a boat full of fish and an awe-inspiring story.

The strongest trait of this book is the pencil and pastel illustrations by Myo Yim which depict a quaint and colorful seaside town and aquamarine ocean. The harbor community is diverse and the intergenerational heroes are inspirational. Any coastal Maine library will not regret adding this one to its picture book collection. Ages 4-8.

Reviewed by Gia Charles, Patten Free Library, Bath

five-stars

Building 903

Building 903Building 903 by Lois Lowry
Published by Clarion Books on September 29, 2026
Genres: Science Fiction
Format: Middle Grade Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads

In 2099, twins Tessa and Theo live in a community based on rules and order. Citizens seem to like the safety and comfort that their government, run by a dictator Zokiris, provides. At least that is the message citizens receive. Then Theo vanishes and no one can find him. Gradually, Tessa’s family stops talking about Theo but they clearly haven’t forgotten him.  

Events are set in motion when their neighbor, Miriam, moves to a retirement community. She gives Tessa a key that unlocks boxes of books, which are forbidden by Zokiris. When Tessa’s parents find out, her father shares that Miriam had given him a copy of Moby-Dick. He  conducted experiments with Theo using Moby-Dick to activate their imagination. Finally, Tessa and her parents understand that Theo has literally fallen into a good book. He has spent months aboard a cold whaling ship without proper clothes and food. To rescue him, they need to find the confiscated copy that is in a warehouse of books set to be destroyed. While they are rescuing Theo, the citizens begin to overthrow Zokiris.

Building 903 has definite similarities to the Giver, but with a lighter touch. There are strong dystopian elements of power, class, control, and elements of faith. During Theo’s rescue, he needs to pray, which may seem out-of-place without an understanding of dystopian plot elements. Overall, this is a powerful, timely tale about control, censorship, and how creativity and imagination cannot be contained.   

Reviewed by Jaime Beal, RSU 40, Waldoboro