History Smashers: Ancient Egypt

January 21, 2026

History Smashers: Ancient Egypt by Kate Messner
Series: History Smashers
Published by Random House on 10/07/2025
ISBN: 0593902335
Genres: History
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

Kate Messner is back to smash more myths, this time focusing on ancient Egypt. This engaging nonfiction book will educate readers on topics like King Tut, mummies, the pyramids, and hieroglyphs. Readers will learn about ancient Egypt as a whole including what life was like during different time periods under different rulers and how the rulers came to power. Messner also discusses how different artifacts were discovered and explains why many of the artifacts are in museums outside of Egypt.

This nonfiction book is perfect for elementary students who want to learn about ancient Egypt. Primarily narrative nonfiction, this text is broken up in fun and interesting ways. There are photographs of ancient artifacts, like the Rosetta Stone and King Tut’s trumpet and some content is in panels like a graphic novel. This book includes a table of contents and an index to help readers quickly find information as well as a timeline and bibliography, perfect for readers learning about nonfiction text features. This book would be a great addition to nonfiction collections in school or public libraries.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

Punch!:A Story About Kindness

January 19, 2026

Punch!: A Story About Kindness – A Funny Picture Book About Empathy and Bullying for Kids (Ages 4-8) by Michael Hall
Published by HarperCollinsChildren’sBooks on 2025
ISBN: 0062866214
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

Before the story even begins, readers may find themselves wondering why the author titled a story about kindness, “Punch!” The inside front cover directs the reader to “look at the pictures very carefully” and notes, “Some words have more than one meaning.” The copyright pages shows Badger and Snaily sharing good times in a series of snapshots .

Badger, the main character, bursts onto the first page of the story, “looking for trouble”, angry and red in the face. Pulling a wagon carrying among other things, a shovel and pitchfork, he proceeds to physically hurt Elephant, Bear, Frog and Moose, without provocation or explanation.

The blocky cut out characters on a white background, allow us to focus on the animals’ facial expressions and the undercurrents of what is left unsaid. The friends are understandably bewildered and make a three-part plan to “teach (Badger) a lesson”.

In Part 1, as Badger digs a hole, Bear approaches him with “Punch!” (to drink); in Part 2, Badger smooths a pile of dirt and is surprised by Moose and Frog, who give Badger a “Belt!” and “Sock!” (to wear). Part 3 shows Badger placing flowers on a gravestone for his friend Snaily and Elephant “really let(ting) Badger have it” . . . . a “Slug!” (to care for). Readers will enjoy the way the story plays with the double meaning of the action words that turn into symbols of tenderness and empathy, even as they feel distress at understanding that Snaily has died.

As Badger accepts the compassion his friends are showing him, and allows them to support him in his grief over losing Snaily, something in him loosens and allows Badger to return the kindness.

This would be a positive story for families to read together to discuss empathy and an important life lesson: sometimes we lash out when we’re in pain and friends can choose to respond in kind, or with kindness. Punch!may need an immediate second reading for young readers to synthesize the story’s words with its images and message.

Recommended for public school libraries.

Deanna Contrino, SLMS
K-2 Resource Librarian, Scarborough Schools

The Baby who Stayed Awake Forever

January 18, 2026January 18, 2026

The Baby Who Stayed Awake Forever by Sandra Salsbury
Published by Doubleday Books for Young Readers ISBN: 0593805879
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

This funny, relatable story for families with new babies, is perfect for bedtime. Follow along hour to hour as Mom, Dad and big sis try everything to get the baby to sleep, from good night kisses to pacifiers to cuddles. Nothing works.Even Mr. Neighbor wonders if the baby is going to stay awake forever.

Using humor that older siblings and parents will relate to, the reader is privvy to baby’s thoughts. Her master plan is to stay awake forever, exploring the wonders of the universe, jumping “fifty times in a row. Or one hundred times. Nobody knows, because babies can’t count.”

The illustrations are playful and alternate through full-page spreads, vignettes, panels and close-ups of Baby and family as she flings binkies, probes Papa’s face, and revels in her nighttime hijinks. Baby’s eyes are wide and round as saucers as everyone else’s eyelids get heavier and heavier.

This would be a delightful addition to a public library collection.

Deanna Contrino, SLMS
K-2 Resource Librarian, Scarborough Schools

The Dysfunctional Family’s Guide to Murder

January 16, 2026

The Dysfunctional Family's Guide to Murder by Kate Emery
Published by Alfred A. Knopf on October 21, 2025 (USA)
Genres: Family, Humor, Mystery, Realistic Fiction
Format: Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

When Ruth’s step-grandmother is found dead – murdered! – on the very morning that everyone is meant to head home after a long weekend at the remote family ranch, she knows it’s time to turn all her crime-reading hours into crime-solving expertise.

Teaming up with her too-cute-for-comfort and newly sort-of cousin Dylan as the Hastings to her Poirot, Ruth begins her investigation. Of course, the fact that the likely murderer is someone in the house – and therefore family (or family adjacent) is less than ideal. But Ruth doesn’t let that stop her. The real problem, she explains to the reader, is that there will be a second body before the end.

This younger YA/older middle grade Agatha Christie-esque whodunnit set in Western Australia is a lot of fun, and perfect for middle grade readers who enjoy a twisty mystery with an engaging, tell-it-like-it-is heroine. While there are two dead bodies, it avoids any goriness that might put some readers off and (spoiler alert!) in the end it transpires that neither death was actually murder – both were accidental. However, that plot point cleverly unfolds in a way that allows for a happy resolution, without disappointing the reader or feeling anticlimactic.

Highly recommend; an excellent addition to library shelves. 5 stars.

– Jenny Martinez, Maine State Library

Where Shadows Bloom

January 15, 2026

Where Shadows Bloom by Catherine Bakewell
Published by Harper on February 11, 2025
ISBN: 0063359081
Genres: Fantasy, LGBTQ+, Romance
Format: Young Adult
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

Shadows – deadly monsters that move silently in the night – keep Ofelia little more than a prisoner in her well-guarded home. One of those guards is Lope, who has trained her entire life to be a knight defending Ofelia. Over the years, as their friendship has grown strong, other feelings have grown between them as well, though the difference in their stations prevents Lope from acting on those feelings, and Ofelia from understanding them.

Only the king’s palace offers a safe refuge from the Shadows. Driven by the increasing danger, Ofelia’s mother agrees to go there to ask for shelter for herself and Ofelia. But when she doesn’t return, Ofelia and Lope set out after her. When they arrive, they find her mother has mysteriously disappeared. Revelations unfold; Ofelia learns she is the daughter of the king himself, and he lays claim to her affection while promising her mother is safe. At first she believes him, but Lope, left to her own devices, begins to uncover strange inconsistencies in the king’s highly controlled and madly festive court. The Shadows, she realizes, originate from the palace itself. The king is not the protector of the land, chosen by the will of beneficent gods; he rules because of a deal struck with the Lord of the Underworld and is, in fact, the villain.

Now Lope is trying to protect Ofelia from herself, and the power-hungry king, as well as from the Shadows. Ofelia refuses to believe Lope’s assertion that the king is behind the world’s evil, causing a rift between them. Finally – though now apart – both realize the deadly truth behind the king’s illusions, and that the only way forward is into the underworld, where they might be able to save the other, if not themselves. But a whole new adventure awaits them there, and it is soon clear that sacrificing their lives is not what will change the world above.

Bakewell’s magical, atmospheric novel builds in intensity as the protagonists begin to more deeply understand both the world they exist in, and the depth of their feelings for one another. Unexpected twists allow the reader to get lost in the sometimes dreamy, fairy-tale quality of the story as well as to appreciate the thoughtful world-building and hopeful resolution. Will appeal to readers of sapphic romance, dark-ish fantasy, and satisfying endings.

– Jenny Martinez, Maine State Library

Wednesday Wilson: Looks on the Fright Side

January 14, 2026

Wednesday Wilson Looks on the Fright Side (Volume 4) by Bree Galbraith, Morgan Goble
Series: Wednesday Wilson #4
Published by Kids Can Press on 9/2/25
ISBN: 1525311573
Genres: Juvenile Fiction / Readers / Beginner
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

Budding entrepreneur, Wednesday Wilson, is back in this fourth installment. This time, she is trying to figure out how to encourage people to trick or treat at her house. The past few years, Wednesday’s two moms have given out weird treats and now no one wants to go to her house. Wednesday and her friends decide that giving away slime would be perfect because kids will love the free slime and will want to buy more later. Wednesday is a little sly and throws a Halloween party at a nearby house that some locals believe is haunted, without getting definitive permission. Even though three mean girls try to ruin the party, the party is a success!

This book is the fourth in a series of early chapter books. The font is big and there are lots of black and white drawings to break up the text. Wednesday gets herself in and out of trouble, which young readers can relate to. There is diversity represented in the characters, some described in the text, like Wednesday having two moms, and other examples are evident just in the illustrations. For example, Wednesday and her friends have different skin colors and a couple of the characters use wheelchairs. Libraries who have the other books in this series will want to add this Halloween book to their collection.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

The Beautiful Layers of Me

January 14, 2026

The Beautiful Layers of Me by Ruchi Mhasane, Sophia Payne
ISBN: 1536242896
Genres: Cultural / African American, Emotions & Feelings, Family, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

Ameena is so excited, because today is her Auntie’s nikah, or wedding. Because of the special occasion, she is gifted with her first ever salwar kameez, and she loves the soft layers of floaty fabric. But, when her next-door neighbor Emily accidentally compliments Ameena’s “pajamas”, Ameena feels embarrassed and worried. Ameena goes to her room, fidgeting with her outfit, and accidentally picks a hole right through her kameez. Without time to spare, she changes into her favorite dress, only to regret the outfit change when seeing how beautiful her cousin Lisa looked in her matching salwar kameez. Saving the day, Babu repairs Ameena’s kameez right before the ceremony, and Ameena feels proud to wear it, and of her heritage. The illustrations are full of colorful, soft, and flowy layers, just like Ameena’s salwar kameez. This relatable tale would resonate with any child feeling embarrassed about being “different”. The writing also beautifully weaves in words of the Author’s Indo-Caribbean heritage. Recommended for ages 5 to 7 (Kindergarten to 1^st grade).

Reviewed by: Jenn Mead, Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library, Lovell

Quentin Blake’s Fantastic Journeys: Fanciful Drawings & Surprising Situations

January 14, 2026

Quentin Blake's Fantastic Journeys by Quentin Blake
ISBN: 1536245089
Genres: Arts
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

Join beloved illustrator, Quentin Blake, on a journey through this fun collection of illustrations. The illustrations are grouped into themes such as “Trip Hazards” and “Deliveries from Elsewhere”. While not creating a storyline, this collection of quirky sketches and illustrations is sure to bring delight to readers of all ages. The style of Quentin Blake’s illustrations is also inspirational for artists at all ability levels, demonstrating that you can spark joy, create movement, tell a story, and elicit emotion without being “perfect”. Recommended for ages 7 to 9 (2^nd to 4^th grade).

Reviewed by: Jenn Mead, Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library, Lovell

Girls to the Front: 40 Asian American Women who Blazed a Trail

January 14, 2026

Girls to the Front: 40 Asian American Women Who Blazed a Trail―Boldly Illustrated Biographies of Inspiring Changemakers by Nina Mata
ISBN: 0063216280
Genres: Biography/Autobiography, LGBTQ+, Non-Fiction
Format: Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

This book contains a collection of 40 inspiring biographies and portraits of trailblazing Asian American women. The stories in this collection span a wide range of time periods, with women representing many different countries of ancestry within Asia. It covers how many of these women experienced racism and discrimination, with brief explanations of the historical context as appropriate, and how these women overcame their circumstances and became noteworthy. It could be read straight through as inspiration, or used as a launching pad for a more in-depth research project. Some of the women covered in the book are already household names, but many are lesser-known noteworthy characters that were on the sidelines of the history books focusing on their male counterparts. These trailblazing women have done it all, so any reader is sure to find an inspiring story that speaks to their interests. Also included is LGBTQ+ representation, with the motivational biography of Geena Rocero, a transgender model and activist. The portraits dedicated to each woman are stunning and represent each woman in her prime.

For a nonfiction book, the order in which the women are presented is confusing (not chronological or alphabetical), though there is a table of contents at the front. The glossary at the back provides some basic definitions and context for various historical terms/events. However, the glossary also includes some terms that may not be necessary, and ultimately water down the more important definitions (for example “Japanese American Internment Camps” and “Junior Olympics Program” are both included and given similar lengths of definitions in the glossary).

Overall this would be a lovely, inspiring, and inclusive addition to any nonfiction collection. Recommended for ages 8 to 12 (3^rd grade to 6^th grade).

Reviewed by: Jenn Mead, Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library, Lovell

Bad Creek

January 13, 2026

Bad Creek by Peyton June
on June 3, 2025
ISBN: 1324082933
Genres: Horror, Mystery, Suspense
Format: Young Adult
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

Bad Creek brings a chill to its summer setting, full of superstitions in the spirit of campfire stories and societal horror against a conservative town’s backdrop.

Iris is not excited to return to Bad Creek after the death of her older sister the previous summer: something she doesn’t believe was accidental. However, when her friends don’t believe her gut feeling that something sinister is at play in the small, religious town, they come to find that the real evil forces are often human…

This book is great for students that love mysteries but perhaps haven’t quite dipped their toes into horror yet. Its well-paced story line remains engaging as it builds feelings of dread in the reader and ultimately concludes with an unpredictable yet extremely satisfying twist. Bad Creek also offers reflections on privilege, identity, and handling grief, with trigger warnings for family death and homophobia. Recommended for 8th grade and up.

Reviewed by Hannah Doktor, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta