Source: MSL Book Review

Carter Avery’s Tricky Fourth Grade Year

Carter Avery’s Tricky Fourth Grade YearCarter Avery's Tricky Fourth-Grade Year by Rob Buyea
Published by Delacorte Press on September 3, 2024
ISBN: 0593376188
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

Carter Avery is dreading 4th grade.  Everyone said his teacher Ms. Krane is mean and he is stuck with his bossy nemesis, Missy Gerber.  To make matters worse, Carter struggles in school because writing is hard for him, he can’t sit still for long, and often blurts out the first thing he thinks of.  Luckily Carter has a good support system at home in his grandma and his older sister (his parents died in a car crash when he was young).  After suspecting his teacher will trick him somehow, Carter’s perspective slowly shifts when he realizes how kind and creative she is.  He also works on a project with Missy, and he starts to think differently about her too.  Things are going relatively well until Ms. Krane isn’t at school anymore.  Eventually he finds out that it’s because she had her baby prematurely, not because of a petition some families are signing to get her removed because she is pregnant through artificial insemination.  After getting off to a rocky start with the long term substitute, Carter is able to make things right and works as hard for the substitute as he did for Ms. Krane.  

Carter learns a lot in this novel geared towards 4th-6th graders.  He overcomes many obstacles, learns what it means to be a true friend, and how to be brave and stick up for others.  Carter values friends of all kinds because he has a hard time making them.  He comes up with creative ways to show the people in his life that he cares about them, including hosting Thanksgiving and throwing a party for his teacher.  Carter is very accepting of others, like his teacher who has a prominent birth mark on her face and Mason and his guide dog Susie, whom he met at the library during Summer Reading.  Carter isn’t perfect, but he is always working hard to be better.  This story is told from Carter’s perspective and his funny yet thoughtful voice is a strength of this novel.  Readers will enjoy getting to know Carter and will appreciate how his confidence and success grows because of a variety of caring adults in his life.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

four-stars

Old Wounds

Old WoundsOld Wounds by Logan-Ashley Kisner
on September 10, 2024
ISBN: 0593814746
Genres: Horror, Supernatural
Format: Fiction, Young Adult
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

Erin and Max are two complicated teens: they used to date, they’re both trans, and together they’ve fled their homes in Ohio for sunny California, where they imagine a better, more accepting life. However, an unexpected stop in rural Kentucky leaves them stranded and in danger. Not only do the two have to deal with the social horror of transphobes, but they also have to face the supernatural horror of a woman-devouring monster. Together, the two will need to find each other and fight to survive the night.

There are plenty of heavy, honest themes in this book. The two protagonists have differing levels of acceptance (and rejection) for their transness: Max has attempted suicide in the past, Erin’s mother is distant, and both are deeply concerned about being outed to strangers. Kisner includes content warnings at the beginning of the book to prepare readers. While these are serious topics, they are addressed with compassion and honesty.

Kisner has written several essays on queer representation in horror, and the book itself feels like a slasher movie with two teens fighting for survival and to be seen as who they really are. The book’s creativity and meta analysis on being trans are combined with the idea of a supernatural monster and how it sees trans and genderfluid people. Patrons looking for trans representation in genres other than realistic fiction may enjoy this supernatural horror novel. Due to the multiple on-page deaths by gunshot and supernatural entities, discussions of suicide and self-hate, and transphobia, this book is recommended for mature readers.

Reviewed by Raechel Moore, Maine State Library, Augusta

four-stars

Woe: A Housecat’s Story of Despair

Woe: A Housecat’s Story of DespairWoe: A Housecat's Story of Despair by Lucy Knisley
Published by Random House Graphic on July 2, 2024
ISBN: 0593177630
Pages: 208
Genres: Animals
Format: Graphic Novel
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

“Woe: A Housecat’s Story of Despair” by Lucy Knisley is a graphic novel comprised of a collection of web comics about the relationship between the author and her cat Linney. The story humorously explores all the ups and downs of being a pet owner, including all of the quirks of owning a beloved cat. Through charming illustrations and witty narration, Knisley captures the emotional landscape of her and Linney’s experiences, blending humor with poignant moments of reflection on love, pet care, loss, and the day to day antics of her cat. Although often funny, the book doesn’t shy away from the difficult and heartbreaking aspects of pet ownership.  Although I, as an adult reader, would prefer more of a story than a series of graphic vignettes, this graphic novel is beloved by my middle grade animal loving daughter. This book would be a popular addition to any middle school library’s graphic novel collection.

Reviewed by Rebecca Duquette, Pittston Randolph Consolidated School

three-stars

Silent Sister by Megan Davidhizar

Silent Sister by Megan DavidhizarSilent Sister by Megan Davidhizar
on August 6, 2024
ISBN: 0593705645
Genres: Mystery, Psychological thriller
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

“Silent Sister” by Megan Davidhizar tells the story of a young woman whose sister disappears during an overnight school trip.  The sister who comes home, Grace, grapples with the complexities of her missing memories of that night, particularly concerning her sister, who Grace discovers has been keeping secrets from her. As Grace uncovers hidden truths about her family and classmates, she confronts issues of identity, loyalty, and the impact of silence in relationships. Beyond the mystery, this story explores the process of healing from trauma and the pain of loss. Although an experienced mystery reader can predict many of the twists and turns of the story, the relationship between Grace and her sister Maddy, as well as the mystery of what really happened is enough to keep readers hooked throughout the story. This would be a great addition to any high school library.

Reviewed by Rebecca Duquette, Pittston Randolph Consolidated School

four-stars

Peekaboo Lion

Peekaboo LionPeekaboo: Lion (Peekaboo You) by Camilla Reid, Ingela P. Arrhenius
ISBN: 1536234834
Genres: Animals
Format: Board Book
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

With bright illustrations thanks to the prolific Arrhenius, Reid’s book is simple and interactive. Pages include rhyming text such as “Peekaboo monkey”, “Peekaboo munch”, “Peekaboo toucan”, “Peekaboo crunch” and sliders that reveal various animals. The final page includes a slider with a hidden mirror.

While the text is nothing spectacular, it doesn’t need to be; toddlers and their parents love interactive board books, and they are perfect for those ages 0-2 who are exploring their physical world for the first time. This book will certainly circulate and is recommended for libraries looking to boost or refresh their selection for their youngest patrons.

Reviewed by Kristi Favaloro, Skidompha Public Library, Damariscotta

three-stars

My Salty Mary

My Salty MaryMy Salty Mary (Mary, #3) by Brodi Ashton, Cynthia Hand, Jodi Meadows
on August 20, 2024
ISBN: 0062930109
Genres: Fantasy, Historical Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction, Young Adult
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

“My Salty Mary” is a YA historical fantasy novel by “The Lady Janies,” authors Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows. This book is a retelling of the Little Mermaid mixed in with a bit of the history of the female pirate, Mary Read. Mary is a mermaid who trades her fins for legs for the love of the prince, who turns out to be a dud. She then gets rescued by a pirate crew and decides to join up. This all leads to her meeting Tobias, the son of Blackbeard, and Mary attempting to become the Pirate King. This is a fun, feminist retelling with a little history thrown in. The main characters are interesting and readers will follow along to find out what happens. A recommended purchase for YA collections, especially where the other Lady Janies’ books are popular.

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

four-stars

Love is in the Hair

Love Is in the Hair by Gemma Cary
on August 27, 2024
ISBN: 059365126X
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction, Young Adult
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

“Love is in the Hair” is a young adult realistic fiction novel by Gemma Cary. Eva is a 15 year old, dealing with typical high school girl pressures, when her best friend, Frankie, is bullied for her facial hair due to her PCOS. The bullies go so far as to shave part of her head and take a video of it. Eva decides to fight back, creating the “Hairy Girls Club” to help normalize girls having hair.

A good story about friendship and the basics of feminism, Eva is a compelling main character, though her friend Frankie felt a little thin, plot-wise. Still a worthwhile purchase for teen/YA collections where realistic fiction is popular.

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

three-stars

Abuelita’s Gift: A Día de Muertos Story

Abuelita’s Gift: A Día de Muertos StoryAbuelita's Gift: A Día de Muertos Story by Mariana Ríos Ramírez, Sara Palacios
Published by Alfred A. Knopf on 9/10/24
ISBN: 0593568362
Genres: Holiday
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

In this beautifully illustrated picture book, Julieta is trying to figure out how to honor and celebrate her grandmother on Día de Muertos.  None of her ideas are working and on November 1, she still doesn’t have the perfect gift for her family’s ofrenda.  Finally, after looking through boxes of old photos, Julieta comes up with a special way to capture her grandmother’s joyful spirit.  Julieta dances like she did with her grandmother and feels her presence, realizing the bond they share will always be there when she dances.  The author’s note explains a little bit about the traditions of Día de Muertos and how they might differ family by family.  The text of the story incorporates Spanish words and the glossary at the end gives the meanings for these words. There is also a colorful illustration of an ofrenda and an explanation on the adjacent page of all of the different elements of the ofrenda.  This book would be an excellent addition to any children’s collection.  The story shows how families can remember loved ones who have died, with joy instead of sadness.  The illustrations are vibrant and really capture this festive time of year in Mexican culture. Highly recommended.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

five-stars

The Thirteenth Child

The Thirteenth ChildThe Thirteenth Child by Erin A. Craig
on September 24, 2024
ISBN: 0593482581
Genres: Fairy Tale, Fantasy
Format: Young Adult
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

The Thirteenth Child by Erin A. Craig

As the thirteenth child of an impoverished family, Hazel’s birth was not cause for celebration.  Thirteenth children are promised to a god at birth.  Hazel’s parents decide to promise her to the god of Death.  Hazel waits twelve years for her godfather to arrive to take her away.  Twelve years of surviving on what scraps of life were left over once her other siblings had their share.  Twelve years of neglect.  And on her twelfth birthday, Death, who asks to be called Merrick, takes her away and bestows on her a gift of healing.  

Merrick has grand plans for his goddaughter.  Hazel becomes sought after for her healing gift.  When Hazel touches a person’s face, she will either see the cure or a skull meaning inescapable death.  The burden of her gift is to end the suffering of those who project the image of the skull.  Hazel’s gift sends her to the royal palace to save the king.  But after she sees a skull, she has to face the decision of breaking the rules and saving a beloved king or letting a spoiled prince take the throne.  Hazel has to deal with the burden of the decision of whether or not to defy Death and intervene with fate.  Her decision has consequences of which she was unaware and sets her life, and the future of the kingdom, on a perilous path. 

This YA fantasy novel is a gothic retelling of the Grimm fairy tale “Godfather Death.”  Themes include the burden of power and fate vs. free will.   While there is a secondary romantic plot line that avid readers will find predictable, it does add a necessary uplifting feeling.  Fans of dark fairy tales and strong female protagonists will enjoy this novel.  Appropriate for readers ages fourteen and up. 

Reviewed by Heidi Kopishke, Camden Hills Regional High School, Rockport, ME.

four-stars

This Baby. That Baby.

This Baby. That Baby.This Baby. That Baby. by Cari Best, Rashin Kheiriyeh
Published by Anne Schwartz Books on 2024
ISBN: 0593564634
Genres: Babies/Infants, Emotions & Feelings
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

Two charming babies are growing up in urban apartments that face each other. In this adorable book, illustrated with acrylic & oil on paper, This Baby and That Baby experience similar but sometimes opposite activities in their daily schedules. They both eat, play, nap, and go out to the park with their parents. However, where This Baby goes to sleep easily and wakes up sad, That Baby is reluctant to nap and wakes up grumpy. Throughout the book, the boy’s mother and the girl’s father, each caregiving alone, are portrayed as loving, joyful parents. When they meet at the park at the end of the story, the babies recognize each other and play peekaboo together while the exhausted parents collapse on a park bench in the amusing final picture. With its gentle humor and positive attitude towards a range of emotions, this book would be a fun read-aloud for pre-school to first-graders.

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

five-stars