Difficult Girls

November 14, 2025

Difficult Girls by Veronica Bane
on July 8, 2025
ISBN: 0593903986
Genres: Mystery, Suspense
Format: Young Adult
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads

Difficult Girls by Veronica Bane

This young adult thriller about a teen looking for a fresh start in her summer job at an amusement park with a sinister past ultimately falls flat.

After surviving a scandal at her high school, Greta is excited for a fresh start working as an usher at Hyper Kid Magic Land. She’s making new friends, flying under the radar and even talking to her “celebrity” crush, one of the main stage performers. But when Greta is the last one to talk to her coworker that goes missing, in the same way one of the most famous performers did years ago, she may not be as far away from trouble as she thinks…

This book was commendable in that it addressed victim blaming and misogyny in school administration and discipline tactics. Though overall, the mystery itself was disjointed and concluded in a way that was both rushed and incredibly drawn out. This may appeal to younger middle schoolers that are just dipping their toes into the young adult section. It has a very mild romance and a main character that reads a lot younger than her age, but teens will likely find it too simple and too spelled out. In conclusion, consider only if your middle schoolers have run through all your other thrillers.

Reviewed by Hannah Doktor, Skidompha Public Library, Damariscotta

Kill the Lax Bro

November 14, 2025November 14, 2025

Kill the Lax Bro by Charlotte Lillie Balogh
ISBN: 059389927X
Genres: Mystery, Suspense
Format: Young Adult
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

Kill the Lax Bro by Charlotte Lillie Balogh

A teen murder mystery filled with wit, classic high school stereotypes and nostalgia for the 90s, this read will keep students theorizing what really happened long after they finish the book.

When the body of star lacrosse player, Troy Richards, is found at the schoolwide lock-in the night before graduation, a ragtag group of five teens is shocked… or are they? After all, they consist of the ex-best friend, the girlfriend, the overachiever, the troubled teen and the quiet freshman who had come together in the previous weeks to pull pranks that would finally hold “untouchable” Troy accountable. So sure, everyone had their own reasons to hate him, but did someone take it too far?

With an eye-catching title and trendy 90s thriller premise, teens will naturally gravitate towards this book. Multiple POVs push the story along, with each unique perspective offering clues to what really happened and potential motives. Where the novel falls short is in its vague ending; it’s not clear who exactly committed the murder or if everyone worked together. While some teens may find this frustrating, it does make the book great for discussion and practicing critical thinking skills. Overall, though this might not be the most clear-cut novel, it will no doubt get lots of circulation in young adult and high school collections.

Reviewed by Hannah Doktor, Skidompha Public Library, Damariscotta

Fantastic Flora: The World’s Biggest, Baddest, and Smelliest Plants

November 14, 2025

Fantastic Flora: The World’s Biggest, Baddest, and Smelliest Plants by Ann McCallum Staats, Zoe Ingram
Published by MIT Kids Press on 5/20/25
ISBN: 1536232831
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

Elementary and middle school readers who love science and plants will love this nonfiction book dedicated to the world’s biggest, baddest, and smelliest plants. Some of the plants are familiar to readers like the giant sequoia and Venus fly trap, while others will probably be new, like dead horse arum and the sandbox tree. Readers will learn interesting ways these plants survive, even in extreme conditions, and how they reproduce in different ways, with the help of various pollinators.

This book would be a great addition to an elementary or middle school library. The table of contents is broken down into the qualities of the plants that make them unique (big, bad, smelly, and exceptionally strange) and then into chapters for the specific plant. A lot of new scientific terms are introduced in the text and defined in the glossary. The back of the book also includes citations for quotations used in the text as well as a bibliography. Bold, colorful illustrations begin each chapter and are accompanied by smaller drawings and diagrams embedded within the chapter. The content of this book will reinforce some concepts children will learn in science class, but will also introduce concepts and terms that will be new and interesting to plant lovers.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

The Accidental Stowaway

November 12, 2025

The Accidental Stowaway by Jo Rioux, Judith Eagle
Published by Walker Books on 7/2025
ISBN: 1536233625
Genres: Adventure, Mystery
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

Patch follows a boy onto a ship because he has her roller skate and she wants it back. She doesn’t count on the ship setting sail before she can complete her mission. Ever eager for adventure, Patch befriends others on the ship, trying not to get caught by the captain who doesn’t abide stowaways on his ship. While hiding in plain sight, Patch gets the feeling that some of her fellow passengers aren’t being truthful about who they say they are. She realizes that Lilian, one of her friends on the ship, is in danger of being kidnapped, and does all she can to stop it. This puts Patch in grave danger, especially when she realizes who the potential kidnappers really are.

Elementary readers will enjoy this fun mystery/adventure. Patch gets in and out of lots of trouble, relying on her resourcefulness and quick thinking. There is plenty of action, especially at the end, to keep readers hooked. Patch is a unique, fun character readers will enjoy and pull for. The setting is also captivating and there is a map of the ship at the beginning of the book to provide context for readers and offers something to refer to as readers join Patch in learning about the steamship she is on.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

The Greedy Wolf

November 12, 2025November 12, 2025

The Greedy Wolf by Jean Jullien, Timothy Knapman
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 1536240699
Genres: Folklore, Humor, Suspense
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

A humorous adaptation of a classic tale starts with a very hungry wolf knocking on the door of a family of goats. The mother has left her ten baby goats alone in the house, and the wolf is impatient to get inside to eat them up. When the goats let him in, he is surprised at the amount of food the goats have cooked up. “Try my pizza! Try my pasta! Try my cake!” When the wolf goes to eat a goat, he’s stuffed with the baked goods from the goats instead. He’s eventually too full to eat the goats, and then it is revealed that it is the goats who want to eat HIM! Kids will undoubtably enjoy this book despite the far-fetched plot. Recommended for ages 3-7.

Reviewed by Gia Charles, Patten Free Library, Bath

The True and Lucky Life of a Turtle

November 11, 2025

The True and Lucky Life of a Turtle by Matt Patterson, Sy Montgomery
ISBN: 0063325160
Genres: Animals, Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

This is a remarkable true story of a lucky snapping turtle named Fire Chief. From the time snapping turtle eggs are hatched there are a number of predators and obstacles a young turtle must survive in order to reach adulthood. Born about 60 years ago, Fire Chief found his summer home in a small heart-shaped pond by a fire station, migrating across a nearby road each year to a larger pond for winter. Over time the road grew busier, and one year he was hit by a car. Fire Chief was rescued and rehabilitated by the Turtle Rescue League. Barely able to move his back legs, Fire Chief was given a wheelchair so he could exercise year-round. As time passed, Fire Chief continued to heal, but would he be able to cross the road each winter? Fortunately, Fire Chief’s friends came up with a solution, digging him a new pond far from any road and planting it with his favorite plants. This is a heartwarming tale of friendship, resilience, and rehabilitation.

The illustrations in this story are superb – filled with natural details, emotion, and a sense of scale. The back matter contains real pictures of Fire Chief (who now lives with the illustrator of this book), information about snapping turtles, and resources for what to do if you find an injured turtle. A wonderful and engaging addition to any nonfiction collection. Recommended for ages 5 to 8 (Kindergarten to 2^nd grade). Cream of the crop nominee.

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

A Fall Day for Bear

November 11, 2025

A Fall Day for Bear (Bear and Mouse) by Bonny Becker, Kady MacDonald Denton
ISBN: 1536229490
Genres: Animals, Emotions & Feelings
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

Bear and mouse are back and headed out to enjoy a picnic on a nice fall day. The only problem? Mouse (who is usually quite upbeat) is really sad about the changing seasons, and about the leaves, birds, and flowers leaving. Concerned for Mouse, Bear steps out of his typical curmudgeonly role, doing everything he can think of to cheer up his friend. The pair get wet from the rain, and find some laughs slipping and sliding through mud puddles. Wonderfully messy, the friends head home for warm baths, and tea, pickles, and cookies by the fire. The watercolor illustrations are warm and soft, like a beautiful fall day. This story would be a good tool to explore feelings of sadness, expressing feelings, empathy, and friendship. Recommended for ages 4 to 7 (Pre-K to 1^st grade).

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

Gather Grateful

November 11, 2025

Gather Grateful by Alexandra Finkeldey, Megan Litwin
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 1536233382
Genres: Emotions & Feelings, Nature, Poetry, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

Lyrical prose welcome the arrival of autumn and a season of thanksgiving. As fall progresses, animals begin gathering items—squirrels their acorns, crows their treasures, raccoons and skunks hunker down for warmth and affection. Likewise families gather for sharing of food, stories, and thanksgiving.

With poetic prose, Megan Litwin follows the transition of animals and humans as they prepare for the coming winter. Alexandra Finkeldey’s striking limited palette captures the preparations both outside and in, although some illustrations are quite dark which may make this a troublesome readaloud. The family is an extended interracial family, and it is free of references to specific holidays, making it suitable for all readers.

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

Wally Mammoth: The Sled Race

November 11, 2025November 11, 2025

Wally Mammoth: The Sled Race by Corey R. Tabor, Dalton Webb
Series: I Can Read Comics Level 1 #1
Published by Greenwillow Books ISBN: 0063434911
Genres: Adventure, Animals, Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure / General, Juvenile Fiction / Comics & Graphic Novels / Humorous
Format: Early Reader
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

In this larger-size 8-inch x 11-inch easy reader book, Wally the wooly mammoth races an arctic wolf and Otto the great auk down a snow covered hill on sleds. Wolf and Otto want to win the race but Wally just wants to have fun. Soon the competitive ambitions of Wolf and Otto prove ruinous as their unmaneuverable speed sends them crashing and swallowed up by an ever-growing snowball. Wally nervously takes the lead in the race but soon “SHOOOP!” Wally is also part of the rolling snowball. In the end, all three tie for the first prize! And want to make another run down the hill!

Tabor’s text is accessible for new readers making use almost entirely of speech bubbles, much like Elephant & Piggie books. Webb’s cartoonish art complements the silliness. A fun new series for emergent readers. Ages 4-8.

Elmore and the Christmas Rescue

November 11, 2025

Elmore and the Big Christmas Rescue (Elmore the Moose) by Dev Petty, Mike Boldt
Series: Elmore the Moose #2
Published by Doubleday Books for Young Readers ISBN: 0593518055
Genres: Animals, Holiday, Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

Elmore the Moose is back for book 2. This time Santa Claus falls sick a week before Christmas, and Mrs. Claus sends him on vacation leaving Elmore in charge. Elmore finds it harder than he thought so writes Santa for advice. Santa helps Elmore grow into his new role. On Christmas Eve, Elmore takes the reins to deliver presents before Santa’s return to the North Pole.

The story is a bit chaotic much like the accompanying artwork making it quite humorous. The letters exchanged between Elmore and Santa are the true gems in this story. Children will learn about problem-solving and that there is more than one way of doing things at the North Pole. This book will make a fun readaloud for 4-7 year olds.

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library