Greenlight

January 16, 2024

Greenlight by Breanna Carzoo
ISBN: 006305406X
Genres: Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure / General
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

Greenlight has an important job to do. So why do cars stop for Redlight and slow for Yellowlight.but every time when it’s Greenlight’s time to shine, the cars drive away. Greenlight gives up, closes his eyes, and has a bit of an existential crisis. He eventually decides that he wants to shine again and resolves the traffic jam. I confess, it took me some time to “get” this book, but after reading it a few times, the more I enjoyed it. The realization that being liked by others is less important than liking oneself turns out to be literally eye-opening. Young preschoolers will enjoy the cars and trucks and simple colorful paper collage illustrations but may need some support to understand the underlying concept. Or maybe they are smarter than I am? Anyway, this is why I gave the book a 5 star rating rather than a Cream of the Crop rating. The book is funny and children will enjoy the topic. It could easily be paired with Cazoo’s first book, Lou, about a fire hydrant for a Story Time.

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

Ketanji: Justice Jackson’s Journey to the U. S. Supreme Court

January 16, 2024January 16, 2024

Ketanji: Justice Jackson's Journey to the U.S. Supreme Court by Kekla Magoon, Laura Freeman
on June 20, 2023
ISBN: 0063296160
Genres: Biography/Autobiography
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

An aspirational picture book biography about Ketanji Jackson, the first Black female Supreme Court justice. Her parents named her Ketanji, which means “lovely one,” dressed her in dashikis, and kept her hair natural. More importantly they helped her to develop pride and belief in herself and her future. As a young person, she was elected class president, competed on the debate team, and performed with an improv group. She excelled at Harvard College and Harvard Law School. She married, had two daughters, and held 10 different law-related positions before being nominated to the Supreme Court. Magoon’s straightforward prose allows Ketanji’s life story to speak for itself. The theme of Ketanji’s “shining star” connects the phases of her life and shows how she found her purpose. Freeman’s digital illustrations depict spreads showing loving relationships in her family – both with her parents and her husband and two children – as well as being a positive role model in all aspects of her life. Including her daughter Leila’s letter to then President Obama asking that he consider her mother for fill a seat on the Supreme Court was heartwarming, although the nomination did not come until many years later. I am normally not a fan of picture book biographies, but this one was inspirational and causes me to want to read more about her. Recommended for all libraries.

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

How To Go Hiking

January 16, 2024

How to Go Hiking (Step into Reading) by Jean Reagan, Lee Wildish
Series: Step Into Reading/How To...: Step 2 "Reading with help."
ISBN: 0593644778
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Early Reader
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

A paperback copy of the popular Step Into Reading series: Level 2 “Reading with help.” An unnamed boy and his uncle each get new hiking boots. So of course they decide to go for a hike. They load their backpacks with snacks, water, map, and binoculars. The boy wisely adds a first-aid kit as the uncle discovers at the top of the hill that he has a gotten a blister Created by the same author and illustrator team as How to Babysit a Grandma and others in series, it combines the same hilarity and colorful comic book-like characters. The characters all have dark-ish skin and characteristics. Mom is depicted but there is not a dad in this family. Geared for beginning readers with short sentences and colorful illustrations depicting the text. A fun Easy Reader!

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

Harry at the Dog Show

January 16, 2024

Harry at the Dog Show (I Can Read Level 1) by Gene Zion, Margaret Bloy Graham
ISBN: 0062747789
Genres: Animals
Format: Early Reader
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

Harry, the beloved black and white dog, is back in an Easy Reader format. When Harry goes to the park, he accidentally gets mixed up in the dog show and finds himself running the obstacle course. In typical Harry outcome – he is the blue ribbon winner. Anyone who is familiar with this adorable puppy will enjoy his antics in this book, as well. I, for one, am glad that Harry has been rediscovered for a new generation – or perhaps third generation. The original Harry the Dirty Dog was published in 1956. He ages well!

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

How to Rock a Snow Day

January 16, 2024

How to Rock a Snow Day (Step into Reading) by Jean Reagan, Lee Wildish
Series: Step Into Reading/ How To...
ISBN: 0593644808
Genres: Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure / General, Realistic Fiction
Format: Early Reader
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

A paperback copy of the popular Step Into Reading series: Level 2 “Reading with help.” A subject that every kid in the north will relate to. School is canceled because of snow so the kids have a snow day. There is so much to do: snow angels, snowmen, soup, and sledding. Created by the same author and illustrator team as How to Babysit a Grandma and others in series, it combines the same hilarity and colorful comic book-like characters. Geared for beginning readers with short sentences, repeated words, and colorful illustrations depicting the text. Nicely done and recommended for all Easy Reader collections.

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

Rez Ball

January 12, 2024

Rez Ball by Byron Graves
on September 12, 2023
ISBN: 0063160374
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

“Rez Ball” is a young adult novel by debut author Byron Graves (Ojibwe) about a teen from Red Lake Nation Reservation who wants to succeed at basketball. Tre’s brother was a basketball star, but died in an accident, so Tre feels driven to follow in his footsteps and beyond, to become a player in the NBA. Tre has to deal with grief, racism, and general teen high school issues. It’s clear that Graves knows what he writes about and the main character and his family and friends have a lot of depth. Exploring the themes of bereavement and figuring out who you are, this is a recommended purchase for all YA collections.

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

Wearing My Mother’s Heart

January 9, 2024

Wearing My Mother's Heart by Sophia Thakur
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 1536230162
Genres: Biography/Autobiography
Format: Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

“Wearing My Mother’s Heart” is a collection of poems about Sophia Thakur’s love for her mother and grandmothers. Some poems are very short and others are long, but all of them are beautiful. Some are written from the point of view of her family members and many are from Thakur herself. Topics range from family life to politics to religion and give you an emotional glimpse into Thakur’s life and what her family has been through. Written for ages 14 and up, this is a recommended purchase where poetry is popular.

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

Crimson Twill: Witch in the Country

January 9, 2024

Crimson Twill: Witch in the Country by Kallie George, Birgitta Sif
Published by Candlewick Press on July 11, 2023
Pages: 80
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

Book two in an emerging reader chapter book series about an earnest young witch who is learning her boundaries and navigating friendships. Crimson is awaiting the arrival of her city friends at her farm in Cackle County. She wants to show them all of the wonderful, terrible things about her home, but when her friends show up and start the tour, everything goes wrong. When the tour involves exploding rotten apples, a floating wizard, and, finally, a face-full of frog’s breath, Crimson and her friends are forced to abandon their adventures. As they are returning to the house, they encounter the legendary Giant of the Hill and Crimson realizes why her granny has unexpectedly shown up with a giant pot of stew. Unfortunately, there is no time to get to the stew and the Giant is hungry. Crimson’s quick thinking and spell finesse save the day and she realizes that an imperfect day can be pretty perfect with good friends and flexible thinking. Plenty of black & white illustrations and a fast-moving plot with touches of humor will keep readers who are ready for more text than an early reader engaged.

Reviewed by Jill O’Connor, Falmouth Middle School

Lo & Behold

January 9, 2024

Lo and Behold (Lo and Behold #1) by Wendy Mass, Gabi Mendez
Published by Random House Graphic on May 2, 2023
ISBN: 0593179633
Pages: 224
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

This middle grade graphic novel packs a lot into the plot. In the prologue, Addie is a happy kid with a mom and a dad, but then her mom has an accident which leads to her absence in Addie’s life. Mass is purposely vague about the whereabouts of Addie’s mom, has she died, is she in the hospital? Chapter one starts a year later, summer time, and Addie and her father, a futurist, are traveling across country so that he can work on a virtual reality project at a prestigious university. With a futurist for a father, Addie is familiar with tech toys and tools. Her father’s team is working on cutting edge projects to solve real-world problems or to help people, and they hope the projects will be funded by grants.

Addie meets gregarious, outgoing Mateo, who serves as a foil to her reserved nature. She is hesitant to let Mateo in to her thoughts and her life story, but as the book progresses, Addie learns that she is not alone in her sadness; even outgoing people can harbor painful pasts and family trauma. Mateo, and the kind college students, craft a virtual reality (VR) program for Addie based on her love of space, moon seeds & trees in particular (explained further in the author’s note), and Addie learns to let joy back into her life. The reader learns what has happened to Addie’s mom and there is a satisfying conclusion. The story is personal to Mass and is well-told. Those who have trouble with inference or following a more complicated plot may be a little confused with all of the threads, but they are neatly wrapped up if they stick with it. Give to fans of realistic fiction graphic novels in grades 5-8.

Reviewed by by Jill O’Connor, Falmouth Middle School

Treasure Island: Runaway Gold

January 9, 2024January 17, 2024

Treasure Island: Runaway Gold by Jewell Parker Rhodes
Published by Quill Tree Books on 10/3/23
ISBN: 9780062998354
Pages: 336
Genres: Adventure
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

Zane and his skateboarding friends, Kiko and Jack, and his dog Hop-Hop, are treasure hunting in the streets of Manhattan in this modern twist of the classic Treasure Island. Armed with a real treasure map and a hunger for adventure, Zane hopes to find enough treasure to save his family home. He and his group must figure out clues about New York City’s role in slavery as they ward off a rival skateboarding gang. They get some help along the way from a city pirate who happens to turn up just at the right moment. This fast-paced middle grade novel is packed with adventure and danger, which will no doubt keep readers engrossed. Readers don’t know who Zane can trust and his anguished thoughts are revealed in the text, which adds to the novel’s intrigue. This page-turner would be a great addition to any library.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library