Source: MSL Book Review

The Last Stand

The Last StandThe Last Stand by Antwan Eady, Jarrett Pumphrey, Jerome Pumphrey
Published by Alfred A. Knopf on 2024
ISBN: 0593480570
Genres: Farm Life, Cultural / African American
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

An unnamed young teen boy helps his grandfather harvest and sell fresh produce at the last remaining farm stand in their all-Black neighborhood. Poignantly, their’s is the last stand open in what was once a thriving five-stall location. When the grandfather becomes ill, his grandson works hard to continue business as usual by loading up a wagon and peddling it to the farm stand with his bicycle. The grateful neighbors bring gifts of jams and baked goods to wish his grandfather well. The grandfather does recover and the last pages show that the grandson takes over the stand as an adult. Significantly, one of the other stands has also reopened by then, showing some signs of recovery for Black farmers, as well.

The author’s note at the end of the book explains the reality of the plight of small-scale Black farmers. He hopes this book will help to bring this issue to light. The illustrations are done with handmade stamps and digitally edited.

Highly recommended as an engaging way to introduce 3-7 year olds to important social issues.

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

five-stars

Rover and Speck: It’s a Gas

Rover and Speck: It’s a GasRover and Speck: It's a Gas! (Rover and Speck, 3) by Jonathan Roth
Published by Kids Can Press on October 1, 2024
ISBN: 1525305689
Pages: 104
Genres: Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure / General
Format: Graphic Novel
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

In this story, the third in the Rover and Speck series, our main characters go in search of life on a giant gas planet. Rover and Speck depart their ship excited at the chance to learn about this planet and hopefully find life until they realize the lifeforms there are dangerous! The spark-shooting space sharks zap Rover and it’s up to Speck to save Rover and get him safely back to the ship.Thankfully he meets a flock of friendly Space Jelli’s to help him along his way. These new friends problem solve and help one another along the way.

This graphic novel pairs a fictional story with non-fiction “Fun Science Facts” parsed throughout, deepening understanding and encouraging curiosity.

Ages 7-10

Reviewed by MaryAnn Lopes, Elementary Librarian. Lewiston Public Schools, Lewiston, Maine.

three-stars

Maven Takes the Lead

Maven Takes the LeadGirl Scouts: Maven Takes the Lead by Yamile Saied Méndez
ISBN: 0063317818
Genres: Emotions & Feelings, Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure / General, Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction, Middle Grade Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

Maven is nervous to start 5th grade. Her best friend, Gemma, recently switched schools and now they only get to see each other at Girl Scouts. All of the other kids seem to start the school year boasting about fancy vacations they took, while Maven is self-conscious about spending all Summer entertaining her younger brother and cousins. Maven quickly befriends a new girl, Sylvie, and invites her to Girl Scouts, where Sylvie and Gemma hit it off (perhaps a little too well, leaving Maven feeling left out). In the classroom, Maven has volunteered to lead a robotics competition, which she does not feel prepared for (she’s more of a creative type, and definitely not an expert in robotics). She quickly gets overwhelmed with the competition, spending late nights reading robotics books she checked out from the library and fussing over robotics kits. Even worse, while the class is supposed to be a united team, it has unraveled into a petty competition of boys versus girls (and Maven refuses to let down the girls in her class). Obsessed with the competition, Maven starts neglecting her relationships. With a good look in the mirror, and some honest conversations, she works to repair her relationships, bring her team together, and be proud of who she is. An optional purchase, especially good for areas with active Girl Scout troops or if looking for series similar to the Baby-Sitters Club. Recommended for ages 8-10 (3rd to 5th Grade).

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

three-stars

Desert Echoes

Desert EchoesDesert Echoes by Abdi Nazemian
on September 10, 2024
ISBN: 0063339633
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction, Young Adult
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

“Desert Echoes” is a young adult fiction novel by Abdi Nazemian. The book switches between freshman year and junior year for Kam, detailing the start of his relationship with his eventual boyfriend Ash, and when his boyfriend goes missing, and then years later, facing the disappearance and accepting his emotions. Kam has amnesia as to why Ash disappeared. The book seemed like it was going to be more of a mystery, but it is mostly an emotional rollercoaster of Kam’s past relationship and tugging at your heartstrings as more facts come to light. At times the switch from present to past seemed confusing, but it was an interesting way to set up the novel. The book deals with a lot of difficult topics, like grief, abuse, and racism. A suggested additional purchase where Nazemian’s books are popular.

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

three-stars

Lucy, Uncensored

Lucy, UncensoredLucy, Uncensored by Mel Hammond, Teghan Hammond
on October 8, 2024
ISBN: 0593814053
Pages: 252
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction, Young Adult
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

“Lucy, Uncensored” is a young adult realistic fiction novel by Mel Hammond and Teghan Hammond. The main character, Lucy, is excited about getting out of her small town and going to college to study drama with her best friend, Callie. When they visit the college, Lucy hears transphobic talk and wonders if she really wants to go here (since Lucy is a trans woman). They look into going to another LGBTQ+ friendly drama program, but the school is an all-women school and they don’t know if they will let a trans woman in, so they go on a road trip to see the college.

The book does a very good job making Lucy and Callie’s friendship seem real and well-developed. Readers may be stung by the transphobic and anti-queer comments that Lucy and Callie face throughout the book, but it did seem realistic and helped set the tone for why Lucy is looking for a place to be her authentic self. I enjoyed the theme that being yourself is important and matters and that true friends and family will rally behind you. A recommended purchase for YA fiction collections.

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

four-stars

How To Make A Picture Book: A Step-by-Step Guide

How To Make A Picture Book: A Step-by-Step GuideHow to Make a Picture Book by Elys Dolan
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 1536231428
Pages: 48
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

If you have kids who want to learn how to write a story from idea to “The End” this book can help walk them through. The author, in easier to draw worm form, helps the reader to work through ideas, characters, using color and space effectively in design and illustration, setting, and all the other necessary requirements of a cohesive story writing process. Activity breaks are given after the introduction of each element so this truly is a step-by-step guide.
A great book to teach or reteach how to successfully write a story, it’s accessible and full of ideas to help children of all grade levels explore their imaginations and creativity throughout the entire writing process.

Ages 6-9

Reviewed by MaryAnn Lopes, Elementary Librarian. Lewiston Public Schools, Lewiston, Maine.

four-stars

The Verts

The VertsThe Verts: A Story of Introverts and Extroverts by Ann Patchett, Robin Preiss Glasser
Published by Harper on September 17, 2024
ISBN: 0063064553
Pages: 40
Genres: Emotions & Feelings
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

This is a story of siblings who couldn’t be more different in many ways. Estie is gregarious and likes to be busy. Ivan is quieter and likes to read and spend quiet times alone.These differences come head to head when it’s Ivan’s birthday and Estie invites family, friends, neighbors, and various pets to have a great big party in their apartment to celebrate. Everyone is having a great time, but where did Ivan go in the midst of party hats, dancing, and tin-foil stars?

This story highlights sibling differences and empathy, showcasing who each is absolutely perfect the way they are.

Ages 4-8

Reviewed by MaryAnn Lopes, Elementary Librarian. Lewiston Public Schools, Lewiston, Maine.

four-stars

Star Sailor: My Life as a NASA Astronaut

Star Sailor: My Life as a NASA AstronautStar Sailor: My Life as a NASA Astronaut by Charles F. Bolden Jr., Tonya Bolden
Published by Candlewick Press on 10/22/24
ISBN: 1536216321
Genres: Biography/Autobiography
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

Charles F. Bolden Jr. tells the story of his life as an astronaut and the first Black Administrator of NASA.  This biography details the challenges and successes he experienced in his career at NASA, a career he had to fight to get into.  Some highlights include how he felt photographing Earth, especially Africa, from space and what it was like to work with a Russian cosmonaut after the Cold War.  Readers will not only learn about this interesting astronaut, but also about important events in the United States space program.

This biography has great voice- the reader feels like they are listening to Bolden tell his story to them in person.  There is humor, suspense, and personal anecdotes that keep the reader entertained and informed.  The one drawback to this book is that the photographs, including the giant picture on the cover, are outdated, which might prevent kids from picking up this book.  This book seems like it would be a slow read, but photographs, side bars, and diagrams break up the text so it isn’t overwhelming. The table of contents, index, and a timeline will help students access the information presented in this biography.  Upper elementary students who love space will enjoy this biography, but they will probably need an adult to put it in their hands.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

three-stars

Diet Soda Club

Diet Soda ClubDiet Soda Club by Chaz Hayden
Published by Candlewick Press on October 8, 2024
ISBN: 1536223123
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction, Young Adult
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

“Diet Soda Club” is a young adult realistic fiction novel by Chaz Hayden. The story is about Reed, a teenager who has been taking care of his 10 year old sister, Beatrice, who has has spinal muscular atrophy (which the author also has) while their mother has been mostly absent. When their mom goes on an extended vacation for weeks and they are left without food and money, Reed finds a way to make some cash. Unfortunately, it’s illegally making and selling fake IDs.

The friendship between Beatrice and Reed wil inspiring and strong, despite all of the difficulties that they face. A story about siblings, family, and friendship, with well-written characters, albeit with some belief-suspending plot points, this is a suggested purchase for libraries where YA realistic fiction novels are popular.

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

three-stars

What We Wear When We Take Care

What We Wear When We Take CareWhat We Wear When We Take Care by Sarah Finan
Published by Candlewick Press on 06/18/24
ISBN: 1536227706
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

Young readers will get to know the world a little better after reading this picture book.  This book introduces kids to personal protective equipment from head to toe in fun and engaging ways.  For example, kids wear helmets when skateboarding or headphones when watching fireworks and grownups wear goggles when welding or gloves as they work with animals.  The illustrations are bold, using primarily yellow, blue, black, and white.  There are many different settings shown in the pictures which will no doubt stimulate conversations and the sound effect words in the text are larger than the rest of the text, making them pop off the page. The illustrations show a diverse range of people who have different abilities, skin color, and religious practices.  The pictures also show both men and women as construction workers, scientists, and doctors.  This picture book would be a great addition to any public library.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

three-stars