Source: MSL Book Review

Dancing Dumplings for My One and Only

Dancing Dumplings for My One and OnlyDancing Dumplings for My One and Only by Eva Wong Nava, Natelle Quek
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 1536238791
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

First-person narrative of a young child who enjoys doing tai chi and making dumplings with her grandmother. When her grandmother gets sick, she is scared, but Grandma recovers and both, noticeably changed by time, return to tai chi and dancing dumplings. The child, grandmother, and mother are East Asian and depicted as a family. The lovely illustrations are full of movement and color that portrays their family life through the seasons. I feel as this story is a bit redundant and told better in other books.  The author missed an opportunity by not including their recipe for dumplings and perhaps some tai chi movements to make the culture more relatable. Children will relate to the situation of an aging and  very sick grandmother. This book could be paired with other books about Asian culture or for celebration of the Lunar New Year.

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

three-stars

Duck, Duck, Goose!

Duck, Duck, Goose!Duck, Duck, Goose! by John L. Hare
ISBN: 0063093235
Genres: Animals, Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

A zany parody on the children’s game of Duck, Duck, Goose, but in this version Duck, Duck, and Goose soar through the skies, leaving the cold weather behind on their annual migration south. But they encounter a moose “on the loose” in a paraglider. Then they catch a ride on a caboose. And Duck’s truck get stuck in the muck. There is minimal text. Almost all the words end in -uck (cluck, truck, stuck, muck, luck) and -oose (loose, vamoose) making this a good first book for beginning readers. Kids should be encouraged to volunteer other words that rhyme. The comical artwork is a blend of hand-drawn pencil with digital color added. In the end, the paragliding moose gets them to their tropical location.

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

four-stars

Mr. Fox’s Game of “NO!”

Mr. Fox’s Game of “NO!”Mr. Fox's Game of No! by David LaRochelle, Mike Wohnoutka
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 1536229679
Genres: Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

A hilarious interactive picture book by Geisel winner David LaRochelle, who challenges kids to answer every question with “NO”. The rules are simple: every time he asks a question, you must respond with “NO.” If you accidentally say “YES,” then it’s back to the beginning of the book for you, where you must start all over again. Some of these questions are tricky: Are you ready? (Oops!) Do you live on planet Earth?  Are you wearing any underwear? What does Y-E-S spell? Kids will giggle as they try to avoid Mr. Fox’s clever traps to the very last engineered question: “Have you ever read a funnier, better written, more beautifully illustrated book than this one?” The illustrations are comically wonderful, especially Stinkpot the water buffalo, and this will be a big hit at Story Time.

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library
Nominated for Cream of the Crop

five-stars

The Princess in Black and the Kitty Catastrophe

The Princess in Black and the Kitty CatastropheThe Princess in Black and the Kitty Catastrophe by Dean Hale, LeUyen Pham, Shannon Hale
Series: Princess in Black #11
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 1536234095
Genres: Fantasy, Humor
Format: Chapter Book Fiction, Early Reader
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

This is book 11 in the Princess in Black series, which likely needs no introduction as it is one of the most popular chapter book series. In this episode, the Princess in Black may know how to handle all kinds of monsters, but a naughty kitten named Plumpkins may be her undoing. The gently ironic text will amuse readers, including adults reading the book aloud. The large print and illustrations give newly independent readers a sense of accomplishment. The ending hints at another hero, the Goat Avenger. Princess Magnolia, aka Princess in Black, is ready for her next adventure and so are her readers.

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

four-stars

The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman

The Tenth Mistake of Hank HoopermanThe Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman by Gennifer Choldenko
on June 11, 2024
ISBN: 1524718920
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

This  book is heartbreaking but also humorous and relevant. Hank, a sixth grader, is left to cope with caring for himself and his 3-year-old sister, Boo, when their alcoholic mother leaves and doesn’t return for a week.  When the landlord threatens an eviction, Hank travels several hours by bus to an old friend of his now deceased grandmother. These strangers are kind to them but the situation does lead to involvement with the foster care system and the threat of being separated. The first-person narrative really engages the reader. I was impressed  with the depiction of Hank’s encounters from his diverse classmates at his new middle school.  A wonderful model for kids about how to treat newcomers to their schools. Plus it is important for readers to imagine what they might do if faced with similar circumstances. This book is not all sadness and consequences though. Hank and Boo are very likable characters. Boo is a hoot! Readers will be relieved when the author gives the pair a mostly happy ending. Highly recommended for 5-8th grade readers.

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library
Nominated for Cream of the Crop.

five-stars

Gentlest of Wild Things

Gentlest of Wild ThingsGentlest of Wild Things by Sarah Underwood
on August 15, 2024
ISBN: 0063234521
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction, Young Adult
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

“Gentlest of Wild Things” is a young adult fiction spin on Greek mythology. The story focuses on twin sisters Eirene and Phoebe, who have managed to avoid being struck with Desire, a magic spell from Leandros (descendant of Eros) that brainwashes women to do his bidding. Unfortunately, Leandros now has set his eyes on Phoebe. Eirene makes a deal with Leandros where she will complete four tasks and marry him instead of Phoebe. Meanwhile she meets Leandros’ hidden daughter Lamia and begins to fall for her.

An interesting read with themes of sisterhood and feminism. Those who are more familiar with Greek mythology may enjoy the book’s twists and reimagining more. A suggested purchase for YA fiction collections where Greek myth retellings like “Lore” are popular.

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

three-stars

The Brightness Between Us

The Brightness Between UsThe Brightness Between Us (The Darkness Outside Us, #2) by Eliot Schrefer
on October 1, 2024
ISBN: 0063343762
Genres: Science Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction, Young Adult
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

“The Brightness Between Us” is a young adult science fiction novel by Eliot Schrefer. The book is a sequel to Schrefer’s “The Darkness Outside Us.” Ambrose and Kodiak have managed to set up a small settlement on the planet Minerva. They have two teen children grown from embryos: Yarrow and Owl. Yarrow is about to turn 16 and when he does he begins acting out in violent and unexpected ways. The family needs to figure out how to help him, while also preparing for a potentially deadly comet strike.

The story is told from different points of view that tie up together in the end. We get to see how Ambrose and Kodiak handle parenting and how their little family manages. Past actions of  humans involved in the project to get Ambrose and Kodiak to the exoplanet are revealed and we see how they react and cope. A must-buy for YA science fiction collections that have the first book.

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

four-stars

Adventures of Mary Jane

Adventures of Mary JaneAdventures of Mary Jane by Hope Jahren
Published by Delacorte Press on June 25, 2024
ISBN: 0593484118
Genres: Adventure, Historical Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction, Young Adult
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

“The Adventures of Mary Jane” is a young adult historical fiction novel by Hope Jahren. Mary Jane is a teen living frontier life in Minnesota in the mid-1800s, when she is sent down the Mississippi River on a riverboat to help her aunt. Jahren is a scientist and clearly has done her research into the history of the time. The book’s setting feels real and accurate. Mary Jane is a smart, funny, and adventurous girl who showcases girl power in the best way. The book includes a map, suggested reading for more information, and a note from the author about the history in the text. A very well written and exciting novel that will keep readers interested. A recommended purchase for YA fiction collections where historical fiction is popular.

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

four-stars

Blood City Rollers

Blood City RollersBlood City Rollers by Tatiana Hill, V.P. Anderson
on April 9, 2024
ISBN: 0593485696
Genres: Supernatural
Format: Graphic Novel
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

“Blood City Rollers” is a middle grade graphic novel written by V.P. Anderson and illustrated by Tatiana Hill. Mina is a middle schooler who injures herself badly in figure skating and makes a deal with vampire roller derby team to play for them as their jammer in exchange for healing of her injury. Mina learns to accept what she wants to do and makes new friends along the way. At times it felt like there were a few too many subplots going on, but the dialogue is humorous and the illustrations are bright and colorful. A recommended purchase for middle grade graphic novel collections.

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

four-stars

The Monstrous Kind

The Monstrous KindThe Monstrous Kind by Lydia Gregovic
Published by Delacorte Press on September 3, 2024
ISBN: 0593572378
Genres: Fantasy, Horror, Romance
Format: Young Adult
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

Lydia Gregovic weaves a fantasy world loosely based on Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility.  Merrick Darling believes she has escaped the world of grief her mother’s passing has thrust her into when she moves to London.  Unfortunately, her father’s sudden passing a mere four months later pulls her back to Sussex and Norland House to bury her father and support her older sister Essie’s rise to Manor Lord.  What she finds is a sister who is floundering and a land being swallowed up by the fog.  The fog holds dark monstrous creatures who will turn people into phantoms.  Her high born family blood makes her immune to the fog.  Merrick must attempt to aid her family while keeping this secret from the public.  When her sister goes missing, she must unravel the mystery of who to trust and she’s not sure where to turn for help.

This fantasy with a romantic subplot has many twists and turns.  One never is quite sure who is a reliable character and who has devious plans afoot.  It will hit the spot for young adult readers who enjoy the popular gothic romantic fantasy genre.  Jane Austen fans will also recognize many allusions woven throughout the plot, just be prepared for some monsters and horror as well.  This is Gregovic’s debut novel.  

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

four-stars