Rolls and Rivalry

Rolls and RivalryRolls and Rivalry (Gaming and Romance, #3) by Kristy Boyce
on May 5, 2026
ISBN: 0593899229
Genres: Realistic Fiction, Romance
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

It’s Hazel Buchanan’s senior year, and she has plans: lead her color guard team to superior ranking, win the MVP award, and even start her first Dungeons and Dragons game. But when her childhood best friend, Max, transfers back to her school, her plans quickly come crashing down. They quickly begin a rivalry when Max joins the drum section in the marching band. Their overbearing parents even coerce Max into Hazel’s D&D game. Will the game bring them closer together? And will their rivalry turn into something more?

Rolls and Rivalry by Kristy Boyce is a cute rom-com that’s easy to read and perfect for reading slumps. It’s very relatable to teens as it embodies the high school experience. From teenage angst to complicated relationships, this story has realistic and multidimensional characters who are likeable. Hazel especially goes through a lot of character growth as the protagonist. Watching her journey from becoming a strict perfectionist to an empathetic friend is incredibly gratifying as the reader. Of course, Rolls and Rivalry is a romance at its core. And, there’s no doubt that Hazel and Max’s enemies-to-lovers romance brings butterflies to your stomach. But, Rolls and Rivalry is also a coming of age story. That’s what makes it special and worth putting on the shelves. Recommended for Grade 7 and up.

Reviewed by Kristen Simmons, Medomak Valley High School

 

four-stars

Science Encyclopedia: Atom Smashing, Food Chemistry, Animals, Space, and More!

Science Encyclopedia: Atom Smashing, Food Chemistry, Animals, Space, and More!National Geographic Kids Science Encyclopedia, 2nd Edition: Atom Smashing, Food Chemistry, Animals, Space, and More! (NGK Encyclopedias) by National Geographic Kids
Published by National Geographic Kids on 8/11/26
ISBN: 9798217224845
Genres: STEM
Format: Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

Upper elementary and middle school science fans will love National Geographic’s Science Encyclopedia.  It is full of experiments kids can do with materials on hand, interesting photographs and diagrams, and information about real scientists who contributed to the topic being discussed.  The encyclopedia is organized into topics related to physical science, space and earth sciences, or life science and includes sections on forces and machines, the universe, and the human body.  Each page is a little different, but they all include a brief explanation of the topic, photographs, and colorful text boxes.  Some include jokes, experiments, and definitions of important words.  While this encyclopedia doesn’t go into great detail, it does provide enough information to explain how or why things work and would be a good jumping off point for kids to read further on topics they find interesting.  Nonfiction features include a table of contents, index, and thorough glossary.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

three-stars

The Day My Mom Came to Kindergarten

The Day My Mom Came to KindergartenThe Day My Mom Came to Kindergarten by Maureen Fergus, Mike Lowery
on March 1, 2013
ISBN: 152531565X
Genres: School, Family
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads

This is a paperback reissue of a 2013 title. A humorous spin on the important social emotional learning that happens in kindergarten. Our narrator is a kindergartener who loves school, but things take a zany turn when she invites her mom to join her in the classroom for the day. And while you might think that a kindergarten alum like a mom would know just how to behave, it turns out that this mom has forgotten the basics: she speaks out of turn, cuts in line, and runs inside in her outdoor shoes, among other embarrassing transgressions. Our narrator is horrified, but gentle in her corrections of Mom’s behavior: “I’m sorry, Mom, but…” or “Don’t worry. Everyone makes mistakes at first.” After a quick check in with her teacher, the two decide to give Mom a bit more time to get used to the kindergarten rules, and she does make some improvements by the end of the day. Ultimately, though, Mom decides to stick to a job that plays to her strengths. Our narrator has a kind suggestion: “you’re really good at being a mom, Mom.” Lowery’s child-like illustrations amplify the humor, and select typography emphasizes Mom’s wrongdoings. VERY EMBARRASSING! A fun Freaky Friday where the kid gently and kindly guides the parent through their misbehavior. Main characters read as white.

Reviewed by Carolyn Gallmeyer, Lithgow Public Library, Augusta

Felix Powell, Boy Squirrel

Felix Powell, Boy SquirrelFelix Powell, Boy Squirrel: A Funny Chapter Book about Friendship, Family, and Animals for Kids (Ages 6-10) by Erin Entrada Kelly
ISBN: 0063337266
Genres: Emotions & Feelings, Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure / General, Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Horses, Magical Realism, Nature
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

Felix Powell talks to animals, and wants to be a zoologist one day. He also knows magic when he sees it, which leads him to buying his favorite blanket at the thrift store for $1 (there was just something special about it). One sunny afternoon he goes outside with his dog, Mary Puppins, and his blanket to play. A strange thing happens, and Felix wakes up as a squirrel. His squirrel instincts kick in – sending him right up a tree at lightning speed. Fortunately, he runs into Reginald (another squirrel), who recognizes him as the boy who has previously talked to him. Felix desperately wants to retrieve his favorite blanket, which has wound up stuck high in the branches of another tree. Reginald is terrified to leave his nest after a previous encounter with a predator, but is also madly in love with the squirrel who resides in an adjacent tree. Can Felix and Reginald work together to overcome their fears, retrieve the beloved blanket, and meet the squirrel next door? Will Felix be able to change back into a boy by dinnertime?

This short chapter book is an easy and delightful read for all ages. There are black and white illustrations throughout that bring life to the pages. The story is also packed full of fun facts about squirrels and other animals, and includes puns and characters that will leave any reader chuckling. Felix lives with his Nan (or grandma), who takes care of him, showcasing a diverse family structure. Second in a series, but also a great stand-alone read. A wonderful addition to any early chapter book collection. Recommended for ages 7 to 10 (2nd to 5th Grade). Nominated for Cream of the Crop.

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

five-stars

Yeti is not Ready for Game Over

Yeti is not Ready for Game OverYeti Is Not Ready for Game Over by Leigh Anne Carter
ISBN: 059380810X
Genres: Emotions & Feelings, Family, Fantasy
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

Yeti is SO CLOSE to winning the snow cone chef game that she’s been playing on her tablet. She just can’t find the right flavor to please a picky snowman. She keeps getting interrupted for daily tasks (like eating meals and doing chores) – and then it’s GAME OVER and she loses! With some encouragement from her dad, she takes a break from the game and plays outside with her friend, Mira. During the time spent with her friend, Yeti finds the inspiration she needs to go back and win the game she was playing. After a while on her tablet, she also gets to enjoy some screen free time with her dad (he even puts down his phone!). Next time, when it’s “game over,” Yeti will be ready. This fun picture book is ready to meet kids and parents where they are at – acknowledging that screens and games are often a daily part of life, but showing that it can also be great to take a break once in a while. The digital illustrations are colorful and reminiscent of a video game. Recommended for ages 4 to 7 (Pre-K to 2nd Grade).

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

four-stars

Duck & Goose: Honk! Quack! Boo!

Duck & Goose: Honk! Quack! Boo!Duck & Goose, Honk! Quack! Boo!: A Halloween Story with Fun Stickers by Tad Hills
Genres: Animals, Picture book/animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

Duck and Goose are back – and learning all about trick or treating! Goose hardly recognizes Duck dressed up as a ghost. Their friend, Thistle, keeps her costume a secret, but advises to watch out for the swamp monster. When Duck and Goose head out trick or treating, a friendly Owl says that the swamp monster is looking for them! Will they hide from the swamp monster, bravely scare the swamp monster away, or learn that the swamp monster is actually a friend in disguise? This sweet Halloween story includes colorful illustrations and beloved characters. Originally published in 2017. Recommended for ages 4 to 7 (Pre-K to 2nd Grade).

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

four-stars

Sage and the Snowshoe Express

Sage and the Snowshoe ExpressSage and the Snowshoe Express by Louise Bradford, Maya McKibbin
ISBN: 1525312960
Genres: Cultural / First Nations, Cultural / Indigenous, Family, Historical Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

Sage and the Snowshoe Express by Louise Bradford, member of the Batchewana First Nation, is a picture book that honors the author’s ancestor, an Indigenous mail carrier. In a time when there were few threads binding together disparate villages of northern Canada, mail carriers didn’t just deliver letters and packages; they kept families and loved ones connected, even in the darkness of northern winters. When her father leaves a package behind on his mail run, young Sage races into the woods after him to deliver it. By the time she catches up, a storm is threatening and she cannot go back. Sage must brave the dark and dangerous journey alongside her father and beloved sled dog Nimoosh.

Illustrations by Maya McKibbin are warm and engaging, deftly toggling comic moments with dangerous ones. Sage and her father feel like the kinds of people you might meet anywhere, yet they demonstrate the kind of wisdom and determination that feels extraordinary.

Recommended for school and public libraries, and a delightful addition to any unit dealing with Canada, northern climates, First Nations and Indigenous Peoples, community, or the bond between fathers and daughters.

Reviewed by Beth Almquist, Lewiston Public Library

four-stars

No Place on Earth

No Place on EarthNo Place on Earth by Andrea Beatriz Arango
Published by Random House on August 25, 2026
ISBN: 9798217119431
Genres: Family, Juvenile Fiction / Social Themes / Friendship, Mental Health
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

So much is different for Gustavo when he moves with his mom and sister from Puerto Rico to Yellowstone.  His school is much smaller, the weather is a lot colder, and he has to share a room with his older sister.  He misses his friends and can’t even game with them because his Internet is unstable at his new house in the park.  Even his dreams are different.  The nightmares that plagued him in Puerto Rico still occur, but now they include a boy from school. Gustavo and Kordell share a connection through their shared dreams and also because of their mental illness.  Gustavo experiences anxiety, though he is just starting to use that label, and Kordell has depression and is isolated from the other kids at school.  Gustavo slowly adjusts and starts to form friendships, with Kordell, and with other kids at school.  When Kordell is in trouble, only Gustavo and the mystical dream connection they share can save him.

This novel would be a great addition for libraries serving middle school students.  Gustavo learns to face his anxiety and its stigma, especially from his father who is initially resistant to Gustavo going to therapy.  Gustavo’s self-awareness develops throughout this book, as does his relationship with his sister.  Readers who like character driven stories will enjoy this book and there is enough action, especially at the end, to keep readers engaged.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

five-stars

Free to Fly

Free to FlyFree to Fly: A Tender Picture Book about Native Resilience, Grandparent Love, and Dreams That Span Generations by Karina Iceberg, Steph Littlebird
Published by HarperCollinsChildren’sBooks on 2026
ISBN: 0063254905
Genres: Cultural / Native American, Family, History
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

Free to Fly is a picture book that conveys the lasting trauma that Indian boarding schools had on the Alutiit people, who live on the coast of what is now called Alaska. A child, Qal, visits her Apaa (grandfather) who is a survivor of the schools. He is spending time in his treehouse–where he goes to recover when he is feeling the heaviness of the past. As he tells his story, he uses ravens, eagles, cages, and flight as metaphors for identity, oppression, forced assimilation, and freedom. Apaa imagines a safe nest within him that allows him to heal, have dreams, and hope again, despite the suffering of the past. He dreams of a future where he has a grandchild, just like Qal. The watercolor artwork is structured with bold lines that bring both the dreaminess of memories and the present day together. Younger readers would benefit from an adult to help guide a discussion and answer questions. This would be a fantastic book for upper elementary and middle grade readers to get a window into Alutiit culture, and to begin to understand the history of the colonization of North America. The Author’s Note at the end gives more detailed historical context and there is an Alutiiq (the language) glossary and pronunciation guide at the end of the book. This is a five-star, cream of the crop nominee. 

Reviewed by Antona Briley, Librarian, Dora Small School, South Portland

five-stars

A Room With a View

Published by Harper on May 26, 2026
Pages: 40
Genres: Adventure, Emotions & Feelings, Humor, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
four-stars

Young Oliver is reluctantly pulled into yet another camping trip because Mama’s decided it’s time for their next big outdoor adventure. Oliver is determined not to enjoy this trip and to make this adventure his last. But he begins reflecting on the moments he does enjoy, especially spending time with his mom. Mesquita’s strikingly colored illustrations with fun details depict the hiking/camping adventure in the unnamed southwest national park. Oliver and Mama are brown-haired and tan-skinned. There is an Author’s Note about national parks and a list of National Parks by state in the back of the book along with “Oliver’s tips for adventuring like a pro.” Recommended for ages 4-8.

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

four-stars