The Princess Swap: Rapunzel and the Sea Witch or The Little Mermaid and the Tower

March 12, 2026

Rapunzel and the Sea Witch (or, The Little Mermaid and the Tower) (The Princess Swap #3) by Kim Bussing
Series: Princess Swap #3
Published by Random House on 11/11/25
ISBN: 0593708113
Genres: Adventure, Fairy Tale
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

In this third installment of the Princess Swap Series, Rapunzel and the Little Mermaid switch places. Before being swapped, both princesses felt trapped. Rapunzel was forced by her mother to stay in a locked tower and Hana, the Little Mermaid, felt a pull towards land and humans and felt trapped by being in the ocean all of the time. Now that their locations have been switched around, both princesses find themselves in danger. There are evil forces trying to gain control of the merpeople and war looms over land and sea. Rapunzel and Hana, along with their friends, put their lives on the line to confront the dangerous people with bad intentions.

This story is great for elementary readers who like fairytale mashups with a little bit of adventure. There is a lot of action in this novel and readers will no doubt want to see how these characters get themselves out of trouble. The two princesses learn about the power of their magic, but more importantly, they discover the power of their voices and their ability to make their own decisions.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

The Obsession

March 11, 2026

The Obsession by Natasha Preston
Published by Delacorte Press on December 2, 2025
Format: Young Adult
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
two-stars

Though a widely popular author of teen thrillers, Preston’s latest may ultimately be a hard sell due to its predictable plot and unlikeable main character.

Connie is tired of constantly living under a magnifying glass, as the daughter of a popular family vlogger who spares no detail: no matter how personal. But what happens when those eagerly watching her move from online to in real life?

This book has a promising premise of addressing the dangers of having your entire life online. However, the main character is painfully oblivious in a way that can frustrate the reader and make the “plot twist” no surprise at all. It is definitely still a fast-paced book that will entice readers initially, but overall if you’re on a tight budget there are better thrillers for young adults out there.

Reviewed by Hannah Doktor, Skidompha Public Library, Damariscotta

Broken Dolls

March 10, 2026

Broken Dolls by Ally Malinenko
Published by HarperCollins on September 30, 2025
ISBN: 0063355191
Format: Middle Grade Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

This spooky story explores how to manage grief, mental health, and some dolls that are alive with vengeance.

Kaye is going through lots of changes. A summer move to upstate New York after her grandfather’s death leaves her coping in unique ways. She’s started counting everything around her to calm down and literally cannot find the words to speak. That is until she has no choice but to use her words to warn her family that the dolls her little sister keeps finding have sinister intentions of making her their forever playmate…

This middle grade book is a great reflection on how to cope with the loss of a family member, especially when grief feels isolating. Students will take away the message that you are not alone, and it’s always good to reach out to friends and family for help. These more serious topics are sprinkled in amongst chilling imagery of human-like dolls, reminiscent of classic horror authors like R.L. Stine and Mary Downing Hahn, but with a modern take. Characters are also openly queer, with a hint of romance between Kaye and her new friend Joey. Recommended for ages 10 and up.

Reviewed by Hannah Doktor, Skidompha Public Library, Damariscotta

Keep Your Friends Close

March 10, 2026March 10, 2026

Keep Your Friends Close by Cynthia Murphy
Published by Delacorte Press on September 2, 2025
ISBN: 059380578X
Format: Young Adult
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

This fresh twist on the dark academia trope will immediately pull even the most reluctant of readers in.

Chloe is having a rough start to her senior year. Her best friend not only stole her guaranteed spot of Head Girl, but also stole her boyfriend. At least she still has hopes of obtaining a university scholarship as a member of the elite secret society on campus, Jewel and Bone. Though when her fellow members start showing up dead, she wonders what the real price of success is…

This is a solid, quick read with lots of red herrings that will keep the reader guessing. Though normally an abrupt ending would be disappointing, in this novel it can be a great tool for students to continue discussions of the book long after it is finished. Characters will be most relatable to teens grades 9 and up.

Reviewed by Hannah Doktor, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta

The Peach Thief

March 8, 2026

The Peach Thief by Linda Joan Smith
Published by Candlewick Press on March 4, 2025
ISBN: 1536237787
Genres: Adventure, Historical Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

Scilla, a hungry and desperate workhouse orphan, risks sneaking into an earl’s walled garden to get a peach. Caught and mistaken for a boy, she’s given a job washing garden pots to work off her crime. Finding the food better and the bed softer than she’s ever had, Scilla hopes to stay. She learns about gardening and discovers she has a passion for it, but unfortunately she cannot pass as a boy forever. The situation is complicated by a handsome, young troublemaker, a housekeeper from India, and the head gardener, and others. Beautiful, detailed descriptions of an 1850s English estate and its gardens.

(I have not yet finished this book so may adjust my opinion after I have finished it.)