Source: MSL Book Review

The Society for Soulless Girls

The Society for Soulless GirlsThe Society for Soulless Girls by Laura Steven
Published by Delacorte Press on July 7, 2022
ISBN: 059370391X
Genres: Horror
Format: Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

Carville Academy of Arts – historic convent turned elite liberal arts college, and scene of four unfortunate deaths at the school’s North Tower. The school was forced to close, but ten years later is now reopening. Lottie Fitzwilliam is a new freshman attending on a field hockey scholarship. Friendly, athletic, and cheerfully outgoing, she also harbors a secret – one of the dead girls was from her hometown, and she is focused on solving the mystery of the deaths. Alice Wolfe, her new roomate, is a beautiful, standoffish goth girl. She too harbors a secret – she is constantly angry at the world, and has a hard time not succumbing to her pervasive violent thoughts. Once school begins, terrifying, strange occurrences start to plague the girls, who initially suffer in silence. However, after a rocky start to their relationship, they finally admit to each other the terror they’ve been experiencing when the incidents start to escalate. Lottie and Alice eventually set aside their differences and work together, along with their new friend Hafsah, to solve the mysteries of Carville Academy. Demonic possession, evil professors, soul splitting rituals and the tortured ghost of a long dead nun contribute to the horror as new deaths start to plague the school. The two enemies turned friends turned lovers soon find out that what or who is causing these deaths is much more complicated than they could have imagined.

What is interesting about this book is that while on the surface it’s a fun horror story written along the lines of the classic Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, along the way it turns into a social commentary on women and anger, and the patriarchal vision of how women should act and what their place in society should be. 

Recommended for grades 7 and up.

Lee Remick, York Middle School, York

four-stars

Mr. Whiskers and the Shenanigan Sisters

Mr. Whiskers and the Shenanigan SistersMr. Whiskers and the Shenanigan Sisters by Wendelin Van Draanen
Published by Alfred A. Knopf on October 2, 2023
ISBN: 0593644301
Genres: Humor, Mystery
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

Zelda and Misty’s father, a professor, has been kidnapped by people claiming to be FBI agents.  Mr. Whiskers, the local stray dog , witnesses this and follows the car.  What ensues is a light-hearted mystery as Mr. Whiskers teams up with the Shenanigan sisters to unravel the puzzle of who kidnapped the professor and why.  This book is narrated by Mr. Whiskers and readers will no doubt enjoy his personality, as the author has given him a unique voice that makes him easy to distinguish from the human characters.  Readers who like puns will be entertained by this novel as it is full of dog related word play and humor.  The pace of this novel is quick as the trio frequently discover new clues that lead them in and out of danger.  This novel is ideal for readers in 2nd-4th grade who like mysteries that aren’t scary or dark.  Not a must-have, but still an enjoyable, light book to add to the collection.

 

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

three-stars

The Puppets of Spelhorst: a Norendy Tale

The Puppets of Spelhorst: a Norendy TaleThe Puppets of Spelhorst (The Norendy Tales) by Julie Morstad, Kate DiCamillo
Published by Candlewick Press on October 10, 2023
Pages: 149
Genres: Fairy Tale
Format: Chapter Book Fiction, Early Reader
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

Told with DiCamillo’s trademark elegant simplicity and wit, this first in a series of original fairy tales will not disappoint her many fans.

Five friends, puppets all: a king, a wolf, a girl, a boy, and an owl, are taken from a shop window and become part of a Story. They are at first together in their story, which takes them by a roundabout route to the home of two young girls, before each has an adventure of their own – sometimes gently harrowing – before they are happily reunited. DiCamillo creates wonder in simple pleasures such as a rising moon, and a song, and a puppet show that magically reflects life.

Chapters are short, and black and white pencil drawings by Julie Morstad beautifully illustrate the text. Text is straightforward enough for a reader of short chapter books, but never feels like it is being simplified. It would also make a lovely read-aloud for slightly older children who do not need an illustration on every page to remain engaged.

5 Stars

Reviewed by Jenny Martinez Nocito, Maine State Library, Augusta

five-stars

Her Radiant Curse

Her Radiant CurseHer Radiant Curse (Legends of Lor'yan) by Elizabeth Lim
Published by Alfred A. Knopf on August 29, 2023
ISBN: 0593300998
Pages: 416
Genres: Fairy Tale, Fantasy, Folklore
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

This prequel to Lim’s bestselling Six Crimson Cranes duology tells the story of Channi, who is offered up by her father in sacrifice to the Demon Witch when she is two years old to save her mother, on her deathbed after birthing a second daughter.

But it is not Channi that the Demon wants; it is Vanna, newly born and somehow in possession of half of a dragon pearl, which gives her otherworldly, radiant beauty, and a magical ability to charm everyone in her orbit. The Demon, who possesses the other half of the broken pearl and desires the power of both together, curses Channi with the face of a serpent. The only way to break the curse, she tells Channi, is to sacrifice Vanna. She will return on Vanna’s 17th birthday to collect her prize.

Chianni is determined to save her beloved sister, and that sets the course of her life. When the time comes, Chianni must use every part of her physical and mental power to rescue Vanna from the Demon, setting off a chain of intrigue, battles, alliances formed and destroyed, and a (very light) potential for romance. But behind everything she does lurks the demon’s cursed promise: one sister must fall for the other to rise.

Fans of the Six Crimson Cranes duology will love this well written, fast paced and original backstory, set in the same mythological Asian world of Lor’yan. Channi figures in that duology as the much reviled, but ultimately heroic stepmother, and other significant characters in this tale will be familiar as well. Readers will be glad to have this satisfying tale to round out the series. A must-have for any library with the duology already on the shelf; but also a worthwhile purchase for anyone to boost their fantasy collection. It is a fine stand-alone, or could be read before the previously published books; either way it will certainly gain Lim more fans.

Reviewed by Jenny Martinez Nocito, Maine State Library, Augusta

five-stars

Nell of Gumbling

Nell of GumblingNell of Gumbling: My Extremely Normal Fairy-Tale Life by Emma Steinkellner
ISBN: 0593570669
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Graphic Novel
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

“Nell of Gumbling: My Extremely Normal Fairy-Tale Life” is a middle grade graphic novel by Emma Steinkellner. The main character, Nell, is a normal seventh grader in the magical city of Gumbling. All seventh graders get assigned an apprenticeship and instead of getting to intern with a famous artist, Nell ends up apprenticing under Mrs. Birdneck, the city archivist. Nell ends up needing to use her archival skills when two adults show up wanting to completely change Gumbling into essentially a theme park.

Written as if we are reading Nell’s journal (complete with her many illustrations), the book alternates between large amounts of text and more standard graphic novel comic style. The illustrations are colorful, bright, and silly. If you pay attention to the details, you’ll find a lot of little jokes that are easily missed. Recommended for ages 8 to 12, this book is a recommended purchase for middle grade graphic novel collections everywhere.

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

four-stars

The 21: The true story of the youth who sued the U.S. government over climate change

The 21: The true story of the youth who sued the U.S. government over climate changeThe Twenty-One: The True Story of the Youth Who Sued the U.S. Government Over Climate Change by Elizabeth Rusch
Published by Greenwillow Books on August 8, 2023
ISBN: 9780063220850
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars
This narrative nonfiction explores the ground breaking case, Juliana v. United States, where 21 young people sued the national government over its actions contributing to climate change. The book introduces readers to the 21 plaintiffs from around the United States who have each been negatively impacted by climate change and walks readers through the legal process of this case. The way this book is structured is exceptional. It is broken into 4 large sections, but each section contains many small chapters. The small chapters allow readers to easily digest the rich amount of content covered. Some of the chapters focus the mindset of the youth and their lawyer at different points throughout the trial. The narrative text reads like fiction, so readers will be familiar with the style as they learn a lot of new information. Other chapters focus on the legal aspects of the case. The author does a great job of explaining the legal process, so while the focus of this book is the environment and the impacts of climate change, readers will also learn some important civics concepts as well.

This young adult nonfiction book would be great for older students who are passionate about helping the environment and are interested in learning about young activists. High school teachers might use this as part of a science or social studies curriculum, but outside of these niche audiences, this book, despite being well written and compelling, probably has limited broad appeal.

four-stars

Mercy Watson is Missing!

Mercy Watson is Missing!Mercy Watson Is Missing!: Tales from Deckawoo Drive, Volume Seven by Chris Van Dusen, Kate DiCamillo
Genres: Animals, Humor, Mystery
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

“Mercy Watson is Missing!” is the seventh book in Kate DiCamillo’s “Tales from Deckawoo Drive” series, illustrated by Chris Van Dusen. In this beginner chapter book, the titular character and fan favorite, Mercy Watson (a pig), has gone missing. The Watsons don’t know where she could be. They try the police, who are no help, so they seek the help of a private detective. Percival Smidgely, the ineffective private eye, luckily has help from his pigeon friend, Polly. With lots of fun words and amusing characters, readers will enjoy following along as (spoiler alert!) the family finds Mercy in the end. Black and white drawings are mixed in with full color illustrations by Van Dusen. Artwork adds to the silliness of the story.

Written for ages 6 through 9, this is a recommended purchase for all libraries where beginner chapter books are popular, and wherever the previous series titles have done well. 

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

four-stars

How to Love: A Guide to Feelings & Relationships for Everyone

How to Love: A Guide to Feelings & Relationships for EveryoneHow to Love: A Guide to Feelings & Relationships for Everyone by Alex Norris
ISBN: 1536217883
Genres: Humor
Format: Graphic Novel
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars
“How to Love” by Alex Norris is a teen/young adult graphic novel all about feelings and relationships. Featuring brightly colored and simple line drawings, Norris brings humor to difficult situations, like dating someone and finding out they are not who you thought they were, or getting in arguments. Some topics may seem a little too simplified, but Norris still manages to convey a deep sincerity, even while making you laugh about it. Some of the topics covered include gender expression, having a crush, friendship, getting dumped, and having arguments in your relationship.

Aimed at ages 14 and up, “How to Love” is a recommended purchase for teen and young adult graphic novel collections.

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

four-stars

I’m Not Here to Make Friends

I’m Not Here to Make FriendsI'm Not Here to Make Friends by Andrew Yang
Published by Quill Tree Books on July 18, 2023
ISBN: 0063223279
Pages: 352
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars
Sabine Zhang, one of the only Asians in her midwestern high school, has been chosen as one of six cast members for a low-budget teen reality show with an all-Asian cast, aired on a local streaming service that nobody really watches. She is a fan of the show, which is a low-stakes month at a house in California where the cast gets to know each other and have fun.

But this year, things are different: a major streaming service has picked it up, and everything has changed, from how the cast is selected to the staged drama. Sabine is the only one there who loved – or even watched – the old version of the show, and she feels totally out of her depth. For the first time she is surrounded by Asians, and she’s never felt less like she belonged. Worse, the showrunners seem to have picked her to be one of the dramatic leads in their contrived storyline, pitting her against housemate Yoona Bae, a confident, beautiful girl from NYC.

Told in alternating POV between Sabine and Yoona, readers gain insight into the struggles that each is trying to keep hidden from the cameras and each other, and how the curated dramatics of the show are working to make their rift even worse. Despite this, Sabine begins to understand just how much the strings of her experience are being pulled, and how little of it is real; she and Yoona take steps to work out their differences and realize just how much they have both been manipulated.

This book will appeal to fans of reality TV above all; it is an interesting look into the behind the scenes work that goes into portraying a storyline out of unscripted content, and gives insight into how drama is created by the showrunners. The emphasis on friendship being the “happy ending,” instead of romance, was a plus. On the downside, the other four cast members and smaller supporting characters felt two-dimensional, since narration came from only Sabine and Yoona. The story would have overall been stronger had we been inside the heads of the other four housemates. The cast was all Asian American but lacked any other diversity (all cis hetero, with backgrounds that were indistinguishable in any meaningful way).

Entertaining, but not a must have.

Three Stars

Reviewed by: Jenny Martinez Nocito, Maine State Library, Augusta

three-stars

Oh, Olive!

Oh, Olive!Oh, Olive! by Lian Cho
Published by Katherine Tegen Books on 2023
ISBN: 9780063237490
Genres: Arts, Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars
Olive Chen is an enthusiastic , energetic child artist who loves bright colors and abstract art.  Her parents are “serious artists”.  One only paints squares, while the other only paints triangles.  They, and their art, are only depicted in black & white.  Olive’s teacher and her classmates are also strictly black & white.  The adults cannot fathom Olive’s apparent inability to draw black & white geometric shapes, as all serious artists should.  However, Olive’s classmates love her paintings and want to know how she produces such lively, vibrant works.  She shows them by leading them on a wild adventure, painting the whole town as they go.   They end at Olive’s parents’ art museum.  Her parents are initially appalled, but once they see what Olive has achieved, they ask her to add some color to their museum.  Olive shocks them all by painting a perfect circle… in all the blazing colors of the sun.

I highly recommend this book for libraries, classrooms, and even as a gift.  It is perfect for any child seeking all the joys and exuberance that come from finding acceptance and praise for being one’s own true self.  Recommended for ages 4-8.

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

five-stars